How to Create a Unique Photo Concept for Your Session

As a photographer, I may be biased, but I truly believe documenting your relationship is one of the most important things you can do as a couple. Photography is a way to hold on to the most important memories in your life—whether you’re recently engaged or you just want to celebrate your relationship. Being able to look back on your milestones for many years is one of the sweetest parts of growing old together. 

But when you book a photo session, coming up with a concept can be a bit overwhelming. Where do you want your session to take place? What do you want to incorporate into your photos? Are there any important parts of your relationship unique to you as a couple you want to include? What about your furry family members?

There are so many considerations to take into account before you get in front of the camera. Of course, as a photographer, I am more than happy to help create a concept with you. But before you have a mild panic attack, here are a few of my top questions to as yourselves when you’re coming up with a unique photo concept.

What Do You Like to Do as a Couple?

Every couple has their thing, whether it’s camping, gardening, or slow-pitch softball in the summer. Chances are you love to do a variety of activities together. I recommend picking out your absolute favorite activity and planning your photo session around it. I love capturing couples doing what they love, in their most natural, authentic state. Even if you’re not much of an outdoorsy person and just love exploring new cities, do it! We can explore your favorite city, stopping at all of your go-to spots. There is no wrong way to do it when it’s something you love  doing together.

What Makes You Unique?

What are your quirks? What are the things that make you you? If you two have an obsession with gaming, incorporate that into your session. If you are in love with all things vintage, old, and timeless, base your shoot around that. Maybe you really love a certain movie director and their style and want your photos to look similar. There are endless ways to create a concept around your own uniqueness. And let’s be honest, these are the best types of photos anyway—the ones where you’re being fully, authentically yourselves.

Do You Have a Favorite Place?

You can’t have a photo shoot without a location, right? Sometimes photo concepts can be centered around the location—especially out in nature where the inspiration is endless. Do you have a favorite spot in a National Park you love? Is your local state park absolutely breathtaking, filled with pristine lakes, wildflowers, and evergreens? Or did you just move into a brand new home you remodeled together and made your own?

There is absolutely no wrong place to take photos, especially if it is somewhere meaningful to you. In fact, I absolutely love photos of people in their homes, showing off their personal interior style while allowing them to fully open up and feel comfortable in a private setting. But I also love photos with backdrops of white peaks, the sneaky little mountain goat hiding in the background through the trees, and beautiful blankets of colorful wildflowers. Choose a setting that feels right for you.

Do You Want to Include Your Pets?

Some of us (me) absolutely love furry friends. You can never go wrong including your pup, kitty, hamster, chinchilla, iguana, or bunny in your photo session. This is especially true if they are a pet you got together as a couple. There’s nothing more special than the bond between you and your pet and if they are important to your relationship, they should be included! Whether you’re session is indoors at your own home or outdoors, we can find a way to include your furry family to make your photos that much more memorable. After all, we know our pets can’t live forever, so having them in your photos can be such a meaningful touch.

What Is Your Personal Aesthetic?

Last, but certainly not least, your personal aesthetic is another unique way to create a photo concept for your session. What kind of vibe do you want your photos to have? Are you more of a grunge, listens to classic rock, has tattoos, wears a leather jacket and boots type of couple? Or are you a whimsical, Bon Iver as your “background” music, ethereal, cabin in the woods with your own personal garden type of couple? Or maybe you’re something entirely different or even a mix. Your personal aesthetic can be the driving force of a truly unique photo concept.

There are endless ways to create a unique photo concept for your session that feels authentic to your relationship. Of course, if you need help coming up with a concept, I am more than happy to pitch some ideas! If you’re ready to start planning your photo session together, contact me today and let’s get started!