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P52.2 Framed {Week 27} - High Key

Merriam-Webster defines "composition" as "the way in which something is put together or arranged : the combination of parts or elements that make up something."

This month over at Who We Become, we are taking a step back from the more physical elements of our compositional study and focusing on other elements in the frame: creating mood. For week one, we are using high key lighting techniques to set the scene.

Examples of a high key technique can often be found in commercial work - bright images that have few mid-tones and even fewer shadows. Photographers may use this technique to create a sense of cheer or playfulness, or evoke feelings of youth. For my shots below, I think the brighter background and haziness of the light results in a dreamy effect and keeps the focus on my sweet subject enjoying a taste of Spring sunshine. 

Please click over to Who We Become to see everyone's images this week - the bright palate is striking.

P52.2: Framed {Week 17}

Over at Who We Become, we are closing out our month on specialty lenses. I have to admit, I did not get as creative as my fellow participants this week. However, I did bring out a telephoto lens for some fun in the snow - I am more of a wide angle person, so it was fun to experiment with action shots on a longer lens and be able to see the expressions on the kids' faces so clearly. This was my kiddo's first time on a sled...I'm pretty sure he liked it. 

Photo 52: A Play on Light {42}

Week four of directional light is something of a Hail Mary and I'm still not sure whether I came away with a touchdown or a disaster. But here goes nothing.

I didn't take a ton of images I felt worked well with our theme this week and had been debating what to use for today's post. Then, this afternoon, I found myself photographing an impromptu peewee football game in the sweltering heat and in one of the most challenging kinds of directional light: dappled. In the dreaded dappled light, you expose for the shade, and the sunlit patches are blown out. You expose for the bright spots and the rest of the image is extremely dark and there are harsh shadows on faces.  Added to my woes was my lens, a slower, longer focal length than I usually use, and an extremely fast, dirty and sweaty crew of much beloved children. Photography chaos, I tell you.

So, with that lengthy preface, here is a little glimpse into our afternoon in the park. But don't forget to continue on to my amazingly talented friend Jill Cassara when you're done!

Also, the priceless (and over-priced) group shot with a goat: 

Photo 52: A Play on Light {33} - Evening Light

Spring has finally come to New York and for this week's edition of Photo 52, I found the blooms of the cherry blossoms impossible to resist. Central Park is stunning right now, and my opportunity to photograph in evening light presented itself earlier this week as I took a walk through the park with some old friends who picked the perfect time to come through town. I tinkered with the processing in these images in an effort to try and match the visual textures to the feeling of the mild but gritty breeze blowing that evening. 

​Please continue around the blog circle to enjoy the evening hour with my fellow participants, starting with the incredibly talented Sarah Romer Davis up in Harlem. 

Photo 52: A Play on Light {32} - Midday Sun

In this month's P52 we are enjoying the longer hours of sunlight and exploring light at different times of day. This week is afternoon light. My shots were taken on one of the first nice days we've had this Spring and half of New York was out in Central park to enjoy it. 

Please continue around the circle to my extremely talented friend Justine Knight. She has been traveling to Australia so her post is sure to be both beautiful and jealousy-inducing. ​

Photo 52: A Play on Light {6}

Blinded by the light...

Week six of Photo 52, and week two of backlighting. I am taking a class at ICP with fellow blog circle participant Justine Knight and our assignment this week involved following a stranger and seeing where he or she led you. The images from this exercise generally range from bad to terrible since stalking is not something I have much experience with. 

At one point on my walk, as I tried to put a little distance between myself and my chosen subject, I noticed that after a week of bad timing, bad health and bad light, the sun was creating a beautiful fall glow through the just-turning trees. So I stopped for a moment, aimed my camera upward, then hustled off again so as not to lose my unsuspecting muse. 

Please continue around the blog circle and see what other amazing backlight my fellow participants have found. Next up is the lovely and talented Canadian component of our circle, Kennedy Tinsley.​

A Walk in the Park

Two of us three have had a labor-less Labor Day weekend. We spent a few of those hours on a glorious late afternoon stroll through Central Park.