Making the Image » You Can Sleep When You're Dead: Blog by Colleen Miniuk » Page 8

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May 152015
 
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Photo copyright Rita DeBrodie

Man is a complicated creature, which is something that we are shown time and time again. One of the most important, defining characteristics of man is his ability to love. That is the concept I wanted to capture. This image is a very simplistic commentary on the two sides of love, the light and the dark. On the technical side, I am fascinated with the idea of sunbursts without sunlight. I used my external flash as the light source and bounced it off the inside of the subject. By positioning the flash unit inside the lid of my heart box, I was able to bounce a lot of that light around and create dramatic shadows that outline the shape of the lid. This also caused the white background to flood with the rich red color that dominates the photo. I faced this image with the idea of creating something vibrant and moody while only using one source of light. As you can see, the only light for my subject is the flash unit. The focal point of the image is the light burst, but what tells the real story is the sharp contrast between the textured red background and the stark black silhouette of the box lid. The tension created by these colors repeat on the right side of the image. The dark shadow of the box forms the heart’s shape and leads the eye right back to the brilliant light burst. The lines in the image move the eye around in a circle. That cycle is what I wanted to communicate, that life’s experiences have a way of coming back around and that love finds a way even in the darkest times.

I used a Canon Rebel T3i to capture this image. I set the f-stop to f/25, my exposure time was 1/30 of a second and I set the ISO to 800. I needed to keep my f-stop as low as possible to create that strong light burst effect. My lens is an 18 mm – 55 mm lens, and I captured this image with the lens set to about 28 mm. The flash unit that I used is a Neewer TT 560. I connected the flash unit to a Neewer FC-16 wireless receiver and had the transmitter attached to my camera so that the flash unit would trigger at the exact moment I needed it, especially important given my exposure time.  I used Adobe Lightroom as my post processing software. Within Lightroom, I cropped the image down to create a little more tension and cleaned up a few spots created by dust on my camera’s sensor.

About the Photographer:
My name is Rita DeBrodie. I am an Electronic Media and Film major at Northern Arizona University and my minor is Photography. My background is in small productions and screenwriting and I believe that often the smallest details are the most important. I face all cinemagraphic tasks with the eyes of a photographer, trying to capture that perfect moment with a subject and tell a story that will awe and enlighten an audience. I prefer small scenes that convey a larger meaning in photography and I use strong contrasts and leading lines to pull focus to my subjects.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 152015
 
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Photo copyright Sydney Roberts

This inspiration behind this image comes from trying to create a unique portrait. I dislike portraits that are the average ‘graduation photo’ or ‘senior portrait.’ I like the idea of capturing pure emotion and not just a cheesy smile. In order to get a portrait that portrays a genuine emotion or feeling I like to take a bunch of photos. For this photo I posed the model and started taking photos that turned out to be the average image you would expect. After a while she got more comfortable in front of the camera and I was able to capture a relaxed and genuine expression. In this instance the model is someone that I know well so it did not take long for her to be comfortable. However, when I wake photos of people that are less comfortable in front of the camera I find it is best to be myself and not act super professional in order to capture images that do not feel fake.

As for the technical aspects of this image I used a canon rebel t3i body and the 18-55mm kit lens. I also used a canon speedlite flash and a reflector. I used the reflector to bounce light off of the sun from underneath her face to remove harsh shadows. I used the flash on camera to fill in her face. The focal length in this image was at 55mm. The shutter speed is set at 1/200 with an f-stop of 5.6. The ISO is set at 100 so that I could capture a lot of details. Post-production is done in  Adobe Lightroom. I have desaturated most of the colors to give the eyes more vibrance.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 142015
 
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“Neon Golf” photo copyright Christye Flanagan

“Neon Golf”
This photo that I took called “Neon Golf” was inspired by the golf course behind my house that I live on. It was taken for an assignment in my Intermediate Photography class at NAU. The assignment was Painting with Light. This technique added a modern spin to a traditional object. The neon green is a contrasting color to the red bag adding depth and interest. The full moon adds light to the focal point being the golf bag and clubs. The golf ball on the ground adds to the focal point also. The visual message that I tried to convey was to take the imagination to golfing at night with a neon ball, golf bag and golf clubs during a full moon. The image is shot at ground level to add an interesting perspective.  The golf bag and clubs are at one side of the image to use the rule of thirds for the composition.  The topline of the trees is another compositional element and it is positioned above the midline. The moon adds light to the dark sky. The trees recede into the background to add depth to the photo. The background below the trees is dark black drawing the eye to the golf clubs.

The technique that I used to make this photo was a long shutter speed set at 60”, f-stop 5.0, ISO 100 and 14mm. I used my small Olympus EM10 with 14-42mm lens set on a tripod. I did not use any filters.  I placed the golf bag on the fairway and the camera was lower in a sand trap. I used an external flash mounted on the camera and a headlamp placed on the ground shining light onto the golf bag. There was a full moon in the bag ground. I focused on the center of the golf bag. I shined the laser light on the golf ball first and then hit the shutter button. After a few seconds shining the light on the ball; I put my hand over the laser light and pointed the light at the bag and removed my hand so the light would shine on the bag. I then traced the golf bag and clubs until the shutter was done. Since the camera had such a long shutter speed I had time to trace the bag and golf clubs.  As far as post processing the only thing that I did was crop it a little.

About the Photographer:
My name is Christye Flanagan and I am a post-baccalaureate student at Northern Arizona University. I have a previous degree from the University of Arizona in Family Studies. This semester I just finished all the classes that I need for my degree at NAU with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Visual Communications with an emphasis in Graphic Design and will graduate May 8, 2015. This semester I also took an extra class in photography. It is my third one and I am developing my photography skills to use with my graphic design. I like to manipulate photos to use on websites and with graphic design.  To develop my photography skills more I plan to take some photography classes through Arizona Highways.  After graduation I plan on freelancing.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 142015
 
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Photo copyright Samantha Colombo

One thing that always fascinates me about photography is how subjective it is. What I think of an image may be, and most likely is, completely different from what the person standing next me thinks, whether they are a fellow photographer or not. I also love the diversity of the photographic medium. Anyone and everyone can look at an image and feel something or have an opinion about it, and anyone can be a photographer. They have to have inspiration and run with it. When I get inspired, I obsess in taking pictures. Not every image is the image but the experience and exploration of adjusting my lens by just that much or by taking a picture from this angle makes it all worth it.

The adventure of this image began when my professor gave us the instruction to take an image with a sunburst. The name of it, sunburst, typically means that a photographer takes it outside using the sun, but I did not want to do that.  I have seen images of performers onstage and the stage lights creating the same effect. This always made me feel like the performer was becoming the star. I did not have stage or a performer but I did have a beautiful roommate and a desk lamp but I still want the same feel to my image but with a slight twist. She obviously wasn’t going to be a performer becoming a star but I wanted to her to be an emotional image that conveyed a sense of transformation. I set up my Canon Rebel T3 with an 18-55mm lens and I put it on my tripod. Then I turned off as many lights in the area as I can because I wanted the main source of light to be the light-burst. My ISO was at 800 and my aperture was as low as I could get it, which was f/22. I zoomed my lens in to be 29mm. I had my roommate sit in front of it. I struggled with where I wanted to the light to shine from. If I positioned it above her nose it didn’t have enough of the bursting effect. Under her nose made it look awkward. Then it hit me. I told her to lift her hand up and have a few finger barely resting on her chin. I wanted this position because it reminded me of being in thought and how powerful that can become. This photo took 1.6 seconds to capture but as soon as I saw it, I knew it was the image. When I looked at my image on the little screen on my camera, I could not see that there were noticeable black spots due to pieces of dust on my sensor so when I looked at the image on my computer the specs of dust had turned into big black blots on her hand. I attempted to edit the blots out but because of the variations of shading on her hand, I could not edit the section and have the area looking natural. I modified my vison to be a silhouette. I made it black and white and then darkened the shadows. Then I added a subtle black vignette to increase the classic look on the image. The finished image highlights the outline of her profile that has the accent of the burst of light.

There is more to an image than just capturing an image of a beautiful subject. One of my favorite things to do, once I have completed editing an image, is to look at the before and after and then compare it to the images beside it. The transformation between each image and each step of editing is what builds the images history. It is like a family tree. The stage before set up the current stage and so on and so forth until you have come to the very end of the tree branch and you have your image. Each step of the journey is essential even if it gets undone or changed. It is a learning experience.

About the Photographer:
I am currently studying photography and creative media and film at NAU. When I began photography, I thought of doing strictly landscape photography but after one session in the school’s portrait studio, I fell in love with portraiture. I strive to capture the genuine moments and emotions. While at a shoot I typically talk to my subjects and try to get them laughing so I take pictures of the big goofy grins on their faces. I plan on going into business with my brother-in-law and start up our own business called CH Studios.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 132015
 
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“The Calm Before the Storm” photo copyright Krista Baldwin

“The Calm Before the Storm”
Being able to travel the country with the NHRA drag racing circuit lets me have the opportunity to shoot some amazing shots of the drivers and the crewmembers. This shot is of my grandfather, Chris “The Greek” Karamesines. He is a legend in the sport by being the first to 200 mph in 1960 and he is the oldest active driver in Top Fuel at the age of 83. These cars accelerate to speeds of 320 mph in just under 4 seconds. I try to convey that moment right before a run down a drag strip that you recollect your thoughts and calm your mind. This moment is very crucial because you do not want your mind to wander away when you are about to go 300 mph. It is mostly a focusing tool that I and many other drivers use right before we have to go down the quarter mile. In just a manner of minutes the driver sits with a 10,000 horsepower machine and the driver is in control of this rocket that they are strapped to. Personally during this time I do my yoga breathing and close my eyes. This really helps to bring your hear rate down because you do not want to be so excited that you do not concentrate on what you need to be doing. Making this image is more difficult than you think. Every driver has their own routine and as the photographer, I have to be in the right spot at the right time to capture this exact moment.  I didn’t really change the photo except for a little bit of a tighter crop just to zero in on the driver and a touch of saturation.  Since I took my time to compose the shot, I do not need to change much of the image.

This photo was shot in Gainesville, Fl. At the Gator Nationals with a Canon Eos Rebel T3 with an 18-55 mm lens (kit lens). It was ISO 400, 55mm, f/13, and a shutter of 1/160. Like I said before I brought up saturation just a touch and a tighter crop. I want the colors to really shine through and make it feel that it is “busy” and the driver is just waiting in the calm before the storm so to speak. When you are sitting in the seat strapped with a 5-point seat harness, there is a lot of commotion happening around you. Cars are going down the track, your crew is making last minute adjustments to the car, and the other drivers are also just sitting there. It’s a powerful moment and that is why I chose to display this image.

About the Photographer:
As being the granddaughter and daughter of Top Fuel pilots, it is not crazy that I want to get my time to drive as well. I currently drive a front engine Nostalgia Eliminator 1 dragster that goes 180 mph under 8 seconds down the track. Being a driver, it has increased my interest to photograph more intimate things with the driver rather than just shooting the car. I want to show the audience that it is not just driving a really fast car; it’s about taking your life at stake and doing something that you have passion for.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 132015
 
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“Generous Departure” photo copyright Jasmine Riley

“Generous Departure”
A friend and I set out for an adventure exploring off the beaten path.  We chose a remote location on an off-road trail.  I pointed to a hill in the distance and said, “let’s climb that one.”  We parked the car and set out on foot.  It was apparent that probably very few people have done what we decided to do, as there were no trails and no trace of people.  Looking out over the dried fields of dead grass, it looked as though the truth of this location was all there; there was nothing to it.  I remember thinking, “From a distance, it’s hard to see the hidden treasures that nature holds.  I really hope we find something interesting…maybe a snake? Maybe an abandoned structure?”  We then set out on foot to the chosen hill; it was farther away than we expected.  It was a lot taller too.  When we arrived at the base of the hill, we saw something in the distance.  We thought maybe it was a fallen tree, but thought nothing of it.  After a lot of breaks and heavy breathing, we finally made it to the top.  It was a beautiful view of the San Francisco Peaks with the melting spring snow cresting the top.  Miles and miles of open yellow, fields and rolling hills surrounded us.  My car was but a tiny speck in the distance.  At the base of the hill, we could see an aerial view what looked like a ribcage.  This is what we had previously thought to be a tree.  We made our way back down to the bottom to check it out.  It was indeed a ribcage, a bull ribcage with the rest of its body attached.  It was a very cool find.  I am guessing that the two of us are the only ones who have ever laid eyes on this carcass, as it looked untouched.  That was a very special feeling, which I intend on sharing with others.

I was inspired to take this photograph because it shows an untouched life that ended.  It encourages mystery.  The most intriguing thing I found about this carcass was that there was a ring of green grass around the bull while all of the rest of the grass was dried up and dead.  It showed that the life of this animal was not lost, but transferred into the environment around it.  This action of death demonstrated the flow of energy and the breath of life into the grass, the hawks, the insects, and the coyotes that all gained nourishment from this involuntary sacrifice.

I took this photo, titled “Generous Departure” with my Sony A7 with a 55mm f/1.8 Carl Zeiss Prime.  I took it with a shutter speed of 1/6400, an aperture of f/1.8, and an ISO of 50.  When editing the photo, I brought up the clarity to enhance the details on the skull.  I also brought up the shadows and brought down the highlights.

About the Photographer:
My photography is centralized around Northern Arizona where I was born and raised.  I have a strong love for exploration of the outdoors.  I am driven by adventure, and I especially love being able to capture those experiences to share with others.  In my photography, I like to take a closer look at ordinary, everyday objects, activities, or people to bring about a better understanding and appreciation for life that is often looked over in the busy everyday lives.  I strongly believe in taking life day by day and being able to appreciate it for what it is.  I absolutely love being able to capture these expressions through my photography.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 122015
 
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Photo copyright Stephanie Austin

As someone who has been interested in photography from a young age, I always enjoy a challenge and forcing myself to think outside of the box. When my photography teacher gave us the assignment “Painting with Light,” she showed us images of people using flashlights to create shapes or to illuminate their subjects. I wanted to create an image that did both. I had experimented with the concept before in my high school years, but I was unsatisfied with the results and had not thought to retry the technique since. As the teacher continued to show the class different examples of the technique, my wheels were turning. By the time class finished, I had already planned exactly what elements would be a part of my image.

Just over two years ago, I had my first exposure to a rising party trick—gloving. Using gloves with rapidly flashing LED lights inserted at the fingertips, people can create a light show that, paired with the right music and movement, can put viewers into a hypnotic state. When I first met Jordan, it was at an ecclesiastical function. I remember walking in to the gym with my friend, the beat of the music pulsing through our bodies. When we entered the room, I immediately became aware of the flashing lights that on my left that seemed to be moving in sync with the music. At first, I assumed they were a part of the ambient light, maybe a disco ball or something. Upon closer examination, I came to realize that there was actually a person manipulating these lights.

Jordan has worked with the art of light for about 5 years now. His light shows have always been a party staple, one that catches the attention of many. When my photography instructor gave us the assignment “Painting with Light,” I immediately thought of the shapes and displays that Jordan made while demonstrating this talent.

We soon after collaborated to create our “Painting with Light” image. To capture the exact image that I had pictured, we ended up trying this technique two separate times. On the first go, I did not have an exact game plan for how I would execute the photo, but I had an idea of how I wanted the image to turn out. Not only did I want to capture the movement of the lights, but I also wanted Jordan’s face illuminated. I had hoped that the lights from his gloves would be enough to illuminate his face, but we quickly discovered that this would not work. After enlisting the help of my external flash and about 200 frames later, I had finally captured an image that I was almost satisfied with.

On our second meeting, we both had a little better of an idea as to what we needed to do in order to achieve the exact look that we wanted. After setting up a studio in the apartment of my front room, we got to work. We found that the exposure could be no longer than 2 seconds; otherwise, the movement of the lights would take over the image and make it difficult to see who was in control of the lights. We also found that it was better to illuminate the external flash at the end of the exposure. This allowed the camera to capture the light trails that Jordan created, and the flash acted to illuminate his face and hands.

For this image, I used my Canon Rebel XS. My shutter speed was set for a 2-second exposure, with an f/stop of 5.0, and an ISO of 100. When the exposure began, Jordan would start creating shapes, and I would manually activate the external flash to illuminate his face. In post processing, I made some changes to the exposure and boosted the contrast. I also made sure that the background was dark where it needed to be and that there were no unnecessary light spots on the background.

About the Photographer:
My name is Stephanie Austin; I am a photography minor at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. I really discovered my passion for photography in my early high school years. From a young age, I had always found joy in using my mother’s camera to take pictures at different functions. However, I had never really thought of using photography as a form of art until I enrolled in a photography class my freshman year of high school. From there, my love for photography has only multiplied. I have always enjoyed photographing people and their interactions. Some might even label me as a people watcher. In recent years, I have turned my focus to photographing the beauty and mysteries of nature and the world around me.

To see more of my work, please visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/stephlynnphotog

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 122015
 
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“Happy Stranger” photo copyright Eleanor Carty

“Happy Strangers”
In the midst of February I was walking into downtown Flagstaff for a photo assignment and ended up with this lovely picture.  I saw these two at a distance walking down the street and their clothes, body language, and general appearance began to really intrigue me.  I asked the couple if it would be ok to take a few pictures of them and at first they were messing around with each other as most people do when they are put in the spotlight; but all of a sudden they broke into laughter and even though they did not appear wealthy, were carrying around large bags, and seemed to be wearing all the clothing they own, they are the happiest couple I have seen in an astonishingly long time.  This really made me want to reevaluate the way I look at things; the way I look at the little details in my own life.  Even though I do not know these people and they are not living this typically ‘great’ lifestyle; I don’t feel sorry for them.  They are genuinely happier than most people I see on the daily and seem to take so much pride in what they already have. I look to people like this for real happiness.

I personally love taking photographs of people because I feel as if they can say so much about somebody just by capturing them in a split second.  Emotion is the way we human beings run; we feel emotions every day ranging from passion to anger to blissful, and when these emotions are captured in an image, it is truly beautiful and cannot be replicated even if tried.  Don’t get me wrong, I am amazed by the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife that inhabit the earth also, but humans will forever be the most interesting creatures to me, there are not two single people even remotely alike in this world and that is a fascinating reality.

When editing this image I decided to change it to black and white, the reason for this being that the subject is so powerful that it needs to be simplified, the main focus is solely directed toward the two characters in the photograph.  I own a Canon EOS 7D and the particular lens I shot this image with is a telephoto 28-135mm.  I shot this image at an ISO of 300, a focal length of 85mm, the shutter speed at 1/640 of a second, and the aperture at F/ 5.6.  It gives me so much pleasure to document the happy times of other peoples lives and this picture will forever resonate the true essence of love between these two humans, and I am proud to have even got the chance to capture this moment, and that is what I believe photography is all about.

About the Photographer:
Hi I’m Eleanor (Ellie, Bella; any will do).  I’m a college student at NAU and am currently studying Photography and journalism.  I am originally from Surrey, England but have been living in the USA since I was twelve.  From New Jersey to Virginia to Arizona…  I take a huge interest in communicating to various audiences through the lens of my camera.  My main purpose is to exude emotion through my images and hope to interest those that view them, there are so many people, places, and ideas out there that deserve to be seen, heard of, and acknowledged.  It takes less than half of a second to capture a single moment in the click of a shutter, but it is a memory that can be passed down through generations, for decades. For years, I have been learning through the right side of my brain and it has brought me a lot of luck in achieving my goals.  I have been able to document my own and honorably other peoples moments in life through photographs. Your adventures are something that should be remembered and treasured.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 112015
 
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Photo copyright Natalie Smith

I am a lover of the arts in every form. I love when things are executed cleanly and detailed. The reason that I chose my water drop photo is because it represents the detailed style of photography I enjoy shooting. For some time now I’ve wanted to capture motion of water drops in a creative way. I enjoy shooting photos like this because I can set them up in different ways to create unique shots. Taking images of small details is fun for me because I can tweak little aspects of the shot to change the entire look of the image. This allows me to have fun playing with my subjects with endless possibilities. I was trying to communicate a simple shot with different colors blending in the water. When I was taking this series of photos I ended up with many shots with the drop or multiple drops before they hit the water. I chose this particular image because I liked the way the colors in the water blended, and how still the surrounding water is. I was happy with the turnout of this image because it is clean and crisp shot of motion. I am constantly striving to meld my passion for art with my passion for photography. By using my watercolor paints in the water I was able to achieve some sort of unity with my passions. I added drops of different liquid colors in the middle of the bowl for the water drop to blend together. I think this photo conveys a serene feeling with the cool colors and still water around the area where the drop landed. I made the background simple to keep any distractions away from the individual drop. I used my trigger so I could add paint in between each drop of water landing. The camera that I shot this photo was my Nikon d3100. The ISO was at 400, the aperture was at 5.6, and the shutter speed was at 1/200. In post processing I cleaned up some specks of water that were distracting in the background. I also boosted the clarity a tad around the crown of the water drop.

About the Photographer:
My name is Natalie Smith and I am a sophomore at Northern Arizona University. Last year I took my first photography class with no intention on pursuing it as a minor. I found all the classes very fun and informative therefore I decided to make photography my minor. My background has definitely led me to taking photos and shapes the style I shoot. My whole life I grew up as a dancer and have always loved painting and drawing. These passions are reflected in my most favorable shoots. I love taking pictures of dancers and love incorporating art in any way possible. I feel truly lucky to be attending NAU and expanding upon my passions in ways I never imagined. I have come to realize my love for capturing details within my photography. I am looking forward to seeing what other wonderful things will come from my passions and future education with photography.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!

May 112015
 
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Photo copyright Thomas Miner

I was inspired to create this image from seeing this type of photo done before online. However, I wanted to try it with my own creative style and see what sort of image I could create. I wanted to show the natural beauty of my model, as she doesn’t always think she is pretty but she really is. One thing I had difficulty with was trying to find a good location and model. When planning this shot the most important thing was to have a model that is experienced and extremely comfortable with the photographer. I chose to go with a close friend of mine who has modeled for me in the past as my subject. The main reason why I picked her was because of her blue eyes, I think they are really piercing and defiantly provide a good example for the saying that the eyes are the windows of the soul.

To light this I wanted it to look like natural light so I used a flash and a white reflector underneath her face to give a very subtle fill light. The flash was on the lowest power as to not blow out the highlights in the face.  My setting were Shutter Speed 1/200 aperture f7.0 and ISO 800. I had difficulty getting the eyes tack sharp as the eyes are the main focus of this image. I used a Cannon 5DMkIII with the 70-200 2.8 lens at 125mm length. I chose this lens because of the beautiful bokeh that it produces as well as the compression that it creates in the background. I would have preferred to have used a 85 f1.4 however at the time I only had access to the 70-200. I am normally a Nikon D610 shooter so shooting with a Canon was a little odd. A problem I did have was when I went from inside to outside the UV filter on the lens was not tightened all the way to some air got inside and formed a nice hazy circle in the very center of the lens. This proved to be a huge headache as I had no idea what was going on until I looked closely at the lens. The hat on the model is what really draws the viewer’s eyes to the models eyes. I think that it defiantly complements the face and almost frames it.

About the Photographer:
My name is Thomas Miner, I am a freelance photojournalist who covers everything from weddings to landscapes. I been a photography for five years now and started my photographic journey my Junior year of high school. I have photographed the 2015 USA hockey national championships in Salt Lake City. I prefer to photograph people because I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I feel that everyone has a story to tell, but they sometimes may not come off as someone who does but they really do. As a photojournalist it is my job to take everyday events and make them seem like something extraordinary. I really love color in my images, especially my landscapes. Showing the true color of the subject is very important in conveying the correct message.

To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at http://youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/3rd-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project/Please take a minute to leave your insights and constructive comments in the Comment section below – the student would love to hear from you!