10 Fun Couples Prompts

One popular approach to photographing couples is to offer them prompts, which are actionable instructions on what to do for a photo. I think that when it comes to working with couples, having them interact with each other in a genuine and fun way is the most important thing that you can do as the photographer. You’re there to take photos that tell their story, but you’re also there to offer a fun and memorable experience.

In order to get those special shots that don’t feel so forced, you can use prompts that are versatile and can allow your couples to interact with each other in a way that is true to who they are and what their relationship is like.

Sometimes when giving my couples prompts, I’ll ask them to do something really silly, like eskimo kisses, for example – but that’s not necessarily what I’m trying to capture. It’s the in-between moments afterwards of them laughing together at the ridiculousness of eskimo kisses that I want to get. My biggest tip for these prompts is to not put your camera down right after your give them – keep shooting the couple’s interaction afterwards.

So, let me share with you 10 fun prompts to give couples and include photos of what they look like on camera.

I also want to clarify that I don’t give all of these prompts to every couple that I shoot – I like to feel out their personalities while getting to know them before we start shooting, so that the experience is comfortable for them. If I can tell they are really reserved or shy, for example, I probably wouldn’t give them really outgoing prompts. Understanding your client is so important!

1. Run and Jump

You can decide who does what, or ask your couples what they prefer, but asking one of them to run and jump into each others arms is really fun. Have them seperate far apart to get a running start, and begin capturing. You can have one of them lift the other up and spin them around, or even have them jump onto their back like a piggyback ride. These shots are great because they’re often in motion and involve lots of laughter (and sometimes falling over).

2. Ring Around the Rosie

Just like you did when you were a kid, have your couples play ring around the rosie! Start with them facing each other and begin running around in circles. As they make their way past your camera, make sure to get shots of both of their expressions. I love this prompt because you can get individual shots of the way each person looks at their partner.

3. Whisper Something Dirty

During your session, it can be fun and ~spicy~ to ask both of your subjects to whisper something dirty in their partner’s ear. I usually ask one person to do this towards the beginning and asking the other to do it later on in the session. This prompt is fun because while one person is whispering, you can capture the expression of the other – whether it’s shock or laughter, it’s always good.

4. Drunk Walk

Ask your couples to hold hands and walk towards you like they’re drunk coming home from a bar – this one is really silly and can feel a little awkward to do, so make sure to encourage them and hype them up. Once they start doing it they’ll be laughing, and the motions of them “drunk walking” are really great on camera.

5. Lying Down

If you’re in a location where it’s possible to do so (like a grassy area), ask your couple to lay down on their backs with their heads close together, coming in from opposite directions. Stand right over them, shooting down. Have them look at each other, cuddle, run their hands through each other’s hair, kiss, etc.

6. Sniff Hair Deeply

If you’re shooting a guy and a girl, I sometimes have them get really close with their foreheads together, and then ask the man to lean in and sniff her hair deeply. It’ll make both of them laugh and it’s a great way to focus on the girl for a shot.

7. Hand Details

During a couples session it’s always a good idea to get a variety of different types of photos, including closeups or detail shots. I love getting some close ups of hands, whether it’s while they’re walking and holding hands, touching each other, or from shooting upwards. I’ll lay on on the ground underneath my couple and ask them to hold hands over me, and then slowly pull apart. The shot of them pulling apart almost looks like they’re reaching for each other and it’s just a nice artistic touch to add to your galleries.

8. Hug From Behind

I often ask my couples to sit on the ground – I’ll have one of them sit first with their legs open in a V shape and have the other sit in between their legs. I’ll ask them to hug their partner from behind, cuddle, and give a kiss on the cheek. I like to photograph them from far away, having them look off into the distance, and then get closer, shooting from above and at their eye level too.

9. Far Away Holding Hands

One of my favorite prompts to give a couple is to face me and hold hands while leaving some space in between. I’ll ask them to look at the camera, look at each other, and look in opposite directions away from each other. For this shot I like to stand far away from my couples, getting a macro shot that shows off the location. It ends up looking really artistic!

10. Walk Away

And last, I always like to have my couples walk together. It gives them the opportunity to talk to each other and not have to worry about the camera. I’ll have them hold hands and walk away, following from behind. I’ll get closeups of their legs and hands while they walk, tell them to make eye contact with each other, and oftentimes ask one of them to look back over their shoulder at me. You can get a diverse set of shots from this one prompt – and once they’ve walked away far enough, have them turn around and walk back towards you.

I hope you found these prompts helpful for your next photo session with a couple!

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