Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my husband, my best friend...the one who makes our two young boys laugh with abandon.   

And to all the involved, loving and patient fathers out there - you are helping make this world a better place.

We celebrate you today! 

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Classic Portraiture | Half-Body or Three-Quarters {Week 36}

As we continue our month-long study of classical portraiture, this week we explore the three-quarter profile portrait. This is the common pose of classic artists - think of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa or the portraits of Botticelli and other artists of the Renaissance. The three-quarter pose can tell us more than a headshot: it reveals the story and character of the subject through his or her clothing, status and surroundings.

Please click HERE to visit our gallery.

Same Hat | Different Pose

Same Hat | Strike a Pose

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Classic Portraiture | Headshot {Week 35}

This week we begin our month-long compositional study of classic portraiture. We begin with one of the most classic portraits of all time – the headshot. A headshot typically comprises the head to shoulder area. Making a good headshot portrait is very important and practical, as many people rely on them for business purposes, framed portraits, online profiles, and as their first visual introduction to the world. To the photographer, the portrait is a challenge and extends far beyond the technicalities as we strive to capture the personality, spirit and essence of the person. You can often see how the subject feels by looking at their eyes. As the saying goes, the eyes are the key to the soul.

Please click HERE to see our gallery.

Boy and his hat

Photo 52: Within the Frame

 

Color Theory:  Photographer's Choice {Week 34}

 

For this final week of color theory exploration, I chose monochromatic.  During a recent visit to the Highline, I spotted the most adorable friends, laughing and enjoying one another's company.  I couldn't stop watching them and taking photos of their conversation - New York City kids mature well beyond their years.  

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog, Who We Become, to see all of our images in one place.  

Friendship

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Color Theory:  Achromatic Color Scheme {Week 33}

This week we continue our month-long study of color as we play with achromatic colors. By definition, achromatic means, “free from, or without color" and in photography includes imagery that has black and white tones, with various values of grey.

Below is my oldest son in a rare moment of stillness.  The perfect color scheme to complement the mood of his expression, involves various shades of achromatic grey.

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog, Who We Become, and see all of our images in one place.

Still

Letters to our sons | May

***I am so thankful to be a part of this blog circle "Letters to our Sons" with so many amazing photographers and moms.  In honor of our love for our little boys, we are posting a monthly image(s) along with a corresponding, heartfelt letter.  After reading my post, please click HERE to continue around the circle, starting with the very talented Lauren Ammerman. 

Dearest Cash,

I think I am coming to terms with it - finally.  It's been almost six weeks since your first major haircut - "major" being the key word to describe not only how much Daddy chopped off but also the kind of reaction I had afterwards.  The night before you were to have your preschool photo taken, I asked Daddy to give you a "shape up".  Translation:  Take a little off the top and clean up the sides around the ears.  Daddy had given you a shape up before, so I just assumed this time would be the same.  Off I went to put your baby brother down to sleep for the night, while Daddy sat you on a stool in the bathtub and got the clippers ready.  Yes, the clippers.    

About ten minutes later I walked past the bathroom and saw your hair was cut down to a "fade" of sorts.  Thinking it was close to being too short, I warned Daddy who assured me he was just cleaning up the spots that were too low because you kept moving your head.  It didn't take long however, for Daddy's promise to break into a million little pieces.  I walked out of Grey's room, past the bathroom and caught a glimpse of you out of the corner of my eye.  You were still seated on the stool smiling, as if to say, "Hey Mommy!  Look at my new haircut!"  My stomach just dropped and I Instantly burst into tears.  You were nearly bald.  You looked like you were suffering a terminal illness or had survived the squalid conditions of a child labor internment camp - and as your mother, I wasn't prepared for the shock.  Even writing this now I almost feel sick all over again.  With your glorious curls gone, replaced by a super low crew cut - I was definitely in a state.

 

"What happened?!!

         Why did you cut it so short?

        Oh My Gosh!!  What happened?!!" 

 

Daddy said it was because you moved your head and there was a huge bald spot that could only be fixed by cutting it all off.  Really?!!  I would have much preferred a bald spot over a full on shearing!  But not wanting you to feel insecure in any way about your new coif, I fought to get control of my emotions.  I walked out of the bathroom, closed the door behind me and went into the bedroom and cried.

I managed somehow to find the words to tell you that I liked your new haircut, that you looked amazing and beautiful -although I'm sure you hardly believed me.  Daddy took you to your room to read you a bedtime story while I took a deep breath and went back into the bathroom.  Your hair was everywhere - all over the floor, behind the toilet, in the tub.  I got down on my knees, tears streaming down my face, and started sweeping them up - saddened by how quickly the garbage can was filling up with your beautiful baby curls that had taken so long to grow.

That night after you had fallen asleep, I snuck in your room to just look at you.  I stayed in there for God knows how long.  Who was that little boy lying there?  My greatest wish was that when you woke up the next morning your hair would have grown - that you would have your little afro back.   

I realize that a major factor in my devastation was that my first baby was no more.  This new haircut instantly made you like you were ten years old, not three.  When I shared this story with some of the other moms at your school the next day, they were a total comfort.  "Was this his first big haircut?" one mother asked.  When I said it was, she shook her head and said, "Of course, that makes complete sense.  That first big haircut can be really hard for us [moms].  And Dads just don't get it."

The fact that the following day was school picture day was just the nail in the coffin.  I considered not taking you in to school and have you do the make up shot at the end of the month, but quickly decided that wasn't right.  You would proudly rock your new haircut in a photo with your teachers and friends.  I mean it's only hair and it will grow back I kept telling myself. Thankfully you have a grand collection of hats that you love and had already chosen one to wear the next morning.

I love you son, always and forever.

And already your curls are making a comeback!

Love, Mom 

    Little Lion King Afro:  In Memoriam 

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Color Theory:  Complementary Colors {Week 32}

This week we continue our month-long study of color with complimentary colors.  Complimentary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue-orange, violet-yellow, or red-green.  These color schemes are a great place to start with color theory, as they are easy to understand, fun to use and create pleasing compositions. They generally work well in straightforward compositions where the vivid and vibrant color combinations are the main contrast.

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog site, Who We Become, to see all of our images in one place.

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Color Theory: Monochromatic | Analogous {Week 31}

Spring has finally sprung and Photo 52 is kicking off its month long study of color.  For our first week's assignment we focused on creating images with either an analogous color scheme (colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel) or a monochromatic one - varying tones of the same underlying color.  On the color wheel, analogous colors are quite harmonious - and the red-orange-yellow combination in my images below are both warm and rather pleasing to the eye. 

Our family recently dined in a restaurant bathed in the most beautiful window light - it was a photographer's dream. The folks seated to my right were captive to my lens, with the lines of the tables leading right to them.  Of course there was another subject right across the table, in a daydream, transfixed as well by the gorgeous light coming through the windows.   

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog, Who We Become, to see all of our images in one place.     

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Tonality:  Split Toning {Week 30}

Split toning is a creative technique that goes back to the days of the darkroom, but In today’s world of digital photography, split toning can either by done in camera or with editing software programs such as Photoshop or Lightroom.  It involves tinting the highlights to create a color cast to the image, while the “split” part of the technique means the color cast can be isolated to highlights without affecting the mid-tones or shadows, and vice versa.  The result is a cross-processed look or a duotone effect that can give a little extra punch to a monochromatic image.

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog, Who We Become, to see all of our images in one place.

Rock formation along Chileno Bay Beach in Los Cabos, Mexico

 

Sunrise over Pedregal, Cabos

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Tonality: Mid Key {Week 29}

This week we continue to experiment with tone and mood in our compositions.  While high key images are created with bright light tones and low key photographs rely on shadowy dark tones, mid key images are created by isolating the mid level tones.  It may be subtle and pleasing rather than dramatic and often appears better in color than a monochromatic scheme. Colors can be complimentary and yet the same key, so although in black and white everything would blend, in color it works. One of the issues to keep in mind when playing in mid key is that although consistency of tone can help your subject and their surroundings appear well-aligned, the trick is to make sure your subject doesn't get lost.

During a recent family vacation to Mexico, my son's favorite activities included combing the beach for shells and chasing after seagulls.  It was particularly overcast in the mornings, and since my son's skin tone nearly matches the surrounding rocks and sand, I was able to get a couple of interesting mid key beach shots. 

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog, Who We Become, to see all of our images in one place.  

Letters to our sons | April

***I am so thankful to be a part of this blog circle "Letters to our Sons" with so many amazing photographers and moms.  In honor of our love for our little boys, we are posting a monthly image(s) along with a corresponding, heartfelt letter.  After reading my post, please click HERE to continue around the circle, starting with the very talented Jennifer Nichols James.

My dearest Cash,

Lounging around with Monkey

I think it's safe to say that Monkey is your best friend. You met him when you were 10 months old and he soon became the one thing you took along with you everywhere.  During your short three years on this earth so far, you have reached for Monkey when feeling playful to dance with and toss around, to hide behind when feeling shy, to brush against your face when sleepy, and of course, collect your tears when feeling sad.  I have countless memories of you curled up on the sofa, in your bed, and before that in your crib, drinking milk and cuddling with Monkey.  He was there with you when you started teetering upright on your two legs, and a comfort to you when you inevitably tumbled to the ground.  He rode with you on your first plane ride to Southern California when you were 13 months old and has since traveled with you by plane, train and car to places like Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Central America.  With so many photos of you with Monkey in your clutches, wide awake or slumped over in your car seat, there is no denying he is your best buddy.      

Under the weather with Monkey

It's no wonder that you absolutely WILL NOT go to sleep without him.  When you were younger, if Monkey was looking tattered and needed cleaning, I would have to sneak him off to the laundromat for a "bath", crossing my fingers that you wouldn't need him until he was finished drying.  As you got a little older, we would make a field trip out of taking Monkey to the laundromat, watching him spin around in the soapy suds, coming back 20 minutes later to put his sopping wet furriness into the dryer to "get warm".  In a confessional moment, Monkey you have today is actually your second Monkey.  The first one had become a rag of holes from which stuffing was steadily coming out, deflating over time any semblance of its former primate self.  It was such a relief when you received Monkey #2 that you never knew the difference.  In your eyes he had just gotten the best bath of his life.  Phew!          

Monkey's portrait

When you had your first real heavy duty 24-hour fever and could only lie around on the sofa all day  - who was there?  Monkey of course.  He also went with you every day of your first year of preschool, the perfect companion during a time of great transition.  Teacher Rachel designated a special basket in the classroom for monkey to sleep in until circle time when you would retrieve him to sing songs and listen to stories with your new friends.  

After you turned three and got a little, shall we say, more rowdy? energetic?… you started an incessant pastime of throwing Monkey around the house.  It actually drives Daddy and me crazy.  You'll throw him into the air, narrowly missing a piece of furniture or knocking things off the table or pictures off the wall as you dive to catch him.  In actuality I suppose you are just playing catch with your best friend, but still it's a bit wearing on your dear mother and father.  Not for your baby brother though.  He loves when you toss Monkey high in the air, squealing in delight as he falls from the sky into your embrace.  Ahhhh.    

Buddies

This past week New York City has had some gorgeous spring days and whenever we've gone out to enjoy them, you've told me that Monkey wants to come too.  I say that's fine but that you are responsible for him.  You oblige and carry him throughout the day with love and care, telling me he's "magical" and always making sure his furry paws don't drag on the ground.

I love you very much son and your beautiful friendship with Monkey.

Mom

Some recent snapshots of you and your furry pal

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Tonality:  Low Key {Week 28}

While high key images are created by bright, light tones and whites, low key photographs feature the opposite.  Relying on shadows, deep blacks and dark tones, they contain very few mid-tones and whites, and as a result, are mysterious, dramatic, and even ominous in their mood.  A small light source such as a lamp, flashlight, or candle along with a dark or black background are the simplest way to create a low key effect.  You can also shoot at night with street lamps or car headlights as a main light source, making sure to keep the light off of your dark backdrop and on your subject.  The dark tones and strong shadows inevitably direct the viewer's attention to the subject, creatively and with drama.

Below is a photograph of my husband saying goodnight and goodbye to our oldest son.  Working a lot more with his new job and often times late into the evenings, my husband treasures these little moments.  The expression on my son's face, illuminated by just his little nightlight, not only adds feeling to the image but also tugs on my heartstrings.  

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog, Who We Become, to see all of our images in one place. 

Goodnight, Goodbye Daddy

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Tonality:  High Key {Week 27}

It’s a new month for photo 52: Within the Frame and we will be delving into tonality as a means to create or enhance the mood of our images.  Tonality includes the amount of contrast as well as the highlight and shadow qualities within an image that is affected primarily by the type of light available.  For this first week we will be working with high key lighting which creates images that are mostly bright, with hardly any blacks and very few mid-tones.  Originally developed for film and television, and primarily done with studio lighting, high key images have since become an artistic choice amongst photographers.  They can either be achieved indoors by using a bright backdrop or plain white wall, or outdoors on a day with flat light.   

High Key photography with its bright, white background creates images that are  upbeat, modern and distraction-free - the goal of any portrait photographer.  Tones that generally would have been mid-range become much brighter, near white tones become bright and white tones remain white.  And of course, as we mentioned already, very little darks or shadows are present.  It’s very important however, when shooting high key that you have just enough mid-tones and shadows to give the image depth, otherwise your photo is washed out and just plain overexposed.

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog, Who We Become, and see all of our images in one place. 

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Conceptual Contrast:  Old vs. new, big vs. small, etc. {Week 25}

Last week, we examined contrast in its traditional sense in photography: light versus dark.  This week however, we played with the contrast of oppositional elements which can be interpreted much more broadly.  My image includes two contrasts: my husband's giant (and darker) hand next to our baby's much smaller (and lighter) one.  

Please click HERE to visit our collective blog, Who We Become, and see all of our images in one place.