A Moment That Made Me Reflect
This image means a lot to me. Not just because it was my first newborn and family session, or because I used a brand new 28 to 70mm f2 lens for the first time, but because of what came after I posted it.
I had shared the image online, along with a comment that said something like, "One year of experience and I can produce images like this. Experience doesn't always equate to quality." My intention was not to boast or discredit those with decades of work behind them. It was to challenge a narrative I have seen too often: that if you have not been doing something for ten or twenty years, your work must not yet be valid.
A respected veteran photographer responded with, "Would you like critique on the image?" And I paused. Not out of fear, but out of respect. I am no longer rushing toward approval. I used to. But this moment gave me the chance to reflect on my own, first.
This image was created under imperfect conditions. The light modifiers I had ordered, two 37 inch Godox octaboxes, were delayed in shipping. I had to work with a 28 inch softbox and a simple umbrella. While setting up, the wind knocked over a light stand and bent the umbrella frame. Luckily, my AD200 survived the fall. Behind the family, I positioned a Godox V860 with an orange gel to bring warmth to the frame.
The photo shoot started a little late. I had planned to start shooting at 7:30 PM to catch golden hour, but the sun had already dipped behind a building by the time we started. Doyle Park in Little Chute sits in a valley, which meant the glow I hoped for was not there. But I improvised. I leaned into soft light, connection, and trust in my setup.
Technically, I see plenty of things I would improve:
I wish I had framed them a bit wider
Her right arm is a bit too square to the camera
Their shoulder overlap could be refined
His leg placement could feel more relaxed
I could have added a touch more light to his face
But I also see what I love. The intimacy. The quiet confidence. The little girl pulling focus in the softest way. The feeling of family. It may not be flawless, but it feels true. And more than that, it made an impact on the family I photographed.
This shoot reminded me that while I have much to learn, I have also come far. The technical side will keep evolving. But the part of me that cares, that listens, adjusts, connects, and reflects, that part is already fully present.
So yes, I welcome critique. I know I am still learning. But I also know that experience is not measured only in years. Sometimes, it is measured in how deeply you pay attention. And that is what I plan to keep doing.