After a particularly trying couple of weeks, it’s been hard for me to find any inspiration in the home to photograph. My mind could not find anything inspirational as I took in the general chaos in the house. I made the decision not to push myself. Clearly the need to decompress was more important than trying to find an image.
Then one night last week, my son climbed into my lap and settled there for the evening. He likely noted that I wasn’t working or folding laundry. I was nestled with my kids and enjoying the time we were having together. I took a moment to watch him work through his puzzle and word games on his ipad. Just like that, I found my moment. I reached over for my camera and simply watched. I took in the details of his eyes. As he started to work through his puzzles, a smile took over my face. It was then I found my burst of inspiration as I watched him be himself, oblivious to what his mommy was doing. He was just happy to be in my lap. Of course, being the mischievous boy that he is, he took one look at my camera and switched to his goofy face.
These are all wonderful and simple moments to capture. 5 minutes on my lap gave me a chance to snap snippets of his personality and provide a snapshot of this fleeting moment. I particularly love his eyes with their long lashes and the way he’s begun to chew on his finger when he works through something.
How I Shot the Scene
I was able to capture this moment using my 35mm. Since he was in close proximity to me, the wide angle was very helpful. Had I had the chance, I probably would have thrown the 24-70mm on to get wider angle but the 35mm was effective.
For most of the shots, the ipad provided lighting for his face. You can see the ipad light as the catch light in his eyes and the illumination on his cheeks. I put my focal point right on his eyes. Once the exposure and focus were set, I let him showcase his personality.
For post editing, I used presets I got from My Four Hens Photography.
Maryrose Serac – Documentary Lifestyle Photography
Family and Lifestyle Photography provided in Sacramento, Fairfield, Vacaville, San Francisco Bay Area and worldwide. Specializing in #LifeandLove moments including engagements, weddings, maternity, newborn and family lifestyle portraits.
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