Shooting Into the Sun

Recently I've been determined to figure out how to set my camera to shoot into the sun.  I've always admired photographs that take the power of the sun head on and unleash it to wash the whole image in sparkly, golden light.  I'm intimidated by the poignancy of the sun, however.  Sun flare just has such a primadonna attitude--taking over the image and so over-dramatic.  You never know where the second echoing flare is going to end up.  As my tastes apparently tend toward a mostly traditional portrait-type photographer, I prefer an overcast day for the pleasant, easy diffused light to flatter my subjects.  I just feel safer in its predictability. 

Some of my earlier attempts were hurried, and at the end of sessions where my generous subjects were near the end of their patience with me.  The beautiful baptism girl was a willing enough subject but I didn't think ahead on how to set my camera and the result wasn't what I was envisioning (she's blurry).  I got some interesting images of the family on the right with the setting sun directly behind and all awash in light but I hastily deleted them as they were on the "too artistic" scale with not enough substance.  I wish I'd kept some of those pictures just to analyze them better now for how to improve.

Seize the Cooperative Moment

I don't know if it's because older children seem to slow down a teeny bit on the overnight growing up and so there is less urgency to capture every second of their existence.  Or because they become less and less cooperative.  Or because a certain self-consciousness creeps in that is less photogenic.  (For my part, the biggest reason is the cooperation factor.)  In any case, I find myself with fewer great images of my older children the older they get.  I still love them just as much (and in some ways even deeper) as when they were babies, of course.  I just don't have as many pictures to prove it.  :)

So imagine my delight when my oldest--a solid five and a half years old--requested that I take some pictures of just him . . . and proceeded to cooperate for a full three minutes!  So while my husband dealt with a tantruming toddler and a crying baby in the background, I got to spend a few minutes capturing my sweet big boy under the Bridge of Sighs in Oxford, England. 

The day was a bright and sunny day with stark light and shadow everywhere else.  Under the protection of the bridge itself, however, the light was filtered and lovely.  My son chose the spot against the ancient wall, right next to the pipe for his portrait and I love the textures of the backdrop.  His eyes are so sparkly and bright, just the way he looks at me when he's professing his love for his mom.  Melts my heart every time.

Come through for more!

A Beautiful Day for a Walk in Rock Meadow

This family sure kept me on my toes!  Their youngest, a vivacious little girl, was on the move from beginning to end.  Only a lollipop bribe half way through got us any reprieve from her constant antics.  She was so adorable and so fast!

This family was looking for some casual group shots, per a special request from grandma.  I loved spending the afternoon with these good friends, wandering through field and over brook and even discovering an old swing set. 

The day was gorgeous in person--one of the most lovely spring days we've had this season!  However, the beautiful sunlight caused some tricky lighting situations.  I clearly need some more practice in bright light and dark shadow contrast settings.  And yet, I feel that the joy of the day and this family are still plenty apparent in the shots below.

Find more shots of this fun family through here.