You don’t have to be engaged to book a photo session with your partner. If you have been wanting photos together (that aren’t another selfie, then a couples session is perfect for you!
Keep reading to learn more about what a couple’s photo session is and if it’s right for you! Plus, take a behind-the-lens look at Z + M’s dreamy beach couples photo session on Lake Superior!
What Is A Couples Photo Session?
When you hear the term “couples session,” you might think that it’s just another way of saying “engagement session,” but a couples session is actually a bit different. We set time aside to get all dressed up and get professional photos taken of you and your partner! A date, but being photographed by a professional photographer!
You can have a couple’s session to celebrate a special occasion in your relationship or simply just because! One of my favorite things about couples sessions is that you can make your session how you want it. Whether it’s a favorite spot, adventuring on the beach, or exploring somewhere entirely new together!
Couples sessions are truly a great way to reconnect with your partner and spend meaningful time together! Life gets busy and these are the perfect way to be present and spend time together in a way that breaks up your day-to-day routine.
Beach Couples Photo Session at Park Point in Duluth, MN
I had so much fun during Zach and Madi’s couple session at Park Point, which is honestly a great option for couple photos! Park Point is right on Lake Superior and has a gorgeous sandy beach, is surrounded by prairie grass, and has picturesque views.
Madi used to work with my husband, and from the first day I met her, I knew I wanted to be her friend. She’s bubbly, outgoing, and just so stinking fun. When I found out she was dating Zach??? It was game over. It was a non-negotiable to get them in front of my camera. This was my first time meeting Zach, and it was a 10/10 experience.
For their session, the vision was fun, playful, cinematic, beachy photos. We headed to Park Point close to sunset for their session, and I loved how these two weren’t afraid to fully express themselves and be playful with each other, which made for beautiful images! Everything about posing and directing them felt natural, and I am obsessed with how these images turned out!
To bring out Zach and Madi’s personality (and all couples I work with), a general rule of thumb is that the sillier the prompt I give you, the better the photos. I always preface this to my clients ahead of time by saying something like “Many of the prompts I use are silly, but that’s intentional. Trust the process!”
I have found that if I want a smile or a giggly photo, the worst way to go about that is to say, “Give me your best fake laugh.” Instead, all of my prompts are meant to evoke you and your partner’s emotions.
For example, I might tell you to sniff your partner’s ear, and while I’m not as interested in the actual ‘sniffing’ part, I always get an amazing immediate reaction when I use this prompt. With this prompt, I can almost guarantee immediate giggles and belly laughs because it’s unexpected, unusual, and tickles. It’s a personal fave, for sure.
I should also preface that I love to have fun with all of my couples, so these prompts are not your traditional ‘walk towards me smiling‘ type of prompts. My goal during my session with you is to help you loosen up in front of the camera and have fun, which leads to many candid, playful photos.
Best Spots For Engagement / Couples Photo Sessions in Minnesota Near Lake Superior
Near Lake Superior has so many magical spots for your session! Along with Park Point, I wanted to include some of my additional favorite spots for engagement/couples photo sessions near Lake Superior (all located in Minnesota), you could choose as the backdrop for your session:
- Canal Park
- Park Point
- Lester Park
- Two Harbors Lighthouse Trailhead
- Pebble Beach at Split Rock Lighthouse
- Black Beach
- Palisade Head
- Grand Marais
- Artist’s Point
Ready To Plan Your Couples Photo Session?
I hope you found all this info on what a couple’s photo session is helpful, and hopefully, Z + M’s beach couple session in Duluth gave you some inspo and ideas on what your own session could look like. Your photos from your couple session will be something that you’ll look fondly back on for years to come, serving as a tangible reminder of your love for each other through every different phase of your relationship.
Looking for a photographer for your couple’s photo session? I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in Duluth, Minnesota, specializing in playful, true-to-color photos for couples who love Lake Superior and the North Shore of Minnesota.
Here’s everything you can expect when you book a couple’s session with me:
- 1 Hour of Shooting Time
- Personalized Location Recommendations
- 1 Location
- Outfit Changes
- 75+ High Resolution Photos (Mix of color + B&W)
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to connect! You can learn more about my services here or get in touch with me here!
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