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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in 2014 in the Town of Amherst, Nova Scotia.Time
The photo was taken shortly around noon, which began a several hours photoshoot with several models and cars.Lighting
Lighting kept changing during the shoot where one minute you would have full sun then the next moment cloudy skies. For several of the photos, I and another photographer kept changing angles to try and achieve pictures that may be used in a calendar or other future publication of any number of the photos from this day. We really didn't have the luxury of time so we had to take the opportunities that were presented to us. In some cases, both the model and photographer did manage to squeeze out a few extra seconds for photos but the group was moving along as there are plenty of cars and models.Equipment
As I was new to photography, I used a Nikon D5000 and the lens was likely a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-55 mm1;3.5 - 5.6G lens. Basically my first camera that was part of a camera kit I acquired about a year before this photoshoot.Inspiration
This picture was a mere opportunity of luck. I was asked to bring my camera to the 2014 Rockabilly Festival held in Amherst, Nova Scotia. A photoshoot was scheduled and I was not one of the two original photographers asked to do the photoshoot. Events quickly unfolded resulting in my being asked to be the second photographer for the shoot. Being willing to try something that was different, I jumped right in without thought. At the same time, the photographer who walked away and the other I worked with had far superior equipment than I, however, I was not going to waste an opportunity. We had excellent models to work with and everyone put their heart and soul into delivering a product we could all be proud of. My task was to take the best picture possible since I was new to this, so I rolled with the flow by working with each model giving and taking instructions on what we each wanted to achieve. Jennifer was keen to also present a great picture opportunity and I was honored to have been able to photograph her at this event. I have since worked with Jennifer a couple of times with a view to improving our ambitions of her putting herself forward as a model (part-time) and my photography techniques. Besides being a model, Jennifer is now a full time Mother while also being a successful business owner who I still interact with occasionally. A wonderful individual who is a pleasure to work with. Will have to see what the future holds for Jennifer and additional photoshoots.Editing
Given my being new to photography, changing lighting conditions, and on the fly shooting, some processing of the photos were required to ensure the finished product could be posted and potentially used in the future. The post-processing usually meant lighting enhancements and playing with the colour to ensure a good photo. As my photography was limited, so was my exposure to photo editing, however, I did manage to learn enough about Photoshop to do some quick changes to enhance a number of photos from this shoot for consideration by the models and potential publication. While the photoshoot and Festival were successful events, a resulting publication did not occur. I will be working with Jennifer in the near future to deliver a product from this photoshoot that will finally be published so the models work will end up not being for naught.In my camera bag
I am currently operating with my Nikon D5000. A couple of years later I upgraded my lens to a Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 and a NIKKOR 18-200 mm 1: 3.5-5.6 lens; and for a flash I now use a Nikon Speedlight SB-910. I only wish I had the above lens and flash for the photoshoot but the event itself was a lesson in many ways working with both the models and the other photographer as their assistance was welcomed and much appreciated. The Nikon D5000 has seen its better days and hopefully within the year an upgrade in camera will be in the cards or a change of direction, but photo related.Feedback
Given this was an open event and not closed off to the public in the area of the photoshoot, patience for the shot and take plenty of photos. Most of you probably already realize, to get a great picture, or at least in my case, you need to take plenty of photos. The nice thing about digital is you can easily discard bad photos. Also, photo processing programs can sometimes save you on other pics that may be less than perfect. Don't be afraid of failure as those failures can be lessons for future reference. Don't be intimidated by better equipment, good and great pictures can be taken by anyone if you trust your equipment and let your passion lead you to who knows where. I don't expect to be a full time professional photographer but if I can produce good pictures that are appreciated, I will take that as an achievement.