Great inspiration...

So, you know how I was saying that I've been feeling uninspired lately? Well, I take that as a sign that it's a good time to learn something new, try something different. That's usually how my photography finds it's way to the next level. Step it up a notch, you know? :-)

Well, I've ALWAYS loved the look of sunflare & backlighting. The backlighting I can do, but I just don't have consistent success with sunflare. I'll get a little teensy bit here or there every once in a while, but nothing fantastic. It's about time I get on that, don't you think?

When I'm wanting to learn something new, I like to look to other fantastic photographers for inspiration. Study their work, figure out what it is about it that captures me, you know? So, naturally, for sunflare & backlighting, I'm turning to Detra's work! This woman is the QUEEN of flare! And, on top of that, she's SO good at capturing kiddos doing the things they do in the big ol' middle of a sunset! LOVE it! That's the sort of thing that appeals to me. Check out one of the main images on her website! (You may have to refresh a couple times to get the one of the blonde girl with the sun glowing behind her to come up.) Look at how rich it is... I just love it! (Also, check out her maternity gallery for some INCREDIBLE sun flare. Well, really you should just check out ALL the galleries!)

But, anyway, so, out I went yesterday evening, umbrella in tow (yes...I'm THAT shameless!) I managed to get a couple shots with some flare. There's definitely NO consistency! Haha! I need to keep practicing, but I'm happy with what I got! I'm gonna go ahead and tell myself that maybe the reason I didn't have more success is because it was beginning to get pretty overcast out there...lots of dark clouds rolling in. I can't complain, though, because I think the clouds made for crazy pictures, too! As frustrated as I was at the time with my lack of sunflare, I really am pleased with these shots. They're different for me, and that's what I needed!

So, without rambling on EVEN more, here are my shots:

Maya was NOT being cooperative, so here's one of the only shots I got of her.
This is probably my best flare of the evening.

A tiny, tiny bit more flare here. And, I think this one might be my favorite shot of the evening. :-)

Here's one from when the clouds rolled in. There are more of these that I'll probably share in the next couple days. I post processed this differently...added a duotone layer at the end. Some pictures call for the duotone...I love it when they do! :-)
So, yeah...I'm no Detra. But, maybe with a little practice, I'll actually be able to produce some flare on a more regular basis.