Fall Photography with Jayden
Jayden asked me the other day if he could use my old Canon T2i camera and learn some photography with his old man (me). I was not only thrilled, but excited that my very own son has taken in interest in my passion of photography.
We started out at Kohler Andrae state park in the late afternoon, and before we started pulling exposures, we had a "pre-conversation" about lighting and the aperture priority mode (AV) that he would be exercising. Once I started sharing my words of wisdom with Jayden, I could tell he was getting a bit lost, and I know I can be a bit technical at times; so I really tried to relate to him as best as I could. In AV mode I instructed him to practice making the exposure lighter and darker using the dial near the shutter button. I simply told him that if you dial to the right, the image will be darker, and if you dial to the left, the image will be brighter. Once he comprehended that approach, we were off running and having an awesome time.
The two of us walked the whole "Marsh Trail" and the "Sand Dune Trail" and saw some amazing beauty by mother nature. The colors were bright, vibrant, and sexy. It was very cool to show Jayden how taking a leaf or other object and placing it in another area can help bring "interest" to an image. I tried to share with him that we are not bound by what we always see, but to see past the normality of the environment, and its ok to change things if you feel it can help the scene or composition.
After we completed the photo walk at Terry Andrae, we took a drive out to Kohler, and took another stroll near Black Wolf Run. I must say, what a beautiful area! I was completely in love with the colors mother nature was providing. The light was overcast, and complementing the scene nicely. Jayden and I captured some amazing photography in Kohler, and can't wait to return.
All in all, it made my day to spend some quality time with my little man, and share my passion with him. I look forward to more of these times and moments with my son. Thank you Jayden for spending the afternoon with me. It meant a lot.