Rembrandt moments in Lovina
Beautiful pictures can come out of the least expected nooks and crannies around us, and I am not just saying this because it sounds so romantic and encouraging, I am uttering it, because it has held true for me. That moment when the light is seemingly horrible, can turn into the most romantic shot ever. The blurry shot, can be even more emotive than an extra sharp glimpse at the world. Same goes for the over/under exposed pictures, which become the signature of certain photographers.
I am sorry to say, that this does not actually mean that we can glue that finger on the camera and swing it around every which way feeling creative and inspired with the mangled mess that will result. New age photography, maybe, but its not what I am suggesting here.
What I am saying is that with the right approach, even the lost cause of a shot can be interesting.
Case in point: Rembrandt effect
Its early evening in Lovina and the Dod collapses on me, or simply falls asleep. Of course he looks cute and daddy wants to document the moment, so grabs the camera and having learned something from living with me, has a hunch that the light is not enough, thus gives me the hopeless look of what-do-I-do. I set the camera and he starts taking pictures.
The light is horrible by any standard – weak and barely there. But falls on us just the right way.
Mr.Blab is awestruck by his creation and keeps on keeping on, the fancy photographer that he has suddenly become.
“Aaaah, that is good” – his lips quietly muster. “Rembrandt, baby, Rembrandt”
Not bad…punk, but who set that camera up for you, huh? – I think to myself, but encourage the man, because he is doing some pretty nice work there, with my camera in his tingling hands.
So beautiful! What wonderful shots, the dim light actually makes me so curious in the first shot, is it Mum or Dad? Who else is in the bed? It really draws you in. Well done Mr Blabs…watch out he might become Mr Snaps!
Beautiful…love the last two.
Rach, you are good for his snapping ego, that is for sure.
Nikki, he did well, I agree.
Lovely…nice job Mr Blab!
I am a sucker for low light photography and these images are truly beautiful.
Mr. Rembrandt, well done!!!
I love these! Just found you through the comment on Almost Fearless and have to say I love these photos. The light is fantastic – reminds me of Rembrandt and of early Sally Mann work. perfect.
Bethany, I can only hope to have work as wonderful as Sally Mann’s one day. Thanks for the visit.
For the rest, do go check Bethany’s blog. Its worth it.
Truly evoked a response in me. My eyes are brimming.
Nice :)
“but who set that camera up for you, huh?” this sounds familiar to me!
Can you remember what settings you set your camera to by any chance? I can never get a good low-light photo!
Alex, the only way to do these kind of pictures is to manually set the camera for exposure. I will try and find the photos and see what the settings were for these particular ones….
Oops, cant do it right now – not connected to the hard disk. I will try later.
But generally since cameras try to average the whole scene to a mid point brightness, these shots are tricky and you need to underexpose at least one or two stops. What have you tried?