Brad Kehr Photography

How To: Picking the Perfect Image

2011-11-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

These days, with gigabytes of film and instant review, the number of photos that can come out of any session, especially for beginners, can sometimes reach hundreds with dozens of shots from a single pose. So, how do you select the perfect shot to post on your blog or give to your subject for their Facebook profile?

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem. I don't know how many pictures I have seen of people praying there. Everyone I saw made me want to go an shoot there myself. When I finally got the chance, it was like being a kid in a candy store where all the candy was free as long as I could figure out how to reach it and take it home. Needless-to-say, I came away with a full memory card and had to keep myself from running to get back and start editing.

I almost couldn't contain the desire to sprint through the crowded Jerusalem streets, because deep in the bits of my compact flash card, there was an image I knew was one of my best. Even before the light hit the CMOS censor of my Canon 40D, I was jumping up and down, figuratively of course, as soon as the subject approached the wall. As soon as an Orthodox Jew and his young son approached the wall to pray I knew this was my touchdown. Taking the tape. The photographers checker flag.

I started shooting. And shooting. And shooting. The scene kept building, getting better and better. As soon as I would close the shutter a better pose presented itself. Then another. Then, in an instant, everything came together in the perfect shot.

In the next instant, the entire situation changed and the moment was gone. Fifty frames, a missed bus, and a jubulant walke home later, it was time to edit. Thanks to Adobe Lightroom 3, the workflow is very simple. Clear out the poorly exposed, out of focuse, cluttered, and otherwise sub-par photos. But that still leaves the decision of which photo is the "one" everyone will see. Which one will I present as my Picture of the Day?

Typically, you only get one chance at your audience. The picture you present must capture the entire story and the audience's attention in the same moment. If you are like me, you will often end up with a number of photos that could make the cut as a solid, stand-alone photo.

Here is the final cut from the Wailing Wall.

Each photo has elements that really tell a story - that is what we are looking for. The first two tell the story of religion and prayer at the holy site - a father praying with his son. Number 3 shows a parallelism between the father and the child. Then in 4-8 we see the kid's attention start to wander while the father prays. In 4, the child is still attached to the wall - this would work as a commentary on the place. In 5 and 6 we get a couple good shots of the comparison between the father's praying and the child's understanding of what is happening. Number 7 adds the element of the father-son relationship that is the real story in this series. We get the juxtaposition of a father's dedication to his religion and a son's devotion and attachment to his father. Then, all of a sudden, in 8, the child pulls in the audience by looking straight at the camera. With all the elements of 7 and the attention grabber of the child's eyes looking into the audience, this is the "one." It is the full story.

Sometimes, as in this case, you know as soon as the shutter clicks that you just captured the story. Sometimes it requires going through the pictures to find the one that tells the most complete story. In the end, the one you display will be the one that captures you and captures the audience.

Note: We can often get caught up in a moment or a photograph that we as the photographer have an understanding of the context that the audience will not have. Keep in mind that when you have only one frame, it may not be your personal favorite, but will communicate everything you understand about the moment to the audience. It is often better to keep those photos that require explanation or context for a photo series instead of presenting as stand-alones.

A Whole New Feel: A Whole New Purpose

2011-11-05T06:43:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the new Brad Kehr Photography blog. It has a whole new feel thanks the Blogger.com team. Go ahead, click around.

And, just like the look and feel of the blog has changed, the purpose of the blogging is changing as well. Because the P.O.D.s are now available directly through www.bradkehrphotography.com, this blog will become more of a How To. It will regularly highlight one of the recent P.O.D.s and take a look at how the image was made.

So, stay tuned for the first in the series coming this week where we take a look at How To pick that perfect image out of a series.

DC Event Photographer

2011-09-13T11:36:00.002-04:00

There is almost nothing more fun in my life as a photographer than to get to see people as they are. Whether a wedding or an event - like in this Luis Palau Portland Cityfest slideshoe - there is no mistaking God's creativity. Psalm 139:13-16.

POD 8.9.2011

2011-08-09T13:59:00.003-04:00

Quick photo shoot for a friend. Great chance to play around with light. Light sources - Sun (backlight) and a 580EXII (a little up and to the right). Portrait photographer - Washington, D.C.

POD 8.2.2011

2011-08-02T10:10:00.002-04:00

Evening over the Bay - Colonial Beach, VA.

POD 7.28.2011

2011-07-28T00:33:00.000-04:00

Sails of the catamaran in the sun. Off Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.

POD 7.19.2011

2011-07-19T23:54:00.003-04:00

In contemplation, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC.

POD 5.30.2011

2011-05-30T00:54:00.003-04:00

Remember those today who have given the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on what you have both gained and lost in their heroism.

POD 5.24.2011

2011-05-24T22:19:00.001-04:00

BMX action at the Luis Palau Portland Cityfest 2008.

POD 5.13.2011

2011-05-13T12:51:00.001-04:00

A quick throwback picture to a couple years ago. From Toby Mac and Diverse City at the Luis Palau Association's Portland Cityfest 2008.

Josh and Rachel - DC Engagement Photographer

2011-04-05T23:37:00.002-04:00

This past Friday, I had the amazing honor of being able to do engagement photos for a good friend and his fiance. Here are a couple highlights from the shoot.

Xin and Hsiao-Ling - DC Portrait Photographer

2011-03-23T23:45:00.002-04:00

Had a great photo session over the weekend with a good friend and his girlfriend. The early spring sun was just setting over the tidal basin creating beautiful, soft light at the Jefferson Memorial. The shoot was a lot of fun.

Here are a couple shots.

POD 2.21.2011

2011-02-21T10:01:00.002-05:00

A quick throw back picture redone with a Lightroom Preset I am calling JH - Color & Exp, with a little vignette added at the corners.

Shot just outside Jackson, Wyoming - with the Tetons as the backdrop.

POD 2.3.2011

2011-02-03T09:55:00.003-05:00

Publicity Stunt - Georgetown Law

Come Check Out JAVA HUT.
Friday - 2/4 - 8:00pm.
Gewirz 12

POD 2.1.2011

2011-02-01T14:02:00.002-05:00

Bridging Winter - Montana.

POD: 1.22.2011

2011-01-25T10:01:00.002-05:00

Lake MacDonald - Glacier National Park - Montana. See the original image at: www.bradkehrphotography.com

POD 9.13.2010

2010-09-13T16:10:00.004-04:00

Deep Brooding Clouds over Regrowth after a Fire in West Glacier National Park - Montana.

POD 8.25.10

2010-08-25T22:27:00.001-04:00

Mountain Flowers - Glacier National Park, Montana.

POD 8.23.10

2010-08-23T13:11:00.003-04:00

Flowers in the rocks - Montana.

POD 8.20.10

2010-08-20T01:24:00.001-04:00

Going to the Sun Road - Glacier National Park, Montana.

POD 8.18.10

2010-08-18T20:30:00.002-04:00

Waterfall - Glacier National Park, Montana.

POD 8.7.10

2010-08-07T17:38:00.001-04:00

Gargoyle Contemplating Paris - Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France.

POD 7.29.10

2010-07-29T02:35:00.002-04:00

Paris, France.

POD 7.28.10

2010-07-28T03:32:00.001-04:00

The Canal - Strasbourg, France.

POD 7.27.10

2010-07-27T05:56:00.003-04:00

Arc de Triomphe from the Champs Elysees - Paris, France.

POD 7.26.10

2010-07-26T04:16:00.001-04:00

Sacre Coeur - Paris, France.

POD 7.24.10

2010-07-23T18:11:00.002-04:00

Tour Eiffel - Paris, France.

POD 7.23.10

2010-07-23T07:16:00.001-04:00

Street Performer in Artist's Square - Paris, France.

POD 7.22.10

2010-07-22T06:58:00.002-04:00

Charles de Gaulle - Paris, France.

POD 7.21.10

2010-07-21T17:29:00.001-04:00

Grand Tetons - Wyoming. In honor of my father. Happy Birthday Dad!

POD 7.20.10

2010-07-20T16:53:00.001-04:00

A Street Artist waiting for a Client - Paris, France.

POD 7.19.10

2010-07-19T10:59:00.001-04:00

Outdoor Dining - Strasbourg, France.

POD 7.16.10

2010-07-16T04:09:00.001-04:00

Notre Dame - Paris, France.

POD 7.15.10

2010-07-15T06:35:00.001-04:00

Strasbourg Cathedral - Strasbourg, France

POD 7.13.10

2010-07-13T13:04:00.002-04:00

A Little Church - Bratislava, Slovakia

POD 7.10.10

2010-07-10T16:37:00.002-04:00

Bread Store - Strasbourg, France.

POD 7.8.10

2010-07-08T06:13:00.002-04:00

Arc de Triomphe - Paris, France

POD 6.26.10

2010-06-26T18:11:00.001-04:00

Jeep tours in Sedona, Arizona.

POD 6.25.10

2010-06-25T14:59:00.004-04:00

Photoshoot on the Western Rim of the Grand Canyon - Arizona.

POD 6.24.10

2010-06-24T23:55:00.001-04:00

Sunrise over the Grand Canyon - Arizona.

POD 6.23.10

2010-06-23T18:04:00.003-04:00

At the Rim - Grand Canyon, Arizona

POD 6.22.10

2010-06-22T01:22:00.002-04:00

Desert Rose - Sedona, Arizona.

POD 6.21.10

2010-06-21T05:21:00.001-04:00

Daybreak over the Grand Canyon - Arizona.

POD 6.1.10

2010-06-01T14:56:00.002-04:00

Glacier National Park, Montana.

POD 5.30.10

2010-05-30T01:35:00.002-04:00

Glacier National Park, Montana.

POD 5.3.10

2010-05-03T16:25:00.001-04:00

Kayaker below Great Falls - Potomac River, Virginia

POD 4.23.10

2010-04-23T21:41:00.003-04:00

A Catholic priest waits for his turn to speak at a Pro-Life Panel - Georgetown Law, Washington, DC

POD 4.19.10

2010-04-19T16:17:00.002-04:00

Member of the Pit Orchestra for GG&SS show H.M.S. Pinafore - Georgetown Law, Washington, DC.

POD 4.16.10

2010-04-16T16:34:00.001-04:00

POD 4.15.10

2010-04-15T10:55:00.003-04:00

US Capitol Building in Early Morning Sun - Washington, DC.

POD 4.14.10

2010-04-14T13:45:00.001-04:00

Cherry Blossoms in one of 2,000 Cherry Trees Gifted by Japan - Washington, DC.

POD 4.13.10

2010-04-13T15:42:00.002-04:00

Lincoln Memorial in Early Morning Light - Easter - Washington, DC.

POD 4.12.10

2010-04-12T13:19:00.002-04:00

Tidal Basin at Night - Washington, DC.

POD 4.9.10

2010-04-09T10:22:00.001-04:00

The Washington Monument during the Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, DC.

POD 4.8.10

2010-04-08T09:11:00.002-04:00

Thomas Jefferson Memorial in spring - Washington, DC.

POD 4.7.10

2010-04-07T14:04:00.002-04:00

Gewirz Hall - Georgetown Law - Washington, DC.

POD 4.6.10

2010-04-06T09:13:00.002-04:00

Cherry Blossoms and the Washington Monument - Washington, D.C.

POD 4.5.10

2010-04-05T13:43:00.002-04:00

Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks - Washington, D.C.

POD 3.30.10

2010-03-30T09:27:00.002-04:00

Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Arlington National Cemetery - Arlington, VA.

POD 3.29.2010

2010-03-29T00:15:00.003-04:00

Headstones under a tree in full bloom - Arlington National Cemetery - Arlington, Virginia.

POD 3.25.10

2010-03-25T10:32:00.003-04:00

The Smithsonian Castle... with experimental vignetting.

POD 3.23.10

2010-03-23T09:15:00.003-04:00

Anti-healthcare rally on the Capitol lawn - Washington, D.C.

POD 3.22.10

2010-03-22T15:47:00.001-04:00

What Spring leads to...

POD 3.17.10

2010-03-17T07:05:00.000-04:00

A quick reminder as spring approaches. Capitol Hill under winters blanket.

POD 3.16.10

2010-03-16T09:43:00.001-04:00

Church on Capital Hill.

POD 3.15.10

2010-03-15T07:17:00.000-04:00

March for Life 2010 - Washington, D.C.

POD 3.13.10

2010-03-13T15:30:00.000-05:00

A trip up the Washington Monument.

POD 3.12.10

2010-03-12T12:08:00.002-05:00

President Obama's pay czar, Kenneth Feinberg, speaking at Georgetown Law - Fall '09.

POD 3.11.10

2010-03-11T08:52:00.001-05:00

Walking in front of Union Station.

POD 3.10.10

2010-03-10T08:36:00.001-05:00

Coming Home... crab fishermen off the Oregon Coast.

Our Day at the Zoo

2010-03-09T16:12:00.007-05:00

POD 2.26.10

2010-02-26T12:28:00.002-05:00

Winter blanket.

POD 2.22.10

2010-02-22T08:07:00.002-05:00

Winter in D.C.

POD 2.6.10

2010-02-06T17:41:00.002-05:00

Today in D.C.

To see more, go to http://www.bradkehrphotography.com/gallery/11162091_UmmcL#782347739_GnXPz

POD 1.9.10

2010-01-09T23:16:00.002-05:00

Wolf Blitzer moderates a debate at Georgetown University.

POD 1.8.10

2010-01-08T16:45:00.000-05:00

Another in a series.

POD 1.7.10

2010-01-07T13:21:00.000-05:00

Pennsylvania Avenue.

POD 1.5.10

2010-01-05T13:10:00.002-05:00

Inside the Old Post Office.

POD 1.4.10

2010-01-04T11:28:00.002-05:00

The Old Post Office.

POD 1.2.10

2010-01-02T10:41:00.001-05:00

POD 1.1.10

2010-01-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

POD 12.31.2009

2009-12-31T07:04:00.001-05:00

Time-weathered driftwood.

May you have a wonderful New Year's Eve.

POD 12.30.2009

2009-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Refreshments in front of the Washington Monument.

POD 12.29.2009

2009-12-29T07:58:00.001-05:00

Touring the Washington Monument.

POD 12.28.2009

2009-12-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

The food court in Union Station.

POD 12.26.2009

2009-12-26T07:53:00.000-05:00

The Washington Monument looking down the National Mall.

POD 12.25.2009

2009-12-25T07:51:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

The Capitol Christmas Tree.

POD 12.24.2009

2009-12-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

POD 12.23.2009

2009-12-23T23:47:00.003-05:00

The Capitol and the National Mall in Fall.

POD 12.17.2009

2009-12-18T00:04:00.002-05:00

Wouldn't it be nice...

POD 12.16.2009

2009-12-16T15:44:00.002-05:00

And we're back...

POD Will Be Back

2009-12-09T12:08:00.003-05:00

All, I apologize for the current suspension of the POD. However, I found it is necessary as I have entered my first week of Law School finals. Never fear, the POD will return once I am finished with finals next week. I wish you all the best in this next week and I look forward to being able to bring a touch of life again on this blog.

Thank you for your understanding.

POD 12.4.2009

2009-12-04T09:37:00.002-05:00

POD 12.3.2009

2009-12-03T13:21:00.002-05:00

POD 12.2.2009

2009-12-02T18:37:00.001-05:00

POD 12.1.2009

2009-12-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

Lunch by the side of the road. Nuevo Renacer, El Salvador.

POD 11.30.2009

2009-11-30T09:59:00.000-05:00

North Shore Sunset.

POD 11.28.2009

2009-11-28T11:53:00.001-05:00

POD 11.27.2009

2009-11-27T10:03:00.000-05:00

POD 11.25.2009

2009-11-25T14:28:00.004-05:00

A reminder of one of the many things we have to be thankful about. This is one of thirteen crosses commemorating martyrs in Prague, Czech Republic. The crosses are built in the cobblestone next to Jan Hus square. Jan Hus was a student of Wycliffe's reformation of the English church and sought to do the same in Bohemia. Hus spoke out against indulgences and the Crusade saying that forgiveness is through true repentance not money and that we should truly practice the principle of loving your enemy (pray for them and bless those that curse you). Hus preceded Martin Luther by a century and was a key ingredient in Martin Luther's development. Hus was burned at the stake for working to reform the Catholic church.

A reminder that we must be thankful to the lives that have gone before us, but more importantly, be thankful the Christ is risen, alive, and constantly at work in this world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Hus for more info.