My client recently hired me to capture her granddaughter. She wanted the best expressions and said this was why I wanted to do the photo shoot. I continued to help her with her commercial needs, and she knew I concentrated on getting the “moment.”

Nikon D4, Sigma 70-200mm ƒ/2.8, ISO 500, ƒ/5, 1/800—Off-camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800. The flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the flash’s output.

I intentionally shot these on my Nikon D4 to use the off-camera TTL flash system I have come to love. I am using the off-camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800. The flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the flash’s output.

We decided to shoot outside on their deck because the little girl was not happy when I arrived inside. However, the mother said she loved the outside, and sure enough, as soon as we went outside, she became another person.

You have to remain flexible. I wasn’t thrilled with the railing, but I liked the plants on the deck.

Nikon D4, Sigma 70-200mm ƒ/2.8, ISO 500, ƒ/4, 1/1250—Off-camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800. The flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the flash’s output.

While the little one loved the outside, she was starting to get a little fussy, so mom gave her blueberries that she just loved, but also gave me many photos with drool.

During some of the time, it was sprinkling, and the other time, it was overcast. So getting a consistent color was achieved by winking in a flash.

Nikon D4, Sigma 70-200mm ƒ/2.8, ISO 500, ƒ/4.5, 1/800—Off-camera fill-flash using the Nikon SB-900 & SB800. The flash is on the Pocketwizard TT5 and triggered by the Mini TT1 on the Camera with the AC3 to control the flash’s output.

While I liked the green in the background, I found this oversized recliner I used for a three-generation photo of the Grandmother, mother, and child. I prefer the cleaner background, and had it not been raining, I would have suggested getting off the deck so I could eliminate the railing. A different location would have led to an even better background.

While I love the Fuji system, when it comes to nailing the focus and moment, I still prefer my Nikon D4.