365 Project Day 205: Portrait

Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 6.3 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 100 ISO, Alien B800 in large square soft box to camera right at 1/8 power.

I love her hands. She uses them with great animation when she tells stories about her day or about anything she experienced when she was away from us. This is part of the wonder that is Annie. She loves to bring other people into her most treasured experiences, be it a story about one of the kids at the day camp where she works, or something funny that happened with one of her roommates at school. (Like the new pet tortoise they share). The best part of all of that is her hands. They are a significant part of her expression. Often, I will find her with her hands to her face as she is thinking about something important to her, or when she is just cold. Sweet, beautiful hands.

I wanted to get a portrait of her tonight for a couple of reasons. She will be leaving in a little over a month to go to Oxford University in England for a semester. England. That has still not settled in my heart just right. I know she will do just fine. I will just miss her. She is, by nature, a carrier of sunshine and light where ever she goes. The house is never the same when she is gone. When I was young, I was called Mary Sunshine by my family and others as well. I was also told that I carried light with me into a room. I can only hope she is like me somehow in this way, or rather, that I am like her. She does shine.

I also wanted to practice my portrait lighting. We tried a couple different scenarios, but I think the one large light to one side is my favorite. I love the definition it brings to the face. I also love her hands in the frame. I think hands bring so much vulnerability to a photo, especially hers. When she touches her face with her hands, her heart opens a little more. I love that.

My beautiful Annie Sunshine.  I will miss you so much. Here are a few more of our time together tonight.