Pet Photography Session: Simon and Zeus

As I write this blog post, I'm in lockdown mode like most of you. Our countries are collectively fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, (aka coronavirus) on all fronts. Consequently most of us are under some level of isolation. I don't know about you but I have found the solitude to be simultaneously enriching and constricting. On one hand, I find myself full of ideas and the time to revisit my portfolio with new eyes. I've also noticed a great deal of inspiring content on social media and the internet. But on the other hand, I feel like I should be outside executing my vision. In other words, a bit of a paradox has been created. 

I'm not one to flout the law, so I'm staying put within the confines of my home. Luckily I'm able to go outside in my backyard where there are endless possibilities. Having looked back in my portfolio, I quickly realised that I haven't done any pet photography work in a long time. Which is a shame honestly, since I love animals. It's funny how the universe sometimes manages to align itself perfectly in sync. I recently got myself a new puppy named Zeus, after having lost two dogs in the last few years. So it's been a long time since I've had such a young dog in my care. I wondered if he would get along with my other dog. I had forgotten how much fun it is watching new pets adjust to their new surroundings, and find their place in the family. So, in the midst of the chaos, my new project found me. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Let's compare the two experiences. First, I warmed up with my distinguished older gentleman, Simon. If you didn't know, I absolutely adore older dogs. Their faces always reflect some deep wisdom and patience that I can hardly begin to imagine. He doesn't run around much anymore. So it was easy to get him to pose since he was already in that one spot. He's not a big fan of the camera now, so I made sure to be quick.

Next up, I got my new pup out to play. He's been an explosive ball of energy, which strongly contrasts with my elderly dog. This sometimes causes a bit of friction between the two since youthful exuberance isn't always appreciated by the establishment. When I switched over to the pup, he was all ready to run around and way more interested in chewing on my lens hood. 

Zeus, Bull Mastiff/French Mastiff mix (3 months old, possibly powered by Energizer batteries)

If you have a "pet project" or want to get started, here are a few tips:

1. Relax. -  Get comfortable with your subject first. This might entail putting your camera aside and letting them sniff you and/or the new surroundings. If necessary, let them burn off a bit of nervous energy first.

2. Have a plan. - What type of shots are you looking for? Prep a "shot list if it helps". 

3. Get on their level. - Get down on their eye level and journey into their world. Make sure that the animal is comfortable with you first. Or invest in longer focal length lenses. 

4. Toys and Food. - Sometimes it's hard getting an animal's attention especially when there are distractions about. Puppies are naturally quick and easily distracted. Try using food in your hand or a toy placed on the camera hood. Be prepared to miss a few shots. 

5. Check yourself. - Try not to be too loud or use too many commands. Respect their space.

6. Be patient and make it fun. - Dogs especially are emotionally intuitive. They will pick up on your mood. Cats might require a bit more patience.

More shots from that session can be found in my newly updated Pet Photography gallery. Be sure to check those out!

Camera and equipment details:

Camera: Nikon D7200
Lenses:  Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR DX AF-S
Lighting: Natural Light

Until next time...

Portraiture Session: Bruce

It feels like it's been forever since the last update to my blog section. Those of you that follow me on Instagram (and Flickr) will realise that I'm still active on social media. But with every new year (and every new decade) comes new opportunities and new prospects. Hopefully, it also means a new chance at bringing old project ideas to fruition or making room for new ones. 

For now though, I have the chance to share some old work that I was keeping on ice for a bit. A while back, a dear friend (and fellow photographer) asked me about doing a photoshoot  for his website and Facebook profile picture. I thought this was a great time to do something a bit different, as well as help out a friend. It's funny but if you had asked me a few years ago about portraiture, I would have been skeptical of my abilities. But there's nothing like jumping into a project with an open mind and an open heart.

Photographing Bruce was pretty easy as we've been friends for such a long time. If I had to sum it up, I'd say it was more about two old friends having a conversation with a camera present. The hardest part was probably getting him to relax a bit and forget about the camera. I must admit that I am not a fan of directing my models, opting for personality over perfection. I prefer my client to see themselves or for their loved ones to recognize "that little thing they do with their head". 

In case you are thinking of starting out with portraits, here are a few quick tips that I found helpful, courtesy of B+H Photo Video:

1. Build a connection with your subject. Make the process a collaborative one. 

2. Note the lighting and environment carefully. Plan ahead!

3. Watch the dynamics of your camera and lens. Some lenses are more flattering to certain body features.

4. "The eyes are the windows to the soul". If the eyes of your subject aren't in focus, your image will suffer greatly, even if all of the other elements are perfect.

5. Move in and out and get down on their level. This is especially true with children and pets. 

6. Camera Settings: Take special care with regards to your White Balance.

7. The Classic Look of Black & White. Personally I love black and white portraits. Why? Black and white can convey a certain mood, emphasize facial features and textures or transport the viewer to another time and place.

8. Shoot in Raw File Format. Never mind the large file size, you'll be happy for the extra information when editing or making prints.

For further reading, be sure to check out this link to the original article here: 
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/seven-tips-every-beginning-portrait-photographer-should-know?BI=7367&currency=EUR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9OGe1cKz5wIVSNyGCh1JtABxEAAYASAAEgKxgvD_BwE 

Camera and equipment details:
Camera: Nikon D7200

Lenses:  Nikon 85mm F1.8 G Auto Focus-S 

Lighting: Natural Light

Until next time.... 

Down On The Farm

If you have read my bio on this website, you would recall that I am a member of the Barbados Photographic Society (BPS)  and a contributor to the BPS website.  This non-profit club organizes a number of field trips every year around the island. I decided to attend the trip to PEG Farms which is a working biodynamic farm and nature reserve located in the parish of Saint Joseph (the north eastern part of the island). This was my first visit and I was curious to see what it offered. 

It was a very fun morning being out with friends, hiking in nature and enjoying the camaraderie. In fact, some of my favourite field trips of all time have been outdoors in nature. This one did not disappoint in terms of beautiful breathtaking views of the eastern coast of the island. Exercise and fresh air are always restorative for body, mind, spirit and the creative eye.  And if you have friends who are natural comedians, the time passes even better. And the best thing about going to the farm? Well, your $25 entrance fee is redeemable in fresh organic produce. Farm to table indeed. Check out their operation here: https://www.pegbarbados.com/

This place easily deserves a revisit, in my opinion. The best times might be in the morning, just after opening around 8:00 AM. Just make sure you avoid the chickens at feeding time.  

Camera and equipment details:
Camera: Nikon D7200
Lenses:  Nikon 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom,  Nikon 55-300mm VR DX AF-S, Nikon 85mm F1.8 G Auto Focus-S
Lighting: Natural Light

Until next time....keep it light.