Couples Photos: How To Not Look Awkward in Photos Together -

There’s something funny that happens when a camera comes out. The same couples who are usually laughing, relaxed, and completely themselves suddenly start overthinking, “What do we do with our hands?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Almost every couple I work with says the same thing at first: “We’re so awkward in photos.” The truth is, couples’ photos don’t have to feel stiff or uncomfortable. Once you know how to not look awkward in photos together, you can relax, enjoy each other, and actually have fun in front of the camera.

Here’s the good news: you’re not awkward. You’re just not used to being followed around by someone with a camera. And that’s where I come in, not just to take photos, but to help you relax, feel natural, and actually enjoy the process. Because couples’ photos shouldn’t feel like a chore, they should feel like you two hanging out, while I just happen to be there to document it.

So let’s talk about how to not look awkward in photos, why it matters, and how we’ll make your couples session feel fun, genuine, and so very you.

A woman whispers into her partner’s ear as they sit together under a warm-toned archway.

A joyful moment of a man lifting his partner in the air as they laugh together near a courtyard tree.

A couple stands hand in hand, smiling at each other in a palm tree–lined courtyard.

Step One: Forget the Camera Is There

The number one secret to not looking awkward in photos? Stop performing for the camera. The best couples photos come when you’re not thinking about your posture or your smile, but about the person standing next to you.

I love when a session feels more like a date than a photoshoot. Pack a picnic, wander on a trail, stop for ice cream—whatever feels most like you two. Having something to do together takes the pressure off “posing” and gives you space to just enjoy being with each other. I’ll hang back and capture it as it unfolds, so the photos end up looking like what the day actually felt like. These little adventures help you focus on each other instead of me, and before you know it, you’ll forget the camera is even there!

Close-up of a woman’s arms wrapped around her partner’s shoulders, showing rings and jewelry.

Couples photos of an intimate kiss as the man leans down and the woman holds his face, surrounded by tropical greenery.

Step Two: Movement Is Your Best Friend

One of the biggest reasons couples feel stiff in couples photos is because they’re just standing there, trying to figure out what to do. If you’re wondering how to not look awkward in photos, here’s the trick: don’t stand still like a statue. Move a little. Walk together, wrap your arms around each other, brush the hair out of their face, pull them in closer. Do the things you’d naturally do if I weren’t even there!

That movement is what makes your couple’s photos feel alive instead of staged. And honestly, it’s in those little moments, like when you’re laughing mid-step or sneaking a quick glance at each other, that the best photos happen!

Black and white photo of a couple standing apart on a quiet street in front of a Spanish-style building.

Romantic couples photos of two people embracing beneath rustic wooden doors with tiled details.

Step Three: Wear What Feels Like You

What you wear makes a huge difference in how your couple’s photos feel. The biggest tip? Wear something you’re actually comfortable in. If you’re tugging at sleeves or adjusting straps every two minutes, it’s going to show. But when your outfit feels like you, you’ll relax, move more naturally, and actually enjoy yourself.

For outdoor sessions (and since most Arizona couples’ photos happen outside in the desert), it’s all about balancing the heat and the cool-down. During the day, the sun can be strong, so lighter fabrics, think breathable cottons or flowy dresses, will keep you comfortable. Once the sun starts to dip, the desert cools off quickly, so having an extra layer like a denim jacket, shawl, or light sweater makes all the difference. Comfortable shoes are always a must if we’re wandering over red rocks or cactus trails. At the end of the day, it’s not about being overly styled, it’s about feeling good so your photos look and feel like the real you.

A couple sits on brick steps, holding each other and smiling while leaning close.

A man leads his partner up terracotta-colored stairs, surrounded by bright bougainvillea and palm trees.

Step Four: Pick the Right Location

Another big piece of how to not look awkward in couples photos? Location. If we’re in the middle of a crowded, noisy spot, you’re probably going to feel a little on display. That’s why I always help couples pick places where we’ll have some space to ourselves.

In Arizona, that might mean slipping into a quiet slot canyon, wandering through desert trails lined with saguaros, or finding a red rock overlook that feels like your own secret corner of the Southwest. When the landscape is that stunning and you feel at ease in it, it’s so much easier to relax, have fun, and just be in the moment together.

Take Abby and Josh, for example, we shot their session at Royal Palms Resort and Spa– The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. It’s a luxury resort and spa in Phoenix, Arizona, with so much character, and the quiet, tucked-away feel gave them room to relax and just be together. (Worth noting if you’re dreaming of shooting there too: a permit is required, and it’s $500.)

A playful moment of a woman on a man’s back as they laugh together near a tiled fountain.

Black and white couples photos of a playful spin in front of a fountain lined with flowers.

A warm portrait of a couple sitting on a striped bench, smiling directly at the camera.

Step Five: Trust the Process

It sounds simple, but it’s everything: trust the process. Couples’ photos aren’t about trying to look like models; they’re about capturing the real connection between you two. I’ll step in with guidance when you need it, toss out ideas for movement when it feels right, and then step back to give you space when all you need is each other.The couples who trust me and lean into the experience always end up with galleries full of photos that look like them, because they weren’t trying to be anyone else.

A creative composition of a couple framed by an adobe archway, standing apart but looking toward each other.

Sweet couples photos of a pair sharing a moment together in front of desert cacti and adobe walls.

My Top Arizona Locations for Couples Photos

Horseshoe Bend: Horseshoe Bend is bold, dramatic, and easily one of the most iconic views in Arizona. Standing on the edge with the Colorado River curving below feels surreal, like something out of a painting. It’s a great spot for couples who want photos that feel adventurous without needing a big hike (the overlook is just a quick walk). Sunset here is absolutely stunning and popular, so planning ahead makes all the difference.

A couple smiling, with their eyes closed, while standing outdoors with palm trees and mountains in the background.

Black-and-white couples photos of an intimate kiss and embrace.

Joyful couples photos of a couple laughing together while sitting on a striped bench.

Sedona: Sedona has this grounded, almost otherworldly feel with its red rock cliffs, and that energy it’s known for just pulls you in. It’s the kind of place that feels right if you want your day to be intentional and connected, whether that’s a ceremony outdoors or just slowing down together. Sunrise and golden hour are especially beautiful, and for couples’ photos, the trails and overlooks give you space to simply be yourselves. It feels more like exploring the desert hand in hand than posing for a photoshoot.

Warm couples photos walking hand-in-hand beneath an adobe archway.

Playful couples photos with a kiss as he lifts her up in front of an adobe archway.

Colorful couples photos with the couple smiling at each other in front of a blue-tiled fountain wall.

Monument Valley: Monument Valley feels raw and powerful, an endless red desert, towering sandstone buttes, and a deep cultural history as part of the Navajo land. It’s perfect for couples who want more than just epic views, but meaning in their experience. With a Navajo guide, you can access quieter spots that make everything feel more intentional. This isn’t a place you rush; it’s about slowing down, taking it in, and letting your connection shine.

Romantic couples photos of two people smiling into each other’s eyes, arms wrapped around one another.

A couple stands hand in hand facing away from the camera, framed by ornate wrought-iron gates and colorful tile details.

Capturing the Details of Your Love

My sessions flow naturally, no stiff poses, no forced “say cheese.” It’s about letting things unfold as they would if the camera weren’t even there. I’ll step in when you need a little guidance, but I’m not here to script your love story. The best couples photos come from being present with each other, your quirks, your laughter, the little ways you connect without even realizing it.

It’s the in-between stuff I love most: the glance you don’t notice, the smile you can’t hide, the way your hands find each other without thinking. Adjusting a jacket, brushing by as you walk, tiny, ordinary moments that somehow say the most. When you let go of overthinking and just focus on being together, the “awkward” fades fast. That’s when the photos feel real, alive, and undeniably you.

Warm and candid couples photos of two people embracing in front of tall desert cacti.

Close-up couples photos of hands intertwined against orange flowers and adobe tones.

Couples photos holding hands and walking across a grassy courtyard with adobe buildings.

Ready for Couples Photos That Feel Like You?

If you’re wondering how to not look awkward in photos, here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I’ll be there to guide you, hype you up, and create a space where you feel comfortable enough to just be yourselves.

Whether we’re hiking up to a mountain overlook or wandering through wildflower fields, your couples session should feel like an adventure worth reliving, not just something you posed your way through. My job is to make sure the whole experience feels fun, easy, and true to you.

So, if you’re ready to book couples photos in Colorado (or beyond) and finally stop worrying about looking awkward, reach out here to get started!

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If you’re planning a couples shoot or an Arizona elopement, check out my blogs: The Best Time to Elope in Colorado: A Seasonal Guide for Adventurous Couples, The 6 Best Colorado Elopement Locations, 5 Reasons to Elope with a Travel Elopement Photographer, Elopement Outfits for Adventurous Couples, and How to plan a surprise proposal: A step by step guide from a Colorado Elopement Photographer.