Autumn Fairy
Jan, 2015Views
6630
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in A Fantasy World Photo Contest
Featured
Winner in Creation from your Imagination Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Rule Of Thirds Essentials Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 2
Contest Finalist in Water And People Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Fantasy World Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Imagination Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Glitter Dust And Fireflies Photo Contest
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Top Choice
Love it
Superior Skill
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
PRO
kevinsawyerphotography
January 09, 2015
What lovely light you have captured in this photo. Not only in the light mangificent, but the composition of the photo is great, along with the subject posing! Beautiful photo.
PRO+
adavies
May 30, 2016
Lovely image! Nicely done! If you haven't done so already, please consider joining my Illusions challenge:)
viewbug.com/challenge/illusions-photo-challenge-by-adavies
viewbug.com/challenge/illusions-photo-challenge-by-adavies
Keri_Stephenson
June 12, 2016
Congratulations on winning the challenge, great image, amazing work. :)
mariejeannedeclerck
August 10, 2016
Congrats with the winning contests. The photo is an real beauty.Congrats!
Shutterbug08
April 01, 2018
Such a magical picture. Brings me back to that age all over again. Definitely a much simpler and happier time.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I found this wonderful location less than a 1/2 mile from my house in Laurel, MD. I've lived here for 9 years and never knew it existed! It has now become one of my very favorite locations with the river, pebble beach area, and stone ruins. Who knew that was hiding within walking distance.Time
I lucked out and got a beautifully overcast day for this shot. I had to plan around a day off of school as well as the makeup artist/hairstylist's schedule. It could have been disastrous had it been too sunny with dappled light coming through the trees. Everything worked out in my favor, including the calm water for a clear reflection. This photo was taken at 10:30am on November 4, 2014.Lighting
I wanted her to look as if she was bringing magic, fairies, glitter, and fireflies to our world. My main goal was to get a well exposed image knowing much of the "magic" would happen in Photoshop.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon 6D, 70-200 2.8. No other camera equipment was used.Inspiration
The initial inspiration came from signing up for the Three Nails Photography Workshop in May 2015. That really pushed me to be more creative and step outside the box of typical client sessions. Having a 6 year old daughter that loves being in front of the camera, made it easy to come up with a concept for her. What little girl wouldn't want to be a fairy? As soon as this woodland fairy came to me, it was exciting styling it. I made the floor-length tutu and put together other woodsy accessories. Luckily she had a fur vest already in her closet.Editing
I started with typical Exposure and white balance adjustments in Lightroom, then the fun began in Photoshop. I used Jessica Drossin Light leaks overlays to get the rainbow effect. I added the wings with an overlay, then had to also add it to her reflection. The fireflies are from the Greater than Gatsby Three Nails collection from the candlelight options. I also added Depth as well as lowered the overall exposure and brushed it off the subject to make her pop and to add drama.In my camera bag
My Canon 70-200 2.8 is my absolute favorite lens. If I have the space it use it, it will definitely be on my 6D. It is tack sharp and has such creamy bokeh. I just wish I had enough space and could use it indoors! I always have my flash and diffuser in my bag, just in case, but I don't typically like pulling it out. The next lens on my wish list is the Canon 24-70. I have a feeling that will become my favorite indoor lens.Feedback
It's all in the details. Given that most of the magic took place in post processing, getting as much right in camera is necessary. The hair, makeup, clothes, and accessories are such an important part of the image. Also, finding a calm river was imperative to get the clear reflection. And again the details of making sure to include the wings in the reflection. I think that made the image extra special.
