Stephy Meditation

It's not unusual for a photographer to experience their equivalent of "writer's block". In fact, this is a popular topic on the photography forums I visit occasionally. My generic advice: you can try doing the opposite of what you normally do.

Normally, I love pictures that are energetic & animated, so for an exercise, I decided to try something more quiet and (hopefully) peaceful.

I've changed the lights -- perhaps it's subtle, but I've created more shadow, and I've created more of a halo effect for the background behind Stephy's head. I ask her to close her eye & meditate on peace, and in a quiet way, we make some exposures, adjusting the lights as we go along.

I realize that I've provided B&W versions of these images exclusively, but I'm liking this color image.

(I also have to admit that I gave Stephy direction to exaggerate her posture. It works for me).

I'll also include the paint brush version, below.

For me, photography starts with photo (i.e. light), and nearly all of my photographs are inspired by light.

I love this light -- it's soft, it defines Stephy's curves, it's balanced, and it's well exposed.

That's good light.

Note, however, when Stephy faces the other way (see below), the light is not as good.