{"id":79857,"date":"2022-01-31T13:51:46","date_gmt":"2022-01-31T18:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=79857"},"modified":"2025-02-06T10:16:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T15:16:24","slug":"valentines-day-photoshoot-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/valentines-day-photoshoot-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for a Valentine\u2019s Day Photoshoot"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Valentine\u2019s Day is an opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms, whether it\u2019s love between two partners, or love between a parent and child. A photoshoot has the power to document and commemorate love as it is in this moment. Whether you want to treat your Valentine\u2019s Day photoshoot like an art project for your own enjoyment or you\u2019re creating a themed shoot for clients, here are some ideas to create something unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider the Light and Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to have a studio space to create a beautiful environment for your Valentine’s Day photoshoot. Light is the most important factor for compelling photographs. If you\u2019ll be using natural light<\/a>, you will want to look for a room with big enough windows. In a pinch, you can turn an open garage or backyard into a mock studio with a few C-stands<\/a> and a roll of seamless paper.<\/a> Because of weather, indoor locations will likely be most conducive to a Valentine\u2019s Day shoot. Although, try to make the most of what you have. I prefer south facing windows as they get bright light all day. Also, I love bright indoor backlight to lend a romantic glow to the images. Decide for yourself what kind of light will lend the desired mood.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Photo by Brooke Schultz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Find Creative Ways to Incorporate Red and Pink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the photoshoot above, we made a dynamic backdrop by including rolls of both red and pink paper. Using color in your shoot from floor to ceiling will create the biggest visual impact \u2014 opt for these colors in bigger doses rather than smaller details. Need more ideas for including red and pink in your Valentine\u2019s Day shoot? Try red and pink clothing, makeup, accessories (like jewelry and shoes), furniture and bedding, or even a rug hung as a backdrop.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo by Brooke Schultz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Try a Unique Flower Arrangement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more romantic than flowers? Make it Wes Anderson as Miesh Clothing<\/a> and I did in this photo shoot by placing faux flowers around a vintage frame. We then hung it with fishing wire from the ceiling and dressed our subjects in vintage clothing. Add a floral headdress and some loose flowers for extra impact. Experiment with various compositions by getting in closer to the hanging frame so the flowers fill the edge of the image and frame your subjects, or pulling back for a more fantastical feel.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo by Brooke Schultz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Include the Kids <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Valentine\u2019s Day is traditionally centered around romantic love between partners. Although, family can be romantic in its own way. It deserves just as much attention on a holiday devoted to love. Family life with kids is full of messes, unexpected tantrums, and little ones who don\u2019t always want to listen. Although, it\u2019s also laced with spontaneous kisses, small kids clinging to a parent\u2019s leg for comfort, and scribbled crayon love notes. Shine a light on small moments and details like these and you\u2019ll create images that will bring the feeling of love to life long after the holiday is over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing can compete with the imagination and vitality children bring to a photoshoot. Bring them into the frame to show off a beautifully messy drawing, attack dad with a hug around the neck, or to start a tickle fight. If you still aren’t convinced, check out this article about how family photoshoots aren’t just about the kids<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo by Brooke Schultz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Treat Your Photo Shoot Like a Set <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019ve made a creative background, kids will be able to be themselves and utilize the set to give you more compelling images. When they see mom sitting on a chair, for example, they\u2019ll likely want to crawl into her lap. If kids will be involved in your Valentine\u2019s Day photoshoot, consider the materials they will be drawn to. Are there attractive toys you could include or curtains they\u2019ll want to hide behind? Consider adding levels and layers with furniture like chairs, tables, or a bed. Whether you\u2019ll be doing your shoot in a studio or in a home, orchestrate the environment \u2014 from floor to ceiling \u2014 to your advantage and kids will be delighted by the wonder-filled world you\u2019ve created.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo by Brooke Schultz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Observe Subtleties <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve orchestrated the environment, instead of posing the shoot from start to finish, spend time observing your subjects. Turn on some music and invite them to move and interact as if you\u2019re not there. I tell my subjects that the only rule is to keep it moving \u2014 even little movements count. They\u2019ll likely feel awkward at first. Although, after a few minutes, the masks will dissolve and their real selves will shine through in their subtleties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do they interact? How do they touch each other? The nuances of a graze of the arm or the exact way they interlace their fingers while holding hands speak volumes. As you observe, you might make all the photos you want without directing your subjects at all, or you might get ideas for new poses <\/a>or small tweaks.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo by Brooke Schultz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Photographers often rely on their subjects to \u201cgive\u201d them what they\u2019re looking for in a photograph. But when you believe it\u2019s your job as the photographer to provide an environment where subjects can reveal themselves, you can curate the details to tell a compelling visual story about love in all settings \u2014 between two partners, a mother and baby, or a big family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a Valentine\u2019s Day photoshoot can be a powerful way to express your creativity and give your subjects a representation of what their love looks like. Because photography is a selective story, be awake to the stories you tell and use your Valentine\u2019s Day photoshoot to celebrate the subtleties of love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more ideas, check out how Lindsay Adler used color gels for her playful Valentine’s Day photoshoot:<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>
Shooting with Color Gels for Valentine's Day<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>