Date Taken:  Sunday, June 19, 2016 at 8:26 pm
Camera:  NIKON D300
Exposure:  1/60 sec at f 5.3 ISO 640
Exposure Mode:  Shutter Priority
Lens:  AF-S DX VR 18-200mm Nikkor f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Focal Length:  105 mm (35mm Film Equiv:  157mm)
Flash:  No Flash
Software:  Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 (Macintosh)

We organize a dozen photoshoots each summer, providing models and locations for photographers to socialize and take pictures without a lot of gear or structure.

In fact, that's a rule.  Minimal gear.  No lights.  Except for the addicted.  They're allowed to use one flash, without a lightstand.

In many cases, maybe most, flash complicates life and does not improve the photograph.

Here, Jade was shot in the last half-hour before sunset.  No flash.  No reflector.

Notice the quality of the catchlight in the eyes; it's complex, interesting and definitely adequate.

In addition, because of the soft light of the open shade, the shading on the face is delicate and flattering.  We could have used a little more light in the hair.

Here are the Photoshop layers, in the order I would have created them:

* Image layer:  Minor clean-up with the Healing Brush.
* A Frequency Separation group.  There was some dark tanning on the face, and tell-tale "racoon eyes" from wearing sunglasses.
* Curves adjustment layer, used to add a touch of highlight to the eyes.
* Photo Filter Adjustment Layer to warm the skin tones.  The eyes and teether were masked so that they didn't have any yellowish tones.
* New Image Layer, used to create some sunbeams which are so subtle that you probably won't even notice them.
* Curves Adjustment Layer, set to Multiply Blend, to darken the image corners and provide some vignette.

Posted June 21, 2016 at 8:41 pm.