Love is in the Air – A Valentine’s Day Photography Project

A Super Quick Guide By Kent DuFault

Does this sound familiar?

Valentine’s Day rolls around every year, and you find yourself struggling for that perfect gift?

The one that says, ‘I love you’ more than you realize; (but it won’t drain your bank account).

Cards, flowers, chocolates, a teddy bear, jewelry, and dinner only go so far before they begin to feel repetitive and lacking any true warmth.

So, what is a person supposed to do?

Here’s an idea.

You love photography. You should put that interest to good use. Why don’t you plan an impromptu photo session with your honey?

A sort of “Love Selfie”…

Not only will this tell your significant other that they matter in a very special way, but it will also be a fun, (and memorable), thing to do together.

When your “Love Selfie” is done, you could then produce a keepsake with the final photograph! How about a framed image for the office at work? Or, a beautiful locket with the photo inside? The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

You could make your “Love Selfie” a romantic theme, or fun, or adventurous, or all of the above!

Put your creativity to work.

Let’s look at some photography, and see if we can generate some ideas, and give some tips, on how to produce a top-notch Valentine’s Day “Love Selfie”.

Photo by Leland Francisco

Your “Love Selfie” could be totally planned or an impromptu shot. If you decide to plan out your shot, you could include props like this cutout heart. You could plan your clothing and the location. Put some effort into making this image different, and special, from any other photograph that you have of the two of you.

I suggest that you include only yourself and your significant other. Sure, you could include kids and pets… But how often do you go to the effort to capture an image of just you and your partner in life? Make this a moment for just the two of you.

Don’t forget that you’re going to need a tripod, or, plan a location where you know that you can set your camera down and use the self-timer. (While you’re at it why not pack a bottle of wine along with some crackers and cheese?)

Photo by Vinoth Chandar 

Be prepared to go with the flow. Don’t let bad weather ruin your fantastic plans. If Mother Nature dumps on you- then figure out a way to show your loving relationship no matter what the situation.

The above photograph could have been ‘planned’ as a sunset at the beach. But, the chosen day didn’t cooperate. Be flexible. I like this photograph because (despite the fact that you can’t see their faces), (or even know for sure if they’re holding hands), the connection between them is obvious.

Look for ways to illustrate your relationship that are out of the ordinary. Don’t stop creating with the first idea that enters your mind. Do not simply set yourselves down in front of the camera and smile. Stretch your creativity. Let your partner offer suggestions. That’s where the fun begins. Make the process a memorable adventure.

Photo by Kent DuFault

This could be a great opportunity to try something different, maybe a different camera? This photographer carefully thought through the pose. It was his wife’s habit to place her hand on his head while they lay in bed reading. It was a sign of affection that was intimate to the two of them. He then chose to use a Polaroid camera- to add to the vintage feel: a testament of the longevity of their relationship.

Always remember, the goal is to have a fun enjoyable moment with your loved one. And then, capture it in a form that can be preserved and cherished.

Do you have to go to a lot of trouble? No.

Photo by Giuseppe Milo

Even a simple shot that depicts the two of you enjoying a special location can hold deep meaning.

Photo by Nattu

Many photographers forget about using body language to help tell a story in their photographs.

This is your Valentine’s Day “Love Selfie” challenge.

Find a way to depict your relationship that isn’t direct. The perfect answer to this quest would be a photograph that only the two of you would recognize as an intimate moment!

Photo by Pablo

Here is a fun idea, if you have access to a wireless camera release. And if you don’t have one, they can be purchased for just a few dollars. It’s a great tool to have in your camera bag.

Universal Wireless Camera Release from Amazon – Less than $25.00

Set your camera up in position that looks like it’s taking a sneak peak at the two of you.

Use a wide to standard focal length lens. Use Aperture Priority. Set your f/stop to f/5.6 or f/8.0

Set the focus to manual and pre-focus on your partner.

Then join your partner and have a “loving moment” while you remotely fire the camera.

(If you don’t have a wireless camera release, and you’re a bit adventurous, ask someone to randomly fire the camera for you.)

Try to take at least 10 – 30 shots.

Photo by Andrew Stawarz

After you have all your images, you could pick the best one, or you could experiment with putting together a collage or a mashup such as a diptych or a triptych.

Photo by L.C. Nøttaasen

Finally, don’t forget about the power of color. A color tint, or a colorcast, can add a lot of mood to your “Love Selfie”.

It’s simple to accomplish with the use of glass filters, camera color balance, or color adjustments in your post-production.

I hope that these examples have gotten your creativity flowing.

If you create a “Love Selfie” that you’re particularly proud of, we would love to see it!

Upload it to our Facebook page and use the hashtag #loveselfie.

We’ll make sure it gets the attention it deserves.