This is a sample walk-through of a Valentine's session for a couple and their children with a studio photographer. It's an illustration, not a past session: two parents, a five-year-old and a two-year-old, in a family session of about 60 minutes with two sets or backdrops. The order is deliberate: couple first, then kids, then the whole family, because parents rarely get photos of just the two of them, and those are the easiest to lose once the kids are tired.
Why couple portraits go first
When the session starts with the family, the couple photos get squeezed into the last five minutes, after a toddler has had enough and both parents are distracted. By putting the couple first, you get them while you're relaxed and still looking fresh.
There are two simple ways to handle the kids during that first stretch:
- Kids arrive a little later. A grandparent or friend brings them about 15 minutes after you. This is the calmest option if someone can help.
- Kids come with you and get a job. They sit on the side with a snack and a picture book, or help "hold" a heart prop. They may wander into a frame, and that's fine.
In this sample the kids come with the parents and get the second option. If the couple side is what you care most about, our couples photoshoot in the studio article has more ideas.
Outfits in reds, pinks and neutrals
For a Valentine's set, one family member in a strong color and everyone else in softer tones keeps the photo from turning into a wall of red. In this sample:
- One parent: a deep red or burgundy sweater or dress.
- The other parent: cream, camel or soft grey.
- Five-year-old: blush pink or a soft rose.
- Two-year-old: cream or white with a small touch of red, like socks or a hair clip.
Avoid large hearts printed on clothes and anything shiny or sequined. Knits, wool and cotton photograph more warmly under studio light. More ideas, including ones for kids and friends, are in our Valentine's photoshoot ideas.
A sample 60-minute plan
- 0:00 to 0:05, arrive and settle in. The kids are set up with snacks and a book on the side, and you both look over the Valentine's set.
- 0:05 to 0:20, the couple on the Valentine's set. Easy, relaxed prompts. Sit close and share a story. Forehead to forehead. Whisper the first thing you remember about meeting. The photographer directs and catches the laughs that follow.
- 0:20 to 0:23, kids join. Bring them in gently. The five-year-old usually wants to know what's happening, so explain the hearts and let them hold one.
- 0:23 to 0:35, kids on the Valentine's set. Siblings together with heart props. The five-year-old "giving" a heart to the two-year-old. A few solo frames of each child.
- 0:35 to 0:40, break. Water, a snack, a bathroom trip, a cuddle.
- 0:40 to 0:52, classic backdrop, the family. A clean family portrait without Valentine's props, then a few playful frames: parents lifting kids, a group hug, everyone kissing the toddler's cheeks.
- 0:52 to 1:00, last couple frames and buffer. A few more of just the two of you on the classic backdrop, more timeless, plus a spare minute for anything missed.
Sample shot list
Couple on the Valentine's set
- Seated close, looking at the camera
- Forehead to forehead, eyes closed
- One partner laughing at something the other whispered
- Holding hands, close crop
- A kiss, if you're comfortable
Kids on the Valentine's set
- Siblings together with a heart prop
- Older child giving a heart to the younger
- Each child alone, head and shoulders
- Toddler on the floor with hearts scattered around
Family on the classic backdrop
- Standard family portrait, everyone looking
- Parents lifting the kids
- Group hug
- Both parents kissing the kids' cheeks
Couple on the classic backdrop
- A simple, timeless portrait of the two of you
Keeping kids on board after the couple portion
The main risk in this plan is that the kids get restless while they wait. To keep them on side:
- Talk about it at home first. Tell them mom and dad get photos first, and then it's their turn with the hearts. Our guide on how to prepare kids for photos has more suggestions.
- Snacks that don't stain. Crackers and water, not red juice or chocolate.
- A short wait. In this sample they wait about 20 minutes. If your toddler can't manage that, the "kids arrive later" option is better.
- Let them watch. Many kids like seeing their parents being silly for the camera, and some start asking to join.
What a 35-photo gallery might include
From a session planned this way, a gallery of around 35 photos might hold roughly:
- About 10 couple portraits across both backgrounds
- About 8 kids' photos on the Valentine's set
- About 6 solo portraits of the children
- About 8 family photos
- About 3 detail shots: hands, hearts, a toddler's shoes
Gallery size, delivery time and price vary by photographer, so check the profile. Your card is held when you book and charged only once the photographer accepts, usually within 48 hours. If you want something shorter and just for the two of you, a short mini session with one themed set is an option.
Quick answers
Can kids join a Valentine's couple session?
Yes. In this sample they join after the couple portraits, and the second half of the hour is all about the family.
What should we wear for Valentine's photos?
One person in a strong red or burgundy and everyone else in softer pinks, creams and neutrals. Avoid big printed hearts and sequins.
Is a Valentine's session only for couples?
No. Families, friends and kids alone all work on a Valentine's set. The plan just changes order.
Find your photographer
Browse holiday and seasonal sessions, look for a photographer whose profile shows a Valentine's set, and pick a date in February.