September 4, 2009

Not a Wedding Photographer—Part 5


As I was packing my camera equipment, Master Hunter walked up. When I suggested that he come home with me, his face turned into a broad smile. Even though I had already but my camera in the back, I had to (the devil made me) pull it out and start firing. Hunter and I had a running conversation going all through the many final shots I took of him.

As JD and I headed for the door, Hunter was beside us. He was ready to go. But, we thought it might be better to have him stay with his mom and dad, so we escorted him back to mom.

Again, this is an all-natural light photo. I really liked the way the light fell across his face. The light provided a perfect balance between highlights and shadows that gave his face just some depth. The sides of the pews also added some great depth to the image.

Enjoy.

Camera settings: Nikon D3, Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 at 70mm, shot at ISO 800, f/2.8 and 1/60th of a second.

Post Processing:

Lightroom—Set white and black points, added mid-tone contrast, clarity.

Photoshop—Cloned a few distracting elements and used lens correction filter to add a dark vignette.

8 comments:

  1. Another nice job Larry. I like the colors and soft focus of this shot a lot, but I really like the way you place Hunter near the old weathered church pew. The contrast between old and new really adds to the impact of the shot.

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  2. You did a nice job. I too like natural light portraits. His eyes are big and blue. I bet his mother now wishes that she had gotten his hair cut before all the photography.

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  3. I also like the lighting here and Hunter's expression, but not really the pew...maybe if he had been leaning on it or climbing, but to me it just seems to intrude. I guess it contributes to your understanding of where the image was taken, but I think the child is the reason for the shot and the knowing the location isn't necessary.

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  4. Good portrait. I think you have shown the little boy in Hunter. That smile lights up the entire portrait. Good, good job.
    Debbie

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  5. I like everything about this portrait. The use of the church pew gives the whole scene context and helps establish depth in the photo. The lighting on Hunter is perfect. Your use of f2.8 helps separate him from the background. Good job.
    Anne

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  6. Outstanding natural light portrait. Hunter is a great subject, but you have framed him beautifully and caught him with a great expression. I am sure that his mom and dad would welcome this photo hanging in their home.
    The Professor

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  7. Larry,

    Very nice moment. I like the composition with the blurred foreground and background giving just enough context and framing, without being distracting. And the foreground and background colors complement those wonderful blue eyes.

    The soft light is really nice, with both vertical and horizontal fall off. Are you sure there wasn't a prophoto in a softbox at 45 degrees camera left? :-)

    Great eye for light. Wonderful portrait.

    -CGTTL

    PS: "In a perfect world" I might have selectively sharpened his eyes a bit more in post.

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  8. Larry-

    I am sorry I didn't get to post sooner but I wanted to comment on your wedding series.

    I really enjoyed it and I think you are selling yourself short when saying you are not a wedding photographer.

    I feel your pain and know the stress of shooting on that day but I think you did a job you can certainly be proud of.

    I am sure the new coupe will think the same. I'd love to see the whole collection if you have it posted.

    Great work,

    Brian

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