Jamie Olsen + The Story Behind
We’re suckers for a solid black and white image but add multiple layers like lighting, subject placement and perspective, we get downright giddy. Jamie Olsen is a photographer that we’ve followed since Bloom was born and this image has been one our most loved images on our Instagram feed. With so much goodness happening in her image, we had to know her thought process for this beauty and couldn’t wait to share the juicy details with you.
IG Handle:.
@jamieolsen7
Where was this photo taken?
This was taken in my back yard about 10 minutes before sunset.
How did the location add or hinder to your image?
The location added to my image because of convenience and light. Since it’s my backyard, I’m able to study the light on a daily and know the exact times to place my subjects. I’m pretty lucky!
DSLR, iphone, instant or film?
Canon 5D Mark III with 20-35mm @ 23mm.
What were your camera settings for this image?
f4.0, ISO 500.
Can you tell us “The Story Behind” this shot?
I wanted to capture the emotions of the mother. I wanted to show her the way she holds her baby, how he lays in her arms skin to skin and how she looks at him. He loves to be nakey and she squeezes his tiny buns so I felt this would fill her momma heart.
What speaks to you about this image? What specifically made you press the shutter?
The squishiness of the baby and mostly the way she’s holding him as if she’s telling us she’ll never let go; I’m always here.
What was your composition technique with this shot?
I composed this way specifically for the feeling and the light. And I already knew what the mom wanted me to capture.
Did you have any lighting challenges/How did you light the image?
Spot metered. No lighting challenges except for having to be intentional with the fading sun. I knew I wanted some flare somewhat lighting the image.
Did you use any special techniques – freelensing, prism, etc?
Not this time.
Was this photo happenstance or did you visualize it prior? If so, how did you envision the image and set up for it?
I’m obsessed with motherhood and telling the stories. I love showing my clients who they are and what they look like during their motherhood journey. This photo, I can say, was a little of both because I may have visions going into my sessions and often am pulled into so many other directions while I am photographing at the time. After knowing what the client wanted to remember about her motherhood, the details come pretty easy. I was inspired by the light, the way she looked at her baby, her dress and the freedom of love between a mother and a child.
Did you use a preset to edit this image, your own selective edits or a combination of both?
I used my Photoshop actions I have created to edit this. Coming out soon.
Do you have any addition information you would like to share with our readers?
I don’t normally crop out of camera but for this one I did just slightly off the top because her little guy was turning his head to see me and was getting squirmy. He wanted down!!!!
Continue to be inspired by Jamie Olsen at the following places:
SITE // FACEBOOK