Time to Vote: John’s Black and White Photography Contest

Okay, so the voting has started and I need your help. Here are the directions to vote for my entries, only if you like the pictures (YES, YOU WILL LIKE THE PICTURES, LOL).

1. Click on this link:
http://blog.batdorffphotography.com/blog/contest-page/

2. Click on the ‘vote now’ button

3. Click on the ’see all entries’ link (right next to ‘Recently Added/Most Votes’)

4. Go to page 3 or 4, by clicking on either the ’3′ or ’4′ page link at the top right hand side of the page.

5. You should see my images either in the center or lower bottom of the page. They are labeled ‘Into the light’ and ‘the light commeth’. Please click on the ‘vote’ button for both of them. If you’d like to leave a comment about the picture too, feel free. Thanks so much and wish me luck!

Portraits Session #3: Capturing Twin Spirits

It was my honor to photograph Alicia and Patricia. The time we spent together reminded me of the joys of youth and childhood. Being a Gemini I was a bit envious that they both had each other physically whereas my twin is still trapped within my body, dying to get out, lol.

 

What I’ve learned from my foray into the world of portraits is that I’ve developed a preference for non contrived photography. I am not a fan for setups and typical poses (hence my pure enjoyment of capturing landscapes and macro shots). The most thought-provoking images to me are the ones that occur somewhat naturally. As long as I understand the lighting that I want to achieve, where it should fall, and how to capture it in the exact moment where it counts, life becomes bliss. Another thing that I am enjoying is taking photos where the focus of the person being photographed is not on me. There are certain times when so much more can be communicated from a side glaze, or body expression than from eyes staring straight into your camera.

My focus during this shoot was to practice learning how to work with an on camera external flash. For this portrait session I used my Nikon D90, an SB-800 flash, an 85mm 3.5 macro prime lens, and one beautiful sunset. All processing was done using my I-wanna-be-buried-with-my-iPad-that’s-how-much-I-love-it device.

If you’re curious about the details behind my post-processing and flash settings leave me a comment or drop me an email. Thanks for stopping by!!!

Another John Batdorff Photography Contest!!!

I just love John Batdorff’s photography, not to mention the great prizes he has in addition to his tips and tricks contained in his weekly blog. Hopefully one of these days my job will actually let me take some time off so I can take one of his amazing classes.

Anyhoo, John is having another contest folks, and this time it’s the 2nd Annual Black and White photography contest. Here’s the low down on the prizes:

One winner from each category will receive share of over $1,000 in prizes, including:

• Copy of Composition: From Snapshots to Great Shots with chapter written by John Batdorff of Batdorff Photography
• Choice of RS-7, RS-W1 or RS DR-1 Double Strap from BlackRapid
• Copy of Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro provided by Outdoor Photo Gear

For more details on the categories and contest rules please visit John’s blog at: http://blog.batdorffphotography.com/blog/ 

 

Scroll to the bottom of the screen to enter the contest. Hurry, the contest ends 11/5.

 

Here are the pictures I’m submitting:

Sun On My Face

Colony Hotel – South Beach, FL

Wish me luck!