Behind the Scenes: How I Built a DIY Heart Display for Valentine’s Portraits
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite times to create something unique for couples and individuals who want romantic, timeless portraits. This year, I decided to go all in and build a custom DIY heart display right in my Maryland studio. In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of how I designed and set up the Valentine’s Day backdrop — from the planning process to the final look that made every session feel cinematic and full of love.
2/3/20251 min read
For these sessions, I wanted to design something that stood out — something elegant yet fun, cinematic yet personal. The centerpiece was a DIY heart-shaped flower display set against a bold red backdrop. It instantly set the tone for the shoot, creating a romantic and vibrant atmosphere perfect for both solo portraits and couples’ sessions.
Every detail was intentional — the lighting, the color palette, and even the poses were chosen to highlight each person’s individuality while maintaining that cohesive Valentine’s aesthetic.
(👉 Curious how the set came together? Watch the behind-the-scenes video above to see the full DIY build in action. )

Planning the look
Capturing Confidence and Connection
One of my favorite parts of these sessions was seeing how quickly clients opened up in front of the camera. Whether they were celebrating a relationship or treating themselves to a solo session, each person brought their own story — and that’s what made the images special.
Photography has a way of revealing confidence you might not even realize you have. When you step in front of the camera, it’s not just about posing — it’s about embracing yourself in the moment.
You Don’t Need a Holiday to Celebrate Yourself
While Valentine’s Day was the inspiration, the message behind these sessions goes far beyond February 14th. You don’t need a holiday to celebrate love — or yourself.
Every season is the perfect time to invest in portraits that make you feel empowered, confident, and beautiful. Whether it’s a creative studio shoot, an outdoor fall session, or something uniquely personal, the goal is the same: to capture you at your best.





Book Your Session and Don’t Miss Out
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to book a photo session — this is it. Don’t wait for a holiday or special event to create something memorable.
About Eric Wilson
Hi, I’m Eric, a dedicated professional photographer and videographer based in Bowie, MD. With a strong focus on editorial and family portraits, I thrive on bringing your stories to life through my lens. My passion for visual storytelling extends to creating captivating videos for brands and individuals, whether it’s for marketing initiatives or personal milestones.
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