Wednesday, February 17, 2010

black and white Wednesday

It's probably obvious that Grace is my 'muse' or inspiration for many of the pictures that I take. At age 7 she's already quite comfortable in front of the camera and kind of does what she wants, she has many ideas of what I should shoot of her image wise. It's pretty cute and she can get rather creative. So I follow her around while we talk and I snap away. I don't know how long this phase will last, but for now I'm enjoying it!
These two images were taken about 3 weeks ago and I thought they suited black and white pretty well. The above one on the railroad tracks with the contrast of snow and her dark coat and boots, made me laugh with the way she is standing.

This one was a little harder for me to get her skin tones look 'right' to me. Skin can look too gray or too white in black and white, so I tried to be careful. This was processed in Lightroom primarily though I added a few textures in photoshop CS3 and removed most from Grace's face.
Florabella 2 Mai Tai bl/w on Hue at 5%
Florabella 2 Mai Tai bl/w on Luminosity at 11%
Florabella 1 Lustre bl/w on Overlay at 15%
I feel like the textures added nicely to the bokeh in the background.
Please check out my friend Lisa's blog, The Long Road to China and see more black and white pictures linked to her blog.
And Happy Wednesday! :)

41 kind words:

Steffie B. said...

Very nice Gail..... ;)

Sarah Andrews said...

I really like Grace's scarf and hat..LOVE! I can't wait for the stage where my daughter will pose for me. We are at the exact opposite stage right now. I have a feeling that Grace will always pose for you! You must have a full frame camera. I wish that I did. My cropped sensor is so squishy.

Just beautiful shots as usual Gail!

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

Gail~

Grace looks like such a natural in front of the camera and you're a natural behind it--another way God knew exactly what he was doing when he brought you together!

I look forward to the day when I can look at photos like you and know what to remove and add in.

These are delightful!

Blessings~
Lisa

Jboo said...

Wow -- those are beautiful Gail!! She is so lovely -- how fun for you that she enjoys being photographed! Have a great WEdnesday!

Janet

carolinagirl said...

i love these. the first is my favorite. what a cool shot and an awesome setting.

Love Letters To China said...

Gail these are beautiful! I love the snow in the background on the railroad tracks. My daughter is 7 too and she is pretty good at posing. Now my little one (soon to be 3) is a whole other story. He runs the other way when he sees my camera coming. ;-)

Courtney said...

Beautiful photos. Hopefully she continues to like to have her picture taken!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful subject you have to work with :) I really like these photos in black & white. Her hat and scarf add the perfect contrast to the snow too! And I love how the tracks are covered in snow, except for the rails poking through. You did a GREAT job with these!

Wanda said...

Oh WOW, Gail, I love these. Grace is the perfect muse and I love everything about these 2 photos.
Especailly the blk and white stripes that just pop in the 2nd one.

Beautiful!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I LOVE that first one. It looks so artsy and funky and fun.

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Gail these are gorgeous!!! You nailed them girlie girl!!! Love them...I love the textures on the second one...so perfect!!!!

My Heart said...

That first shot is so fun! I love it!

Marla said...

Oh wow, these are just amazing! I'd put that first one on a huge canvas!!! Just lovely!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Love both of the shots...first especially. She really is a natural...so beautiful.

Becky said...

Love these Gail! Just beautiful!!

Super Mommy said...

Your photos of Grace are yummy as ususal. I particularly like the railroad shot with her playfulness ;0) - and yes, the contrast is stirking. You two make the snow look inviting (although I know better!).

Lisa said...

Oh, gosh...she looks like she's ready to take on the world in the first photo....actually she exudes joy and confidence in both!

All of the elements just pop!

What a pretty pretty girl! Our daughter is 7 also and I know just what you mean about capturing their spontaneous happiness and sass! Its marvelous!

Shelly and Family said...

I have to say...these photos are truly amazing! I can't even imagine them in color because I am so loving the B&WS! Wonderful Job!

Hope you are having a great week!

Amandalynn said...

These photos are stunningly beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I am totally doing a lot of pictures with railroad tracks right now too. There is something waaaaay cool about them.

I have an almost 7 year old and I swear she has better poses than I do sometimes. I love to capture a child's natural expressions.

These truly are photos you will look back fondly on one day, not only because of how great they are, but because you can see her 7 year old personality shining through!

Donna said...

Wow! What a fabulous photo that top one is. I hope it's framed and hanging on your wall. Love the 2nd one too. The stripes are fun in black and white.

Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!

Robin said...

I love both of these pictures! Her hat & scarf are just too cute & make for great contrast in these B&W pictures.

Beautiful use of the florabella collection. I just recently purchased the actions & have not been able to play around with them much yet.

Take care!
Robin

Jo said...

They are both wonderful! You are so right about them being perfect in black and white.

Your daughter is beautiful and certainly does seem to feel naturally comfortable in from of the lens.

Jo

Jodee said...

Adorable pictures! I love both of them!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

SO BEAUTIFUL!!! You know I loved this series of photos...they are so timeless and vintage looking.

Grace has such a mesmorizing beauty...... you are going to be in big trouble a few years from now..... you'll have the boys beating down your door for sure:)

xoxo,

Lisa

Freckles & Dimples Photography said...

beautiful photos, I love the contrast in the first one. your gal is beautiful!

Kim said...

AWESOME!! What beauty and what talent!

tracie said...

You have the most amazing pictures.

Michelle R Photography said...

Beautiful, Gail!! Isn't it fun to have a model who willingly participates and has fun, too? You two make a perfect mother/daughter, duo!

Anonymous said...

Lovely! The striped scarf and hat also add a nice contrast. Fun, sweet pics!

Briana's Mom said...

These pictures are stunning! The first one is really amazing!

I wish I could get my girl to pose, but she is only three and a half and doesn't sit still for long. I have to catch her in the act - or give bribes. Bribes are very helpful. :)

Lucy said...

Wow, these are my faves this week! The one of her on the tracks is absolutely amazing in my opinion, I love everything about it! The second one is just as gorgeous, your daughter's expression is beautiful. I also love that you shared how you processed them! Fabulous job!

Michelle said...

STUNNING photography ... and of course your daughter is simply beauitful!!

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

As always I am left in awe of your talent. I sure wish I had a willing subject. I have to catch both of them when they are no aware or I get the cheesy smile...hope that changes soon.

Missy said...

Oh Gail! These are amazing! I love the stark contrast of her clothing against the snow. She is soooo incredibly beautiful! I hope to meet her in person someday...her mommy, too! :)

Proud Parents of Halainah Grace said...

You have such an eye for photography. The first picture is so amazing. It really does have an old time feel to it. Simply amazing!

LivingSimply, SimplyLiving said...

I can never miss your photos each week..You are just so very talented...plus that beautiful daughter of yours must make it quite easy for you!

Kristy said...

Oh Gail.......I am just speehless about these pictures!!!

Love and blessings, Kristy

Lisa said...

I love these...Your subject is just beautiful!

Kayce said...

Beautiful! Your subject and your pictures!!

Jennifer said...

These are amazing! I LOVE all of your photography! I seriously need to find some railroad tracks!

 
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