Aquamarine

I have always wanted to have a shoot in the water, with flowing fabric, cascading hair, and luminous skin. My friend, and new favorite model, Kaitlyn, was totally up for this idea. I was really looking forward to this shoot because I had never done anything in such different conditions. It is one thing to shoot in a studio over and over, as well as shooting on location, but getting into water, a whole different element, was exciting. I am always up to try new things and I am glad that I got the opportunity to try this.

Of course, holding my camera above the water was less than ideal, considering I am kind of a klutzy person, but no fear, my camera strap did its job. At first, I tried to stand on the pool ladder while Kaitlyn floated beneath me, but that idea lasted about five seconds. There was no way she could float in one spot, nor could I keep my balance on a pool ladder, so the next best thing for me to do was to hop in and hope I didn't slip.

I didn't. Obviously. And everything was a success! This shoot was so fun and I am hoping to do a lot more shoots outside of my element. This shoot felt like the most high-fashion shoot I have ever done, even though she was wearing some bracelets and a you could barely see her dress. This shoot got me excited for all of the other possible high-fashion shoots I want to achieve.

This shoot was very mermaid/goddess inspired. Kaitlyn's sister did a great job on the green/blue makeup! We are so lucky she was at our disposal considering I can't even put on eyeliner. Kaitlyn's pale skin looked some amazing against the blue of the pool, and the blue/green eyeshadow made her eyes just pop. Needless to say, I need to take Kaitlyn's sister with me to every shoot I do.

The way Kaitlyn's eyes express emotion blows me away, they are so deep with emotion that you could almost swim in them. They captured everything I hoped for when planning this shoot, which is pure magic.

The Mermaid

A mermaid found a swimming lad,
Picked him for her own,
Pressed her body to his body,
Laughed; and plunging down
Forgot in cruel happiness
That even lovers drown. 

- William Butler Yeats

 

For whatever we lose(like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15406#sthash.vl5jYAeN.dpuf

For whatever we lose(like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15406#sthash.vl5jYAeN.dpuf

For whatever we lose(like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15406#sthash.vl5jYAeN.dpuf

Doerksen Family Session

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of photographing members of my favorite family, the Doerksens. My family has always been close with the Doerksens for at least 12 years, but it is hard to remember exactly how long it has been. So when their son, Tory, and his wife, Crystal, asked if I would be interested in taking pictures of them and their two children, I was more than happy.

Normally, I like to shoot outside, but the morning was muddy and humid, so we stuck to staying inside. I knew immediately that this was going to be a challenge for me since I have always had difficulties shooting indoors, but once I figured out my settings, the lighting seemed to be perfect for this small shoot.

 Needless to say, the shoot was a great time and they were all very accommodating and knew exactly what they wanted, which is great in customers. The shoot may have been very simple, but I think the images turned into an example of the great love that this young family has.

 

American Beauty

Happy Independence Day!

Last Sunday, I had the great pleasure of photographing one of my closest friends, Kaitlyn. I had planned to do this great west/Americana shoot with her last summer, but things never worked out, and when you thought they would, the weather decided otherwise. Hooray for Arizona monsoons. While they are beautiful and much needed for the dry soil, they can often ruin plans.

But we finally did the shoot! And our lovely friend, Tika, was able to assist as well.

I knew I wanted Kaitlyn to have a messy/carefree look about her. I wanted her hair and makeup to have a natural feel. She sported cut-offs, a white crop top and some boots, which gave her a very "Americana" vibe. I also brought a straw cowboy hat for an extra little something, which I think she played off very well. Kaitlyn may not be a cowgirl, but she could dress the part.

This was my first attempt at a sunset photoshoot. I wanted the light to be beautiful and golden. I knew that having my brightest light behind my subject would make the shoot challenging, and let me tell you, it sure was. Tika was able to hold a reflector so that Kaitlyn's face could be lit, but it wasn't enough. I also tried my off camera flash, but that started to look weird. After quite a few frames, we found some great light.

I noticed that my camera is having trouble focusing lately. I can't tell if it is the lens or the camera itself, since I used two different lenses and still had focusing issues. If anyone has a Nikon and has similar problems, let me know! My camera might be on some weird setting, or I need glasses when I shoot.

I am making this post in honor of America's Independence Day. While I know that America struggles a lot and not everyone has the same stance on how it should be run, I am glad to live in a country that believes in dreams, freedom and equality.