Here's the truth about couple photos: Most people feel awkward at first. Stiff. Unsure what to do with their hands. Wondering if they look ridiculous.


That's completely normal. We've photographed hundreds of couples—engaged, married for decades, and everywhere in between—and almost everyone starts out nervous. But here's what happens: Within the first 10 minutes, you forget about the camera. You remember you actually like each other. And suddenly, magic.


Whether you're engaged and planning a wedding, celebrating an anniversary, or just want beautiful photos of the two of you right now—this session is about protecting this moment. Where you are today, together.


Memory fades. Photos don't. So let's make this easy, fun, and totally you.


Why Your Session Actually Matters

We're not just checking a box here. Your couple session serves a real purpose:

  • For engaged couples: It's practice for your wedding day. You'll learn how we work, what poses feel natural, and how to relax in front of the camera. By the time your wedding rolls around, you'll be pros.
  • For everyone: You'll get comfortable with us. We're a husband-wife team—he shoots, she plans and poses. By the end of your session, we won't feel like vendors. We'll feel like friends who happen to be capturing your story.
  • You're documenting THIS season. Whether you're newly engaged, celebrating 10 years together, or just want photos of yourselves that don't look like awkward selfies—this is about capturing where you are right now. Not yesterday, not tomorrow. Today.
  • You'll have professional images for everything. Save the Dates, holiday cards, anniversary announcements, your home walls, social media, gifts for family—whatever you need. But more importantly, you'll have photos that actually look like you, not some styled version of someone else's relationship.


Bottom line: This session is an investment in preserving this exact moment in your relationship. Nothing lost, nothing forgotten.

Family enjoying a picnic on a grassy meadow near the coastline on a bright summer day.

What to Wear

This is the question we get most. And honestly? The answer is simpler than you think: Wear something that makes you feel confident and looks like you.


The Two-Outfit Strategy


We recommend bringing two complete looks. Here's why it works:


Outfit #1: Casual (But Not Too Casual)

Think elevated everyday wear. What you'd wear to a nice dinner or meeting your partner's parents for the first time. This is your warm-up outfit—comfortable enough to relax in while we all get used to each other.

For Her:

  • Flowy sundress, fitted jeans with a beautiful top, casual jumpsuit
  • Comfortable but intentional—not your running-errands outfit
  • Fabrics that move: flowy dresses photograph beautifully in Alaska wind

For Him:

  • Well-fitted jeans (not baggy or distressed), chinos, or dress pants
  • Button-down shirt, henley, or sweater—something with a collar looks great
  • Add a jacket or blazer for Alaska's unpredictable weather (and it looks sharp)

Outfit #2: Dressy (Go For It)

This is your "get fancy" outfit. The one that makes you feel like the most attractive version of yourself. We'll shoot this during golden hour for that dreamy, romantic light. There's no such thing as too dressed up.

For Her:

  • Cocktail dress, formal gown, long flowing maxi dress, or that fancy dress you've been looking for an excuse to wear
  • Movement is your friend—flowy fabrics, tulle skirts, anything that catches the wind beautifully
  • Heels are gorgeous but bring comfortable walking shoes for getting to locations (Alaska terrain isn't always heel-friendly)

For Him:

  • Suit (full suit or just the jacket with dress pants), dress shirt, tie optional
  • Fit matters—tailored looks sharper than off-the-rack every time
  • Dress shoes, leather belt, watch—details matter in these shots

Winter Sessions: Embrace the Cold

Alaska winters are stunning—fresh snow, crisp air, that magical blue hour light. If you're shooting in winter, here's how to stay warm AND look great:

For Her:

  • Long wool coat, parka, or cape—outerwear becomes part of the look
  • Cozy sweaters in cream, burgundy, forest green, or classic neutrals
  • Boots (tall leather boots or winter boots that actually keep you warm—function matters here)
  • Accessories are your friend: scarves, beanies, gloves, earmuffs—they add texture and warmth
  • Tights or leggings under dresses if you're committed to a dress look (we'll work fast)

For Him:

  • Wool coat, parka, or bomber jacket in a classic color
  • Flannel shirts, cable-knit sweaters, henley under a jacket—layering looks great
  • Dark jeans or wool pants
  • Winter boots that look good (not your beat-up work boots)
  • Beanies, scarves—embrace the winter aesthetic


Winter Tip: We know it's cold. We'll work efficiently so you're not freezing for hours. Bring hand warmers, hot chocolate in a thermos, whatever keeps you comfortable. The colder it is, the more stunning the light—and the faster we work.


The Golden Rules for Both Outfits

  • Coordinate, don't match. You want to look like you go together, not like you're wearing a costume. Think complementary colors and similar levels of formality. (Winter note: Your coats don't have to match—one neutral coat + one colored coat can look great together.)
  • Solid colors or subtle patterns only. Large logos, busy patterns, and neon colors are distracting. Stick with classic, timeless choices.
  • Fit is everything. Baggy, ill-fitting clothes don't photograph well. Make sure everything fits properly and you can move comfortably.
  • Test your outfits before the session. Try everything on together a few days in advance. Walk around, sit down, move. If anything feels weird or uncomfortable, change it now.
  • Consider the season and location. Alaska weather is unpredictable. Spring might mean rain boots and layers. Summer midnight sun means lighter fabrics. Fall colors look gorgeous in outdoor settings. Winter requires warm layers that still look good.
  • Muted, timeless colors photograph beautifully. Soft blues, blush, cream, navy, gray, burgundy—these all work well together and won't look dated in 20 years.


Still stuck? Send us photos of your outfit options. We're happy to help you decide. We've been doing this for 10+ years in Alaska—we know what works with our light, our landscapes, and our weather.

A group of people wearing casual fall attire pose together in a wooded area with autumn foliage.
Small child holding a chalkboard sign outdoors in a lush green garden setting.

"But We're Not Photogenic..."


Let's address the elephant in the room: You're probably nervous. Maybe one of you is camera-shy. Maybe you both are. Maybe you're worried you'll look awkward or stiff.


Here's what we want you to know:


It's Normal to Feel Awkward

Almost every couple feels weird at first. You're being asked to kiss, cuddle, and be romantic while someone points a camera at you. That's not how normal life works.



But here's the thing: Within 10-15 minutes, something shifts. You get moving. We give you prompts that feel natural. You start focusing on each other instead of the camera. And suddenly it doesn't feel weird anymore—it just feels like you.


Every couple we've photographed goes through this. You're not special in your awkwardness. You're just normal.


We Won't Leave You Hanging


We're not going to say "be natural" and then stare at you expectantly. That's a nightmare.

Instead, we'll give you specific direction:

  • "Walk toward me while holding hands."
  • "Whisper something that makes her laugh."
  • "Put your forehead against hers and close your eyes."
  • "Now spin her."

We give you something to do, then we capture what happens. You're never left wondering what to do with your hands or where to look.


Movement is Magic

Stiff, posed photos look stiff and posed. Moving, interacting photos look real.


So we keep you moving. Walking, spinning, laughing, dancing, exploring. The more you move, the more natural you look. The more natural you look, the better the photos.


Also? Movement helps with nerves. It's hard to feel self-conscious when you're twirling your fiancée or running through a field together. Action beats overthinking every time.


Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera


The best photos happen when you forget we're there. When you're looking at each other, talking, laughing, being yourselves.

Yes, we'll get some shots where you're both looking at the camera. But the magic? That happens in the in-between moments. When you're whispering something funny. When you're remembering why you fell for each other in the first place.


Your job isn't to perform for the camera. Your job is to be present with your person. We'll handle the rest.


If You Have Specific Concerns

Tell us. Seriously.

  • Self-conscious about something? Let us know. We'll work with your best angles and make sure you feel comfortable.
  • Not into PDA? That's fine. We don't need you making out for two hours. We'll adapt to what feels authentic for you as a couple.
  • One of you is more camera-shy than the other? Common. We'll make sure the more nervous partner gets extra support and clear direction.

Communication is everything. We can't help if we don't know what you need.

A group stands together smiling on a wooden bridge with rustic metal beams overhead during autumn.

Before Your Session

Timing and Location


We typically shoot during golden hour—about 1-2 hours before sunset—when Alaska's light is absolutely stunning. This is when everything glows.

As for location? We know the best spots. 30+ years in Alaska means we've got hidden gems that tourists don't know about—mountain backdrops, waterfront views, urban settings, wildflower fields. Tell us what vibe you're going for, and we'll suggest the perfect place.


Have somewhere meaningful to you? A spot where you got engaged, your favorite hiking trail, that coffee shop where you had your first date? Tell us. We love incorporating your story into the session.


The Day Before Checklist

  • Lay out both outfits (shoes, accessories, everything)
  • Clean your rings (engagement ring, wedding bands—we'll be photographing those sparkly details)
  • Check the weather forecast and adjust plans if needed
  • If you're getting hair/makeup done, schedule it with enough buffer time so you're not stressed
  • Get a good night's sleep and stay hydrated
  • Avoid foods that make you bloated (you want to feel your best)


What to Bring

The Essentials:

  • Your second outfit (we'll find a spot for you to change)
  • Comfortable walking shoes if you're wearing heels (Alaska terrain)
  • Touch-up makeup and hairbrush (Alaska wind is real)
  • Water and light snacks
  • Layers for weather changes (bring them even if forecast looks perfect)
  • For winter sessions: Hand warmers, thermos with hot chocolate or coffee, extra gloves

The Nice-to-Haves:

  • Meaningful props (childhood photo of you two, your dog, bottle of champagne, anything that tells your story)
  • Bug spray if we're shooting in summer

Leave at Home:

  • Phones in pockets (they create bulges in photos)
  • Keys, wallets, anything bulky
  • Expectations of perfection


During Your Session

Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. We're not clock-watchers—if the light is perfect and things are flowing, we'll keep going.


Here's what to expect:

How We Work

We're a husband-wife team. He shoots, she plans and poses. This means you get the technical skill of an experienced photographer combined with the eye for composition and emotion that comes from working together for years.

We'll start in your more casual outfit to warm up. Get you moving, get you comfortable, get you laughing. Then we'll switch to your dressy outfit for golden hour magic.


We work fast and efficiently—not because we're rushing, but because we know what we're doing. 30+ years of experience means we don't waste time fumbling with settings or second-guessing composition. We see the shot, we get it, we move on.


What We'll Ask You to Do

  • Move. Walk, dance, spin, explore. The more you move, the better the photos.
  • Interact with each other. Talk, laugh, whisper, tease. Forget the camera exists.
  • Trust our direction. If we tell you to do something that feels weird, try it anyway. We promise it will look good.
  • Be yourselves. If you're naturally goofy, be goofy. If you're more reserved, that's beautiful too. Authenticity always wins.

Your chaos, our calm. Whatever happens—weather changes, wardrobe malfunctions, unexpected nerves—we've seen it all. We'll handle it. You just focus on each other.


After Your Session

We know you're excited to see your photos. Here's what happens next:

  • We'll cull through hundreds of images, eliminating duplicates, blurs, and unflattering moments
  • Your gallery will be ready within 2-4 weeks
  • We might share a sneak peek on social media (with your permission) the next day
  • Use these images however you want—Save the Dates, holiday cards, anniversary announcements, your home walls, social media, gifts for parents, or just because you finally have professional photos together


And please, print your favorites. These aren't just for Instagram. They're for your walls, your albums, and years from now when you want to remember exactly what this season felt like.


One Last Thing

Your session isn't a test. You can't fail at this. There's no such thing as being "not photogenic"—there's just being comfortable enough to be yourself.

After watching Alzheimer's take memories from our family, we learned something important: These moments don't come back. Right now, wherever you are in your relationship—newly engaged, celebrating an anniversary, or just wanting to document who you are together today—this season is finite.


Memory fades. Photos don't.


So show up. Wear something that makes you feel confident. Trust us to guide you. And most importantly? Be present with your person. The photos will take care of themselves.


Nothing lost, nothing forgotten. That's our promise.


Questions? Need outfit help? Nervous about something specific?

Reach out anytime. We're here throughout the entire process—not just on the day of.

Let's make this easy, fun, and totally you.