Strong Sun - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
Lens flare. The one creative element I had not experimented. For portrait photography, it is an excellent effect when used wisely. I see many photographers use this effect well and not so well. So experimenting with lens flare on this shoot was a new experience.
Valerie Thompson's concept of the shoot was to use lens flare while she was in a field. At first I was nervous to accept the assignment. Lens flare is not one of my specialties, so to use it on a shoot worried me. Looking at the results, I do not think I had anything to be worried about.
Calm and Peace - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
Valerie is a extremely talented fine art and travel photographer. Using medium and large format film cameras, she creates stunning works of art. So when she came to me to be her photographer, I was honored to do so. As she told my father after the shoot, "I wouldn't trust anyone else to take these photos."
Golden Hair - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
I am always nervous when shooting photography. My heart pumps, my hands shake, and I always worry about the next shot. You need to have a little bit of nerves when you are on a shoot. I need the feeling the feeling like I am standing on the edge of a cliff. When I am nervous on a shoot, I know I am pushing my creative limits. If I'm not pushing my creative limits, then I am doing my client and myself a disservice. I especially had the nerves while I was on this shoot with Valerie.
Flower Girl #1 - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
Flower Girl #2 - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
Sister Golden Hair - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
Flower Girl #3 - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
Golden Sunset - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
So lens flare, when and how to use it. I have found that len flare photography works best for graduation and environmental portraits. These photos were all done in with natural light and near White Rock Lake in Dallas TX. In this environment, lens flare is a perfect choice. It adds a subtle and natural element to your photos. I have also found that my graduation/portrait clients love this effect. I see many photographer add lens flare during post-processing. I have found this to be out of place in most portrait photography. Most of the time post-processed lens flare is more distracting than intended. All the lens flare in Valerie's photos are natural lens flare. Using the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, this lens has less ghosting and unintended flare than most lens. The lens is designed with Nano Crystal Coat that reduces ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity. Without this coating, I would have unintended ghosting and flare and have to readjust the lens flare in post. With this lens, I have more control over the effect with a more natural look. This more natural lens flare look especially looks good for graduation portraits.
Standing Tall - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
Window - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
White Dress - Valerie Thompson - White Rock Lake TX
I'd like to thank Valerie for the opportunity to shoot her graduation photos. It is always an honor to shoot a fellow photographer.
To see Valeria's fine art photography, go to http://www.valeriethompsonphoto.com/