This past summer I met up with a newer creative named Abi. We met via instagram, where she had reached out curious if I’d ever be interested in doing a shoot together. I was stoked because I could instantly tell that her style would be something I would absolutely enjoy. When we were planning this shoot I knew I wanted some traditional summer coloring. I knew there was this pocket of random orange sand in the Military Reserve in Boise. I knew the contrasting colors of green sage and desert shrubs that hadn’t been cooked to death by the summer heat would still be around. Abi showed me a few outfits and when I saw this dress, I stopped and told her this and only this outfit would be EPIC for what I was envisioning.
Side note for the photo nerds viewing/reading. I used a diffusion filter at 1/4 strength for these photos to really give that softer, vintage lens look. I know these have become quite trendy and I felt it was time to stop being a pompous photographer and just enjoy something that others have found as a popular tool. I can say as much as I enjoyed it, it’s for sure NOT the tool for every photoshoot. For this shoot it paired well and I’m stoked how it turned out.
Lily Yasuda
Lily is a friend I first met when she was a manager for a local artist grant company, then got to meet a bit more through some mutuals. A few weeks ago she made an announcement that she was going to be leaving Boise and I asked if it would be possible to take her portrait one last time.
We met downtown Boise around golden hour and we just went light hunting for some spots to have some nice soft lighting but also play with some more harsh lighting. I’ve been enjoying the idea of playing in more harsh light because in photography, especially with portraits soft lighting is key. However at times that can get boring. Knowing that I would be putting Lily into some really high key sun, I’ve always wanted to have a diffusion filter to play with. Luckily the filters came in the mail hours before meeting up, but I used a 1/4 strength Neewer diffusion filter this entire shoot. Now if you have no idea what the hell a diffusion filter is, the main idea behind it is to diffuse highlights. Essentially, soften that harsh lighting. Digital photography has a real crisp edge and when things are sharp it’s very easy to notice. I didn’t want my digital photos to be so sharp, so this softens things and kinda gives a “dreamy” or “film” look.
I enjoyed getting out and taking Lily’s portrait. She is off to Chicago in a few months so I was happy she had time to meet up for a bit and be creative with me! Best of luck with your future plans Lily!
