by Chris Lydle and Jill Enfield

Every February, throughout the United States, millions of dollars are spent on candy, flowers, food, and more – all in the name of Valentine’s Day. You can better express your feelings by giving a portrait to your loved one. A portrait showing the essence of your loved one’s being will be appreciated all year long and beyond. Such a portrait shows you truly care and profoundly appreciate the person’s unique qualities. These portraits need not focus on traditional romance but on capturing the inner beauty of the model.
 

Capturing the character of yourself or your model is most effectively achieved through an “environmental portrait.” A few quick and easy tips are described below to get you started and ready for the big day. The ideas are simple, such as blurring the background, but have a huge impact on the photos. Other tips include using props found around the house or outside and making sure to take advantage of beautiful, natural light.

Blur the background

If you've got a camera with manual controls, such as a DSLR, your can open up your lens to F/5.6 or lower to blur the background. This can be done with point-and-shoot cameras by putting the camera on “portrait” mode. And many of the better point-and-shoot cameras give you the chance to choose a lens opening when you set the camera to the "A" mode.

Of course, walking around your model until you find a less busy background helps achieve the same mood.

Use your long lens

A telephoto lens, or the telephoto setting on your camera's zoom lens, lets you concentrate on the person without getting inside their personal space.

Get Eye Contact

The eyes are the windows to the soul, so get up close so just the subject’s face and maybe a little shoulder can be seen. A personal effect can be achieved by having the subject look straight into the lens of the camera. This can be quite powerful when nothing is in the background to distract the viewer in any way.

Use Natural Light

Natural lighting can also make a big difference. If a straight flash is used, the lighting is often harsh and not very appealing. Window light or using the flash on “fill” can add a very romantic feel to the image. Use early-morning or late-afternoon sun streaming in when possible – just the thought will evoke a warm response.

At Chris' Camera Center we've got tools that help you make a better "natural light." Tools like reflectors and soft lighting sources that give that natural feel plus the reliable availability of artificial light.

Consider your older photos

Your love might really be moved by a older photo of his or her other loved ones. Parents love children, children of all ages may love a parent or grand parent, and almost everyone loves pets.

A photo of those other loved ones can be a heart-warming present, even thought we know that they still hold YOU first in their heart!