Coffee Shop Couples Session
One of my favorite parts about my job is being able to meet so many amazing couples and getting to find new & fun locations to shoot at. When Svea and Mary initially reached out to me for this session, we knew that we wanted to do something laid-back and casual. Of course, like many of us out there coffee is one thing that we bonded over. So what better than to head to a coffee shop for their session, am I right??
Coffee Shop Couples Session
It was a cloudy yet gorgeous day when I met up with Mary and Svea at Likewise Coffee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As soon as you walk into the coffee shop you are welcomed with a wall filled with windows than shine in the natural bright light. I had Mary and Svea sit up against the windows as we began taking photos while awaiting their coffee order. We took some photos inside with them enjoying their coffee’s, which by the way can we just admire how delectable they look? I may or may not be craving one this second… note to self: get coffee in the morning.
After we bundled up our coats and braced ourself for the Milwaukee winter weather. The snow had melted and the sun came out so we were able to get some amazing sunlight grazing across their skin… or winter coats. However you want to see it, you have to admit that these photos were next level beautiful. Despite being out and about in public, these two and their love just radiated through the camera. After saying our goodbyes and parting ways, I eagerly headed home to edit these photos. I couldn’t believe how amazing Mary and Svea looked in these photos, they seriously were naturals especially for shooting in a public space. A lot fo you may be shivering at the thought of shooting in public, but I’ve developed some tips & tricks throughout the years that have made the nerves seemingly go away.
Tips to Getting Comfortable Shooting in Public
For many of you, the thought about shooting in public may make your palms sweat. Trust me, I get it. When I first started my photography journey, shooting couples in public was definitely a fear of mine. It’s one of those things that definitely gets better over time but you still can get those moments of nervousness. Over the years I have definitely learned a few tips and tricks to help you get comfortable in front of the camera ESPECIALLY when shooting in public.
1.) Shoot early in the morning of end of day: If you are heading to an especially public & crowded place, aim to shoot towards the early morning or late at night. As soon as that restaurant, coffee shop, bar opens up make sure that you are there and waiting to be the first ones to arrive. If you’re not a morning person, have no fear! Heading to that public spot towards the end of the day can almost guarantee little to no people. You don’t have to worry about anybody coming into any of your shots and you ditch all of those “shooting in public” fears.
2.) People aren’t ACTUALLY watching you: Okay, so I know we all have that fear that “everyone is watching us” especially when taking photos in public. Now while I do believe that everyone is the main character, when it comes to taking photos not THAT many people will be staring. Taking photos in public spaces has become a lot less infrequent and a part of everyday life! Which leads me into my next point…
3.) Taking photos is a part of everyday life: With social media & Tik Tok BOOMING, taking photos has become the new norm. While I am all for living in the moment and not everything needs to be documented, seeing the casual Gen Z’er snapping a photo of their coffee or taking a selfie in front of their favorite book shop has become a lot more natural. So next time you are scared to pose in front of the camera, just remember… everyone is doing it too!
4.) Practice, practice, practice: You can’t grow and progress if you stay within your comfort zone, so sometimes the best advice is to just PRACTICE! The couples that I’ve worked with who are a lot more fluid and comfortable in front of the camera are the ones who have done it before. Practice makes perfect and things definitely become easier the more you do it.
5.) When in doubt, keep your eye on the prize!: Remember that the reason you are doing this photoshoot in the first place is to get BOMB A** PHOTOS. You are going to look great, your photographer job is to make you look stunning and you know when you receive those final photos that it was ALL worth it. So next time you feel a little goofy posing in public, just remember that the end result is beyond worth it.
If you loved this Coffee Shop Couples Session, then you’re going to love these Lifestyle Engagement Photos at Broken Bat Brewery.
