Show And Tell
Every photograph tells a story - or two: the ones we set out to tell and those that happen behind the scenes in our attempts to bring them to life. This weekend past, I handed in my first assignment for Tabletop Photography. We were required to shoot in four different lighting conditions, one of which was harsh, direct sunlight.
Our shores have been bereft of any such thing since summer supposedly began last month but I waited and hoped against hope. One grey day rolled into the next and I had begun to think that I would have to submit incomplete work when suddenly - early on Sunday morning - the sun peeked out from behind a particularly angry looking cloud.
Barely believing my luck I raced to gather up my props, setting up my tableau as pristinely as I possibly could under the circumstances. I had chosen to shoot flowers and - with no time to lose - I yanked them from their bush and plonked them in a glass of water, straggly stems and all.
I felt it as I reached for my camera. It was, quite unmistakably, a drop of rain. Once again, I hurriedly gathered up my props and headed indoors. Ten minutes (and a near-monsoon) later the heavens cleared, the sun came out in all its harsh, direct glory and I was able to capture the images you see above.
Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories of your own to share? I would love to hear them! You can read my very first one here.
Photography
Reader Comments (9)
Chi, these photos came out so beautiful. I love all the light, and the flowers against the stripe background is a great pattern mix. Thank goodness you were able to sneak out and get these pics. Hope your enjoying your class. Inspired by you, I poked around Nicole's Classes and signed up for a typography class. Let the learning begin.
Thanks, T - I'm really pleased with them, I must say! I never, ever thought it was possible to shoot outdoors in harsh sunlight. Who knew?!
Yay! I'm so, so excited that you signed up for the typography class! I've been eyeing it up myself. ;)
I can't wait to follow your progress - I have a feeling you'll be a star pupil! :D x
Gorgeous photos, Chi! You'd never know that you we're immediately post monsoon! Those flowers, against those stripes, look gloriously tropical. I'm so excited about your class...are you enjoying it? Tell us more!
They haven't been edited either so I'm glad you like them - thank you, Lauren! x
"You'd never know that you we're immediately post monsoon!"
Haha! That's English weather for you. My husband always says: "If you don't like it, wait a minute." :D
I AM enjoying the class and I've learned so much already. I've had a peek at the upcoming lessons and they're challenging but very exciting. I'm really looking forward to learning more about styling and product photography in particular. :)
Lovely photos Chi, the crisp clean colours and pretty blooms and that shadow in the first one is to die for.
Well done. Following with baited breath for the next instalment xx
Those photos are so pretty Chi, they look like paintings. So sunny and English and summery. I mean imaginary summers where there is sunshine and stuff. Damn that Gulf Stream!
Thanks, Sam and Annie! x
I probably spent the least amount of time I ever have on the composition because of the mercurial weather. I'm usually primping for ages beforehand! I guess it IS true what they say: less is more. :D
English summers are so tantalising, aren't they? We're given a glimpse of what we could have and then it's cruelly yanked away. :(
I love love love that striped fabric, especially mixed with the darling pink flowers you chose. I bet that good old UK rain is starting to get annoying, eh? Interfering with your little photoshoot, the nerve! Well the results are fabulous anyway, and I don't think I have any fun behind the scenes stories to share. Actually, there is one! The only place to get good light in our house is our front window sill, so I will occasionally set up there to shoot, and one time I left the blinds open and someone walking by caught me, but from the street you can't see the sill inside through our window box of flowers, so it looked like I was just standing really close to the window taking a picture of my feet! Ha!
Chi, I absolutely love these photos! Seriously...you need to sell prints! Hope all is well!