AF2
Sep, 2013Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this shot at my parents house. We were having a family dinner and the children were outside playing. I saw her sitting on a large rock that lines the driveway and happened to catch her in this moment. I was fortunate to have my camera on my shoulder.Time
I have dabbled in portrait photography, but found I do not have a knack for poses. So I was grateful that she was in this position on her own, it gives a more "natural" feel to the shot. The shot was taken in late October around 1800hrs as the sun was setting.Lighting
I took this shot in the evening near sundown. I really cannot take any credit for planning the lighting as she had sat here on her own volition. She was outside playing with the other children and broke away to sit down, and I took the opportunity to capture the moment calm between the storm of play.Equipment
I am a self taught photographer. Here I was using a Canon T4i. I had my 75-300mm lens attached set at 170 mm, f/5 with a shutter speed of 1/250.Inspiration
I had been photographing the events at our family dinner from casual conversations to the children in chaotic play. When I saw her withdraw from the other children and sit quietly on a large rock, my attention, and camera, was naturally drawn to her as well. The most awe-inspiring aspect of the photo is how all the elements naturally aligned to make this candid shot; the lighting, her pose, and my positioning for the shot.Editing
I only used Photoshop to convert the image to black-and-white. I am still new to photo processing and still figuring things out. After converting to b&w, I loved the look of the photo and decided not to make any further adjustments.In my camera bag
I carry a Canon T4i i bought as my first camera. I stock three Canon lenses: 75-300mm 4-5.6, 18-55mm 3.5-5.6, and a 50mm 1.8 prime lens. I never leave without extra batteries, extra memory cards, some cash, and beef jerky (that last one's vital to success). Also, I typically pack along my tripod and a wireless shutter remote.Feedback
I've learned it's hard to capture shots if you do not have your camera ready to fire. My preference is the candid shots like this one, no planning, no instruction, just a subject and a camera at the ready. As much as I enjoy photography, my greatest advice is to not miss out on the moment trying to capture it on camera. After taking this shot, I admired her in repose while other children ran around the yard. I always take time to observe and contemplate the scene outside the viewfinder.
