Photo 52: Within the Frame

Creative Complexity: Filling the Frame {Week 41}

While the setting is often important in a photograph, sometimes our artistic intention is to draw full attention to our subject. Filling the frame edge to edge with our subject(s) by moving closer, zooming in, or cropping the image in post-processing eliminates background distractions and forces the viewer to examine the subject in close detail. For a portrait —particularly close-ups of the face— one's personality and mood can be captured in a way that would get lost at more of a distance.  The image below is of my youngest son, his rolls and chubby cheeks most certainly filling the frame.

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

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Depth of Field {Week 40}

Depth of field is a fundamental technical concept in photography. It refers to the amount of the field of view that is in sharp focus, and results from three factors: the lens aperture, the length of the lens, and the distance from camera to subject.  In this week’s post, we go beyond the basic understanding of depth of field that is typically gained in an introductory photography course and use depth of field as a creative compositional element.  

In my image below, the leading lines of the fence and the sidewalk lead the viewer's eye back in space, almost three dimensionally.  With a narrower aperture, the field of view remains in focus as you follow the boys of summer chasing their balloons.  

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

balloon chasers

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Classic Portraiture: Photographer's Choice {Week 39}

Our collective love of portraiture and our passion for capturing the lives of our families is the spark that brought us together here at Photo 52.  After four weeks of exploring the diverse aspects of portrait photography, we are excited to share some of our personal favorites during this final week of our current theme.  

Over the past few months I have enjoyed taking photos of our youngest, especially in filtered window light.  His translucent yellow/blue eyes - the polar opposite of our older son's deep brown eyes - reflect light so intensely that his gaze is nothing short of spellbinding.  Or at least I think so.

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

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Classic Portraiture:  Groupings {Week 38}

A lifestyle approach to group portraiture is similar to street and travel photography (and other types of photography that recall a photojournalistic style) in that it is more candid and seemingly spontaneous than a carefully posed portrait. Using this approach, a photographer must often exert deliberate patience in order to capture what Cartier-Bresson famously called “the decisive moment". The effective use of depth and subject separation in the candid style of group portraiture, which I have always preferred, often creates a very powerful image. Although the photo below captures a silly moment between my mother and son, I find the strangers in the background just as significant, adding not only balance but a bit of intrigue.

Please click HERE to see our gallery of images for this week.     

Letters to our sons | June

***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 ultra talented Jill Cassara. 

Dearest Cash,

This past Sunday was 75 degrees, sunny and without a cloud in the bright, blue sky.  It was the perfect day to take you to your first baseball game at Yankee Stadium.  I surprised you and Dad with tickets to the 1:00 game against the Minnesota Twins for Father's Day and I'm not sure who was more excited.  Since Derek Jeter, one of the greatest MLB shortstops and Yankees heroes of all time is retiring after this season, Dad wanted to make sure you were both properly outfitted and ordered two matching #2 final season commemorative logo t-shirts, one big and one small.

The morning of the game the first thing you did was put on your Yankees hat (you were already wearing your t-shirt since you wanted to sleep in it the night before) and run around the apartment saying, "I'm going to my first Yankees game today!"  

"Can I hold my own ticket Mom?"

"Can I bring my baseball glove?"

"You should bring your binoculars?" I said back.

Bronx Bomber

Even though we live close enough to the stadium that we could have walked there if we wanted, we rode the D train two quick stops to 161st Street.  You were thrilled (as usual) to be taking the subway and even more so to be heading uptown for a change to the Boogie Down Bronx!

When we got to our seats in section 316 of the terrace and to the right of home plate, the baseball diamond was being groomed and players were in the outfield stretching and warming up.  You and I had fun watching all of this while Dad went to wait in the (long) line for cheeseburgers, french fries and soda. No doubt we had to have some good 'ole stadium grub.  That's the whole fun of it.  

Your binoculars came in handy, especially when Derek Jeter was up to bat. And when you weren't using them, Dad had fun teaching you the ins and outs of the game. You were so excited every time there was a strike against a Minnesota player and cheered wildly with the crowd whenever a Yankee got a hit.  But in all honesty there came a point where all you cared about was getting some ice cream in a Yankees batting helmet bowl.

Dad disappeared to get the goods, and that's when the game's biggest action happened.  First, Derek Jeter had a huge hit into the outfield, making it all the way to second base.  Then the next two batters helped bring in the Yankees only two runs of the game and the crowd went absolutely crazy. But poor Dad!  He came back with the ice cream having missed it all.  

 

As the innings wore on, your three year-old attention span started to wane and you became antsy in your seat. At one point you were sitting on Dad's lap having a laugh with him when I captured this image with my camera phone.  I love this photo because you can see how happy Dad is being at a Yankees game with his son. He often tells me that despite growing up in New York, his father never took him to a Yankees game when he was a young boy.  Because of this, he made a promise that if he ever had a son he would take him to Yankee Stadium in the summer to watch baseball and eat hot dogs and ice-cream.

Even though around the 6th inning you were a complete goof-off and the Twins blew out the Yankees after getting six runs in the 9th inning, Dad was just happy to be with you at the game on such a beautiful day.  I have no doubt there will be many more Yankees games for the two of you in the future, and most likely your little brother too.  But this was the first.  I mean, how cool is that?!    

We left just before the ninth inning was over to beat the crowd and took the D train home.  For you, taking the subway to the stadium and back were the bookend highlights to a wonderful day with your Dad.  I was so grateful to be able to spend the afternoon with you both, sharing in the "firstness" of it, and of course, to take photos that we can look back on as time passes.

I love you son, my little Bronx Bomber, always & forever.

Mom 

Photo 52: Within the Frame

Classic Portraiture: Full Body {Week 37}

As we continue to explore classic portraiture, this week we are delving into composition for full body portraits. Like the half-body and three-quarter portraits we explored last week, full body composition offers clues and context about the subject being portrayed.  This kind of shot is excellent for storytelling, although the photographer must take care to ensure the subject is well-composed within the frame so they do not get lost in a busy background.  In other cases, a photographer may direct their subject to get into a variety of body positions (sitting, kneeling, or lying down) in order to achieve an intimate portrait while still offering a narrative glimpse into the subject’s life.

The photo below is of my son in a rare moment without his hat.  But not without his shades. 

Please click HERE to visit our gallery.

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.