14: Yasuto

Photographer: Yasuto

Original post on Instagram

Location Scouting

1. Select a Location:

   • Find a location with blooming cherry blossoms or similar flowering trees. Parks, gardens, or streets lined with these trees are ideal.

   • Visit the location beforehand to understand the best spots where the flowers are in full bloom and the light is optimal.

Timing

1. Golden Hour:

   • Plan to shoot during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) to capture warm, soft light that enhances the mood and colors.

   • Ensure the timing aligns with the blooming period of the cherry blossoms for the best results.

Camera Settings

1. Aperture (f-stop):

   • Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 to f/4) to create a shallow depth of field, isolating the subjects and creating a beautiful bokeh effect with the flowers.

2. Shutter Speed:

   • A moderate shutter speed (e.g., 1/125 to 1/250) to capture the subjects sharply while allowing for some natural movement.

3. ISO:

   • Set a low to moderate ISO (e.g., 100-400) to maintain image quality and reduce noise.

4. Lens:

   • Use a prime or portrait lens (e.g., 50mm or 85mm) to capture the subjects with a natural perspective and soft background blur.

Composition

1. Rule of Thirds:

   • Position the elderly woman and the dog along one of the vertical thirds of the frame, leaving space for the cherry blossoms to fill the rest of the composition.

   • The woman’s face and the dog should be positioned near one of the intersecting points of the rule of thirds to draw attention to their interaction.

2. Leading Lines:

   • Use the branches and flowers as leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye towards the subjects.

   • The pathway or fence in the background can also act as subtle leading lines, guiding the viewer’s eye through the image.

3. Symmetry and Balance:

   • Ensure the composition is balanced, with the subjects and the flowers complementing each other without overwhelming the frame.

   • The bench and the ground add stability and grounding to the composition.

Lighting

1. Natural Light:

   • Rely on the natural light of the golden hour for a soft, warm illumination. The light should gently highlight the subjects and the blossoms.

2. Reflectors:

   • Use a reflector if necessary to bounce light onto the subjects, reducing shadows and enhancing their features.

   • Position the reflector opposite the light source to fill in any shadows on the faces and bodies of the subjects.

Subject Directions

1. Positioning the Elderly Woman:

   • Ask the elderly woman to sit comfortably on the bench, facing slightly towards the camera but turned towards the dog for interaction.

   • Ensure she is comfortable and relaxed in her pose.

2. Positioning the Dog:

   • Position the dog close to the elderly woman, ensuring it feels safe and comfortable.

   • The dog should be close enough for the woman to embrace or gently hold, enhancing the emotional connection.

3. Interaction:

   • Encourage the woman to interact naturally with the dog. Ask her to pet, hug, or talk to the dog to capture genuine emotions.

   • Ensure both subjects are engaged and focused on each other, creating a tender moment.

4. Expression:

   • Direct the woman to look at the dog lovingly or close her eyes for a more intimate expression.

   • Encourage a natural, warm expression from both subjects to enhance the emotional impact of the photo.

Post-Processing

1. Color Correction:

   • Adjust the white balance to enhance the warm tones of the golden hour light.

   • Increase saturation slightly to bring out the colors of the blossoms and the natural tones of the subjects.

2. Contrast and Clarity:

   • Increase contrast and clarity to bring out details in the subjects and the flowers.

   • Use selective adjustments to enhance the sharpness of the subjects while maintaining a soft background blur.

3. Skin Retouching:

   • Use frequency separation or dodge and burn techniques to smooth out skin imperfections while maintaining natural texture.

   • Enhance the highlights on the woman’s face and the dog’s fur to add dimension and depth.

4. Background Adjustment:

   • Ensure the background elements are not distracting. Use masking tools to refine the edges around the subjects and the flowers.

   • Apply a slight vignette to draw attention towards the subjects and enhance the overall composition.

Practical Steps for a Similar Photo

1. Preparation:

   • Plan your shoot around the blooming period of the cherry blossoms and the golden hour times. Check weather conditions to ensure optimal light.

2. Equipment:

   • Bring a reflector, a portrait lens, and any necessary props (like a bench) to the location.

3. Execution:

   • Arrive at the location early to set up and find the best composition. Be patient and ready to capture the tender moments between the subjects.

4. Post-Processing:

   • Spend time in post-processing to fine-tune the colors, contrast, and details, ensuring the final image has a polished and professional look.