No two relationships are the same, and all couples photos shouldn’t look the same either.

Looking for photos that are truly unique to you two and your relationship? My best advice is to work with your photographer to come up with a fun experience, rather than just a photoshoot. I find the best captures happen when you and your love are relaxed, focused on each other, and in your element. So how do you make yourself comfortable behind the lens of a camera? I always recommend couples incorporate a shared interest, or something meaningful into their session. It doesn’t have to be anything ground-breaking either. Do you both like art? Go take some cute pictures at your local museum. Are you both into coffee? Have your photographer meet you at your favorite café for one of your photo locations. Want some old-school style photos with a vintage vibe? Rent a vintage car for the day and cruise down PCH with your photographer. Can you re-create your first date? Talk to your photographer and make it happen! The more engaging the experience, the better.

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Here are some examples of experiences & meaningful things my couples have incorporated that made their photoshoot unique:

1. Taking love to new heights: Rock climbing engagement shoot in Corona del Mar, California

Kyle and Tasha both enjoy rock climbing together and are a super outdoorsy, adventurous couple. Example A: We met at sunrise for their engagement session in Corona del Mar. Later that day, K & T headed to the mountains for a multi-day backpacking trip! They decided to bring along a change of clothes and their rock climbing gear to climb at one of the well-known rock climbing spots in Newport Beach, called “Pirate’s Cove”. Now they have photos special to their couple, incorporating both love and a shared hobby into their engagement photos.

2. Puppy love: Couples photos with your dog in Laguna Beach, California

BRING YOUR PET TO YOUR PHOTO SESSION. I cannot emphasize this one enough. I will always recommend bringing your pet to your photoshoot! Clay and Romi had just gotten a new Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Maui, and wanted some “family photos” before she got big. The results were adorable, fluffy, sandy puppy cuddles on the beach, with lots of laughs, and the cutest, most candid photographs! Romi mentioned after they received their photos that she had never really thought about capturing little life milestones with a professional photographer in the age of the iPhone. Even though she may have 10,000+ phone shots documenting their life, she now plans to hire a photographer for all important moments and phases of life. There is something special about receiving professional photos to look back on, hang on your walls, and share with your family and friends.

3. Summer lovin’, had me a blast: Playing in the ocean in Laguna Beach, California

Maddy and Lincoln are the cutest couple with the most fun energy. They were so clearly into each other that they made it extra easy to capture their love! At the end of their photoshoot, they decided to put on some swimsuits, run down to the ocean and jump into the (not so warm) water in Laguna Beach. I was able to capture their love and big personalities on 35mm color film as they splashed around and chased each other in the water.

Looking for a van like the 1980s VW Vanagon pictured below? Check out Van & Gram’s Instagram page to rent their cute yellow VW van for a photoshoot!

Feel like having unique photos, but want the traditional ones too?

Do something at the end of your photo session that’s outside your comfort zone or a little different! Ask your photographer for some nighttime flash photos, hit up an arcade, or ask for ‘blue hour’ shots.

Hope these pictures gave you some inspiration to help you make your couples session unique to your relationship!

Interested in booking a couples photoshoot with me? Get in touch here!

XO, Karissa