11 Unique Fall Couples Photoshoot Poses

I have always found that fall is one of the best times of the year to do a photoshoot—especially a couples photoshoot. I live in Quebec City, which just so happens to be an amazing spot for fall photography. The colours and the scenery make it so special. No other place catches fall the way Quebec City does. I 100% recommend that if you live in Quebec City, or are visiting Quebec City, you should get a photoshoot done with all of the leaves and that special someone in your life.

However, getting a photoshoot in the fall might sound simple until you get to the location and have no idea what poses to do with your partner. The last thing you want is to be at the location with the sun setting while you’re scrolling on Instagram or Pinterest, trying to find pose ideas that don’t look awkward. That is why I decided to create this list of all of my favourite fall poses that any couple can do to get some great fall photos.

The best photoshoot poses are the ones that feel natural and don’t look like you are actually posing. The goal is to have fun with your partner while also making good memories in the form of pictures. So, here is my list of 11 unique fall couples photoshoot poses that you can use on your next photography session.

1 - Walk at an arm’s distance

Walking at an arm’s distance is a really easy first pose to do because it just feels fun and natural.

All you have to do is hold each other’s fingers and walk together while keeping a space in between you. Pull each other in opposite directions or forwards for some variation. Basically, imagine that you are playing a light game of tug-of-war, but without letting go of your partner.

This fall couples pose works really well if you’re on a long path surrounded by autumn leaves. Depending on how popular the location is, you might have to wait for the perfect timing when nobody else is in the shot, but it’s totally worth it.

2 - Lying in the leaves

Lying in the leaves is the classic fall-vibes photo. Nothing says fall like a big pile of orange leaves.

Basically, all you have to do for this shot is lie in a pile of leaves. You can usually find the ground covered in leaves right under a tree, or you may have to rake some just to make sure you fill the entire frame.

There are many variations of this shot that you can do. You and your partner can lie right next to each other and look into each other’s eyes. You can lie on top of each other and look into the trees above. You can lie inverted from each other. You can even be inside the pile of leaves. The amount of creativity you have with this shot makes it such a good fall couples pose.

3 - The back hug

The back hug is always a great, romantic pose you can do with your partner.

My recommendation for this fall pose is to really get into the trees so that you are surrounded by leaves. You can even lean against a tree for full autumn immersion. The more leaves, the better.

You are going to start by standing behind your partner and wrapping your arms around them. They are going to lean back into you so that you are both glued together like one. They can then put their hands over yours and you’re done. You can choose to look directly at the camera or at each other, but either way, this is a great pose.

4 - One sitting, one standing

Playing with different levels can work really well for creating some unique photos. That’s why the one sitting, one standing pose is such a good one.

Start by finding something that one of you can sit on—preferably something that isn’t too short; otherwise, it will look a little awkward. Something like a wall or a leaning log can work really well, especially since this is for a fall photoshoot.

One of you can then sit on the object while the other leans against it. Then just wrap your arms around each other in a variety of ways. You can do the classic arms over the shoulder for a more nonchalant look. Or you can even do the back hug from pose 3.

5 - Slow dance

Slow dance is another great pose because it makes you and your partner move. I always find it better to have you and your partner move with prompts instead of just stable poses. It makes the photos look way more natural and often makes you and your partner’s faces look more relaxed and happy.

To do the slow dance, it’s really simple: just find a big enough area and start dancing. You can play some of your favourite slow songs and just do what feels natural. You can hold each other close or just go wild.

6 - Piggyback

I don’t know why, but the piggyback always just feels like such a fall couples pose to me. Maybe it’s the playfulness of it or just the matching jeans, but for whatever reason, it just works so well.

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but what you are going to do is have your partner carry you on their back. It helps if you have a strong partner who is able to carry you for at least a minute or two straight without dropping you. Once your partner is carrying you, you can take it a step further by having them walk around or even run with you on their back.

7 - Walk and talk

Walk and talk is a simple prompt, but that’s what makes it so good. It’s often the simple poses that lead to the best, most natural photos.

This pose might look a bit similar to the first one I mentioned, but there are a few differences. Instead of walking together at an arm’s length, you are going to hold hands and walk together slowly right against each other. Start having a deep conversation and just forget the camera is even there. You can walk towards the camera, but I honestly prefer walking away from the camera for this shot. It just feels more intimate, like we are watching the couple have a conversation, but we don’t know what it’s about.

Once again, this shot works best if you have a beautiful path to walk on. Paths in the forest surrounded by those autumn trees work the best.

8 - Sit and talk

Sit and talk is very similar to walk and talk, except this time you are sitting… obviously. Talking together just feels natural and often just leads to it looking more romantic.

Start by just finding a bench, wall, or log (anything that you can both comfortably sit on) and just start talking together. You can talk about what you like about each other or just people watch.

9 - The Lift

Like I mentioned in pose 4, playing with levels can make some really good photos. And if you are doing that while in someone’s arms, that can make some really good romantic couples fall photos. That’s what makes the lift such a good pose.

There are many different types of lifts that you can do, but the two easiest that I recommend are the Seated Arm Lift and the Princess Carry.

The Seated Arm Lift - To do this lift, create a seat for your partner to sit in by interlacing your fingers together in a U shape. Then your partner will sit in your arms while supporting their weight with their arms on your shoulders.

The Princess Carry - This is the classic lift. Carry your partner in your arms horizontally. Basically, have it so they are lying in your arms with their arms around your neck for balance.

Just make sure to be careful when attempting any lift. Be sure that you are on level ground and if you don’t feel comfortable with it you can just skip this pose.

10 - Silhouette

Silhouettes are just such fun and creative shots, I just had to add one. Yes, this is less of a pose in itself, but I think this is still a good shot to add to your fall couples pose list.

I would say the best way to do a silhouette shot for a fall photoshoot is to find a spot with a beautiful and bright backdrop with lots of orange fall leaves. Then place yourselves in the shade to achieve the silhouette look and face the fall backdrop.

11 - Looking into the distance

Looking into the distance is one of my favourite shots to do for any photoshoot. I think this works especially well for a fall couples photoshoot because when in nature, there is just so much beauty to look at.

The best way to achieve this look is to find a wall or fence to lean on—preferably in a spot with lots of fall leaves and trees in the background so you keep that autumn vibe. Then just look into the distance. Bonus points if you’re looking into the sunset.

Conclusion

Fall is such a great time of year to take photos. If the leaves are nice and colourful outside, why not take the opportunity to do a photoshoot with your favourite person?

I did my best to create a list of easy and unique poses that you can do with your partner this fall. I hope you found it useful. Let me know which poses you are most looking forward to trying, and if you have any other ideas for poses that I should add in a future list.

If you live in Quebec City and want to plan a fun fall photoshoot with your partner, I’d love to help you capture it. Reach out through my contact page and we can talk more about your session. I love capturing people’s stories through photographs. Let’s create something you’ll want to share.