Glee
Nov, 2015Views
1256
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Euphoria Photo Contest
People's Choice in Giggles and Grins Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 2Top 10 rank week 1
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at a nice quiet park near my home. It was the end of autumn, and this was one of the spots I knew that still had some of its leaves on tthe trees!Time
It was late in the afternoon, and just before Beggar's Night was to begin. She was already in a pretty good mood and ready to collect candy :) The sun was starting to go down, and so we had that perfect golden light to match the oranges and reds of the trees.Lighting
It was just into the golden hour, and towards the end of the session. So while she was happy, she was also running out of patience! I had mom toss leaves at her and told her to try and catch as many as she could! The sun positioned behind her lit up the leaves and gave her a cute halo around her head.Equipment
For this shot, because I needed mom to toss leaves at her, I didn't have an extra pair of hands for a reflector. So it was just me and the camera. A Nikon D810 and an 85mm 1.8 lens. But it turned out well, there was plenty of ambient light to keep her bright without overexposing her surroundings.Inspiration
I loved playing in the leaves as a kid, and when we came up to this massive pile in the park, I couldn't resist. Of course, I lost my wedding ring demonstrating the leave tossing, and that turned into a wild goose chase in a foot and a half deep pile! But by telling her to toss and catch them, I was able to capture that pure glee of childhood, when everything is new and exciting.Editing
In post production, I brightened her ever so slightly to help her stand out from the background, an added an auburn vignette to draw attention to the center of the photo. I edit all of my photos in photoshop, so this also enabled me to take the 20 shots of this action, and bring in a few other falling leaves to make it seem more full.In my camera bag
I normally bring along my camera, two lenses and my reflector. Sometimes a tripod and remote tigger, but I like to be less burdened. Great outdoor shots don't require a ton of bells and whistles, just a good bit of sunshine!Feedback
Be engaging with your child models! They love to participate, they love to be doing something. She loved seeing herself in the back of the camera after each set of images, and it helped to keep her attention throughout the session. Find something for them to do with their hands, and somewhere to look with their eyes. For this specific shot, find a quiet wooded area, lots of fallen leaves on t he ground, and shoot it just before sunset. The light will be perfect :)
