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Create Your Own Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

I completely slacked when it came to Christmas cards this year, so I promised to send friends and family New Years cards. Well that month went by like a flash of lighting and I have yet to send anyone photos for the holidays. Now that I have promised everyone some photos time and time again of our adorable and sweet Adeline, I decided what better time than the month of February. People are always complementing me on how well the kid’s photos come out, little do they know I create them right at home from the comfort of my living room. I am delighted to give you a behind the scenes look at how to create a Valentine’s Day photo shoot. This is an incredibly easy way to produce some beautiful photos and not spend and arm and a leg on a professional photo shoot.

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

The first thing you will want to do is get yourself some props which is yet again another simple and inexpensive task. I made a trip to my local Joanne Fabrics and was thrilled to find that all of the Valentine’s Day items were 40% off. I got an attractive heart wreath to place in the back ground of the photo shoot, as well as some glittery hearts and an adorable pink feather clip.

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

We already had a pink mink blanket at home because let’s face it… every baby girl has a pink blanket somewhere in her collection. I used a white poster board for my background, this is more of a personal preference as I am very fond of a clean and simple background. However, feel free to use your imagination and set up a background that best suits your preferences.

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

My daughter is only six months old and still trying to get a handle on sitting up on her own and unsupported. So I took her bumbo and placed a white blanket over it and then placed my daughter inside of it. If you choose to put your little one in a dress, you can easily drape it over the sides of the bumbo, this actually looks quite adorable!

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

The best advice that I can give you when it comes to taking a photo shoot is that the timing and mood is essential. Obviously you are going to want to choose a time when your baby is happiest and in a good mood. One of the greatest advice I have ever received when it comes to getting great shots of your family is to not ask your child to smile… but instead to make them smile! For the photo shoot I had my four year old son stand behind me and be super silly for his baby sister, this allows us to achieve those natural and real emotions! My last word of advice… us natural lighting! Go in the brightest room and make sure your child is surrounded by natural lighting. You are going to see a significant difference in the photos when they are taken with natural lighting.

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

If your baby is miserable sitting in the bumbo and anxious to wiggle around, then take your photo shoot to the floor. I took the following photo while stand over her, they came out really great and I was able to get some sweet smiles from her. This is also a good opportunity to set up some props that you would like to stand out in the photos.

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

Another great prop I found at Joanne Fabrics was this heart shaped chalk board. We took some photos for my mom and they are going to be a Valentine’s gift that Nana will never forget! I always love photos with chalk boards in them and I thought they came out very well in the photo shoot. And the baby toes… who doesn’t love those things!?

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

As you can see, we kept the background plain for the following photos and I was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

Just look at those two little teeth that recently popped through, what a great shot! I am so in love with this sweater set from Feltman Brothers, such an elegant outfit for the occasion.

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

As a mother of three I have had my share of unsuccessful and down right disappointing photo shoots with kids. I have walked out of far too many places furious with the lack of quality photos to choose from because my kids were too cranky and distracted to take getting their pictures seriously. Since taking a leap of faith in myself to do them at home, I have not only saved money, but I have gotten far more beautiful photos myself than any place I have taken the kids. Being in the comfort of our home makes a huge difference and you are truly able to grab those beautiful candid photos. So grab your camera, kids and props and start snapping some shots of your adorable kids!

Create Your Own Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

11 thoughts on “Create Your Own Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot

  1. this such an amazing great idea, thank you so much for sharing this! I’am going to get creative with my daughters Valentine photos this week. Instead of spending 100s of dollars on a photographer I’ll save the money and just get her the things I need so I can do it. Plus she will smile more with being in the comfort of her home & not in a strange place/people.

  2. Lovely photos, Heather! And how adorable is your baby girl! Photoshoot at home is a great idea. We’ve been doing this for quite a while and it really feels great to be creative sometimes 😉 Cheers!

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