Photographing COUPLES? Here's How to Do It! | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

It’s back to basic photography in the studio as Gavin Hoey shows you how to get started and improve your home studio photos of couples. If you've ever struggled with photographing couples in the studio or found your results a little disappointing, this video is a must-watch!

On-camera flash is a simple way to light couple portraits, but as Gavin shows, it's harder than you might think. Have you ever wondered, "How do I get rid of the shadow behind my model?" Gavin has the answer, and it’s all about the bounce flash.

For even better couple portraits, Gavin suggests using off-camera flash. Watch as he explains why a large softbox beats a bare flash in creating beautiful, soft shadows that flatter both subjects. He also shares tips on positioning your light for maximum simplicity and how to keep the session fun and relaxed, ensuring that both you and your couple enjoy the experience.

Whether you're new to couples photography or just looking to improve your studio lighting skills, this “how-to” video will help you create stunning portraits with minimal equipment. Sometimes, the simplest lighting setups yield the best results, so learn how to make your "boring" light look amazing!

Gavin Hoey is a freelance photographer, writer, and trainer of all things photographic. His work is regularly featured in photography magazines, websites and videos. Gavin has a real passion for sharing his photography and Photoshop knowledge. In 2008 he started recording and uploading video tutorials to YouTube.

Timestamps and Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:51 Basic camera settings for couple portraits
1:21 Setting up on-camera TTL flash for a studio shoot
2:42-2:47 Different flash examples
2:51 Couple portraits with bounced TTL flash
3:45 Setting up off-camera manual flash
4:40 Move the flash to control the shadows
6:25 Couple portraits with a single large softbox
6:40 Photo session with ring Llght as a background
7:07 Super simple couple pose
7:47 How to relax your couple for studio shoots
9:29 Outro

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✘ GEAR USED:

Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X PRO Speedlight

Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro

Sony Alpha a7RV

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm

Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket

Flashpoint R2 Nano Touchscreen TTL Wireless Flash Trigger

Tether Tools TetherGuard LeverLock Plate and TetherPro 15' USB-C

Easiframe Cyclorama Curved Frame

Easiframe Cyclorama Fabric Backdrop, White

#couplesphotography #studiolighting #adorama

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Model: Jack Marshall on Instagram

Model: Annabel Marshall on Instagram

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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[wesleyhicks]

You do more in 9 minutes than others can do in 9 hrs. Simple, to the point, and fun. Thanks Gavin !

[josephchan]

Awesome!! Always learn a lot. Just took some pictures of me wearing fashion jewelry and other. May do some more during the fall. Thanks for the class.

[patrick]

Great video from Gavin as always - the prop is a no-brainer now that I’ve seen it, but never thought of it! Gav always brings out the best in anyone in front of his camera 👍👌

[TheOlandex]

Another great video as always from Mr. Hoey. Thanks Gavin!

[mainanant]

This video summarized all the learnings I had with Gavin Hoey's videos. Thanks for this one video.

[chrisandrew]

That was awesome - many thanks Gavin and Adorama team for these amazing tips!!

[Stiil-dh]

Gavin you are the best to watch =) best scence of humor

[lisapalzer]

This is such a great and fun video!! Looks like an amazing couple :) Thanks Gavin!

[alanroderick]

Super Intro/recap video. The couple were great ! "Heads in the same plane" was drummed into me by my original mentor, and still comes to mind every time I do two or more subjects (at least for normal images). Thanks to All !

[joeyrobertson]

Extremely helpful! Amazing photos!! Thanks for sharing 📸

[seaeagles]

I really enjoyed this video Gavin and I'm always picking up good advice. Thank you 😊

[SeanLuc_Photo]

Another great video Gavin, thanks for sharing these tips.

[paulbell]

That looked so much fun Gavin. Lots of great tips as always, nice to see how to handle a couples shoot. The images looked great 😊

[jaimesilva_photographya]

Great video! Thank's for sharing these tips!

[quietset]

Gavin! Great video and super useful information as always! You are the best teacher and an outstanding photographer!. I respect you and adminire you. I learnt so much from you. Please keep being an inspiration for thousands of photographers and new photographers around the world. Thank you.

[KatieF]

For using the on-camera flash with the Pro V1 unit, they have an accessory kit that has a bounce card. You can angle the head to the ceiling, but prevent the light from flowing over to your subject creating shadows.

[GTGeorgeW]

Great Video Gavin!!
Now we need to complementary Video for Editing and extending the Background. :)

[L.Spencer]

Boy, I really need this. Class starts this week and I feel like I've forgotten anything I might have learned. I want to try having the light source far away, I haven't tried that much. And I always forget how to make the background light and white. Looks like the couple were pretty close to the background but too much.

[Oztubee]

Those are great, thank you!

Do you shoot in raw?
How do you edit those studio photo shoots? What color setting do you ? (Saturation, contrast, HSL, and color grading)

[fabianalata]

Hello, i'm a huge fan of Gavin!!!
WHat are u using as a backgound?