The Swamp-Leaf Pool Monster. Polly Nance. Digital photograph. 2012.
Memorial Day weekend, I found myself experimenting with portraiture while my kids and the rest of the family played in the pool. My niece Ashlynn was kind enough to be my model. I came up with all kinds of quirky ideas for creating various portraits. I let my imagination run wild… I tried to think like a child. This particular portrait is my favorite of all that I shot. I noticed some fallen leaves in the pool and decided that they would make a fantastic prop. I positioned two of them to my liking and then had Ashlynn hold the largest one over her eye. I have no real explanation as to why I wanted to try this out except that I was loving the brilliant colors of the leafs as they contrasted against her dark hair. It was right then and there that I decided she was a leafy-swamp monster.
Unlike my “normal” editing, I decided to tweak this photograph in Photoshop in order to practice my editing skills. Due to a serendipitous encounter with a photographer at the vet, I will soon (in July) be a second camera at my first official wedding shoot. I am nervous but excited about the future. I once stated that I did not wish to photograph weddings; however, the opportunity present itself and I feel as if I am in need of learning. I’m anxious, but ready to move on… to move on in this journey of becoming a “professional.” 
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PEACE, LOVE until my next blogg-blog post, dear fellow blog-readin’ friends
Great portrait idea! Keep thinking like a child!
Thank you! I used to always think like a child but am finding it more difficult as I get older… thank goodness I have my two little ones to inspire me and help me remember what it’s like to let your imagination run wild like a child! Thank you so much for your comment
Love the Andy Goldsworthy reference! I wasn’t thinking of him at the time… but, Goldsworthy is a great connection! And, you’ve actually helped spark ideas for my future portrait fun. Thanks for the comment (and fantastic reference)
Gorgeous… isn’t playing “what if?” fun! And congrats, on landing your first “professional” gig… that’s a good thing!
Yes, so much fun! You never know what will happen when you play the “what if” game… it leads to many many ideas! Thank you! I’m excited about this gig… but I have to learn how to use a flash in one month… I think I can do it though… I’ll mostly be using my camera without a flash since the wedding is outside. Just needed for when it gets really dark. Thanks so much for the feedback and encouragement!
I love her expression. Powerful!
Thanks! She’s a great model
Really nice portrait and Congrats on your job!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it!
I love this shot – very creative! I can’t wait to see the wedding shots, I’m so excited for you!!