Nicole Glenn Photography Blog

I have been meaning to post some behind the scenes insight to my macro photography for the past few months. I am not an all knowing expert, and of course, there are many different styles and ways of doing things, but if this helps someone then I’m all in! Here we go…

Before we go too far and I forget to mention the lens, the lens used in all of the pictures is the 60mm f/2.8 from Nikon. : )

I think one of the most important things in any photograph is lighting. In all of the macro shots I use available natural light. The majority of the time I am shooting in the early afternoon and tend to work with whatever the lighting situation may be. Occasionally, I ask my assistant (aka my momma) to come and shade the subject to evenly expose the picture.

On to some picture…

The calla lily below is in a planter placed in direct sunlight. This allowed the background to be highly underexposed and all of the focus to be on the deliciously curvy flower…

f/3.2,  1/2000 sec,  ISO-125

The sunflower below is part of a bouquet and sitting in a vase next to a large sliding glass door. I used my chocolate colored sofa to create a solid dark backdrop, allowing the focus to be solely on the flower…

f/3.5, 1/125 sec, ISO-400

The bunch of orchids below is hanging over a concrete patio and the sun is hitting it from the side, which is actually the top of this photo. The concrete is over exposed to create a solid white backdrop…

f/3, 1/1250 sec, ISO-200

The passion flower below is in complete shade, which made it easy to evenly expose all parts and colors of the flower.

f/4, 1/160 sec, ISO-400

For me, the most difficult thing with macro photography is focusing. The optics in a macro lens create an extremely shallow depth of field when wide open. Shooting in an uncontrolled environment can be hard, especially when even the slightest breeze makes focusing seem impossible. As with many things in life, patience and practice are key. : )

If you have any particular questions email me at nicole@nicoleglenn.com or leave a comment below!

Happy shooting!

Nicole

When I came across the following picture from the Hurley’s family session it made me smile.

It sums up how a session CAN be while attempting to pose and photograph a 2 and 5 year old. I am not an all knowing expert, and of course, there are many different styles and ways of doing things, but here are a few things that have helped me avoid too many of these moments…

Manage Expectations – This starts with ME! I tend to be a planner, and I like things go, well, as planned! I have learned to let things happen and roll with the punches. Having this state of mind before the session has helped me relax and not become anxious about not getting shots that I envisioned. Yes, I daydream in frozen frames sometimes. I know, it’s weird!

No Camera Time – In general, people don’t like having a camera in their face. Especially if they are 2! I like to spend 10-15 minutes just hanging out and getting to know people. It helps people (kids in particular) feel comfortable with you, which I believe is imperative to a successful shoot. Inquire about their day, blow bubbles out side, anything to break the ice.

Shoot, Shoot, Shoot – My personal style is capturing genuine smiles, laughter, and interactions. I do some posing, but I would much prefer capturing families moving and enjoying themselves than stiff/frozen smiles. Yes, you all know that I have been holding this smile for too long face. To achieve this, I let families play, run, and hang out while I document. My theory is shoot now, and ask questions later! With digital it is so easy to just delete images that aren’t working. So, shoot, shoot, shoot, and you are bound to freeze beautiful moments.

Have Fun! – My main goal is for my clients to have a good time. Growing up we didn’t really take family photos, and I think it’s mainly because my parents hated having their picture taken! Making a session fun helps people relax and maybe….just maybe, enjoy having their photo taken! If I see mom and dad feeling stressed about the lack of cooperation, I suggest taking a break. It helps to run off a little energy sometimes!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I like sharing (cuz sharing is caring, right?!) and so many people have helped me along this journey.

Happy Wednesday!

Nicole

P.S. – Oh, and I included this picture on their disk on images. I mean, it’s a real moment and it made ME laugh. So, I’m convinced mom and dad will appreciate it too!