Joanna
Apr, 2018Views
33
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Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Contender in the Visual Poetry Project
Gem Award
Achievement in Originality
Zenith Award
Top Pick Award
Staff Favorite
Halfway22 Award
Top Shot Award 22
Jewel Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Judge Favorite
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
Summer 2020
2020 Choice Award
Community Choice Award
Great Shot
Peer Choice Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rank
Top 20 rankBehind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at one of the most known Nature Centers in my city of McAllen, Texas. It was a warm Spring day and I chose the tree with the lowest hanging branches to have my model intertwine herself in nature.Time
This photo was taken around 2 pm. I was sharing a picnic with my mom there at the nature park under big, leafy oak trees as I waited for my model to arrive. The breeze was just enough to keep us from breaking a sweat. Spring and Summer in Texas heat is no joke!Lighting
My goal for the image was to capture my model in the middle of the day under a big shady tree without casting harsh shadows on her face or body. I was glad to have achieved this, it was like Joanna was underneath a cloud.Equipment
I used a Canon EOS Rebel SL1 with a 50 mm lens. Although I completely understand it’s uses and benefits, I have never once used a tripod for my photos. I like to feel the whole weight of the tool in my hands, even if it is so incredibly lightweight like my SL1 is.Inspiration
I was given an assignment for a Photography course to take photos inspired by photographs taken by famous photographers. I found Philippe Halsman and his website, an incredibly talented photographer with an interesting life story. My favorite photos of his were those taken of the beautiful Audrey Hepburn. This was one of those inspired images and poses.Editing
The majority of Halsman’s photographs were taken in black and white. At the time, the extent of my editing knowledge was what I had to work with in Adobe Photoshop. I simply played around with the editing effects and added the black and white filter.In my camera bag
I just have to be completely honest, this beautiful little Canon has been a FANTASTIC piece of equipment that has produced my best work. And it is the only thing I carry with me. Yes, I am still in the very beginner stages of photography and I have strived to do the absolute best with what I have.Feedback
Coming away from the series of images I took here at the Nature Center in McAllen, I felt a calming sense of appreciation for the beauty around me. My advice would be to look around at what is right in front of you. Sure, other states may have mountains, oceans, and waterfalls. My city area just doesn’t have that. But I have come to embrace what we DO have here. And I am so deeply inspired to continue capturing the personalities and body languages of the people I know in the towns they are a part of. Help your model feel comfortable with where they are if you want to capture the hometown, rural atmosphere around them. While you embrace what you have, help them to embrace everything they have to offer. That is when they will show you they’re most picture worthy souls.
