Sunday, October 18, 2009

Charlotte Oktoberfest

Last weekend, I went up to Charlotte, NC for the Charlotte Oktoberfest. I also gave myself an assignment.
2009_1010_Charlotte-66

I've been shooting more and more with my 50mm 1.8 lens. I decided I would take my DSLR with my 50mm lens and try and shoot some street portraits. It should be easy, since everyone would be more relaxed consuming adult beverages. There was some concern in shooting in a crowd of individuals consuming beer. Would beer be spilled on the camera, would it get banged around, considering I would also be sampling and partaking in the event.

2009_1010_Charlotte-69
I kept the setup simple. I shot in Aperture Priority mode, so I would only have to worry about adjusting shutter speed.

There was a great band performing and covering some great classic and contemporary songs.
2009_1010_Charlotte-71
2009_1010_Charlotte-70
This exercise was also a practice in composition and proper exposure. Conditions varied throughout the day. We had overcast skies at first and then the clouds broke and the sun came out.

Here are a couple of the shots I was able to get from willing participants.
2009_1010_Charlotte-168
2009_1010_Charlotte-167
2009_1010_Charlotte-68
2009_1010_Charlotte-76
2009_1010_Charlotte-128
2009_1010_Charlotte-137
2009_1010_Charlotte-122

I did take these next to, but don't think they qualify as portraits since they're not looking at the camera. However we kept running into them throughout the day and chatting with them.
2009_1010_Charlotte-58
2009_1010_Charlotte-107
I was very happy with the images I came home with. I didn't have a specific objective or goal. I'm pleased to have captured some great images and interactions, especially since I was drinking and only using one hand to make adjustments and shoot. I also wanted to have fun, which I did. The more I use my 50mm, the more I love it. I really like the shallow depth of field I can get and how I can still get great images in low light. I'm also getting more consistent exposures and sharp images. There's a saying that if you want to get good at something you need to put in 10,000 hours into it. I'm a long way from 10,000 hours, but I'm on my way.

If you appreciate good beer, you should make sure to make it next year.  Cheers!
2009_1010_Charlotte-64

If you're looking for a portrait photographer in the Atlanta area, visit my portfolio.

No comments: