Autumn Family Portraits

I have decided to venture into some portrait photography and group photography after I was requested to take fall family pictures for a friend's sister. I jumped to the opportunity as I am still at the stage where I am still exploring the possibilities of photography. When there are kids involved I am even more enthusiastic. I prefer more casual/natural setting photography than pure "formal" portrait photography. When kids and their family are allowed to do as they please the results can be the most natural looking pictures ever. You might even be surprised as a photographer if you take time to have fun with the kids and the family. The kids will even strike poses for you that feel comfortable and natural to them. What else could a photographer ask for, really?  So instead of just concentrating on the technical aspects of photography spend some quality time with the family there will be an impact in the poses and resulting photographs.

Take a look at this pose of the little fellow. It was towards the end of the shoot and he felt comfortable with me and even found a nice rock to sit on and pose for me. Technically the photo can be improved upon when he posed for me he was facing the large rock beside him casting a shadow on his face and eyes. But with a little help of software I was able to locally adjust exposure and
provide some fill light.


Here the older brother decided to play monkey bars with one of the branches of the tree. He hung on long enough for me to get several good pictures.

The family enjoyed themselves and they will have family photos to enjoy for a long time to come. The husband was relieved that I was able to take the family photos as they had been looking for someone to fulfill their desire for fall pictures for a while. Most professional photographers only offered studio type photography. I can see why they had a strong desire to have this done. Life is short and kids grow up fast and photos have the ability to recall joyous family moments.

I have to thank the family for this opportunity. I would do it again in a heart beat. Oh and thank you for supper too! :-)

Road trip to Yellowstone National Park

I am currently making preparations to travel to Yellowstone National Park for the first time. Wishing I had a full frame camera. Ultimately I'd like the D3x and ensuring that the lens I have acquired over time are full frame capable. The D3s is a tempting alternative especially with its low light capabilities and its ability to take 720p HD video. Being predominately a landscape photographer with an interest in macro I tend to lean towards the D3x.

I have considered the D700 which would nicely complement my D300 with interchangeable hand grip and batteries.

I just wish I had a full frame camera for this trip especially to make use of the full range of the 14-24mm Nikon f2.8 lens. This only means I will have to return to Yellowstone when I eventually own a full frame camera.

On the plus side my D300 will be perfect with its cropped sensor to capture any wildlife that may be found in the Lamar valley. I recently acquired the TC-20E III 2x teleconverter to use with my 70-200mm Nikon f2.8 lens. Effective focal length will be 210-600mm with the teleconverter attached. With a higher pixel density of the D300 sensor it should make for sharp wildlife pictures.

With that focal range there is no question that I will have my camera resting on either a tripod or monopod to increase the stability of the shots. With the teleconverter attached I will also loose a few stops on exposure.

I am hoping to have access to the internet so I can post pictures while I'm away if not stay tuned for pictures on my Flickr page.

A bientot!