Baby Love
This is probably my favorite shot I took for a maternity shoot with this Army Reserve and his fiancee expecting their first baby, a little girl....
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This is probably my favorite shot I took for a maternity shoot with this Army Reserve and his fiancee expecting their first baby, a little girl.
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Oct, 2013Views
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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award
Featured
Featured
Contest Finalist in Joy Photo Contest
Peer Award
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Genius
Exceptional Contrast
Jaw Dropping
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the apartment of the couple featured in the photo. I don't have a studio of my own and I work out of my home. Most of my sessions are shot outside with some exceptions of course. When I do shoot indoors it's either for a wedding at a venue or in my client's home.Time
This was taken in the later of early afternoons when the sun comes in the window at a really nice angle.Lighting
When possible I use natural lighting. I'm not a big fan of the forced fake lighting even though it does have some benefits at certain times and situations. I feel that natural lighting is going to give the best photo possible and ability to use post-processing where and when I need it. Natural lighting also helps to control the colors that come in through the camera and lessens the possibility of shadows reflecting in the back if you don't know how to or use assisted lighting.Equipment
For this photo a Canon Rebel T2i was used to take this photo with a standard 18-55mm lens. I used my knee to steady my hand since this was a shot that was taken from the waist down. I had great light coming in from the large window in the space we took this photo so no extra lighting was necessary.Inspiration
This was the young couple's first child and I really wanted to capture how precious the gift of a child, especially a first, is. The young woman and I have been long time childhood friends, so we discussed and planned out possible ideas on what she would like to do for her session. With her husband a part of one of the military branches we both agreed that featuring that would be something wonderful to carry on through with the photos. They were not the sole surrounding theme, but some of the ones that we both liked collectively were the ones with his uniform.Editing
For post-processing I wanted to make sure I had the essence of the photo in tact as well as a little drama. I have a few versions of this photo, as I tend to do with several sessions to give my clients options. Full color, black and white, and sometimes a variation of some sort which is what this particular photo is. I brought out the colors with a color boost photoshop action and made adjustments to fit for certain colors to be bright and others to be darker along with the brightness. I like using photo actions to help aid in the post-processing process to cut down on work and time and make adjustments to work for the photo. After finding the right look I was happy with for the full color it was a simple step to do the black and white and then adjust the black and white scale for this particular photo. I wanted a somewhat aged look with some color brought in.In my camera bag
For every session I always go through my camera bag the night before to make sure that I have what I need to fit the session. Sometimes it will vary depending on how long the session is for. For all sessions I make sure that my camera with a full battery charge and memory cards are in first and foremost. Without the camera and cards, there's no session. I also keep in my bag the other two lenses I have. The 55-250mm and 75-300mm. You never know when you might need a bigger lens. I also keep filters in my camera bag. I don't always use them but I have a CPL, a UV, a FDL, and a 6 point star. For anyone that is just getting into photography I recommend that if they get these filters that they take the time to play with them and practice with them like they would for their camera. Filters are not for everyone, but if you know how to use them at least, you can benefit from the knowledge. Also in my camera bag I keep at least one lens cleaning cloth, a hood in case I'm getting the lens flare, and a lint roller. I also try to keep some simple healthy snacks in my camera bag as well, especially for the long shooting days whether it's sessions back to back or a wedding. Something like a granola bar or crackers that's easy to pop in your mouth and eat while traveling are the best possible snacks to carry. And always make sure that they are kept away from your equipment. Dealing with crumbs in your camera during a session is not a good thing. Something else to keep I keep in my camera bag is business cards. Handing them to clients and to have on hand is a great way to get business. I always give my clients a few cards so that if and when they are asked they can give a card to the people inquiring about business. Recently I have started carrying a small put together first aid kit in my camera bag. I got the suggestion from a fellow photographer and friend who keeps one in hers. Some form of pain killers, bandages, a small pair of scissors, hand sanitizer. These are just a couple things that are great to carry on hand. You never know if you or a client may need of them. I personally needed something for a headache the last wedding I shot and started carrying my first aid with me then. I didn't have anything in the other stuff including my car and was so grateful to have it in my camera bag. I also started carrying some sort of object to have on my camera as a spot to look at for working with young kids. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but I have learned that the more prepared I am for working with kids, the better the session goes.Feedback
Whenever I work with my clients I always let them know that if there's an image they like to share it with me and we will work together to make the best of it possible. For this image it is fairly simple to create something similar. The camera should be level with the belly as well as the face of the person kissing the belly. In this case, Dad was on his knees steadying himself making sure that we could get the image. Always make sure that you're working at different levels that you have something to steady yourself on. I was able to steady myself on my own knees since this was at a level that was workable to do so with. I took several shots of this particular image at different focusing distances giving me a selection of images to choose from. I personally look at the work of others to get inspiration to use in photo shoots as well as receive ideas to use from my clients. Together we work to create an image that they liked from seeing someone else do but we manage to make it different and special and unique to them. Not all images can be copied exactly and I be sure to tell my clients that, but I do my best to create the same feeling when they look at their own images and be proud of what we did capture.
