Routine photographs often provide more challenges than we
realize. For example, there is an annual toy giveaway sponsored by Samaritan
House. I've photographed this event for many years and the venue can be
extremely difficult to work in. The main obstacle to the photographer is the
extensive use of black curtains to separate the distribution area from the sorting
and staging areas.
For this assignment I used an on-camera flash with a
diffusion dome. I used a wide angle zoom lens set to its shortest
focal length. Short lenses used require short working distances,
which may cause overexposure of the foreground. I solved this by rotating the
flash head to feather the light on the right portion of the frame. Selective
burning in post-production was needed, but for the most part the important
details were be maintained.
While it would be easy to stage a photograph I always try to make a managed candid. For this
photograph I simply introduced myself, and complimented my subject on his warm
smile. All I had to do next was wait until the right combination of visual
elements fell into place.
I made about twenty photographs of my subject distributing
gifts. I chose this shot for two important visual elements. First, the gift
itself can be easily seen and is brightly colored, and becomes the real center
of interest. Second, the hand pointing at the gift suggested that this would be
the selected gift. The receiver’s identity was purposely concealed over privacy
concerns.
Hope your Christmas was a merry and filled with love and joy.
