Taylor + Reuben - Dixie Rock


Do you remember your first couples session where you didn't know the couple prior? How nervous were you? I was pretty terrified. I made sure I got there 30 minutes prior and scoped out all the places I wanted to shoot. I had been to Dixie Rock several times before this, but never to take pictures and I found so many unexplored places! I had studied my Pinterest for hours trying to memorize all the things I was going to say, how I was going to direct them, how I was going to make them feel comfortable, etc; to get that PERFECT pose! I think I referred back to my phone about 20 times throughout the session, they were so patient and kind about it. Leaving the session, I felt like we got some great pictures and I met 2 awesome human beings. Overall a 10/10 experience!


I refer less and less to the notes on my phone each session. The best part about prompts rather than poses is that each person and relationship is different! So if you tell the boyfriend to run up and hug the girlfriend he may do it 5 different ways, and her reaction will vary each time too. It makes for a more fun and memorable experience and the pictures always turn out so cute! So here are some of my go-to prompts!


  1. Hip bump as you're walking toward the camera-look down, look at each other, look at me, end with a kiss!
  2. Give your partner the bumpiest piggy-back ride ever! This one brings out the cutest smiles and they have so much fun!
  3. Guy stands behind the girl and does airplane arms then wraps them into a hug. I've seen a lot of variations with this one!
  4. Hug from behind and sway side-to-side
  5. Sit next to/cuddle each other and try to bump the other one over
  6. Have the guy run up and surprise hug the girl from behind, pick her up, and swing her back & forth - also one of my favorites for smiles! Be aware of if the couple is unable to do this before asking. The last thing you want to do is make them feel embarrassed about that!


Couples are SO much fun!! I hope these prompts help you out in your next shoot.

Black and white portrait of a couple in matching fleece pullovers smiling at camera.
A couple posing in front of a dramatic slot canyon wearing coordinated casual outfits.
A couple shares an intimate moment while posing in a desert canyon setting.
A couple in matching casual outfits posing together against red rock formations.
Blurred artistic photo of a couple in blue plaid and white sharing an intimate moment.
A dramatic black and white overhead shot of a couple in a loving embrace.
A black and white photo capturing an intimate moment between a couple in a desert setting.
A black and white image of a couple holding hands while walking on rocky terrain.
Close up portrait of person in blue plaid button-down shirt against red rock background.
A happy couple poses together in black and white against a natural backdrop.
A romantic couple sharing a tender kiss against a backdrop of red rock cliffs at sunset.
A tender moment captured between a couple with red rocks in the background.
A romantic embrace captured between a couple against red rock formations at sunset.
Person in white sweater and navy hat poses against red rock cave wall.
Intimate close-up of a couple sharing a tender moment wearing plaid and a navy hat.