Embrace the Light

September 26, 2009 Posted in Family, Kids, Teens, Taking Pictures

Blog2 I was challenged by another photographer recently to embrace the sun. As a kid, I learned to take a photo with the sun behind you which only made squinty faces. Then I learned that when shooting outdoors, find some shade. But THEN, I read a tutorial by a photographer about how to shoot out in the light and embrace it. So I stripped down my baby girl, stuck her on a blanket smack-bang in the middle of the afternoon and ended up with these.

Notes: Edited using Coffee Shop’s Free LR Presets(mocha, cup of joe & vanilla latte presets are amazing! B&W but with a hint of warmth). In PS, I amped up the contrast a little by adding a duplicate layer and then overlaying it about 20% and then, I resisted the urge to continue with textures which was haaaaard for me! But I wanted them to be natural.

http://bloggityphotography.blogspot.com Christine

I’m a huge fan of your work. These pictures are stunning. I love how the light catches and highlights every strand of hair. I would love to read the tutorial about shooting in the sunlight if you would be kind enough to share where you found it. I feel like I’m trying to learn so much so fast!
http://www.emmymom2.blogspot.com Emmy

Those are all beautiful!! I notice none are in color, is it possible to get good color photos in the middle of the day? Or are there too many shadows and bright spots?
http://sabrina7408.wordpress.com sabrina

These are so beautiful!! I can not wait to try it!!
elizabethhalford

@Emmy – Well yes and no. The bright spots aren’t any brighter simply because the photo is in colour. I just didn’t think it was very dramatic. Check out a colour version and tell me what you think: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethhalford/3958085796/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethhalford/3958085904/in/photostream/

@Christine – The original tutorial was here: http://digital-photography-school.com/shooting-with-available-light-lifestyle-portraiture
http://bloggityphotography.blogspot.com Christine

Thank you! I agree the black and white is definitely more dramatic.
Tracy Thoman

Absolutely brilliant!! Love her hair style too, fashion baby! She’s beautiful. Just getting started looking over your site, but I read one of your wedding photography articles and totally agree with you 100%. Sometimes photographers can get completely in the way of themselves, their work and the “photojournalism” of the day. I like to remain invisible myself because I don’t want to influence or alter behvaviors or reaction to me or to the camera – only record the event and those involved as it naturally unfolds. Love your work…
Regards,
Tracy
USA
Donna

These are beautiful pictures of your daughter and I have also checked out some of your other pictures. You are truly inspiring.

I have to tell you that I have been struggling with “getting those eyes sharp and in focus” as I have started this learning process and I keep coming down really hard on myself for what seems like to me, the inability to perfect this. Just looking at your pictures above has helped me to let this burden go! It really is okay if the “eyes” are not sharp. These pictures speak beautiful words.

Thank you! Thank you for your inspiration and your beautiful picturesl

Donna
elizabethhalford

Oh certainly I threw the rulebook out long ago! I hate the rules. Does a photo move you? Then it’s perfect!
Amy Aird

I’m new to your site and am learning so much about photography from your advice. Thank you so much!!
I love your baby’s pictures!!! I’ve never seen this type of color in a photograph. It doesn’t seem to be in color, but not fully black and white, and has a soft sepia tone to it. Just beautiful! Her long strands of hair add a lot of character to her images. Wonderful pictures!!

Amy.

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