Hello everyone! I went to my first US Civil War reenactment this weekend. It was the Battle of Successionville (near Charleston, SC) which was won by the South. I am originally from the North, so this event was an eye opener. All of the participants were dressed in Civil War era clothes. This girl was sitting under a Live Oak tree, and I liked the way the shadows were hitting her. After processing it, I am now unsure what I think. It is a little under exposed, but the only lens I had was my Canon 75-300 USM III. I would love to hear your C&C's.
There are many great photo opportunities at civil war reenactments! Several years ago I spent a summer in Gettysburg, PA, during their early July reenactment. Talk about amazing! I felt like an oddball because I was one of tthe only individuals in town not dressed up like someone from 1863! One thing I found funny was seeing reenactors dressed up on horses using cell phones. Also, I got a kick out seeing the ladies dressed up with their huge bell-shaped dresses trying to negotiate themselves into portopotties! I shot a ton of pictures, all of them with film. One of my "to do" projects is to scan all those images at sometime in the future.
It is a very nice capture but there are too many bright highlights competing with the face hidden in the shadows. By way of comparison here is an edit which makes the face the brightest area of the photo:
When shooting in situations like that it is very helpful to have a flash on a bracket for fill. The bracket will create downward directional modeling on faces which is flattering and for the most part eliminates the flat, flashed look. Even if all you have is the in-camera flash it will help open up the shadows.
Thank you Mr. Gardner! I did not carry my flash on this day because most of the activities were out in the sun. This image was captured from at least 30 yards away, so I am not really sure how much a flash would help. I appreciate your processing.
Also, I got a kick out seeing the ladies dressed up with their huge bell-shaped dresses trying to negotiate themselves into portopotties! I shot a ton of pictures, all of them with film. One of my "to do" projects is to scan all those images at sometime in the future.