Outdoor Photoshoot

The other day I realized I only ever take pictures of Molly inside, which is fine, but its pretty simple to figure out lighting inside... either there is good natural light or there isn't. You can adjust proximity to window and angle, but it is just kind of ambient light - not real hard to figure out. 

I wanted to try taking some pictures outside to start thinking about and practicing with lighting. Of course Molly wanted to be my subject so she came along too! I've learned some good things by analyzing my pictures. I like the backlighting. The sun kept coming out and then hiding and I like the ones with the most sun - I think some of them look a little dull and overcast. I didn't use a reflector to bounce any light back into her face and in a few of the pictures that would have helped. But note to self: I need another person with me next time. It was way too hard to adjust my camera, check the lighting and make Molly smile. She won't just listen to me... I'd have to pick up a toy, shake it around, then hurry and put my camera up to my face... and then she was looking away! 

Anyway - it was a good practice session and I really like some of the pictures. I haven't edited any of them, but I took a photoshop class last week and can't wait to edit these! 

Oops - she can't quite sit up by herself yet. My bad.

(Obviously this one is overexposed but I can take the exposure down easily - won't that be nice!)

I wanted one of her playing with her toes... instead she couldn't stop pulling up her dress. Oh well.

Mom - this one is for you. Nope, the hat doesn't quite fit yet. And I think it will be cuter when she can sit/stand by herself... and maybe some hair would help too!

I could NOT get her to look at me - she was enthralled by the grass and dirt. It made me realize that I'm going to have to stop being such a control freak when she gets bigger. Kids like dirt. Bummer for me.