Worried you’ll be awkward in front of the camera? Trust me, your Oahu couples photo session doesn’t have to be daunting. As an editorial wedding photographer, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is capturing the genuine connection between couples. Posed photos can certainly be beautiful, but there’s something magical about those candid moments when couples forget about the camera and just enjoy being with each other. However, getting those natural shots isn’t always as simple as it looks. Many couples feel awkward or unsure in front of the camera, especially when they’re aiming for a candid, unposed look.

In this guide, I’ll share practical tips to help you feel more comfortable and natural during your photo session, ensuring that your candid photos truly reflect your relationship. Whether you’re planning an engagement shoot, a wedding day session, or just a couple’s photo session here in Oahu, these tips will help you achieve those effortlessly candid photos that you’ll cherish forever.

1. Shift Your Weight for a Natural Stance during your Oahu couples photo session

When standing still, it’s easy to feel stiff or awkward in front of the camera. A simple way to counter this is to shift your weight onto one foot. This creates a more relaxed, natural stance. For example, if you’re standing side by side, both of you can shift your weight slightly toward each other, creating a subtle yet intimate pose. This small adjustment can make a big difference in how comfortable and natural you appear in photos.

2. Keep Yourselves Moving

One of the keys to achieving candid photos is movement. When you’re constantly moving, you’re less likely to overthink your poses, and more likely to focus on each other. This can be as simple as walking hand in hand, spinning each other around, or even just leaning in for a kiss. Movement helps create those genuine moments of connection that make candid photos so special.

For inspiration on how movement can enhance your photos, you might find it helpful to watch a few behind-the-scenes videos of couple’s photo sessions. Seeing how other couples interact can give you ideas for your own session. For instance, this video on candid posing showcases some great examples.

3. Plan a Date Before or After Your Session

One of my favorite tips for couples is to plan a date before or after your photo session. When you’re already in that relaxed, happy mindset that comes from spending quality time together, it’s easier to focus on each other and less on the camera. Plus, having a date planned gives you something to look forward to, which can help reduce any pre-session jitters. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a local café or taking a stroll on the beach after the shoot, this little bit of planning can make a big difference in how natural your photos turn out.

4. Avoid Trying to Copy Poses

It’s tempting to try and recreate poses you’ve seen on Instagram or Pinterest for your Oahu couples photo session, but this often leads to photos that feel stiff or forced. Instead of focusing on copying specific poses, focus on being present with your partner. Laugh, talk, and interact with each other as you normally would. Trust your photographer to guide you into flattering positions that still feel natural and true to your relationship.

That being said, it can be helpful to browse through some photo inspiration beforehand to get a sense of what you like. Just remember to use those images as a starting point rather than a strict guide. Here’s a link to some inspiration that can help spark ideas.

5. Practice a Stoic Face in the Mirror

While smiles and laughter are often the goal, there’s also something powerful about a more serious, stoic expression in certain photos. The key to pulling off this look is to practice in front of a mirror beforehand. Find an expression that feels natural and comfortable for you, and practice holding it without looking too stiff or forced. This will help you feel more confident if your photographer asks for a more serious pose during your Oahu couples photo session.

If you’re curious about how a stoic expression can add depth to your photos, consider checking out this article on mastering facial expressions.

6. Maintain at Least Two Points of Connection

One of the simplest ways to create intimacy in your photos is to maintain at least two points of physical connection with your partner. This could be holding hands, resting your head on their shoulder, or placing your hand on their chest. These small gestures help convey a sense of closeness and make the photos feel more genuine. The more points of connection, the more natural and intimate the photos will appear during your Oahu couples photo session.

7. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera

During your Oahu couples photo session, try to focus on each other rather than on the camera. This might mean whispering a joke, sharing a memory, or simply enjoying a quiet moment together. When you’re focused on your partner, your expressions and body language will be more authentic, which translates to more candid-looking photos.

One way to help maintain this focus is to think of the session as just another date—one where there happens to be a photographer capturing your moments. For more tips on staying present during a photo session, this guide might be helpful.

8. Trust Your Photographer’s Guidance

Lastly, trust your photographer’s guidance during your Oahu couples photo session. As someone who has worked with countless couples, I know how to position you in ways that are both flattering and natural. I might give you prompts or directions during the session, but these are meant to bring out genuine reactions and interactions, not to force you into stiff poses. The more you trust the process, the more relaxed and candid your photos will be.

If you’re planning a photo session in Oahu and want to ensure your photos are both candid and flattering, I’d love to help guide you through the process. Whether it’s an engagement shoot, a wedding, or just a couple’s session, I’ll work with you to create images that truly reflect your relationship.

Conclusion

Candid posing is an art, but with the right approach, it’s something that any couple can master. By shifting your weight, keeping yourselves moving, planning a date around your session, avoiding forced poses, practicing a stoic face, maintaining points of connection, focusing on each other, and trusting your photographer, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, natural photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.