The art of capturing stillness comes down to slowing down and noticing what others rush past, whether that is the soft fall of light, a quiet expanse of water, or a single held breath in an otherwise busy world. The technique this week leans on patience as composition, letting a calm moment settle before you press the shutter, and many of you embraced the optional composite edit to build serenity from several frames. The five photos below, our standouts from the Just Breathe theme, show how quiet moments make the most powerful images.
Browse the full Week 25 Album on 52Frames →
“Listening”
Why I liked it: What I like about this shot is how immersive it feels and this is not by accident. Ja composed the entirety of the frame with the intention of bringing you into his world, into his story. He does this by framing perfectly square as well as keeping the main subject completely symmetrical within the square. There is nothing in the frame that can distract you from the story. It is intentionally minimalistic, just like the subject must feel in the world of his music, completely in his story without distraction. Lastly clothing does have a big part in storytelling and the rawness of the subject’s exposed shoulders anchors and grounds us into the immersive feeling of the story.
Exif: Nikon Z5 II · Rollei 85mm F/1.8 @85mm · 1"6 · f/8 · ISO 100 · flash
Genre: Used External Flash, 1" Shutter and Longer, Portrait/Self-Portrait
“Just Breathe”
Why I liked it: Sharon took some artistic liberties in her composite work this week but the story really stands out as a fascinating photograph even if it’s not the type of photo 52Frames generally promotes. From the excellent shadow work underneath the subject to the flowing fabric of the dress, we really feel like she is at the bottom of the sea, but more importantly at the bottom of her own energy. The feeling of being despondent as the bubbles rise to the surface and her hand just barely touches the floor is a powerful story that really resonates in the album.
Exif: Canon R5 mark II · Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 @24mm · 1/200 · f/16 · ISO 400 · flash
Tags: #sywtbap #aussie52 #plcc #composite #water #selfportrait #underwater
Genre: Composite Edit, Portrait/Self-Portrait
“Forest’s Glow”
Why I liked it: To be honest I liked the photo but then I looked at Pat’s caption under her submission and then I went back and realized I loved the photo. I think the process in how Pat executed this vision is the most impressive part of the shot, proving that experimentation and patience are some of the most important tools in creativity. this is actually 70 images blended into a final composite, the culmination of over an hour and a half of shooting from 5-second exposures to 30-second exposures, an impressive creative feat into capturing the magic of fireflies on a summer’s night
Exif: Canon EOS R5 · Canon EF50mm f/1.8 @50mm · 1/800 · f/7.1 · ISO 200
Tags: #park #trails #lightrails #fireflies #lighteningbugs #summer #glow #grove #challenge_captured #freshair
Genre: 1" Shutter and Longer, Street Photography, Action, Nature, Landscape
“Steeped in Sunlight”
Why I liked it: What I love about this photo is the simplicity: finding the right angle so the background blends into almost abstract diagonal lines and facing the sun in such a way that Rembrandt lighting falls onto the subject’s face, with "short lighting" enhancing the shadow side, and giving us the perfect amount of shape on the subject, to reveal the calmness of the subject’s face. So much is communicated in what can be perceived as a simple composition, which points to the advanced understanding that Joyce has in capturing her story.
Exif: Canon EOS R5m2 · Canon 24-105mm f/4.0 @32mm · 1/100 · f/8 · ISO 100
Tags: #focuspocus #boston52f
Genre: Black & White, Portrait/Self-Portrait
“Before The World Rushes In”
Why I liked it: Catherine claims that she’s just a beginner at portrait photography, which is, I think, why I like this photo even more. It just ticks the box of every compositional checklist that you would hope for when shooting a portrait like this: The time of day is perfect.The light hitting the subject, again with "short lighting," enhances the shape of the subject’s calm pose. The placement of the subject right near the lower left third is spot on. The sliver of foreground to reveal the layers of blurred vast ocean behind it is just so perfectly done and well balanced. A truly perfect portrait shot that you can feel.
Exif: @96mm · 1/800 · f/2.8
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