Tag Archives: people

Photographer’s Choice – Nancy Bowers

Celebrate With Heels, Tiara, Veil – and a Doll

Nancy Bowers - Granddaughter Lanie Dances in the Light

Nancy Bowers - Granddaughter Lanie Dances in the Light

Since the early days of photography, capturing the fleeting days of childhood has been a family mainstay with a Brownie and the occasional trip to the studio. Today there are undoubtedly more shots taken than ever before, the vast majority of no interest beyond the immediate family. But this image strikes a universal chord, the quintessence of joyful youth and the dreams of lasses the world over. The dark background and back lighting are perfect to capture the swirling gown and stray hairs. The softly lighted grass in the foreground adds emphasis to the main subject. In Lanie’s left hand however, the worn doll reminds the viewer that Lanie, imagining a moment far into the future, is only four years old. A crop shows just how much that doll is treasured. As Nancy says, “The doll never leaves her and is much loved”.
Lanie's Baby

Lanie's Baby

Camera: Nikon D80 with 105 mm f/2.8 lens. Exp: 1/320 sec at f/4.5. ISO: 200

Photographer’s Choice – Anita Hale

The Girl From Ipanema?

Anita Hale - Brazilian Girl in the Sand

Anita Hale - Brazilian Girl in the Sand

Do you remember the hit song from 1964 performed by Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz that helped to bring the bossa nova and Brazilian rhythms to the American popular music scene? This image by Anita probably was not captured on Ipanema beach in Rio but the mood created is the same-a young girl in the sand with wet hair, glistening in bright, almost overpowering sunlight. The angle she chose is far removed from that of a typical portrait and leaves much of the interpretation to the imagination. It’s also an image that may not appeal to everyone but those who can appreciate a creative approach to photography will find much to admire. The graceful intertwining of the strands of hair provides a calming influence in an otherwise “hot” image.
Anita’s camera was a Canon Powershot SD750 at 1/250 sec with an aperture of f/4.9 set to a focal length of 17.4 mm. The ISO was 400.