Copper and Coal Photos

Couples Photo Session Guide

Meet Your Photographer

Hi, I'm Ashley!

I’m thrilled you’ve considered me to be your photographer!

Allow me to give you a glimpse of what you can expect from this experience. I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your experience with me, and by the time you’ve read through it, I hope you’ll have all your questions answered and feel excited and prepared.

I’ll cover everything from wardrobe suggestions, how to prepare kiddos, FAQs. and everything in between! Then, I’ll take care of the rest. Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create beautiful photos of you and your family you’ll love forever. I am excited to get to know you!

I’m thrilled you’ve considered me to be your photographer!

Time & Location

Time

Typically, the best light for your photos will occur during “golden

hour,” which is the hour immediately before sunset or right after

sunrise, when the sun is close to the horizon and casts soft, rich

light on the earth.

To establish a start time for your photo shoot, look up the sunset

time for our shoot date (and city) and subtract an hour. That’s

usually the best time for us to start, but we’ll be sure to confirm

the exact time together!

Remember, the sun sets much earlier during winter and much

later during summer, so make sure to factor that in when

choosing your portrait session date, especially if you’re taking off

work or have evening plans afterward.

Typically, the best light for your photos will occur during “golden

hour,” which is the hour immediately before sunset or right after

sunrise, when the sun is close to the horizon and casts soft, rich

light on the earth.

To establish a start time for your photo shoot, look up the sunset

time for our shoot date (and city) and subtract an hour. That’s

usually the best time for us to start, but we’ll be sure to confirm

the exact time together!

Remember, the sun sets much earlier during winter and much

later during summer, so make sure to factor that in when

choosing your portrait session date, especially if you’re taking off

work or have evening plans afterward.

Location

Unless you booked a predetermined location, the location of

your session is completely up to you! Consider the atmosphere

and vibe you want to convey in your images, and if you prefer

something indoors (like your home), outside in nature, or

something more urban.

And don’t be afraid to think outside the box or limit yourself to

my locations. I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations

that you might have special access to that most people don’t.

Maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network,

can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-

limits, like a beautiful private estate or industrial space. Maybe

it’s a flower farm, upscale hotel, airplane hangar or rooftop view.

The sky is literally the limit!

If you are unsure of the perfect location, don’t worry- I’ve got you

covered. I have included a list of my top (4) favorite locations to

photograph couples sessions with a link to more location ideas.

Please let me know if you are interested in any of these or if

you’d like to talk about different locations.

Unless you booked a predetermined location, the location of your session is completely up to you! Consider the atmosphere and vibe you want to convey in your images, and if you prefer something indoors (like your home), outside in nature, or something more urban.

And don’t be afraid to think outside the box or limit yourself to my locations. I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. Maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off- limits, like a beautiful private estate or industrial space. Maybe it’s a flower farm, upscale hotel, airplane hangar or rooftop view. The sky is literally the limit!

If you are unsure of the perfect location, don’t worry- I’ve got you covered. I have included a list of my top (4) favorite locations to photograph family sessions with a link to more location ideas.

Please let me know if you are interested in any of these or if you’d like to talk about different locations.

Color Palettes & Styling

Couple photos are a moment to shine and show off your
your best versions of yourselves! Take this
time to be inspired and really pull together outfits that makes

you look great as a couple and as individuals.

Here are a few pages of styles, suggestions and moodboards

along with color palettes I’ve pulled together. You’re welcome

to choose from one of these options, or use them as

inspiration to make your own.

Family photos are a moment to shine and show off your beautiful family in your best versions of yourselves! Take this time to be inspired and really pull together outfits that makes you all look great as a group, and as individuals.

Here are a few pages of styles, suggestions and moodboards along with color palettes I’ve pulled together. You’re welcome to choose from one of these options, or use them as inspiration to make your own.

Style Tips for Her

Don't Be Afraid to Dress it Up!

Have you ever dreamed about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt,

or flower crown, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your

chance to do it up! Remember: there is no such thing as “too

dressed up” when it comes to your session, so don’t be afraid to

have some fun!

Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flattering

on most female bodies, especially on camera. What’s better than a

full and flowy skirt?! It’s like a built-in "prop,

" giving you something

to twirl and swirl, and adding effortless movement and interest to

your photos. A dress always looks nice, so definitely my

recommendation. Don’t be afraid to choose something like jeans or

jumpsuits though, especially if that’s the type of look you’re going

for. I also strongly recommend choosing your outfit first, and

choosing everyone else’s around yours.

Have you ever dreamed about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt, or flower crown, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your

chance to do it up! Remember: there is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun!

Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flattering on most female bodies, especially on camera. What’s better than a full and flowy skirt?! It’s like a built-in "prop," giving you something to twirl and swirl, and adding effortless movement and interest to your photos. A dress always looks nice, so definitely my recommendation. Don’t be afraid to choose something like jeans or jumpsuits though, especially if that’s the type of look you’re going for. I also strongly recommend choosing your outfit first, and choosing everyone else’s around yours.

Accessories, Hair & Makeup

Jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. can add such a

huge difference in really elevating your photos. Accessorize to add

character but don’t go too over the top (think about a statement

necklace or earrings, but probably not both) It adds an extra bit of

luxury and appeal to your images and really pulls together your

look.

Consider having your hair and makeup professionally done for the

session. This will enhance your natural features and make you feel

camera-ready. If you prefer to do your own hair and makeup, aim

for a natural, polished look. Keeping your eyes nice and bright. Try

to avoid any false lashes, in camera they typically take away from

your eyes and cause shadows. Avoid trying out new hairstyles or

makeup techniques on the day of your session, better to try

something new a few days before to make sure you’re

accomplishing the look you’re going for.

Jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. can add such a huge difference in really elevating your photos. Accessorize to add character but don’t go too over the top (think about a statement necklace or earrings, but probably not both) It adds an extra bit of luxury and appeal to your images and really pulls together your look.

Consider having your hair and makeup professionally done for the session. This will enhance your natural features and make you feel camera-ready. If you prefer to do your own hair and makeup, aim for a natural, polished look. Keeping your eyes nice and bright. Try to avoid any false lashes, in camera they typically take away from

your eyes and cause shadows. Avoid trying out new hairstyles or makeup techniques on the day of your session, better to try

something new a few days before to make sure you’re accomplishing the look you’re going for.

Style Tips for Him

The Best Fit

Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes is always my

recommendation for Men. Fitted dress pants or fitted solid-colored

pants work best on camera. Patterns like pinstripes, plaid, or small

busy patterns tend to take away from the subject, and can also look

odd on camera, and create a Moire effect so I’d recommend

avoiding them. I also recommend staying away from graphic t-

shirts and large logos.

Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes is always my recommendation for Men. Fitted dress pants or fitted solid-colored pants work best on camera. Patterns like pinstripes, plaid, or small busy patterns tend to take away from the subject, and can also look odd on camera, and create a Moire effect so I’d recommend avoiding them. I also recommend staying away from graphic t-shirts and large logos.

Layered Looks & Details

Layers on men look great on camera. Even if it feels overdressed,

adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest

to your photos. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers, to

break up the color tones. Throw over a nice jacket, or add a long-

sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath a sweater, weather

permitting, of course.

Details for men are SO important too! Make sure to wear your best

watch to really elevate your look.

Layers on men look great on camera. Even if it feels overdressed, adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest

to your photos. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers, to break up the color tones. Throw over a nice jacket, or add a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath a sweater, weather permitting, of course.

Details for men are SO important too! Make sure to wear your best watch to really elevate your look.

If Casual is His Thing

Some men don’t like the dressed up look, or maybe you’re planning

a more casual shoot. A nice, clean pair of jeans and a neutral

colored shirt will work great! Keep it simple, in the end he wants to

feel comfortable in what he’s wearing, so that’s most important.

Some men don’t like the dressed up look, or maybe you’re planning a more casual shoot. A nice, clean pair of jeans and a neutral

colored shirt will work great! Keep it simple, in the end he wants to feel comfortable in what he’s wearing, so that’s most important.

Grooming Tips

Get a fresh haircut a day or two before your session to keep your cut

looking fresh and cleaned up. Trim your facial hair neatly or shave if

you prefer a cleaner look. Ensure your nails are clean and well-

groomed, as they’ll be visible in some shots. If you wear glasses,

decide whether you want to wear them or go without, considering

any glares or reflections.

Get a fresh haircut a day or two before your session to keep your cut looking fresh and cleaned up. Trim your facial hair neatly or shave if you prefer a cleaner look. Ensure your nails are clean and well-groomed, as they’ll be visible in some shots. If you wear glasses, decide whether you want to wear them or go without, considering any glares or reflections.

My #1 Principle for Couples and Their Photo Session is "Coordinating, not Matching."

Keep Location in Mind

Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear

in your couples photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going

to be in the desert where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a

tree at a park surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette

for your outfits that will compliment the setting. Pick out items of

clothing in colors that will compliment the background, and not

compete with it, or blend in too much.

Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear in your couples photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going to be in the desert where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a

tree at a park surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette for your outfits that will compliment the setting. Pick out items of clothing in colors that will compliment the background, and not

compete with it, or blend in too much.

Start With 3 Core Colors

Knowing what colors to wear for couples photos can be tricky. Before

you go unloading your closet, you can simplify this

process with a plan. You can accomplish a cohesive look without

wearing the same outfit. The base colors will be the basics

that will make up the core pieces of your wardrobe.

Knowing what colors to wear for couples photos can be tricky. Before you go unloading your closet, you can simplify this

process with a plan. You can accomplish a cohesive look without wearing the same outfit. The base colors will be the basics

that will make up the core pieces of your wardrobe.

White

Ivory

Beige

Camel

Rich Brown

Brown

Tan

Taupe

Light Gray

Light

Gray

Black

Denim

Add in 1-3 Accent Colors

If you want to add a bit of variety, or if you can't find a complete outfit from your 2-3 core colors, add in a couple of accent colors, to be used less frequently than the core colors.

These colors should complement the neutrals and nearly-neutrals that you're already using. Feel free to use other colors that aren't on this list. These are just colors that are often incorporated and will compliment just about any of the neutrals above.

If you want to add a bit of variety, or if you can't find a complete outfit from

your 2-3 core colors, add in a couple of accent colors, to be used less frequently than the core colors. These colors should complement the neutrals and nearly-neutrals that you're already using. Fell free to use other colors that aren't on this list. These are just colors that are often incorporated and will compliment just about any of the neutrals above.

Dusty

Blue

Dusty

Blue

Mustard

Dusty

Green

Dusty

Green

Olive

Dusty Pink

Rust

Emerald

Use These Sample Palettes to Visualize Wardrobe Options for Your Family.

Core

Accent

Core

Accent

Core

Accent

Don't be Afraid to Incorporate Some Patterns Into Your Wardrobe Too.

Start with solid colors and subtle textures as the foundation of your wardrobe. To add interest, incorporate a patterned piece—like a floral dress, a fun skirt, or a textured jacket. Just be sure to balance patterns with neutral solids to keep the overall look cohesive and timeless. A few favorite combos: a flowy floral dress for her, neutral tones for him, and cozy textures like knits or linen for a natural, earthy vibe

When choosing your outfits, start with solid colors and pieces that have some nice texture—think knits, linen, denim, or soft cotton. To add visual interest, one of you can incorporate a subtle pattern, like a floral dress or a plaid button-up. Just be sure to balance patterns with solid neutrals to keep the overall look cohesive and not too busy. A great combo might be a flowy printed dress paired with your partner in earthy tones and a textured sweater or jacket. Aim for outfits that feel like you and complement each other without perfectly matching—for a look that's natural, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.

Want to Simplify Your Outfit Even More?
Go All Neutral.

Does picking a palette sound like too much? You can hit the easy

button and still let each other shine by going all-neutral all the way.

Especially if you’re going for a boho look! Start with white, cream,

tan or beige for most of the pieces, then mix in a couple nice colors

like olive green or khaki pants and finish it off with a couple hits of

visual interest with textures. Some I love are lace, corduroy, knits,

satin, linen, and waffle cloth.

Does picking a palette sound like too much? You can hit the easy button and still let each other shine by going all-neutral all the way. Especially if you’re going for a boho look! Start with white, cream, tan or beige for most of the pieces, then mix in a couple nice colors like olive green or khaki pants and finish it off with a couple hits of visual interest with textures. Some I love are lace, corduroy, knits, satin, linen, and waffle cloth.

Feel Free to Get Creative With It & Make It Fun! These Are Your Couple Photos After All!

Moodboards

Clean & Simple

Core

Accent

This one is a perfect example of

incorporating textures and simple

patterns! And the whites really add a clean

and polished feel. Everyone here is

wearing mainly the same colors, but with

variety in textures in Mom’s and Son’s

choices, it all works together.

This one is a perfect example of incorporating textures and simple patterns! And the whites really add a clean and polished feel. Everyone here is wearing mainly the same colors, but with the variety in textures in Mom’s and Son’s choices, it all works together.

This one is a perfect example of

incorporating textures and simple

patterns! And the whites really add a clean

and polished feel. Everyone here is

wearing mainly the same colors, but with

variety in textures in Mom’s and Son’s

choices, it all works together.

Classic Boho

Core

Accent

The boho neutral look has become a

classic, go-to look in family photos and is

always a good choice. Neutrals like these

whites, creams, taupe and brown bring

out your beautiful skin tones. There is a

level of casualness to it, but the girl’s

dresses bring a touch of fancy!

The boho neutral look has become a classic, go-to look in family photos and is always a good choice. Neutrals like these whites, creams, taupe and brown bring out your beautiful skin tones. There is a level of casualness to it, but the girl’s dresses bring a touch of fancy!

The boho neutral look has become a

classic, go-to look in family photos and is

always a good choice. Neutrals like these

whites, creams, taupe and brown bring

out your beautiful skin tones. There is a

level of casualness to it, but the girl’s

dresses bring a touch of fancy!

Poppy & Fun

Core

Accent

This one is a perfect example of choosing

simple core colors and pulling in accent

colors to really make a fun color palette

with several pops of color that doesn’t

always have to be all neutral and simple.

We can make your family photos fun and

colorful too!

This one is a perfect example of choosing simple core colors and pulling in accent colors to really make a fun color palette with several pops of color that doesn’t always have to be all neutral and simple. We can make your family photos fun and colorful too!

This one is a perfect example of choosing

simple core colors and pulling in accent

colors to really make a fun color palette

with several pops of color that doesn’t

always have to be all neutral and simple.

We can make your family photos fun and

colorful too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Session Checklist

Set date, time and location with Copper and Coal Photos
Choose package and pay retainer
Review guide for style and preparation tips
Look at options in client closet if applicable
Select everyone’s outfit
Schedule hair and makeup appointments (if desired)
Pay Remaining Balance with Copper and Coal Photos

Set date, time and location with Copper and Coal Photos
Choose package and pay retainer
Review guide for style and preparation tips
Look at options in client closet if applicable
Select everyone’s outfit
Schedule hair and makeup appointments (if desired)
Pay Remaining Balance with Copper and Coal Photos

Session Day

We will meet at the pre-determined time/location. You should arrive ready in your first outfit. Pack a bag with:

Flats or flip flops for walking to photo spots if your choosing to
wear heeled shoes
Touch-up makeup and towels or tissue to dab sweat if desired
Embrace movement and interaction: Don't be afraid to be playful, laugh, and focus on each other rather than perfect poses.
Connect physically: Hold hands, hug, and get close to each other.

We will meet at the pre-determined time/location. You should arrive ready in your first outfit. Pack a bag with:

Flats or flip flops for walking to photo spots if your choosing to
wear heeled shoes
Touch-up makeup and towels or tissue to dab sweat if desired
Embrace movement and interaction: Don't be afraid to be playful, laugh, and focus on each other rather than perfect poses.
Connect physically: Hold hands, hug, and get close to each other.

Album Delivery

I will email you an invitation to view and download your photo gallery

within 3-4 calendar weeks after your session.

I will email you an invitation to view and download your photo gallery within 3-4 calendar weeks after your session.

Thank You!

Thank you for your attention and consideration to this guide. I know

that all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help

make your experience something you look back on for years to come.

At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you

select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make

together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me,

and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and

enjoy.

Thank you for your attention and consideration of this guide. I know that all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your experience something you look back on for years to come. At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy.