Silvia Sala Photography

5 Tips to plan your Venice Couple Photoshoot

Venice, with its ever-famous canals and inimitable beauty, is a dream destination for couples who want to create unforgettable memories. Because of this, now might be a perfect time to plan your Venice couple photoshoot! Be it for a special occasion or just for fun, you’ll always appreciate the photos you take in this iconic Italian city.

Silhouette of a same sex couple in San Marco square Venice Italy

But it’s essential to have quality photos that will truly highlight the city’s beauty and your love. This is where a professional couple photographer in Venice comes into play. Whether you envision a ride along the canals or a stroll over the Rialto Bridge, they will capture your love story while you relax and enjoy the moment. However, you have to properly prepare for the Venice photoshoot. 

In this guide, I’ll share five tips you should remember so your Venice couple photoshoot goes as smoothly as possible. Let’s dive in!

1. Plan Ahead your couple photoshoot

Never let your photographer know about the shooting a day or two before. Doing a Venice photoshoot takes time to prepare—from gathering the needed materials and cameras to finding the right outfit. 

Moreover, a photographer can be pre-booked for months, so if you wait till the last minute, you’ll end up with nothing. As a Venice photographer, I’ve received last-minute requests and sadly had to decline them because my schedule was full.

This is why I recommend you schedule your Venice couple photoshoot right after you book your stay in the city. This way, you can rest assured that the photoshoot will happen and include it in your daily schedule. Needless to say, planning ahead is that much more important if we’re talking about a proposal or a special occasion.

2. Plan Your Outfit Carefully

Planning the perfect outfit for your Venice photoshoot is really important—it can make or break the whole vibe of the session. So, plan what to wear in advance. You can talk to your photographer and see what they have to suggest. For instance, I always send a detailed outfit guide for different periods in Venice so my clients can easily choose their outfits. 

Additionally, consider the time of year, where the Venice couple photoshoot will take place, and any additional props you want to include. You can also bring a portable iron with you, just in case your outfits get wrinkly, and even have several ideas packed if you change your mind last minute.

3. Discuss With your Photographer the Mood You’re Looking for

Are you more of an extroverted or introverted couple? Do you prefer walks around historical landmarks and museums or maybe a good dinner is what makes both of you happy? What is your passion? Are you into romantic poses or you’re looking for a fun photoshoot?

Couple laughing while having a fun pre-wedding photoshoot in Venice Italy

Think about all of this before you go to your Venice photographer and ask for a shoot. You could think about shooting while you do different activities like gondola rides, water taxi tours, Italian cooking lessons, mask painting lessons, or even arrange a photoshoot while you have a delicious Italian espresso. 

With the right photographer, the possibilities for your photoshoot are endless. It’s really important that you feel like yourselves and happy while I conduct the photoshoot.

4. Consider the Time of Day and Period of the Year for your Venice photoshoot

Always check the weather forecast before you go for a Venice couple photoshoot. Depending on the weather, you can choose the spot and the outfit you’ll wear.

Autumn and spring are the best seasons for a shoot in this Italian city. To be precise, it’s from March to May and from September to October. However, some couples prefer to have their photos taken during the carnival period—this changes every year, but it’s usually around February. Summer is very hot, and winter can be cold and foggy, so consider this when you’re planning your photoshoot.

As for the time of day, it depends on what mood you’re going for. Morning is more intimate, while the evening is lovely at the golden hour—a great choice if you want a more romantic aura or plan an intimate dinner afterward.

Intimate engagement photoshoot at sunrise in Venice, Italy

5. Find the perfect Venice photoshoot background for you

Based on the time of the Venice photoshoot, you can choose the place where you want it to happen. Think about what you want your photo to have in the background. Do you want some architectural landmarks, the canals, or the famous Rialto Bridge? Or maybe you don’t want anything in the background but prefer the photo to focus on you and your partner.

Whatever you’re thinking, discuss it with the photographer. Together, we can work it out and find the right place. As an experienced local photographer in Venice, I can tell you with certainty that there are many hidden spots far away from tourist landmarks. 

Before you choose the spot, learn a bit about the city. The city is divided into six distinct districts, known as sestieri: Cannaregio, Castello, Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro, and San Marco. Each offers its own unique charm and character. To discover more about these areas and find the best locations, check out my guide to the Best places where to take photos in Venice.

Couple sitting on the steps of a canal in Venice Italy while taking their engagement photoshoot

Once you have a general idea, we can work on it further; I’ll even provide some example spots other couples have used before you. For instance, a while back, Julia and Charlie chose elopement instead of a big wedding, holding the ceremony on a private terrace in San Marco, near the square.

Conclusion

A professional couple photoshoot will help you keep your memories till the end of time. Yet, it’s essential you plan your Venice couple photoshoot before you arrive in the city. As a Venice photographer, I always emphasize the importance of giving a heads-up for the photoshoot since some photographers (like me) might have a full schedule. 

Don’t forget to choose the time of day and place where you want the photoshoot to happen, or talk to me, and we can arrange the perfect moment. Bring a few outfits in case plans change, and don’t forget to check the weather before packing. Finally, share what you truly want to bring out in the photos. As for the rest, leave it to me! Trust me, you’re in safe hands!

Have any questions about your Venice photoshoot? Do you want to plan one? Contact me, and let’s start!