Why Have an Indoor Couples Photoshoot

April 19, 2024

Overhead view of a couple lying on a hardwood floor, smiling and holding hands, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere

Studios spaces can be amazing when it comes to capturing stunning images and that includes couples sessions. An indoor couples photoshoot gives you so many options and allows you to be really creative with what you capture. 

As a portrait photographer myself, I have captured couples in all sorts of places, but studio sessions are unique. There is something special about these and the time and flexibility you have during the session to create something amazing. 

So, if you are thinking about having an indoor couples photoshoot, take a look at some of the top benefits of having one as well as what to look for in a studio!  

Why do an indoor photoshoot vs an outdoor couples photoshoot? 

You’ve probably seen photos from indoor photoshoots before, but odds are most of them were probably brand photos. After all, when it comes to couples photography, people tend to lean more into outdoor or at home sessions. 

And, while these can be amazing and create unique photos in their own right, there is something special about doing an indoor photoshoot with your partner. Indoor sessions allow you to be a bit more flexible and free when it comes to creating unique images and capturing your authentic love. 

First of all, you’ll find that you actually just have more flexibility in when you can actually schedule your session. Most of the time, photographers will try to schedule these sessions around golden hour to capture that stunning glow in your photos. 

And don’t get me wrong, that is an incredible time to be outside taking photos, however, doing an indoor session really gives you the flexibility to do the session whenever you would like. 

You also get the chance to be a bit more creative with what you actually photograph than you do when you are outside. This is due to a few different factors. 

One, it may just be hard to carry certain things around when you are doing an outdoor session. For example, maybe you and your partner love to play board games and want that captured in your photos. 

When you’re outside, it can be awkward to just carry around a game, plus you have to fight with the elements sometimes and it can just be too difficult. With a studio session, however, you don’t have to worry about lugging things around or having the wind blow away all of your Monopoly money. Everything is controlled and flexible. 

There are even some things that you can only do if you are having an indoor session. If you and your partner like to cozy up on the couch, for example, an indoor session may be better since you can’t exactly do that in the middle of a park. 

But, with a studio, you are able to have more creative flexibility and add things into your session that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. You can also bring a wider range of props for your session. 

Having an indoor session allows you to bring a wider range of props that you can use for your session depending on what you and your photographer feel in the moment. Plus, since you don’t have to carry them around everywhere, if you figure out that one prop doesn’t work the best, you don’t need to feel obligated to use it just because you’ve been carrying it around. 

With a studio, you also don’t have to worry about the weather or what is going on outside. You can still have your session if it is snowing, raining, sunny, or anything in between. So, instead of constantly having to change your plans or reschedule your session, everything is able to go off without a hitch. 

Being at a studio also allows you to pack more things for yourself, like drinks and snacks if you need them. Studios also have one major thing that you don’t really think about when it comes to outdoor sessions until you need it and that is a bathroom. 

While it may seem super simple, it is so much easier to change into a different outfit or make any adjustments when you have a private bathroom that you can go into. No more worrying about where to find a bathroom or changing in your car. This solves all of those issues! 

Indoor sessions are great when it comes to accessibility as well. With these sessions, you don’t have to worry about walking far to different locations or scouting them out beforehand to make sure they are okay. Instead, everything is just in one spot!

Finally, doing an indoor couples photoshoot means you don’t have to worry about anyone else around. While we definitely try to just ignore other people when we are outside, sometimes it can feel awkward taking pictures with your partner as people just jog by on their evening run or are out with their family. 

With a studio session, you eliminate all of those outside factors and distractions so you and your partner are able to focus on each other and have a great time together. 

MacKenzie and Nick’s Indoor Couple’s Session

MacKenzie and Nick recently opted for an indoor couple’s photoshoot and it was so much fun. First of all, my studio at the New York Wire Works building in York, PA was the perfect spot for them. 

The space has a bit of an industrial vibe to it which matched perfectly with what they were looking for. Plus, the windows let in so much natural light that it really makes the photos pop. 

Since we had a bit of creative flexibility because we were inside, we got to play around a bit with prisms and it was so much fun. These are one of the things that can be difficult to use if you are doing a more traditional outdoor session. 

Plus, the studio happens to be right on top of an amazing cafe that not only serves up one of the best London Fog I have ever had, but is also the perfect place to stop for a post session treat! 

What are important things to look for in a studio? 

"A couple in a warm embrace by the window, sun casting a glow on their casual attire, sharing a private moment

When it comes to indoor couples photo sessions, there are a couple of things that you can look for when you  are choosing your photos. One, is making sure that there are plenty of lights. 

Whether you are going during the day or at night, make sure that you have plenty of natural or artificial light. However, if you can find something with more natural light, this is going to be better! 

You also want to find something that has a nice open floor plan. This will allow you to be a bit more creative with what you can do during the session, especially if you are planning on bringing any props into the studio. 

It is also important to check and see if you will have the studio you are booking all to yourself. Some studios will rent out different parts at the same time, or the entire space. If you can, it is best to get the whole space so you are able to play around however you would like. 

When it comes to the studio, while most of them will be “blank slates” some of them will have certain vibes to them that may or may not match what you are going for during your session. 

For example, the New York Wire Works building has a very industrial style vibe to it with plain white walls and old wooden floors. While the space itself is open for interpretation, if you are going for something like an upscale, luxurious vibe, this may not be the best place. 

So, make sure to look around the space and think about if you would like photographing there even if you stripped away any of the extra additions you are bringing! 

Final thoughts on Indoor Couples Photoshoots

Hopefully this information has helped you as you start to plan your own indoor couples photoshoot. While it is something that you may not initially think of, having an indoor session is a great way to showcase your love for one another. 

If you are ready to have your own session and think that the New York Wire Works building is the perfect spot for you, let’s do it! You can click here to learn more about my portrait photography services or you can head over here to get in touch with me and share your vision for your one of a kind session!


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