Your partner might roll their eyes at your endless photo taking, but those shots aren’t just for the ‘gram – taking photos together could be a lesser-known secret to a happier, stronger relationship. 

The team at Custtom explores the unexpected ways photography can strengthen relationships, with insights from psychotherapist, Eloise Skinner, on why snapping pictures together might be the secret to lasting love.

Not just for the ‘gram: Why photos can strengthen relationships

This isn’t just another love tip – science backs up the idea that taking and viewing photos with your partner can deepen your emotional bond.

One study, published in Psychology Today, found that simply looking at photos of your partner increases feelings of attachment, infatuation and marital satisfaction. In fact, this small act could help couples experiencing a dip in their relationship reconnect on a deeper level.  Another study, available on ResearchGate, revealed that couples who post photos together on social media tend to feel closer and more satisfied in their relationships than those who don’t. 

Psychotherapist, Eloise Skinner, explains why this works:

“Shared memories can certainly bring us closer, and reflecting on shared experiences can help us to remember previous moments of connection. Since it generally takes more intentional effort to retain a positive memory than it does to remember a negative one, it can help us to foster a bond with our partner to reflect on previous good times.”

So, next time you snap a photo together (or get frustrated that your partner wants another one) remember – you’re not just taking a picture. You’re strengthening your relationship.

Four tips to make photo-taking work for your relationship

The downside of taking photos? It’s easy to get so caught up in capturing the moment that you forget to actually be in it. So to make sure your photo sesh enhances your connection rather than distracts from it, here are four expert-backed tips:

1. Capture photos for each other – not just for social media

Found yourself caught in the habit of taking photos for social media, rather than your own enjoyment? This habit could be affecting more than just your relationship – it can also be detrimental to your mental health.

When the focus shifts from genuine connection to curating a perfect image, it can create pressure within relationships, leading to comparison, insecurity and less presence in shared moments. The result? Instead of bringing you closer, photo taking can start to feel like a performance.

What’s the solution? “Having an understanding of what will and won’t be posted could be helpful,” explains psychotherapist Eloise Skinner. “For example, you could agree when taking the photo that this one is ‘just for us’ or create a personal album on your phone for private memories.”

2. Don’t just snap the big milestones – capture everyday moments too

It’s easy to save the photoshoot for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions – but sometimes, the most special moments come from your everyday life.

“Capturing everyday moments can help focus your attention in the present, deepening your awareness of seemingly normal experiences,” Eloise explains. “It also provides a shared activity between you and your partner, creating a creative and visual project to engage in together,”

3. Find the balance – put the camera down when it matters

“It could also form a tangible reminder of better times in moments when you feel the connection to your partner is weaker, potentially providing a means of re-connection or re-established passion.”

So, try to take unfiltered, spontaneous snaps of the small things – a homecooked dinner on a Saturday night, a trip to the local coffee shop or a cuddle with the dog. These snapshots might seem insignificant at the time, but looking back on them will create a real, unfiltered reflection of your life together.

While taking more photos can be great for your relationships, it’s important to find the right balance.

“Sometimes the phone can get in the way of genuine connection,” explains Eloise. “If our partner feels we only see them through the lens for the purpose of capturing the moment, for example, it could create distance instead of closeness.”

Try to be present first, especially when it counts. It can be useful to set boundaries – for example, agree to take a couple of photos, but then put the phone (or camera) away and enjoy the moment with your partner. That way, photography enhances your relationship rather than distracts from it.

4. Display your favourites – don’t let photos get lost in your camera roll 

It’s all well and good taking photos, but if they just live inside your camera roll, it might start to feel pointless. Instead, bring them to life by printing out and displaying your favourites.

This doesn’t need to be a huge, overwhelming project. A simple scrapbook can be a great way to document your relationship over time. Dedicate a page to each year (or month, if you’re feeling keen), print out a handful of your favourite shots and stick them in. Over time, you’ll create a low-effort memory book to flip through together.

Or why not curate a photo gallery at home? That’s where Custtom comes in. Whether it’s a custom collage, simple print or photo-tiled wall, Custtom makes it easy to transform your digital memories into something you can see and enjoy every day. Plus, your memories could serve as a great talking point for any visitors.