Class of 2011

Photographs © Robert Harris Photography
When scouting locations, subjects are often surprised when we find a suitable area for a photograph. In these portraits of Jarrett, we used settings surrounding his family's property that complemented his choice of clothing. A weathered building and an old barn were used in the two images shown above. Lighting was sculpted with scrims and gobos (to block stray light) to create dimension and depth in each photograph. The resulting edge lighting chiseled Jarrett's jawline and shoulders for a more powerful feel to the photograph. Finally, his complementing expressions complete the portrait.

On Top of the World

Images © Robert Harris Photography

Elissa and Mike shared a beautiful Spring day with their closest friends and family to celebrate their wedding at The Mill at Fine Creek in Powhatan County. They met "On Top of the World" (so to speak) as they both share a serious passion for rock climbing. Mike is professional guide and author of climbing while Elissa is a teacher when she is not scaling sheer mountain walls of granite.

Many of their "rock monkey" friends took a day off from climbing to celebrate with Mike and Elissa. Mike's brother mentioned to him some time ago that he would never meet a girl on top of a mountain. I guess Mike proved his brother wrong...

As for this newly married couple, Mike spoke of his relationship with Elissa when he summed it up in three words..... "I love us."

Congratulations Mike and Elissa... I know you will look out for each other in your life ahead; especially while climbing.

A Walk in the Park

Images © Robert Harris Photography
After a full week of photographing commercial assignments, several commissioned portraits of young girls and boys on location and in the studio, several bridal portraits and an extended senior session, we ended our week strolling the lake at the University of Richmond with Jason and Lindsey. It was good to get to know this engaged couple and enjoy the weather and beautiful scenery all around us. The pollen that was so evident earlier in the week had been washed away from an overnight rain. We spent the better part of an hour visiting areas around the lake to capture this wonderful time in their lives in portraits. We look forward to being a part of their upcoming wedding day in May. Congratulations Jason and Lindsey!

Signs of Spring

Images © Robert Harris Photography

Signs of Spring are all around us! With the exception of the pollen, we all enjoy the new growth of plants and trees that lay dormant throughout the past winter. Even the bird's songs seem brighter as the days become longer and temperatures warm the Earth.

The above images were captured around our yard over Easter weekend after a day of yard work on Saturday. The resulting images were made using a Nikon D300 with both a 70-200 2.8 lens (bird) and a 105 2.8 macro lens (close up images)

In both cases, the lens was used wide open (2.8) to render a very shallow depth of field to isolate the intended subject matter. (bird and blooms)

You can even use a point and shoot camera to capture close up images of blooms and flowers by using the macro setting on the camera. You'll be surprised how well they turn out. The secret is to move in very close and focus on an individual bloom. You don't have to travel far to create meaningful pictures. It's even better when they are made in your own backyard.

Happy Easter!

Image © Robert Harris Photography