Love the Curls!

I love this image for so many reasons.

From the technical aspect, the “halo” effect comes from the subject being “back lit.”  This means the strongest source of light (in this case the sun) is behind the subject.

In this “back lit” situation if you let your programmable camera select the settings for your exposure, most likely your subject’s face would be too dark.  This is a good time to use a handheld light meter to read the light exposure coming from the brightest side of the child’s face.  Setting your camera to the  ”manual” mode, you set your aperture and shutter speed settings according to your readings off your light meter.

Here’s a little trick to measure exposure readings for photographing moving objects like little tikes on the run like this guy when in outdoor settings.  Place your hand in the same orientation as your subject and take the exposure reading off your hand using the handheld light meter.  You don’t have to be in the exact same spot as your subject.

Another reason why I love this image is the curls of Luke’s hair!  This is my third portrait session with him and he has had these lovely locks since he was a little baby.  Its hard to resist messy up his hair with your hands when you see him.  I’m also in love with his expression, no cheesy smile just soft and sweet.