Images of Romance

The definition of romance can vary widely, but it is generally interpreted as the showing of love between two people and although romance can be signified by many other creatures and by many other acts, this is the general definition. "Romance is the expressive and pleasurable feeling from an emotional attraction towards another person associated with love.

In the context of romantic love relationships, romance usually implies an expression of one's strong romantic love, or one's deep and strong emotional desires to connect with another person intimately or romantically.

Historically, the term "romance" originates with the medieval ideal of chivalry as set out in its Romance literature." Wikipedia

There are very few photographic projects that are so tender or full of emotion as photographing couples in a romantic moment. There are many poses that you can try but often awakening a feeling of romanticism is not as easy as it seems.

Many of these types of photographs can turn out as simple portraits. One of the keys is to capture the romantic moment as if the photographer is not even there.

Let the couple forget about you and capture images when they least expected. this can be done with paid models, but it is often best to capture images of real couples as they lose themselves in their feelings for each other.

Aim for images that show how a couple looks at each other as well as other tender moments like when they kiss or hug each other.

Everything is in the presentation. You can tell simply by observing when a man kisses a woman if he is kissing her just to get out of the way, because he is "in the mood" or because he truly loves her. Body language makes a lot of difference and your images should incorporate this important element in them.

Images of couples admiring a beautiful sunset and silhouetted against the golden glow of the sky work really well too.

The scenery is also important as the right backdrop does a lot to enhance the romantic scene. Set your models against a semi dark and lightly illuminated background.

Roses and other romantically perceived props can help set the mood but they are not absolutely necessary. Shots in bed should be taken with the couple clothed or if not wearing clothes make sure to crop the photographs carefully because if you don't the shots can turn out to be something else and cross over more into the realm of eroticism.

Be as unobtrusive as you can so that the couple or models can get into each other. People tend to be more relaxed once they think they are not being observed, even if they are paid to pose for you.

Other good set ups can involve the couple engaged in a romantic embrace while swimming or even under the surface of the water.

Couples embracing and kissing while standing in the rain, laying on a green field, or walking through a beautiful patch of forest are all good but the most important element is always the couple's attitude and behavior towards each other as this will reflect in the photographs.

Romantic photos do not need to always show kissing or hugging either. Often something as simple as a couple holding hands is enough to capture the essence of the shoot.

Just look at the setup as judge if it accurately portrays the theme and if it does then capture the moment.

Other cool ideas are to capture images in a monochromatic format and then add some color to specific portions like a shot of a couple where the lady is holding a red rose in her hand. Add color to the rose and leave everything else in black and white or if lights are present in the scene, perhaps you might add color to them and leave anything else as it is.

This is a good way to make a statement and draws the attention of your audience since the contrast between color and the monochrome is eye catching by itself.

The technique is very easy to do and most digital cameras will allow you to convert any color image into a black and white.

One of the simplest ways to add color to a black and white photograph is by using the Blending Modes in Photoshop or with most any other digital editing program. Make sure to always make a copy of the original image before you begin doing some digital editing in case the results are not to your liking.

Once finished you can submit your images to greeting card publications, use in galleries, for weddings and boudoir photographic endeavors. There are several applications and these images fit many themes.