Six Ways to Plan Your Anniversary Photoshoot
Anniversaries deserve to be celebrated, and what better way to honor your love story than with a professional photoshoot? Recently, a wonderful couple chose to mark their milestone with an elegant studio session, and the experience was just as memorable as the stunning photos we created together.
Whether you’re celebrating one year or fifty, here are six essential steps to planning the perfect anniversary photoshoot.
1. Pick Your Location
The first decision sets the tone for everything else. Do you want indoor elegance or outdoor adventure? For this couple, the choice was easy—we went with a studio shoot.
Why? It was winter, and while snowy landscapes can be beautiful, the unpredictable weather and freezing temperatures aren’t always ideal for a relaxed, enjoyable photo session. A studio shoot offered us complete control over lighting, temperature, and ambiance. Plus, it meant they could dress up in their elegant outfits without worrying about bundling up in coats.
Consider: What feels right for your relationship? A cozy indoor studio, your favorite outdoor spot, or somewhere meaningful to your story?
2. Choose Your Theme
Once you’ve settled on a location, it’s time to decide on the overall aesthetic. This couple wanted something timeless and elegant, so we chose a clean white backdrop that would put the focus entirely on them and their connection.
A white backdrop is incredibly versatile—it’s sophisticated, romantic, and ensures your photos will look beautiful for years to come. But themes can vary widely depending on your style:
- Classic and elegant (white or neutral backdrops)
- Romantic and moody (darker tones, dramatic lighting)
- Fun and playful (colorful backdrops, props)
- Rustic and natural (textured backgrounds)
Your theme should reflect who you are as a couple. Don’t choose something because it’s trendy if it doesn’t feel authentically you.
3. Select Your Package
This is where practical planning meets creative vision. Before your session, think about:
- How many final photos do you want? A few perfect portraits or a larger collection?
- How many outfits do you want to wear? One elegant look or multiple wardrobe changes?
- How many different backdrops or setups do you want? Variety or consistency?
For this couple, they kept it elegant and focused—one sophisticated outfit against the white backdrop, creating a cohesive, timeless collection.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a dinner date after your photoshoot (which this couple did!), an anniversary session makes a wonderful pre-dinner activity. You’re already dressed up, feeling good, and full of love—perfect timing to transition into your evening celebration.
4. Coordinate Your Outfits
This step can make or break your photos. If you want to match or coordinate, planning is essential.
Here’s what to do:
- Decide if you’re matching, complementing, or contrasting
- Share photos of your outfit choices with your photographer beforehand
- Ask about the backdrops that will be used to ensure your colors work well
- Consider the formality level (both casual, both dressy, or intentionally mixed?)
For elegant anniversary shoots like this one, classic choices work beautifully: suits, dress shirts, elegant dresses, or formal attire. The key is that you both feel confident and comfortable.
Don’t be shy about asking your photographer for input! We can tell you if certain colors will photograph well against specific backdrops or if patterns might be distracting.
5. Bring Meaningful Props
This is where your anniversary photoshoot becomes uniquely yours. Props aren’t just decorative; they tell your story.
Consider bringing:
- Champagne or wine to toast your love
- Your wedding rings (especially if you don’t wear them daily)
- The necklace or jewelry you wore on your wedding day
- Items that represent shared hobbies or interests
- Flowers (your wedding flowers or current favorites)
- Photos from your wedding day or early relationship
- Anything else that holds special meaning
These small touches transform standard portraits into deeply personal keepsakes. They’re also conversation starters that can help you relax during the session—talking about your wedding day or significant memories naturally brings out genuine smiles and emotions.
Don’t forget: It’s easy to leave important items at home in the excitement. Make a list the day before!
6. Choose Your Photographer
Okay, we’ll admit this one is a bit self-serving, but it’s also genuinely important! Your photographer isn’t just someone clicking a button; they’re creating an experience and capturing your love story.
Here’s what matters:
- Do you feel comfortable with them?
- Can you have an actual conversation (phone call, video chat, or in-person)?
- Do they understand your vision?
- Does their portfolio resonate with you?
- Do they make you feel at ease?
We hope you’ll choose us for your anniversary photoshoot, but more importantly, we want you to choose someone you connect with. If we’re not the right fit, we’re genuinely happy to introduce you to other talented photographers who might be perfect for you.
The right photographer will make you feel seen, valued, and comfortable, which translates directly into better, more authentic photos.
Making Memories That Last
An anniversary photoshoot is more than just pictures—it’s a celebration of your journey together. It’s pausing to recognize how far you’ve come and the love you’ve built.
For this couple, their elegant studio session gave them beautiful portraits they’ll cherish forever, plus a fun experience they shared before dinner. It was intentional, meaningful, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Whether you’re planning a simple session or an elaborate production, following these six steps will help ensure your anniversary photoshoot is everything you hope it will be.
Ready to celebrate your love story? Let’s start planning your perfect anniversary photoshoot together.