I rarely get an opportunity to photograph children. When my colleague approached me to photograph her son, Geormani, I accepted the challenge. I approached the shoot just the same as when I photograph adults: I make a connection and have fun!
I knew I needed a fast lens, and after an incredible run with the Canon 100 mm macro, I decided to use that lens as Geormani had great skin. We went outside towards the end of the day, around 7:30 p.m., so we did not have much light to work with. I cracked the aperture wide open at 2.8 so I could keep the focus on Geormani and still keep a sense of place. Since I used a fixed lens of 100 mm, I knew I had to keep the shutter speed around or above 1/125; therefore, I kept the camera on Aperature Priority Mode (AV) because I knew it would give me that beautiful fall-off and still maintain a fast shutter speed.
Geormani literally kept me on my toes. He had oodles of energy—so much, I decided to skip my workout that evening because of all the jumping around we did outside. Geormani kept moving so I could capture a variety of poses. I wanted to videotape him so I could show some of the models I work with how to pose: just relax and try not to be so self-aware, just like an 11-year old. 
Photographer: Amy Dunn
Photo assistant: Jon S.
Model: Geormani
Gear: Canon 5D Mark II, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
New York City, 2009
7 Comments
This guy has a lot going for him, and great photography, too (love the fall-off effect)! -Steve (in St. Lucia with none other than Joe McNally this week!)
Wow! Who’s better than you, Steve?
Wow..Amy excellent job…Kudos!!!! all around–The quality of these photos does not even reflect the fact that you were working with low light. Geormani truly enjoyed working with you and Jon..Its easy to relax and have fun when the photographer makes you feel at ease. Keep up the good work!!
Fantastic shots Amy—I have to agree with the above–love the fall off effect, and it truly doesn’t seem you worked with low light at all. Great modelling too. (lol @ videotaping his “technique”)
These are great shots! I like what you had to say about the natural energy and presence that children have. They’re often so uninhibited, which makes them awesome subjects to work with.
I work with daycare kids and I love snapping pictures of them because they look so free. They’re not concerned about finding their “good side,” they just want to be silly and have fun.
Obviously, with a child this age, you cans till incorporate some of that freedom along with a bit of structure to create a good shot that’s full of personality.
Amy these shoots are amazing! You captured his energy and personality! Well done!
Sophia! You’re next door but so far away. Let’s connect this week…
Thank you, James! I know you can name one model that needs this tutorial.
Cristina! You must have the patience of a saint and lotsa energy. I got a good mental and physical work-out trying to hang with my friend here. Please tell me you’re a writer, too. I love your style.
Diana, thank you! I miss shooting with you!
Post a Comment