Search This Blog

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Low Bridge


Shoot a facial close up during kids' play and you'll have a terrific expression. 

Skateboarder can’t bear to look as he rides between his friend’s legs (© Michael Maher, The Lowell (Ma.) Sun).



The Photo: 
There’s not usually anything exceptional or interesting about a kid riding a skateboard down the middle of the street. However, as I walked to my car, I noticed a girl jumping into the air as her friend on the skateboard rode under her legs. As he went beneath her, he closed his eyes and grimaced, hoping she wouldn’t land on him. It was a very strong photo because his facial expression was so intense. I had to ask him to do it a couple of extra times to make sure I got the photo right and, without any prompting from me, he grimaced every time he went under her legs. Omitting the jumper's upper torso emphasized the skateboarder's expression even more.

3 Tips:
1) Normal play activity can be more interesting with close-ups of great facial expressions.
2) Look for any compelling expressions -- joy, intensity, fear, etc.
3) Your photo should capture both what the activity is and the kid’s face.