Instagram vs. Reality

The dreamiest photos might look too good to be true. Are they?

When on Instagram we can sigh and say we could never look as good as “that couple”. However, time and again I have taken photos of couples to be met with the response “I had no clue we could look like that, we’re just not the most photogenic people!” A lot of that sort of response comes from a place of discomfort and fear. When you are uncomfortable in front of a camera and you’re afraid of whether or not the results will look like what you’re hoping for, the photos won’t turn out right!

So, I just don’t let that happen. If I think a couple is particularly uncomfortable I’ll give them a pose and then just walk away. I give them a moment with each other to chat and relax, they don’t have to think about me and they get to prepare. If that moment needs to be extended, then I will give them a silly pose; a piggy back ride, or a little jog away, and they have been able to laugh together, get comfortable, and take direction without stiffness. These are the keys to a good photo.

If you are happy and comfortable in real life, your photos will be of a happy and comfortable couple. Living in the moment of the sun and sand, or the cool, marble halls, with your lover by your side, is so joyful and intimate. That is the picture your photos will show, instead of being pictures of a couple focused on their appearance in the future and their fears about that appearance.

In these photos below I have couples that were apprehensive of their appearance. It came up a few times and we talked about how to mitigate awkwardness and stiffness. And just look at the results. They are joyful, peaceful, happy, loving, and beautiful people, celebrating their love! Instagram might not always be true to reality, but I do my best to fight that norm. I love to capture you and yours in your comfort zone, showing who you love and how you love them.