In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser speaks with Kristina Wikle who runs Visual Muse Studio in Dunedin, Florida, near Tampa. Wikle’s portrait studio employs associate photographers who cover multiple genres, freeing up Wikle to focus on her passion—photographing couples in love. In this conversation, Wikle shares tips on how to make a success out of couples portraiture from her new online course, Photographing Love. 

This was Wikle’s second appearance on The Portrait System Podcast. Her first appearance in 2020 was entitled Over $1,800 Average Sale Using Creative Networking in Tampa. Since then, Wikle has gotten married, changed her name, and has also grown her business exponentially. Her passion for photographing couples in love has always been a cornerstone of her business. The photographer, who is now transitioning out of shooting weddings, says the genre is rich in opportunities for repeat clients, even outside of nuptials, such as engagements, family shoots, and anniversaries.

Says Wikle, “If I’ve shot a surprise proposal and then an engagement shoot and we took on their wedding (but you wouldn’t have to do that part), then they come back to you when they get pregnant, and you have a maternity session. Then they have their first baby. Then it’s holiday photos. . . the couples whose engagements or weddings I shot ten years ago are still my clients today. ” 

Once a couple has contacted Wikle, she stresses that it is crucially important to have a consultation with them to find out what they enjoy doing together. Wikle views a couple’s shoot as a fun date with a photographer. She encourages couples to “embrace the awkward” of posing in public with a photographer following them around. The key is to have simple base poses and fun verbal prompts that get the couples engaged with each other, laughing and having fun in the moment. Wikle says that activities like hugging, walking, and dancing are great for building fun and connection. She also suggests starting with the dressiest and stiffest outfits first and then getting more casual as the shoot goes along. Or, for shoots that are more in public and trickier for wardrobe changes, bringing simple accessories such as a scarf or additional jewelry can bring variety to wardrobe. 

Wikle shares all the tricks of her trade in her new online course, Photographing Love, including her ten base poses and simple verbal prompts that create loving connection. Wikle also has a free Facebook Group called Photographing Love, where photographers can share their work and learn from each other. 

To learn more about Wikle’s work photographing couples in love, visit Kristina Wikle Photography. To view her associates’ work, visit Visual Muse Studio. 

The Portrait System Podcast helps portrait photographers navigate the world of photography, business, money, and much more. Hosted by Nikki Closser, the podcast is powered by The Portrait System, a comprehensive, online educational platform that teaches all aspects of running a successful portrait photography studio.