We ventured out of our box and decided to take in a new experience as a family rather than following our usual birthday tradition of giving gifts, for mine and the kids' birthdays.
It has been an amazing experience and I am enjoying every minute of it. I of course took my camera and newest lens along - what a brand new perception, when you are examining every angle, and every source of light, observing how the light bounces off and what looks nice versus what does not.
Part of the lighting class I took the other night examined in depth the way light affects the subject, and what looks flattering and what does not. These photos are a testament to that. It was interesting to capture Dave in the corner of the room in the fancy chair. Not too long ago, I would have told you I love the picture and see nothing wrong with it or the quality of it. Now - I see it completely differently. I see the way the light is cast across his face and the deep, unfavorable shadows it causes. (He's still so handsome no matter how the light hits him.)
I love the things I've learnt lately. I love examining the light sources. Taking several different photos from different angles and seeing the incredible difference, and outright improvement by adjusting how the light reaches the surfaces of my subjects. If it's harsh. If it's soft. If the shadows are deep. It's all so wonderful.
A candid shot. Soft shadows. I'm delighted with this photogragh.
A posed studio shot with controlled lighting. A stark contrast - and a wonderful outcome.
While taking this opportunity to make memories with my family, I am taking the opportunity to continue my learning. And I'm not forgetting to absorb every bit of the rest and relaxation it is providing me as well.
Daniel and Gwenevere sure know how to take it all in, too. They partied hard from the moment we got here, until supper and jacuzzi time - and then they crashed, just as hard.
So here's to our three January birthdays. Learn lots, love hard, laugh harder. Try new things, and improve at the old things (like photography) so they stay feeling brand new. Keep going. Try hard. Then try harder. What a wonderful time at Fantasy Land Hotel. We will definitely be doing this again.
Our roommate and friend, Captain Morgan. He's the silent type.
