My Top 3 Prompts That Never Fail for Candid, Genuine Photos
When I first started photographing couples, I realized something quickly — posing is awkward, but prompting is magic.
Prompts help your couples forget there’s a camera pointed at them and start focusing on each other. When they move, laugh, and interact naturally, that’s when you get photos that actually feel like them.
Before I even pick up my camera, I tell my couples:
“I’m going to tell you exactly what to do the whole time — the more you can keep moving, the better. And if I’m talking a lot, it’s on purpose. I don’t want you to have even a second to feel awkward or self-conscious.”
That’s the secret — if there’s silence, they start thinking about what they look like. If you keep things fun and flowing, they just live in the moment.
So here are my three favorite prompts that never fail to get real smiles, movement, and connection.
1. Skip in a Circle Around Them
This one is my go-to icebreaker. I’ll have one person stand in the middle while the other skips in a circle around them.
Then I’ll say something like:
“Okay, just follow each other’s gaze — you’re going to feel ridiculous, but trust me, it’s worth it.”
And every single time, it is.
You get genuine laughter, natural hair movement, and playful energy that instantly loosens them up. Even if it starts silly, it always ends up turning into something real.
2. Lean Back onto His Chest
This one’s simple, but it works every time.
I’ll have her lean back onto his chest and then say:
“Okay, grab her chin, but don’t choke her — that’s not the vibe we’re going for.”
That little joke always makes them laugh, which is exactly what I want.
It’s a great pose because it’s flattering on everyone — every body type, every couple. I like to capture both wide shots (to show off the landscape) and close-ups — like eyelashes, hands, and that little soft smile that happens right after they laugh.
Bonus tip: have her trace his wrist with her hand, especially if she’s wearing her ring. It adds intimacy and gives you a beautiful detail shot.
3. Play Tag (For Real)
This one’s chaos — and that’s why it’s perfect.
I’ll say:
“Don’t play princess tag, play real-life tag. You’re going to tackle them. Give them a head start, and go for it.”
If they don’t fully commit the first time, I make them do it again. And usually, by the second round, they’re laughing uncontrollably.
It’s not just fun — it gets all their nervous energy out. You can feel the shift after this one. They stop thinking about the camera and start just being themselves.
Why Prompts Work Better Than Poses
Prompts work because they give your couples something to do — not something to look like.
When you can make them laugh, move, and feel safe, you’ll capture photos that show who they actually are, not just what they look like.
That’s the heart of every session I shoot — helping people feel seen and comfortable.
📸
Want More Prompts Like This?
If you loved these, my Prompting Deck is full of 60+ connection-based prompts just like these — designed to work for any couple, any body type, and any location.
They’ll help you take the guesswork out of posing and finally get those effortless, emotional photos you’ve been chasing.
👉 [The Prompting Deck — Coming Soon!]
- How to Plan the Perfect Proposal in Grand Teton National Park (Without Overcomplicating It)
- How to Make Your Elopement Photography Website Actually Show Up on Google (Without Becoming an SEO Nerd)
- Kenzie + Bryson’s Morning Engagement Session at Windy Point | Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Why Every Photographer Needs a Prompting System (Not Just a Pose App)
- We’re Photographers, Not SEO Specialists — A No-Fluff SEO Breakdown for Elopement Photographers
Be the first to comment