Janicephotog

DSC01248

SLT-A33

Aperture f/4.0 ISO 100 Shutter 1/200 Focal Length 500/10

upload_date

Apr, 2015

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205

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken at Chatfield Botanical Garden near Denver, CO. The child is my daughter who never looks at the camera. She has taught me to look for more interesting portraits than the standard smiling at the lens.

Time

This shot was taken right at midday. It was just the very beginning of spring, and my husband and I decided to go for a quick outing to take in some of the warmer weather. I bring my camera everywhere with me, so I was thrilled when we came across this old car. I love the look of old/antique cars in pictures. They always have great color and angles that seem to make any photo interesting.

Lighting

Because it was midday, the sun was high and the light was really strong. I was actually looking for ways to photograph this car where the harsh shadows would be a pleasing accent. When my daughter started climbing on the car, I noticed that her face was protected just enough that her features weren't overpowered by the strong light and shadows.

Equipment

This was shot with a Sony A33, using a 50mm/f1.7 lens. No other equipment was used.

Inspiration

I wasn't even on a particular photographic mission this day. I was just enjoying the warm weather with my youngest child and my husband. When I saw my daughter climbing on the car, I loved the play on something old mixing with something new to create a beautiful image. I worked to get her to sit perfectly and look at the camera and smile, but she just wouldn't cooperate. She never cooperates. So I started looking for other ways to get a nice shot of her. As she stood on the running board and tried to open the door, I instantly saw that the picture was starting to tell a story. I snapped of few quick shots before she moved on to something else.

Editing

My daughter was wearing clashing colors this day, so I actually played with the color on this photo for quite awhile. I couldn't seem to get to anything that worked, so I converted it to B & W. I was instantly in love. At that point I just brightened the whites and brought down the blacks a little and I was done.

In my camera bag

I have very limited equipment right now - it's a cash flow thing. I always have the camera (obviously). My Minolta 50mm/f1.7 is usually attached. This is my favorite lens to work with. I also carry a Sony 75-300mm/f4.5-5.6 which is very helpful when I come across wildlife that I can't get close to or want to capture people without them being aware of my presence. Lastly, I always have a polarizing filter.

Feedback

With children, it's all about seeing the moments as they happen. They move fast and have short attention spans. I've learned (mostly through this particular child) that some of the most beautiful and compelling images of kids are the ones where they are not looking directly into the lens and smiling. Kids are always at play, so look for the moments that tell a story, get on their level and be willing to move with them, and then start clicking.

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Janicephotog

Janicephotog

DSC01248

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Janicephotog

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