Informal Potrait Photography

I attended my local camera club meeting this evening. Our speaker was a local photographer who owns his own portrait studio. He brought all of his photography equipment, including the lighting. It was very exciting to see him demonstrate how he takes studio portraits.

Our club was fortunate to see this photographer in action. We learned so many valuable tips. He showed us just how important it is to know the different ways to pose the subjects in a potrait. The club members acted as his models and we were able see the creative ways he composes his potraits.

In addition, he showed us how he uses his lighting equipment. Light is everything in photography, whether it is natural or studio lighting. It was so helpful to see him work with the lighting equipment. "Light is the signature of every good photographer." (Bill Hurther, Editor of Rangefinder Magazine).

I enjoy taking informal potraits of my nieces and nephews using natural light. Today's photo is one I took of my niece Rachel last spring. I used the available window light (to her right). She is such a natural model. I really enjoy taking photos of her and she is so patient with me!

It was wonderful to be able to get out in order attend the camera club meeting. We had a horrible winter storm here early this morning, complete with freezing rain, sleet, snow, and rain. It all turned into a slick coating of ice. The wind was so fierce this morning. I thought that we were going to lose more tree limbs. Luckily, the power did not go out. I am ready for some calm, peaceful spring weather!

I hope that all of you have a fantastic weekend!

Let the Music Play, Let the Inspiration Begin

I often listen to music in order to find inspiration for my photography work. One of my favorite classical pieces is Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. This piece is so soothing and reminds me of a lullaby.

I created "Glorious Trio after listening to this masterpiece. The simplicity of the calla lilies reminded me of this classical piece. The flowers are regal in nature and their soft pastel colors reflect nature's amazing hues. Canon in D is the perfect piece to listen to while viewing "Glorious Trio".

Here is a link to hear Canon in D. http://www.jasononline.com/music/canon.mid

I photographed these calla lilies inside using natural light. I used black foam core board for the background. I really enjoyed arranging the flowers and working with the natural light.

Now, I would like to make more photographs using music as my inspirational starting point. There are so many possibilities! "Music cleanses the understanding; inspires it, and lifts it into a realm which it would not reach if it were left to itself. " (Henry Ward Beecher)

Do you listen to music to gain inspiration for your photography work? It would be wonderful to know what kind of music other photographers find inspirational.

Care Free

Recently, I entered an online photography competition. The theme of the competition was "expressive faces". So, I decided to enter this photo of my niece Ray. Here is the story behind the photograph.

One of my photography-related goals is to learn more about photographing young people. I started by taking an online course last summer through http://www.betterphoto.com/. The instructor was professional photographer Vik Orenstein. She owns and operates studios which specialize in child portraits.

I was nervous about taking a photography co use from a professional photographer, but Vik was helpful and supportive. She provided her students with ideas for creating, editing, and producing photos of young subjects.

I used natural light for the course projects. Ray made and excellent subject. She always has such a natural looking smile. She played in my parents' backyard while I made photographs of her using my 75mm-300mm Canon lens. The late afternoon sun worked so well for this types of photos, especially with the skin tones and backlighting.

My sister prides herself in keeping Ray's long hair very neat, but I love the way her hair falls on her face. It was such a pleasure to take this photo of my niece in an informal environment. The title of the photograph is "Care Free".

I am definitely going to make more portraits using natural light, especially when the warmer weather returns. I would also like to learn more about using flash as well as studio lighting.

My online instructor was pleased with this photo, especially with the backlighting, composition and the way I captured my niece's expression. I just found out that I came in sixth with this photo for the online competition. I am thrilled!