candlelit portraits
1. Candlelight is dim, so shutter speeds will usually be too slow to hold the camera without blurring the image - you'll need a camera support. A tripod is best, but you can improvise by using the self timer and perching the camera on a table top, railing, or whatever is on hand. And if you have image stabilization, use it.
2. Candlelight is reddish, so set the white balance to daylight to capture the colors the way you see them. Otherwise the camera will try to cancel out the color balance it reads as overly red, robbing you of the warmth that's at the heart of the image. (Conversely, if you think the pictures are too red, try the incadescent light setting)
3. Your photographs should be on the dark side to preserve the mood, so don't be afraid to underexpose your shots. The instant feedback of digital cameras lets you fine-tune the exposure and keep trying until you get it right.
5. Compose so that the background is dark and not distracting. Nothing should take attention away from the intimate portrait.