Cherry-Blossom Portraits with Monet and May

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 155mm — 1/640 sec, f/2.8, ISO 360 — map & image datanearby photos
Monet
in what was literally the first photo of the shoot

I've remained friends with the family of one of Anthony's preschool classmates, and even though they haven't been in school together for nine years, we still keep in close touch. The other day I did a quick photoshoot of the family's two girls, Monet and May, who should now be about 15 and 13 years old, respectively.

I'm sort of rusty with the camera, so wasn't sure what to expect, but the moment I took the first photo, I knew that the girls would do all the work and I could just press the button; no photographer skill required when they're so photogenic. 🙂


Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 135mm — 1/640 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400 — map & image datanearby photos
May
Monet's sister, now 13 years old

They've known me since before they can remember, and were on my blog a lot early on (for example, here's Monet 10 years ago and May 11 years ago). But it's been a while since I'd seen them, and they're now perhaps a bit more conscious of their image, so they were understandably a bit nervous with the big lens pointed at them.


Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 135mm — 1/640 sec, f/2.8, ISO 360 — map & image datanearby photos
A Bit Nervous
but nevertheless enjoying themselves

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 150mm — 1/640 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200 — map & image datanearby photos
Stroll Among the Blossoms

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200mm — 1/800 sec, f/2.8, ISO 250 — map & image datanearby photos

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 130mm — 1/640 sec, f/2.8, ISO 360 — map & image datanearby photos

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 86mm — 1/1250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 — map & image datanearby photos

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200mm — 1/800 sec, f/2.8, ISO 125 — map & image datanearby photos

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 160mm — 1/800 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 — map & image datanearby photos

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 70mm — 1/800 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 — map & image datanearby photos
Helping Hand
their dad worked as my assistant

Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 82mm — 1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100 — map & image datanearby photos
Trying to Do Something with the Blossoms
but Monet outshines them

I knew that they were a bit nervous, and that I'd have their attention for only a short time, so I tried to be quick. From the first photo to the last was just under 11½ minutes.


Nikon D4 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 116mm — 1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 220 — map & image datanearby photos
Group Portrait

I'd love to do this again when the mom is available, to do a real family portrait. Next time!


All 5 comments so far, oldest first...

OK, this startled me. I saw the names “May & Monet” and I expected toddlers, not those lovely young women. I SWEAR they were just born a few years ago, and you had adorable toddler photos of them – maybe last year? How did I not remember that they are older than my oldest?

— comment by Marcina on April 7th, 2018 at 10:28am JST (6 years ago) comment permalink

Thanks so much, Jeffrey!!! Both girls were actually rather camera shy as you noticed, but you got them into it and now, seeing your photos, they were both very happy you made the effort. Kayo was rapt as well. The links to the two older photos opened some other memories that we all happily explored as well. I actually searched and found about 5 or 6 photo series over the years, which are now bookmarked for easy access.

Of course, we would all love for you to do it again!

— comment by Arthur Brigham on April 7th, 2018 at 1:11pm JST (6 years ago) comment permalink

I like the last picture with Arthur. I am so proud of him. Our mom admitted that he is the best looking of her three sons.

— comment by John Brigham on April 9th, 2018 at 10:39pm JST (6 years ago) comment permalink

The fifth photo is untitled, but it’s my favorite. A candid-looking shot that is still beautifully framed.

— comment by David K. on April 10th, 2018 at 7:10pm JST (6 years ago) comment permalink

Wow ! Love the girls photographs. The softer lighting proved a plus. They are very pretty young ladies anyway but you captured so much more. When ever I have a ‘flat spot’ coming on, I back out of Lightroom and ‘dial up’ your site. The bike shots are great also with the information. Thanks from Queensland, Australia. Bundaberg, famous for sugar cane and Bundaberg Rum.

— comment by Brian Harris on June 7th, 2018 at 10:44am JST (5 years, 10 months ago) comment permalink
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