Poor Ashley was scheduled for her shoot during spring break, and I threw my back out and wasn’t able to do it. Then rescheduling took a while, and bless her heart – she went out of her way to make it happen. Thanks for that, Ashley – you’re awesome. We headed out at about 5:30pm, and I’ll tell you – as soon as I started shooting I realized I think I want to shoot everyone as the sun goes down… the light is fantastic!
With high school seniors, I tell them they can bring a friend if they want to because I know it might put my subject at ease. Her original friend she was going to bring was working this night, so she brought her boyfriend along. She told me his name was Will, but I figured, “What are the odds?” Well, on this tiny island – the odds are good. It happened to be a very nice Will that I had already met and photographed once before! (By the way – I didn’t notice until I looked back at that post that all your hair has been cut off. I like it!) I took him aside to ask if his mom liked Ashley, and he said yes – so we continued and had a great time together.
Pretty good-lookin’ couple I’d say.
As we walked, I asked what Ashley’s favorite class in high school was, and they BOTH answered, “PHOTOGRAPHY!” I happen to know that Mr. Fischer teaches photography at Kadena High, his son is a talented photographer as well – and he works at my daughter’s school.
Well then I got very happy. I asked if they wanted to know more about what I was doing as I was doing it…. Will told me he didn’t want me to give away any secrets, but I really am a pretty open book. Most basics with photography are things you’ll learn by shooting a lot or taking classes. (Ok, here comes a basic photography lesson – if you could care less, slide on down to look at Ashley’s gorgeous photos.)
For example, I took a shot in one particular spot (mine will come afterward). I explained to Will and Ashley that getting a photo right IN the camera will save lots of Photoshop and editing hassle later.
And then I handed Will the camera. He’s never shot with an SLR before (I quickly put the strap around his neck – that sucker is heavy), but I explained how to focus and told him to snap away. Granted, he wasn’t expecting this at ALL. He nervously snapped off two shots. I picked this one because Ashley’s mug wasn’t as bad as the other (hehe… gotta love having your boyfriend point a camera at you).
I showed him the photo on the screen and asked him what the first thing he’d do with it was when he had it downloaded on the computer. He said he’d Photoshop it, but I said, “I would hope you’d crop it. There’s a whole lot of space on the left and above that isn’t necessary. In the future, you’d save yourself that step if you just got a little closer and filled your frame when you took the photo.” So I cropped it. Can anyone guess what my next suggestion would be? (Ok – I know I have a few photogs reading, and this one might be SCREAMING at you….)
This is a great tip – read carefully. I learned this early on while working for SN and taking photos near a construction site.
WATCH YOUR BACKGROUNDS. That sign post thingie looks like it’s coming out of Ashley’s head, doesn’t it? Again – something you COULD definitely fix in post-processing, but wouldn’t you rather get it right in camera so you don’t have to waste that precious time?
All she needs to do is move a bit (or as the photographer, YOU can move around) and you have a good angle, a full frame, and nothing coming out of your subject’s head.
GORGEOUS. And of course, I’m happy she didn’t mug like that for me.
On to more beautiful Ashley photos, I hope that those tips helped you.
She brought her (much too large) cap and gown, and my trusty assistant Shannan found a ladder in a shady area and we started snapping – that ladder was perfect! Go Shannan!
What a SMILE! Ashley giggles a lot and I love that about her; I was and am the same way. Always keep that sense of humor.
Ashley is going to Virginia this summer to attend college in the fall – with any luck, ultimately Virginia Tech (excellent). She works so hard in high school, she takes it very seriously – which is admirable. I mean jeez – she wouldn’t even miss school to make up our shoot! (Sorry I tried to talk you into that!)
Did I mention how much I LOVED the light in the evening???
One of my favorite things about Ashley happened just yesterday. She asked if she could “keep her freckles” in the photos. Ashley, I LOVED that. Girl – they’re a part of who you are, and most kids don’t like their freckles – I say wave that freckle flag high! You’re beautiful.
Yes. I made her climb onto equipment and such. It’s what I do.
Sassy!
Lastly she asked if we could scramble to the sea wall to get that too – and I said, “Of COURSE!” and we did, and it was oh so good.
Will and Ashley both said they loved the sea wall and they’d miss it when they left. I hear ya.
Thanks so much, Ashley – I hope we can get some senior photos into your announcements ASAP! See you to show you everything next week!
