Capturing Emotion

Image © Robert Harris Photography


The foundation of photography is not about equipment or the latest software to enhance your pictures. Rather, the foundation of the art of photography is layered with light and emotion and the ability of the photographer to freeze a fluid moment into a valuable memory. Almost any camera will do; even cell phones capture truly memorable images when these elements merge.

In this emotionally filled slice of life, the bride's grandmother is spontaneously overcome with tears of joy as she sees her granddaughter in her wedding gown for the first time. The resulting spontaneous embrace is the culmination of a lifelong bond between grandmother and grandchild. With the elements of light and emotion in full measure, we are able to witness a beautiful moment, however the real beauty is the ability of this photograph to transport these two individuals to this very moment in time (emotions and all) each time they see this image.
Viewing the moment in black and white strips away the distractions of color and helps to enhance the emotional feel of the photograph.

Last but not least, to truly capture emotion in a picture, the photographer must allow themselves to feel the emotion as well while composing the image. The emotion can be laughter, sorrow,etc. or in this case, a heartwarming embrace.

Nikon D3 w/ 17-35 2.8 lens