As a professional photographer, a significant portion of my work revolves around capturing planned shots with meticulous lighting arrangements. The subject, typically skiers and snowboarders in their element, are framed within the lens with a pre-visualized outcome in mind. There’s a captivating thrill in executing these high-energy shots, and it’s a domain I truly relish.
But every so often, I find myself craving the spontaneity and unpredictability that comes with less orchestrated instances of photography. This is when I trade my elaborate gear for the compact Canon Rebel XT, and set out for a casual rendezvous with friends. These outings typically lead to local hotspots, like our recent meet-up at the Monkey Bar in Winooski, Vermont.
What follows are a few images I captured over the course of the evening. They might not boast the technical excellence associated with my sports shots, but they resonate with the candid spirit of the moment — a testament to the diverse beauty of life captured spontaneously.
Now, let’s play a little guessing game. Can you deduce what illuminates the face of the girl in the photograph? It might seem unlikely, given we’re in a bar. It’s these little surprises that make spontaneous photography so engaging.
On a separate note, let’s appreciate the girl donning my favorite jacket of the year – a bright orange peacoat. For the sake of the picture, I’ve desaturated its vibrancy in Photoshop, but its essence remains unchanged. Just as the jacket holds its charm regardless of color manipulation, these candid shots hold a raw charm regardless of their technical imperfections.
Enjoy these snippets of a relaxed evening, marked by good company, music, and an ever-present sense of camaraderie.
