Monday, October 3, 2011

Assignment 3a

As it turned out, my youngest was home today with a tummy ache.  I had work to do from here and she helped out by highlighting a big stack of papers for me.  For which I paid her.  And, during which, she was the proverbial sitting duck.  I got in a good 39 photos before this one:
Finding Your Eye
Even though she agreed to the photo shoot, she can only tolerate so much.  Love it!

I approached Annie from all different angles, including from below and from above.  I also worked with the lighting, as she was seated at the dining room table and the diffused, cloudy sunlight was streaming in.  Of the 40 photos taken, I do so love that first one with her hand up, but these are the three that rose as the creme of the crop for this assignment:
Finding Your Eye, Assignment 3
I noticed changing the angle from where I shoot makes a big difference.  Here I'm standing on a chair over her.  Sweetness!
Finding Your Eye, Assignment 3
Here you see the impact of the lighting.  I've seen (and coveted) other photos I have come across with this feature, and here, I did it myself!  It adds beauty, warmth, and softness in addition to the gorgeous highlights.
Finding Your Eye, Assignment 3
And, then, there's this.  This could be one of the best photos I've taken to date.  She fills the frame, her head is angled slightly, her smile and expression are natural and relaxed, the coloring - between the eyes, the freckles, and her skin tone - are softly rich and beautiful.  The hot pink and lime green of her jammies and hair wrap just make her face pop even more.  I'm just so, so pleased with this!

I was interested and excited while shooting (could have done it all day long) and couldn't wait until after lunch to see what I had captured!  I lost track of time while both photographing and editing.  The end result makes my heart swell with joy, pride, and gratitude.  My favorite photos remained the same throughout capture, review, and edit.  It was easier to cull the best than I thought it might be.  I was only frustrated later when the subject interrupted me and rushed me a bit during the editing and basking in the glow phase (tummy acted up again and it was time for snuggling).  Oh, and the darned dog is driving me nuts while I'm writing this reflection.  (Hmmm, "artist Aimee" is pretty self-centered and not very nurturing!  LOL!)
Finding Your Eye
I loved the feeling of having time and Annie's permission to get in close and keep shooting.  I liked being able to work from different angles.  I enjoyed the surprise of the sunlight as it entered my shot.  I didn't worry about missing a moment or have a feeling of chasing after a shot.  There was no pressure from a changing dynamic, it was a fairly static situation with Annie sitting there working and me moving around her.  

I do hope to have a similar photo shoot with my other daughter this afternoon.  We'll see if she tolerates it!  I may have to sweeten the deal for her too ;-)

Thanks, Kat -- I didn't know I had these shots in me!




Blogged for the class: Finding Your Eye .

8 comments:

  1. I'm so excited for you! Another great set!! You are making me think that people pics might not be so bad. Love the lighting in the 3rd one...there's a warm glow that has a vintage feel to it. The 4th one is amazing! I love your enthusiasm.

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  2. Thanks, Cheryl. I was really surprised that it was faces (well, those of my kids and hubby) that sifted up from my inspiration file. I love windows, fences, gates, paths, flowers, the sky in it's many states, light, trees (oh how I love trees), and all manner of funky junk -- and yet, my file pointed me toward my kids' faces... I'm pleased as punch with these sets. And, I realize that sources of inspiration ebb and flow and change as I change/time changes.... Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. xoxo

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  3. Fantastic Aimee! I love what you were able to capture. The shots you call out are wonderful. I can see both her personality and your love for her coming through in these. Fantastic job on the rim light too. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the exercise! It helps to have a willing subject. :)

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  4. Hi, Aimee! I love these photos, starting with the very first one - the hand! You have capture so many moods of your daughter..and your use of light is beautiful..your third shot in particular. Gorgeous! What joy!

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  5. Amazing shots!! Isn't it a thrill when you take a shot like some of the gorgeous ones you always see on certain websites? I know the feeling! I really like the one with the sunlight streaming in and the soft rim lighting on her face. Wow!

    Your girls are just beautiful! : )

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  6. The first image of these series keeps being my favorite! You have the ability to capture the mood and moment in such a unique and untraditional way.

    I *love* photos of people, but find I can never get photograph them myself very well. After looking at all of your shots though, I'm left inspired!

    How do you get such a soft, dreamy almost vintage feel to your photos? (like the 3rd one - OMG so fantastic!) Is it based on the time of day or is it done in editing? (or both?!) Inquiring minds want to know! ;)

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  7. Furi, it's the time of day and the cloudy light streaming in through our huge slider door and through the drop cloth curtain. I was pretty tickled by that photo too! A favorite. I also applied cross processing to most of these. Love that!

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Thanks so much for commenting - I really appreciate the feedback!