steph 12
Feb, 2015Views
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Awards
2020 Choice Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken at one of the ponds that we have here in London, Ontario. Many are right in the city and quite easy to get to, while retaining a remote look about them. The bottom of the ponds tend to be somewhat soft and muddy so I had my model stand on a white board (about 2'x4') that I sometime carry with me, in order for her to have a more stable platform. With her standing on it, it remained under water.Time
We photograph many local dancers, and this was wonderful early morning session, during the Fall. This was one of the last images taken that morning which started off quite misty, but later the sun started to break through.Lighting
While I usually carry a variety of additional lighting/reflectors, this was all natural lighting. Just a beautiful time of the day with the sun filtering through the mist giving a directional but soft light. The sun was in front of her, but behind, which gave a nice backlit look and revealed her form through the dress and gave a nice glow to her hair. I did other shots from the other side, but the 'look' was not as successful.Equipment
Camera for this shot was a Nikon D300s, and a Nikon 70-300 lens, on a tripod.Inspiration
Inspiration for the session came from the dancer, and the beautiful lines I knew she was able to make, along with the knowledge of the kind of lighting that early morning can provide. The image though was not planed, but was more of a result everything coming together, location, lighting, model and outfit. One of the delightful surprises that happen.Editing
There is some post-processing done. Even with a long lens the distant trees were still distinct and, to me, competed with the dancer. I wanted the tones and colours of the trees to complement her, rather than pull your eye away, so I softened the background and blurred it a little more.In my camera bag
Mostly use the Nikon 600, with 24-70mm 2.8 , 70 -300mm, 50mm 1.4. Tripod, reflectors and portable lighting.Feedback
The fun thing about this image was that it wasn't planned. It was a result of the circumstances and having the equipment and 'eye' to see what was happening. Early morning is often such a wonderful time to be out with a camera. Use a long lens, ( the longest you have) to create separation of your subject from the background, and open it as wide as it will go ( to enhance that separation ). Having a subject that can create beautiful lines and shapes also helps.
