Sunrise? What Sunrise?

Last night I realized I had absolutely nothing planned this weekend. Wow! A whole weekend where I could do or plan to do just about anything. So last night I decided I needed to have some one on one portrait time with my three year old. I have fewer images of him than my other two children, mostly because he would rather run and play than follow instructions. ;) When I told him last night that we were going to go, just the two of us, and take pictures he was so excited. He kept telling his older sister and younger brother, "Sorry, you can't go. Just me and mommy are going."

While driving down University Drive a few times this week, I noticed these huge cargo containers and kept thinking... that would be an awesome background. So, as I fell asleep last night I imagined how great the warm sunrise light would look bouncing off these colorful containers and lighting up my son's blond hair. Well, unfortunately it was a dreary drizzly morning when I awoke. Ugh! Oh well, if I wait, we might not have another chance. Who knows how long the containers will stay there?

Here are two of my favorite images from the morning:

Lighting Challenge of the Day for Me: Cloudy days are typically great days for portrait sessions because you don't need shade. You can photograph just about anywhere. The sun is filtered by the clouds and falls softer on your subject. However, you have to be careful of raccoon eyes and other shadows and pay close attention the the direction your subject is facing. I thought it'd be fun to try to make my three year old seem taller than he really is, so I had him stand tall against one of the container, then I lay down at his feet.

Cool idea, awful light. When he looked down, all the light in his eyes, disappeared.

I took just a second to retreive my trusty reflector, layed it open on the ground and then layed down on it, leaving most of the area open to bounce light back into his face.

Success!

I'm really enjoying these urban style sessions. I'll be on the look out for more fun and unusual locations with this type of style. It's fun and different from the formal feel of my typical family sessions. Well, as formal as you can call a family session with me! Ha!