Valentine’s Day/Couples Photography
By Rebecca Mercado
Valentine’s day is this Sunday, which largely represents spending time with those you love. This might be a family member, best friend, or significant other. A fun idea, that just might be perfect for celebrating whilst things are still shut down, is to dress in something that makes you feel great, and take some fun photos with your loved ones. To help with this, I have some reliable and easy poses Inspired by TikTok to share! These are great for more casual and modern pictures for something like a social media post or iPhone wallpaper (or just to have), opposed to cheesy “Christmas-card” pictures that hold the seriousness of something like a wedding announcement. You can make it a double date and have someone else take your pictures, or even just set up a self-timer. I went out with my friends and tested these poses and it was so much fun! The poses were easy and elevated the images a lot. Now we have the photos and memories to keep forever!
Here are links to the TikTok videos that inspired this post:
And here are some of my favorite pictures we took:
1- One person squats in front while holding hand on shoulder
2- Take turns pulling one another in
3- Holding hands walk away while one or both glances back
4- Dance, relax, have fun and enjoy each others company!
5- One walks away while the other stays & pulls them back
6- Hold arm out while someone else takes pictures to look like a selfie angle (or real selfies and take turns holding camera)
7- Back to back peace sign
8- The dip
9- Just have fun! Cherish time together(:
COUPLES PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:
Moreover, I thought it’d be good to include some more general tips on how to photograph couples. I did my research (sources linked below) and have some tips on how to capture the best images of couples and make the photographs as natural, authentic, and loving as possible.
1. Get to know the couple- First, it’s important to have an understanding of what type of relationship the couple you are working with has. This way you are able to photograph the best representation possible of their relationship. A good way to do this is by asking how they met, allowing them to tell stories and get excited about memories from their past. Find out what they like to do together, which leads to the next tip-
2. Capture the relationship- Shoot your images in a comfortable environment that will allow the couple to feel and look as natural and relaxed as possible. This ties into having a good understanding of what they like to do as it could offer a cool location somewhere they enjoy. For example a favorite restaurant, beer garden, viewpoint or hike, etc.
3. Capture them how they really are- Try to get the essence of their relationship and dynamic. A familiar location makes them feel comfortable and brings memories that show through in the photo
4. Avoid traditional “smile at the camera” photos- These types of photos are not natural or authentic and, in my opinion, don’t look as good. Instead, have them look at each other, cuddle, whisper, kiss, walk, etc. and test out the poses my friends and I did! It can be helpful and less awkward to have some poses picked out beforehand so they can practice at home so they know their best angles and feel a bit more comfortable.
Photographing Couples: 13 “go-to” tricks for authentic poses and interactions
Couples posing: The Essential Guide for Photographers
5 Tips for your First Couple Photoshoot- Lighting, Posing, and more!