Reflections and Refractions.

As I dabble in photography, the concept of looking at things from different angles are becoming increasingly more apparent. Well, this may not be an intriguing concept, as I am sure many people have thought of, and wrote about this.

Recently, I have been very much addicted to portraits. Specifically that of cosplayers. At first, I was drawn in by the colours, the expressions and the sheer variety available at cosplay events. It was so much a joy to shoot!

 

Well, that's a shot from 2011. It was, and still is a great deal of fun!

However, as I look back at my old photos, and compared them to those shot only last Sunday, I am not sure if I improved, but the feeling, the emotions i experienced when I was taking the shot, it seems different. The former, I experienced a rapid surge in adrenaline, my heart was pounding, I wasn't thinking straight. It took almost all of me to calm myself down enough to get the exposure right. It was insanely fun, I admit, but at the same time ridiculously tiring.

Recently, however, its a different story altogether.

This was a shot from last Sunday, and frankly, one of my favourites. No longer was I nervous till the point of breaking down, shooting, now feels so much more comfortable. I find myself considering way more then exposure, no doubt exposure is very important, on my mind were things like, "did the background fit?" and "how best to capture the right expression?" or even "did this shot capture the essence?" These questions and many others flowed through me.

Another thought has also impacted me. Some shots are simply better when the subject (in this case the cosplayer) looks natural. Sometimes, that means when they aren't really posing. The above for instance, was taken when something on her left caught her attention. It just feels more real to me. Somehow.





Admittedly, I am but a rookie in this field. Having only started out, it is a great blessing and pleasure to have had the opportunities that I had. I am very greatful to all the cosplayers who allowed me the pleasure of shooting with them. Maybe one day, I would look back to this period, and write another reflection. For one, I'd hope when that time comes, I would be much more well-versed at this art of light control that we so affectionately refer to as photography.


Of reflections and refractions, there is so much to learn. And the more I learn, the more I realise how much more is there yet for me to learn.