I took these pictures on my break over in California. I wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous light they have there and so my goal for this session was to play with the light to get a feel for it. I am coming up on my 1st Photoversary!! Woohoo! I have gone through a lot my first year and have learned many things. I have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into my business to become what I am today. I am thankful for all the friends and clients I have met and that have inspired me. My mission this year for 2010 among many things, is to discover the light around me and learn more about it. Light to me is the most important thing in photography and the results you get depend on how you see it and use it in your own work. An image can look different if the light source is behind the subject, in front, to the side, above, below..etc. You get the idea, right? So with this session I did just that, I wanted to play with some sun flare (one of them is probably a little too much, but I wanted to push it and see what I could do), I played with it at all angles. I even got a really weird haze flare with my lens. Not really sure how that happened since I didnt have a lens filter on, but it was interesting to see the different results. Here in Seattle it seems the light is very different and I also seem to find more overcast lighting than not. I am not a really big fan of overcast because it is dull and flat, however part of my mission this year to find the light will include embracing the overcast skies and pushing myself a little further.
As for updates: I am finally back and posting after not having a computer available. I just did an upgrade and am much happier with our new computer. I am also working with a few charities, auctions and two organizations which take up part of my busy schedule. I was accepted into the pictures of hope foundation and recently the littlest heroes project.
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I also am giving a free wedding away to someone this year. It hasnt been officially announced yet, but if you are interested and want the inside scoop you can contact me using the form above!
On to the pictures!
The picture above on the left (the light was coming from behind), and on the right it was actually towards her face. (The light was softened as the sun went down).
The above picture: light is coming from my right.
Left picture above: I wanted to see how much sunflare I could get. I probably overdid it but I think its fun! And the one on the right, the light is directly above and behind, and created a haze look. (No photoshopping there).
The above picture- both after the sun went down. I have her facing the sky to get those catchlights in the eyes
In the shade again facing away from light source. (no reflector)
Light source behind, and I didnt want the flare to hit her face so I moved myself so it went over the shoulder.
I hope that helps some people. I know for me its great to see pictures and know where the lighting is from. Its how I started learning and reading pictures.
Happy Sunday!! xoxo
+ - 19 comments
shannon - jessica, these are stunning!! what amazing light you found…and a gorgeous girl!
Howard - I’m speechless….absolutely gorgeous. Honestly, I think this series is some of your absolute best work. Such a wide range of things you tried here, and you & Jenna pulled it off beautifully.
Debbie S - I like the sunflare pictures, you didn’t overdo it. They are gorgeous!
s h e r r y - These are gorgeous!
I love how you shared all the details of how you lit every shot. The light is AMAZING.
jessica - Duuuuuude!!! Jess, best work yet!! She is smokin’!! I love all the processing, specially the black and whites!! Oooh lala!!
Michelle Kane - Light is the most important factor in photography for sure. It’s amazing how different light AFFECTS images allows for different EFFECTS. These are so pretty. You can learn so much just by playing.
ashley folkema - Beautiful!
Tammy Chavies - Jessica, these are gorgeous!!! I love playing with the sun. This looked like a lot of fun!
Kayla - I just found your website and I love your work! So gorgeous!
Kate - Such gorgeous light! These images are amazing!!!!
Jeanette - LOVE the sunflares!! Absolutely gorgeous!
Audrey - Thank you for the sweet comment!
You have some beautiful pics, love the variety of lighting!! If I had to pick, probably claim the first two as my favorites! I agree….I’m not a fan of overcast light either but one of my goals is to learn to love it this year.
jean smith - your lighting is delish…so is your model. yes, your images are fabulous!
cindy s - what a gorgeous subject…. and you’re right. the light is lovely! back light is always my fave.
crave photography - I just adore these shots and how you have played around with the light. I might have to pay more attention to light like you have done. it made for some incredible images! Gorgeous model and her outfit…perfection!
Tiffany - These are all sooo gorgeous … I love them! I agree with the lighting being the most important thing and this is my goal for this year also to learn more about it! Love this set – stunning!
Paula - Hey thanks for the blog love over on my site, have just looked through your work and it is awesome. Love all the sun flare with these especially!!
John Pascale - Jessica, Wow! These are amazing, the light is super yummy! Great, great photos!
Marielle Hayes Photography - I am obsessed with the second to last photograph in B&W. So SERIOUSLY gorgeous. You rocked it. Love the sunflare!