@filmpalette Instameet

I recently had the opportunity to attend an Instameet organised by @filmpalette. Probably my first Instameet in months, can't remember the last one I'd been to. I've been so uninspired for so long to shoot, I figured this would be a great opportunity to get inspired. There were a couple of big names that would be attending, also since this was purely for portraits, I thought to myself that if this doesn't inspire me nothing would. 

And true enough, it did help me in some ways. Just by watching @paper.ends do her stuff, shooting the models, I learned so so much.

Now it's usually really hard to get any proper shots of models when you're at an Instameet, which was why I had to slap on my 50mm (75mm equivalent on my nifty crop sensor camera). I needed that extra zoom so as not to get other photographers in the frame. Sure, that limits my framing by a lot, but I didn't have that much of a choice. But on the bright side, more BOKEH! Another thing I had to do was be shameless and walk to the front (not something I really like to do but all for my shots). Managed to cover the rest of the photographers with my perky ass and asked Naomi to face my camera for the shot above, which I think is my best shot for the day.

Yes before you say anything, I know the compositions for the shots aren't exactly the best. But the sunlight was 11/10 that day, coming from in between the buildings. It was perfect for backlit shots, but the background wasn't very pretty. So I had to shoot wide open and bokeh-fy everything at the back. Not really how I like to do things, but just this time, I let myself indulge in some creamy bokeh goodness. 

I think the hard part came after the meet. The editing. I haven't edited photos in way too long, I didn't really know what to do. Especially the backlit shots. The harsh sunlight gave a flare of sorts, making editing tough for me. I have never shot any photos like that before after all. I decided to say screw it and go with a dreamy look for my photos. Even though the advice was to bump up contrast for shots like these. But I felt like I could make use of the sunlight better than just bumping up the contrast. So I went for a dreamy look. And hopefully it turned out well.

But well, overall I think it was a really productive meet. I managed to get some pretty decent shots even with so many photographers crowding around one model. So yea

Cheers?

Away

The longer I'm away from my camera, not using it, not out shooting, the more I lose the feel for it. Sure, it's a good thing to take a break occasionally, but sometimes it feels like I might end up quitting for good. Even if I know that's not gonna happen. Photography is something I'd never quit (I think). But right now, that break is what I need I suppose. An even bigger break from social media is much needed too. I'm currently off Instagram for 3 weeks and going, but who knows when that will end. I'm not as good as Mango street, being able to go without any social media for 3 months, but I'll try.