Walk Softly
Dominique'
Dominique'
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May, 2016Views
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Awards
People's Choice in 'Hipster' Photography Photo Challenge
Peer Award
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Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Virtuoso
Magnificent Capture
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Millar_Images
August 07, 2016
Thanks! Yes, she was very beautiful. I was immediately attracted by her hair, and had to get a shot of it full length.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at an outdoor art show featuring many different kinds of art in all genres in Hershey PA.Time
This was taken in the morning just around 9am when the sun cascades over the tops of the trees and hills, leaving the shadows not so harsh under the trees. It was like a perfect glow under the white tents that the artists displayed their works, creating perfectly diffused light boxes. The capture at this hour seemed the be a perfect setting for almost any shot, as the tents were close together, reflecting white light in all directions.Lighting
The lighting that appeared under the tents were surround lighting, lighting up everything evenly from head to toe. Even catch lights could be caught in the eyes with the reflection from the sides.Equipment
I used a Nikon D810 with no flash in Monochrome mode using a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 lens with hood to keep out any aberrations from reflections from the tents. Attached to the lens is a NC (Neutral Clear) 77mm filter, and attached to the camera body is a Nikon MB-D12 Battery grip with EN-EL18a Battery. No other equipment was needed. This shot was handheld and would be more considered a "street photography" shot, in my opinion, since it was at a street fair.Inspiration
This shot was inspired by this beautiful girl in the photo that caught my eye who was shopping around at the art festival. The first thing that really caught my eye was her incredibly long, gorgeous, waving chestnut brown hair. She stood out from everyone else there and appeared to be a model, very tall, dressed like many models not on duty with a mixed variety of styles. Her face was very European looking, French or Russian, a very stunningly beautiful girl with beautiful doe eyes, long lashes, warm smile. This particular shot was very much inspired by her incredible hair, which I've seen on many Russian women.Editing
In post I was inspired by works I've seen that used masking to eliminate the surrounding elements that were once in the photo in order to draw all the attention to the subject without any distraction. This is a method I find to be most effective in this photograph, considering the surroundings were full of distractions that did not compliment the subject, as it was not an intended portrait, but a random street shot. I also wanted the various styles of her dress to be included to add to the personality she portrays. Very friendly, open, sweet, and beautiful.In my camera bag
I usually always have my Nikon D810 with whatever lens I chose to use first hanging off a sling over my shoulder ready to shoot, bumping off my hip as I walk, it hardly ever sits in a bag. I mostly have the Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 attached as it is my most versatile for my taste. In my bag though, I carry cleaner, cleaner cloth, lens pen, and extra rags for emergencies from water. I also usually carry an Ultra Wide Nikon 16-35mm f4 VR lens in case I am inspired to get an ultra wide image where I am shooting, and Nikon f1.4 50mm, 85mm lenses for interesting portraits and object shots. I carry a Manfrotto Carbon ONE 3444D tripod that allows me to have light weight and stability all in one.Feedback
My advice to capture something similar is to not let a good model get away. If you see someone that inspires you, get the shot by being patient and waiting for the right moment. You can always ask also, but then you lose the concept of street photography as being sort of "candid". You have to also imagine what your image will be capable of in post if you managed to get at least a good shot that can be edited later. In this image, I already knew I wanted to draw all the attention to the subject, and knew the only way to do so was to eliminate the background, and surrounding part of the image. Many times you need to imagine a finished image before you shoot, even the effects. So if you feel you don't think you can get a good shot, because of the surroundings, this is a good example of one technique that can help you get past that fear, and take the shot anyhow, and edit the image later.
