Fun
Mar, 2016Views
470
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Awards
Winner in Posed families Photo Challenge
Peer Award
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Behind The Lens
Location
I live in a really beautiful historic district of downtown Omaha, NE (USA). I always take people down there for photos and that day was no exception; you're always fighting for space down there as a photographer, so it's up to the subject and the creativity of the photographer to make the shot unique as it's such a popular location.Time
I went midday which is traditionally not the time to do outdoor photos. The kicker here was that midday is perfect in this part of town because of all the reflected light. Those blocks are canopied so it creates a beautiful ambiance under the awnings and covered walkways. The light reflecting off the bricks and windows of other buildings ads robust and flattering fill light even in the shady areas.Lighting
I wanted the photos to look natural. The shots were for commission (family photos) and the lighting was ambient (above). The hard part was getting my subjects to act naturally and not posed. Mom and son were playing "who can blow raspberries on your face harder?" and a lot of laughs ensued.Equipment
Just my Canon 6d and a gold rimmed 85mm. I may have had a flash, but I can't remember.Inspiration
They were for commission, so aside from that, I am passionate about engaging my subjects and posing them naturally. My only instructions to the mom and son were "blow raspberries on eachothers cheeks while sitting on that chair" and the rest was just capturing the moment they were having.Editing
Minimal. Basic contrast, color and light balancing. It's pretty natural.In my camera bag
My Canon 6D and my 16-35mm f2.8L, 85mm f1.2L, Manfrotto LED light and 430 SpeedLite as well as a 50mm and occasionally a 100mm or 135mm. The first two are my bread and butter though. Aside from the obvious tools (lens and body) I keep a little vial of bubbles, a travel water spray bottle and a new pack of glow sticks. You never know what kind of effect you may feel the need to have and those three things go a LONG way for creating atmosphere and effect in even the most mundane shots.Feedback
Let people be people. Photography is the art of observation, not creation; just observe and be a fly on the wall. Magic is all around us.
