Engagement Photo Ideas for Awkward Partners: Easy Tips for Natural, Fun, and Candid Couples Portraits

Let’s be honest… most people don’t know what to do with their hands.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not photogenic” or, “My partner hates being in photos”—you’re far from alone.

Some of my absolute favorite engagement photos started with nervous laughter, stiff shoulders, and partners quietly whispering, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” And that’s okay. That’s normal. Actually, that’s where the magic starts.

I’ve been photographing real couples in real, unscripted moments for over two decades, and here’s what I’ve learned: awkward is a part of the process. But awkward isn’t permanent. With the right energy and a little trust, that weird discomfort gives way to laughter, movement, and connection that feels like you.

So if you (or your person) are feeling unsure about being in front of the camera, this guide is for you. Let’s swap stiff poses for fun interaction and create photos that actually feel like you two being yourselves.

First things first: You don’t have to be “camera people.”

Most of the couples I work with say some version of the same thing: “We’re awkward.”
I get it. I actually hate being in front of the camera too.

But here’s the truth that makes all the difference: You’re not performing. You are not here to “look good” in the traditional, stiff, stand-here-smile-there kind of way. You’re showing up to spend time together—have a laugh, maybe take a walk, and see what unfolds. That’s where the good stuff lives.

My job is to give you the space to relax and just enough guidance to help you feel confident. Gentle prompts. Easy wins. Real interaction. That’s how I help people stop thinking about the “pose” and start living in the moment.

Let me show you how.

3 Engagement Photo Tips for “Not Photo People” Who Just Want to Have Fun

1. Start with something simple

No model training required. I like to begin with what I call easy wins—these are quick, natural-feeling moments that build momentum. Something like:

• Face each other and hold hands
• One partner wraps their arms around the other from behind
• Look at me for one shot, then at each other for the next

The idea is to build a comfort zone first. I want you to see that you already look great without trying hard.

Once we do a few of these simple ones, I always show the back of the camera. Couples are usually like, “Wait… that’s us?” Yep. That mini confidence boost goes a long way.

2. Make it about each other, not the lens

If your partner hates being photographed, here’s my go-to advice: Don’t focus on the fact that a camera is there. Focus on each other.

You’re not performing for me. You’re simply sharing a moment together—like you would on a weekend walk or cozy afternoon at home.

At some point during every session, I try to take myself out of the equation. I’ll say something like, “Okay, just take a little walk, talk about what you want for dinner later, or laugh about something silly,” and then I step back.

Those in-between moments, where you forget I’m even there, are often the photos couples love most.

3. Movement is your best friend

There’s no better cure for awkwardness than doing something together. Still poses can make anyone feel tense, so throughout your engagement session, I’ll suggest things like:

• Walk hand in hand and chat like you’re heading into your favorite brunch spot
• Spin your partner around or do a playful lean-in
• Run up a little hill or share a clumsy laugh mid-jump

Movement makes you loosen up. It gives your session energy. And frankly, it replaces the question of “Do I look good?” with something more natural: “Did we have fun?”

Spoiler alert: the answer will be yes.

Why it works (and why you’ll feel better than you expect)

Over the years, I’ve worked with couples from all walks of life—and so many of them come into an engagement session feeling unsure. But after a little movement, some laughter, and a few photos that already look and feel just like them, something shifts.

You stop overthinking it. You start trusting the process. And that ease? It shows up in every frame.

Engagement sessions aren’t about producing the “perfect photo.” They’re about celebrating connection. Creating space to just be you.

So if your partner’s nervous—or you both are—know this: I’ve got you. You don’t need to perform. You just need to show up as yourselves. The rest, we’ll figure out together.

Ready to book an engagement session that puts comfort (and fun) first?

I photograph adventurous, down-to-earth couples across Ontario who want candid, vibrant memories—not stiff, stop-and-smile moments. If that sounds like your vibe, let’s chat.

You can visit mattgreenphotography.com to see more of my work or reach out directly to start planning your session. I’ll bring the camera—and the calm confidence to help your photos feel as great as they look.

You don’t need to be “photo people.” You just need to be yourselves. And that’s more than enough.