JessicaRicco.com » Spontaneous Sessions

Ashton and the Window: Using Available Light

jessieessiejay — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:09:52 +0000

Here is a perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of always carrying your camera: one afternoon a few months ago Nicole and I visited her nephew, Ashton. I love taking pictures of him because, of course, he is adorable and photogenic, but he also has incredible blue eyes.

I shot these photos in the late afternoon using only the available light from the window in the living room. Unfortunately, I was not 100% prepared because I did not bring my speedlight for fill light. Since I don’t like using the on-board flash on my Nikon, I cranked down my shutter speed and opened up my aperture, which worked out well to throw the colorful background out of focus. These first few images are in the middle of the living room – I positioned myself on the diagonal between Ashton and the window to shoot the side of his face that was well-lit from the window without blocking the light.

The following pictures were taken right next to the window – Ashton was playing hide and seek behind the curtains. The drapes were a cream color, which effectively acted as a reflector to light Ashton’s entire face.

What an adorable face.

~More Later.

If You’re in a Hurry, Don’t Drive with a Photographer

jessieessiejay — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:27:02 +0000

The drive from my house to college was about 300 miles through the Adirondack Mountains. For a semester I gave rides home on breaks to Kevin, a guy who lived in the town next to me. Poor unfortunate soul. There was one trip that took us an extra hour to get to school because I kept stopping on the side of the road to take pictures. If you’ve ever driven up the Adirondack Northway (I87n) and into the Adirondacks, you know it’s breathtaking. I felt my foot pressing the brake to pull over on its own several times. Here are some of the results:

I was so lucky to be driving by this exact spot while this lone man in a canoe was paddling around. Poor Kevin wasn’t lucky because he just wanted to get to school. He was a good sport though.

That’s all for now…

~More later

Photography: Spontaneity is More Fun!

jessieessiejay — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:04:08 +0000

Last year I was walking around campus and there was this huge tree in the quad with the brightest, richest yellow leaves. Too yellow, in fact, to pass up. Most often, the best shots are the ones you don’t plan for: pulling over on the side of the road for a sunset (check), stumbling upon a random fireworks show (check), running outside during a surprise snowstorm (check). The most important thing: ALWAYS bring your camera with you if you can. I know sometimes it stinks lugging a bag around but I know I’ve been caught on too many occasions without my trusty Nikon and sadly missed out on the perfect sunset/lighting/autumn leaves. Also- remember to check that your batteries are charged! I made that mistake last week as a matter of fact.

Anyway, I called up my trusty model Lisa and on her own accord she climbed right up into his huge yellow tree. This was the first time I ever photographed her- I’m really pleased with the results. Bravo Lis! She looks great upside down too! Check it out:

If she had black hair, I would say her skin in the picture below is Snow White all the way.

That’s all for now!

~More later…