melissaalbert

KCIBR_001GAW

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

settings

Aperture 4/1 ISO 100 Shutter 1/500 Focal Length 70/1

upload_date

Aug, 2016

Views

611

Likes

+70

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Same photographer See all Behind The Lens

Child portraiture taken at Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Canon 5D mark III, 24-105 mm- focal length 105.mm, f-4.0, 1-400, ISO 100. T

This composite was inspired by a couture gown I made of vintage circus print fabric. Utilizing the ring mistress and hand how she shares her home wi

The Concept of this piece for this modern day Dorothy and her balance between two worlds she is constantly shifting. She is a powerful person who is g

I have always been an admirer of "Christina" by Andrew Wyeth. In this portrait the view is through Jasmine's vantage of cross tidal po

The portrait was taken at Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The concept was the love story of the beast here Belle has surrendered to her

This shot is a taken from Mother and Daughter Mermaid Session. The extension of her heart is clearly seen here. Natural light, Canon 5D Mark III, 70-

This piece was inspired by the book The Golden Compass. The gown was created by myself and the composition consists of the adobe stock purchased the

As today is my 50th Birthday I wanted to upload an image that fills my heart in my personal world. While I love photography as my job this little be

I have always had a fascination with the idea of slipping between two worlds ever since I read the book and saw the movie in the 70's The Time Ma

Photographing this tween as she is hanging on the iron ledge looking up to the sky. Looking for answers of the unknown.

Behind The Lens

Location

Lakeside Arts Park at the Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake IL.

Time

I knew when I was riding around the neighborhood and saw the grand home that this was the perfect backdrop for the Kiddie Couture theme. It is right next to the Dole Mansion. My heart started beating fast as I knew in my head that I needed to photograph my subjects in the mid afternoon. The wonderful thing about it is that it was overcast due to the storms rolling in. The portrait was photographed at 1:41in the afternoon.

Lighting

I knew that I wanted a historical feel for the portrait and as a natural light photographer I was so blessed to have overcast. For me that is the yummiest light. It provided me with the ability to create the drama I desired. Look for where your light source is coming from then configure your subject to be complimented by the light. I see it in my mind, where the light will come from and how it will create the sweetness of emotion for me. I know that it may not make sense but for me it is my go to place of dreams and their results.

Equipment

This portrait was shot with a Canon D Mark III, 15-105 mm lens, my settings were 1/500 f4.0 and my iso was 100. I often photograph with a low ISO outside.

Inspiration

This portrait was a result of teaching the Kiddie Couture Workshop on that day. Most of my inspirations come from historical signifigance this time was no different. I knew that I was photographing at a historical venue where the workshop was taught. I planned for Mozart (played by Jacob Gaudet) to be the main character. I wanted to give the viewer the sense of wonder, as I often wonder our historical figures were as children. I imagined that they would be standing outside on the lawn of the grand estate greeting each other and those who passed by. I wanted the young lady (Victoria) to have a sense of propriety about her yet she is barefoot, which we know from history was unheard of. As for the little gent Nolan, he was perfect for the role of young lad.

Editing

Yes, I use Carving Tree Actions and the Innocence Collection that were created by Greater Than Gatsby. I absolutely love them! The minimal use to create the feel of a vintage blend just makes me swoon. Using these tools that others create so I do not have to and can concentrate on the designing, storyboards, sewing if need be, and story plotting for my portraits and the clients is what is important to me.

In my camera bag

I absolutely love my Canon D Mark III body with, sigma 85mm f1.8 and my velvet lensbaby for portraits to create the soft dreamy feel, while those are my go to lenses I do use my Canon 14-105mm as well. The next dream lens that I will be adding to my bag are Canon's 50mm f/1.2L, the 35mm f/1.4L.

Feedback

I think my advice when it comes to creating a dream portrait that consists of historical influence is do your research, look for what inspires you and meld it with your own style. Don't be hesitant to step out of the comfort zone of what the norm is. It is a beautiful thing to see your hard work and dreams come to life. Investing in period clothing whether you purchase or have someone make them for you is well worth the results. It is okay not to have children smile, when I looked at portraits through the ages of fine art, children never smiled. I was very fortunate to have amazing peers, parents and other creatives who helped bring my vision to life. A special thank you to my friends and peers Sarah Barkley of Feather Print Photography for sharing her beautiful studio and city with me as well as the parents, Judi Gaudet for making the amazing costume that Jacob had worn in the portrait.

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melissaalbert

melissaalbert

KCIBR_001GAW

Behind The Lens

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