Late afternoon beach shoot...

Welcome,

Recently I was asked by friend, model, fitness instructor and fellow photographer Mariya Mova to come along to a 'beach fitness shoot' that she had organised.

No need to ask twice.

We decided to use a fairly secluded beach at Davey's Bay in the South East region of Melbourne.

Several of the intended participants pulled out as the weather was a little threatening. Those who did come along were only too willing to get into the spirit of the occasion.

Here are a few of the images from the day.

Christian:

Trainer/Instructor Fitness and Kung Fu. Amiable, easy going (and downright scary - just kiddin' Chris).

Justine:

Personal trainer -director. Easy going with a great smile!
More info can be found here.








A 'behind the scene' shot, taken and copyright by Mariya: This was during shooting the sequence that resulted in the previous image.






Paulo:
Bodybuilder - a mountain of a man.






In this image I tried to convey the size of Paulo. He reminded me of an ancient monument.



All in all a great afternoon was had. Thanks for the invitation Mariya - and thanks to the models.


Stay safe.

Faces in the light....faces in the life...

Welcome,

The human face has been and will undoubtedly continue to be the most common subject for artists. No-one could ever guess how many paintings, drawings, sculptures or other forms of artistic expression have been been made with the human as subject.

Likewise with photography - in the past one hundred and fifty odd years who knows how many billions of images have been made of the human form?

Here are just a very few of the faces I had the privilege of photographing this year with a comment or two on technique.

Nynah resting on the shoulder of her mother, Marcella. With Marcella slightly shaded and out of focus, all attention is drawn to Nynah's remarkable eyes. Overcast skies and shade give the soft light.

This was made during the 'Buddha day' celebrations in Melbourne. The sun was lighting the young woman's back, while light reflecting from a building to camera left lit her face.

Sometimes you may have to 'help' the sun. Paul and Sophie were photographed on a fairly changeable overcast Melbourne day. A high FP flash was used to light them, allowing use of a very large aperture for limited depth of field.

Another example of off camera flash. This may look to be a sunlit image, but in fact Peter was standing in heavy shade. A flash positioned to camera left lit the image. Often an image lit by off camera flash outdoors has a distinct 'flash' look about it. I prefer to try to keep it as natural looking as possible. As Joe McNally often says " ..there has to be a logic to the light that you add.."

I think this shot succeeds.

Black and white images can look good on a dull day. This is my friend, Mariya, a fitness instructor, model and photographer. Spot metering is almost a must on days such as this. I often find myself using this or centre-weighted metering. Rarely do I use the matrix metering when photographing people.

Indoor shots can throw up different lighting situations. This is Bridget, the chef at a local cafe. Lit by the lights in the display glass while being separated from the background by the light coming through the cafe doors.

Ashlea. Seated just inside a barn on her farm. The soft light is coming through a large door immediately behind the camera position. Being in the shade but lit this way can produce a beautiful soft light. Careful metering is required.

Tia is here lit by the light streaming in through large opaque windows. As in the image of Ashlea, the light is not striking her directly. The natural fall-off produces a lovely vignette. I placed her on the stairs to show her how to make a quick portrait. Tia is a quick learner with a great passion for photography. I'm not sure if the handrail highlights detract or add to the image.

When photographing indoors, ironically you sometimes have virtually no control over the lights. This is Sophie from the earlier image dancing like a banshee at her wedding reception. I personally never use flash at a wedding. I believe it totally detracts from the atmosphere and prevents the photographer from being unobtrusive. In that case one just has to accept whatever light is given. In this instance I used spot metering and auto WB as the light was changing rapidly.

Linh.

Sometimes you just put away all the expesive stuff, relax on the couch and just use a polaroid to make the image. One of my favourites.

Stay safe.

It's a tool

Welcome,

It's been a while, but what the heck?

I recently had a conversation with an acquaintance on one of the popular social media sites.

He asked me what I thought the next year may hold in store when it comes to the release of new cameras from a certain manufacturer.

I gave him my thoughts. The conversation then went back and forth for some time regarding the merits of this current camera versus that current camera versus another current camera.

It was in fact quite a pointless discussion as he tended to disregard the initial question he himself had asked. Later he mentioned that he enjoyed a good debate on the matter. I did say to him that he has enough experience in this game - indeed he is quite an accomplished and successful photographer - to make up his own mind on what kind of gear he wants to buy.

One thing that kept cropping up was his view that the Nikon D3x was massively overpriced and not good value for the money. Now it seems to me that his reference to the cost was because it is a camera that he would like to use for the new line of work he intends to get into. Indeed, I reckon it is the perfect camera for what he wants to do. My own view on the cost is totally the opposite of his. I reckon it is worth every cent and so does every photographer that I know who actually owns one.

Does that mean that his view is wrong and mine is right? Or vice-versa? Nope. Not at all. It just means we look at the same item with a different set of values. If I could actually afford one I would get it tomorrow. No hesitation.

This same sort of thinking also arose recently when I was shooting for a magazine. The brief was to get shots of tradesmen using tools on building sites as well as studio cover shot (at top of post). The major shots were of power tools supplied by the magazine for the article.

This guy was about 15 feet up the ladder. An SB-900 flash on a very tall light stand into his face and an SB-800 held by another tradesman was used to light the wall. Using remote wireless flash systems on modern digital gear makes this sort of work a lot easier than in days gone by.

However we also did some grab shots of one of the men using a hammer. Here's the point - the hammer he was using costs around $300! Yep, $300.

Would you pay $300.00 for this hammer? To the tradesman it is worth it. To others, maybe not.

Now, no-one who knows me well could ever honestly describe me as anything like a handyman or even remotely dextrous and capable with tools. So if I needed a hammer I would go down to a local store and spend maybe $30 or $40 dollars on one. Hey I don't even know the prices - I'm just picking that figure out of my head.

However - for that tradie a hammer that costs $300 makes a lot of sense. For us lay folk it seems awfully expensive.

Same with the tools a photographer uses. There are obviously a lot of pros around the globe who can justify the cost of a D3x. There are still others who can't do so. Horses for courses.

(wait until late next year when the next model comes out - some folk are gonna faint at the cost)

Like any field of endeavor you can get something that will do the job and will do it pretty well. Or you can get the tool that is undoubtedly the best for the job. Of course it depends on finances too. Either way, only the end user can decide what is worth it for her or him.

I've always believed that in photography you get the best that you can - at least the best gear you can possibly afford. The first SLR I bought was when I was a teenager. It was an old Ricoh Singlex TLS. Even when I got it new in late 1976 it was outdated. Still, I learned a lot with that machine. Still got it too although it does need a service.

My first SLR - Ricoh Singlex TLS. Outdated even when I got it new in December 1976

In June 1981 I got my first Nikon - an FE. Still got that too. Still use it. Recently I have been shooting Ilford black and white in it. Feels great. There's something about getting back to where it began and enjoying the image making process in the way I did it for so many years.

My first Nikon. The FE with its original E series 50mm f1.8. It's been bashed around over the years but works perfectly.

Will I go back to using that one or any of the other film cameras I have when I do commercial work? I can't see it happening. While I love using film for personal or fine art work, it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to use anything other than digital for commercial work.

And if I can make that distinction, then it also makes perfect sense to make the distinction that the digital equipment I use should be the best possible equipment that I can get.

Yes, they are only tools. Yes, some seem to be outrageously priced (just as a $300 hammer seems outrageous to me). However, and this is the point that I think may have eluded my earlier mentioned acquaintance, no-one forces anyone to buy anything. If you want it or need it and you can afford it, get it. If you don't, don't.

Simple really.

Stay safe.

"....I've been smiling lately...."

Welcome,

After nearly three and a half decades, one of the great figures of popular music played in Melbourne last night.

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens played a brilliant two hour set which had the audience in mixed feelings of joy and love. Warm and sincere is a good way to describe the evening.

A couple of new tracks sprinkled among a marvelous playlist of great memories gave the crowd much to appreciate.

As described in a previous post, one had to be alert to get the camera past the metal-detecting folk at the gate. Success (if you know how).

Here are a couple of shots from the night.

Should he return to your town - get a ticket. Go see him. Revel in a rare, delightful experience. You will not be disappointed to board this Peace Train.

Welcome back Yusuf/Cat.

Stay safe.

From a Budgie to a Vulture, and some things in between

Welcome,

One of my big loves other than photography is music. Always have, always will love it.

Whether it is belting out in the car or going around in my head, I always seem to have it going on somewhere.

Lindsey Buckingham and John McVie of Fleetwood Mac

Lately it seems a lot of 'older' acts have decided the time is ripe to tour and let a new generation of fans see them in concert. Naturally if it is someone I have always liked I will grab a ticket and see the show. This is usually done in company of my daughter Cat.

In 2009 we saw Leonard Cohen, Simon and Garfunkle, Budgie and Fleetwood Mac. I have enjoyed their music since my youth and have waited many years to see them in concert.

Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac with John McVie on bass and an obscured Mick Fleetwood on drums

I guess the only downside to seeing these concerts is that unless you are an accredited photographer, you have a heck of a time trying to get decent shots. Security are all over anyone with what they perceive to be a 'pro' outfit.

At the Fleetwood Mac concert they were even going into the crowd to hassle people with point and shoot cameras. Security claimed that it was at the band's request, but the band didn't seem to mind when those at front of stage were shooting.

Budgie didn't care - you could go for it as long as you respected the request not to use flash. A great attitude. Here is founder and bass player Burke Shelly getting close with crowd.

Still, the feeble minded folk who run the venues have to do something to make themselves feel superior I guess. Give us all a break folks. It does no-one any harm. No one is going to make a killing selling any shots of a group from the back of an auditorium! For what it is worth, many P&S cameras have longer effective lenses than the ones serious photographers have to sneak in to the venue.

Anyway - enough of that gripe.

This week I flew to Perth with Cat and Jess, her friend. The concert this time was "Them Crooked Vultures" a new 'supergroup' consisting of Josh Homme from "Queens of the Stone Age", Dave Grohl from "Foo Fighters" and "Nirvana" and John Paul Jones from "Led Zeppelin".

The concert was LOUD, HEAVY and most enjoyable. Fairly QOTSA with a deal of LZ influence combined with industrial strength steroids!

John Paul Jones, Dave Grohl and Josh Homme. JPJ is playing a custom 'slide bass'

Having waited since about 1972 to see John Paul Jones in concert there was no way I was going to miss the first Australian date of this band. It was not disappointing. Amazing things can happen when very talented people get together in a creative sense and if they park their egos at the door.

John Paul Jones on keyboards

Let's hope that their first album is not their last and this tour not the last either.

Whatever your taste in music - enjoy it to the fullest, and as always,

Stay safe.

Return to beauty (redux) - Trang

Welcome.

Since my February post on beauty (and addiction thereto), I have had the pleasure of photographing Trang, an acquaintance of whom I have the highest esteem.

We met nearly three years ago and clicked almost immediately. In that time I have watched as she has gone through various situations including personal tragedy, career changes and recently, marriage to a wonderful young man, Han.

No matter what the situation there remains a certain constancy about her. She is kind, gentle of nature, funny, caring, generous of spirit, strong and loving.

She is the epitome of beauty in more ways than one.

A couple of months ago she asked me to photograph her wedding. In the ensuing discussion it became apparent that Trang had a distaste for the current in-vogue style of wedding photography practiced by most wedding photographers these days.

Instead, she preferred the images to capture what happens on the day. This fitted in with my own strongly held beliefs on wedding photography.

My personal philosophy is that once the photographer takes charge or 'directs' the scene, it is no longer the couple's day, but the vision of the photographer. My own preference is that the photography should record the authentic happenings of a sacred event on a special day.

Of course that does not preclude making a few formal or semi formal portrait images on the day. After all, weddings are a great opportunity to get images of family and friends who may not have come together for some time.

So a handful of so-called 'setups' may be ok. What I seriously object to is the overwhelmingly staged, contrived, controlled images which are a product of the photographer's idea of how the wedding should be, rather than a genuine, respectful observation of the day.

Now, that is not to decry the very talented practitioners of the other style. Far from it. I am in awe of the talent that some of those photographers possess. It is the style that I detest, not the talent or the photographer.

An analogy could be that while I acknowledge the great talents of musicians, there are obviously, like everyone else, some genres that I cannot stand. Likewise with photography - I can respect the artist, if not the style of the art.

So I was somewhat pleased when Trang voiced the same preferences.

Prior to the wedding day the three of us spent an afternoon in Melbourne as a kind of pre-wedding shoot. Ironically, this involved more 'direction' than the wedding shoot itself. Most shooters have it the other way around - a semi-relaxed pre -wedding shoot and a highly directed wedding! You just got to love irony.

Anyway, to cut the story short - the wedding was a delight. I spent the day with Trang and her lady companions (there's that addiction to beauty again) photographing whatever happened pre-ceremony, the actual ceremony and the reception. It was a joy to witness the event and I am grateful for the experience. It was one of the best weddings that I have ever attended.

As a bonus, they loved the images. Now that is always a relief!

Thank you both.

A little footnote for the photographers. The light at the reception was so low that the ISO was often around 4000 or so, lens at f2, shutter at 1/25th! Low is not the word!

This is where the recent tools such as the D700 come into their own.

The image below was 6400ISO, 1/200th at f2.8 on the 24-70 nikkor (set at 35mm), auto -white balance. Pretty capable little camera!

To Trang, Han and all lovers of beauty -
Stay safe

Random Melbourne

Welcome.

It has been a while since I last posted.

Life gets busy. Sometimes putting stuff on a blog isn't as important as doing other things.

Just to get back into the swing of things, here are a few random images from Melbourne.

Whenever I leave the front door of my home I have a camera with me - always! As Jay Maisel says - "It's hard to photograph without a camera".

So here are a few from various recent wanderings. All found, none staged.

Saw this guy walking through the Tulip gardens at the famous Tesselaars Tulip Festival. Loved the contrast between him and the plants.

Walking down one of Melbourne's alleys my eye caught sight of this RedBull can perched on wood attached to a wall. I just loved the way the paint and the colours of the can were made for each other. An artistic litterer perhaps?



Down another alley is this amazing piece of wall art. 'nuff said.



At my local beach they have been re-constructing the jetty. Most folk just kind of walk by. I like to get an image or two.



Saw this scene this morning. What's a man to do but get the shot? (see my February post about getting the shot - 'you either do, or you don't').
While the young chaps were facing the wall, several police officers were searching their vehicle. It's times like these you have to stand on your conviction to get the shot. The rather large man in uniform did not like to have his picture taken. Tough luck for him I say.
No amount of overbearing approach or attempts at intimidation should put you off doing what you have to do. Funny how they back down when you stand up for your rights. Bottom line - if you're not causing an obstruction to their duties and you are not breaking any laws yourself, then you have every right to make the image.

Note to Victoria Police public relations department - a courteous manner of speaking to members of the public who are going about their lawful business is always appreciated. Bad manners and a surly disposition are not.


Hopefully it won't be such a long time until my next post.

Until then -

Stay safe.

A 21 year old Cat

Welcome.

A very short update.

Today, May 12th,  is the twenty first anniversary of the birth of my youngest child.

When she was about three years of age I overheard a chat between her mother and a friend. They were watching Catriona and me and the friend commented how much I adored my daughter.

Her mother responded "Yes, Catriona has him wrapped around her little finger in a way that nobody else ever will".

She was right. Of course, things change over the years, but there is probably a small element of that remaining. I don't mind.

This first photo was taken when Cat (as she is generally known) was only seven weeks old. The image was made by her mother.

The second image was made by me on a recent trip to Scotland.

Every parent who reads this knows of the joys, sadnesses, laughter and tears of raising kids. You don't need me to remind you.

All I can say is that it is an amazing journey.

So, thank you Cat. Thanks too to your older brothers Will and Stew. To Lynda - thank you for giving me such wonderful children.

More than ever do I mean it when I say, with love -

Stay safe.

Scanning the memory bank

Welcome.

It has been a while since the last post.  You know how life sort of creeps up and steals your time.

Of course, since the last time I was here I have been incredibly busy. After all, walking on the beach, drinking coffee, seeing friends and acquaintances, interstate travel and playing with the cat can keep a fellow occupied for an eternity.

Naturally I have been out and about with a camera too.

One thing I have done since last time was acquire a decent scanner.  So among all the other things that have occupied my time, this week I have been experimenting with said scanner to figure out the best way of preserving images that were captured on film.

I have to say that I reckon this will be an interesting challenge.  It is also exiting to look at images from years ago and recall the circumstances that surrounded their creation. Some of the memories still make me smile.  

Some of the folk that I photographed are no longer with us.  Others are no longer in close contact.  Yet others are still friends. 

People change.  The world changes too.  So does how we view faces and places from the past.

Sometimes it is good to revisit them by means of an image, rather than a memory. 

I guess I have a bit of work ahead of me to digitize my 'pre-digital' photography.  It will be good to finally get it done and have some sort of backup of all the old stuff.

Problem is - I think that I will be too easily distracted when I come across some image that transports me to another place or to another face.

So it may be that I will post the occasional shot from the 'archives' here.  

Here are a couple of characters recorded on film and now captured on the scanner. 

                                                               Alaska Railroad - 1994

                                                                              Vanuatu - 1992

Old woman - 1980

This image was made with the first SLR camera I ever owned - a Ricoh Singlex TLS - ancient design even when it was new. FIlm was Ektachrome 64 (had a famous cool colour cast).  She was someone I met as I was walking down the street. Loved the lines on her face and hands.

Derani - 1995

Me - 1976, aged 17

It will be interesting for me to 'revisit' some of these images.  I have always thought that one of the underlying reasons that I have such a passion for photography is the desire to try to capture life as it passes - to 'stop' it if you will.  The only way I could ever think of doing that was to record a split second on a piece of film or now in a digital medium.

I am glad that I had that desire.

On a slightly sadder note - Carole, a dear acquaintance of mine lost a friend this week.  Her friend had lived with her and her family for almost a year as an exchange student here in Australia before returning home to Canada. Carole went to her friend's wedding last year.  Her friend was in an accident last week and was killed. So now Carole is back in Canada for the funeral.  Her friend was 25.

Why write this?

Simple.  You see, I have signed off every blog post with the same two words.  I started using those words as a kind of nod of respect to Carole.  She always used to say them when signing off from a phone call or when anyone she knew was starting a journey.  She meant them sincerely.

I spoke to her the day before she and her husband left for the funeral.  Even though she was in obvious pain, she still said them again.  

So Carole, for your journey, and to all others who may read this - 

Stay safe.