I mentioned in the goals of natural portraits, you should have good light, good angles and a good subject. What is a good subject? / ...
I mentioned in the goals of natural portraits, you should have good light, good angles and a good subject. What is a good subject? Very SUBJECTive! I suggest begining photographing (and living life by doing) what you love. In my case, it’s people. Esp the little people. I like hanging out, I like their naturalness and they usually like their own image too. Unlike adults, who often don’t like themselves, they always like their children, indiscriminantly. If only we loved ourselves like children! Enuf said. Little children have a variety of expression. They are pre ‘smile’-trained. Even from around 2, they can begin doing ‘CHEEESSSSE’ and it all goes awry. The key is, to hang out, let them play and let them be comfortable just snapping away without expectation. Using digital media is ideal- no cost involved, just a big memory card needed! You need to increase the amount of photo’s you take. In general, if you want to improve your photos, take more. The more you do it, look at your results, discuss them, the more you see, the more you get. Like anything. So with little kids, you want to follow them doing what they do, with good natural light. To get a good angle, I usually sit or lie on the floor with them. Photo’s from ‘adult’ height don’t usually work for me, because you don’t get the same amount of respect conveyed. Get? Sorry, give (respect). Besides, if they are engaging in their activity, they are looking down. Another tip, open the lens a bit, so if they move, and you click, you can still catch them. (That means, have more image in the picture). Also, by doing this, you can take you eye away from behind the camera to keep talking to the small fry. They prefer YOUR attention, to the camera. Another good fun thing to do, is to still be playing with them or get the to be engaging with their sibling. Eg, I got the kids to go to outside, and we were playing chasings. That was quite fun, running with a camera. Keeping a very small one who thought me chasing them away from the road was the funny part for her-remember safety is number one at all times! It does add to the job description-so do try to make it easy for yourself; bear in mind age vs responsibility. (You know this!) The other thing with photographing kids is consent. Parents are the ones who need to be asked, and usually love it if you take their chidren’s photos. Parents are very wary of what happens with the end result though, with good cause. ( My naivity changed after talking to Michelle-I guess once you’ve worked in a prison, you have a different POV) So I generally take photos above the waist of nudie kids, even if the parent doesn’t mind, or get them strategically modest. If you are using film, you don’t know what happens to the photos while out of your sight and if digitally online, who knows what happens. It’s sad, and disappointing because it takes the innocence away. I’ve taken so many gorgeous photos that I’d love to share, but don’t want to taint the positivity. The other thing is, parents own the copyright to the children’s photo, so it’s not legal to use their kids image. Not sure how it works exactly. Not something you (mum) need to worry about-but other people may have more knowledge on that subject. It’s a pretty personal topic. Getting back to it, taking photo’s for the happy snapper grandmother…on a then and there issue-subject should be comfortable. As a 2yo isn’t usually concerned with the above, but more, being warm, fed and happy. Recap-give them something to play with or do, make it less about ‘performing’ and posing, look at them as much as possible, so you don’t disappear behind the camera. Again-PS tips?! Watch for miscellaneous background objects. If they appear, after being more focused on the subject, blur them, rubber stamp them, or change the colour. More on that next lesson!
Thank You very Much Light In The Darkness Group For Featuring My Collaborative Works With Hal Smith / And The Childrens Joy Here Is Wishi…
Thank You very Much Light In The Darkness Group For Featuring My Collaborative Works With Hal Smith / And The Childrens Joy Here Is Wishing You Blessings During This Holiday Season Merry X Mas and a Terrific New Year Me and Hal Smith Too / / And The Children’s Joy / Author: Amber Elizabeth Fromm Donais / Artist Hal Smith / Here / In Amazement / Of Colors… / Of The Rainbows / Are The Innocent… / Yes, To Lie … / Yet to Laugh .. / In the Daisy. Remembering / Beauty In Child / In Joy In / Celebration / Of Spirit… / We Watch … Wondrous / Eyes Upon / The Dancing / Butterfly… / In Movement / Of Very Soul… Oh to Gaze A / Child In Sunlight.. / Feel the Warm / And Gentle Breeze… / Behold, Yes to Behold / For It Consumes / And Renews Oh. Delight, / In the Splendor / Of Sight… / Our Children / Our Hope / Life’s Dance… Beautiful Children / Hearts Music / Listen Closely… / And Cherish… / Our Children, / Treasure, These / Gifts… Remember To / Dance… In Daisy. / And Celebrate… / In Child… / And the Children’s Joy…
Once upon a time in the land of Oz lived a beautiful princess called Ahhhhhh, which means Light of the Light. She played joyfully throug…
Once upon a time in the land of Oz lived a beautiful princess called Ahhhhhh, which means Light of the Light. She played joyfully through her childhood with animal, bird and flower friends. Even while Trolls attacked her castle attempting to conquer her Mother, the Queen, Ahhhhhh danced and made beautiful music lighting the land wherever she went. The Queen encouraged her independence and smiled upon her daughter’s achievements as she observed from a distance. One day, in Ahhhhhh’s seventeenth year, a Troll in the guise of a Prince entered the Kingdom, bewitched the beautiful Princess and carried her away to his cave where he kept her in bondage for many years. She delivered him three children whom she loved with all her heart. They strengthened her bondage. Years went by with Princess Ahhhhhh exhausting her power, Light of the Light was fading. One evening when the Moon was full and the Troll disguised as a Prince, and the children were all asleep, Ahhhhhh sat outside the cave allowing her mind to travel to the stars in a quest for answers to the disease which was slowly overtaking her body. After a while, a Tawney Frogmouth Owl alighted on a nearby stone. Ahhhhhh smiled and greeted her. ‘What brings you to my side on this beautiful night Madam Frogmouth?’ she asked. ‘For you to hear and you to see, I watch you nightly from my tree. I’m here to tell you’re not a Troll like the one living in your knoll. Your light is fading, you must escape and lead your children from his rape. Your Kingdom needs your guiding light, come now with me to make it bright’, replied the Owl…...... to be continued
“Attraction” was featured in the group Angels & Spirit Guides … !http://images-0.redbubble.net/img/art/border:noborder/product:m…
“Attraction” was featured in the group Angels & Spirit Guides … A special thankyou to the groups host(s) for featuring “Attraction” and to all those who have viewed and/or commented on my work. “Attraction” is a special shot for me:) “Thankyou”
THE DIFFERENT COLOURS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERIES The Different Colours of Domestic Violence Series came to me as a therapeutic cle…
THE DIFFERENT COLOURS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERIES The Different Colours of Domestic Violence Series came to me as a therapeutic cleansing of sorts for myself. Having come out of an abusive relationship with someone left me feeling many things but mostly empty, ashamed, fearful, guilty, powerless & alone! This is a common theme of emotions that a person feels when being violated by another. However, I did not want to paint anymore. I couldn’t. I had major “painters block” and it bothered me to no end. Then I came across a beautiful soul named April Mansilla, who is an artist – April Mansilla and uses different mediums to express herself; her work is straight from the heart. I saw her Series of Hope and asked her about it. I learned she did this all in oil pastels. I was so impressed as her depictions were not what someone would normally want to hang on their wall, as the subject matter is very sensitive. Her honesty & in revealing her true self to the world was my first inspiration for the series. I had never used oil pastels but thought I would give it my best shot. Thank you Chicka xo Art is therapy all in it’s own right, so I slowly started trying to depict the different emotions that one has to endure while in a relationship that is violent & abusive. And there are so many emotions, hence the title of the series. I wasn’t only thinking of me as this series made it’s way to fruition; I was thinking of everyone around the world, be it men/woman & children who have to face & deal with the debilitating factors that domestic violence has on one’s mind, body, heart & soul!!! I live, love, breathe & dream of art every single day. It is a passion for me that I could not live without. I will never be able to express my gratitude & abundance of love to & for my parents, who saw something in me long before I did. It was their realization that I had something ‘there.’ My Mom & Dad are the most valuable blessings I have in this life and I will be forever & eternally grateful to them for being exactly who they are. I want to thank Trevor for allowing me to vent through my art, even though sometimes at a snails pace, he was such a “rock” throughout this process as I spent long hours tucked away in my studio. He helped me with constructive critiques or if I asked him to give me his opinion, he would do so honestly. I appreciate all his wonderful notes he left for me and his awesome shock at how beautifully some of the portraits had ‘come to life’ since he had last had a peek at my progress. He always let me know how proud he was of me for showing the world something they probably did not want to look at! His encouragement truly helped me get to the finish line. He is the most kind-hearted man I have ever been fortunate to have in my life. He is a true Treasure. XO As if anyone didn’t know already how much I love my children, Angie, Andre & April…well I’m not sure how comfortable it was for them to watch me show the world this kind of artwork. However, I have always taught them to be honest, speak your mind, to respect others and be true to yourself. They do just that in their lives & I am so very proud to be their Mom but most importantly, I feel so blessed to watch them making their way through their lives with integrity, dignity, honesty, values, principles, love, kindness & respect for others! They chase their passions and do so with hard work, diligence & determination. And the only time they look down on anyone is to help them up! They are…my Angels in disguise :))) I have a few more people I would like to thank along the way. Ron Sombilon for seeing something authentic & unique in EVERYONE…this man is one of the most positive and uplifting spirits on this earth. He saw something in me and let me know. He touches so many lives every single day that I’m sure he has a few clones out there in Vancouver. I don’t know how he does what he does but as he says on his website, something that changed his life forever, a quote by Denis Waitley “Chase your passion, not your pension!” My exchanges with Ron were uplifting, fruitful, positive and full of raw energy to go get what you were put in this world to do. He can crack open anyone’s painters block, as he did mine! If you haven’t seen what he is all about yet…I suggest you go and look! He’s a powerhouse & all to help others in every walk of life! You can visit his site at Ron Sombilon Gallery Thank you Ron, even though we don’t chat very often lately, I still think of you often, your work and all the positive that can come out of doing what you love. You are walking, breathing, living proof!!! Nadia Nadia Nadia...thank you for that comment you made on “Can Anyone See This?” I had every intention of displaying these portraits in an open forum one day to raise awareness about this horrific epidemic that plagues our neighbourhoods, our friends homes & sometimes even exists our our own families. We cannot see what the victims will not allow us to see as it is usually a hidden shameful existance. My hope was that I could reach out to others so they could realize they have a voice, they do not have to stay in a relationship that is harmful and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. So I also appreciate the fact that you put me in touch with the women at the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, otherwise I would not be a part of this Art Exhibit. Another woman & friend of mine, who’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed is Michelle Johnson Major Bava. She is working on behalf of all women through her art and speaking engagements. She has dedicated her life to helping others and she is an absolutely amazing person and I am proud to know her. You can visit her site at Michelle Johnson Major Bava . Thank you Michelle :) I also want to thank all the people who commented on my portraits, the people who did not, the people who said it’s too scary to look at or I “can’t” look at those, because it means you saw them and it made you think which in turn made you aware, to some degree or another. I appreciate all the feedback, comments, likes and compliments. Thank you my fellow Bubble Buddys for all your encouragement and comments here on RB…you truly kept me going with all of your inspiring words, emails & compliments. My deepest appreciation to you all!!! :) My H.O.P.E. (Helping Open People’s Eyes & Ears) is that in portraying an ugly, sometimes brutal reality to all that they will lend a hand, an ear, a bed & a safe haven to someone in need. Yes, there is power in money, as money can move things along rather quickly. However, I honestly believe in my heart that the real power lyes within people helping people, one human being at a time! Here’s hoping this small ripple in ‘my’ water can possibly start a tidal wave!!! Peace, light, love & hope to all… God bless, / Ieneke
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