amandaj08

_MG_0142

Jun, 2020

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo back behind an auto repair shop that I have. The junk blurred out in the background worked well for adding a little color.

Time

This photo was taken mid day, between noon and one o'clock, on a breezy cold day in November of 2019.

Lighting

The natural lighting worked very well in my favor. It was overcast just right to soften the sunlight for this portrait.

Equipment

I used a Canon Rebel T6 for this shot. Because of the soft natural light, I felt like using a flash would have been inappropriate. Being a self portrait, I set the camera up on my tripod and placed the ISO, shutter, and aperture where I wanted it and had my assistant place me in the middle of the screen, then he hit the shutter button a couple times.

Inspiration

I had received the mug in this shot as a gift from my niece and absolutely loved it. This photo was actually taken for the sole purpose of showing off my new mug in a new Facebook profile picture.

Editing

Very minimal post-processing was done to this photo. I was very pleased with the color coordination that naturally happened here, I felt they all worked together very well which may give it the appearance of being planned. I assure you, it was not at all.

In my camera bag

Although I still feel myself as a beginner photographer, I currently keep two camera bags. I still have my Canon Rebel T6, but I've since added a Canon Rebel T7. I find having two cameras is very handy when switching lenses while out shooting may not be so handy, I just switch to the other camera. I have several lenses that I can use with either camera body, as they are very similar to each other. I have a 24mm, 18-55mm, 85mm, 55-250mm, and a 150-600mm. I also carry 3 macro extensions, 13mm, 21mm, 31mm. I do have a couple hotshoe flashes, a standard one and a ring that mounts around the outer side of the lens. Both come in very handy with numerous situation. I do like to keep napkins in my bag to wrap around the standard flash, this helps soften the light for portraits. I have color gels, tape, and scissors handy as well.

Feedback

Have fun with it! I know most photographers put a lot of thought and planning into taking images, doing so has given me nothing but anxiety for photo shoots. Go with the flow, and when something or an idea pops into your head, don't be afraid to tackle it. Even if it doesn't come out the way you thought it would, adjust your angle and keep trying. This helps you learn your abilities, lets you grow, and learn your equipment. And lastly, don't be afraid to get in front of the camera! So many photographers hate their photo taken, as they are the ones always taking the photo. Grab a remote shutter or an assistant to hit the shutter for you and get in front of the camera. A couple of things I have greatly realized by stepping out of my comfort zone and in front of the camera is; (one) I have a better understanding what models go through. How it feels to stare at a lens and smile. The flash to hit my face, etc. (two) There is almost nothing as difficult in photography as post-processing your own photos. It is very strange to work on your face, or body. A lot of the time I will use my self portraits as a post-processing guinea pig, practice new editing techniques or use them if I go through a tutorial. I hope with this photo of myself with the mug might give you inspiration to give it a try, but remember, HAVE FUN WITH IT!

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amandaj08

amandaj08

_MG_0142

Behind The Lens

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