foto Priority

Aaaaah…….., the good old days.

This years Canon Photo5 competition brought many challenges. One of those being the pair of cardboard spectacles. Andrew Foo submitted the below image to Canon and has kindly shared his insight to the creation and thought process behind it. Enjoy

© Andrew Foo

Getting creative… creative flash that is!

Thinking up an idea that is both original and witty for a creative portrait is hard. Well, actually I lie. Neither isn’t terribly difficult, it’s executing on the idea where the hard yards are.

The inaugural competition Canon Photo5 competition came and went again this year and there’s nothing better than a good competition to bring out the best in your creative side.

The “portraiture” brief commanded the use of a supplied black spectacles made from thin piece of cardboard paper. How you used it in the shot, was open to the photographer’s interpretation. In keeping with the competition’s judging brief I wanted to create an image that would engage and probe more questions from the viewer. In “Think it’s time for a new pair…”, I played with the idea of a different kind of portrait and uniting fake with reality. Having worn the spectacles, the main subject could not see any better and proceeds to attempt to clean the cardboard spectacles with a lens cloth. This somewhat felt like a surreal moment, so I thought a ‘dreamy’ cast to the image would be a neat idea.

Having had the opportunity to attend one of SPW’s recent Shots @ The Arthouse (Flash Dance night) I felt more equipped to introduce some off-camera flash in getting a bit more creative. Shot inside one of my rooms in my house later in the day I didn’t have much ambient light to play with. I started by exposing for the ambient lighting for the room’s background. The idea was to keep the foreground pin sharp and in focus, so I dialed in a higher ISO to maintain a shutter speed of 1/50th of a second to eliminate camera shake. Using a wide aperture of f/2.8 allowed me to keep the foreground sharp and throw the background out of focus in emphasizing the action and the object in hand.

A radio remote trigger fired off a flashgun placed left of camera through an umbrella for a softer light. Needless to say I had a lot of fun doing this and comps are a great way to focus on a specific theme and get your creative juices flowing!

Camera and Lens: Canon EOS 450D, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

Off-Camera Flash: Canon Speedlite 430EX II attached to stand and shot through umbrella @ ¼ power

Remote triggered by Speedlite Radio Kit

Exposure: Shot handheld at f/2.8, 1/50sec, ISO800, Flash WB

Cheers,

Andrew Foo

Check out the link to the image – Think it’s time for a new pair

© Don Smallwood

In Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) make the curves adjustment (strong contrast) and back on basic tab check for blown highlights. These shots were pretty good so no worries there.

Opened image in Photoshop, first thing I noticed was that the hem of her dress on her right thigh was a little high and showed the dark elastic at the top of her tights. Not very attractive. So I cloned the hem in to hide this.

Next I lengthened her legs a touch. Now Olivia is tall and leggy but probably my perspective was wrong. To do this I made a large selection using the rectangular marquee tool. I select a large rectangle from one side of the screen to another (starting just below hem of dress) and as far down the pic as possible whilst still leaving me a little room to crop within that bottom line later. Then I selected free transform and dragged the bottom of the box down a touch.
I then cropped the picture to my liking, cleaned up the skin (not that she need much) and take away one or two creases in the skin(around the armpit) Sharpened her eyes and mouth and saved.

© Don Smallwood

Open image in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), adjust the curve to strong contrast. Back to the basic tab and adjust the temperature to ‘flash – 5500′ Then open image in Photoshop

Cropped to get the perspective I wanted.

I then cleaned the skin on the models face and leg using the clone tool.  Whilst on the skin I then run a small home built action called high pass that smooths it a little.

I also used color efex pro to add a little glamour glow.  

Next I cloned the background a little to added a little smoke and to hide a little more the leg of the background light.

If her eyes had been more open I sometimes run an action to increase contrast but not in this case.

Last thing I do is size and then sharpen. I only sharpen selectively on a separate layer so I can see the effect.  Normally with a feather @20-40 I select eyes/eyebrow area and the mouth and then run a little action I got from the world famous ‘Manny Librodo’  If you want to build this the steps are:

Filter/Sharpen/Unsharp mask:18/40/0

Filter/Sharpen/Unsharp mask:150/0.3/0

Edit/Fade Unsharp mask:Darken 100%

Filter/Sharpen/Unsharp mask:150/0.3/0

Edit/Fade Unsharp mask: Lighten 50%

by Don Smallwood

I love finding cool locations to shoot at! And let me tell you, cool indoor locations that offer a great deal of flexibility and freedom are not easy to come by. So when my good friend Matty Lee mentioned his new studio space ‘Studio Neon’ I had to go and check it out.

Since it’s recent opening as a studio we have already managed to use the space a number of times for our Photographing People Workshop as well as being the venue for my Marquee shoot. For shooting, the venue offers a number of different background wall textures and  lighting options. In Matty’s own words, ” studio NEON is not your regular white sterile studio. NEON is pimped (propped) out with a myriad of designer, industrial, retro, victorian chairs, props, lights, walls and textures”….., and anything else you need to make your shooting experience there, a creative one!

Your Function @ Neon

Photo shoots however, is not all that the space can be used for. If you’re looking to impress your friends, work colleagues or clients with your unique creative vision for your next function, then look no further.  Studio Neon is available for fashion parades, product launches, invite only events or happenings. In fact, I’m already planning my next function there.

Mention FotoPriority or Sydney Photographic Workshops for a special deal too good to refuse.

www.studioneon.com.au

Studio Neon Blog

by Daniel Linnet

[svgallery name="Studio Lighting Student Gallery"]

The final SPW Studio Lighting workshop for 09 has been hailed a great success.

The workshop started promptly at 8:30am where a mix of new and familiar faces gathered at the new Light Pro Sydney studios in Artarmon.

The day began with a short presentation by Daniel Linnet running through some theory of basic lighting techniques. There was also a short slideshow of images from both Daniel’s and Scott McGale’s portfolio, showcasing some of their high and low key images to which the students will be shooting today.

After the initial presentation Scott McGale took the students on a walk through the huge Dragon image showroom, going through each light and explaining the effect they could expect to get when using it. Meanwhile, our two models for the day, Olivia and Tara were having their makeup done and choosing the first of about 3 outfits each.

By this stage it was obvious that the students where keen to start shooting! We broke up into 2 groups; 6 students in the low key set with Daniel and 6 students on the high key set with Scott.

Both Scott and Daniel got straight into it, starting with a blank canvas and adding one light at a time to produce the desired effect. The students were given plenty of shooting time. Of course, all this with the help of the ever-so hard-working-assistants for the day; Kieron Dobbin and Jose Fernandez.

Lunch was the usual SPW feast; wraps, sandwiches, sushi and fruit to fuel the students for the afternoon session.

There was a quick costume change for the models and then back on the sets for the afternoon session. Again, different lighting techniques explained and lots of time for the students to go one-on-one with the model.

For the finale of the day in the low key set, the props included a mini tramp and a smoke machine which produced some stunning images, as you can see in the images attached to this post.

The day finished at approximately 6pm (I reckon the students would have stayed on until 9pm if they could) and there were happy faces all round. That is, except for Daniel and I who were left feeling a little jealous that we weren’t getting the opportunity to produce some of the fantastic shots that the students were getting!

Check out the photos and behind the scenes from the day!

Jose

[svgallery name="SPW Studio Lighting 09"]

A big thanks to Chris Belyea again for this contribution to foto priority. This time Chis brings us an Amateurs ‘How To’ Guide to Turimetta Beach.

Don’t forget you can checkout 100′s more of Chris’s images on his flickr site

Its back to the beach at sunrise for this instalment, and more than likely when I mention Turimetta Beach there’s a fair chance that (well if anyone actually reads this) will comment … ‘where’ ?

In a nutshell … between Narrabeen and Warriewood beaches but it’s not a beach that you’ll stumble upon, you have to know it’s there and seek it out to find it, it’s remote and secluded and has no surf life saving club or direct road access, but it does have is some fantastic seascape opportunities both day and night

Just a word of caution, this really is an unspoilt beach, so if you do decide to visit, please make sure you leave it that way .. the locals will appreciate it.

©Chris Belyea

About this shot

Canon EOS 5D Mk II, ISO50, f/11 at 1/8 s, Av mode, -1/3EV, Evaluative metering

Manfrotto tripod, mirror lockup, cable release

EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM at 24 mm

This shot was taken at the southern end of the beach where there really is an infinite variety of shapes, textures and colours

Things to Consider

1. Seems pretty basic, but this is a beach environment and depending on the surf conditions, you’ll need to take care just where you set up as most photographic gear doesn’t enjoy getting wet
2. There’s no facilities on the beach, or nearby, so be prepared and travel light
3. At low tide, its possible to walk around to North Narrabeen along the rock shelf which can offer up additional possibilities
4. As Turimetta is very secluded, there’s no transient light at night from the surrounding area so night photography is also a definite possibility

Equipment

The beach due east so at sunrise you will be shooting directly at the sun so graduated neutral density filters can help if its particularly bright.

Needless to say, a tripod is essential as the shutter speeds can get rather low, and I’d suggest you get familiar with how to put your camera into Mirror Lockup if that facility is available.

A remote shutter release is also a great asset, however if you don’t have one, simply put your camera into self timer mode

As you’ll be shooting in a less than kind environment, some microfiber cloths are a good idea to clean your gear off with when you get back to the car

Best Time to Shoot

I’ve found the best time to shoot is definitely pre dawn and sunrise, however mid winter during the day, if you’re lucky enough to score of those magical crisp, clean and cloudless days also offers up a few possibilities, especially of the tide is low and there’s no surf running.

The best time to shoot is definitely at ‘first light’, typically about 30 minutes before sunrise as this allows you to set up and assess what’s happening with the pool, the sky etc

How to get there

Google Maps is your friend again … just type in Turimetta Beach and you’re good to go.

I’d suggest you park in Pearl Place if there’s space available, otherwise you’ll need to park in Narrabeen Parade, and then just follow the path down to the beach

Have fun !

Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski the photoshop gurus of ‘Photoshop User TV’ fame, have now added Nikon DSLR‘s to their evangelical repertoire. Great news indeed for Nikon users.

No doubt funded by Nikon, ‘DTOWN TV’ is a weekly show for Nikon DSLR Users, with plenty of camera tips, photo techniques and Nikon Capture info. The production value of the episodes is quite high so it makes for some very addictive viewing, even if you’re a Canon user. Already up to Episode 24 my suggestion is, break out the popcorn and the Nikon and settle in for a nice stint.

Big thank you to Matt Collinson for sending through the lowdown. Enjoy!

DTown TV

Oculi Home

oculus oc·u·lus (ŏk’yə-ləs)
n. pl. oc·u·li (-lī’) – Eye.

I have often argued that for such a small nation Australia has some of the best photographic talent in the world. In all genres, if you look carefully at the who’s who of the influential photographers of our time, there’s bound to be an Australian or two in there, kicking butt on the world stage.

In the field of Documentary / Reportage photography the Australian collective ‘Oculi’ has fast become the go to destination for current local based (and International) content. Featuring the work of 10 local photographers each with their own slant on local events and culture, the Oculi site offers an inspirational narrative on current events as seen through the eyes of our great photographic artists.

Definitely worth a look.

Visit Oculi

Approximately every 8 weeks a new batch of SPW “Beginners DSLR Workshop” graduates go out into the world armed with their new cameras and enough new photographic knowledge and inspiration to make the most of them.

From chatting to the tutors and also the students themselves, one of the most beneficial, and I would say fitting ending to the course, is the Final Night presentations where each student brings along a selection of images created during the 8 weeks for a final slide show to music. Being able to see other photographers interpretations of the various exercises and subject matter as, well as uses of basic techniques in unique ways, often broadens the creative mind and can offer a new perspective on an otherwise familiar subject.

Images are created to be shared, to teach, to inspire and off course, to communicate the creators vision of the world. I always make a point to encourage ALL to attend this final night as the value gained from seeing the results of others often outweighs any that can be passed on verbally or by the written word. After all, photography is a visual medium.

For myself, the reward is seeing the quality of the images created and the breadth of ideas from a group who just 8 weeks earlier had little or no photographic knowledge. So it is with great pleasure that we present the first selection of our ‘Final Night Top 30′.

To view the image larger, just click on the photographers name below the thumbnails

[svgallery name="SPW09 T4 Final Night"]

This set of Top 30 Images was selected anonymously from over 800 final night images presented. In the selection process we considered; initial impact, originality of idea/concept, technical execution, composition and overall mood and feel.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE WHO MADE THE FINAL CUT!!!

by: Daniel Linnet

"Jesus I Trust In You" - © Daniel Linnet

One of the most asked questions from aspiring and pro photographers alike is “What are my rights when photographing in public places, especially if photographing people candidly?” In other words, are you able to photograph a couple smooching in Hyde Park, and then use it in your online folio or for other purposes? The answer can often be a complex one, especially when you start considering common courtesy, etiquette and plain old morals.

A big thank you to Glenn Weinnert who found and posted this link on our Shots Flickr Group. It definitely answers a lot of questions.

“Created in response to objections to my Sydney Unposed project, it is written from a photographer’s perspective, with a focus on what rights shooters have (and don’t have) when it comes to candid photographs of people. Please note: as it is not an encyclopaedia on every possible aspect of photographic law, it does not attempt to address issues like anti-terrorist legislation, council photography permits or National Park commercial photo restrictions. The sole purpose of the following is to discuss legal issues which apply to people photography only.” – Andrew Nemeth BSc (Hons) LLB MTeac

Click here for ‘Australian street photography legal issues ‘

by Daniel Linnet