top of page

The photography Blog

Search

10 prompts for relaxed couples portraits

  • Mar 23
  • 3 min read

Featuring: West Wittering Engagement Shoot for Tara & Cerys.


There’s something so bloody magical about West Wittering Beach at sunset, even when the sun hides behind a blanket of cloud. The light softens, the colours mute, and everything settles into the most beautiful palette of warm neutrals, sand, sea, and sky blending into something effortlessly calm. I was so excited before these two even arrived because I already knew it was going to be a brilliant shoot.


Tara and Cerys arrived a little nervous (as most people do when it’s their first time in front of the camera), but it didn’t take long for that to melt away. We kept things moving, played a few simple games, and focused on connection rather than posing, letting them just be themselves together. I always love the moments after a little game and I wanted to talk about the games I play on engagement shoots here today.


Without further ado, 10 prompts for relaxed couples portraits!


  1. The hip bumps:

It's how I start every shoot and it's how I work out what prompts will follow next. If you both try and knock each other over I know to lean into silly games, running, chasing, tickling. If you gently touch hips I know to lean into soft romantic prompts, gentle walks, slow dancing, emotive prompts like butterfly kisses and nose rubs.

Two women walk hand in hand on a sandy beach. One wears a white dress, the other a black floral dress. Overcast sky, serene mood.

  1. Childlike movement games!

    We're doing ring around the rosie, airplanes- anything that will get you giggling together and having some fun.

Two women dance on a sandy beach at sunset. One wears a floral dress, the other a white dress. The mood is joyful and relaxed.

  1. Re-sets inbetween action games.

    This one is writing a word on each others cheeks with your nose- the other has to guess the words written, almost always leads to laughs and helps you catch your breath.

Two women embrace and laugh on a beach. One wears a floral dress, the other a white dress. The sky is cloudy, and sand dunes are visible.

  1. The creep up

    Getting one of you to close your eyes and the other to creep up behind and attack, lots of genuine laughter!

    Two women laughing and playing on a sandy beach. One wears a white dress, the other a floral dress. The mood is joyful and carefree.

  2. Sitting down

    These resets are actually more important than they look because i normally walk off a bit and give you a chance to talk to each other without me for a minute, I get a picture of you in your most genuine state. Win-Win!

Two people sit on sand dunes, surrounded by tall grass, smiling at each other. One wears a floral dress, the other a white dress. Overcast sky.

  1. Walking

    At this point we are off to our next location, a shot of you walking is a must in my opinion!

    Two women walking up sandy dunes with grass under a cloudy sky, one wearing white, the other in floral. Calm beach setting.

  2. Chasing

    Running away, towards, side to side from the camera, if you're active and have comfortable shoes then races are brilliant for big smiles and again, genuine emotion! Plus a tiny bit of blood pumping gives you some extra colour.

  3. Two women run joyfully on a wide, sandy beach. One in a white dress, the other in a floral dress, under a cloudy sky, creating a carefree vibe.

    Lifts

    Ok now we're getting comfortable with each other, we can lean into some more romantic shots. If you feel happy and comfortable with lifts an engagement shoot is a great way to practice and see how this is going to feel and look on your wedding day. There are several ways to make a lift for a photo but the first and safest is lifting under the bum. Then under armpits for a higher lift and then a firemans lift over a shoulder.

    Two women embrace on a sandy beach. One wears a floral dress, the other a white dress with tattoos. The scene is tender and serene.

  4. Dips and kisses!

    Dips need direction and practice to look right in wedding photos. I'll help you set up a couple so you can practice at home! We can practice a classic dip and kiss, a hollywood dip and I'll show you some best hand placements for kisses that look romantic without being forced and uncomfortable.

    Two people kiss passionately on a sandy beach. One wears a floral dress, the other a white outfit. The sea and overcast sky in the background.

  5. Bonus

    You've got to have a clean ground for this one so it's a bonus, laying down creates a really fun and unique photo that everyone loves!

    Two people lie smiling on sandy beach among tall grass. One wears a floral dress, the other a white top. Relaxed, peaceful mood.

Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer
(and a little bit of a photography geek!)
 
I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.  
​
I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

 

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

​

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.
 
Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.
​

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

 

Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?

  • Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?

  • Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.

  • Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?

  • How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.

  • What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?

  • How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?

  • Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?

  • How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

​

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.

​

​

bottom of page