Be Intentional About Exposure – Couples Photography Tips
I will repeat this until it becomes common knowledge: being intentional about what you do in photography is the most important thing you can focus on to improve. This is the fastest way to becoming a great couples photographer. Today I’ll focus on being intentional about exposure in couples photography.
When photographing a couple you have two options: expose for the couple or expose for the background.
Here is what it means to expose for the couple. Notice how the background is brighter.
This is what it means to expose for the background. Notice how there are no details on the couple. They become silhouettes.
A. Be Intentional About Exposure: Expose for the couple
To get beautiful pictures, In 99% of cases, you’ll expose for the couple. They are your subject and you’ll want to have the most flattering light on them. Hence the name: couples photography. Being intentional about exposure on the couple means that you need to adjust your settings so that the light on the couple becomes flattering.
What exactly is flattering light? It’s usually a soft light, such as in open shade or shooting against the sun (the couple has the sun behind them). A few examples below.
Using External Lights
This is one of the reasons for which in portrait photography we often use external lights (strobes, reflectors, etc) to make sure that the subject, here the couple, is in perfect light. I personally don’t like external lights as it looks unnatural. Except for night photos, where I don’t really have a choice as it’s dark outside.
Working with Natural Light
During daytime, I prefer natural light. For this, I’ll seek out the spot with the most flattering light. Then I’ll position the couple in such a way that they the light on them looks great.
Couples Photos in Open Shade
This is in my opinion the most beautiful type of light for couples pictures. The tones are neutral, the colors are true.
Couples Photos in Direct Sunlight
Place the couple so that they face the sunlight. This way, they will be properly exposed as well as the background. The effect is that the photo has more contrast.
Couples Photos in Backlight
This is where you shoot against the source of light. The effect is that the picture becomes dreamy, soft.
B. Be Intentional About Exposure. Expose for the background. Create silhouettes
This technique works well when the background is bright (bright sky) and the couple is in shade or low light. Alternatively, shoot against the source of light (the sun for example, or the reflection of the sun).
Adjust your settings until the bright background is exposed properly. This will make the couple look dark. To get beautiful silhouettes, make sure that the couple is not facing you, that they’re sideways (profile).
Silhouettes during Daytime
Sunrise and sunset are the moments that allow you to create the most impactful images. Provided that it’s not cloudy. Why? Well, when you have beautiful sunlight, at sunrise and sunset the sky gets a beautiful color.
Here is an example of a couples silhouette photo taken at sunrise.
You can create beautiful silhouettes midday also on a sunny day, but remember to place the couple in the shade and expose for the sky. Below is an example of a midday silhouette couples picture.
Practice Being Intentional about Exposure
I hope that these tips will help you improve your couples photography skills. If you wish to get consistent results, practice, practice, practice. During your couples photoshoots, ask yourself: is the light on the couple flattering? How can I position them to get the most flattering light? How can I expose so that they look stunning? You’ll notice that after 2-3 photoshoots where you apply these tips, your photos will look stunning.