Excerpt: Skip the cheesy couple photos. This year is about the “It Girl” Valentine’s aesthetic. From the viral newspaper heart cutout trend to solo date night flashbacks, here are the coolest photoshoot ideas you can do at home.
Introduction
Valentine’s Day used to be about the giant teddy bears and the awkwardly staged couple photos. Not anymore.
If you’ve been on Pinterest lately (which, of course you have), you know the vibe has shifted. It’s “cool girl,” it’s editorial, and honestly? It’s a little bit gritty. We’re trading the bright red roses for flash photography, blurred motion, and—the biggest trend of 2025—the newspaper heart cutout.
Whether you’re single and celebrating self-love or just want photos that don’t look like a Hallmark card, this guide is for you. I’m breaking down exactly how to execute these trends, what props you need, and how to edit them to get that grainy, film-camera look.
Let’s make your feed look like a magazine cover.
Trend 1: The Newspaper Heart Cutout (The Viral One)
You’ve seen this everywhere. It’s edgy, creative, and insanely cheap to do.
The Concept: You cut a heart shape out of a newspaper and shoot through the hole, or wear the newspaper as a “top” (safely pinned, of course).
What You Need:
- A vintage-looking newspaper (text-heavy pages are best).
- Red lipstick (essential/non-negotiable).
- Scissors.
- Flash (use your phone flash or a direct camera flash).
How to Shoot It:
- The “Spy” Shot: Cut a small heart in the center of the paper. Hold the newspaper close to the camera lens and focus on your face through the hole. It creates a natural frame.
- The “Burning Love”: (Careful with this one!) Use a lighter to singe the edges of the heart cutout for a brown, burnt texture. It adds so much depth.
Trend 2: The “After Party” Flash Aesthetic
Think: 90s supermodel, “I just got home from a party,” smeared lipstick, flash on.
The Vibe: High contrast, messy hair, eating a heart-shaped cake with your hands.
- Prop Tip: Buy a cheap grocery store cake and pipe “Be Mine” on it poorly. The imperfection is the point.
Trend 3: Flower Market Solo Date
This is clean, wholesome, and perfect for the “Vanilla Girl” aesthetic.
- The Outfit: Oversized trench coat, headphones, holding a massive bouquet of pink tulips wrapped in brown paper.
- The Angle: Faceless. Show the outfit, the flowers, and the coffee cup. No face needed.
Posing Guide: How to Look “Unguarded”
The key to these photos is looking like you didn’t try (even though we know you spent an hour on hair).
- The “Motion Blur”: Move your hands or shake your head slightly while snapping the photo. It gives that “caught in the moment” energy.
- Don’t Smile (Too Much): A soft smirk or a neutral “model face” usually reads cooler for these editorial shots than a big cheese smile.
- Interact with Props: Don’t just hold the wine glass; drink from it. Don’t just sit next to the flowers; smell them.
| Aesthetic | Lighting | Outfit | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newspaper | Direct Flash (Hard) | Black tank / Lingerie | Edgy, Editorial |
| Soft Girl | Natural Window Light | White sweater / Silk | Romantic, Soft |
| Party Girl | Flash + Blur | Sequins / Red Lip | Fun, Chaotic |
My Personal Recommendations (Editing the Vibe)
You have the shot, but the editing is 50% of the work.
- Tezza App: Use the “Vintage” or “Film” presets.
- Dazz Cam: If you shoot on your phone, use this app to simulate a CPM35 film camera. It adds the date stamp in the corner which is very trendy right now.
- Grain is Good: Don’t smooth your skin too much. Add grain. It makes the photo feel tangible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where do I find vintage newspapers?
A: You don’t need a real vintage one! You can print “lorem ipsum” newspaper textures from Pinterest, or buy an aesthetic newspaper prop from Amazon/Etsy for $5.
Q: How do I take these if I’m alone?
A: Use the back camera of your phone + a mirror (the mirror selfie is timeless), or tape your phone to a wall (yes, really) and use the 0.5x lens with a timer.
Q: Can I do the newspaper trend with a partner?
A: Absolutely. Have one person hold the newspaper and kiss behind it, revealing just eyes or hands through the cutout. It’s mysterious and cute.
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day is just an excuse to play dress-up and create art. You don’t need a partner to have a “shoot.” Grab a newspaper, put on your favorite red lipstick, and romanticize your own company. The photos will last longer than a box of chocolates anyway.
Tags: valentines day photoshoot, photoshoot ideas women, newspaper valentines photoshoot, valentines aesthetic, self love photoshoot, galentines day ideas, creative photography ideas, instagram photo ideas, flash photography aesthetic, editorial photoshoot
