Coraylaphoenix
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Coraylaphoenix
November 24, 2015
Hard to believe my little baby had only just turned 2 when this photo was taken.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This image of my little girl Cora (only 2 years old) was taken on the side of the road in Swansea,Tasmania (Australia). My family and I had stopped to look at a well known bridge called 'Spiky Bridge' which was built by the convicts in 1843. Adjacent to the bridge was this lovely long grass and while taking happy snaps of the bridge and my other little ones, I noticed Cora was walking through the long grass with her hands stretched out. It was obvious Cora was enjoying where she was and soaking up her surroundings. This natural, un-posed shot of my daughter is one of my favourites as it exemplifies her spirit and carefree personality perfectly.Time
This image was taken in the early afternoon (shortly after lunch) on a gorgeous Autumn day.Lighting
Normally photographers dread shooting in the middle of the day, especially in full sunlight. However the lighting gods must have been on my side with this candid shot.The lighting complemented my little girls hair beautifully and highlight the warm tones of the grass and scene wonderfully. It was a bright day and the image could have easily been overpowered by the light.Equipment
This image was captured on a Nikon D800E with an 85mm (1.4) prime lens. The camera was hand held and was taken while sitting on the ground (one of my favourite places for shooting children - as I love to get on their level). No flash or external lighting was required.Inspiration
It will come across as cliched however I love taking more than simple 'snapshots' of my children. I want to capture how beautiful my babies are through my eyes and share that with the world. I see more than a cute face, I see amazing little people with unique personalities and quirks that make them the amazing creatures they are. The way Cora was walking through the grass without a care in the world inspired me to capture and remember that moment for all time. When I look at this image I don't see a little girl, I see Cora and everything I love about her.Editing
Very little editing was performed on this image and it is very close to what came straight off the camera. I believe the editing performed including some contrasting, light increase in saturation and the addition of a vignette to draw the eye to my little girl. The editing was conducted in Lightroom as at the time I was very new to photography and learning to use editing software. I now use Photoshop for all editing.In my camera bag
I shoot with a Nikon D800E and alternate between using my 24-70mm (2.8) and 85mm (1.4) lenses. When a flash or an additional light source is required I always have my SB910 speedlight handy. My bag is your typical camera bag full of bits and bobs including my Blackrapid strap which I never leave home without, cleaning cloths, spare batteries, cleaning solutions and hair ties etc. My blackraid strap is one of the first things packed in my bag - I purchased the strap with an amazon gift voucher I won when the image above won people's choice in a viewbug competition. To say I love it, would be an understatement. When I first started out with photography I had a large backpack jammed packed with everything I thought I might need - including the kitchen sink. Nowadays I have a shoulder bag and pack lighter and more practically. Deciding what you do and don't need is different for everyone and it comes with experience.Feedback
All photographers have a particular genre they are drawn to. I am extremely lucky in having the opportunity to have done a range of photography including maternity, newborn, family portraits, event photography, weddings, birthing, product photography and pet photography. If I was pushed to pick a favourite style or genre of photography, I would have to choose portraits. I find people fascinating and love nothing more than capturing their true personality when taking their portrait. The majority of my portfolio images are taken when people are in a ‘natural’ moment and not staged. This requires patience and giving your subject the room and time to relax and be themselves. In my mind an image or moment should not be forced, if it is forced it will come through in the final capture.