As an Aberdeen photographer, I take pictures of all sorts of weddings, events and groups of people, but, between you and me: couple's photo shoots are some of my absolute favourites.
Allowing two people the space to plan their perfect date and get wrapped up in their love for each other? Sometimes I can't believe this is my job.
But, often, couples feel a bit intimidated by planning their photo session. They know they want beautiful pictures, but they can't quite picture how they want the photos to look. Or, sometimes, they CAN picture how they want the photos to look, but they're scared they'll sound silly when they suggest it to me (I promise you: the more nervous you feel about your idea, the more I'm bound to love it!).
I can give you as much or as little help with this as you need. I have a number of favourite locations which I will happily take you to where I know we'll get gorgeous shots. Hell, I can stand the pair of you in front of any old blank wall and, once I get you giggling, the pictures are going to be cute.
So, if you want to keep it simple, leave it with me and I'll take you somewhere lovely.
But, if you want something truly special to the two of you, here are some questions it can be helpful to ask yourselves:
What Type of Location Appeals to US?
Broadly speaking, photo shoot location options can be broken down into the following categories:
the Beach
Green Spaces
Quaint and Historic AREAS
Modern UrbaN
Woodland
Home/indoors
We are extremely fortunate in Aberdeen City to have all of these options within easy walking distance of each other. If you can't choose just one option, adding an extra hour or two to your photo shoot allows us to visit several. As a rough guide, you will need around one hour per category.
But if we're sticking to one hour or one location, here's how to narrow it down:
Where Do We Like to Spend Time?
While it can be nice to go somewhere new and different, if, say, you walk your dogs along the beach every single Sunday morning, that's always going to be something the two of you remember about this period of your lives. It would be lovely to have photos of that to look back on, wherever you find yourselves ten, twenty, sixty years from now.
is there somewhere we have Always Meant to Visit?
Alternatively, if people keep telling you about a beautiful park or a gorgeous walk nearby, a photo session can be the prompt you need to pay it a visit.
Is There Somewhere WHich has meaning for Us?
Think about which locations have played a significant role in your love story to date. Where did you meet? Where did you spend lots of time in the early days of your relationship? Where was your most memorable date?
If you're having the photos taken to celebrate your anniversary, you might want to consider revisiting the location of your first date or the place where you got married.
Or, if you're moving into - or out of - your first home together, why not get some pictures there to help you commemorate the occasion?
What Sort of Art Do We already Like?
Take a moment to look around your home right now - what sort of pictures are you already displaying on your walls and where do you imagine hanging these new photos? I know, for example, that woodland photos work better in my dark green bedroom, but beachfront shots would suit my pale blue living room. Knowing whether you like pastels or brights, florals or graphics can help you figure out the sort of vibe you would like to go for.
What Are Our Favourite Stories?
Have a look at the posters for your favourite movies and the covers of your favourite albums. These are often masterclasses in summarising a story. Would you like a Taylor Swift moment, hair blowing against a blue sky as seagulls fly overhead? Kissing in the rain like it's The Notebook? Or do you want to sit together on a kerb with brightly coloured graffiti in the background? If you would like to tell me, "Go and Google this album cover - that's our vibe," I'm opening a search engine now.
What's Our Dream Date?
Imagine I'm not there. Imagine nobody's taking a photo. You've left your phones at home. It's just the two of you with time to fill in any way you please.
Are we going for a walk along the beach, ice creams or takeaway coffees in hand? Are we going to look at art or Aberdeen's top tourist spots? Are we cosying up indoors to play board games or bake a ludicrously extravagant cake? Are we (by which I mean "you" - I'll bring a zoom lens and stand still) doing whatever it is people with a love of extreme sports do?
Nobody knows what's romantic to the two of you except the two of you. I can make guesses; only you can tell the true story.
And I promise you - I PROMISE YOU - that, no matter how "weird" you think your idea might be, if it's super-specific to the two of you, I'm going to think that it's perfect.
A Note About Permits and Permissions
People are often surprised at how many places we need permission to take photos at and how many require you to purchase a permit first.
Permits help to cover the upkeep of the building or grounds and, where a charity doesn't charge for use, it's good form to make a donation instead. I have a favourite green space (I'll happily take you there) which I make a donation to every spring as a way of saying thank you.
As a (very) rough guide:
Indoors
If we're taking photos anywhere indoors, we need permission to do so. This includes buildings which are open to the public such as libraries, galleries, museums, shops, cafes etc. A small number - in particular castles and historic buildings - will require you to buy a permit (or will be an outright no), but many will agree for free if the photos are for personal use.
Manicured Parks and Gardens
If we're taking photos in any garden or in some parks, we need permission to do so. This includes the grounds of any National Trust or Historic Scotland properties; these properties usually require you to buy a permit.
outdoors
A lot of other green spaces, beaches and woodland are covered by the Scottish Access Code which allows photography for personal use, with certain provisos which I'll keep you right on. When we use these areas, we must always follow the Code, which means doing no harm, leaving nothing behind, and removing nothing (did you know it's illegal to take stones from Scottish beaches? I'll photograph any good ones you find, though).
