foto Priority

One of our favorite models Deanna strikes a pose for the group at the ever popular Photographing People Workshop. The location is at Quarantine Reserve,  Abbotsford, also one of our favorites.

2010 Workshop Schedule

One of the first Photographing People Workshops where I demonstrated the location lighting technique, “Night for Day” and shooting into the sun, which even to this day never fail to impress the masses. Ooohs and aaahs all around!

2010 Workshop Schedule

More of Daniel Linnet’s Work

I can’t believe that I didn’t think of this earlier! Last night while trolling through the thousands of images taken over the last 5 years worth of workshops, I realised that there are just so many amazing images that have never really been seen, so over the next however many months I’m going to open up the vault and see what pops out. The amazing models, cool locations and the fun we had.

Hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we enjoyed making them.

Link to Sydney Photographic Workshops

When Australia’s leading experience supplier Red Balloon Days approached us about trying our Beginners DSLR Photography Workshop in order to write a review, I was naturally nervous. Although I was always quietly confident that we had one of the most thorough and inspiring beginners workshops on the market, there is always that little voice that says ‘perhaps you’re just biased’. Especially now, with so many new offerings out in the market place, the pressure is on to provide the best experience possible. After all, these days more so than ever it’s all about the experience!

Well now the confidence is back in my step, but don’t take my word for it. Here’s what Red Balloon Days had to say about it.

Read the Review

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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

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Hi all, Milton Gan attended last weekends Photographing people workshop, Milton has written up a great review of the days events, check it out here as well as some photos from the day.

Don’t forget you can read all about the workshops run by Sydney Photo Workshops on their website as well as future workshop dates and pricing.

Jose Fernandez

Review by Chris Belyea

Now I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not entirely comfortable with taking the prospect of taking images of people, and my skill set in this area extended to the typical ‘ … stand there, look at the camera and smile .. ‘

Hardly inspiring stuff, so what do you usually do when you want to improve at something … you seek out talented, knowledgeable and experienced people to show you how !

Cruising the internet you’ll come across a variety of professional photographers offering a bewildering array of Workshops and courses, but one that really stood out was Sydney Photographic Workshops People Photography Workshop … a full day workshop … just what I was looking for !

I’d met Daniel Linnet before at the Shots @ The Arthouse workshops so I knew I was in good hands.

Right from the outset, I knew this was a professionally run course, from the booking confirmation form through to the reminder a few days prior to the Workshop. Everything was planned for and taken care of, I knew what I needed to bring, what we‘d be doing and how the day was planned.

Upon arrival we’re greeted by Wendy (Daniel’s wife) and the mood is relaxed and friendly and Wendy has this knack for remembering everyone’s name … all the time !

After we’re all seated comfortably, Daniel briefs us on how the day is planned … a morning shoot at a boxing gym and an afternoon shoot at an outdoor location. Bring it on !

The Morning Shoot

Within 5 minutes of arriving at our location, you quickly realise that Daniel and Wendy make a great team, and its so totally seamless in the way in which they operate … Daniel leads from the front, knows his stuff and explains things in a manner in which you can understand. Nothing is ever too much trouble, no question ever too stupid. Wendy is always in the background making sure that everything’s under control … she’s just ‘there’ … handing out drinks and snacks through to making sure everyone keeps their elbows in check.

During the morning session, Daniel carefully explains what we need to look for, what to consider and how to go about it.

All the basics are covered, but the finer details, all drawn from Daniel’s experience, are generously shared and I’m starting to feel a lot more comfortable in directing our model to get the shot I’m seeing in my mind. It still feels uncomfortable, but its getting there.

Just a small point worth noting is that SPW (Sydney Photographic Workshops) use professional models and believe me, this sort of attention to detail makes a huge difference, as well as the fact that they also have another professional photographer there, and Ben was simply fantastic in this regard

Everybody is well looked after and we all get ample time and opportunity to shoot

After around 3 solid hours of shooting we head back to the SPW studio for what was described as a ‘sumptuous lunch’.

Trust me, they’re underplaying what was a relaxed and beautifully prepared lunch for all 9 of us … again, it’s the attention to detail that make a huge difference

The Afternoon Shoot

Its back on the bus to our outdoor location and admittedly, the morning shoot had been one for the girls, but this was now the boys turn

Again, another superb professional model, beautifully made up and so totally professional and at ease … nothing was ever too much trouble (just like the morning)

With an entirely different set of conditions to contend with, Daniel is quickly into his stride and once again, the combination of Daniel, Wendy and Ben were all working to make the shoot so effortless.

Just a word to the wise … never underestimate the power of a simple ‘point & shoot’ camera in Wendy’s capable hands.

Towards the end of the day, Daniel shows us all how to create ‘day for night’ technique … but you’ll have to attend yourself to find out !

During the course of the day I found myself becoming more and more comfortable with directing our models until in the end, it felt ‘almost’ natural. I don’t think I’m quite ready to give up my day job, but at least I now know, more importantly, what NOT to do !

Mission accomplished !

As with some things, quite often the difference between what is advertised or promised and what is actually delivered can be disappointing.

Not so here !

If I’m honest, I’ll admit to slightly baulking at paying $395, but given my research on other workshops it seemed quite reasonable, that is until you experience it first hand and then you totally appreciate what stupendous value it really is.

From first hand experience, what SPW advertised they delivered, and much much more

• Multi award winning Master Photographer
• Photographer’s Assistant
• A professional and friendly fashion / beauty model
• A professional actor / character model
• A Host & Stylist
• Tutorial & objective brief for the days shoots
• Light refreshments throughout the day (includes water, tea, coffee, juice & snacks)
• Sumptuous lunch
• Final review
• Lighting & reflectors where required
• Location fees
• Studio equipment
• Transport van
• Wardrobe & costumes
• SPW Student Discount Card offering discounts from a variety of retailers and preferred suppliers
• Registration and on-going support via our Student Forum

Daniel made what I thought was a brave statement at the beginning of the workshop that we’d definitely come away with maybe 5 or 6 shots that we’d be really proud of.

He was right !

For more information and booking details please visit Sydney Photo Workshops.

So maybe we need a bigger venue, perhaps ANZ stadium, or Acer arena !? Ok that might be a slight exaggeration, but in all seriousness the Attic bar was packed to breaking point last Tuesday night. The best turnout so far.

The topic was “Flash Dance – Natural and Creative Flash Techniques”. This topic is one of my favourites and is obviously the favourite of many others as well. These days, most photography enthusiasts own a speedlite, but do they know how to get the most out of it? Do they know how to use it off camera in a creative and fun way?

Well hopefully most of the students have now gained a better understanding and have been inspired to try some of the techniques covered.

Scott McGale was our special guest on the night. Scott showed off some of his work while explaining the different light effects used to create that particular image. He also shared a little story about his experience shooting Naomi Campbell – and yes, apparently she is the Diva that everyone in-the-know says she is!

see you next time
Jose

Wow what a night! One of Shots biggest turnouts with almost 40 students pre-booked for a night of learning and inspiration.

Our model for the evening was Olivia. She certainly earned her money with all those lenses focussed on her. I would say she was thankful no one used a flash!

This week’s topic was Composition & Light. Daniel ran through some techniques on how to improve composition and gain an understanding of photographic light and how it behaves.

The night concluded with more opportunity’s for the students to practice their shooting. As you can see by the images, everyone was getting right into it!

We also had the first “shot of the week” The winning image is chosen from our Shots @ the Arthouse Flickr group and presented to the budding photographer on the night. This weeks winning image below was taken by Chris Belyea (CB 357) the image is part of his Project 366-1 series, you can read more about it in our Student Corner. Chris won a $50 gift voucher to use on any of the SPW workshops of his choice, and a free drink!

Upload your best 5 images to the Shots@Arthouse flickr group to be in the running for “shot of the week”

More images here!

If you’re keen to get the most out of your DSLR and want a fun, relaxed environment to fine tune or learn new skills, this workshop is just what you’re looking for.

The first of five “shots” at the Art house workshops kicked off last Tuesday night.  The night’s topic was Exposure Demystified.

Breaking from the usual format, Daniel began shooting the model before the class began.  This appeared to get the creative juices flowing and many of the students grabbed their cameras and began shooting away!

The format of the workshop’s has been changed slightly from last semester with the absence of a microphone.  Daniel delivered a more A Capella style, getting up close and personal.

The students also had more time to shoot this time around; as they walked into the Attic bar, grabbed a drink and started shooting almost immediately. This approach seemed to work well in encouraging the students to get creative!

Daniel was in fine form (even if he does say so himself) running through some technical, yet must-know information.  This was followed by time for the students to put into practice what they had just learnt, leaving the model seeing stars!  Overall everyone had a great time with even the bar staff getting involved!

The most valuable thing about a workshop is that the students are forced to focus their energy on photography. If you were disciplined enough to take a week off and pursue a personal photography project for that week, you would get much of the benefit of a workshop. However, if you want the encouragement of being surrounded by those who are serious about photography and the expertise of an instructor, then an SPW workshop is for you.

Jose

For more info on shots including future dates check out “Shots”