Date nights are more than just an outing; it's quality time together that creates a bond and fosters connection. It's time to focus on the present and appreciate your people. It's so important to budget the time to play together to give your love the focus and nurture it deserves. And what better time to get photos than when your love and joy together is flying free?

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Here's my favorite quick list of date days and nights that are not only a blast, but also offer the perfect photo ops.

1. Drink and Draw

What is drink and draw you ask? It's perfect for exploring new cities or bouncing around a night on the town. It's basically bar hopping with markers. Each place we visit, we order one drink and one appetizer and crack open our notebooks to add a little color to the night. It can be anything. The bottles on the shelf, the funky plants around the windows, the hipster lady with the good hair playing guitar at open mic. We like to draw funny things we talked about throughout the day and make each other guess what it is. We add quotes or little sayings or funny things that happen throughout the night. It gives you the perfect album of your time together.

Don't consider yourself an artist? Blasphemy! The art teacher in me can feel a tear roll down my cheek every time I hear someone say this. But I will let you in on a little secret, art is a verb in my dictionary. And I have a solution for your self doubting hesitation.

Pro tip: Ambiguity sound too daunting? Stick to blind contour drawings. Instead of looking at your paper, look at your lover. The only rules are that you can't lift your pen and you can't look at the paper until you're done. There you go. Perfectionism pressure removed and you don't have to think of topics. It's also fun to look back from start to finish and see how they evolve.

This is my forever favorite date. Ryan and I do this everywhere we go. We each have our own special journal that we cover in stickers from the places we travel, giving us a passport of memories and inside jokes that bring us closer every time.

2. Coffee and Art

More of a morning person? Like to spend time in the sun? Combine caffeine with creativity by visiting local galleries or art installations. Sipping your favorite coffee as you observe the masterpieces surrounding you is a great reminder how beautiful the world is. Don't forget to bring along your notebook incase you feel inspired. But remember, pencils only in museums!

3. Restaurant Sampling

Have a new place you've been meaning to try? Want to step out of your comfort zone and dig into some diverse dishes? Head on out and release your inner foodie. Research shows that trying new foods together can boost relationship satisfaction by 20%! Each of you can take a turn ordering something and share bites and thoughts on each flavor.

4. Painting Night

A paint-and-sip night at home can be both entertaining and romantic. Set up a space with all your supplies—canvas, brushes, and paints—and create individual artworks on the same theme. You could compare your creations afterward, capturing both the process and the final results with photos. This is one of my personal favorites for photo sessions. Especially when it ends with colorful handprints and paint splotches all over each other. Always a good time.

5. Campfire Stories

Experience the warmth of a campfire right in your backyard. With blankets and roasted s'mores, swap stories and enjoy crackles. The warm glow creates a soft light that is perfect for capturing candid moments—those genuine smiles or playful banter can be truly magical in photographs. Ryan and I like to spend summer nights swinging in our hammock while he reads to me. There is something extremely intimate and soothing about listening to your partner read to you. We're particularly fond of short stories. Audible's got nothing on Ry-man.

6. Snowfall Adventures

Let's be real, I hate cold. Love snow, hate cold. But there is nothing like taking a walk in freshly fallen snow. The stillness and beauty is unmatched. Bold colors pop bright and create vivid, active imagery. Freeze those joyful moments as you roll around making snow angels and keeping each other toasty. A winter wonderland photo session can produce some of the most picturesque shots, reflecting playful joy in an icy backdrop. Don't forget some hot cocoa to sweeten the deal.

7. Bowling Nights

When are bowling shoes going to have their time in fashion? Let's get the ball rolling with a little bit of flirty competition. The tacky vibes, cheap pizza, weird carpets and retro decor add a unique flair to your session. And trust me, I will not judge your skill level. I still prefer bowling with the bumpers.

8. Arcade Games

Listen. I freaking LOVE light. Neon lights? Even better. Let's hit the arcade and play a little ski ball or try your luck in the claw machines. With the lights and sounds surrounding you, the vibrant atmosphere allows for dynamic photos showcasing your playful spirits with lots of color.

9. Cooking Experiments

Nothing brings people together like a shared meal. Cook a new recipe at home, and get ready for some kitchen chaos. Capture the moments of laughter as ingredients are accidentally spilled or when one of you burns the garlic, too busy admiring your good lookin bb. Top it off with a nice little romantic candle lit chow down and we've got all the ingredients for a chef's kiss.

10. Cuddling with Vibe Lights

Transform your space with soft lighting for a cozy cuddle session or vibe lights for some experimental photo fun. Our house is vibe central. As I will mention a million and a half times, I am obsessed with lighting. We've got an entire assortment. Lasers, galaxy projectors, a shit ton of candles, fake fireplace, plant lights, twinkle lights, market lights, rainbow twinkle lights, cactus lights, sunset lights...I could go on. There's nothing I love more than playing with light in my photos. So snuggle up and let's light this bitch up. Curate your mood based on color, brightness, direction, and contrast. Capture the intimate atmosphere with photographs that showcase the connection you share, filled with warmth and affection.

11. Spend Some Tune Time with Plants, Pets, and Your Favorite Records

If you’re a plant or pet lover, dedicate a date to caring for your green friends or furry companions. Take pictures with them; these moments reveal another layer of your relationship. Throw on a record and dance around with your watering cans or cups of coffee. A cute snapshot of you watering plants or cuddling with your pet will document the quiet little moments of your every day love that often get overlooked. Bonus if you're like me and want documentation that your plants were once alive and well. Only the strongest survive in our house.

12. Hiking Adventures

Nature is a sacred space. Lot's of air to breathe and feel the freedom. Go for a hike and enjoy the sky while capturing stunning views. A picturesque trail can complement your photos beautifully, highlighting both you and your surroundings. The overlooks are stellar, but the in between moments are the gold. Need trail suggestions? I'm an open map.

13. Ice Skating

Is it cliche? Yes. Does that matter? Nope. It's popular for a reason. It's fun as hell and uber romantic. You'll also get some good laughs every time I end up on my bottom. Since a lot of outdoor ice rinks are surrounded by gorgeous market lights, night sessions are always a good move. The warm glow in the cold air gives the perfect romantic filter.

14. Toast at Your Favorite Dive Bar

I swear this isn't trashy. And personally I'm a huge fan. Hang out at Oscars and grab a yueng every Philly's game? Let's order some pierogies and make it a night. Don't be afraid to lean into the usual spots and let me get creative. After all, our goal is to document who you are in this moment and what your genuine love looks like.

15. Picnic in the Park

Pack a picnic basket filled with your favorite snacks, grab a blanket, and head to a local park. Enjoy each other’s company and capture candid moments as you lounge and snack. Bring your current books and take some time to slow down in the sunshine. You don't always have to be doing. Sitting together and just existing in yourselves is sometimes an incredible way to connect.

16. Visit Local Markets

Have you ever been to the Hometown Farmer's Market in the Skook? You should definitely check it out. Good food, weird finds, and excellent produce. I also highly recommend the Bountiful Breakfast wrap at The Beacon right down the road. If you're a Philly native, than you know there is a whole slew of options, but if you're looking for something a bit smaller and more intimate, The Easton Public Market in Easton PA is a great spot. Select local produce or unique crafts while supporting small businesses. The perfect way to dive into the local community.

17. Take a Scenic Drive

I know this might be an unpopular opinion, but I find driving to be very meditative. And sometimes, a simple drive can turn into a great adventure. Choose a route with beautiful landscapes and capture stunning shots at scenic overlooks. Or rent a fun little convertible or jeep and take a spin with the top down. We can find all the weird quirky backroad magic along the way. These pictures can showcase your journey, reflecting both the places you visit and your bonding moments during the ride.

18. Outdoor Movie Night

Set up an outdoor movie night using a projector under the stars. I'll bring my laser lights, you bring cozy blankets, popcorn, and your favorite films to enjoy together. Capture spontaneous moments over silly movie scenes and the twinkling lights above you—the perfect blend of fun and romance.

19. Crafting Together

Participate in a DIY craft night, whether it’s pottery, painting, or creating hand-made gifts. Document your artistic process and the fun you share as you create together. There are so many art kit options available on the market today. I would also love to give you some suggestions if you're looking for it. We love art nights and find it perfect when we need a breather from the heaviness of being human. Plus, I'm a big fan of projects. BIG fan.

20. Attend Live Music Events

Sitting at home with your records spinning is great and all, but a live show takes it up a notch. Capture the excitement of the performance and the joy of sharing the experience. Get some dark and moody shots by the stage and wander out to the bar or front of the venue for some air and chit chat. Engaging in the arts can enhance your connection and make for unforgettable moments.

21. Roller Roost

This one is a dream shoot of mine. The lights (yes, again), the retro vibes, the weird smells and watching all the people with wobbly knees braving the roller floor? Doesn't get much better than that. When I was an art teacher in South Philly, we took the kids to Rolling Thunder and I immediately fell in love. Please bring my dream to life. I'm not too graceful on skates, but I'm a smooth rider on blades.

22. Bookstore Binge

Visit a local bookstore and browse for books that resonate with you both. Share stories and perspectives, and sneak in some quick kisses in the back aisles. We can browse the shelves and enjoy that sweet book smell. Plus, if you find something good, you get to take it home, snuggle up, and dive in.

23. Visit a Museum

Immerse yourselves in culture at a museum. Take time to engage with exhibits and photograph your genuine reactions. Whether you're laughing, pondering or sharing insights, these moments will nicely reflect your shared experiences.

24. Stargazing Night

On a clear night, lay out a blanket in a dark area away from city lights and gaze at the stars. Ryan and I are both deep feelers and over-thinkers that are fascinated by the universe and this is the perfect setting to explore that shared passion. Bring along a telescope and see what space has to offer. Want something more active? We can play with light paintings and long exposures. The possibilities are limitless.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for meteor shower nights. One night I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of 21 shooting stars. I know. Amazing.

25. Seasonal Festivities

Celebrate seasonal events together—whether it's pumpkin picking in autumn or beach days in summer, these occasions provide a great option for taking advantage of the season.

Have some goat yoga scheduled at the pumpkin patch? Going snow tubing on the mountain? Checking out all the Christmas trees in NYC? Soaking in the smell of the lavender fields? All good choices. authenticity shared in your relationships, be it with a partner, friend, or family member.

The options are endless. Looking for more date night ideas to shoot with me near you? Let's chat. Stick to what feels good to you and you can't go wrong. Whatever you do together, you get to do it with the one you love, and that will ultimately be what makes your session precious.

Hope y'all make some time to have fun with your lovers! And remember, if you're interested in a free date night mini session, don’t miss your chance to enter on my IG for a chance to win!

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Coming soon: date night ideas near me - a list of recommendations in the Philadelphia area