SWEET SWEET 16

Autumn and her parents wanted "Sweet 16" portraits taken at their favorite bayside park.  

It was indeed an inspirational place.  I was immediately attracted to a little spot on the water's edge, with its rough rocks and mossy tree.  Such a fun area to explore in photographs!  

Autumn and I collaborated on different angles, different positions, and different looks in this unique area.  And I even got her dad involved, helping position my lighting equipment and keeping it above water.  This portrait was Autumn's favorite from the session.  

My primary challenge was the harsh lighting of the overhead sun.  My solution was to have Autumn turn her back to the sun and then use an off-camera strobe in a softbox as my main light.  (Dad was a terrific voice-operated light stand!)  I like this style of lighting for environmental portraits -- it accentuates the subject without being intrusive.  It's a natural look, suitable for everyone, but especially effective for a young woman of age 16.  

I love this portrait of Autumn.  Poised comfortably on the rocks, she seems at home in her special place.  I like her confidence, her beautiful smile.  I like the contrast in textures between her and the rocks, tree branches, and moss.  I like the sparkle in the water and the sparkle in her eyes.

The split composition, with distinct upper and lower halves, is a bit unorthodox; but the edginess works for this young woman's portrait.  A talented artist with pencil and pen, Autumn is very much into dramatic artwork; so the graphic nature of the tree limbs over the bay waters fits her personality and interests.

In fact, this portrait of Autumn was also her mom's favorite.  She too saw her daughter in this portrait.

And that I love most of all.  

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To schedule a portrait consultation and session for your family, please contact Roger Hammons Photography by phone or email today!