mgjr73

Security

Another submission for a photo critique and contest where it won 3rd place. The theme was Feeling Secure.

Another submission for a photo critique and contest where it won 3rd place. The theme was Feeling Secure.
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Jul, 2015

Views

1169

Likes

+251

Awards

Zenith Award

Creative Winter Award

Curator's Selection

Top Shot Award 21

Featured

Contest Finalist in Handle With Care Photo Contest

Peer Award

+73

Superb Composition

+59

Absolute Masterpiece

+32

Top Choice

+29

Outstanding Creativity

+20

All Star

Superior Skill

Magnificent Capture

Genius

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Behind The Lens

Location

I already had the image burned in my mind's eye and I knew it was going to be low key which meant any space was ideal. We shot this at the subject's house in their bedroom where the only ambient light source was a window (or was it a sliding glass door?). So it was perfect since some light was necessary for me to focus and letting my shutter speed kill any ambient light.

Time

It was shot before noon but this was more for the subject's convenience. For the type of lighting required, the time of day wasn't really important.

Lighting

As I mentioned, I already knew the kind of image I wanted and I communicated that with the subject as well. It was a collaborative effort. It was just one light above the subject and slightly to camera left and a silver reflector on camera left near the subjects.

Equipment

Nikon D600, 70-200 2.8 VR, Dolica tripod with pistol grip head, two Nikon SB-20 speedlights mounted on a tri-flash bracket. The spare bracket held a Pocket Wizard Plus II. 2' octabox.

Inspiration

It was a submission for a photography meetup group's monthly contest and photo critique with either themes: FEELING SECURE or BEING PREPARED. An image of mother and child immediately popped into my head. I thought the image clearly illustrates the theme's message.

Editing

It was post-processed in Lightroom and Photoshop. Did minor clean-up and was processed originally in color. Doing a black and white version further simplified the image and helps drive the message home.

In my camera bag

It's usually my D600, 70-200mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, 35-70mm 3.3-4.5 with Macro, Pocket Wizards, 2 SB-20s OR a SB-28 depending on what I'm going to shoot. I almost always carry a second smaller bag for a backup camera which has a D80, 18-70mm and a 35-105mm.

Feedback

Preparation is key. Visualize your image. Visualize the actual shoot. Walk yourself through the whole thing as if you were already doing it. Also, putting the image in your head down on paper helps. Sometimes I try to draw the image, even stick figures.If you have drawing skills, include shading so you can hash out relationships with your light and shadow. Then diagram your camera and light positions based on your drawing. Decide on camera and light settings and write it down on the diagram. Finally, EXECUTE. Sometimes I only do the visualization part since I'm already familiar with what my camera and lights can do. So familiarity with your equipment can go a long way and shoots go smoothly.

See more amazing photos, follow mgjr73

mgjr73

mgjr73

Security

Another submission for a photo critique and contest where it won 3rd place. The theme was Feeling Secure.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow mgjr73

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