How to capture passionate kissing photos of couples in love.
If you want to feel comfortable in front of the camera, or know how to inspire and photograph a passionate kiss, you’ve come to the right place!
There are seven key things you should know to be able to get lost in a passionate kiss. But first, a story…
At first glance…
You may not find this photo to be anything extraordinary, but if you scroll down to the next shot…
A cinematic magic moment!
I audibly gasped as I watched this intimate and beautiful moment happen. I felt like I was watching a scene in a movie play out before me!
So much of the passion of this couple would be lost if it were a tight cropped portrait. Part of what makes this photo evoke so much emotion is that you can see they are out in public, and a bit oblivious to the world around them. There is an empty chair directly in front of the man, but rather than just leaning in, she climbed into his lap.
This was no swift kiss of greeting or goodbye. This wasn’t a quick “I love you” peck.
This was a kiss that demanded that there be absolutely no space between them. A kiss that would linger. A kiss they got lost in. A kiss that quite literally took my breath away as I watched it happen.
I love a good detail shot, but allowing the scene around the couple to play a role in the story is in part what creates the intimacy of it. They are in another place and time, and yet out in public and completely exposed. To take away the elements around them and crop in on their torsos or faces would dramatically change the feel of the photo, and a lot of the story would be lost.
How to get lost in a passionate kiss, or capture it with photos:
Give plenty of space between the couple and the photographer - the more aware a couple is of a person in their proximity, the more distracted they will be, and they won’t be able to connect with each other as easily.
You’re going to have to get out of your head. Instead, focus on the person in front of you! Note their faces - eyes and lips. Take a few moments to maintain eye contact and not what you’re feeling as you look them in the eye.
Consider a prompt or question to open up to each other. If you’re not exactly “in the mood”, share something you love about the other person’s character, or a physical feature. Share a favorite romantic memory with each other.
A romantic soundtrack helps! Consider playing a playlist or album, even if it’s just on your phone speaker, to create a romantic atmosphere.
The less distance between bodies the better. Intimacy will be communicated not so much in the kiss, but in the rest of the body language. If a couple will allow themselves to melt into each other, it communicates a trust and vulnerability shared with each other.
Slow down and linger. There is absolutely no rush. Allow the couple to take some time and enjoy the moment!
Subtle movements are ideal. Change up the position of arms and hands. Tilt heads. Try tracing faces and arms, putting hands in hair, caressing or wrapping around each other.
Want to learn more about my romantic couples photo experiences?
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