Reading a blank sheet of paper??????????

My digital camera was a gift in November of 2011. When I began taking pictures of subjects other than people in my family I had this image in my head as a goal in editing and composition of photography. I had seen this set up with a memorial to soldiers and their service to our country and I loved the fading of the soldier against the background. This was truly a breathtaking moment in my photography. I still have so much to learn in composite shoots to perfect each line and edge however I am still extremely pleased with the result of this session. This couple consists of my sister in law and her husband who were more than willing to set up the image as I had it in my mind. It really makes a difference when my clients but trust in me and allow me to mold them into the image I am looking for and I know that they will enjoy. 

This moment was captured to show her quiet days of sitting on the porch waiting for her soldier to come home. She reads in this picture only a blank sheet of paper, laid beside her a stack of old envelopes and scraps tied with a ribbon. Why not have her read an actual letter written to her by her husband while he was deployed? Well the answer to that is simple, even though we were in the middle of a photo session, emotions were still fresh of the last deployment and tears would have surely been shed thinking of the upcoming deployment in the near future. 

The bags are packed. And believe me this is not a prop, it really is packed and it really is heavy! I moved it to this spot as my clients were getting changed and ready and it was a lot heavier than I expected. 

You will notice the muted tones of this session. It is amazing to view my beginning posts and sessions and compare them to current sessions.I am leaning towards the vintage feel of editing and plan to work diligently to perfect it. As in diligent, I don't plan to stay up to 2 am many more nights as I think I am becoming somewhat of a vampire. I mean I love you Edward Cullen but .....really?     I see distinct differences in editing workflow and am very thankful to have a close "photog" friend to help along in this process. We literally came to an epiphany yesterday and began to see where my editing style and workflow should go. In her words....use that style and own it!!! I love you Vickie!

http://www.facebook.com/victoriashareephotography

Vickie has a lifestyle style of photography that exhibits allowing her subjects to do what it is that they do best and she captures that moment. She loves to tell a story with her images. I on the other hand like to control more of the posing and feel of the image with props, themes, vintage influences. We work together for ideas, share props, and equipment but our photography services are kept completely separate. I am appreciative of her honesty and constructive criticism. 

You have no idea how many hours are put into building a portfolio unless you are a photographer. I didn't! I thought with a click of the camera I would make magic. It takes so much thought and patience. ISO, is it cloudy, is it raining, how open to set aperture, how fast to set shutter speed, where is my focal point, white balance, how much bokeh, is my subject blinking, running, jumping, smiling, crying, in a basket or a bucket, is it safe, is it warm, how do I edit this in elements, what are levels, masks, how do I get this darn car out the picture!!!!!!!!!! Many questions and many answers in the last month...........I think I just might be growing. I think I just might...........

!have an eye for this!