10 Tips for Your Romantic Couples Photoshoot

Preparing for a Valentine’s Day photo shoot can be a fun and intimate way to capture beautiful memories with your partner. Here are some suggestions to help couples get ready for the shoot:

1. Choose a Theme or Concept

Choose a theme or concept that suits your relationship. You can go for a more romantic and classic vibe by opting for soft lighting, a cozy setting, and neutral tones like whites, creams, and pastels. On the other hand, the theme can be more playful and fun by using props like heart-shaped balloons, confetti or red roses. Outdoor adventures are not off limits! If you and your boo enjoy nature, consider taking the shoot outdoors—whether it’s a park, beach, or a garden landscape. Picture this! A picnic setup, walking hand in hand and melting into each other’s eyes!

2. Coordinate Outfits

While you don’t have to be matchy-matchy, try to coordinate outfits in complementary colours. For instance, if one person wears a bold red dress, the other could wear a more neutral color, like white or black, to balance it out. Decide whether you want a casual look (think jeans and cozy sweaters) or something more formal (dresses, suits, etc.). Make sure both of you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Adding layers (jackets, scarves, etc.) can give some dimension to the photos, especially if you’re shooting in cooler.

3. Consider the Location

If shooting indoors, choose a cozy, intimate location—your living room, a bedroom with soft lighting, or a beautifully decorated studio. But if you love the great outdoors like me, think about a park, botanical garden, or a local cafe with a cute outdoor seating area. For evening shoots, a cityscape with twinkling lights or sunset shots could be stunning. Also consider personal spaces that are special to both of you, such as where you first met, had your first date, or places you enjoy spending time together.

4. Glam up! 

For a natural look, go for soft, neutral tones that enhance your features. If you want a more dramatic effect, consider a bold red lip or defined eye makeup to match the Valentine’s vibe. Keep your hairstyle simple but polished—whether you’re going for soft waves, an elegant updo, or just natural curls. Avoid experimenting too much with something you’re not used to; you want to look like yourselves.

5. Props and Accessories

Things like heart-shaped pillows, roses, handwritten love letters, or even personalized items (like mugs with cute messages) can add a personal touch to your shoot. As a photographer, I love string lights, candles, or fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere, especially for evening or indoor shots. Just ask! For a special touch, how about playing your favourite romantic songs during the shoot to help set the mood and make you both feel relaxed and connected. Bring your playlist!

6. Practice Your Poses

Here’s where it can get a bit tricky for some couples! Natural Affection. Practice being affectionate in front of the camera—holding hands, hugging, or sharing a gentle kiss. Don’t worry too much about stiff poses; the best moments are often the natural ones. Relax and Have Fun!  Don’t overthink it—laugh together, look into each other’s eyes, and enjoy the process. The more you’re enjoying each other’s company, the more it will shine through in the photos. 

While candid shots are great, it’s also helpful to practice poses like a slight tilt of the head, a soft gaze into the camera, or looking away to create a more dramatic effect. As your photographer, my job is to make sure you’re looking great! I’ll do my best to make sure my couples are comfy and confident and not thinking about my camera!

7. Mind Your Posture

Keep your posture straight to avoid looking slouched. Stand tall, shoulders back, and relax your body to look more natural and confident.  Avoid rigid poses, and instead, try to keep things light and flowing. Small touches, like holding your partner’s hand or leaning into them, will make you look connected. As your trusted photographer, I will give lots of direction so you can just enjoy the moment. 

8. Communicate with Your Photographer

Be sure to communicate any specific shots or themes you have in mind with me ahead of time. If you have any personal stories or inside jokes, let them know so they can help create a more personalized shoot. Also, consider the timing of the shoot. Golden hour (just before sunset) is a beautiful time for romantic outdoor photos due to the soft lighting.

9. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

The best photos often come from moments when you feel relaxed and natural. Don’t stress about every detail—enjoy the time with your partner, and let your love shine through. Take breaks if you need to—candid moments when you laugh or look at each other can often turn out to be the most beautiful.

10. Plan for Post-Shoot Celebration!

I have shot so many couples who simply go home after the session. If you consider the time spent on hair, make-up and other preparation, it would be worth the effort to plan an intimate date directly following the session. After the shoot, consider doing something fun together to keep the mood going. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, going for a romantic dinner, or just cuddling up with a movie, it’s nice to continue the celebration after the photos are taken.

By preparing in advance and focusing on what feels true to your relationship, you’ll have a beautiful photo shoot that captures your love in an authentic, memorable way! 

Let us know if we can help you to make this into a reality!