Let’s be honest… getting your photos taken can feel pretty overwhelming. Whether this is your first time stepping in front of a camera or it’s been years since your last professional photos, I completely understand those butterflies. As a couples photographer here in Buffalo, I’m passionate about creating images you’ll treasure forever, and I know exactly how to help you relax and feel confident during your session.

Here’s what I want you to remember: the best couples sessions happen when you show up as yourselves and simply enjoy being together. Yes, you want stunning photos you can look back on years from now, but the magic happens when you let go of perfection and embrace the experience.

How to Prepare for a Couples Session

A couples photoshoot is really just a dreamy date you’ll remember forever. It’s your chance to be silly, romantic, and completely authentic with each other. These moments—laughing together in beautiful light, stealing quiet kisses, exploring Buffalo’s gorgeous locations… these are the memories that matter.

Leave any expectations of what you “should” be at the door. Walk into this session as your true, fun-loving, perfectly imperfect selves.

Come with a Positive Attitude and Open Mind

I know stepping outside your comfort zone can create some anxiety, but showing up with an open heart and positive energy makes all the difference. When you arrive excited to create memories and trust the process, your authentic connection shines through like magic on camera.

The further into your couples session we go, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel. I promise.

While I’d love to say every session goes exactly as planned, sometimes the most beautiful moments happen when things get a little spontaneous. Maybe we catch the most incredible light, or unexpected weather creates a dramatic backdrop. Your relationship is unique, so don’t feel like you need to be anyone else.

Dealing with Buffalo Weather

Buffalo weather keeps us on our toes, doesn’t it? But here’s the thing—some of my most stunning couples sessions have happened during those unpredictable moments. Since I specialize in outdoor sessions that make the most of natural light, we’ll work together to ensure you’re comfortable no matter what Mother Nature brings.

For cooler sessions, I always recommend:

• Bringing a cozy wrap or jacket for between shots
• Hand warmers tucked in pockets
• Comfortable shoes for walking to our location (you can change into your photo shoes later)

If rain threatens your couples session, don’t panic. Dramatic clouds often create the most incredible light, and a clear umbrella can add such a romantic element to your photos. Some of my favorite images have happened when couples embraced the unexpected weather and danced in the gentle rain.

Buffalo wind is part of our charm too—a little hairspray goes a long way, and honestly, movement in your hair can create such beautiful, natural-looking images.

Be Prepared to Get Cozy

You and your partner have your own rhythm—the way you naturally hold hands, how you fit together during a hug, where you like to rest your head on their shoulder. Bring that natural intimacy into your couples session.

I’ll always guide you and suggest poses, but remember that you know each other best. If something doesn’t feel natural, just let me know. You’re not here to look like anyone else—you’re here to celebrate your unique love story in Buffalo’s beautiful settings.

Everything might feel a little awkward at first (I mean, you probably don’t have photographers capturing your kisses every day!), but by the end of our session, you’ll feel like absolute pros.

Deciding What to Wear

Here’s my honest advice: wear whatever makes you feel absolutely beautiful and confident. If you feel uncomfortable in your outfit, it shows in photos, so choose something that makes you look in the mirror and think, “I look amazing.”

For couples sessions in Buffalo, I love when you choose:

For her:

• Flowy dresses that move beautifully in the breeze
• Cozy sweaters for those cooler Buffalo evenings
• Earth tones and neutrals that complement our natural settings

For him:

• Well-fitted button-downs or sweaters
• Jackets that add texture and interest
• Colors that coordinate (but don’t exactly match) with her outfit

Colors that photograph beautifully:

• Warm neutrals (cream, tan, soft gray)
• Deep jewel tones
• Earth tones that complement Buffalo’s lakefront and park settings

Colors to avoid:

• Bright blues, reds, or pinks that can compete with natural lighting
• Busy patterns that distract from your connection
• Very light colors that can wash out in beautiful light

If you’re torn between casual and dressy, bring both! Outfit changes can add beautiful variety to your couples session.

Think About the Overall Aesthetic

When planning your Buffalo couples session, consider what story you want to tell. Are you the adventurous couple who loves exploring our beautiful parks? The romantic pair who dreams of quiet moments by the water? The playful duo who can’t stop laughing together?

Your session location and style should reflect who you are as a couple. Buffalo offers incredible diversity—from the dramatic waterfront to cozy urban settings to beautiful parks. We’ll choose locations that feel authentically you.

The style of photography you want is so important too. As photographers, we each have our own artistic approach. I specialize in capturing couples in gorgeous natural light, often during those magical golden hours when the light is soft and romantic. Finding a photographer whose style matches your vision will make the whole process smoother and result in photos you absolutely love.

Bring Props or Even Pets

Props and personal touches are always welcome! Whether it’s:

• A picnic setup with your favorite treats
• A bottle of champagne to celebrate
• Items that tell your love story
• Even your well-behaved pets (when location permits)

Just let me know what you’re thinking so I can plan how to incorporate these elements beautifully into your couples session.

When it comes to your furry friends, I’ll always say yes when possible! There are some restrictions on where animals can go, but we can almost always find the perfect pet-friendly location for your session. Just make sure they’re well-behaved and you’re comfortable managing them during the shoot.

Practice Poses

Want to feel more confident? Practice a few poses together before your couples session. You don’t need to become modeling experts, but getting comfortable with simple embraces, walking hand-in-hand, and natural kisses can help our session flow smoothly.

On session day, I’ll help guide you throughout, but even a little practice beforehand can make you feel more at ease. Never hesitate to speak up during your session. If a pose doesn’t feel right, we’ll simply try something else. My job is capturing your authentic connection, not making you uncomfortable.

Bonus Tips for Your Couples Session

Here are my essential tips for looking and feeling your best:

• Eat well but lightly before your session—avoid heavy, salty foods for a few days before
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Get good rest the night before
• Moisturize your skin (but don’t exfoliate the night before)
• Bring touch-up essentials for your makeup and hair
• Pack comfortable walking shoes for getting to our location

These tips will help you feel confident and ready to create beautiful memories together.

How to Prepare for an Engagement Photoshoot

If you’re celebrating your recent engagement, congratulations! Your engagement session has a few extra special considerations beyond everything we’ve already covered.

Use This as Practice for Your Big Day

Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable with being photographed together. You’ll figure out what poses feel natural, how you like to be guided, and what your preferences are—all in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.

Even when it comes to hair and makeup, this is your chance to see how everything looks in photos and make any adjustments you might want for future sessions.

Get Your Ring Cleaned and Your Nails Done

Even if you just got engaged recently, you’d be surprised how quickly that beautiful ring can get a little dull. Take it to be professionally cleaned so it absolutely sparkles in your engagement photos.

Don’t forget about fresh manicures either! Your hands will be featured prominently in engagement photos, so treat yourself to beautiful nails. And yes, this applies to your partner too—nicely trimmed nails and clean cuticles make a difference in close-up shots.

You’re Ready for Your Couples Photoshoot!

Remember, this session is about celebrating your love story in Buffalo’s gorgeous settings. Show up as yourselves, trust the process, and know that the magic will happen naturally when you focus on each other instead of the camera.

The most beautiful couples sessions happen when you let go of perfection and simply enjoy being together, whether we’re catching that perfect golden light or creating intimate moments in any beautiful setting.

And if you’re still looking for the perfect photographer to take your engagement, couples, or wedding photos, I’d love to chat. You can learn more about my services and contact me here.