2011 August

Archives

August31st

Picture Book Inspired Session from Jessica V Photography

Posted in: Inspire, Newborn

Here is a charming session from Jessica V Photography, storytelling this newborn’s emergence both figuratively and literally. With some props and concepts you just have to wait for the right client. As demonstrated here, that patience is rewarded with a one-of-a-kind expression. Images within a themed session can work well both as individual portraits as well as a series in a photobook, wall display or album. Please be sure to leave your feedback for Jessica in the comments below.

From Jessica V Photography:

The Hungry Caterpillar

This is a favorite book from my childhood and for my children. I gathered all the props and setups for this newborn session, and waited patiently for a family who would be just as excited about it as I was. As always in sling shots and baby poses, it’s extremely important to understand safety in newborn shoots, including how to do composite shots, and to make use of that lovely clone stamp in Photoshop for final products! I am excited to see this “Story” on the nursery wall when the canvas gallery comes in, as well as the custom album.

// Jessica V Photography //
August29th

A Water Inspired Maternity Session

Posted in: Inspire, Maternity

This maternity session from Jude Wood is a great example of having a vision for your work and incorporating the tools to make it happen. In these images Jude uses a Lensbaby to create a dreamy, almost water-color special-effect often associated with a view camera. The water and clouds are the perfect backdrop for the subject, beautifully styled and composed in the landscape.

From Jude Wood:
A new baby is like the beginning of all things–wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.
Eda LaShan

I had been dying to get out in the water with the lensbaby and create for quite sometime. I finally made that happen. One of my dream signs is water, and so I am particularly drawn to it. I wanted a dream like quality, ethereal feel to the images. I used the Lensbaby to help achieve that look. The Lensbaby creates a central ‘sweet spot’ in relatively sharp focus with the periphery fading to softer focus. It focuses manually by pulling the lens toward the camera on the bellows. Sometimes it is tricky to use. So I explained to my model that it might take me a bit to get focus and that I would let her know when I was ready to shoot. There are newer Lensbaby models out that have easier focus than the 2.0. The Composer Pro is now on my wish list!

The day of the session it rained all day, by evening it had stopped raining, but the threat of rain was still in the air. I decided to go with the session as I loved the dark clouds in the sky, and the tides were just right. The weather at the beach couldn’t have been more perfect, and it certainly helps to have such a gorgeous Model! I shot with the Nikon D700 and used the lensbaby 2.0 and the Nikon 85mm 1.4D lens.

The Lenbaby is really a fun and creative tool. It does take some practice to get the hang of it. I recommend shooting with it daily for a solid month. My bet is that you will fall in love with it, and see things in a whole new way.

// Jude Wood Photography //
August26th

Life at the Beach by Nichole Louise Photography

Posted in: Child, Family, Inspire

We’re getting so many great beach portrait sessions lately. This submission from Nichole Louise Photography is a reminder of the tranquil days on the beach that will soon return. Read Nichole’s message below for her advice on photographing multiple family sessions. Also check out her website — easy to navigate, clear options for access and a prominent link to Facebook.

From Nichole Louise Photography:
This was the fourth (!) session I’ve done for this brother sister pair in two years, and the third at the beach. I really wanted it to be different that their previous sessions. I wanted it to be less posed and traditional and more fun and personality. I was thrilled when big sister not only cooperated this session, but was all about having her picture taken. She was a DREAM! Little brother was definitely loving the beach as well and gave me some darling photo ops. I tried to creatively use the shadows under the pier, as well as get some nice hazy shots in the dunes by shooting about 1.5 hours before sunset. After how well this session went, I can’t wait for session number five with these two!

// Nichole Louise Photography //
// Follow Nichole on Facebook //
August24th

Inspire : Spring in Australia by Lollypop Photography

Posted in: Child, Inspire

Selective focus is difficult to master and breathtaking when well-executed. It must be done with intention and subtlety. This session from Lollypop Photography is a great example of manipulating the light and focus of the background to create a mesmerizing effect. The resulting mosaic is both beautiful and purposeful, communicating the blossoming brilliance of life.

From Lollypop Photography:

the beginning of spring:
The days are starting to get warmer and longer and the blossom is just starting to bloom which means that it’s so very nearly my favourite time of year here in Australia ~ spring! I wanted to capture the spring blossom and the warm sunshine in this session so we headed out to a nice little place an hour before sunset for that amazing evening light. This beautiful eleven year old girl was a dream to photograph and I love both the softness and the color in these photos. It was exactly what I had in mind when planning this session. I love using backlighting to create that beautiful glow around my subjects and I love experimenting with light. I found this gorgeous orange bike at a garage sale and as soon as I saw it I knew it would be a great prop. In fact most of my props are from garage sales! Shot with a canon mark II and 85mm f1.2L lens.

// Lollypop Photography //
August23rd

Inspire – Mother Daughter Portrait Session from Swinson Studios

Posted in: Family, Inspire

This mother & daughter session from Swinson Studios resonates for many reasons – great light, elegant compositions, and a gorgeous setting, to name a few. What really sets this session apart is the authenticity in both the meditative and whimsical portraits. As Lora describes, the sincerity of the individual emerges when you don’t provide too much direction. Please leave your comments and feedback below!

From Lora Swinson, Swinson Studios:

Mother & Daughter | Under the Colorado Sun

With a fast approaching move out of state I knew I HAD to photograph my beautiful sister and her daughter one more time. So, we headed out to our parents farm in Sedalia, CO and began shooting around 6pm. There is nothing more beautiful to me then the bond between a mother and daughter, especially these two. Lacey is a single mom and has been raising Charley on her own since day one. Their connection is amazing…and I wanted to capture just that, their bond. So, I sat back and offered a little direction here and there but really tried to let these two do their own thing. :) Lacey is an amazing songwriter so we pulled out her guitar and headed into an open little patch with over-hanging trees. Even though we had a few horses intrude on our shoot and want to be a part of the session, I feel like I was able to capture both their personalities and their bond :)

// Swinson Studios //