Looking through my photostream several times, I finally realized what was missing: me!
Being the designated photographer puts me behind the camera a whole lot more than in front of it. So I decided, for Kat’s next lesson, to turn the camera around. I also needed to update my social media pictures and I had been dying to try out tethered shooting now that I’ve finally upgraded to Lightroom 3 (just in time for LR4).
There were several technical difficulities I had to figure out (like Lightroom not shooting “live”) but in the end I managed to get some semblance of a studio going and managed to get a few decent headshots. Boring, but decent. Then my preschooler came home, saw the setup, and immediately wanted to take pictures. So I let him. He directed me and I let him snap away with the wireless remote.
The results? A lot more fun. Less worry about the right angle of the head, the right angle of the flash, the stupid background, the shadows, am I even in focus (my eyes are so screwy these days I can’t tell??!!).
In the pre-Tommy setup, I was being careful and studious. And then, when Tommy took over the directing, it was fun. More play — less work. And the pictures were better too. Not necessarily appropriate for what I needed, but more lively. More real. The trick would be to translate that sense of fun into the more serious and routine shots.
And in the end, I got the best picture of all — one that truly captures an emotion. I’m smiling from ear to ear over that shot. And that’s what it’s all about, right?
Looks like you had a great time! The photo of you and your son conveys such sweet emotion 🙂
Oh that’s just adorable–the photo of you and Tommy. I like some of the other ones too, the one where you’re holding the remote is quirky but cute.
Awesome photo of you and Tommy! I love that look on his face, just in heaven about the connection with his Mom. This is a great series and I love how you let Tommy in on the fun, and got some great shots too. It’s amazing the difference when we are having fun – both in front and behind the camera! Thanks for sharing your experience.
A really cute shot of you and your little boy. I love his blissful expression and your obvious motherly love. A lovely picture of happy emotion.
Beautiful!! The shot of you and your son is a beautiful, happy expression of LOVE.
These are such fun!! Love that your son got in on the action. Beautiful mother/son photograph!
Hey, gorgeous! Love your selfless!!
Yup, the playful ones are dynamite 🙂
~karen
that was supposed to say selfies! it auto corrected 🙁
What warmth and love in the photo of you and your son. Sounds like the two of you had a great time!
Very nice and quite brave… I have a little trouble with self-portraits.
What a wonderful post. All of the pictures are great but the best one of all is the one of you and your son.
What great pictures – you look very natural and not forced which is great. It can’t have been easy to do these shots. I love the shot of you and your son – full of love!!
the picture of you & your son is lovely, such warmth, what a special moment to remember. I also like your first portrait you look very natural & the lighting is great.
Tommy is so cute. He reminds me of my Jack (5yo). You look great in all of these pictures, and I love the one you chose as your new avatar.
The last shot of you and Tommy is a gem! What a treasure and wonderful memory! Looks like you got a nice selfie out of the deal, too. A fun lesson 🙂
Wonderful! Love that you tackled self-photos. I find it tough, and I’m so learning from seeing you in action here..and the outcome is so good! I like them all..lots of pizzaz and heart…
Juli
they are all wonderful but that last one is totally precious!
Terrific!! Especially love the last one. Such an intimate expression of love!
Gosh that last picture is gorgeous! Real joy captured there.
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog, I really appreciate it. Xxx
Looks as though that old saying “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”, is holding up pretty well!