Dialed In
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Dialed In

In His Element
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In His Element

Convergence
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Convergence

Shadow Spikes
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Shadow Spikes

Interesting portraits can be created anywhere - when you see the light and use a few simple techniques. Take this portrait for instance. Afternoon light was reflecting off a building across the parking lot which created soft, even lighting on this brick wall. I asked the young man to lean against the wall and turn his face toward the camera so the light (reflecting off the building across the parking lot) illuminated one side of his face AND created a shadow on the other side for a more dramatic, slimming effect. Then I focused on his eyes, used a shallow depth of field so the wall would be mostly out of focus and composed the image to create “negative” space on the right-hand side.  The combination of seeing the light, a shallow depth of field, use of negative space and leading lines in the brick wall works together to pull the viewer’s attention right into the young man’s expressive face.
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Interesting portraits can be created anywhere - when you see the light and use a few simple techniques. Take this portrait for instance.

Afternoon light was reflecting off a building across the parking lot which created soft, even lighting on this brick wall. I asked the young man to lean against the wall and turn his face toward the camera so the light (reflecting off the building across the parking lot) illuminated one side of his face AND created a shadow on the other side for a more dramatic, slimming effect. Then I focused on his eyes, used a shallow depth of field so the wall would be mostly out of focus and composed the image to create “negative” space on the right-hand side.  The combination of seeing the light, a shallow depth of field, use of negative space and leading lines in the brick wall works together to pull the viewer’s attention right into the young man’s expressive face.

Window light streaming across the sanctuary and a profile composition resulted in this dramatic portrait of a dynamic pastor.  A true gentleman!
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Window light streaming across the sanctuary and a profile composition resulted in this dramatic portrait of a dynamic pastor.  A true gentleman!

I saw this post on Tumblr and had to share it with you! photography-art: Great&True! (Taken with instagram)
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I saw this post on Tumblr and had to share it with you!

photography-art:

Great&True! (Taken with instagram)

Source: photography-art

This is Crystal. She’s real. She’s honest. She’s fun. She’s the kind of person who adds energy to a room; someone you want to talk with. She loves and encourages her husband. She adores their son. She’s passionate about God, too. She has an incredible capacity to express herself, both verbally and musically. (Oh, what a singing voice she has!)  

I like how photographs each tell a story.  But if all we had was one or two images of a person, we’d only have part of their story.  When I look at these images of Crystal I’m reminded how every photograph we take of a person reveals deeper insights into the passion, personality and character in their life story.

The mix of light and shadows has such an incredible impact in an image, adding interest and depth to something as simple as these window blinds. 
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The mix of light and shadows has such an incredible impact in an image, adding interest and depth to something as simple as these window blinds. 

A Beautiful Thing

I love how photographs often contain hidden truths about life. Take this one for instance. A cracked, stained wall beside a rarely used stairway leading to an underground storage area.  Most people wouldn’t give it a second look. 

Yet there it was.  Life.  A delicate plant thriving despite harsh conditions.

Each time I look at this photograph I am reminded of the beauty and hope that results as we overcome difficulties and disappointments in life.  They may leave us with a mark, a crack or a stain, but to paraphrase a verse in the Bible (Romans 5:4) suffering produces perseverance which builds our character and gives us hope.  

That is a beautiful thing.