The Youthful Spark - candid

[Mongo]

Photographing friends’ 50th wedding anniversary recently. Many generations present including great grandchildren.

Mongo managed a very quick passing candid image of Cloe when he noticed that carefree and enthusiastic play with the other children and spark of youth in her eyes reserved largely for the young and, no doubt, all but forgotten by many of us of later years.

D4s, Tamron SP AF 90mm f2.5 macro at f3.2, ISO 800, 1/100th, camera in manual mode, SB-700, handheld.

The nature of the interior lighting (and WB on auto) made for a very warm colour balance notwithstanding the flash. In this case, Mongo did not mind that given the warm colours of the subject’s hair and background. Because of the impromptu nature of this candid, ultimately, it seemed that an almost square crop was the best fit for the original shot but would be interested in any comments/critique about the image generally.

[Akira]

Love the vivid facial expression!

The flash works like the local control to raise the contrast and enhances her face nicely without being harsh.

[HCS]

The nature of the interior lighting (and WB on auto) made for a very warm colour balance notwithstanding the flash. In this case, Mongo did not mind that given the warm colours of the subject’s hair and background. Because of the impromptu nature of this candid, ultimately, it seemed that an almost square crop was the best fit for the original shot but would be interested in any comments/critique about the image generally.

Great expression, that trumps everything!

However, since you solicit comments, one about the use of the flash. You did well to balance it against the ambient exposure, probably used BL-TTL. However, it seems you didn't gel the flash, making her face a tad blueish.

Also, i'd have liked her right eye to be a bit more in sharp focus.

[armando_m]

Wonderful image Mongo!

Almost looks like she is running around and you captured her in passing

[Ron Scubadiver]

Sweet.

[Mongo]

thanks to all of you.

...... You did well to balance it against the ambient exposure, probably used BL-TTL. However, it seems you didn't gel the flash, making her face a tad blueish.

Also, i'd have liked her right eye to be a bit more in sharp focus.

You are correct about the BL-TTL and Mongo agrees with you on all points. Did not use gel and had the aperture preset to f3.2 at the time she came by - not enough time to go to f4.5 - f5. Could possibly sharpen right eye a little in PP. However, as you have said, it is really mostly about the expression. Mongo very much appreciates your comments/CC.

…Almost looks like she is running around and you captured her in passing

This was indeed the case Armando. Luckily, she slowed down to an almost stop when passing or the 1/100th shutter would not have been enough. It was just a lucky grab shot.