Announcing Our 2024 Editor's Picks Awards

Love is a force of nature, and when captured beautifully, it speaks volumes through a single picture. This Valentine's Day, we are thrilled to announce the 20 winners of our Editor's Picks Awards in the "Connected Couples" category and to share portrait posing tips that will make your photos worth printing and framing. A celebration of portraits that exude connection, comfort, and authenticity, these stunning photos showcase couples who not only look wildly in love but are also relaxed and at ease, allowing their emotions to take center stage.

Photographing portraits like the ones below requires more than just technical skill; it calls for trust between the couple and the photographer and some portrait posing tips to get prepared. Whether you're a couple getting ready for your engagement session or a photographer aiming to capture heartfelt moments, scroll down to see our 20 award winners and find some essential portrait posing tips to bring out natural chemistry and deep affection in every frame.

Portrait Posing Tips for Couples: Letting Your Love Shine Through

1. Start with Movement
Stiff, static poses can feel awkward and forced. Instead, begin with small movements—walking hand-in-hand, dancing to an invisible melody, or whispering sweet things to one another. Movement encourages natural expressions and helps everyone feel more at ease.

2. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
The most powerful pictures are often made when the subjects let go. Couples looking into each other's eyes, sharing an inside joke, or simply resting their foreheads together can encourage closeness. When partners focus on their connection rather than the lens, their emotion comes through effortlessly.

3. Embrace the Power of Touch
Physical connection is key to capturing intimacy. Holding hands, wrapping arms around each other, or gently placing a hand on a partner’s face, can bring warmth and intimacy to a portrait.

4. Lean Into Natural Comfort
Not every pose needs to be perfectly structured. Relaxed positions that feel natural, look natural. The best photos feel truly organic and spontaneous.

5. Encourage Laughter and Playfulness
A shared giggle or playful interaction can transform a portrait. Light hearted actions like telling each other funny jokes, or reminiscing about a favorite memory can bring out joy that translates into real connection.

6. Be Present and Breathe
Nervousness shows up easily in photos, so take a deep breath, enjoy the moment, and trust the process. 

Congratulations to our 20 incredible winners who have captured the essence of couples in these award-winning photos. Check out their websites and see all the photographers we recommend in our hand-picked gallery of experienced and talented artists.