Dallas Photographer's Take on Fresh Flowers for Valentine's Day

Ahh, Valentine's Day is upon us. Now I used a period, but I'm sure that many of you may have chosen to use an exclamation point instead. Yes, today is the day, and if you aren't ready, you have two options: to be in serious trouble or pay through the nose. Ask any Dallas photographer and I know what they would choose: swipe that plastic baby!

I've always had an interesting relationship with Valentine's Day, as I really am not the biggest fan of the corporate side of it. However, this photographer in Dallas is married, and he would prefer to stay that way. Making sure this particular day is thoroughly covered is a great way to do that. Really though, I've had a perspective change about the entire holiday. Instead of being frustrated about how everything is so commercially oriented, I now embrace the day. Here is how I view it: it is basically one more opportunity to let my wife know how much I love her, and do or make a little special something for her. Who wouldn't want to do something special for those that they love?

So Valentine's Day is a reminder for me to take care of the wife and mother of my 1.75 children (baby two is due in April!). She is very special and should be treated as such. I also work hard to not give in to all the pressure to do something totally ridiculous. There was the year that I halo jumped from a plane dressed as cupid with a heart-shaped parachute and landed in the backyard, but that's more of the exception instead of the rule. Given that she is a lover of pugs, perhaps I could rent a dozen pug puppies? Not so fast, I would end up buying a dozen pug puppies, as she would never let go of them. I would have to become a photographer in Dallas who specialized in pug-themed calendars in order to cover their food and vet bills, which could be fun, but not exactly the direction I planned on as a photographer. Plus, I cannot imagine the jealousy that would radiate from my current two pugs. So, at the end of the day I think a nice massage and flowers will suffice instead.

Speaking of flowers, I figured I would share some Dallas commercial photography of a few Valentine's Day arrangements with you today, since it is all about the love, and I love these arrangements. I have a fantastic custom florist whom I shoot arrangements for, and each year they only get more creative. I never know what they are going to come up with and look forward to seeing the new creations. It's also pretty awesome because I get to see a lot of plants and flowers I've never seen or even heard of before.

In shooting Dallas commercial photography of the floral, my go-to background is white. It looks so nice and fresh, and creates a very simple look so that the arrangements stand out. The lighting stays pretty soft but still has plenty of contrast to help details pop. Good floral arrangements have interesting variety in shape and texture, and I want to ensure that all of that really shines through to the viewer. I love being able to zoom in and see all of the detail in petals, leaves and twigs. Another reason for the simple backdrop is so that the styling takes center stage. Not only do you have beautiful flowers, but the movement and structure of the pieces is incredibly important. I hope you enjoy the photos, and have a very Happy Valentine's Day!