The Dandelion Wish

How to set up The Dandelion Wish

1. Set the frame before anyone moves. The Dandelion Wish wants a close frame filled with faces, with 1 person already close enough to touch. The child blows a dandelion or bubbles, giving a playful action and natural cheeks. Perfect for spring and summer.
2. Get them into the standing shape, then say this once and stop directing: "Make a big wish and blow it all away!"
3. While they hold it, make one flatter change and shoot again. Shoot against the light so the seeds or bubbles glow.
4. If the first frame feels stiff, do not rebuild the group. Try this next: Blowing bubbles instead.

Who it suits

The Dandelion Wish is built for children. It is not an adult pose made smaller. It suits 1 person and a standing shape. It is beginner: one clear sentence is enough direction. Because the frame is tight, a small lean changes the picture more than a new backdrop would.

Where to shoot and how to light it

Shoot The Dandelion Wish outside. A path, lawn, beach, step or open field is enough. Pick a background quieter than the people: one tree or a plain horizon beats a busy street. Keep the group in outdoor light, which the next section covers.

For The Dandelion Wish, use open shade or late-day sun. Direct noon light squints eyes and blows out light clothing, especially on a standing pose where people cannot tilt a hat into place. If the sun is behind the group, expose for the faces and let the background go bright.

The usual miss on The Dandelion Wish is a gap, a straight line of heads, or a face waiting for the next instruction. Shoot against the light so the seeds or bubbles glow. Then take the frame before anyone resets.

Variations

• Blowing bubbles instead
• Sibling watching
• Close-up of eyes closed making the wish