8 Tips to rock your couple session

There are so many good reasons why you should invest in a professional engagement session. It’s not only a good warm up for your big wedding day to get you comfortable in front of the camera and to learn the poses but also a beautiful keepsake of you and your soulmate as an engaged couple. These images are perfect for your wedding website, invitations and of course the gram! Are you ready to make the most out of your photo session? Check out these tips and let’s create something magical 🖤

01. Chose the right photographer

There are so many amazing photographers out there and everyone’s style is different. Have a look at what they like to shoot and how they edit their images - you get a great idea on everyone’s IG feed these days. It’s super important that you feel comfortable with your photographer, who captures something so personal. My advice is to hop on a Zoom call or meet your photographer in person if possible, to see if it’s a good fit for both sides and to talk about everyone’s expectations.

2. Location. Location. Location!

We are blessed to have such an amazing variety of beautiful backdrops all over Aotearoa. It’s important to have a think about where you want to shoot because this defines what your images will look like. Most couples know in which area they want to shoot and approach a photographer who knows the area very well.

Wanaka & Queenstown photo locations:

Via Helicopter

Sounds pretty fancy but it’s totally normal for our region to book a helicopter (the “mountain Uber”) to fly to remote places for a photo shoot. Exciting? Hell yes! It’s a truly amazing experience flying over the southern alps and you top it off with beautiful images! From

snowcapped glaciers, remote alpine lakes, golden tussock mountains, or all the way to magical Fiordland, the sky is the limit when it comes to landing locations. Ask your photographer, we can recommend places according to your preference and budget.

Via car

You don’t have to fly at all if that’s not your jam! There are so many epic spots that are easily accessible by car, 4WD or only a short walk away. Walking along the lakefront, enjoying a picnic in a field or driving up a mountain road for epic views. Let’s go on a little road trip - I will be your tour guide at the same time ;-)

3. Schedule a sunset shoot

We all know photos that just have a magic quality to them? There is just something special about them that makes you feel happy? Exactly, and that’s because of the LIGHT. To be able to get this very soft, warm, dreamy light for your images we need to schedule your shoot during the right time aka “Golden Hour”. This depends on the time of the year and location and usually starts 1-2 hours before sunset or after sunrise. But you don’t need a bluebird day, clouds can be amazing too because they create flattering, even lighting. The New Zealand sun is much harsher than most places around the world so trust me, avoid scheduling your session midday.

4. Pick the right clothing & color palette

A very important topic, let’s talk about outfits. The most important thing to me is that you guys feel and look like yourselves, so you can be as comfortable as possible! Here are some guidelines to make your images look like the best they can:

• Bring options to mix-and-match

This makes it easy for me to recommend different outfits for different backdrops throughout the shoot. This way I can make sure the outfits compliment the environment so that the focus is on you.

• Avoid loud patterns and logos

A busy outfit will distract from your faces and the beautiful location. It often looks just like too much in images, that’s why I would try to avoid patterns or big logos to keep it minimal

• Earthy & Natural tones

I recommend staying away from bright colors but this doesn’t mean you have to be dressed in gray and brown tones. There are neutrals for everyone, you could choose sage or forest green, mustard yellow, or combining jeans with a white shirt for example. Choose something that compliments your skin tone and is not a distraction.

• Flowy materials are great

This is not a must be anything that creates movement or catch the wind (e.g. a flowy dress) is a great way to add a bit more dynamic to your images

• Comfortable Shoes

Boots, sneakers, sandals are often a good choice for outdoor shoots, I often make my couples walk or run so it’s better to wear something comfortable. Barefoot can be a great option too especially in summer!

5. Take your favorite props with you

Props don’t have to be cheesy, they can be a very cool & personal add-on for your session. Feel free to bring your favorite hat, a blanket, cool sunglasses, a bunch of florals or a picnic basket. I always encourage accessories, it adds more interest to the outfits rather than being too plain. It also helps with the “what do I do with my hands?” question, so you can hold onto something and it feels much more natural. By the way, your pets are always a great add-on for your engagement or couple session too! And I can cuddle them while you’re getting changed ;-)

6. Focus on the connection with your partner

This is all about you & your soulmate and your connection with each other. You two are all that matters in front of the camera. Instead of looking at me, look each other deep in the eyes, smile, whisper something in each other’s ear or make your partner laugh.

7. Create movement rather than stiff poses

Yes that’s right, you might think you’ll have to pose for 2 hours straight but that’s not the case! It’s about movement, which creates energy and allows candid moments to happen naturally. Let the hairs go wild in the wind, hop on your partners back, hold hands and run across the field. The options are limitless!

8. Be yourself & have fun!

The MOST important thing you can bring on your shoot day is a good vibes. Don’t overthink the shoot or certain poses, do whatever feels good and natural for you. Even if this is your first time in front of the camera every, just be yourself and we can create beautiful & authentic images. You have your best friend by your side and I’ll be there to be your cheerleader :)

Excited for your engagement session? Let’s dream this up together

Luisa xx

I hope my journal gives you useful information as well as creative inspiration. If you have any questions about my services or content, please send me a message to hello@luisaapanui.com x