Don't Let Go
Nov, 2014Views
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
All Star
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken by me at my second Granddaughter's birth. She was born at GRU Hospital in Augusta, Ga. It had been a long night, as my daughter was induced. But when little Addie decided to show up, she didn't play around.Time
About 3 pm was the time in the afternoon. But the importance of this particular captured moment of time is....Life....which moments before had been very uncertain.Lighting
Nothing of any real significance about the lighting. The room was well lit and I did not use flash as I did not want to distract from the moment.Equipment
I used a Canon 60D. Handheld. 50 mm 2.2, ISO 200, 1/60 secInspiration
Only moments before my granddaughter arrived purple as a plum, and limp as a dishrag. She had the umbilical cord wrapped tightly around her neck. It was a very tense and uncertain time. My daughter, a NICU nurse, happened to be aware of all the dangers. My son in law, though soon grasped the precarious situation. I stopped shooting, as I could not bear the thought that my little Grand might not pull through. As I watched the numbers on the monitor begin to rise, i picked my camera back up. This image was captured as a NICU nurse put her finger out and the now lively little Adalynne grasped the nurses' finger. It's one of my all time fav images because of the depth of emotion, and relief we all felt at this time. A monumental moment.Editing
I did adjust some basic edits, but the main processing was turning the image into a Black and White. I feel B&W more closely captured the intensity of the moment.In my camera bag
I have a Canon 60D. I love having a variety of lens on hand. Usually my Go-To lens is my 24-105 mm lens. This lens is my all time favorite as it helps as I chase my two little granddaughters around. I also have a 50 mm 1.4, a 85 mm, and I enjoy carrying my Tamron 28-70 lens, as well. Having just acquired a Canon 70-300, I am just getting acquainted with it. So it's fun to have in my bag. I also carry an external flash, and sometimes a Ring Light.Feedback
At a birth it is rather like a dream. Or at least, when i look back that is almost what it feels like. I witnessed and photographed both of my Granddaughter's births. There is no greater joy. There is a great deal going on and you have to be sensitive to the moods of the medical personnel as well as that of the couple who are about to meet their precious little one. Staying out of the way, while capturing the moments that make memories can be challenging, but oh, so rewarding. Being discreet and taking momentous, meaningful images should be the goal. I have never before or since had such a moment that swelled my heart and mind to bursting with such love, and joy, and overwhelming awe. Experiencing life...there is nothing more rewarding.
