The Magic Within Us
“Once we open our eyes to the infinite magic that the universe has in abundance, we are sure to be enthralled by what we see and this miraculous creation gets...
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“Once we open our eyes to the infinite magic that the universe has in abundance, we are sure to be enthralled by what we see and this miraculous creation gets us closer to our dreams and to the world as a whole.” ~ Stephen Richards
Model: Lydia S.
"The Magic Within Us"
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Model: Lydia S.
"The Magic Within Us"
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Jun, 2016Views
2260
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Fallen Trees Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in A Fantasy World Photo Contest
Member Selection Award
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 5
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this image at Sandy Bottom nature park in Hampton, Virginia.Time
We must have walked all over that park looking for this fallen tree I had found the previous spring. Thankfully we were able to find it but is was early afternoon, so I am thankful that the trees provided good coverage.Lighting
I think there is this unstated rule where our minds interpret lighter images as being more aesthetically pleasing and beautiful. I want to test that theory and create beautiful images that can test that theory. I want to showcase the beauty in the dark.Equipment
I shot this image with a Nikon D610. I used my go to lens which is my 85mm 1.8 FX. I love using the natural light, so for my outdoor images I very rarely use lighting systems.Inspiration
A lot of my images are created by my personal growth or emotional trials I am experiencing. I created this image based on the magic everyone has inside them. No matter how the outside world is, there is an undeniable spark in me all and I only need to expose it and set it free to conquer my own darkness.Editing
This image's post processing included the changing the foliage and dress colors by using the "replace color" option. (The dress was pink, but I felt as though it didn't match the reddish/orange tones in the foliage) I then added the butterflies and used a layer mask to blend them into the image. I then used a smoke brush on a new layer and again used a layer mask to help blend. After I put all the elements I wanted blended into the image I then did my normal tonal adjustments and edits.In my camera bag
I normally keep my main body (Nikon D610), my favorite lens (Nikon 85mm 1.8 FX) and my Nikon 50mm 1.4 lens.Feedback
I would tell anyone trying to shoot an image like this to tell a complete story. I storyboard every image I create before I shoot it, that not only helps me in planning but it also gives my model something to use as a reference and I have found that makes it so much easier to shoot when everyone knows the general concept. Shoot all the aspects that you can during that time so that all the light and shadows are correct.The photo manipulation process is so much easier if you can shoot it in camera only because it takes the guess work out of the perspective. While somethings obviously can't be shot in camera, and for those things its important to know your lighting, perspective and how it would move in relation to the other parts of our image. Never give up on yourself or think that our idea is to far "out there" because it is your unique view of the world and it should be shared.
