Welcome to my very first blog post on this exciting photography journey! I get to learn and try new things every day, starting today with this blog! I’m thrilled to kick it off with a deep dive into one of my all-time favorite photographs: “Eve in the Garden.” In this photo, you’ll meet my friend Aimee (instagram.com/angelicaimee999) and her partner-in-crime, Norris (instagram.com/norristhesnake) telling a timeless story in a modern way. It’s a shot that reminds me why I fell in love with portrait photography and how a spontaneous moment can transform into a timeless memory. Let’s dive into the details of how this photo came to life.
The Inspiration for “Eve in the Garden”
I’ve always loved exploring the natural beauty of a wild landscape. There’s something about the interplay of light and foliage that gives these photos an almost ethereal quality. I wanted to tell a modern version of the Eve in the Garden story, where Eve finds empowerment and strength in her connection with the Earth. We shot this along a roaring river in the Colorado mountains, an idyllic location with incredible subjects. I knew as soon as I took this photo that we had nailed the key shot I wanted to tell this story.
Location and Setup
- Location: A secluded valley with a powerful river running right beside us.
- Time of Day: Late afternoon, which provided warm, natural light without being too harsh.
- Environmental Details: The vibrant greenery and the rush of the water created a unique backdrop. This wild garden provided the perfect setting for this shoot.
My Creative Process
- Choosing the Scene
I explored different spots in the valley to find a balance between the lush vegetation and the river’s movement, I also observed the location at sunset prior to the shoot to find the ideal spot for the setting sun. - Working with the Light
I used natural light with a fill flash, allowing the late-afternoon sun to highlight Aimee and Norris. I positioned them so the sun was slightly behind them for a soft glow, reducing harsh shadows. - Capturing Stunning Moments
We carefully staged this shot with Norris safely holding a branch and the apple below. The moment hit perfectly and that’s when I snapped the shot that became “Eve in the Garden.”
Technical Details
- Camera & Lens: Canon M50 MarkII with a 50mm f1.8 prime lens.
- Aperture: Around f/2.8, creating a shallow depth of field and a soft background.
- Shutter Speed: 1/640.
- Flash: 1 Godox V1c with 36″ soft box. Set very low to just fill in shadows and not overpower the natural light.
- ISO: ISO 100 to maintain detail in natural light.
Final Thoughts
This photo is a great reminder that natural environments and relaxed subjects can create memorable images. If you’re planning a photoshoot:
- Consider a valley or riverside spot for a unique setting.
- Experiment with different times of day for the best natural light.
- Encourage your subjects to move freely and interact genuinely.
Thank you for reading my first blog post in this “Behind the Lens” series. I have more stories to share, so stay tuned for future posts. In the meantime, feel free to leave a comment or share this post on social media if you found it helpful!
