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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

If you have never tried to recreate an iconic image from the past, then you’re probably missing out on a great way to push yourself out of your photographic comfort zone. The process of pulling apart a shot, working out how it was done and then dealing with the technical aspects of recreating it can often lead to nice little boost to your learning curve.

Here’s how one of our Photographing People Workshop students Tina Fiore tackled her flash phobia, by jumping straight in at the deep end on a paid gig.

We think she did a fabulous job!

ABBA tribute band FABBA recently asked if I could recreate an iconic ABBA album cover for their promotional material.  After reviewing the image, I thought “Oh just like the shoot we did at SPW.  Sunset in the background, light on the face and…., Voila we will have it!!”

We even found an exact match for the helicopter used on the album cover at Sydney Helicopters in Paramatta, with the only catch being that we could only shoot between 11.30am – 1.30pm.  I thought, “Great… the worst time for creating a dusk look.”.

On the day it was a clear blue sky and strong sun, not a cloud in the sky, so I set off with every piece of equipment I owned, which isn’t really that much.  I thought of using an umbrella on each side of the set for 2 exposures with the camera locked off on a tripod, and then blending the two exposures together to get both sides balanced with my one flash. As we arrived, the band got dressed in their jumpsuits and the pilot flew the helicopter from the tarmac to the grass area I had previously selected.  As a little sign, the blades stopped in the exact position as the album cover. So far everything was going well!

I set up my tripod and umbrella with flash on one side, getting ready for my first exposure when the pilot asked if he could watch.  “Of course!!” I said, immediately deciding to put him to good use, holding the reflector on the second couple.

So we got it all set up.  I took a bunch of practice shots with just one person to get the exposure the best I could.  Constantly repeating to myself…., “Aperture = Flash Exposure.”.  Finally when I got exposure and lighting as good as I could the cast moved into place.  We did a series of shots and then swapped the umbrella and the pilot with the reflector and took another series of shots.  We then reviewed the shots and changed composition a little and repeated.  We did three series of shots and it was looking good.  I knew however I had some work in photoshop to get it looking like dusk.

At home I masked in a red sunset that I had on file and went to work. In the end I did not need to use two photos for the people  The reflector had done a good job reflecting some sun and some flash.

Here is the final image next to the original we were trying to recreate.

by Tina Fiore

Tina Fiore Photography

Image on FABBA site

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