When using photo prompts with couples, applying some fundamental “house rules” to the whole photoshoot is an easy way to break through initial nerves and awkwardness. Here’s two fundamental rules that you can apply to any couple photoshoot, from the romantic portrait session of a wedding, to a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Two rules together: fundamental photo prompt for photoshoots of couples
This prompt is what I think of as an essential prompt: one that serves as a fundamental foundation to the whole photoshoot, rather than a specific “do this” prompt. The intimacy of being the third wheel with a couple in love can make it hard to get into the groove quickly. These two rules give you a way to start things off, and will guarantee authentic moments as your couple relax into showing their true selves in front of your lens.
How to use this photo pose prompt
Set as a house rule at the beginning of the shoot and use the ideas below the rule as prompts to remind and give suggestions throughout the session.
Rule 1: Connection
- First rule is there always has to be a connection between the couple.
- Always look for ways to help them add connection.
- Connection can be physical or non-physical.
- Physical connections mean parts of their bodies are touching, e.g. touch a hand to the other’s face, bump hips, hold hands, tilt foreheads together, pull each other along, lean towards or against each other, keep a hand on each other.
- If you remember the “daylight rule” at school (i.e. you weren’t allowed to sit so close to a friend that you couldn’t see daylight between you) then you could shout “no daylight rule!” to remind the couple during the session.
- Non-physical connections mean they are sharing a moment, e.g. gazing at each other, making eye contact, laughing at a shared joke, one watching the other.
Rule 2: Smile
- Second rule is they should always smile (or look happy).
- Doesn’t mean they should (always) smile at the camera. Rather, smile at each other, smile while talking, or better still laugh instead of talk (people rather look photogenic caught mid-sentence).
- Also doesn’t mean cheesy beaming grins the whole time. Rather, give a gentle smile, relax mouth and smile with eyes, imagine a smile, imagine feeling super happy, give a Mona Lisa smile, laugh at how awkward you feel, try to make each other smile without talking.
Creative extension
- Put a long lens on your camera (e.g. 70-200mm; I use the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8), then walk away and leave the couple together. Remind them to follow the Two Rules until you come back, and that anything they say to each other, you won’t be able to hear!
- Do the opposite: put a short lens on (e.g. 35mm; I use the Canon 35mm f2.8 Macro) and get up close. Let the awkwardness of you being in their personal space prompt laughter, and shoot away.
That’s it for the “Two Rules Together” prompt! I’d love to see how you go with this prompt, next time you’re working with a couple. Tag @promptographerguide and use the hash tag #promptographerguide to share your photos.
Want this prompt in your Field Cards set?
All the info in this prompt post is summarised onto a single card in the Promptographer Guide Field Cards, with the details given in the accompanying Guidebook. All the ideas are given on the one card so you have a rich, comprehensive tool for sparking ideas. I’ve designed it this way so you only need five to ten cards to build a whole photoshoot.
If you want this prompt in your set, make sure you include Set 1: Individuals and Couples Essentials in your Field Cards.
