Street Vendor At Sunset

Better Late Than Never

It's been several years since I took this photo, but I remember the evening well. The weather was warm (August), and I remember thinking that I had arrived too late. The light was fading rapidly. Conditions might have been better fifteen or twenty minutes earlier.

Shooting from the other side of 34th Street, I used a 70-200mm telephoto lens to isolate the subject. I composed the shot and then waited through two cycles of the traffic lights for the street to be free of vehicles. When the break in the traffic came, I made fourteen exposures rapid succession as pedestrians walked into and out of the frame.

Street Vendor At Dusk

Thinking back, I couldn't remember if I had used a tripod for this shot. Normally, I wouldn't in these conditions. The sidewalk was crowded, and I didn't the guy in the food card to think that I was being a nuisance. But when I look at the composition, it seems nicely balanced. I thought that perhaps I had set the camera on a tripod and composed the shot methodically.

I checked, and sure enough, no tripods were used (or injured) during the making of this photograph. Minor variations from frame to frame indicated that I had been shooting handheld. With a tripod, every shot in a series will be framed uniformly.

Out of the fourteen exposures, I chose this one primarily because of the man's gesture. We see him raising his hand expressively as he speaks with a customer. This small detail adds life and dimension to the image.

Gestures are difficult to capture because they are difficult to predict. Sometimes, you can tune into the flow of a conversation and predict when things might happen - a hug, a laugh, etc. In this case, I was dealing with a silhouetted figure from across a wide and busy street. I couldn't hear the conversation, and I could see his shape only from the back. 

What was the secret to capturing this gesture? Well, there was some luck. He did it when I was there in position and ready to shoot. It was just a matter of observing the frame and acting when things happened (or when people got out of the way). When I saw the man's hand go up, I didn't hesitate.

Fortune smiles on us when we're ready, but it won't happen unless you're out there in position with a camera in your hand, observing your surroundings closely.

(This image is featured in my Summer In New York collection.)


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lenses:  Canon ES 70-200mm f/4L IS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

London Eye At Sunset

Changeable Skies

The English refer to their weather as changeable. True to this description, the weather offers a variety of lighting possibilities for photography. A gray, rainy morning can give way to dramatic combinations of sun and clouds in the afternoon. 

London Eye At Sunset

I took this photo some years ago during one of the most impressive bursts of color that I have ever seen in the skies over London. It's not as dreary a place as you may have been led to believe!

I always enjoy traveling in the UK. I'm quite keen on returning to London for more photographic adventures under changeable skies.


Camera: Nikon D700
Lenses:  AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

The Gorgeous Light Of Summer

A Fleeting Season

Summer, our most welcome friend, you come to late and you leave us all too quickly!

We look forward to your long days of bounteous clear light. Why do you have to take them back and hoard them for another dark and bitter winter.

Red Fire Escape With Planters - New York City

Oh, Summer, please do hurry back for another extended visit! We so enjoy your company!


Camera: Nikon D810
Lenses:  Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 G

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

The Wedding Dress

The Primary Accessory

Brides-to-be invest more time, effort, and stress in the search for the right wedding dress than on any other component of their wedding day preparations. 

When she stands up in front of her family, friends, officiant, and her future husband, she's going to want to make an impression. The dress plays a big role in that impression.

The hanging dress photo is very important. It should be as unique as the dress itself. It should capture the personality the bride along with the unique vibe of the venue. You'll probably have only a minute or two to make it all come together.

The dress pictured above is from a wedding with a distinctive country theme. The rough wood contrasts with the silky material and fine details of the dress while reinforcing the feel of being in a country setting. Side lighting from a large, open door highlights the textures in the dress's decorative elements.

Bottom line, if you can capture a sharp and uniquely meaningful photo of the dress, the bride will treasure it forever. 


Camera: Nikon D810
Lenses:  AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Engagement Photography

Planning For The Big Day

I love weddings. I love being there and playing a small part in someone's life when vows are exchanged and families join together. It's a joy to watch the day unfold from the morning preparations, the arrival of guests and participants, the ceremony, the interlude, the reception, the speeches, dances, and embraces. 

It's an honor when someone entrusts me to capture their special day in photographs. I take the role very seriously. I prepare for the day by reviewing the flow of events, visualizing the different stages of activity, and making sure that I am ready to photograph anything that happens. 

I'm thrilled when I get the opportunity to photograph the couple after their engagement. It gives me a chance to get to know them and learn their preferences in advance of the big day.  

Outdoor locations offer a variety of lighting and background options. The couple may suggest a location that's meaningful to them. This is ideal. The subjects will feel relaxed and comfortable in a familiar setting, and the photos take on an added level of importance.

Wedding and engagement photos capture some of the most important moments in someone's life. These images will be shared and cherished for generations to come. Being hired to shoot them is a responsibility that I take very seriously.

Everything that I have learned about photography over the past twenty years goes into every image that I make. I want my clients to be delighted with their photographs. I want to give them my very best work.




Camera: Nikon D810
Lenses:  Various

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

The Weird World of Woolworth

Get Shorty

Woolworth stores were once an American institution, but I haven't seen one in the USA for years. Apparently, Woolworth still does business in Mexico. 

When I spotted this store during my walk through Puerto Vallarta, I pulled my camera out of the bag and took a few photos. I thought that friends of a certain age might be tickled to see a Woolworth store still in operation. 

The road in front of the store was busy. I decided to wait for a couple of minute to see whether the car and pedestrian traffic might clear. That's when things started to become interesting.

Woolworth Store - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

A short, mustached man wearing a hat and sunglasses called out as he raced toward me from across the street.

"Sir! Sir!"

Photographers learn quickly that when someone addresses you as "Sir" or "Ma'am" as you're shooting, their intention is not to be polite. It's confrontational.

"What are you waiting for, Sir?"

I decided not to ignore the man.

"Sir! Why are you taking pictures?"

Smile if you must, but keep ignoring the confrontational pest. It drives them crazy.

"English?" the man demanded when I didn't respond. "¿Español?"

"Sí, Español," I confirmed without making eye contact. 

He rambled on for a bit in Spanish. I continued to ignore him.

"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" yelled Shorty as he raced across the street. 

There was a pay phone on the corner near the entrance to the store. Shorty called someone and spoke to them in a very agitated manner. He waved his arms, pointed back at me, and made hand gestures like someone shooting a camera.

One can only guess why Shorty was so upset. If he had been associated with the store, he would have sent an employee or a security guard to speak with me. If he were an official, he would have sent the police.

My guess is that Shorty may have been engaged in some illicit activity. Perhaps the street in front of the store is a drop off point for contraband. Anything is possible in Mexico.

Undaunted, I walked into Woolworth and did some shopping. There was no sign of Shorty when I came back out. I walked around town for the rest of the day without incident. 

It's important to be careful in Mexico and in all of Latin America. Crime rates south of the border are staggering. Luckily, this time I was able to avoid trouble simply by remaining cool and refusing to engage with this character. It was broad daylight on a busy street, so I didn't expect an armed confrontation. Things get more serious after dark.

Be careful out there. There's going to be a "Shorty" character just about anywhere you travel, and he'll be watching you.



Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Legs In A Window

Good Vibes and Golden Opportunities

It was such an Amsterdam moment! I looked up and noticed a lovely pair of legs in the window. It was a bright, clear afternoon. Apparently, the person attached to the legs wanted to enjoy a little sunshine.

My camera was in the backpack. I experienced that uncomfortable cognitive pause where I wondered whether I would have enough time to capture the shot. Luckily, my hands unzipped the bag, grabbed the camera, and mounted the 70-200 while my brain was still pondering whether it was a good idea.

Legs In A Window - Amsterdam

I grabbed a few quick shots - the legs kept changing position. This image is the most flattering. 

As for the person in the window - who I never met, by the way - I would to think that they would be proud of this image. It's novel, and I feel that it show them in a complimentary way.

I never want my photography subjects to feel to embarrassed or annoyed. I want our interactions to be positive and mutually beneficial, and I want the outcome to be a pleasant surprise. I want the person to feel respected and appreciated, and I want them to be happy with the result.

While I was shooting, a German couple walked over and stood beside me for a moment. They noticed the legs in the window, and took some shots with their cell phone cameras. The lady sounded very excited (in a good way) when she said something like Gross Kamera mit Objetif (big camera with lens). I think she was hoping that I would come away with a good shot.

Good vibes are powerful, and they are always appreciated.


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved