Here is something we can learn from tarantaylor about the techniques and story behind this awarded photo. Tara also shares a couple of quick tips on how to capture natural-looking portraits.
Tarantaylor, where did you take this photo?
I took this photo in North, South Carolina. I remember this day so clearly. It was New Year’s Eve and I was talking self-portraits and landscapes. I was thinking about the new year and I wanted to better myself. That same night, I had received bad news and it rocked the rest of the year for me. It was closer to the end of the day for me when I took this shot. Probably around 3 pm. It was gloomy and had just stopped raining.
Anything worth sharing about lighting?
I don’t know what I was expected out of this image honestly. The gloomy day brought so much life into the colors in the trees and the grass. I love shooting on gloomy days because I just feel like colors tend to pop more so then harsher lights.
What equipment did you use?
Nikon D7000 at the time with a Tamron 24-70 mm lens. That lens is my go-to for almost everything.
What inspired you to take this photo?
What I was feeling at the time. The joy of the new year and what it would bring for me. I didn’t do a lot of processing on this. I used a filter from VSCO and then adjusted accordingly. Brought up the clarity a little.
What equipment do you normally have in your bag?
Nikon D700 and D7100. Lenses I have are 50 mm, 70-200, and 24-70 mm.
Any advice for others trying to capture something similar?
Don’t be afraid to shoot in harsh lighting. It can be quite intimidating.
Follow the light and just have fun with it! You learn by messing up and correcting it.
