It’s autumn at last! Summer has its perks but this is such a beautiful time for photography and just life in general (though you might not think so to look out of my window right now…). Let’s get leafy.
So lucky to live in Pennsylvania. Not only do you stumble over a river and a wood everywhere you go, the state is dotted with these awesome bridges that make me feel like I’m in Stand By Me! Love it.
The above shot I really like because of the implied story (something I think probably all the best images have) and the negative space at the right of the picture that adds to it. One thing you appreciate more and more in photography over time is the intentional use of space. In this image, even though KJ and Tyler are on the left, your eyes are drawn to the open area on the right, with the lush autumn colours and the far side of the bridge. It makes you wonder what they can see! If I’d just ended the image a foot in front of KJ’s face, it would be an entirely different feel.
Different vibe for this one but still it’s all about the story! I went for a film-era edit with faded shadows, deeper blacks and a little added graininess to give it that classic nostalgia feel. The composition is key here though; you feel like you’re watching (in a non creepy way!) through the branches at a very personal, intimate moment.
This one I just love. Simple, clean, good light, a bit of fun with their different heights, and the roof/railing frame the image really nicely. It was also raining heavily at this point, though you can’t tell from here!
Come on, you have to love the good old ‘walking away through the forest’ shot. More helpful natural frames provided by the nearby trees, each of whom received $25 for their services. They’re branching out.
I used a 135mm here to get that smoothly defocused background, still holding onto all the perfect autumn colours. And that little sneak of green poking up from the bottom left corner gives you more of a feeling of depth and three-dimensionality (not a word) as well.
Little setup tidbit: because the 135 is a really long lens for portraits, I’m standing about twenty feet away from them here. I have all my clients sign an agreement to rescue me if I fall off a cliff while walking backwards.
Quick composition side note. Shooting through objects is a great way to add that feeling of depth to your image - if that’s what you want! There’s only a little foreground greenery here but without it, the picture would be much flatter and less immersive.
Of course, sometimes simple is all you need. Photography is art and art, my friend, is about the things it makes you feel. It’s not all about your vorsprung durch technik, you know.
KJ asked me how I cull my images down after the shoot to the ones I’ll end up using. There’s the obvious things like if somebody blinks, it’s a no-go, but a final image has to reach out and pull you in by the chest. Some of them have to punch you directly in the heart, which is what I said to Kaitie! But you have to feel something. Otherwise you may as well take pictures of carpet fluff :D