Happy Feet
First time mom.... A great unexpected moment captured during a photo shoot. T'is love....
First time mom.... A great unexpected moment captured during a photo shoot. T'is love....
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Sep, 2015Views
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Awards
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Emotions
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Top 30 rankSame photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Chicago on November 26, 2011. I was toying around with the idea of going pro but didn't have the confidence to do so. My dad always told me, "find something you love doing, then try and make money doing it." He felt that if I applied this mantra, I would never feel like I've worked a day in my life. He's a very wise man. The photo is of my friend Carla and her first born child Sebastian. She was the first friend who ever paid me for my photography. Carla, believed in me and looking back, I feel so touched that she insisted on paying me. It's amazing that today, I'm not shy about quoting a price and turning down jobs because I feel the potential client doesn't value my worth. Once upon a time, it used to scared me when someone wanted to hire me, I always wondered whether I was good enough, now I jump with joy!Time
This photo was taken in the afternoon. If I remember correctly, Carla has just changed Sebastian's diaper and being a new mum, there was so much love in everything she did. As soon as she kissed his beautiful little feet, I saw a moment and I took it!Lighting
At the time, I didn't know much about flash photography. I was working my way up to being a semi - pro photographer if you will. I had taken many pictures but never with artificial lighting. I had learnt to see light. This photo was shot with natural window lighting.Equipment
This photo was taken with a Nikon D60 and a kit lens, I believe it was the 18 to 55mm. It was my first DSLR and I loved it!Inspiration
I saw an amazing moment that touched me and I took it. Life is full of fleeting moments and every where you look, there's a photo to be taken. Sometimes, I find myself taking pictures with my eyes and thinking, "that's great shot!" You can't always lift up your camera to shoot, so instead, your eyes act as the perfect camera and lens combo to fill your heart with joy.Editing
The only post processing I did was converting the image to black and white. I didn't know much about editing as I do now. I love editing. I feel every image can be tweaked a little. It always fascinates me how an image can transform in front of your eyes as you edit. I never deliver a job with editing the phots even when I volunteer my time. Any image I post, is a representation of my vision and it's important for me to make sure that that comes through in my editing.In my camera bag
I always try to remember to have my hurricane dust blower, lens cleaner, cloth and a rain sleeve for my cameras. When doing a shoot, I carry two bodies: a Canon 5d Mark II and the Canon 5dsr. My favorite lens in the Canon 1.2 85 mm lens, I never leave this one behind. My must have lenses are the 24-70 mm and 70-200 mm. I have a macro lens which I take with me depending on the shoot. You can laugh at this, I never leave the house without my Hasselblad Stellar in purse. Sometimes, it's less intimidating to photograph strangers when I don't have a big camera in front of my face.Feedback
Keep an open mind and heart. Shoot as often as you can. Always challenge yourself! I have taken at least one photo every day since January 1, 2013. I started the 365 photo safari and it's become like brushing my teeth. I can't go to bed without taking a photo. Even across time zones, I have managed to keep up.... When you love something so much, it doesn't feel like a chore.... I know this may sound crazy, once I started taking pictures every day, I found an amazing companion. I'm able to a take walk with my camera and have confidence to talk to random strangers, take their photos or things around me and have a splendid time! Always shoot with your instincts, I feel you know when the perfect moment it right in front of you. Don't be afraid to take it....
