It's a pretty safe bet anymore that many people who are shooting with digital SLR's have never shot a film camera outside of possibly an APS cameras or some other mostly point-and-shoot or disposable camera. Many younger people have probably never used a camera that wasn't digital. Granted, a newer 35mm film SLR like the Canon Rebels are as close as you can get to shooting digital with auto-focus, automatic, program, and scene modes, and internal exposure meters. With these newer film cameras its pretty hard to take a really poorly exposed shot.

But let's step back in time a little, what about using an older vintage Canon AE-1. There are no scene modes, no automatic modes, no program modes, no eTTL flash, just shutter and aperture and whatever ISO film you have installed.

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"One of the defining characteristics about Mangiante is their mastery of photographic techniques. The quality and artistic proportions of their work is clearly distinguishable."

Southwest Tennessee Community College - Brenda Rayner

by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer

Valentine's Day is coming up, and I know of a lot of people are struggling to come up with unique ways to celebrate with their loved ones. Does this sound like you? Worry no more - I've got you covered with a list of photo-related ideas for a perfect lovin' holiday.

Give the gift of photos.
Step outside the frame, and spell out your love in pictures! This idea is a great solution for anyone on a budget. Make a mosaic by photographing different words or letters in signs around town, and assembling them to form a sweet message. For extra impact, print them big - 8x10 or larger - and pin them up on the wall at home. Or, you can build a time line of your relationship with someone special by revisiting places that meant something to you, and making a flip book of memories. Write little notes about each spot for an extra personal touch.

Try a Polaroid scavenger hunt.
Already have a gift, but looking for a way to make it just a little more special? Build the suspense by having your sweetheart hunt for the present! Hide your gift (and yourself?) and then leave a trail of clues in the form of pictures. I love Polaroids for this, because you can snap a photo and write instructions on the white border. If you're having trouble finding the film, though, you can always use regular photo prints, and spell out the instructions in the picture or on the back. You can even cut them into Valentine-themed shapes, if you want to get creative!

Make vintage-inspired Valentines.
Looking for a crafty way to say "I love you?" Make a vintage Valentine using photos - all you need is a little construction paper, glue, and a few pictures! I love the idea of using old family photos to make cards for relatives. You can take your pictures to a FedEx Kinkos or Walgreens and scan them and make extra copies, if you want to preserve the originals. Grab a few doo-dads to decorate the card with, like old buttons, ribbon, lace and doilies, plastic jewels or glitter. You can even get the kids involved on this project!

Give a locket with your picture inside.
Guys, it's no secret that ladies love receiving jewelry, especially on Valentine's Day. For a unique and personal version of this classic gift idea, look for a locket. Overstock.com has tons to choose from, in styles that range from simple and chic to ornate and sparkly. The kicker is, you have to put a picture of yourself inside! If you're having trouble finding a photo small enough, take a picture you like and have it scanned at FedEx Kinkos or Walgreens, where they can shrink it down for you. Take my advice on this one - it'll keep you out of the doghouse, at least until next Valentine's Day rolls around!

Pop the question and preserve the memory.
I saved my biggest idea for last... Are you thinking about proposing this Valentine's Day, but don't know how to do it? I've got a super-romantic idea for you that will not only surprise her, it will save the moment forever in a photograph. Tell her you want to take a picture of the two of you in a special spot - bonus points for a location that means something to the two of you. Set up your camera on a tripod, with the timer feature turned on, and pose for a few regular picture together, just to throw her off your trail. Be sure to pay attention to how long it takes your camera to take the picture after you start the timer. When you're ready, drop to one knee as she's putting on her camera-ready smile. She'll turn to you, wondering what the heck your doing, and the camera will catch the look of genuine surprise on her face when she sees the ring. If all goes according to plan, you'll end up with a happy fiancee AND a photograp of the moment she said yes! That's a Valentine's Day gift you can truly cherish.