amontague
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in the woods right at the edge of my backyard.Time
I think I took this photo in the late afternoon. My family was visiting for Christmas, and my sister had agreed to let her children model for me during the holidays. Sometime after lunch, I prepped my niece for the photoshoot. By the time we were ready, it was just before the golden hour.Lighting
The trees filtered the light so that I could ensure that there weren't any harsh shadows. The tree shade and the time of day provided a really even light.Equipment
At the time, I had a Nikon D7000. I paired it with a Tamron 28-75 lens.Inspiration
Well, my niece is adorable, so I wanted to photograph her. What's a better subject for a growing photographer than a cute kid? No matter what you do, the picture's going to be engaging with such a delightful model!Editing
I used Photoshop Elements and some purchased PE actions to refine the photo.In my camera bag
Since this photo was taken, I've upgraded to a NIkon D750. I still have my trusty Tamron 28-75 lens, which is a much more economical option than the Nikon equivalent. I also own a Nikon 50mm lens, a couple of flashes, and a tripod.Feedback
What helps me the most is to search for inspiration ahead of the shoot. Look online for photos that you think are especially well-done, and don't be afraid to copy elements that you love. There's no point in struggling to find a good pose, for example, when you can just Google a search phrase and see 30 different options in a few minutes.