14 Non-Corny Couple Photoshoot Ideas This Valentine’s
When Valentine’s Day approaches, it seems as if there are always people that wait in anticipation for it and people that literally avoid it. You’ll always find those who love it and those who hate it. Because of this split, sometimes photographers are limited to do the standard, corny couple photoshoots and don’t really have much room for experimentation.
However, there’s always a way out. What if those who hate or simply don’t care about the holiday were offered several couple Valentine’s Day photoshoot ideas that are funny, creative, and unusual? Would they mind going to an amusement park and just have fun while a photographer captures them?
In this article, we put together a list of themes that will allow you to experiment with couple photos, tap into a new pool of clients, and enrich your photography portfolio with a series of authentic images.
Couple photoshoot ideas to try this Valentine’s
1. Everyday moments
Happiness comes from small things like getting breakfast in bed, watching your favorite TV-series, or cooking dinner together. You might not pay attention to them, but in fact, these beloved routine activities show that you have found your soulmate. They also turn out to be amazing couples photoshoot ideas.
Whether in a boudoir, documentary, or seasonal photography style, romantic photoshoots at home are a surefire way to get a series of authentic images. In familiar environments, couples who are not professional models feel confident and relaxed. Meanwhile, photographers get a chance to try their hand at shooting different locations in different lighting conditions.
Location: at home, both indoors and outdoors.
Props: furniture, household items, or food.
Wear: homewear, underwear, or casual clothes.
2. Fine art photography
Fine art photography opens up a huge spectrum of unconventional ideas for couples photoshoots. You can experiment as much as you want, going from styling your favorite movie or fairytale scene to becoming a God and a Goddess from ancient Greek mythology.
This kind of photoshoot will be an unusual experience for both a photographer and a couple, as there’s so much room to express creativity for both. Also, you’ll definitely have several funny backstage stories to share with your friends and colleagues.
Location: depends on the photoshoot idea, from tourist attractions to a studio.
Props: attributes from a movie/fairytale/myth.
Wear: tailored or rented costumes.
3. The explorers
Another way to get authentic images is to capture some aspect of an adventure. For instance, exploring a hiking trail somewhere in the mountains or simply walking around a new area during a photoshoot is exciting and unusual. A couple will experience sincere emotions, which are a pleasure to capture and translate well in images.
If you have a commercial shooting and need to interview a famous couple for a Valentine’s Day feature, “the explorers” theme will be a good choice. When you place people in unusual conditions, they tend to concentrate on exploration, pose naturally, and overthink less. It’s also common that in a relaxed atmosphere during a casual stroll, couples act more natural, giving you many opportunities to capture the authenticity of those moments.
Location: new city, area, or trail.
Props: a hat, a map, and a backpack.
Wear: comfy and casual.
4. Evening rooftop
Although the idea of a romantic rooftop couple photoshoot is not new, there’s a way to make it special. Come there right before the golden hour, decorate the place with candles, and get ready to take a series of unique images.
The golden hour is a magical time for photographers. You don’t have to worry about the lighting a lot and can concentrate on the angles and viewpoints of the images. During this hour, the sun goes down gradually and you get a great variation in lighting. Every single photo you take will look unique.
However, there’s one crucial thing to remember when shooting during golden hour. You have to come prepared, as the sunset significantly limits the time of the session. Calculate a perfect time for a photoshoot with a golden hour calculator.
Location: rooftop.
Props: candles, wine glasses, a blanket.
Wear: casual.
5. Classic black and white
If you’d like a couple photoshoot to look stylish and relevant for years to come, choose the classic black and white option. It is super easy to organize, as you just need to rent a studio with changeable backdrops.
All your effort and thought should be put into the concept and the technical side of shooting. To make images look professional, try to experiment with studio lighting. Use the available tools to manipulate lighting for more artistic shots. For instance, a diffuser will soften the shadows, while dimmed lights and a single light source can help create a dramatic contrast.
Location: studio.
Props: anything that you think might be relevant.
Wear: up to you.
6. The element of surprise
This couple photoshoot idea is definitely the most romantic on the list. Do you already have a guess as to what “element of surprise” means? Of course, a proposal.
Although some people prefer this moment to be intimate, they also wish to have memories of it. In this case, a photographer has to become a “ghost” and do their best not to interfere, but capture memorable photos. The tough part is having to disguise yourself for a while and plan on how to be at the right place, at the right time, to capture the right moment of the proposal.
Location: a romantic place like a rooftop, a restaurant, a beach.
Props: a ring.
Wear: depends on the place of the proposal.
7. Honest Close-ups
You’ve definitely heard that the truth is in the details, and a photographer is the one to capture them. Taking honest close-ups requires paying a lot of attention to the little things that matter – in 2020, it is a visual trend.
More and more brands are now sharing photos with less post-production to show what their products or services are about. However, the trend spreads far beyond the advertising field and influences design and photography as well.
If your clients are all for experiments or simply don’t like retouched photos, offer them a couples photoshoot idea that would imply minimum post-production. They will probably love the idea.
Location: anywhere.
Props and wear: depends on the photoshoot theme.
8. Winter wonderland
“Winter Wonderland” is just a working title for this couples photoshoot idea. In fact, we’d like to suggest a different approach to taking photographs in winter, rather than going to the Christmas market or posing around your Christmas tree in… questionable Christmas sweaters.
Go on a small road trip with a couple, but check the forecast in advance. If the day you have scheduled a photoshoot for is going to be snowy and sunny, that’s half the battle. Ask a couple to get props like a thermos with hot tea, sparklers, or anything else that would make photos look atmospheric. Also, don’t forget to protect your gear in cold weather and bring extra batteries. You don’t want anything to compromise your photoshoot, right?
Location: forest road or track.
Props: SUV, thermos with tea or coffee, sparklers (if you’d like).
Wear: warm clothes.
9. Big city life
Sometimes, in a crowded and ever-bustling city, people can end up looking the same. They hurry to work, drink coffee on the go, and their attention is drawn to their smartphones. Despite all those first-glance similarities, every person or couple in the city has a unique story to tell. Who are they? How did they meet? What do they do?
Share a unique story by organizing a couple photoshoot in the lifestyle photography genre. At its core lies the idea of capturing real-life situations, in which the couple feels at ease going about their daily activities. What this means is that as a result, you won’t get any images with simpering smiles and awkward poses.
Location: city center or business area.
Props: a cup of coffee, a laptop, or smartphone in hand.
Wear: smart casual.
10. Life is a rollercoaster
Photography is about freezing a moment in time and capturing the exact emotions of a particular moment. An image where people are laughing sincerely is much better than one with forced smiles.
As we’ve mentioned above, people show pure emotions when they are engaged in the moment. In this vein, an interesting couples photoshoot idea might be spending a day at an amusement park; just to inject some fun into the photoshoot. Riding on roller coasters, playing games, and just having fun will make a couple experience a whole spectrum of emotions – from happiness to fear from adrenaline. Meanwhile, they will have an amazing pastime, you will get a series of authentic images to please your clients, and expand your photography portfolio as well.
Location: an amusement park.
Props: roller coasters and other attractions.
Wear: casual and comfy.
11. Lost in the field
Photographs taken in a field always radiate warmth and make you feel like a part of the shot. These settings are great for recreating scenes from your favorite movies or artworks. Warm tones of ripe wheat, an evening summer sky, and deserted space allow both a photographer and a couple to be creative.
If you want to make unusual shots with impressive compositions, be extra by taking a vintage van and styling the two in appropriate attire. You can also guide the viewer’s eye through a frame by capturing lovers going down a curved route in the countryside. Unusual poses or props, as well as negative space surrounding the couple, will contribute to creating a point of interest in the scene.
Location: summer field.
Props: a minivan and a guitar or suitcase.
Wear: rented costumes or casual.
12. Shared hobby
What could be better than having involved models in the scene? It’s the best gift that photographers can obtain from a photoshoot. This way, it is easier to see and catch real emotions and feelings.
To capture this and reveal their personalities, ask them to do something common. Cycling, painting, or a pottery class will work. Sharing a process will aid in forgetting that someone is “spying” on them and will allow them to relax.
Photographing small details like touching hands or light smiles is a proven way to get authentic shots that are so important in couple photography aimed to celebrate love.
Location: pottery.
Props: clay pot and a paintbrush.
Wear: casual and comfy with aprons.
13. Life on the road
There are always some people that don’t want to be a part of the system. You won’t see them in an ordinary family restaurant, hotel, or trip. They stand out from the crowd by refusing to follow established traditions and norms. Spending time taking risks characterizes them. Such couples require a personalized approach and artistic concepts that will not bind them during shooting.
“Life on the road” can become another compelling idea for a Valentine’s Day photoshoot for adults. Enjoying each other’s company while riding a motorcycle, dressed in leather, and wearing stylish black sunglasses will create a rebellious vibe and help express inner freedom.
Location: road, beach, or desert.
Props: a motorcycle.
Wear: leather jackets and black sunglasses.
14. Aerial photography
Have you ever noticed that romantic partners look alike? They often have common features and even facial expressions. Maybe they are together because of their similarities, or having been together for a long time leaves an imprint on a person. We don’t know for sure, but you can run an experiment yourself.
Take top-down close-up shots with side-by-side faces. Aerial photography is great for showcasing the similarities between couples on Valentine’s Day photoshoots. Request that your duo acts silly in order to capture candid moments. A deep look into the camera lens will help create meaningful shots worthy of an art exhibition.
Location: park, field, or yard.
Props: blanket.
Wear: casual.
Romantic poses for a couple photoshoot
Looking at each other
What could be more romantic than a couple in love? Eye contact between lovers and a scenic view will assist you in producing authentic shots.
Looking in different ways
Simple poses, such as holding hands, will help show the connection between the two, whereas looking away from each other will assist in creating an interesting visual composition.
Casual dance
Looking for Valentine’s Day photoshoot ideas in the studio? Turn on the music and ask a couple to dance to capture sincere emotions.
Feeding your partner
Go on a picnic, get some fruits or berries, and capture that genuine moment. To make it look cuter, try playing with food, like putting raspberries on your fingers.
Carry her on your shoulders
Another Valentine’s picture idea is to place your beloved one on your shoulders. If you do it unexpectedly, it will add an element of surprise and result in an authentic shot.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Discover more ideas in our thematic Valentine’s Day pictures collection.
Bottom line
Although some of these ideas might not sound new, you can add your personal touch and vision to each photoshoot and build on existing ideas. Don’t be afraid to experiment with lighting, locations, and props.
Offer some of these ideas to your clients when they ask you to come up with a theme for a couple photoshoot. They will definitely like your artistic approach and be happy about the creative ideas you’d like to try for their photoshoot.
