I think somewhere around age 12 children lose the ability to make unconditional friends. The kind of friends that you learn about through osmosis, without any conscious effort to “get to know each other”. It just happens without you thinking about it, like breathing. The ones that never have to call you for help at 2am because, well, you’re right there in trouble with them. Every time. The ones that never really enter your consciousness because they’re part of who you are.
Maybe guys don’t understand this. Seems to me that men run in a fluctuating herd, for the most part. Whoever wants to do what you’re doing now is who you hang with. Girls are often different though; the concept of “best friend” holds a lot of strength. And a lot of power over them. Therein, of course, lies the double-edged sword. I can’t decide if I hope my daughter grows up with a best friend or not. I have 2. I love them in a way that’s almost fierce.
R’s mom was nice but . . . forgetful. As in – forget to pick up her kids forgetful. B’s parent’s like to drink (I'm in my 30's and still terrified of her father). And my mom (a single parent) was very sick for years - wouldn’t get out of bed for weeks at a time. So I think we found each other at a time in our lives when we each needed something. Although, strangely enough – we never talked feelings. Ever. It was just enough to have someone else there. It was something of a shock to me when they started talking feelings. lol
This is one of my best friend’s little boys. When I look in his eyes, I see his grandpa. I see his uncle in how he moves, I see his mom in his smile. I think he’s beautiful. I'm bursting to share these, although I have a bunch more on the card I'll probably add to to this thread.
He kept digging his toes into the grass; he was finally sitting still I couldn't bring myself to harp on him about his toes. Although from a photography standpoint I wish he wouldn't.
1/160, f/2.8, 140-200mm, ISO 100
More with some smiles coming soon, if these generate any interest.
The images are too large (tall) for me to see easily. I only see 1/2 of the image.
I am on the "net standard" of 19" monitor with 1024x768 res.
My Simple Suggestion: Post smaller images to make it easier for others around the world to see the entire image on a typical browser window on a typical smaller monitor (19" being the most common...as of yet).
OK, I'll make 'em smaller - I only made them bigger 'cause last time someone mentioned they'd like to see bigger. Flickr doesn't seem to have a good medium-large. Back in a sec . . .
#3 lets us take a nice look into his eyes - I really like that one. One of those captures that leaves you feeling like you are glimpsing at someone's future personality if that makes sense... I really like images of kids where their gaze seems to transcend their age.
Thanks guys! ESC, I like those soulful looks one sometimes gets from toddlers too . . . although his mom just wants to see a smile. That's OK though, I got plenty of those too, I just like these a titch better - shooting for me as much as her!
Thanks Robert! I debated about cloning the scratch out - in general if it's a temporary blemish I remove it - but it said "rough and tumble boy" to me (which he most definitely is, hence the scratch), so I left it. I'll try some without the scratch and see if I like it that way too.
I really like these a lot. In my opinion, they strike a perfect balance between old school and the new trend of desaturation with limited depth of field. They have a very warm, yet modern and real feel to them.
-Tim
Thanks geofan! All she had was white tennies for him; it kinda ruined the whole effect so we opted for barefoot. It was in the 50's but the sun was warm. He's a hotblooded little guy (doesn't get cold easily) and eager to get naked as all proper 2yr olds are.
I have admired your photos for some time now. As many have already said they are "luscious".
I enjoy your stories and background that go with the photos. I do not possess any journaling ability. I certainly hope you are printing and journaling your days in book form for your family and others to enjoy for years to come. Your perspective and words warm the heart.
I love the rich colors, saturated but not bright. Love the tones. A beautiful "deepness" to them. Would you share your workflow to achieve this look?
The images are sharp but yet creamy and the skintone is rather white. Does this come from your workflow, camera, lens?? Would you share with me what gives your photos these wonderful qualities?
Thanks guys! I had a lot of fun with this session, her boys are just plain stunning. My 3yr old thinks so too - she's deeply in love with this one's older brother. I was going to post a few more here but I can't get flickr to come up right now, maybe later.
I should probably do a little less babbling on internet boards and a little more family journaling. But strangely enough when I sit down to write "for prosterity" it's all stilted and flat. So I dunno. Maybe I'll figure out a way to do it better.
These were shot RAW/neutral to avoid the camera applying any saturation, then had a slight curves adjustment, a bit of saturation (+7ish if I remember correctly; the blue in his sweater blew easily so I didn't add much to these), and a multiply vignette added. It's all about the light . . . the workflow doesn't work if the light / exposure isn't right. These were intentionally shot with "garage light" - where one positions their subject in full shade, near the edge of the light. These were shot with natural light, a 5d, and a 70-200. The lens is a bit of overkill but I don't like being right in my subject's face & the 50mm makes me feel like I'm looming over the poor kid. My new 85mm f/1.8 should deliver today, I'm hopeful that will be a lighter weight lens I can get similar results with this winter when there's not enough light for f/2.8. I've seen others totally rock that lens, we'll see what I can do with it.
Flickr doesn't seem to have a good medium-large. 