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Capturing authentic emotions in couples’ portraits can transform wedding photographs into truly unforgettable moments. Genuine expressions of love and joy add a personal touch, making each image feel more meaningful. Here are some tips for couples and photographers to help bring out that natural connection during the shoot.
Tips for Couples: How to Relax and Be Yourselves
For couples, staying relaxed is key to creating authentic wedding portraits. Start by focusing on each other, not the camera. Whisper something sweet or funny to your partner, share a private joke, or recall a favorite memory. These little moments often lead to the most genuine smiles and heartfelt expressions.
Another tip is to move naturally. Instead of stiff poses, try walking hand in hand or holding each other close. Movement helps ease nervousness and allows your true emotions to shine through. Trust your photographer’s guidance—they’re there to capture your best moments in the most beautiful light.
Tips for Photographers: Capturing the Real Connection
Photographers, to capture authentic emotion, focus on building rapport with the couple before the wedding day. Get to know them, ask about their love story, and understand what makes them laugh or feel comfortable. This personal connection goes a long way in helping them relax during the shoot.
During the session, give gentle prompts instead of strict instructions. Encourage the couple to interact naturally by asking them to share a funny memory or to look at each other with love. Patience is also essential; sometimes, the best moments happen when you wait for the couple to forget the camera is even there.
How Authentic Emotion Enhances Wedding Photographs
Photographs that capture genuine emotions tell a more compelling story. They hold power to transport the couple back to that moment, bringing those feelings to life every time they look at their images. Authentic expressions add depth and intimacy, making each wedding portrait unique and personal.
Wedding photographs filled with real emotion also resonate more with friends and family. When they see those candid smiles, laughter, or even happy tears, they feel the joy as if they were right there with you. This connection elevates the impact of your wedding album, turning it into a heartfelt keepsake.
In the end, authentic emotions are what turn a beautiful wedding portrait into a treasured memory. By staying present, being yourselves, and trusting your photographer, you’ll create images that tell the true story of your love. Let your wedding photographs capture not just how you look, but how you feel on this special day.
Winter in Kansas City can be magical, especially for engagement sessions. I had the pleasure of capturing an elegant winter engagement session at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Kansas City. This iconic location, with its stunning architecture and urban elegance, provided a perfect backdrop for the couple’s special moments!
One of the significant perks of winter engagement sessions is the unique ambiance they offer. The Kauffman Center’s sleek, modern design contrasted beautifully with the soft, diffused winter light. The result was a series of photographs that were both dramatic and romantic. The winter season brings a serene and peaceful atmosphere that adds a touch of sophistication to any session.
The couple embraced the winter theme with their attire. The bride-to-be wore a chic, long, white, silk dress that flowed gracefully in the breeze. Her fiancé complemented her look with a classic black sweater and a dark pants, perfect for the crisp winter air.
Winter engagement sessions also come with the advantage of fewer crowds. The Kauffman Center, typically bustling with activity, was more tranquil, allowing us to explore various angles and locations without interruptions. This sense of intimacy made the session more personal and relaxed for the couple.
The couple’s session was not only about capturing beautiful images but also about enjoying the experience. The quieter, less hectic environment of a winter session allowed them to focus on each other, resulting in genuine, heartfelt moments. These candid interactions made the photos even more special.
In addition to the serene atmosphere and beautiful lighting, winter sessions at iconic locations like the Kauffman Center offer a unique perspective. The architectural marvels of the building, combined with the seasonal beauty, create a one-of-a-kind setting that stands out from traditional engagement photos! This elegant winter engagement session was no exception!
Winter in Kansas City can be unpredictable and chilly. An indoor location like John’s Greenhouse provides a perfect setting for engagement sessions. I had the pleasure of capturing a greenhouse engagement session at John’s and despite the cold weather outside, the greenhouse was warm and inviting.
Indoor locations offer consistent lighting and controlled temperatures, ensuring comfort for everyone. John’s Greenhouse, with its lush greenery, and vibrant backdrop, made this couple’s engagement session feel like a tropical escape!
The couple chose outfits that perfectly complemented the greenhouse’s aesthetic. They opted for simple yet bold colors, which stood out beautifully against the greenery. The bride-to-be wore a stunning deep orange dress, adding a pop of color to the photos. The groom-to-be chose a classic cream colored shirt, offering a sharp contrast to the green foliage. The greenhouse’s natural light highlighted their features and the details of their clothing.
Using an indoor location like John’s Greenhouse has several benefits. It provides a unique and picturesque environment, perfect for capturing special moments. The controlled setting eliminates the stress of weather-related issues. The greenhouse’s lush plants and flowers create a vibrant, natural background for photos.
In winter, outdoor sessions can be challenging due to the cold and unpredictable weather. An indoor location ensures that the session can proceed without any weather-related interruptions. John’s Greenhouse offers a warm, comfortable space for couples to relax and enjoy their session!
I had the opportunity to capture at fall engagement session on a gorgeous day at The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. It was the beginning of November, but the colors on the leaves were still out to play! We were not complaining. The weather was absolutely perfect and the colors added so much warmth and depth to the photographs. They also complimented Kristen and Chris’s outfits wonderfully!
There’s not much that’s better than a fall golden hour engagement session at The Nelson. Catching the sun as it peaks through the trees creates the dreamiest photographs. It is an easy way to romanticize the session!
The Nelson also offers a wide variety of locations to take pictures, which helps create the feeling of a multi-location session. But you only have to do a little walking, instead of taking a drive! As a location, it also offers a good variety of both earthy and industrial/modern backdrops. Multiple areas with trees, plants, and greenery compliment the beautiful structure.
If you are trying to decided where to go for an upcoming session, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is always a safe choice! Whether it’s a family session, an engagement session, or a senior session. The Nelson has plenty to offer!
Fifteen minutes Northwest of Kanas City is the quaint town of Parkville. Downtown Parkville is picturesque with it’s small, locally owned businesses, brick front buildings, and small-town feel. Parkville Coffee Shop is a great place to meet up with friends to catch up and grab a cup of coffee. It is also a great location for an engagement session!
I met Hannah and Jake in Downtown Parkville on a beautiful Spring day to capture their engagement session. We had a great time at Parkville Coffee, where I was able to capture them in a cozy environment that really individualized their photographs. I always recommend that the best way to make your session unique is to choose a location that is special to you and your spouse!
Once we were done at Parkville Coffee, we headed outside to capture some street side photographs around town. They brought their dog with them, which was such a special treat! I always love capturing couples with their four-legged, furry friends. We stopped at a few different locations around downtown to get a mixture of backgrounds for the photographs. Between some greenery, the brick fronts, and the coffee shop, I was able to capture a variety of different photographs!
If you are ever at a loss for where to have your engagement session, think about going somewhere special. If you can’t think of anything specific, consider Downtown Parkville!
I met with Payton and Jordan for their Fall engagement session last year! They offered to use Payton’s family land for their shoot and I eagerly accepted! This location was a perfect place to show off the Fall colors and get some epic backgrounds for their images!
They have a pond on the property with a pier, which we used right at the beginning of their session. It looked like it was out of a movie! The family also has this willow tree that is such a statement piece on the land, so of course we shot there too. Both of these locations were perfect their Fall engagement session vibes!
I loved their different outfits throughout the session too! From her in a long green cardigan & him in the flannel shirt for their first outfit, to the two other outfit changes afterwards. Make sure to scroll down to get great outfit inspo for photo sessions! The sun had decided to make her appearance at the end of their session so we made sure to use it to our advantage!
They are getting married this October, about a month from now and I can’t wait to celebrate with them! They’re the sweetest couple and I loved this session!
Jordan & Coleman had the prettiest modern engagement session in downtown Kansas City. They had two outfits planned that they put so much time and effort into creating, & they turned out stunning! Jordan is actually one of my best friends! She was very open with me about her ideas and I told her we could make anything she’s dreamed about come to life! Her style is obviously very modern, but she also wanted chic! I told her I knew the perfect places for us to have a bit of fun creating her vision!
We went downtown to the Kauffman first. The arts center has beautiful architecture and even spaces that make it feel like a big tech building! It was perfect for the beginning of their modern engagement session! She even brought our her veil that was decorated in pearls for some solo portraits of her! It was nice just spending the evening with the two of them because I really got to let some creativity show through!
We ended the evening on a nearby rooftop for their Modern engagement session. You guys know how much I love KC rooftops, so mixing their modern chic with old town Kansas City was the perfect blend!
Thanks so much for spending the evening with me Jordan & Coleman! It’s always the best time!
Jamaica and Aidan booked a session with me during my Spring minis! I hosted the sessions at Shawnee Mission Park! This afternoon was gorgeous, it felt like the sun was somehow extra glow during golden hour. And we couldn’t get enough!
Aidan and Jamaica fit together like puzzle pieces. In the short session I had with them, their love was obvious for one another. You wouldn’t question anything spending 10 minutes with them! This made it so easy to let their love do the work! I gave them fun prompts so they were always moving around and being playful! I love the images we captured!
I found out a month after these Spring minis, Aidan proposed to Jamaica in Amsterdam! She obviously said yes and now they are busy doing all the fun wedding planning! Congrats to you both! This afternoon was a blast and I feel so lucky to have met you both!
Alexandra and Lauren had never had photos professionally taken of the two of them before reaching out to me! I love helping new clients realize that having photos taken is way easier than it looks, and doable for everyone! These two were a little nervous but warmed up so quickly & we had the best session at Loose Park Rose Garden!
Loose Park Rose Garden is one of my favorite locations in Kansas City- the park is big and has a variety of different locations; the rose garden, the pond, wide open field, and super tall trees. 10/10 recommend. Loose Park does require a $30 photo permit pass to shoot there, but it’s worth the trip & time you spend!
On this beautiful spring day, the red bud tree was our favorite spot! The color really complimented Lauren and Alex’s outfits! This was the perfect time of year for a session here due to the flowers being in bloom! Literally stunning!
Thank you Lauren & Alex for the best night at the park! So happy I was able to do this session for you 🙂
Even if you just elope you still deserve photos of you and your partner at this stage of life. Dress it up or keep it casual- do something that feels like YOU. Maica and Alfred did just that! They wanted spring wedding portraits the day after eloping!
We went to Spring Loose Park for their session and adventure around to everything it has to offer, which is A LOT! The gardens there are beautiful even when flowers aren’t blooming! Luckily for us though, they were! The park also had a pond we adventured around that was pretty central to the park.
Maica and Alfred had a super small, family-only ceremony and then the next day wanted couples photos to celebrate. Maica wore an adorable dress that was from Lulus. They both were so much fun, they were singing, dancing, and giggling throughout their entire session. Most of the time I’m not with my couples the day after they get married, but with Maica and Alfred, I’m so glad I was! This was the best day for Spring Wedding Portraits!
Thank you Maica and Alfred for being the best company!
