Kim chose to do her pictures in the middle of the day. Thinking logically as a photographer, my immediate reaction was “this is bad”. Midday, high sun, bright sun, hard light, bad shadows, raccoon eyes, etc. The best, most beautiful outdoor light, as we all know, is either at the beginning or the end of the day. Normally I would try to steer the girl to pick a time later in the day, early in the evening and explain to that the most flattering light is that soft pre-sunset sun as it begins to dip down towards the horizon. But I also know Kim. I have actually known her since her kindergarten days, and know that she has a mind of her own, ideas of her own, and for her senior portrait session, it really would be best! Letting seniors express themselves through their photos, after all, is what the experience is all about! And if she had ideas of how she wanted her pictures to look, then we would figure out a way to work together to create a shared vision. So, off into the sun we went. Armed with a light stand, 4 off camera flash units, triggers, reflectors, and a video light we tackled that harsh sun, and brilliant it certainly was that afternoon! Places that I normally wouldn’t suggest as the light is not ideal are the places we went! Kim brought a variety of outfits, accessories and shoes. Some of the items she had were from her recent trip to Europe – so cute and chic. What I really like about her senior photos is the fashion editorial feel that the use of “artificial” light brings to the outdoor shots. We were able to keep the deep rich colors, not washing out the background into a white blur or leaving Kim just a dark shadow, which is a hazard when working in full sun situations.
Kim chose to do her pictures in the middle of the day. Thinking logically as a photographer, my immediate reaction was “this is bad”. Midday, high sun, bright sun, hard light, bad shadows, raccoon eyes, etc. The best, most beautiful outdoor light, as we all know, is either at the beginning or the end of the day. Normally I would try to steer the girl to pick a time later in the day, early in the evening and explain to that the most flattering light is that soft pre-sunset sun as it begins to dip down towards the horizon. But I also know Kim. I have actually known her since her kindergarten days, and know that she has a mind of her own, ideas of her own, and for her senior portrait session, it really would be best! Letting seniors express themselves through their photos, after all, is what the experience is all about! And if she had ideas of how she wanted her pictures to look, then we would figure out a way to work together to create a shared vision. So, off into the sun we went. Armed with a light stand, 4 off camera flash units, triggers, reflectors, and a video light we tackled that harsh sun, and brilliant it certainly was that afternoon! Places that I normally wouldn’t suggest as the light is not ideal are the places we went! Kim brought a variety of outfits, accessories and shoes. Some of the items she had were from her recent trip to Europe – so cute and chic. What I really like about her senior photos is the fashion editorial feel that the use of “artificial” light brings to the outdoor shots. We were able to keep the deep rich colors, not washing out the background into a white blur or leaving Kim just a dark shadow, which is a hazard when working in full sun situations.Here is a look at a sampling of her senior portrait session photos, both in the studio and out and about Hazen and the surrounding country side. I think we got a great variety – from urban looking alleys to the a water side shore, fallen down buildings, and a beautiful grassy field.
These are so FRESH and modern. I love the feel. You do amazing work!
As a photographer that has yet to master that technique I know how difficult it is!! Fabulous job Justine! And gorgeous girl! You two totally rocked it!