Hazy Sunlight / Project 52 ~ Week 10

Hello and Happy Sunday!
 We've had a wonderful weekend, so far!  The weather has been amazing, and the sun quite beautiful!  We spent yesterday cleaning indoors and headed outdoors to clean-up and add-to our front and back gardens.  The kids were especially helpful, which was much appreciated, so I had promised them a trip to visit with the baby chicks.  We left late afternoon, with plenty of beautiful sunshine left.  The kids had so much fun seeing the progress of the chicks {and scaring them}...they eventually moved on to running towards the cows {and communicating with loud 'moos' and laughs}.
 
  After a quick trip through the pine trees, we walked past the cows once again {poor cows} - it was then that I captured a quick image of my oldest daughter.   She had climbed the gate and was having a blast "communicating" in loud 'moos'.  The sun had lowered and was casting a lovely haze on the scene.  I took a moment to snap two shots and chose this one for this week's image:

Project 52 / Week 10
{Captured:  50mm - ISO 100 - F5.6 - 1/400}

  I love how the sun cast a hazy yellow light on the tree line, cows and my daughter.  She's calm being in an environment of her choice, with no posing or smile requested, leaving the final image relaxed and a bit more serious.  I find that some of my most favorite images are a result of "following" the subject so that they are more relaxed and natural.

  I am looking forward to more of these lovely sunny days this year!
Have a wonderful week!
--Jennifer

Focus, Focus, Focus / Project 52 ~ Week 9

Good Morning!!

  We've had such a topsy turvy week here - and the {seemingly endless} rain has been nearly unbearable.   I remained focused this week and remembered to capture some cute shots of my youngest on Friday morning.  It was mildly warm, quite foggy {or spooky according to her}, and the sun was just barely peeking through the thick cloud cover.   She was busy riding on her sister's scooter and checking on the back gardens, I found this to be a perfect opportunity to practice with some different lighting and backgrounds.
  This week's image was one of my favorites {we had a vote on two final images, the girls both loved this one}, her wide eyes, hint of a smile and far-off stare capture 100% of her personality.  Her attention was momentarily diverted from her scooter mayhem to a small flock of birds flying overhead.  I've always loved catching moments like these, I find them much more natural and relaxed.

Project 52 - Week 9
{Captured:  ISO125 - F2.8 - 1/160}

  Normally, I'm a firm believer in the best portraits being at the subject's eye-level - this is even more important for the wee ones.  This image was taken at a slightly higher point, providing a different perspective, but still keeping the same focus.  I'll be using this year's Project 52 to try lots of new lighting, backgrounds, colors and perspectives.

  I believe I've forgotten to mention the lens I've been using for Project 52.  I'm in love my with my 50mm!!  It was a big switch for me to get used to, but for about a year now, this has been my go-to lens for portraits.  The low-light abilities and ease-of-use are amazing.  Eventually, I'd love to add to my lens collection with an 85mm.  For now though, I feel comfortable learning and growing with my current lenses.

  Have a lovely week!
--Jennifer

Rushed Moments / Project 52 ~ Week 8

  This week's post is a bit later than normal.  First, I must admit, I forgot to take a picture!  I can't believe it, but Sunday morning arrived and I had multiple nature photographs (for my JLP Project 52), but had neglected to capture even one image for this week's Project.  So, this week's image was actually photographed this morning.
  Earlier this week, my girls and I had noticed several of our Hyacinth bulbs had emerged from the ground. We planted these seemingly forever ago...and were delighted to see the beautiful pink and purple blooms!  Regretfully I didn't have my camera outside with us to capture a quick shot of the discovery.
  This morning, I asked my 8 year old {very sweetly} if she would accompany me outside to get a quick shot for my Project.  She was willing {thank goodness} and I allowed her to choose her outfit and pose outside.  With her relaxed, I was able to capture a side profile of her with these lovely pink blooms:

{Captured:  ISO 125 - F2.8 - 1/250}

  While processing this photograph, I chose to add a few different layers for more of a "vintage" feel with just a slight haze added and some selected color pops to make the main subjects stand apart from the dark brown garden floor.

  This week has shown me that I really need to set a reminder to make sure I work on the Project at least once per week!  I'm definitely going to do a check each Wednesday going forward.

  We have some fun announcements coming soon - the next 8 weeks has some exciting adventures and fun sessions planned for Y.D.P.!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!
-Jennifer

Changed Plans / Project 52 - Week 2

  So, I had a specific idea for Project 52 this week.  I have images that I'd love to capture, poses, lighting, props, people, etc.  Sometimes, these ideas will bother me...until I can get them captured and processed.  I had planned a beach shot, late afternoon, with balloons, my 8yr old daughter, pettiskirt, the waves in the background...in my head it was 'just perfect'.  We headed towards the beach early yesterday morning for a planned 'girls day'.  While the girls day was a success, the photograph was not.  What I hadn't planned, was the much colder temperatures which hit NC this weekend, including the bitter cold wind.  Needless to say, I just couldn't ask my daughter to stand on the beach (in the cold, cold wind) to capture the image that was stuck in my head.  I felt somewhat defeated.  I had planned the photograph (on the last day of the week)...what was I going to do now? 
  Instead, later in the day, I captured her playing on her newly constructed "bridge".  The lighting was far from perfect (it really was much too late in the afternoon), the background was certainly not the serene beach I had in mind, but I enjoyed listening to her tell me about the "bridge" and watching her reflection in the puddle as she was attempting to make ripples.   Below is the final image I selected to for Week 2:


Project 52 / 2012:  Week 2
{Captured: ISO 250 / F4.6 / 1/180}

  {A funny thing to share, my daughter REALLY dislikes black and white images.  I'm not really sure why, but she gets a little frustrated with me when I process some of her photographs into black and white.  This image, with the reflection, low light, setting and mood was, in my opinion, much more dramatic and dynamic in black and white.  I promised her, I would share an "approved image" which was in color and showcased her new haircut:}


Photographed: 1.14.12

     While, I was not able to photograph my original planned idea, I was able to capture my daughter, relaxed, in her chosen environment.  I'm still hoping we can revisit the beach photograph on a MUCH warmer weekend - spring is going to be here soon!

 

  Have you ever had photograph ideas which you just HAVE to capture?  

{This adorable owl outfit was purchased from Dress ReHERsal on Etsy.  They have some great outfits and pieces, both of my daughters love them.  You can see their shop here.}

Have a great week!
Jennifer-YDP