Tags
Briony, Camera Raw, D5100, natural light, nikon, photography, postaday, Silver Efex
. . .
This morning I put the clothes horse with a black sheet over it, put a chair in front of it and sat Briony down on it. Then I put up the tripod and put the D5100 in it. I opened up one of the curtains, and let the light from our overcast day come in.
I am not going to lie, she hates having her photo taken, she thinks she looks ugly, but she did sit for me. This was my choice of image and was the last one I took. I started with the camera on portrait mode, then switched it back to Aperture Priority with the aperture set at f5.6. I think it worked better this way. The aperture in the portrait mode gave too much depth of field for images like this and you could see how crinkled the sheet behind was.
The image was processed in camera raw, then any marks and blemishes were removed from her face. The image was then made into black and white in Silver Efex. I showed her the image, she complained it wasn’t in colour. I am starting to see that after all these years they are now finally starting to like their red hair.
This was the image she choose and wanted me to do. She likes how her jaw looks. I think she looks angry in it, or not happy. I don’t think she looks as gorgeous. The first photo, well I can’t take my eyes off hers.
Her choice of image was processed in the same way as the first one, and given the same treatment in Silver Efex. Though, I did use the burn tool to give her eyes and little bits of her nose more shadow. I drew them on.
It is so hard to believe she thinks she is ugly, and that she doesn’t photograph well, she has always been good to take photos of.
It was nice to take photos with the D5100. You can take just about anything you want with it. It is a great camera, and so far it has passed every test that I have done. Though, with sports I think the shutter lag would be a problem. With cycling you need a fast shutter, so it would be a problem for that. I can see how any new photographer or hobby photographer would enjoy taking portraits with this camera.
Awards
It has come to my attention that I have been nominated for some another award.
Blog of the Year 2012, I have received another nomination for this from
Thank you so much, and I hope others will go and look at their blog.
Tricia's Blogs said:
Hi Leanne, I have not been on the computer in a week or so, but I have the chance now, so I wanted to comment on your daughter’s portrait photo. I agree with you, that the top/first image is the best, and really well done! I think you captured her natural beauty in that pose, and you did a great shot and editing with that one too. Take Care! ~tricia
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Tricia, it is so wonderful to hear from you. Thank you so much.
John said:
You have an ‘award’ problem! They keep coming after you.
Your daughter is very beautiful and very photogenic! Great work!!
Leanne Cole said:
Yes John, it is becoming a problem, haha. Thank you, she is, I just wish she could see it.
Pat said:
These are wonderful photos of your beautiful daughter. I love the expression in the first one.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Pat, I love that too.
Ogee said:
Your daughter will one day be very grateful for the gorgeous photos (of the gorgeous subject!) – so make her sit
Leanne Cole said:
Oh I hope so, one day. Thank you Ogee.
Paul said:
I prefer the first shot of your daughter but I can understand why she prefers the second. Attitude!
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Paul, I am with you.
kiwidutch said:
Please tell Briony that these photos are stunning, and btw you don’t always need colour because the colour of your charactor shines though when B&W takes all other distractions away.
Seriously… I like both photos, very much, she thinks she’s not photogenic??? wow, think again!!!
The top photo is more “conventional” in it’s pose, yes I agree that her eyes draw you in, but I’m with her on this one, the second image shows SO much more personality.
This is the portrait of someone I’d be happy to have a long conversation with , she is clearly intellegent, a thinker, has views, opinions, it’s a strong photo, but yet soft at the same time.
She may not be smiling in a conventional way but her eyes are *not* hard, and the sparkle in them leads you to believe that there is a big grin just seconds away.
I can only wish that I could get such a beautiful portrait as this from my kids…both are going through a camera-shy phase at the moment.
Briony, even if you may not think it yourself, you ARE a BEAUTIFUL young woman and you photograph brilliantly!
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you kiwidutch, she has, or so she said read all of the comments, so she will know what you have said, thank you so much for writing this.
poppytump said:
Your daughter is a real * Stunner * Leanne, and I am sure that she will be thrilled in the future to have these portrait images of herself , which others have thought were beautiful too . Lovely, just lovely.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you poppytump, I hope so, one day.
glanceobservecapture said:
Leanne, adore the first portrait! Your daughter is stunning – what is it with young girls? Mine too thinks she is fat and ugly and rarely will sit for me (see post taken October) http://glanceobservecapture.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/simply-sunday-monochrome-3/
Congratulations on the blog award!! Teresa x
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you glanceobservecapture, you daughter is as well, aren’t they terrible thinking that way about themselves. I don’t understand it.
Bruce said:
I agree with all that has been said of your subject etc. I can’t help but wonder if there would be any difference had you shot in black and white mode on the D5100 rather than get rid of the colour post-production. Would be interesting to see the beautiful Briony in a native B+W shot.
Leanne Cole said:
I don’t tend to do that Bruce, because I don’t like the way it limits my use of the images, then they always have to be black and white. One day I will look at the photos and think her gorgeous hair should stand out. I like being able to choose.
Vonn Scott Bair said:
Thanks for sharing both the pictures (esp. the first one – excellent!) and your techniques. Vonn Scott Bair
Leanne Cole said:
You are very welcome Vonn, and thank you as well.
Animalcouriers said:
Lovely portraits but agree with you that the first is the more natural shot.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Animalcouriers, always good when people agree with me.
ladyjemini said:
Your daughter is beautiful! These are lovely images, nice work!
Leanne Cole said:
I think so too, thank you.
Jackie Paulson said:
I love that you shared your photo of your daughter. Awards! YIPPIE…love them too have a blessed day (Jackie)
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Jackie, it was a pleasure.
Pairodox Farm said:
I too like the first shot better. The symmetry of the hands, the textures of the hair and the depth of the eyes – all come together to produce a though-provoking image. Nice shot, nice light, nice work. D
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Dave, I love the eyes, it seemed to really work and for me, was the best shot.
Rexlin Victor said:
Beautiful portraits.. Your daughter is so beautiful!!
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Rexlin.
Jamie Lee said:
You are such a Beautiful young Woman……………………….Enjoy life ! Let no one take advantage of you or your Heart.
Jamie Lee – Crystal Connection
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Jamie Lee I know she read all the comments, so she would have seen this.
Jamie Lee said:
Wonderful………..Jamie
Colline said:
These are beautiful portraits of your daughter. You have captured her beauty perfectly.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you so much Colline.
photographybyjoylene said:
She’s beautiful! I especially like the first portrait. I can understand why she likes the second though – if she’s a teen they go through their angry phase – I think it is an outward protection of inward insecurity – they want to project a tough image to the world so their insecurities won’t show through.
Leanne Cole said:
Thanks Joylene, she liked the second because of the line of her jaw. I think you could be right though.
Tony said:
I’m on the verge of picking up a D5100, but like you mentioned one of my biggest concerns is the 4fps and the fact that I shoot a lot of sports (mostly soccer) and wildlife and I’m wondering how that’s going to work for me? I use a Sony Cybershot with 10FPS burst which is perfect, but its not a DSLR . Still…The D5100 is mostly likely going to be my choice. I’ll just have to hone my skills and anticipate the play more closely. Great site you have here!
Leanne Cole said:
The real problem is that if you want a camera that will be good for sport you have to spend big bucks. My camera was a couple of thousand, and it is really good for sport. You have to decide what is more important. I would try it with the 5100, see how you go, you might find it is fine. Good luck.
masqua said:
I prefer the first photo as well. It’s not just the eyes, but the eyebrows and cupped hands which, to me, work to accentuate them. As a very unprofessional photographer myself, I can, however, appreciate good composition. Anyone who thinks photography isn’t a creative art is living in the Pre-Kodak Age.
Leanne Cole said:
I love that last statement masqua, that is classic, thank you. I am so glad you like the photo.
Andrew said:
Beautiful portraits. The first is conventional and I see why you prefer it as a mother. But as a photographer I think the lower image is stronger and exhibits more of her character. It looks less posed and more interactive.
Leanne Cole said:
I’m not sure about the look up the nose Andrew, I can see some merit in it, but I would have liked the look without the nostrils, haha. Thanks for your thoughts.
RoSy said:
It’s unanimous – She is a beautiful young lady. I personally prefer the 1st pic. I like how you included the one she preferred too though.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you RoSy, I thought that was fair, and I thought it would be interesting.
cshowers said:
Beautiful photos and your model is beautiful too. I agree with you that the first picture is the best. Her eyes just draw you in and make you wonder what she’s thinking. The second picture is good too, though she seems sad, like she needs a hug.
I assume she’s your daughter. Keep telling her how lovely she is, and let her know that many others agree. Thanks for sharing.
Leanne Cole said:
Yes cshowers she is my daughter, nice to have models living in to practice on. I agree with you about the eyes, they really do draw you in. Thank you.
i spy God said:
Gorgeous!! I like both shots…the first is captivating to say the least, but the second, the one she likes…I also like her jaw, but the line of her neck is striking.
GORGEOUS!!
Thanks, once again, for posting and teaching!!
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you, she would have been happy with what you said about the second shot. You’re welcome, glad you like it.
West Mill Photography said:
both are great pictures, I agree that the first is more captivating, but can see why your model prefers the second. Amazing what you can do with a sheet and some natural light
Leanne Cole said:
The sheet and natural light were brilliant, I really want to play with it a lot more. The other daughter wants some photos taken of her now. Haha, she loves having her photo taken. Thanks.
csroth3 said:
I love using natural light for portraits. The first one is captivating!
Leanne Cole said:
It is great when the light is good, thank you csroth3.
patriciaddrury said:
Love the first, natural light is very captivating indeed!
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Patricia, the light really made it.
Maryam said:
beautiful.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Maryam
stephglaser said:
What lovely photos — Briony looks beautiful. Both your girls are gorgeous, Leanne. I’m glad they are liking their red hair. (It’s no wonder redheads get self-conscious when they’re called rangas!)
Leanne Cole said:
I can remember my girls coming home very upset about being called a ranga, I told them that if that was the only thing that kids could find to tease them about then they were lucky. Thank you so much Steph.
David said:
Beautiful portrait work.
Like you, the first one is an absolutely gorgeous photo. The second photo, it has to be done in B&W to convey the “attitude”.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you David, I like what you said about the second image.
Richard Guest said:
Great shots, Leanne. Like what you’ve done with the B&W/ FX very much. Beautiful.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you Richard, the Silver Efex is great for portraits. I know I will use it again.
oneowner said:
I did one senior photo for a family member this year and, although everyone agreed the photos were good, she didn’t seem pleased with any of them. Could be a teenage thing, I don’t know.
I’ve been using the D5100 with kit lens in the studio at the Museum and I’m very impressed with it. Granted, studio work is not hard on cameras like field work, but the resulting images are superb.
Leanne Cole said:
I think it might be, teenagers seem to hate what they look like.
The D5100 has gone back now, but it was fun to use, and I can see how it would be good for some things. I think I would end up breaking it, probably not good for me. It did do well in these images, thanks
nurul chocobo said:
beautiful photos!
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you nurul chocobo
the eternal traveller said:
Tell her she’s lovely!
Leanne Cole said:
YOu tell her Carol, she read your comment, thank you.
Another Thousand Words said:
Oh, Leanne…these are so very perfect in B/W!!! Whatever it is in Briony’s head that’s telling her she is not beautiful, I hope she can lose ASAP! She is gorgeous, and has very expressive eyes and wonderful bones…and GREAT hair! (Please tell her I said so…and I’ve photo’d many people, especially back when I was shooting video and NO amount of ‘lighting tricks’ could ever make them look more than what they were–not pretty at all!).
The D5100 is on my list!!!
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you so much 1000, she did read the comments, so I know she read what you wrote. I love her hair too, I would have loved her hair when I was her age.
The D5100 nice camera, though I am finding I am falling out of love with Nikon right now.
Another Thousand Words said:
Really!!??
Imax said:
she’s beautiful. and both pics tells a character.
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you so much Imax
petit4chocolatier said:
Your daughter is beautiful! Love the pictures
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you petit4chocolatier
mydayscancount said:
That first one really is beautiful!
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you, I think so too mydayscancount
wannabephotographer87 said:
She is just a beautiful girl and her eyes in that first shot really is amazing
She shouldn’t think she’s ugly at all! She’s very photogenic! Nice to know you’ve tested out the camera and it really sounds like a good one 
Leanne Cole said:
Thanks Amanda, I agree with all your said about her.
The camera is good, and I think anyone who has one would be very happy.
oneaday34 said:
thanks for popping over to my blog! your daughter looks great in both pictures but like you I prefer the first one, those eyes are incredible. Also I quite liked that they’re somehow in contrast with gentle positioning of her hands
Leanne Cole said:
Thank you oneaday34, I agree, I like what you said about her eyes and hands, nice.
Truels said:
Leanne, these portraits of your lovely daughter are so excellent and wonderful. I wish i had a model for portraits like you have
George Weaver said:
Leanne, tell that child to stop it. She could have been born ugly.
Both of these are really good, but the first one is so pretty … I just like her expression in the first. BEAUTIFUL girl. Period!
Adrian Lewis said:
Love that top image, Leanne – the tones are gorgeous and, as you say, the gaze is mesmerising. Also I’m a huge fan of Silver Efex. Adrian