Everytime I go on vacation I simply have no idea how I’m going to get a good photo of my boyfriend and I together. Trying to manage setting up a tripod or asking a stranger to take our photo is awkward enough. Not to mention, I blank on pose ideas when I’m not the one behind the camera. I wanted to compile a list of my favorite go-to couples poses that are simply perfect for a beachy backdrop. This way, I have you covered!

If you don’t have a friend or the guts to ask a bystander to take your photo, I highly recommend setting up an iphone tripod and just setting it on video so you can screenshot the best angles. Being that these poses involve lots of movement to avoid feeling stiff and uncomfortable, you’re going to need quite a few frames to go through and find the right shot!

Before we get started, I have a few tips to make sure this goes smooth and effortless. Most of these poses are movement based so that we can capture a candid-feel. After all, that’s my goal for any beach session. Remember to enjoy the moment and forget about the camera throughout these poses. This is how you’re going to get those genuine smiles captured. Once you’re in each pose it’s good to stay in motion so you have a variety to choose from. Here are some varying movements you can make in each pose:

• Sway back and forth
• Rest your foreheads together
• Nose to nose (butterfly kiss)
• A kiss on the cheek
• Nuzzle into the shoulder
• Smile back at each other
• A kiss (Obviously!)

Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to get into each pose!

Seated Snuggle

This first pose is my go to for comfort and variety. We’ll begin by having the boyfriend seated. Then, the girlfriend can sit between his legs, slightly off centered. (Make sure no one’s heads are blocking each other in camera.) From here, you’ll want to look at each other and transition into variations in continuous motion.

Seated Wrap Around

For our next pose, you’ll want to keep the boyfriend seated. The girlfriend can get up and kneal down behind him, wrapping her arms around him. You’ll both want to rest hands together and smile at each other. This is a great pose to get a classic smile-at-the-camera shot. You’ll want to snuggle in pressing your heads together to do it.

Hand Holding and Walking

This is another very basic pose, but it gets you moving and brings out tons of laughter. You’ll want to start further away from your camera and walk directly towards it and past it for the best photos. While hand in hand, keeps your eyes on each other. My favorite way to bring the energy out is by skipping instead of walking. This creates a more lively movement.

Sushi Roll

The sushi roll name always gets a good laugh. I love this one because it’s really just a more fun way to get into one of my more basic poses. You’ll begin hand in hand standing side by side. Next, the girlfriend will literally roll or spin her body into her own arms leading into the boyfriend’s embrace. She’ll end up with her back to his chest and their arms wrapped around each other. In this pose you can sway backand forth, give a kiss on the cheek, and lean forheads together.

Push and Pull

To keep the prompts going, the push and pull adds even more movement. For this pose, you’ll want to face each other holding both hands. Then, you’ll push and pull each other away and together. You can boop noses when you get close and spin when you get farther.

Lift and Spin

For the last pose, my favorite, you’re welcome to step into the water for the full effect. Facing each other chest to chest, the boyfriend will lift the girlfriend from underneath the butt. She’ll wrap her arms over his shoulders and kick her legs up. Then, he’ll spin them around while they giggle in circles.

That’s everything! You officially have the ultimate guide for a quick couples photo shoot on the beach. You should feel more comfortable as you go through each pose. Feel free to put your own spin on things— that’s how you get the best results!