The most romantic day of the year is
right around the corner. But, as a photographer, it’s best to be
prepared year-round to shoot romantic portraits of couples. If you need a
dose of inspiration, here are 20 couple poses and photography ideas
that will help you capture truly authentic and unforgettable moments.
01. Bedtime Stories
There’s nothing like the warmth and
comfort of being in the bedroom with a loved one. Ask the couple you’re
photographing to relax by sharing stories, telling jokes, and getting
close to one another. Expect this intimate setting to reveal honest
interactions and genuine emotions.
Photo by Raw Pixel
02. Date Night Valentine’s Day is a fun-filled
occasion for most couples. Recreate the passion and excitement of this
holiday by following a couple throughout a big night out. Pick a
photogenic date night destination, like a carnival during sunset. Take
snapshots of all the fun, fuzzy moments that they share with one another
through the experience.
Photo by Brian Schneider
03. Retro Romance
Capture timeless, cinematic portraits
by getting your couple to play dress up in vintage clothes straight
from a thrift store. Retro props and accessories like analog cameras and
old-fashioned suitcases can also add that old world touch. To complete
the vibe, add some digital film grain or a black and white filter to
recreate that analog feel.
Photo by Pixabay
04. On-screen Duo
Entertain pop-culture lovers by
having your subjects dress as their favorite movie, TV, or book
characters. When looking for ideas for poses, simply have them act out
famous scenes, or look up movie posters for their couple posing
references.
Photo by Xandro Vandewalle
05. Double Take
Want to try something artsy? Experiment with double exposures—either
digitally or on film. If you shoot with digital, keep in mind to
photograph your couple one at a time in contrasting positions, and then
combine everything in post. The mesmerizing effect of the double
exposure creates a haunting take on the typical couple portrait.
Photo by Cristian Newman and Luiza Sayfullina
06. Fashion Icons
If your couple loves dressing up,
indulge them with a fashion editorial-themed shoot. Use their favorite
magazines as your inspiration for couple poses, and make sure to pay
attention to the styling and location. Use this technique to highlight
your subjects’ sartorial flare and passion for standing out.
Photo by Pixabay
07. Adrenaline Junkies
For an adventure-loving couple,
capture the fun while they’re engaged in their favorite shared
activity—whether that's skating, surfing, or even rock-climbing. When
they’re naturally high on adrenaline, there’s no need to ask them to
force a smile or pose.
Photo by Raw Pixel
08. Grab a Bite
What’s more classically romantic than
sharing a bite together? Capture your couple as they celebrate each
other's company at their favorite date spot. Whether that's a cafe that
they frequent every Sunday brunch or the place they shared their first
date. Sit back and snap them simply enjoying their meal.
Photo by Raw Pixel
09. Dancing Stars
If your couple is finding it
difficult to do regular couple poses, sometimes adding a little motion
can help. Put on their favorite song and ask them to dance and loosen
up. It doesn’t matter if they don’t know how to do the Swing or the
Waltz. As long as they’re having fun with one another, you’ll have
plenty of opportunities to capture genuine moments.
Photo by Scott Broome
10. The Great Outdoors
Go for a rustic theme by
photographing your subjects in a rural setting. Simply being outside
creates a homey atmosphere that translates in photos. Couple poses can
be as simple as having them hugging in the midst of a wide, open field
with the horizon in the background. When you are naturally surrounded by
the serenity of the outdoors, half the work is already done.
Photo by Pixabay
11. Warm Embrace
Hugs are always better than kisses
when it comes to shooting couple portraits. The act is not only less
awkward for the couple to have to do in front of another person, but it
also naturally makes them feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Don't be afraid to ask your subjects to cuddle if they’re feeling a
little shy. This technique always does the trick.
Photo by freestocks.org
12. From a Distance
Capture your subjects looking into
the distance to create a contemplative mood. Apart from showing your
couple lost in a genuine moment, you also get to share the magnificent
view with your audience.
Photo by Timo Stern
13. Heart to Heart
The heart—the ultimate representation
of love—can be shown in many different forms. Think of creative ways to
incorporate this romantic symbol into your portraits. Sneak in an item
of clothing with a heart-shaped pattern or include props like
heart-shaped balloons that your couple can hold as they share a tender
kiss.
Photo by Marcelo Chagas
14. Lover’s Gaze
Ask your subjects to stare deep into
at each other's eyes. The power of this gaze can help bring out many
different emotional responses: it can elicit joyous laughter or create
and intense spark. Be sure to capture these moments by observing their
reactions.
Photo by Jodran Bauer
15. The Getaway
One of the advantages of going on a
trip is that you get to go on an adventure with your couple. Follow your
subjects as they explore a place they've never been to before—from
popular tourist spots to their own personal finds. This sense of
discovery will give your photos that extra spark.
Photo by Image Studio
16. Genuine Displays of Affection
A kiss on the lips may be the
ultimate romantic gesture, but, as mentioned, it doesn't always
translate well in photos. Another way to help your couple avoid looking
(and feeling) awkward is by asking them about the other ways that they
show each other affection. It can be a peck on the forehead or nose, or
simply holding each other's faces. Everyone expresses their love in
different ways, so try to capture one that is personal to your couple.
Photo by Teo Heftiba
17. Body language
You don’t always have to rely on
faces when it comes to portraits. When you choose not to reveal your
couple’s faces, the viewer of the photo is forced to look at the other
key elements in the scene—namely, the setting, the body language, the
mood, and the moment.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova
18. The Little Things
Tiny details can reveal so much more
about a couple’s relationship than first meets the eye. When
photographing romantic portraits, try to include close-ups of tiny
details such as matching tattoos or jewelry. Shots from such an intimate
distance help the viewer really feel the sense of togetherness between a
couple.
Photo by Snapwire
19. Authentic Moments
Staged shots may be fun, but nothing
beats capturing real emotions. Look out for intimate moments between a
couple when they think you’re not shooting. They’ll undoubtedly remember
those images more than the times you ask them to pose.
Photo by Priscilla du Preez
20. Selfie Sweethearts
We mentioned plenty of romantic
couple poses, but what about getting your couple to shoot themselves?
Sometimes the most fun and memorable moment happens when you ask them to
take a self-timer photo or even a selfie. Pick a picturesque scene for
them, such as outdoors during golden hour, then have them set up the
self-timer and dash in front of the camera before it clicks. Take shots
of them tying to execute this in the moment. This spontaneous rush of
excitement will create an energy that a traditional pose can never
duplicate.
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