photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 137 - Negative Space >> Challenge 137 - Exhibition > "Sibling Connection"
previous | next
04-JUL-2007 Lonnit Rysher

"Sibling Connection"

Long Island, NY

Canon EOS 5D ,Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
1/45s f/4.5 at 24.0mm iso800 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
comment | share
ctfchallenge14-Jul-2007 18:01
I often find myself squatting to take pix. It's a funny thing, since I'm so tall, that I often find I am squashing myself down to get as close to the ground as possible! LOL! I love taking kid shots at eye level, or even better, looking upwards at them.http://www.flickr.com/photos/20351097@N00/ .

We were right at the edge of the doorway. There were double-doors that were propped open. We shot at the very, very edge. Outside, overhead, was the canopy overhang that prevented any top angle light, so the only direction the light could come was directly from the sides. I was so excited to have found it. I did individual portraits there as well. The setup was purely a gift! Don't you just love when that happens? :) They say that "open shade" is supposedly the great light. I disagree, I feel that shade, such as this, with overhead cover is hands-down better. ~ Lonnit
aam1234 13-Jul-2007 14:34
Opps, I meant their "eye" level.
aam1234 13-Jul-2007 14:33
Thanks Lonnit. Just noticed the exif info, it must be indoors.

Another reason I think for it being so engaging is that it was taken at their level.
ctfchallenge12-Jul-2007 22:45
Aam, We were out for the day at an exhibit at a local preserve. As we left the building, I saw that the light was great by the double entrance doors, because there was a canopy in front of the building. This made for the wonderful side lighting. The whole lobby was dark, with brown walls and no electric lights. It was an overcast day as well. As for the processing, I probably used one of the Color Film filter from Alien Skin, perhaps in one of the variety of blend modes, and to a desired opacity level. Additionally, I burned down the bottom a bit to darken the left arm and hands, along with the clothing, and burned down the piece of door on image right, and a glowing yellow spot on image left. ~ Lonnit
aam1234 12-Jul-2007 19:03
I have nephews & nieces the same age as your kids, maybe that's why this one looks special to me. This is not to take away anything from this superb photo.

Have two questions, if I may:
- The light is coming from the right. Was it a window or strobes. If the latter, what did you use. Also, the fill from the left is perfect. Was it another strobe or a reflector.
- How did you manage the dark background. Excellent choice.
- Ok, one more. What was the PP work you've done here. Looks so warm and lovely. Don't reveal any secrets if you don't want to :)

Regards
ctfchallenge07-Jul-2007 13:32
Oh, Aam, what you said is so beautiful. Thank you! ~ Lonnit
aam1234 07-Jul-2007 06:42
I've seen so many beautiful photos, but not many touch me as this photo. The look in your kids eyes is...oh my. The smile is so genuine, and exudes friendliness.I feel that they are talking to me.
ctfchallenge06-Jul-2007 19:22
Wow, guys, thank you very much! It is a pretty wide angle shot at 24mm. What little details are you still seeing in the background? I did burn out a few tiny ones. Perhaps you are referring to the shoulder of the boy on the images right side? Yes, for negative space, it is pushing the envelope - my thoughts were that the blackness, devoid of details, was about as negative as space can get. No, it's not an enormous amount of space, but quite negative, nonetheless.

Compositionally speaking, sure, the hands might be a bit of a distraction - I had her lower them in other frames, and yes, the faces have distorted a bit from the wide angle lens, but the lighting was so wonderful, and the expressions so sweet, it was this frame that I liked most. There was something about it that was so warm and real, and the eye-contact with the camera was endearing. I was hoping it was more than a mother's love that was making me love this shot. Your responses have thrilled me, showing me that it all comes through to other viewers as well. Somehow, I thought it also had somewhat of an album cover feeling.

Thanks for the lovely comments! ~ Lonnit




ctfchallenge06-Jul-2007 15:32
Such a great image.
Such outstanding models.
Your kid pics are just the best.
~inframan
ctfchallenge06-Jul-2007 11:40
this is looking excellent!
at first I tought that it's an ultra wide shot...
strangely but in a great way her arms are creating an excellent illusion of perspective.
talking about Escher this is just another great illusion generated by slightly different planes.
no need to talk about exposure and composition, it's all about the characters..
:)
tomi
aam1234 06-Jul-2007 11:29
Agree with Techo.

Lovely composition and toning.
ctfchallenge06-Jul-2007 02:04
Absolutely applaud this sibling shot. Twins on the side with the big sister holding everyone together. Wouldn't say it fits the challenge theme particularly well but still want you to know I really like this. The toning and PP is excellent. What about burning out the little details still visible in the background?

-Techo