A few more questions for today!
Q: My question is on lighting. The family with the title “picture perfect”. I love how golden the picture is. Is there a certain time of day to achieve this? We try right before sunset… Also, are you using a light source? Or are you using a flash, light box, reflector… anything like that? We have a similar place that we shoot like this… so that is why I am asking.
A: I try to schedule all of my sessions during optimal lighting hours. I love to shoot between 8:30am and 10am and then about 2 hours before sundown…which during the summer season is 5-7:30. This might vary depending on your location, but I love the directional light (which you see in a lot of my images) you get when the sun isn’t high in the sky. I haven’t ventured into using additional light sources on location..so no strobes outdoors, and definitely NO ON CAMERA FLASH. I’m surprised at how many “professionals” use on camera flash…and do so ineffectively. You can use a reflector at almost any time to achieve a WAY better look than on camera flash. (Don’t mind me, I’m bias (obviously) when it comes to flash. :)) I actually don’t use reflectors with children…just too hard with the fast pace of the session…with older teens I use them sometimes and seniors most always.
Q: my question is: i would like to do natural lighting photos. how do you go about shooting with natural light in clients homes? i usually use the quantum flash or in studio lights. i was also wondering where you find your wording for your new college collection. thanks.
A: The majority of my sessions are on-location (outdoors) natural light, when I do go to clients’ homes it’s normally for newborns or maternity sessions. I only use one light w/ a 50×50 softbox. If I do use the natural light, I try to look for rooms with the most light, and keep the subject closest to the light source. Don’t be afraid to move furniture if need be. I never use a flash..don’t even own one. As for the Defined Templates, the definitions were a mixture of the actual definitions from the dictionary paired with random thoughts from my head…so I didn’t get them anywhere in particular.
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Just a reminder…don’t forget about our Fresh Faces Model Contest! Only 24 more days to enter!!
2nd Annual FRESH FACES Model CallIt’s that time again…for the Fresh Faces Model Call! Last year was the first year for the model call and it was a huge success! We had over 50 images submitted and 3 lucky winners! It was a total blast, and because of that, we decided to do it again.
The Details: I am looking for fresh faces to photograph. Send in an image (non-professional, preferrably close-up) of your child (ages 6mo-13yr) for a chance to win a complimentary photo session and free 11×14 image of your choice from the session. There is only one catch…the session is totally conceptualized by ME! That means I pick the location, I style the session, I will even BUY all the clothing…all you have to do is show up. How cool is that?
Send your images via email to me at info@uniquelyyouphoto.com. Please include your child’s name, age, and contact information in the event you are chosen as the winner. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS JANUARY 31ST! No late entries will be accepted. Images will be narrowed to the top 10 by a group of my collegues in early February, and the top 10 will be posted on the blog to be voted on by the general public…that means YOU! This year we will have just TWO winners, one boy and one girl.<br>
This contest is open to anyone, whether you’re a previous client or not!
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Missy Hillmer - Hi
I am needing to get a website. Did you make your own or who did you have do your. I really like yor site. I don’t know alot about it & could use some suggestions. Thanks!!
Nancy - Do you use a speedlite ever?