The best Valentine's photoshoot ideas are small and affectionate: a couple sharing one oversized sweater, a toddler handing out paper hearts, siblings in a squeeze-hug, best friends trading candy hearts. A Valentine's set does the scene-setting in pinks and reds, so you only need outfits and an idea or two. Here are ideas for couples, kids, families and friends, plus how to wear red and pink without looking like a greeting card.
The Valentine's set
A typical Valentine's set is a soft, romantic scene in pinks and reds, with heart details and seasonal accessories. Because the color is already there in the set, outfits can stay simple, and most families find it easy to dress for. Many studio photographers offer one in late January and early February, so look for a Valentine's set on their profile.
It suits:
- couples, for an anniversary, an engagement or just because
- kids and siblings, for grandparents and Valentine's cards
- families who want a lighter, sweeter session between the winter holidays and spring
- friends who want a galentine's photo together
Ideas for couples
- The shared sweater. Both of you in one oversized knit, laughing as you try to fit. Bring a really big sweater.
- The love letter. One reads a short note to the other. Write something real, even two lines. The reaction on the listener's face is the photo.
- Forehead to forehead. Quiet, close and very easy for camera-shy couples.
- The heart hands. Each of you makes half a heart with your hands, joined in the middle, with your faces soft behind.
- The flower hand-off. A small bouquet of roses or tulips held behind the back, then given. Bring your own flowers on the day.
- The anniversary detail. Your wedding rings together, a date on a card, or the first photo you ever took together held between you.
- The slow dance. Dancing slowly in the set, as if nobody is watching. It solves the "what do I do with my hands" problem.
For a broader set of couple ideas, read the guide to a couples photoshoot in the studio.
Ideas for kids and families
Valentine's sessions for kids work best with a little activity and a lot of affection.
- Paper hearts. Cut out a stack of paper hearts at home together, and let the kids throw them in the air or hand them to parents.
- The kiss on the cheek. A child kisses a parent's cheek, or a sibling's, and the photographer catches the giggle.
- Valentines for grandma. Kids "write" or draw a Valentine card, then hold it up to the camera. Grandparents love these.
- The heart balloon. One red or pink heart balloon held by the smallest child. Simple and graphic.
- The family pile. Everyone on the floor in a heap, kids on top, with the set behind.
- Mom and son, dad and daughter. One-on-one photos of a parent with each child, a small dance or a hug.
- The candy hearts. Kids reading out candy conversation hearts, or pretending to share them.
For siblings, a gentle squeeze-hug or a whispered secret works beautifully. The siblings photoshoot ideas have more.
Ideas for galentines and friends
Friends photograph wonderfully together, because the laughing is real.
- The group hug, everyone squeezing in from the sides.
- The toast, with pink lemonade or sparkling juice in plastic flutes.
- Matching details, like the same lipstick shade or friendship bracelets in close-up.
- The candy hearts game, each reading the most ridiculous one aloud.
- Pairs and solos, so everyone goes home with a photo of each friend, not just the group.
A short mini session suits a small group of friends. Tell your photographer how many of you are coming, so they can plan the groupings and check any group limits.
What to wear in reds and pinks
The set already has pink and red in it, so the trick is to use those colors in moderation and add neutrals.
Palettes that work
- Blush and cream. Soft pink with ivory, cream or oatmeal. The gentlest and most flattering option.
- Red and cream. One person in red, the rest in cream or soft gray. Classic and clear.
- Burgundy and rose. Deeper, richer and more grown-up, especially for couples.
- Pink and denim. Relaxed and playful for kids and families who prefer casual.
- Neutrals with one accent. Everyone in cream or camel, with one child in a red dress or a pink sweater.
Tips
- Avoid head-to-toe bright red on everyone. It overwhelms the set and casts color onto faces.
- Soft textures look best: knit, tulle, satin, velvet, a fluffy cardigan.
- Keep patterns small and few. A small heart print on one child is sweet; on the whole family, it is too much.
- Skip logos, slogans and character prints.
- Clean, simple shoes, because they show in full-length photos.
The family photo outfit guide covers palettes for every season.
When to book, and Valentine's as a gift
If you want the photos in hand for February 14, plan the session for late January or the first week of February, and check the photographer's delivery time on their profile so there is room to print or frame a favorite.
A session also makes a thoughtful Valentine's gift for a partner or a parent. The post on how to give a photo session as a gift explains how that works. For a full plan of a couple-plus-kids session on a Valentine's set, see Example Session: A Valentine's Set for a Couple and Their Kids.
Quick answers
What should couples wear for a Valentine's photoshoot?
Coordinate in one palette, such as blush and cream or burgundy and rose, with soft textures. One of you in red and the other in a neutral looks better than both in bright red.
Which session is best for Valentine's photos?
A short holiday mini session is usually enough for one setup and a handful of photos. For a family with young kids or two looks, a longer session of about an hour gives more time. In NYC, minis often run $150 to $350.
When should we book Valentine's photos?
Book in January for a session in late January or the first week of February, so your gallery arrives before February 14.
Find your photographer
Browse holiday photographers, look for a profile that shows a Valentine's set, and tell your photographer your idea once your booking is accepted.