What do you do when you have 12 young people on a beach, late in the day, who want to have a group picture taken, and are up for just about anything?
Simple: you just tell them to JUMP!
If you saw yesterday’s Featured Photog post with Janet McQueen, then you were probably as taken as I was, with the image of her granddaughter jumping in mid-air, holding an umbrella, against a gorgeous blue sky. I really enjoyed that photo, (although as many of you noted, all of Janet’s work is very good!).
That photo reminded me of several “jumping” photos I’ve taken in the past year or so. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about seeing people in mid-air, with their arms and legs and heads all going in different directions, enjoying themselves, without a care in the world. Maybe it’s a refreshing counter to the dim realities of the world we are living in today. Maybe it’s just that seeing people happy and feeling good is infectious. Whatever it is – I like it, and in the immortal words of someone, “if it feels good, do it”.
To make this shot work, we needed:
- A group of willing subjects. We were spending the day at the house of a family member. In addition to my family, there were nieces, friends, and friends of friends. Ages ranged from 11 to 26, all great kids, all in a fun mood. Check.
- Good lighting and a lot of space. This is the beach at Wells, Maine, on an early evening in July, when the sun was just above the horizon, providing some nice, long shadows on the sand. Check.
- The right camera settings. Nikon D90, 18mm focal length, 1/100 sec, f/10. Wide enough to get everyone in, fast enough to freeze the action. Check.
- Patience to keep trying until we got it right. This capture was made on about the 5th try. The trick is to get everyone airborne at the same time. Sounds simple with a little 3-2-1 countdown… right? Not exactly, since some people, like track runners who listen for the starter’s pistol, can react a smidge faster, others a smidge slower. That results in a mixed bag of ups and downs and in-betweens. But after a little practice, and a steady cadence on the countdown: Lift-off! Check.
I’ll be bringing you some of my other “jumpers” in the future. Feel free to share with us your similar human aeronautical endeavors! And thanks for visiting 2 guys Photo. Posted by Ed
Fun shot. I’ve been enjoying checking out your daily photo so keep them coming.
Awesome shot! I had called Madi over to my computer screen yesterday to look at McKenzie in mid-air and said, “We are gonna do that!” She said, “How do we do that?” I said, “I dunno, but we’ll figure it out!” 🙂
This may explain why Ed asked me and my family to jump for a photo when we were at his house last month. Don’t post that shot, Ed… I implore you!
Rey
Looks like a lot of fun for everyone. Much better memory than a posed group shot.
I love shots like this. They are so much fun. I did take one of my Chamber Singers in costume for a “Lords a Leaping” shot. This one is so cheerful. Thanks for posting.
Donna
Super fun shot, Ed! I just love all the expressions on everyone’s face, pure joy! Your family did a terrific job of all becoming airborne at the same time in only 5 shots….!
Pure unadulterated FUN!! I am going to try some jump photos this weekend… Love the long shadows too. Great photo as usual Ed! And PLEASE post your jump photo of Rey :0)
Rodney
Yes, please… 😀
Thanks everyone for your comments on this photo. Rodney and Mark have asked that I post the photo of Rey jumping…
Here’s the thing: since we both grew up with cameras either in hand or at least nearby, we have an abundance of photos of each other, many of which show one of us in odd situations, with goofy expressions, or something silly that would be embarrassing if made public.
Rey and I have an unspoken pact that we will NOT publish any of these for fear of starting an exchange that could quickly escalate to a point where life as we know it would be in jeopardy.
So we have sort of a Mutually Assured Destruction understanding. And that’s the way it will remain. It’s better for mankind.
However, if he doesn’t return my #% $& lawn mower pretty soon, you’d better head for your basements!!
Lawn mower delivered!
Oh, alright. BROTHERS!! GEEZ… of course I have two older brothers, so I do understand.
cheers, Rodney
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