Well, it’s another fall here in Ohio, and with this week being peak with the leaves color means Senior High School and Family portrait time for all of us photographers.

Fall is such a pretty time for color backgrounds. For this Senior, when asked, he wanted two things. He wanted pictures in the woods, and second was pictures with wall graffiti. (Graffiti will be next week blog and how we pulled it off with no graffiti in our area) When I met with Dylan, I noticed two things about him. His eyes and his model appearance. I need to show those while we shoot. I was also thinking what mom would like to hang on her wall.

Our day started in some woods in Ohio called Goll Woods. I never had the opportunity to take pictures here. I first google the woods and look at the maps for any exciting locations. Next, I went to the place and walked it to see what areas I wanted and the pictures I was thinking. Dylan shows up, and it was time for pictures.

Woods can be tricky because of the blotchy light with light and shade. My thought is that I would use the natural light (sun) as the backlight and my camera setting for the use of most of the ambient light or the light I could see. Then with one Speedlight with gel, Used this to give just a splash of light to take care of raccoon eyes and provide them with some pop. What is raccoon eyes? It is yes that looks that are dark and no life in the eye. This something I do not like, and I see it a lot when looking at other photos. Why? Next, I did the full-body, then the half, and then the closeup on every location.

I have been asked what I use for equipment. I am a Canon user and now been using mostly the new mirrorless EOS R for my camera. Lens I use mostly my 70-200, 50mm, and 90mm. I don’t remember the settings for these few pictures of the day. I do remember my ISO was 50 to 200 depending on the ambient light it was made me use less or more. For more light or less light.

Well, that is it for the technical aspect. It’s peak time in Ohio this week and time for more Senior pictures and Family this week. The sad part is we know what is next. You got it, cold and white.