Tag Archives: photography

Photo a Day, Random Thoughts

The camera at hand

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It is very easy in photography to get extremely wrapped up in the gear that we use. The companies that sell are always making the implications that if we bought better gear we would miraculously take better photographs. The reality is that this is mostly rubbish.

As Ansel Adams stated

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!” 

There is an expression that the best camera you have is the one that you have with you. I am not sure who that is actually attributed to. Over recent years that camera has tended to be the one connected to your phone rather than being a dedicated one. In fact Nokia became the world’s largest suppliers of cameras a number of years ago and long before the smartphone came into being.

Now I have been somewhat sceptical of cellphone photography, thinking that they were really only good for selfies and drunken group shots. Even so I did use my old cellphone on a number of occasions with my Photo A Day project last year. The photos were ok but nothing compared to what my SLR could produce, and as the phone aged there was a definite issue with keeping the lens clean.

I was blown away when I saw the detail that was in this image.
I was blown away when I saw the detail that was in this image.

About a month ago I was lucky to be given a new iphone 5s and after I used it’s camera for the first time I was blown away with the quality of the image that it produced. I was so impressed that my photo a days since 31 October have been taken using it (with the exception of the two days of the Central Regional Conference.

No it is extremely unlikely that I would use the phone as a replacement for my SLR’s in a a serious shoot for three reasons:

  1. The phone can only shoot in JPG format and I do like the additional control that I have shooting in RAW.
  2. I like to have the option of controlling aperture and having lens that let me get closer or further from the action without having to physically move.
  3. It is not professional looking enough.
Using a phone does make shooting in a crowded restaurant a lot easy.
Using a phone does make shooting in a crowded restaurant a lot easy.

On the third point I know that there are professional photographers such as Richard Woods (www.richardwood.co.nz) who have shot weddings using them, but those were very much “proof of concept” ideas rather than a serious attempt at a switch in technology.

Models, Workshops

Ballerinas & Steampunk at the Rail

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On the Saturday afternoon of the Central Region PSNZ Conference there were three field trips scheduled. I decided to go on the one over to the Silver Stream Railway museum. Not necessarily because I wanted to shoot trains but rather because I knew that models had been arranged for this location, and that sounded a much better option than other two trips.

We had arranged for one of the old engines and carriages to be available. Unfortunately we were not able to arrange for it to be steamed up.

The last time the Hutt Camera club organised the conference the same venue was used for a field trip and that time the models had been dressed in wedding dresses as “trash the dress” had been a theme of the main speaker. This time they continued with the usual theme in that we had Kylie in full ballerina gear, Chrissy in classic 50’s outfit and a couple in steampunk outfits.

This made for very interesting shots and a fun afternoon, even if the light conditions were extremely difficult.

I loved the outfit of the museum person and asked that he pose with Kylie. He reluctantly agreed.
I loved the outfit of the museum person and asked that he pose with Kylie. He reluctantly agreed.
Kylie posing on the tracks
Kylie posing on the tracks
It took a couple of attempts to get the timing of this image right.
It took a couple of attempts to get the timing of this image right.
Chrissy
Chrissy

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Models, Pinup, Workshops

Pinup on a Sunday Morning

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On the second day of the PSNZ Central Regional conference I took part is a completely different workshop that centred on Retro Pinup and was run by Ngahuia Davey at Ataahua Pinups. These are the type of pinup images that were popular in the 1940’s and 50’s that have recently come back in popularity.

The room was set up with a white seamless backdrop on one side and a red on the other. Nga has organised two models, a number of costumes and a whole lot of props. She had also provided a sheet with the most common poses used and so the groups of photographers took turns with the trigger for the lights and giving instructions to the model. As modelling lamps were turned on many of group shot without the use of the strobes.

The two models were very different is just about every aspect. Ivory was experienced in both modelling and particularly this style and so she moved effortless between the poses and even suggested her own. Sharon on the other hand was very new to modelling and was very nervous. She required quite a lot of direction and it was fairly obvious that she was not overly enjoying the experience.

It was quite a bot of fun and something that I think I would like to try further at a later stage.DSC_5633 DSC_5620 DSC_5608 DSC_5586-Edit DSC_5578-Edit

 

Events, Workshops

Shooting in Natural Light

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Over the weekend of November 7 – 9 I was involved in organising the Regional Convention for the Central Area of Photographic Society of New Zealand. We offered a wide variety of speakers, workshops and fieldtrips that pretty much covered every aspect of photography.

On the Saturday I took part in a “Natural Light Portraiture” session run by Dave Sanderson (www.manipula.co.nz). It could have been subtitled “How to shoot at the worst time of day” as it ran right through the 11:00am to noon on a day that turned out brilliantly fine.

Now I will generally admit that I am not a natural light shooter, as I prefer the control that one can have with strobes. However if you shoot weddings then you need to be to able to shoot regardless of the conditions.

The key, as Dave explained, was to try to locate something to provide an element of shade. This could be  a tree, building or even a reflector used as a diffusion panel. Alternative you shot in the open and used a reflector to reduce some of the harsh shadows that the sun would cast.

We had three models for the shoot who were all very new and the three groups took it in turn with each model. I am reasonably pleased with the shots that came out. They are nothing stella but then when you are merely practising a technique you don’t expect super results all the time.

Using a wall to bounce back an amount of light.
Using a wall to bounce back an amount of light.
A reflector out of shot fills in a little bit of shadow on the face.
A reflector out of shot fills in a little bit of shadow on the face.
A group effort in using a reflector as a diffusion panel which shades the model
A group effort in using a reflector as a diffusion panel which shades the model
Awards, Competition Entries

Success at Central Regional Salon

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The Central Region of the Photographic Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) basically covers the Lower half of the north island. I believe that the boundary is just below Taupo but it does include the East Coast city of Gisborne.

This year I entered both a print and a digital image into the Open Category of the salon, and had another image included in the Hutt Camera Club’s print set. I am really stoked with the results.

Because my Club was hosting the conference I actually got to help out with the judging session so was on hand to hear the comments of the judges who actually had no idea who had shot the images.

My print of the “Late for the Ball” image really resonated with the judges and it scores a merit and came third in the competition.

The print of this image actually looks better than the digital version
The print of this image actually looks better than the digital version

The  story behind the image can be found on this blog post.

My “Waiting for the model call” image was included in the Club set with the overall set coming second in the category. The story behind this image can be found on this link.

The final hanger shot is quite different from the earlier version
The final hanger shot is quite different from the earlier version

Finally my image entitled “The Fall” got an “Acceptance” in the Digital Category. Not as high as I would have liked but the standard of the images in the section was very high.

The fall
The fall

This image was actually a late substitution. I had intended to enter the hanger shot into the category but when it was selected for the Club entry I was under the impression that it could not go into an individual competition. Unfortunately by the time that it was discovered that this was allowed, it was too late.

The success has spurred me on to enter the images into consideration for NZ Camera which is the actual print publication of PSNZ.

Awards, Competition Entries, Concept Images

Double success at final club judging

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Last Tuesday was the final judging of the 2014 Ladder competition and I had two images entered. I was very pleased with the results as both images received “Merits” (which is the second to top score an image can achieve).

The set topic for the round was “From beneath” and I submitted this image taken at the old brickworks in Melbourne.0218_L4_S_EncasedClimb

For the second image I decided to enter my “Late for the Ball” into the Open category.Late for the Ball_Small

Very pleased with the overall results, however they were not good enough to actually win the competition.

Models

Fun with the Cosplay shoot

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I was approached by Angie to see if I was willing to shoot her and a friend in various cosplay outfits as they wanted to have some fun together. It turned out the friend was Kristara who I had shot previously.

They had originally wanted a garden location so we arranged a time for them to come to my place as we have a large and very private section. Unfortunately on the day of the shoot the weather packed in and so we ended up shooting in my studio. It can get cosy in there when you have a number of people and all the lighting gear.

We ended up shooting later than planned due to makeup taking longer than planned and a muck up in communication as to where my place was, however once everyone was here the whole shoot took 90 minutes. I did not consider this too bad as they changed twice into different outfits.

Lighting for the shoot was two elinchroms in the large square soft boxes.

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The first look was relative simple however it included ears
The first look was relative simple however it included ears
The second look was schoolgirl
The second look was schoolgirl
Glasses were added for effect
Glasses were added for effect
The final look was very elaborate including coloured wigs
The final look was very elaborate including coloured wigs
Balloons added an extra effect to the tea party being held
Balloons added an extra effect to the tea party being held

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Events, Landscapes

Walk around the city

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Scott Kelby is a Photoshop expert from the United States who runs a very successful training operation. If you are serious about Photoshop and photography then it is likely that you will have come across one of his books or videos. A number of years ago (7 in fact) he came up with the idea of getting photographers in groups, worldwide together on one day and encourage them to walk along a pre-planned route and take images and then share the results.

This year the 7th Photowalk occurred on October 11 in 1,052 locations around the globe with some 20,164 registered to take part. In reality that number was probably a lot larger as people showed up without registering.

The Wellington walk was organised by Hutt Camera President Brian Harmer and covered some of the alleyways and lesser travelled lanes in central Wellington, and the up an over the lower slopes of Mount Victoria, around the inner harbour finishing for a drink and snack at Mac’s Brewbar.

Now there is a saying “that you can’t beat Wellington on a good day” which is quite true, however the reality is that those days can be limited. Fortunately we struck the jackpot at the day was brilliantly fine and with next to no wind.

The walk was scheduled to start at 5.00pm and run through to 7:00pm so we ended up shooting in almost perfect light. All up there were around 35 people gathered at the starting location. It had originally been just me joining the group but I managed to convince my wife to come along.

While we started off all together it did not take too long for the group to spread out and by the end the stragglers came in nearly 45 minutes after the first group. They all seemed to have really enjoyed themselves.

Below is a sample of the images that I ended up taking. It was quite amazing how much diversity there was in quite a small location within the city.

At the start of the walk the alleyway is lined with old brick building
At the start of the walk the alleyway is lined with old brick building
Modern high rise apartments
Modern high rise apartments
Old suitcase outside a junk shop in Dixon street
Old suitcase outside a junk shop in Dixon street
Retro is very much in fashion in Cuba street
Retro is very much in fashion in Cuba street
The cafe culture in Cuba street is very much alive
The cafe culture in Cuba street is very much alive
The Havana coffee shop in Wigan Street.
The Havana coffee shop in Wigan Street.
The late afternoon lights creates pattern on this apartment block
The late afternoon lights creates pattern on this apartment block
In need of some TLC is this house in Elizabeth Street
In need of some TLC is this house in Elizabeth Street
The early evening light and conditions were perfect
The early evening light and conditions were perfect
Fashion, Models

Chaotic Sunday

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Generally speaking when I go to a shoot I have a pretty good idea what I am going to be dealing with. Last Sunday turned out to be the complete opposite to norm.

I have been asked by a model to help out by shooting her in some clothes that had been designed. She arranged the “studio” and I arranged to meet her there. When I arrived there was no sign of her and the studio turned out to be room in a hall. Shortly after the designated time the designers, who turned out to be four third year Massey university fashion students, showed up. As part of their degree they had to design a collection of clothes in the style of a well known designer. In this case it was Andrea Moore.

They had been told that the room we had booked had white walls and wooden floors. The room we were shown into had green walls and a maroon carpet. I had been told that we were shooting in a studio so had left my backdrops at home.

Eventually we managed to secure a better location at the same time as the model showed up.

They had sent the model some mood board images to pass onto me which she had not. Fortunately they had examples on their phones for me to see.

They had a range of outfits and wanted to have simple “look book” images, then some to use as campaign images and then to go outside and shoot more campaign images in the city.

As they wanted bright images for the look book I chose  a simple two light arrangement as shown in the diagram below.

Toi_Poneke-Lighting-Diagrams-G-1.2-final

The soft box to camera right is the main light for the subject. The second soft box is there to light up the background. Both lights were set to f7.1.

The idea in a look look is to maintain consistency in the set so that the clothes are the focus. To help with this the camera was sat on a tripod and the model did not move much relative to it.

Example of a Look Book image
Example of a Look Book image

Once we had a good series of images we then moved on the campaign images that were allowed to be a lot more lively. The girls had brought in a number of props and I say the possibility of a fun shot using them.

Toi-Poneke-10 Toi-Poneke-11

We then moved outside. My daughter was assisting me and she noticed that the pattern on the hood of one of the outfit lined up rather neatly with Emily’s face so we took the following image.

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Not to far away from the building was a park bench that I thought suited the theme. Toi-Poneke-13We then moved down to Caro Drive to shoot around a pedestrian crossing. I decided to use a little selective colour with this image to make it pop.

Break out of the gray
Break out of the gray

I ended up shooting 360 images in the 3 hour session. These were put up in a gallery for the girls to decide which images they wanted to edit further. They chose around 40 which were delivered to them.

A chaotic start but a good session non the less. To Jess, Amelia, Rosie and Miriam all the best.

Models, Nudes

Keeping it hidden (slightly NSFW)

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They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and it is true that if you can capture catchlights in the image, and the eyes are sharp then people will connect.

A number of years ago the family spent some time in Egypt and it was really the first time that I encountered women wearing the full burqha with only there eyes showing. It was amazing how good looking quite a lot of eyes appeared.

Then a couple of years later we had a secret Santa at the work Christmas party and I was given a blue plastic mask. I instantly knew what I was going to do with it, and it has been used in quite a number of shoots since.

Over the years I have collected quite a range of masks, and I really enjoy using them in shoots. In most cases the mask actually focuses attention on the eyes while at the same time adding a little element of mystery to the image.

Most masks have been very successful apart from one. It is a replica of a full faced venetian mask that I have used in two shoots. The shots are good but to me there is something that I am not quite getting. I suspect that the mask actually needs a very elaborate outfit to set it off.

This was the first shoot using a mask, and still one of my most favourite shots.
This was the first shoot using a mask, and still one of my most favourite shots.

Mask-2 Mask-7 Mask-4

Using the same model as the original blue mask, but this time with a small black one
Using the same model as the original blue mask, but this time with a small black one
A simple mask with contrasting colours of the drape
A simple mask with contrasting colours of the drape
This full face white mask unnerves a lot of people due to its lack of features
This full face white mask unnerves a lot of people due to its lack of features
This is the first shoot using the full faced venetian mask
This is the first shoot using the full faced venetian mask
The most recent shot with the venetian mask
The most recent shot with the venetian mask