| Photo Tip #134: Set Up a Romantic Photo Shoot as a Couple |
 |  Greetings Fellow Photographers!
I hope 2012 is off to a great start for you all! With Valentine's Day coming up, I thought it would be fun to talk about some tips for setting up a romantic Valentine's Day photo shoot for you and your sweetie. This is both fun and a unique idea for a date! You can use these photos in so many ways: print and frame them for your home or office, use all the best shots in a romantic photo book, create a canvas print of your favorite shot, build a custom photo calendar with date nights each month, or use the photos on custom photo cards for people throughout the year.
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Preparation
For this photo shoot, you'll need your camera (obviously), and a tripod. You can ask a friend to take the photos for you as well, but I think for this one, you should use a tripod and the self-timer feature on your camera, as you will feel more relaxed just being alone together. Think about your favorite locations for the shoot as well. Outdoors is best, though indoors will work too (more on locations in a second). Lastly, you'll need to clear some time for you and your Valentine, as this shoot won't work without both of you!
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| Location
If possible, choose a location that both of you love, and/or a place where you share a lot of history and memories. Maybe it's a place you go hiking often, or the place you got engaged. Once you decide on a location, think about the lighting. In a typical daylight scene, you'll want the sun to be off a little to one side and behind you, but not in the frame, so think about maybe sunset or sunrise. Refer to my previous tips about how to spot a great background and simple lighting tips for more information. If nature isn't your thing, city scenes can give you more options, as you may have more lighting (especially at night). Just know that you'll always need some flash in these cases for fill, or to light you both against a city background.  |
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Composition
Think about what you want to include in the background of the photo for you both on a personal level, but also be conscious of what works photographically. Remember that the two of you are the subjects of this image, and the background imagery is just that: background. It's okay if the background is out of focus, and may actually enhance the photo by drawing more attention on you two. The two of you are what make these photos special. Also, try a few test shots to test how the photos look and where you two should stand or sit. You can be close together, or on opposite sides of the frame, depending on your vision for the photos.
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During the Shoot
The goal is to capture yourselves in front of the camera being yourselves. Be playful and fun. Loosen up with a little wine beforehand, in moderation of course, if you enjoy that sort of thing. If you can, set up your camera to take a series of shots automatically. These can be great fun, similar to sitting in a photo booth. Try a variety of poses, and shoot both formal shots, as well as casual and candid shots. It's okay to get a little mushy as well. Remember to plan things out in advance, but once you're in front of the camera, be yourselves, be spontaneous, and have fun with it!  |
|  Digi's Site Tip: Valentine's Day Love Story Gift
There is still time to create and order the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your sweetheart, and I have the perfect idea: a personalized love story! Create a photo book that tells the story of your romance through your photos and words. Start in the beginning, maybe with some photos of the two of you before you met. Then, add in more photos from the time you met. Continue adding photos of your lives together, such as your trips together, photos with your families, photos of your kids, various places you have lived, and whatever else you can think of. Add your own text along the way to tell him or her how special each moment was for you. If writing isn't your strong point, find romantic poems or phrases to quote throughout the book. Lastly, if you are looking for a great way to propose, pop the question on the final page of the book, complete with a photo of the engagement ring!
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| Your Photos
Thanks to everyone who have shared their photos with me since the last email! If you would like to submit a photo for me to post in an upcoming email, please use the "Share via Email" feature in your online account: log into your account, click the green "share" tab, and follow the steps to share via email (the photo must be uploaded to your account, which you can do by clicking "Add Photos"). Share the photo(s) with me, digipixels@lifepics.com. Feel free to include info on how you got the shot, and whether or not you used any of my tips! Here are a few recent submissions. They have a winter/romance theme, which I thought was appropriate!
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"Cool perspective on a Christmas tree!"
– Diane
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"Here is an image I shot at a wedding, showing an example of shallow depth of field creating a blurred effect. Love this shot, hope you do, too!"
– Medina
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"Loved the way the light shone through the flower."
– Britt
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"The house sure does look cozy!"
– Sophie
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| Are you an App Developer? Or, do you know one?
I am always on the lookout for cool photo apps (mobile or software). Check out the LifePics OPEN Program to learn more about how your app can make you some money! |
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