In this Sure-Shot series, Coromind invites photographers to break down two of their favourite shots, sharing the stories, techniques and moments that make each image special. This month, Karen McLeod takes us behind the scenes of her inspiring work.
‘Young at Heart’
This is an image of my father on his 92nd birthday. Dad had been in the Air Force, had worked for Civil Aviation/Airways Corp, and was also a private pilot.
This part of his life was the inspiration for the image and I wanted to capture him in character as something he would relate to.
Borrowed goggles and leather flying helmet, op shop jacket and an original silk scarf of his he didn’t know I still had.
I have a passion for monotone (black & white) images, and also darker moodier portraits.
The image was taken in my office which doubles as a very small studio, using natural light from a window on the subject’s left and using a strobe as a fill light on the right.
I used a budget range Canon EOS R8, a small mirrorless camera I had purchased for travel paired with a 24-50mm lens. This lens was a good choice for a close-up portrait, giving a little more flexibility than the 50mm prime, which is the only other lens I have for this camera.
Settings:
ISO 1000 (mirrorless cameras handle high ISO brilliantly)
F/ 6.3 (I could have stopped down more, but then would have had less of the subject in focus)
Focal length 41mm
1/100 sec exposure (a balance between letting enough light in and preventing camera/model movement)
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and converted to Mono using DXO Silver Efex Pro.
The image has gone on to gain multiple International and National Awards – in particular, winning the PSNZ Portrait Trophy in 2023.
‘Melusina’
This image was more of a challenge being taken outdoors, so I had no control over the light, as well as having the model in the water and dealing with the costuming in the water. But challenges are good!
They ensure we learn and grow. Melusina is a mythical water sprite who is fish or serpent from the waist down and often depicted with wings.
My model, Annabelle Kline, had already modelled for a few photo shoots for me and that familiarity made it easier to attempt a more difficult shot.
As this was in the water and I was positioned on a bridge above her, I had her mother in the water with her for safety reasons and to help fashion the material around her legs.
For costuming, I borrowed a bejewelled swimsuit from an Artistic Swimmer; I had purchased the scale-like material sometime prior, along with the stick-on face jewels. I also had her lying on top of some blue Tulle.
The image was taken at 7.46 am so there was some light, but no sun or harsh light contrasts to deal with.
I used my Canon EOS 6D Mark 11 paired with my favorite lens, a 24-105, as it is so versatile for portraits, events and landscapes.
Settings:
ISO 1000
F/ 5
Focal length 35mm
1/125 sec exposure (a balance between letting enough light in and preventing camera/model movement)
Processed in Adobe Lightroom with some work in Adobe Photoshop. When I saw this image, I noticed what looked like a wing on the left side (formed by the ground beneath her) and this is when Melusina was born. I transposed the wing onto the right-hand side as well, then put a texture layer of a bird’s wing I had taken an image of, to give more of a wing-like effect.
Melusina has also done well in International & National competitions – in particular, gaining a Silver at the NZIPP APA 2024.
About the artist
I’ve shared my photographic journey with Coromind before, so here’s where I’m at now.
Creativity has always been central to my life—painting, drawing, cooking, photography,
or crafts—but visual storytelling is my true passion.
In March 2024, I suffered a catastrophic injury after slipping on a painted carpark line.
A dislocated ankle and multiple fractures led to three surgeries, weeks in the hospital,
and nine weeks of immobility.
Seven months later, I was finally walking short distances without aids. This time away from photography deeply impacted both my business and personal well-being. I missed creating, telling stories, and capturing life’s precious moments—family portraits, weddings, babies, and more. The experience reaffirmed my love for photography, and now, back on my feet, I’m raring to go.
I have a passion for monotone (black & white) images, and also darker moodier portraits.
For those starting their photography journey, ask yourself why you’re doing it—passion or profit? Love for the art will reflect in your work. Experiment, find your style, and learn constantly. Watch tutorials, attend workshops, talk to other photographers, and study inspiring books like “Why Photographs Work” by Georg Barr. Examine others’ work—pay attention to the light and settings. Remember, light is the foundation of great photography, followed by careful planning. Spontaneity is wonderful, but preparation elevates your craft. Photography is a journey to savour, not a race to the finish. Keep learning, experimenting, and growing.
Words by Karen McLeod
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