10 Of My Favorite Prompts/Poses

In the early days of my photography career, I’d spend hours searching through YouTube and Pinterest, looking for ideas that felt not stiff or overly staged.

Over the years, I’ve built up a list of favorites that actually work. They help couples loosen up, bring out real emotion, and create movement that makes photos come to life.

Whether you’re a photographer looking to build your toolkit or a couple wondering what it’s like to shoot with me, here are 10 of my favorite prompts that always deliver.

1. Nose Attack

Have your couple stand belly to belly, holding hands. Ask them to point both of their index fingers forward. Then say, “Try to touch each other’s nose, but don’t let them touch yours!”

This one guarantees real laughter and sweet chaos.

2. Simple Spin

A classic that never fails. Have one partner spin the other while holding hands. I use this during every session!

3. The Great Escape

Have one partner stand behind the other, for example, her back to his front. The front person crosses their arms into an “X” over their chest, and the person behind wraps their arms around them.

Now say: “You have to try to escape his arms and you- don’t let her out!”

Pro tip: Save this one for later in the session, after they’ve warmed up a bit.

4. Bumpy Ride

Start with a classic piggy-back ride, but add a twist! Have the carrier bounce and spin. This adds energy and creates movement that makes the photo come alive.

5. Drunk Walk

Have the couple stand side by side. One partner throws their arm around the other’s shoulder while they hold hands. Then say, “Pretend you’ve had way too much to drink, and you’re trying to help him find his way home.”

I always get some of my best shots from this one!

6. Bump Hips

A crowd favorite in the photography community! As the couple walks toward you, have them bump hips like they’re playfully trying to knock each other off balance. I usually say, “Don’t be afraid to send her flying!” 

7. First Kiss Practice

Have your couple stand face to face, holding hands loosely down by their sides. Tell them to pretend this is the first kiss after being pronounced Mr. & Mrs.

Bonus tip: Be sure to capture a few frames before the kiss!

8. Slingshot

Start with one partner standing in front of the other, holding hands like they’re leading. Then have the front partner “whip” the other in front of them like a slingshot. The new person in front repeats it back.

Encourage them to go all in and have fun with it!

9. The Lift

Tell your couple to lift by the butt! Make sure to have her kick her feet. Start with eye contact then ask them to kiss!

Note: make sure your couples are comfortable with this one first!

10. In and Out

Have the couple stand belly to belly, holding both hands with feet planted. Then have one partner push and pull the other toward and away from them quickly, ending each pull with a kiss. It’s silly, fun, and usually ends in giggles!

Want more prompts like this? Let me know and I can share more!