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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was actually taken in my back yard. It was kind of a random shot as part of a bigger photo shoot. I just decided to have fun with the reflection since the sun was in a perfect spot. It was a completely spontaneous shot!Time
You know, as I was doing a photo shoot, I was very aware that I shouldn't be taking pictures mid day, knowing my subject would be exposed to harsh lighting. I asked my model to step out at about 4, so this picture was taken around 430. By that time of the day, the sun isn't setting, but it also isn't quite on the horizon yet.Lighting
For a shot like this, clear sky and sunshine helps a lot. Trying to catch that refection can be difficult otherwise. At this point the amount of shadowing on your subject doesn't matter as much as getting that crisp, clear reflection from the water.Equipment
This was just taken with my Nikon D90 and 55mm lens.Inspiration
Well, the reflection. It was really just a quick thought, nothing planned. I just saw the reflection in the water and decided to try something new.Reflections can be inspiring in themselves and at that moment this reflection did that.Editing
Most of my work requires post-processing for there to be anything decent and in this case it was more about bringing out my subject's reflection in the water and making the colors stand out, then anything else. I used Adobe 6 as my editor back then which was easy cause I wasn't shooting in RAW at the time. The post-processing didn't require more than a little up on the saturation, a little more contrast, and a de-saturation so that the I could contrast the B&W with the color below.In my camera bag
I pack light. No really, I'm not one to lug around much at all. I might bring a change of lens, a flash, and a few memory cards, but most of the time my shoots are planned and unless necessary it doesn't get more complicated then that. On occasion I will throw in a tripod for those "unknown", random shots, but that just extra most of the time.Feedback
Be spontaneous! Don't plan everything you are going to shoot. For me, that was what made this shot. I hadn't planned on taking it, it just came. Lighting helps when you are going for reflection in a lake, pond or even your after-rain puddle, but go for something new. Experiment with less light and don't be afraid. I think I would just tell you to never stunt your creativity, be alert of what's around you and go for it. Sometimes the most amazing thing is right in front of you.