Utah Engagement Photography Poses for Partners of Different PDA Levels
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 10 MINUTES
When you picture engagement photos, what comes to mind? For many, it’s dramatic dips, sweeping kisses, and movie-worthy embraces. But here’s the thing: not every couple feels comfortable with PDA (public displays of affection), and that’s completely okay!
Engagement sessions aren’t about staging romance or copying Pinterest boards. They’re about capturing your story, in a way that feels relaxed and genuine. For some couples, that looks like lots of hugs and kisses. For others, it’s playful laughter, meaningful glances, or even just being side by side.
As a Utah engagement photographer, I’ve seen it all and some of the most heartfelt photos come from the simplest, most natural moments. This guide is packed with pose ideas for couples who aren’t into PDA (or prefer a balanced approach), along with tips on how to adjust each pose to your comfort level.
Why PDA-Free (or PDA-Light) Engagement Sessions Are Beautiful
Not every couple is all over each other, and that’s perfectly normal. Some partners are super affectionate and love cuddly, kissy photos, while others feel more at home keeping things simple and playful. Most fall somewhere in between, and that balance is what makes each session unique.
The beauty of engagement photography is that every pose can be adjusted to fit your comfort level. Whether you’d rather keep things fun and lighthearted or lean into more romantic moments, your photographer should guide you in a way that feels true to you.
Here are a few reasons partners might prefer less PDA in their photos:
- Comfort levels: Not everyone enjoys being affectionate in front of a camera.
- Cultural or personal values: Some partners feel more genuine when the focus is on connection instead of physical closeness.
- Authenticity: If your everyday dynamic is more about inside jokes or adventures, your photos should reflect that.
The most important thing? Your love is valid at every level of PDA. And when you honor your boundaries, your photos will naturally feel more genuine.
Engagement Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50-100+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
- Discounted rate available if adding on to wedding package
Setting Your PDA Level
Think of PDA in engagement photos as a spectrum, you get to decide where you land. There’s no right or wrong, only what feels like you. Every couple is different and your photographer should work with you and your boundaries.
Low-Touch Couples (PDA-Free or PDA-Light)
Some couples feel most at ease when the focus is less on touch and more on energy, laughter, or the story unfolding in their environment. Low-touch partners often prefer photos that highlight personality, playfulness, or creativity without needing constant physical closeness. A simple hand-hold, walking side by side, or even just existing comfortably near one another can speak volumes. These images tend to emphasize expressions, gestures, and the spaces between, creating an understated elegance that feels authentic and true.
Moderate-Touch Couples (Balanced PDA)
Other partners fall somewhere in the middle—comfortable showing affection, but not wanting every photo to be wrapped up in physical closeness. Moderate-touch couples usually enjoy a mix: some sweet, subtle touches, some moments of laughter, and a few softer embraces. Their sessions feel affectionate but never over the top, striking a balance between intimacy and lightheartedness. This approach gives variety, showing both the tender side of a relationship and the joy of simply being together.
High-Touch Couples (All About PDA)
And then there are the high-touch partners—the ones who are practically glued to each other, totally wrapped up in their own little world. They’re all about snuggles, kisses, lingering touches, and constant closeness. Whether it’s forehead kisses, entwined hands, or full-on bear hugs, their connection shines through because they’re obsessed with each other in the best way. Their sessions are fueled by passion and warmth, overflowing with affection that feels natural to them. Instead of holding back, they lean in fully, creating images that radiate chemistry and intensity.
The Main Takeaway
You don’t have to pick one category forever. Many partners move between levels throughout a session. The key is communicating with your photographer so they can guide you toward poses that fit your comfort zone in the moment. A good photographer should be used to posing couples in a variety of ways during a couples photoshoot.
Your engagement photo shoot is about you and your partner. Not trends, not expectations, and definitely not forcing PDA if it’s not your thing. Whether you’re low-touch, high-touch, or anywhere in between, the goal is to create photos that reflect your relationship best.
The secret: communicate with your photographer. Tell them your comfort levels, your preferences, and your vision. A good photographer will adapt poses to you, not the other way around. When you feel seen and respected, the result is photos that are authentic, joyful, and timeless.
Movement-Based Poses
Movement is one of the best ways to relax, shake off nerves, and forget the camera is even there. Walking, turning, or even crossing paths keeps your session dynamic and makes your photos feel natural instead of posed. Depending on your comfort level with PDA, these can be as subtle or as affectionate as you want them to be.
Walking Together
This is a classic starter pose because it feels effortless and helps you ease into the session. This pose creates a cinematic vibe while showing your bond. You can choose to walk separately, holding hands, or wrapping arms around each others’ waists. Chatting while walking or sharing a laugh will keep those smiles and genuine reactions the focus in this pose.
Crossing Paths
Crossing paths adds a storytelling element to your photos, making them look candid and cinematic. This is great to have a variation of a blurry photo or totally in focus. You can add a light touch or pause for a kiss if you’d like. However, this pose is perfect for a sweet, romantic glance.
Low-Touch Poses
These are perfect if you prefer more personal space or want images with a stylish, editorial-inspired vibe. They highlight connection without requiring lots of intimacy, but can easily scale up if you want a little more closeness.
Back-to-Back
Standing back-to-back is a relaxed, confident pose that feels effortless. For some couples, this can mean standing tall with arms crossed, leaning into each other. For others, this can include variations of partners wrapping each other in a warm embrace.
Side-by-Side Sitting
Sitting next to each other creates a calm moment. Variations of this pose would include leaving some space in-between, sitting shoulder to shoulder, or or one partner resting their head on the other’s shoulder.
Creative Use of Space
Your environment can tell its own story. Play around with sitting on nearby benches, posing around a tree, or using stairs to have partners on different steps.
Expression-Focused Poses
Sometimes, the most powerful photos come from simple expressions and eye contact. These will highlight your emotional connection, whether you’re close together or just sharing a look.
Over-the-Shoulder Glance
This is a subtle but intimate pose. For low-touch partners, one partner can stand in front while the other looks at them from behind. Add a little more touch with a hand on the shoulder or a soft kiss on the cheek or temple.
Looking at Each Other
Looking into each other’s eyes is classic and timeless. Some partners may choose to stand close and smile while looking in each other’s eyes. Others may decide to hold hands, rest foreheads together, or add a kiss for an affectionate moment that feels deeply connected.
Focus on Hands
Hands can be just as expressive as faces. Play around with interconnecting pinkies, or resting hands on top of each other on a bridge railing, great shots to show off an engagement ring. If you have a prop like a coffee mug, that’s great to get a detail shot. Another option would be for one partner to embrace the other’s arm, hugging close and getting a great ring photo here too.
Lifestyle & Activity Poses
Shared activities are a great way to take the pressure off posing and let your personalities shine. These images are about doing what you love together while giving you the chance to act natural during your couples session.
The Shared Activity Pose
Whether it’s sipping coffee, playing a board game, or reading side by side, activities bring out your chemistry and can lean into some candid shots. These poses are great for including plenty of natural laughter. Adding small intimate looks or embraces will come natural for some couples depending on the activity. Use this time to just be in the moment and act as though you’re on a date night with your partner.
In-Your-Element Settings
Location can make a huge impact. Whether you’re strolling the trail hand in hand, or sitting on the beach, just be present and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you. Your photographer will capture you and your partner in the moment just enjoying each other’s presence!
Simple Portraits
Classic portraits never go out of style. These are the shots you’ll frame, share, and treasure for years because they are timeless.
Classic Portraits
Typical “mantle shot” poses are perfect for showing off your smiles and it’s one that never goes out of style. You can ramp it up with adding a hug, maybe tickling your partner for some genuine laughs, or sneaking a sweet kiss on the cheek for an intimate moment.
Environmental Portraits
Framing yourselves with the environment creates variety and depth. Let your local park, nearby archways, or towering mountains showcase a part of your love story. Let your photographer know if a particular location is important to the two of you. They can try to incorporate the natural beauty into whatever posing for your session.
Tips for Making Your Session Fun
No matter your PDA comfort level, your engagement session should feel like an extension of your relationship. Something that’s fun and true to you.
- Bring props: Coffee mugs, books, blankets, or anything that feels like “home” helps add personality.
- Embrace laughter: Sometimes the silliest moments make the best photos. Don’t be afraid to laugh through a pose.
- Shift your focus: Think about your partner, not the camera. The connection will shine through.
- Mix PDA levels: Even if you lean low-touch, try a moderate or high-touch pose here and there. It gives you variety without pressure.
Ready to Capture Your Love Story?
Your engagement photos should feel like you… whether that’s walking hand in hand, laughing over coffee, or sharing a cozy embrace. No pressure, no forced poses, just beautiful moments that reflect your connection.
Ready to book your session? Let’s create photos that honor your comfort level, celebrate your bond, and tell your story, your way.
