May 2013
4 posts
10 tags
6 tags
5 tags
New York City Crime Scene Photos 1915-1920 →
A fascinating look into the lives of those who fell victim to crime in New York in the early 1900’s. Despite the obvious nature of the images, they also provide a unique insight into the living and working conditions in New York during 1915. -1920
Please note, if you are sensitive to images of realistic violence, then I don’t recommend this link.
3 tags
“I can tell more through your photograph than you could ever tell me in words....”
March 2013
6 posts
11 tags
When your brand and location doesn't match.
I have long been a huge fan of the Adelaide based cafe the T-Bar but recently they made a decision to move to new premises in the newly built Rundle Place. Given the nature of the new establishment and their new fit out, I ultimately think it could damage their brand and hurt their existing customer base.
For sometime now the T-bar has been a brand associated with fine teas, a relaxing atmosphere...
5 tags
A bed sheet diffuser.
Most photographers are use to using soft boxes, but many underestimate the effectiveness of something as simple as a white bed sheet. By hanging this outside blocking the harsh sunlight coming through a window (it must cover it in its entirety) and using a flash to fire through it into the interior of the building, it is possible to emulate natural light without risking blowing out the highlights....
7 tags
Professional photo image deconstructions by Joe...
It’s not often I come across a series of youtube videos worth sharing, but I recently found a series of photo deconstructions by Joe McNally. This leading photographer delves into setting up and lighting shots for professional briefs, as well as presenting informative and easy to follow diagrams illustrating his points. If you have ever wondered how to pull off a professional location based...
3 tags
“Never leave the best magic in life until the final act. :-)”
6 tags
“There is a big difference between constructive criticism and ridicule. It is...”
4 tags
“Not having faith in your own work when having a creative block can be one of the...”
February 2013
5 posts
5 tags
The perils of getting photography advice online.
It’s not often that I feel compelled to write an article like this, but given the poor form of some photographers on a Whirlpool forum recently, I feel the need to comment on the dangers of asking the opinions of other photographers online, especially in forums.
I was recently involved in a forum topic whereby the vast majority of the photographers continued to insult and ridicule the work...
7 tags
Understanding exposure and getting the best out of... →
Want to understand how to expose your photographs accurately and get the best out of your camera? Then this article and diagram might be a helpful resource.
7 tags
Quite right Ken.
I recently came across an article where by the author Ken Rockwell sugests that sharpness in camera lenses is “the most overated aspect of lens performance”. I for one would have to agree with this statement completely. I could count on my hands and feet many times over where I have read in photography forums that a lens sharpness is the be all end all when it comes to selecting glass for a DSLR....
12 tags
How to achieve satisfaction in life. →
An excellent free e-book for those of us who want a little more out of life and achieve our best. Well worth a read.
11 tags
My personal story behind my art work.
1. What are your primary sources of inspiration, and why do they interest you so?
I consider myself to be a highly emotional person and very responsive to emotional triggers around me. A lot of my photography reflects that, and both the subject material, composition and colours used describe a lot of what I am feeling at the time. In moments where I have anxiety, my images tend to be abstract, black and white and I focus on the mechanical and man made world since it feels safe and won't judge me - there is also a sense of predictability about it and that seems to comfort me. When I am feeling happy and social, my images tend to be more colourful and focus on the people and the natural world. In my times of chaos, randomness and unpredictability excites me. I guess in summary you could say my images are an insight into my madness, in which times I feel trapped and my only way to alleviate it is to visually express myself visually.
2. Do you reference any other artists in your work?
I wouldn't say I reference any artists in my work, but there are certainly some that I can relate to when it comes to using art as a way of alleviating my phobias and social awkwardness. I can personally relate to the frustration and the insignificance Van Gough felt when creating his works. I too have times when I am never happy with the final result. My library of hundreds of images are testimony to that. At times this lack of achievement can lead to periods of depression and frustration. I can also relate to the unstable lifestyle of Francis Bacon. While I don't attend parties as often as he did, I can certainly relate to his life going off the rails at times. A lot of my life has been very turbulent, but it is in these darkest times I feel I create my best works.
3. Have any events in your life influenced your artwork?
I am not entirely sure where to start answering this question, because ultimately every up and down I have experienced has encouraged me to respond in a visual or artistic way. Of course sometimes I am so paralysed I can't respond artistically at all, and these would have to be my darkest times. Most of my strongest images have been created in moments in my life where I have lost a relationship with those important to me. I value people a lot, so when I loose touch with this, the emotion is overwhelming and I only see the world through one tone. One of the most memorable events that occurred in my life, was when I finally accepted that I was never going to have a close relationship with my family. I was adopted as a baby so never really knew my natural parents. I also never really bonded to those who adopted me and hence have never really felt I have belonged anywhere. As such, I have wandered a lot of my life from place to place, from person to person. This sense of not having a place has forced me to explore a sense of place and belonging through my work.
4. What methods do you use to captive the viewer?
I once had a very good teacher who once said simplicity was the best way to get a clear message across. I work as a graphic designer so simplicity plays a very big role in communicating with the viewer. I guess I have tried to apply the same concept to my art work. I try to keep my compositions free of clutter and the frame as tight as possible. I don't like filling my images with information that contradicts or gets in the way of what I am trying to say. To some this can be somewhat dull, but in a world today full of clutter and stimulus, I find this calming and somewhat soothing for me. I tend to photograph the way I think - to much information and I can't digest it.
January 2013
3 posts
datboothang asked: Hey, my name is Allie! I'm really enjoying your blog and photography! I have a love for photography myself but I am in my teens and I need advice, if you are willing to help me out. How did you start making money in photography? Thanks for your time!
7 tags
The perfect storage locker for your iMac.
(Images take from the Twelve South Website)
Being a graphic designer and photographer I use a lot of storage devices on a daily basis. My iMac’s hard drive is nowhere big enough to fit all my files, so like a lot of users I have had to invest in many external drives. Unfortunately when you are using a lot of storage devices, your desk can become cluttered and unsightly which can make...
7 tags
Heavy duty protection for your camera and computer...
With an upcoming trip planned to Tasmania’s wilderness later this year, I figured it was time to get some hard wearing containers for my camera equipment. There are many choices out there, but in the end I whittled it down to either Vanguard or Pelican Cases. In the end Vanguard won due to its great price point and value.
The cases are solidly built (yes they will hurt if you drop them on...
December 2012
7 posts
3 tags
“There is nothing more perfect than imperfection.”
8 tags
Designing a watermark for your photography.
I was recently asked for some advice on this in a forum recently so I thought I would share my response. It is something a lot of beginning photographers struggle with so hopefully what I have to say is of some help.
Ideally a logo should vindicate something about the business it represents, or some concept behind it, but if it’s just your name I would keep it as simple as possible. This is...
10 tags
What photographic goodies are you hoping will be...
1. At the number one spot of all the things I would like to find under my Christmas tree, it would have to be the Nikon D800. This camera has long been the envy of my eye and would look very comfortable in my camera bag for 2013.
2. In second place on my Christmas wish list, it would have to be a collection of Profoto monolights. These babies are wireless, powerful and completely...
10 tags
The best photography online store for 2012.
It’s not often I plug online stores, but I feel Cameras Direct is worthy of an honourable mention after the amount of products I have bought from them this year. Their quality and price is unquestionable, coupled with friendly staff who are only to happy to help you, makes Cameras Direct my favourite online photography store for 2012.
The Cameras Direct experience begins as soon as you...
6 tags
“Power is not in the knowledge as much as it is in the ability to seek the right...”
4 tags
Light-it iPad magazine for photographers.
I have long been a fan of Scott Kelby’s training for photographers, so it was a pleasant surprise then I stumbled across Light-it magazine in the iPad App Store. If you are looking for creative ways to light your photographic projects or want to purely want to learn how to light as a commercial photographer, then this magazine is for you.
It is full of easy to follow lighting tutorials...
7 tags
The Asus PA248Q IPS monitor for photographers.
For quite sometime now I have been relying on my trusty 2011 iMac for all my photo editing. It has served me well, but recently I was looking for something with better colour accuracy and not with a price tag that was going to send be broke. Thankfully Asus had the solution with the PA248Q.
Originally when I settled on purchasing an IPS monitor I was pretty sure I was going to be up for...
November 2012
2 posts
8 tags
A useful online application for those who want to... →
“Looking forward to launching a new TV show in the near future. Exciting times....”
October 2012
6 posts
3 tags
“The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.”
– Alfred Adler
9 tags
My timeline into photography.
Kodak Fun disposable camera purchased by me 1994 - Image Source.
Konica FT-1 purchased by me in 1999 - Image Source.
Canon 400D purchased by me in 2006 - Image Source.
Nikon D7000 bought by my in 2011 - Image Source.
4 tags
“Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an...”
– Ansel Adams
6 tags
Quite possibly the best Lightroom 4 workflow video... →
4 tags
A pictorial history of Nikons digital SLR cameras. →
8 tags
Quite possibly Nikon's worst DSLR ever.
The Nikon Pronea was a fully featured DSLR that used Nikon existing lens mount. The images weren’t the worst in the world, but the ergonomics of the camera were a nightmare. Just goes to show you can’t improve on an already refined idea - the traditional SLR design. Picture reference.
September 2012
10 posts
4 tags
“Which of my photographs is my favourite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”
– Imogen Cunningham
5 tags
“To avoid narrow panoramas, try photographing each segment in portrait mode. This...”
7 tags
An excellent article for those who want to... →
5 tags
“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like...”
– Edward Weston
5 tags
“There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.”
– Ansel Adams
5 tags
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become...”
– Ansel Adams
3 tags
“Composition, like concept, is King.”
6 tags
“No matter what camera you own, training you have or wealth of knowledge, anyone...”
4 tags
“Is the popularity of photography today damaging its ability to communicate...”
4 tags
“When relations fail between people, a solution can almost always be found...”
August 2012
3 posts
9 tags
“For those of you who know me well, you might be aware that I am often faced with...”
7 tags
“If intelligence measures the ability to survive under as many conditions as...”
5 tags
“Taste the ambience of life, rejoice in the fragrance of success and bask in the...”
July 2012
6 posts
7 tags
“Just recently update to Mountain Lion on my iMac. So far so good - I just wish...”
5 tags
“It is better to be silent and confident then loud and arrogant.”
8 tags
“As much as I love photographing nature, nothing beats the smells, texture and...”
– My thoughts on nature and photography.
7 tags
“We live in a world driven by the consumption of a multitude of unecessary...”
– Late night ramblings. 