Internship with Kaela Speicher: Week 7
Behind the scenes of a men's fashion shoot in Ohio.
As a photographer, there are always locations I keep secret and in mind for future shoots, just waiting for the perfect concept to make itself known. Kaela did the same with this location in the boonies of Ohio for a men's fashion shoot. We had a great team to work together for the day: Kaela was the photographer of course, makeup by Hannah Donovan, hair by Colton DeLong, stylist Teera Doner, model Gabriel Hopkins, and I assisted.
The look Kaela was going for was, and I quote, "new age refined lumber jack, Mumford and Sons meets runway". I love that description, and lets all agree here that everyone's work nailed it for this shoot!
The day was a long one, mostly from the heat and the bugs, and a random torrential downpour, but oh such a fun one seeing this shoot come together! Plus, it was in my favorite state and we were out in the country, so I felt right at home. And lo and behold, a rainbow was across the sky as we crossed the Pennsylvania state line. Happy endings, am I right?
While assisting and fighting off bugs, I was able to capture some moments behind the scenes again. Here are some of my favorites from the day!
See Kaela's images of Gabriel over on her website: Kaela Speicher Photography. You can click the link, or click the image below to see Gabriel's gallery.
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Internship with Kaela Speicher: Week 5-6
Before and after selections of a couple retouched images Kaela and I have worked on.
The past couple weeks have been insanely busy with my internship, classes, planning for graduation, and eating and sleeping somewhere in between. We have covered a combination of retouching methods and also adjusting the perspective of an image, especially in architectural photographs. Architectural photography is something I've never attempted, besides Instagram if that counts. But needless to say, I've never worked with correcting the perspective of an image further than adjusting the distortion simply in Lightroom. Now, since learning how impactful it can be, I take a look at the perspective and distortion of each image I edit.
Furthermore with retouching methods, Kaela has given me several of her files to retouch on my own with the methods we have covered, and then review them when I've worked with them. Below are two of the images a combination of both Kaela and I have worked on the past couple of weeks. All images belong to Kaela, and you can see more of her work on her website: Kaela Speicher Photography.
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Internship with Kaela Speicher: Week 4
Behind the scenes of Kaela's studio shoot for male modeling portfolio.
Studio sessions are oh-so enjoyable with feel-good music, a versatile area and window light to shoot in, and when you can smell donuts from the shop next door. This week, I assisted Kaela for her shoot that had several looks for a modeling portfolio, in a cute studio in the Strip District.
Watching shoots taking place from the perspective as an intern has made me realize that just slowing down, taking a step back, and breaking down what you need accomplished in a shoot, everything will (or should) flow more smoothly. Kaela has top notch organizational skills, so seeing her work is mind blowing how well everything lines up in preparation, and time wise. She shared with me her process in planning details from makeup and hair, wardrobe decisions, and replicating a specific look with clients that guided the shoot along in a functional way.
After doing some excellent reflector holding, I helped pack up the gear before looking at the images on her desktop. We went through the images and talked about why one photo could work over another, and what she may look for or what stands out in selecting an image. We also discussed ways that retouching may improve an image over another.
We also went over the importance of LinkedIn, which I have admittedly neglected my page since I was unaware of the value behind it. LinkedIn is a professional way to connect to others and businesses, reach out to them, and to research job opportunities. You are able to upload your résumé, projects, list your experience of work, awards, and so much more. My LinkedIn page is lookin' pretty nice, if I do say so myself, and you are able to view my profile here: Leah's LinkedIn Profile.
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Internship with Kaela Speicher: Week 3 (Part 2)
Reveal of Kaela's shoot in collaboration with Mt. Lebanon Floral that I assisted in retouching.
The second part of Week 3 was spent assisting retouching images for a recent collaboration Kaela shot for Mt. Lebanon Floral. From the first intro to retouching she demonstrated, we went over her retouching workflow from start to finish, and techniques that allows her images to look flawless and, ironically, untouched when it comes to editing.
I am so in awe to have been a part of editing a shoot so absolutely breathtaking! Wonderful work and an incredible shoot to everyone involved. Below is a look book created by Kaela with the final images made by an amazing team, listed below as well.
Team Credits:
Floral Design: Mt. Lebanon Floral
Photography and Wardrobe: Kaela Speicher
Retouching Assistance: Leah Schonauer
Hair: Natosha Durr
Makeup: Shana Lohr
Model: Grace Hogan
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Internship with Kaela Speicher: Week 3 (Part 1)
Three things I learned how to become more organized when it comes to client meetings, client shoots, and personal projects.
Being an artist, there's something that's wonderful and intimidating about talking to other people about your work, especially with clients. So this week, Kaela set up a client meeting, and I went along to observe what needed to be covered, and how to prepare for it. Kaela met with her client for a future shoot geared toward revamping a modeling portfolio. Goal #4 on my list of things I wanted to learn through the internship was how to keep organized and schedule shoots in an organized, step-by-step way.
It's easy to become bombarded when dealing with multiple sides of a business by yourself, while coordinating client shoots and personal projects between a model, makeup artist, hair stylist, and personal schedules. It's a necessity that I learn how to keep this balanced and keep some sanity along the way. Not only did Kaela's men's fashion shoot the previous week help address this goal, but observing a one-on-one client meeting was so beneficial to understand how to keep organized, and how to take notes about what should be planned.
I learned 3 simple steps to keep organized and your sanity from all the elements involved that must come together.
1. Prepare. After the initial interest from the client, make an inspiration board for what he or she is looking for. You can also send this collection to hair and makeup artists you will be working with, if they are involved in the shoot. Write down any questions you have for the client, and make sure you bring these questions and a pen and paper for notes. Have an ideal schedule ready to share with the client, and you can make minor changes if need be.
2. Meet. Meet with the client (cute coffee shops are the best) and come to an agreement on what you are able and are willing to do on both ends. Sign contracts and model releases for your personal records, and have a copy available for your client. Plan specific wardrobe, hair, makeup, and locations to send to the rest of your team. Mark out what needs to be done before the shoot, and schedule days to meet these goals.
3. Organize. Make up an itinerary of the day of the shoot, and go over your checklist of client needs, location, wardrobe, equipment list, then update your creative team with this itinerary. Send any updates and keep in contact with your client so everyone is on the same page.
And bam! Whoever thought something so complex could be organized in such an easy way.
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Internship with Kaela Speicher: Week 2
Behind the scenes of a men's fashion shoot with Kaela.
This week for my internship, I started off Sunday afternoon by assisting Kaela on an all day men's fashion shoot in several locations around Pittsburgh. Doran Mauldrin was the model, makeup and hair done by Hannah Donovan, and styled by Teera Doner.
Pulling ideas from the inspiration board Kaela had put together, the team brought to life the look she had envisioned. Starting with studio headshots, we went over basic lighting techniques and how to make them most effective for men and women. She even set up some shots for the recently famous "man bun" appearance.
We packed up and drove around to different locations around downtown Pittsburgh with very unique characteristics (thank you Google maps), but spots that had the most beautiful natural light. There were outfit changes between each location change to best suit the surroundings. Doran, being a fairly new model took direction from Kaela very well, and caught on very quickly to subtleties that can improve the appearance of the portrait when viewed from a camera's perspective. Through this all, I learned how to make the most flattering and most effective light in any location. I also picked up on ways to pose male models, because let's face it, it's a challenging thing to do.
The shoot also enforced why it's so important to work with other creatives. When a photographer is busy worrying about if a shirt is wrinkled, the makeup is showing to much shine, or there needs to be a reflector to fill the shadows, it can be overwhelming and exhausting to continue to compose the shot and direct the model, and expect to get exactly what you're looking for. Having others who specialize in each area to work with will make an overall more impactful and more professional outcome of the photograph you are wanting. Period.
In my time outside of class and shoots, I have been working on my retouching skills, one photo at a time. Patience is a must-have when it comes to retouching, but it is well worth it with the final image. My hopes are to use these things I've learned while working with Kaela and apply them to portfolio for graduation, and the time to follow.
While assisting, I made sure to get behind the scenes photos to share. Below are some of my favorites.
And here are a few of Kaela's images she released early. See more of her work on her website: kaelaspeicher.com.
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1920s Inspired Cinemagraph
My first cinemagraph put together at this weekend's 1920s inspired shoot.
Cinemagraphs are so intriguing, but for some reason, so unsettling. And of course for this reason, I wanted to create my own. Cinemagraphs combine photography and video into one frame of continuous motion, but only of a selected part of the image. The process is a little tricky at first, but planning out the shoot, as always, makes it go much smoother.
We had the opportunity of working with the talented Angela Taylor of Blush Makeup Artistry to create those crazy eyebrows for this 1920s look. I thought a cinemagraph would go along perfectly with this 1920s theme with my dear friend, Elise.
"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all, ..."
-Emily Dickinson
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Internship with Kaela Speicher: Week 1
My first week interning with Kaela Speicher, and a recently retouched image from a past shoot of mine, edited with retouching techniques taught by Kaela.
This past Monday was my last, first day of a new quarter as a photo student at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Oddly enough, I woke up bright and earlier with a huge smile on my face and excited to go to school. Which, in the rule book of a senior college student, I'm assuming that breaks all of them. Needless to say, I was more than excited to start learning one-on-one with Kaela beforehand. We met for our first official internship meeting Monday morning, covering Lightroom workflow and the beginning of retouching.
Retouching and post-production work 'makes my heart happy' if I can put it that way. I love the complete process of making a photo into another that's entirely new. I like to think that I can see the potential a photo has after I've shot it- not because it's a bad photo, but just how much more it can be elevated with post-editing. Retouching is a long process. And when I say it's a long process, I mean a while back I had to go to the chiropractor to get my wrists adjusted because I spent that much time at my computer. As some people dread the editing process, I highly enjoy having endless possibilities of altering a photo, literally at your fingertips. It can get very extensive at times, but seeing the difference from before to after is so rewarding.
Kaela sent me several photos she had shot, to practice her retouching technique. So much effort and time goes into editing, but the results aren't technically even noticeable, because the goal of retouching is to make it look like the photo wasn't touched. The file she had sent me as a reference she had edited had both before and after, and my jaw literally dropped when I saw how much work had been put into the photo. Her editing is so flawless that it's difficult to find the hours invested in such a beautiful image.
Through the week I have been working on different images, practicing the retouching technique that Kaela taught me. There is oh so much more to learn, and many more hours of practice to come. I came across a shoot from just over a year ago I had done with my sister when I first got my Alien Bee, and wanted to rework the editing and style I had previously. Below are the before and after shots- the straight out of camera image and my recently retouched image.
Internship with Kaela Speicher
An overview of my upcoming quarter interning with Pittsburgh photographer, Kaela Speicher.
Photo by Kaela Speicher
Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to meet with Kaela Speicher, a highly talented photographer based in Pittsburgh, PA with a passion in her styled fashion photography. Her personal work shows her many skills ranging from envisioning a shoot stylistically to the final retouching in post-production. I met with Kaela to finalize working as an intern with her my final quarter at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, going over schedules, itinerary, and goals for this exciting opportunity.
When I first saw Kaela's work, I was very interested in her editing style; her retouching is so clean and hides the many hours of post-production in its natural appearance. Looking at her work, you can see the eye she has not only for each shot itself, but for the vision, styling, and location scouting that comes along with each shoot. Even though there is so much work before, during, and hours of editing after shooting for the final image, she enjoys what she does, and it shows.
See Kaela's fashion work on her website: www.kaelaspeicher.com.
Internship Goals
Over the next several months, I will be sharing updates about the Internship process with a look at what I'm learning, behind the scenes, and current projects. With the knowledge that Kaela has in a photography career, I have many goals for this time in working with her.
1. Retouching. Phlearn is an amazing site that has taught me everything I know about retouching and post-production, but I know I can always improve my skills and learn different methods. With the endless possibilities in Photoshop, there are countless ways to approach editing. My goal is to learn to new ways to retouch for a natural and an "unedited" look. Along with this, getting an effective workflow down would benefit my working process.
2. Reviewing technical skills and marketing strategies. Reviewing the basics are never a bad idea, and sometimes you can learn something that you missed the first round. I want to work my way up in reviewing from the basics of photography to business and marketing strategies, as well as building SEO. Some additional steps I would like to cover are what types of jobs are ideal for my personal style in work.
3. Transitioning from the label "student" to "professional". It's the curse of a photo student. People tend to look down on students and not consider them professional until they have degrees. As we are told by our professors, we are to look at our work and ourselves as professionals, as this is the only way we can be viewed as one. However, the actual transition to the real world from student life is harsh and sudden. It's a huge reality check and will make or break you. Upon graduation, I hope to push myself to use my learned skills in a career setting and keep working to find the job for my work.
4. Keeping organized and scheduling shoots in a successful way. It's easy to become bombarded when dealing with multiple sides of a business by yourself and coordinating shoots between a model, makeup artist, hair stylist, and personal schedules. It's a necessity that I learn how to keep this balanced and keeping some sanity along the way.
5. Developing my final portfolio in my style. I feel that often it's difficult to shoot specifically for a personal portfolio. When you are shooting for other people and their visions, it's easy to push your personal work aside. As I am graduating at the end of the Internship, I would like to gear everything I produce to my final portfolio that reveals my personal style.
Internship Final Project
Kaela also introduced the idea for the end of my Internship to shoot a project, and have her as my assistant in the shooting process. This would serve as a final project to showcase my improved skills over the three month period and shot specifically as a personal projects. Highly inspired by the work of Brooke Shaden, a fine art photographer, and Kirsty Mitchell, a fine art and fashion photographer well known for her Wonderland series, I want to develop a conceptual shoot with the intricate details to produce a surreal and styled environment and look. This will also push me to work with other artists for styling and allow me to use composite and retouching techniques as well.
Next week I'll be sharing more about my Internship with Kaela as it officially begins in the new and my final quarter at The Art Institute. Thanks for reading!
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"Alfred and Lucille": A Duane Michals Interpretation
"Alfred and Lucille" is a simple project I shot and developed as an interpretation of Duane Michals' work. With the help of my parents and a little patience in the darkroom, the short sequence turned out rather adorable.
Quote from Duane Michals at The Carnegie Museum of Art
Last month I visited The Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh to see the exhibit for Duane Michals, which highly inspired me to work on a fun little project of his style. Michals was actually born and raised in McKeesport, Pennsylvania in 1932, which is not too far from Pittsburgh. He is known for his ‘frame-by-frame’ sequences, multiple exposures, and handwritten text on the print itself that he originally was criticized for. However, in my opinion, Michals' work is witty and playful in a relatively simplistic way. His film sequences and portraits are shot on black and white film and he often includes blurred motion to show the movement or action of the subject. He has used family members as the main character in his sequences and has done many personal projects that run along the themes of family, dreams, and death with a lighthearted approach.
Another project that Duane Michals has presented are oil paintings on 19th century collodion prints. For each image, he alters the subjects’ features with vibrant oil paint, drawing from principals of early photography, modern painting, and Surrealism. Each image is rejuvenated with allusions to both Picasso and Picabia. The amazing thing that Michals draws our attention to in this series is the difference between the tintype and artists of the 20th century, and unites them as one art piece. He names some of his subjects as if he knew them, and gives meaning and life to their left behind portraits, which I find interesting as well.
For my project, I drew inspiration from a combination of Duane Michals' sequence work, oil paintings, and shooting with black and white film. Replicating Michals' style in shooting, I shot my sequence on black and white film, while capturing motion and playful expressions. From his work with oil painting on tintypes, I chose Fred and Ginger, 2012 as my photo of reference to base my shoot off of. I photographed my parents (as a side note- thank God for parents that put up with and support my artistic ways) as the characters of Alfred and Lucille as Michals' would depict his family members as characters and name those in his oil paintings. As Michals' would embrace the flaws of his photos as he wrote on them, I did the same with mine, having light leaked paper and bent corners. The final image is painted with acrylic and I applied glitter to add texture, all to mimic the character of Michals' oil paintings.
Information found at: http://www.dcmooregallery.com/artists/duane-michals
My Interpretation
Inspiration
Sequence entitled Grandpa Goes To Heaven, 1989 by Duane Michals. Images shared from The Carnegie Museum of Art's exhibition "Storyteller: The Photographs of Duane Michals".
Oil Paintings by Duane Michals. Images shared from DC Moore Gallery exhibition "Duane Michals: The Painted Photograph".
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Out of the Fog Final Book
The final product of "Out of the Fog" from Artisan State.
What started out as a class project for Thesis has grown into a special personal project. Out of the Fog focuses on self-worth through symbolism, and I may eventually open the series back up. As the project grew into something so very important to me, I wanted to make sure the final product, which was to be a self-published book without limits of dimension or company, was printed to show the significance of each person who took part in the series.
For my final printed book, I wanted to produce a very clean and simplistic layout on white pages. The company I chose had the option for lay flat pages that emphasized the portraits and let the viewer enter the world of the model. The text shows the full name of the model in the first portrait, and in the second portrait/composite image is the text for the poems I wrote based on the interviews with each model.
Beyond impressed is the only way I can describe how I feel about the quality of the book. It really took my book to the next level compared to other companies I had researched for printing. Below you can flip through the pages of my final book for Out of the Fog.
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YPA Gallery in NYC
A look into the YPA Boundaries gallery hosted at The Art Directors Club in New York City on February 24, 2015.
Surreal doesn't come close to the feelings and thoughts I experienced while walking into The Art Directors Club in New York City for the Young Photographer's Alliance (YPA) "Boundaries" gallery. Seeing my work hanging along other photographers' work from around the world is indescribable.
Early on the morning of February 24, I traveled with my mom and sister from Pittsburgh to New York on a bus to celebrate my sister's birthday, and to see my work completed through the Mentorship Program in Pittsburgh from this past summer, sponsored by the YPA. As a conclusion to the Mentorship Program, following our required PR event, as we chose to hold a gallery at Studio 3702 in Lawrenceville of Pittsburgh, this event was quite an honor. The gallery was held by The Art Directors Club, which is a huge space and perfect for the event.
Before the doors opened for the event, this is the large space our work was displayed in. The room was entirely filled with other artists and guests by the end of the night. (photo by Amy Schonauer)
Being completely exhausted from the long bus trip, bearing the negative temperatures, and navigating New York, it added to the shock factor of everything to take in, as I walked through the doors. Mentors, mentees, Art Directors, and New Yorkers walked through the space the entire evening while reading and viewing everyone's projects. There are a few things that I learned, or rather were reinforced when at the gallery.
1. Be a part of the photographic community. Whether it be brainstorming with others, asking what their opinion is about a body of work, talking about business, or complimenting their work, be active and be in it. Go to events and exhibitions, and learn what is happening in the art world, what is trending, and where our inspiration comes from.
2. Take the time to look into other's work. Don't hide behind your artwork and wait for professionals to come to you. Seek out other's work that inspires or challenges you, and know why it does so. Study those that came before you and what led to the photographic industry now.
3. Network always. A simple concept, but one of the greatest pieces of advice. Make connections, not just for your benefit, but to help each other grow and spread ideas.
4. Get out there! Become known to those in your community and your audience. YOU have to make the first step and take initiative to show your work.
Standing with YPA Mentees and Mentors from across the U.S., Canada, and England that were able to be at the New York gallery. (Photo from Young Photographers Alliance Facebook page, photo by Lawrence Lucier)
Thank you to the volunteers and leaders of YPA for putting this program together. Thank you to those a part of The Art Directors Club for letting us display our work. Thank you to my Pittsburgh mentors Jon Lisbon, Brian Kaldorf, Laura Petrilla, and Jenn Saffron, and my fellow Pittsburgh mentees Allaire Bartel and Mariah Wild for pushing every one of us through the program. Thank you to my mom for getting me to New York to experience the show. And thank you to everyone who served and attended the Young Photographers Alliance "Boundaries" Gallery in New York City.
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Interview with Jacquelyn Cynkar on "Boundaries"
Interview with Jacquelyn Cynkar from The Alliance for Contemporary Photographic Learning about the YPA sponsored "Boundaries" gallery held in Pittsburgh and NYC.
(Left to Right) Myself, Allaire, and Mariah at the Boundaries gallery in New York City held at The Art Directors Club on February 24, 2015.
A giant thank you to Jacquelyn Cynkar from The Alliance for Contemporary Photographic Learning for interviewing Mariah Wild, Allaire Bartel, and myself about the YPA "Boundaries" gallery held at Studio 3702 in Lawrenceville this past September, and most currently at The Art Directors Club in NYC!
You can see our interview about the Lawrenceville gallery, our experience in photography, what inspires us, and how many times I can say the word 'amazing' (I now know that it's a lot) in the link below.
You can read our "Boundaries" interview at the link here: The Journey Begins...
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BTS of Out of the Fog: Shiloh Leath (Part 2)
Part 2 of the behind the scenes look at the final shoot with Shiloh Leath for Out of the Fog, focusing on the specific styling, use of fog, editing techniques, and symbolism in final images.
As mentioned last week, this week I would like to share my thought process behind the specific look shared through the tones, use of fog, and other editing techniques in Shiloh's Out of the Fog shoot, along with the symbolism and poetry in her portraits.
Why did I choose specific lighting set ups and editing techniques through tones? For this project, I was highly inspired by the works of Michael Bader, Laurie Bartley, and Jade Mai. Each of these artists' works has a feel of cinematic quality through lighting and editing techniques Their technical skills are combined with symbolism, that is presented through their models and scenes, making them appear significant. By editing in a cinematic type style, it shows that the model is part of a story, and have their own story.
Why is there fog? Fog causes confusion and a loss of sense of direction, which can mean either physically or mentally. Fog can also represent danger as it hides things from us, like truth. So, in this series, the fog is presented as a symbol that represents all the cloudiness and confusion of who the model is, as they are literally coming out of the fog and revealing who he or she is.
So why does her nose appear to be broken or cut? As mentioned last week, through the final images, I wanted to get across every essence of the pain that she has faced, and how she has risen from it. I wanted to present her in a beautiful way as though she has literally healed and risen up to where she is now, although the mark is left behind in a subtle way that may be noticed at first or second glance.
Why did I choose the outfit? Shiloh is a photographer as well, and works with mostly female models in the fashion and fine art categories. I wanted to portray her how she would portray one of her own models, as this art form of photography is so much a part of who she is.
What does the poem mean? The poem reads: "Buried alive/The flesh will fail./Into the fray,/Battle the veil." This poem follows the idea of Shiloh rising from the pain that she has suffered from, and that physically we weaken. For the second portrait of her, I wanted to have her picking up her dress and walking with such intensity as though she were literally about to go into battle ("Into the fray). Shiloh shared with me that she feels very strongly about feminism, therefore "Battle the veil", a veil as it represents female power.
Here are the before and after shots of each image.
Before
After
Before
After
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Behind the Scenes of Out of the Fog: Shiloh Leath (Part 1)
A behind the scenes look at the final shoot with Shiloh Leath for Out of the Fog.
On January 9th, I shared my personal project entitled Out of the Fog. Out of the Fog is a series that brings out the hidden thoughts of self-worth among individuals. Created with elements of mystery, surrealism, and dramatic qualities, symbols are used in each image to represent the idea of self-worth. The portraits also involve the models' perspectives of who they are, what their values are, how they doubt themselves, and what keeps them from being positive. Read more about the meaning and inspiration behind Out of the Fog by reading my introduction here: Introduction.
When I approached Shiloh to see if she would have any interest in being one of my subjects, she was more than willing and very excited to share her story. In fact, I still have the message she sent which read, “Yes I'm so so so honored you thought of me. I'm a huge fan of your work. Just let me know what to do.” With lots of happy emojis. That’s the kind of people I like to work with, people who are excited to make art happen, and are willing to go out of their way to make it work. Shiloh is a photographer as well, and has amazing work, which you can view on her page here: Shiloh Victoria Photography. Not only is her work incredible, but so is her story. Like all the other models, I interviewed Shiloh to answer the questions listed previously. Through the final images, I wanted to get across every essence of the pain that she has faced, and how she has risen from it. She is also very much for feminism and shows that through her images. I wanted to replicate the style of work she creates, because it is so much a part of who she is.
If there is any advice to share with fellow photographers, I would say don't be afraid to direct your subject. YOU are the only one that has the vision of the final image, and it is up to you to explain it to the best of your ability. There is no other way that your model can portray what you see in your mind. If the photo isn’t working out how you had planned, take a short break and demonstrate what you want done. And of course, always be respectful and kind to your model in the process of working with them.
The lighting set up was relatively simple. I prepared for the worst, and brought four flashes and stands with me, but only ended up using one. I used the one flash and a combination of ambient light for a more dramatic look. And with the help of my assistant, I used a gold reflector to bounce some of the flash back into the shadows.
The final images chosen to be used for Out of the Fog from Shiloh's shoot look very different than the shots straight out of camera. Next week, I will be sharing the specific look I wanted to share through the tones, use of fog, and other editing techniques. I will also be sharing more in depth on the symbolism and poetry shared along with these two portraits.
The first image was shot with my 85mm, 1/125 at 2.8, ISO 100. I really love the shadows and the light it brings to only part of Shiloh's eyes, created with the use of one flash off to the right and pointed down.
The second image was shot with my 24-105mm, 1/80 at f/4, ISO 200. The same lighting technique was used for this shot to create a dramatic atmosphere.
Special thanks to Elise Baker of E.B. Photography for behind the scenes photos.
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My Sister the Senior
Lydia is graduating!?
Have you ever had a photo assignment that you thought “piece of cake!” when the talk about it came up? And when you least expected it, it became the most challenging shoot to date?
I never thought I would be the emotional type when it came to my siblings growing up. But several months ago, my ‘little’ sister asked if I could do her senior photos. Lydia and I have gotten closer since I’ve moved away from home for school (which is ironic to me, because we’ve shared a bedroom for almost 18 years). But I think photographing the things and people you are closest to can typically become your toughest challenges. To ‘remove’ yourself from the moment, while being a part of that moment is, in my opinion, is a challenge of every photographer.
Every day is a learning experience, whether you're a photographer, cashier, unemployed, college student, or a 99 year old grandma. But for Miss West Holmes Senior, Lydia Marie Schonauer, it’s just beginning.
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The Molnars: Ohio Family
For the second year in a row, I've had the opportunity to hang out with this sweet family and capture their personalities in their family photos. Many people hate the thought of getting family photos done, but this family has been nothing but fun, the entire way through (even in the unexpected cold weather)! What wonderful people you are, don't stop sharing smiles with the world. Lots of love to you guys!
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The Farrows: Pittsburgh Maternity
I met Brittany and David when I first moved to Pittsburgh and started going to the same Life Group at North Hills Church of Christ. By getting to know them over the past couple years, I know that little Miss Brooke will have two wonderful, Godly parents. I am overjoyed for the cute little blessing coming in November. Congrats and lots of love to you both!
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Flash + Emilie: Orangeburg, SC Wedding
I had the opportunity to travel to South Carolina to document my cousin Delton's (aka Flash) and Emilie's wedding. Shooting a wedding for family members is always enjoyable. I am able to see the emotion and love first hand and share it with others, and be a part of a huge day in the couple's life.
It was a long trip from Pittsburgh to Ohio to Orangeburg, but getting to see family that lives states away (New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina) on such a special day is worth it.
THANK YOU! to Marsha and Leonard for letting me tag along on the journey down and all the fun stops between, and to Aunt Michele for suggesting me, and thank you to the bride and groom for making me a part of your wedding day!
Lots of love to you Delton and Emilie!
Live by faith & share through fotos.
Laying Framework for "Boundaries"
Behind the scenes of framing the YPA "Boundaries" images in collaboration with my Dad.
A few weeks ago, I shared photos from the YPA "Boundaries" Gallery that took place at Studio 3702 in Lawrenceville, downtown Pittsburgh. What you may or may not know is that the frames that displayed my photos were a side art project for my Dad and I to complete together.
You're probably wondering why I wouldn't have just bought frames. When looking at the images of these people, I wanted the frame to resemble looking through a window into this little world of "wisdom". (To read more on my series, visit my previous blog post or gallery on my home page). Plus, I love collaborating in DIY projects, and this was right up Dad's alley. And I can't forget the deal breaker- building something yourself can save a heck of a lot of cash, just don't forget the amount of time you're exchanging.
The frames were handmade from simple barnwood found in my grandparents barn. My Dad had glass cut for each frame and rigged a system that lit my images from behind, which unexpectedly created an effect that made the characters in the photos become much more real and 3D. Something that can be simply put into words doesn't always give credit for the amount of time spent working on a given project.
Thank goodness Dad is a genius when it comes to building things. With my own doing, the frames probably would have been hanging upside down. Being grateful only begins what I am for having Dad and others that support me and my art, let alone collaborate with me! Thank you times a million!!
Dad holding the final product after a full week of work on the five frames we designed and he built from scratch.
Live by faith & share through fotos.