The only place to be on a hot day…….
I rarely take photos of people in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Its even more rare for me to take photos of people without their knowing it, but yesterday I made an exception. I was a fair distance away when I spotted this girl reading in the shade and thought it might make an interesting photo.
I had to crop the photo drastically in editing to make her the focus of the image. Her bright red slacks and the deep shadows in the background overpowered the subject, so I thought I’d try Black & White with a vignette to hide some of the background (as I had cropped the sides as far as I could).
Black & White made her red trousers ‘disappear’ and the sun’s reflection on her face (bouncing off the book), show up better .
I played around with editing for some time last night and this morning. I was trying to reduce the overexposure of many of yesterday’s photos shot in the Gardens. I’m wondering if I should give up photography out in the bright sun altogether in summer, (or go and live in the UK or Europe where the sun is less harsh – LOL). But seriously, our Australian summer sun is very harsh at the time of day I go for a walk and my body clock always dictates what time I go outdoors and is pretty difficult to alter these days.
This morning I fine-tuned the contrast as best I could, the idea being to decrease the dark shadows in the background, but not lose the shadow outlining her body and face.
Very creative, Vicki. I am still thingking of new images to shoot when I get my next DSLR delivered. Next motnh isnt’ that far off.
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I really like the treatment you’ve given this photo. Must try it with some of mine. We have the same harsh light problem here so I rarely take photos around midday unless it’s cloudy.
Extreme light and shade sometimes lends itself well to Black & White, Carolyn. I don’t think this would have been so successful if the girl’s face hadn’t been lit up as though a spotlight was on it – her face would have merged in with the tree trunk if the book hadn’t reflected the light onto her face.
The reflection of the light in her face is really nice.
I think that reflection on her face was what made me keep the image & play around with editing.
Funnily enough, the girl was so far from where I was standing that I didn’t even see the reflection on her face at the time of shooting. I just thought the scene looked nice.
I love it when you find something special after you have shot it.
LOVE this Victoria — I do take photos of people a lot but you know — with DSLR – not comfortable doing it as much…. small phone camera is very unobtrusive… but you got a treasure here… Sending Love ~ RL
Thanks Robyn. I really only feel comfortable taking photos of buskers in the city, and even some of them can get cross if you take their photo.
It’s not as though I make any money from my photography, so it’s not as though I am ‘selling’ their image. Even so, like you, I don’t really feel comfortable taking photos of people without their permission.
It’s Chinese New Year tomorrow, so am going into the city to try & get some photos of the Chinese Dragon parade through Chinatown. Hope I can see through the crowds. Could be fun, especially as it’s going to be nice & cool.
Hope you are doing well with your treatment. Sending lots of healing wishes your way. V xo
Looks good!
Thanks Lisa. I think I might have to follow her example this week – it’s going to be hot every day.
Beautiful! I’m also hesitant to take photos of people without their knowledge, but you did a great job on this one. I really like the treatment you gave the photo.
Thankyou Fergiemoto. Australians are strangely camera-shy.
A shame really, as I see some great potential shots on my walks in the city centre in particular. I’d love to try some portraits or more photography of people at the markets and festivals in Melbourne. The markets in particular.