Kenzie Pearce + The Story Behind
How often have you caught yourself wishing you could rewind or freeze time? You aren’t alone, Kenzie Pearce is on the search as well and her featured photograph today is about as close as one can get without Doc’s DeLorean. Without a doubt, the longing to capture and savor the simple moments intertwined within the important ones, can be the most important driving force in our creativity. We capture what we can’t bear to lose the memory of and we can’t thank Kenzie enough for reminding us of the sheer importance of that today in The Story Behind.
IG Handle:.
@maywood.photography
Where was this photo taken?
This photo was taken in our home in Abilene, Texas.
How did the location add or hinder to your image?
Because it was taken at home, I was more comfortable and familiar with the lighting and surrounding. I feel so cozy when I look at photos taken at home.
DSLR, iphone, instant or film?
DSLR
What were your camera settings for this image?
35mm, 1/320, f1.4, ISO 500
Can you tell us “The Story Behind” this shot?
The story behind this is actually very simple, as most photos of my children are. Lottie is our very last baby, and our only little girl. As a mother I tend to look at my children and wonder “where the time went”. This day was an easy day, slow and quite, Lottie was probably 2 or 3 weeks old so everything seemed so fresh and new. We were all sitting in the living room reeling from what leftover energy we had from the day before, and I looked over and saw her sweetly laying and grinning. It’s not a moment I wanted to let slip by me, so I rushed to my camera and snagged this last minute grin.
What speaks to you about this image? What specifically made you press the shutter?
I have so many memories of our older boys but I didn’t take many photos, which now I kick myself every day for not doing. So this was a moment I couldn’t let pass me by and not be able to show off. There are so many seconds and minutes of my children’s lives that I end up saying, “I wish you were there” or “You should have seen it” and I have to describe in detail about that event. I love being able to actually show people that very memory and moment, it’s the reason I do what I do.
What was your composition technique with this shot?
I don’t believe in rules when it comes to photography, I never have (partly why I got kicked out of my photography class once or twice in college). I saw my beautiful baby girl giving the biggest grin, I had to freeze that moment. There are of course times, especially during engagement or portrait sessions that I put more landscape in the image or focus in on one specific spot. Even in those times I don’t restrict the image to a rule.
Was this photo happenstance or did you visualize it prior? If so, how did you envision the image and set up for it?
This was purely happenstance, as are most of the photos of my kids. I really love capturing them in their element, doing things that kids do best. I like catching them off guard and being silly, their facial movements and personalities are so special.
Did you have any lighting challenges/How did you light the image?
It was taken in the afternoon, so you can imagine there wasn’t much light shining through the windows. I raised my iso a bit and opened the blinds as much as possible.
Did you use any special techniques – freelensing, prism, etc?
No special techniques, just shooting wide open and under exposed.
Did you use a preset to edit this image, your own selective edits or a combination of both?
I have my own preset that I have developed over time so I use that for all of my images.
Do you have any addition information you would like to share with our readers?
I am primarily a wedding and elopement photographer but lifestyle sessions are just good for my soul. I live in Abilene, TX with my husband and three kids – just a woman trying to survive motherhood and raise awesome little people.
Texas photographer Kenzie Pearce can be found at the following spots:
SITE // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK