Family conversation - from my time machine

[Kerry Perkins]

One of the jobs that I happily do as a NPS volunteer is to photograph the filming and television production that happens within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. I also lead interpretive tours of Paramount Ranch, a working movie western town located in the park. On this particular day, a major film production was shooting at the ranch. I struck up a conversation with this cowboy extra, who had his daughter with him who was also an extra. I told him I was a family photographer and he said "hey Annie, come on over here and be the mom!". At first they just looked at me and smiled, but I said "no, no - I want a scene to shoot". They instantly went into acting mode and I got this. Since I was working for the NPS, I have to say "photo courtesy National Park Service".

[Dennis Bishop]

I'm glad you had them go into candid mode. The results are great. The way you framed the family with the columns is very effective, too.

Thanks for mentioning Paramount Ranch. I just looked it up and put it on my list.

[Kerry Perkins]

Dennis, if you get out this way let me know. I will give you a VIP tour.

[Hazel Grant]

yes, great candid. Frame by the posts is good, especially when they are not really 'centered' between them. Allows for some breathing space and gives more of a candid feel. Nice story.

[Hazel Grant]

Just wondering what post work you did on this. It has a sort of painting look to it. very nice

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, Kerry, what a fun "job" I'm glad you got them out of posing mode!

[Wendy Kates]

Kerry, I like this one a lot...it looks like it should be the cover of a book about the Old West. The facial expressions that you captured are perfect, and I love the way you processed it.

[Nancy Bell]

Terrific! Love how the bright blue dress attracts your attention first to the woman, and then immediately to the animated conversation between the 3! The young girl's smile is a great attraction as well. You captured a great scene with these people! I agree that the columns are great as a framing element.

[Judy Howle]

Very nice Kerry! They look like a real family having an animated conversation.

[Kerry Perkins]

Thanks everyone. The processing was a recipe that I made in Nik CEP. It has a vignette, blur vignette, and glamor glow. I fine tune for each image.