My latest senior shoot involved a beautiful country girl named Summer. She had some specific shots she wanted so we went to work to recreate them as best we could.
Things she wanted included in her photos were her truck, her dog (Rip), archery, shotgun, and of course, cap and gown. We were able to accommodate all of those quite well here at Hampton Haven.
We started out with Summer and her truck, and worked from there.
Summer has a very nice and photogenic F-150Who doesn’t love a good black & white imageThis idea was one that Summer had in mind and seems to be a favorite of everyone who sees them.Just a country girl and her truck. Notice all the academic awards as well!A girl with many talentsRelaxing in the country grass with RipSummer and ‘Merica!The look.
Just a reminder, if you are in the Overton TX area, I do a limited number of portrait shoots each year. I love doing them but my “day job” prevents me from going full-bore. My goal has always been to provide great photos for a good price for the people in my area. So hit me up and we’ll see what times I have available. Seniors, Family,
Until next time,
Michael
All words and photos copyright 2022 MHampton Photography Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses and Godox flash equipment
Remember back in 2019 when I posted that changes were a-coming? The idea was that I would be adding more portrait photography into my work. Then, just as things were picking up, 2020 happened and we all know what that year brought. 2021 wasn’t much better and the last thing on most people’s mind was new portraits. The economy was tanking and a large portion of the world was hunkering down in their homes. Now we are in 2022. And while still having its own challenges, it is starting to see people get out and mingle once again. And for me, I had the chance to get out and mingle “wildlife” and portrait photography together in one session when I was asked to do a senior shoot for Christina and her horse, Lucy! Of course, you know I jumped at that opportunity!
We met at a local ranch where Lucy stays, and the shoot began. We started by allowing Lucy to get used to me and the equipment. As much as I love animals, I also respect them, especially when they are much larger than me. I let her smell me, my camera, exposed her to the flash, and all went well. I might add, we did all that BEFORE Christina got on her back.
Then we started the photography with a few shots of Christina riding Lucy. We were still letting Lucy get comfortable with the camera equipment and me just to make sure there would be no surprises.
Once we were all comfortable with each other and how each of us worked we did a few closeup shots.
And since this was a “senior shoot” after all, the obligatory cap-n-gown shots were a must. At this point we are all feeling pretty comfortable together and Christina and Lucy are both being total professionals and easy to work with.
Then came time for a wardrobe switch and a change of scenery. We moved inside of the stable and got a few studio type shots. This is the first time I’ve used a stable as a studio, but in this case, it was the perfect setting.
Time was wearing on, but our goal was to get some shots during the sunset, so we continued. We took a few in a few more settings and then the sun began its descent out of the sky. This brought us that beautiful sunset light we were waiting for. So we set up our position and let God light the scene.
At the end of the day, Christina and Lucy were great to work with. I had the happy chance to combine two styles of shooting, and Christina ended up with some portraits that she can be proud of. So, a win-win for everyone!
So, just a reminder that now things are starting to return to normal, I still do portrait sessions, with or without animals. If you are in need of portraits, be it for a senior, a family, or other, give me a shout and we’ll see what we can get scheduled! I am based in the Overton, TX area and look forward to taking your photo!
Until Next Time,
Michael
All words and photos copyright 2022 MHampton Photography Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses
*Note: Clicking on any image will open that image in a new window, full size.
*Note 2: I don’t normally do black & white photography, but today’s weather just seemed to beg for that treatment.
Since the first of the year the weather here in East Texas has been anything but cheery. In fact, it has been downright drab and depressing. I made a promise to myself that I was going to break that chain, and even if the weather wasn’t beautiful, I was going to get outside if for no other reason than to get some exercise.
So, I log out of work a couple of hours early, clearing with my boss to log a couple of hours of vacation time of course, and head outside. Sure enough, it is still dreary and even a little misty. I grab my trusty Canon 1DX-II body, 70-200mm lens, and head outside…after bundling up a bit that is. After all, it’s not even 60 degrees out there, and I live in Texas. LOL
As I began my walk, the first thing I noticed was how moist the air was. I was thankful for the weather sealing that Canon has provided for my camera and lens. At least I don’t have to worry about my equipment.
The first place I go is the creek that borders my property. I have had quite a bit of erosion over the past few years due to flash-floods and I wanted to make sure that everything is still holding.
Convergence
Things seem to be holding, at least for now. Who knows what will happen when the spring rains come this year?
Climbing up out of the creek, I see a fallen log which has a fungus growing on it. Life passes, and gives life. The circle of life in nature.
Where the Fungus Grows
As I walk around the property, I check on my bluebird boxes and clean them out for the coming year. It looks like 4 of the 7 boxes had a happy nest in them this past year. That explains all the bluebirds I noticed all summer long. I hope even more will be used this year.
And speaking of critters that live in holes, I stop and ponder for a moment who has been taking up residence in this old tree. Perhaps someday I will find out.
Someone’s Home
I continue walking past the boundary of my property and into my neighbor’s forest. He allows me excursions into the woods with my cameras. It’s great to have friendly Texas neighbors.
Living in East Texas, it is not uncommon to find relics of the oil boom that took place here many years ago. In fact, not far from my property is the location of the Daisy-Bradford #3 well which began the boom here in East Texas. This abandoned pipeline has been lost back to nature.
Lost to Nature
Looking through the brush shows the gauge that used to measure the pressure of the valuable substance flowing through the pipes, now dormant, sitting peacefully at zero.
Measuring Zero
Continuing my trek on this drab and dismal day, a single bit of color catches my eye. The pine trees have provided a carpet for the forest floor, and some other tree has provided a pop of color. This helps me remember that even on a day like today there are still things for which to be thankful to almighty God.
A bit farther I come to the power line easement that crosses so many properties. As I look down the line I can see the mist which is starting to roll in across the pasture. I’m strangely overcome with a sense of peace at the scene.
Mist Across the Pasture
As I’m walking I realize that for the first time in several months, I’m outside and active, breathing the fresh air and making my body move. It feels good. I’ve been so tired of being tired all the time, and it’s no one’s fault but my own.
I come to a small pond of water that was uncovered during the recent tree harvest on my neighbor’s property. I sit down on a stump to rest and to just listen. Hoping to hear the sounds of nature, all I really hear is silence, which is very calming. It seems I wasn’t the only one affected by this weather. All the critters appear to be hunkered down.
Then I notice the branches of a small pine tree which had fallen near the pond with the little seeds of life still clinging to the branches. Once more, death giving way to new life.
Seeds of Life
As I head back to my own property I notice a lone, crooked tree standing in a field where all the others had been harvested. For some strange reason it made me think about how it felt to be the one left out when teams were being picked in grade school. This poor guy didn’t get picked. But in this case being picked meant going to the lumber mill, not a sports team. I wonder if it knows how lucky it was for being so malformed? I wonder if it will green up again in the spring? Or is this just another example of the cycle.
Last to be Picked
From here I head back and finish checking the bluebird houses on my own property. Now they are all nice and clean for the next generation of bluebirds this spring.
Now, what can I do next to get myself off the couch, my body moving, and shoot with my camera? We’ll see.
Until next time, Michael
FYI: The tree harvesting on my neighbors’ property will enter the next phase this year with planting of new trees. Once more, the cycle of life in nature, of a renewable resource.
All words and photos copyright 2020 MHampton Photography Equipment used: Canon 1DX II and Canon 70-200IS/USM/L lens
