It started quite simply with an umbrella that I happened upon at Target. Then a wonderfully accommodating couple agreed to follow my whim when I said, “I have an idea”.
The plan was for an engagement shoot; and frankly we could not have asked for a more beautiful day for such a portrait session in Grapevine Texas. The sun was shining bright that day casting some spectacular shadow. My vision did not include the day to be so lovely, but I was determined to bring my idea to life. Mother nature blessed us with the most beautiful blue sky and a smattering of fluffy clouds. I was going to use it to my advantage.
I shot at 320 ISO, SS 250 & an F22. Though I will confess That ISO was an error, I had intended to use a 100 ISO…next time. Happy accident perhaps. Oh, and I also used a strobe.
I had an amazing time shooting that day. I played with the light, a few lenses and some props. I must confess my favorite lens that day was my 28mm. My adorable couple was such a delight to work with. Spoiler alert; the wedding was magical.
I could scarcely wait to get to work on this shot, but alas I had my clients needs before my own. The portraits we created that day were so fun to cull through. When I finally started work on my project, I found my colors were strikingly vivid and that was not at all what I
had planned in my brain. But sometimes best laid plans and all that. Turned out that the wonderful contrast lended this image to be a perfect candidate to convert black and white.
You see, I absolutely love high contrast black and white images. So with some dodging and burning in photoshop my favorite image took shape. Incidentally no presets were used to create this, I kicked it old school with my editing on this day. The more I worked the more I found myself engrossed in my exploration.
Photography is not simply the act of taking pictures. Photography is planning for the photoshoot, the mood, the style, and all the fun unexpected occurrences. It is shooting with whatever mother nature provides as well as the skills you have in your tool box. And using the creativity that that software affords us these days.
I cannot thank you beautiful couple enough for taking the leap with me as I tinkered that day!
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