tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227524022024-03-08T09:48:28.273+11:00Shelton Muller, PhotographerImages from the camera, thoughts from the heart, adventures through the lens...Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.comBlogger374125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-51103505505740811572014-06-10T16:16:00.001+10:002014-06-10T16:16:33.175+10:00When There's No Space, No One Can Hear You Scream....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">Before embarking upon any shoot, the photographer’s mind goes into
a creative prep mode. Lighting, composition...you know the deal. There is a
part of you that says <i>“I am doing to rock this shoot. I am going to make this
something I am really proud of”.</i> You salivate over the potential results and
make your way to the location.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">Legal firms are not necessarily known for their large open studio
spaces. So doing location <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/portfolio/corporate" target="_blank">corporate portraits</a> in such a place suddenly presents a reality
that needs to be dealt with. All of your lighting techniques and aspirations
suddenly become smaller, simpler and very real indeed. No excuses can be made.
No complaints. You just have to do what you have to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">You cannot expect your client to know what you need, or even to be
able to provide it if he did know. The essential reality is that you have to
create the images, doing so to the best of your ability in the given
circumstances. This was recently the cas</span><span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">e with a shoot I was asked to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">Work is work. For most of us, this is the simple truth. Relationships need to be maintained. Images
need to be created. Invoices need to be drawn up. So you do what you need to
do. So, when offered a room smaller than most suburban bedrooms for your ‘studio’
you have to simply smile, assure your client and do the work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrj8h-8o-n4K7pVOQ6IMlQfBvEtVM-TDDCFFAzt0XlWRY6R-tSlXKlo1mZDbactIB1Y6g-5iyAFWiS7ptG4eX5zb7GjaGjflDUPAx99IJExIkMorqsHTlLIKJwTByaAQ1O5HqLA/s1600/dohrmann.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrj8h-8o-n4K7pVOQ6IMlQfBvEtVM-TDDCFFAzt0XlWRY6R-tSlXKlo1mZDbactIB1Y6g-5iyAFWiS7ptG4eX5zb7GjaGjflDUPAx99IJExIkMorqsHTlLIKJwTByaAQ1O5HqLA/s1600/dohrmann.JPG" height="361" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are few options for creative lighting in a space like this. But you do what you do, keeping it simple and<br />creating the images your client needs. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">For this particular assignment, I had room for one light, and one
light is fine. Add a reflector and you’re ok. Yes, there were more grandiose
lighting plans among my hopes for this shoot, but in the end creativity must
bow to necessity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">So the <a href="http://www.photekusa.com/" target="_blank">Photek Softlighter </a>was placed on a stand and quite near the
subject, simply because there was no room for any other option. There was one
place to stand, and the subject had one place to sit. In the end, what more do
you need? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">One light is the light of masters. You know - Rembrandt, and all
of those dudes. So one light can work and work well. In this case, it was
necessary, but keeping it simple is rarely a bad thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;">-Shelton Muller</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Gentium Basic'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/">www.livinginpictures.com.au</a></span></div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-9148341131531554582014-06-04T16:33:00.002+10:002014-06-04T16:50:05.217+10:00What is the 'Reality' of the Situation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEbQcqwe4TCENxX3aRxsBszZTDblHAhUspObOfVcJco3tVHvCXcXnzP92GxpuwN7F5wiZ-fazQG7q2mYNEi9ujkIhLxIJOfGVh3WQul2P8imODYK2BuReFO92LiJcepdgEH2rXg/s1600/1-LIP_9436-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEbQcqwe4TCENxX3aRxsBszZTDblHAhUspObOfVcJco3tVHvCXcXnzP92GxpuwN7F5wiZ-fazQG7q2mYNEi9ujkIhLxIJOfGVh3WQul2P8imODYK2BuReFO92LiJcepdgEH2rXg/s1600/1-LIP_9436-003.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images are created first in the mind, with the camera and the computer the tools that simple enable their final creation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9KfpovR5i2CqRU4njXOTQ9caz2kzgJU5omjYd0JwxlQm6PvmWdijK6qjIdWPoSJ_pSv3F9vX8M1P3ItoJWk7baLYdkAbQ4oFSK21i9lGo49Lo_da02gtYcXRhXY3v4VVCCqRsw/s1600/1-location-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9KfpovR5i2CqRU4njXOTQ9caz2kzgJU5omjYd0JwxlQm6PvmWdijK6qjIdWPoSJ_pSv3F9vX8M1P3ItoJWk7baLYdkAbQ4oFSK21i9lGo49Lo_da02gtYcXRhXY3v4VVCCqRsw/s1600/1-location-001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the light leaves you with little opportunity, its always good to<br />have a Steve holding a flash on a stand. Thanks Steve!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What is asked of the <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/" target="_blank">wedding photographer? </a>In this age, that
answer is not an easy one to define. Each image created has ten thousand
options that can be applied to it; both within the moment of capture and then
also during its post capture processes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For many photographers, the idea of altering an image
drastically removes the fundamental truth of the image and the wedding day
itself. Their job, as they see it, is to record the event as it truly was, with
minimal in-camera technique and very little post process alteration. For other
photographers, it is quite the opposite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many of us will probably fall somewhere between these two
options, and decide image-by-image as to the final outcome of each. The newcomer
will be tempted to go a little overboard with the processing, often because of
their inexperience at in-camera creativity. Lens perspective, depth of field,
metering and composition will often be overlooked in the moment of capture with
the hope of ‘saving’ the image, or at least creating it, in post. Those with
more experience will breathe a little more, and think on their feet just a few
moments longer. They are not about quantity, but quality. So their cameras work
perhaps don't work as hard as those of their less experienced counterparts who may try to create a quality through quantity process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Images are created first in the mind. They are foggy,
mysteriously swirling blobs of inspiration that come to fruition either in a
moment of epiphany and genius or through a long process of capture and post
process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The difference between the reality and the end result was
the reason for the work that went into this series of images from <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/portfolio/wedding-photography" target="_blank">Reuben andRachael’s wedding</a>. The light was flat, shapeless and uninteresting, but the
clouds were beautiful. The homestead backdrop was potentially overwhelming. The
couple was nervous, but willing. Applying flash, deliberate underexposure of
the ambient light and some work in Lightroom was the process that changed the foggy,
mysteriously swirling blobs of inspiration into the images that came from these
few minutes of shooting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Shelton Muller</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/">www.livinginpictures.com.au</a></span></div>
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<br />Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-17822510696154781792014-06-03T16:55:00.000+10:002014-06-03T16:55:07.923+10:00Reuben and Rachael's Wedding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-563lIrTrGAKTsTF-IrgOgvyFXV0SS1rtVWGFOZ9tDsCnChRPN_nKbLNHFxnZ_V6pWtGnbr7ZrxT-bVcY4O8KqSc9bh2pPjAbvzrSgMPBDSIL36pdnbcgsht3-e8NGuaCc9W7IQ/s1600/LIP_9440-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-563lIrTrGAKTsTF-IrgOgvyFXV0SS1rtVWGFOZ9tDsCnChRPN_nKbLNHFxnZ_V6pWtGnbr7ZrxT-bVcY4O8KqSc9bh2pPjAbvzrSgMPBDSIL36pdnbcgsht3-e8NGuaCc9W7IQ/s1600/LIP_9440-3.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reuben and Rachael lit with flash, shoot through umbrella.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNCGBUoIpL7JxACRm4p_20bn8wp9VG1v154tld2zrYanKPkfGrNWH5DLAd8v5bvRjEuAmO1rR0FCl1r-D4UmY5Nc0hKXNEFcxxCYsPa87dNbvgFWXQmiiB0g-ybhZeqkLNCNedQ/s1600/LIP_9419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNCGBUoIpL7JxACRm4p_20bn8wp9VG1v154tld2zrYanKPkfGrNWH5DLAd8v5bvRjEuAmO1rR0FCl1r-D4UmY5Nc0hKXNEFcxxCYsPa87dNbvgFWXQmiiB0g-ybhZeqkLNCNedQ/s1600/LIP_9419.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reuben and Rachael lit with flash, <br />shoot through umbrella. CTO Gel.</td></tr>
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Weddings in May in Melbourne are always fraught with the
potential for a mix of weather, unless of course you are given an entire day of
gorgeous light, or endless drizzle. Thankfully, <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/" target="_blank">Rachael and Reuben’s wedding</a>
was a mixed day, with little in the way of drizzle to worry about.</div>
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Tash and I love to work with flash, and we love to work independently
of each other while simultaneously uniting to collaborate on the images and the
ideas. One of us will usually shoot close with a wide angle, and the other with
the 70-200 – usually at 2.8. For many of these images, I was connected to the
flash via PocketWizards. The flash was fired through a white umbrella, often
with a CTO gel to warm the image, contrasting it with the rather cool daylight
that was given us that day.</div>
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For their wedding formals, Rachael and Reuben managed to
obtain permission to use a heritage listed homestead used for the movie, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277941/" target="_blank">NedKelly</a>, and it was a wonderful location. I would have loved to have had more
time – indeed, an entire day – to fully utilize this secret part time movie set.</div>
Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-69941822092786098302014-05-14T13:32:00.001+10:002014-05-14T13:32:56.222+10:00Holy Cheap Lighting Batman! Its the Batlight!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjDE7u-BwaRD-W2-lvXjTzhM5dymoqZCSWkyz8rLlLtrT0XZRKWNpM9rNmeZRXO9QcLUS6cu07l2g90SUMK8kn9WcLttOfCsAjsG9cNdIkkUf5y62y4uAybPxzrrqjm-j5fHiMg/s1600/Bianca+sepia+with+Batlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjDE7u-BwaRD-W2-lvXjTzhM5dymoqZCSWkyz8rLlLtrT0XZRKWNpM9rNmeZRXO9QcLUS6cu07l2g90SUMK8kn9WcLttOfCsAjsG9cNdIkkUf5y62y4uAybPxzrrqjm-j5fHiMg/s1600/Bianca+sepia+with+Batlight.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bianca poses in her livingroom, the Batlight held above her face, just out of frame.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I am not one for hardware stores. To me, they are useless places. I may as well be stethoscope store or an astronaut's outlet. I am not the home handyman type. So large hardware outlets like </span><a href="http://www.bunnings.com.au/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Bunnings</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> are not my kind of place. However, they do have cheap AA batteries in large quantities. So...I go. A few months back I was wondering through the place with my wife, trying to look all 'home handyman' and be impressive. All of a sudden we encountered a large pile of lights on special. That always takes my attention. Light is my main tool of the trade, and suddenly it seemed like Bunnings might be the place for me after all. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6LbrEHxpvmbPJ6-jx2-2SMJV3qKqv_RrpHiMFbbvuQHG8p0twGo7qwzWXuZi-5eNuBHkeyd3ylB6L8CMDrCDENZhEGsEsFksQabMbOmHQnfJT-ZNUhxbxgKyggCq5sGXxU9GHg/s1600/batlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6LbrEHxpvmbPJ6-jx2-2SMJV3qKqv_RrpHiMFbbvuQHG8p0twGo7qwzWXuZi-5eNuBHkeyd3ylB6L8CMDrCDENZhEGsEsFksQabMbOmHQnfJT-ZNUhxbxgKyggCq5sGXxU9GHg/s1600/batlight.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
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These lights were on special for $27.95 and they were called <a href="http://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=batlight&redirectFrom=Any" target="_blank">Batlight</a>s. "Holy Cheap Lighting!" I said to myself as I punched one hand very Robin-like into the other. We bought one, and went on home. </div>
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We were surprised that its colour temperature was close enough to daylight so that it could actually be used without any need for correction in post, or filtering when in use. This was a very pleasant surprise. So....we went back and bought another, eagerly looking forward to the first real opportunity for the <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/" target="_blank">Living in Pictures </a>team to use it on a shoot.</div>
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Along came <a href="http://sheltonmuller.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/it-was-our-distinct-pleasure-to.html" target="_blank">Mel and Travis' wedding. </a>Their wedding was held in the height of summer and the Batlight, while quite bright, was not as useful on their wedding as we would have liked it to be. Even the indoor photography was bright. Nick and Bianca's wedding, however, was a different kettle of fish. Their wedding was more recent and with the Australian summer over, the light was softer and nowhere near as bright, especially inside. So out came the batlight.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cc39h-CV9cY3ud9FT744N0HmciLFRCF0a1smY3WkDB8LLavqIaO7NVnpAeAf8mh_v4K6-Xem_cBLJqVUVXoTGHbFULFhTROnHs0xjus9CNPKmr2ScQGO7-GhjZVchUVeDuXE2A/s1600/Tash+with+Batlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cc39h-CV9cY3ud9FT744N0HmciLFRCF0a1smY3WkDB8LLavqIaO7NVnpAeAf8mh_v4K6-Xem_cBLJqVUVXoTGHbFULFhTROnHs0xjus9CNPKmr2ScQGO7-GhjZVchUVeDuXE2A/s1600/Tash+with+Batlight.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tash holds the batlight for Bianca's indoor portrait</td></tr>
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The Batlight has the option of opening and closing, which can focus or spread the light as you see fit. It also has a very bright spotlight option. It is rechargeable at home or in the car and the battery allows for hours of lighting. It is light, very manageable and easy to include in your photography kit.</div>
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There is much talk among photographers about <a href="https://www.jerryghionis.com/" target="_blank">Jerry Ghionis</a>' <a href="http://www.theicelight.com/" target="_blank">Icelight</a>, and so there should be. It is an incredibly practical and creative tool that many photographers around the world are utilising for a host of different photographic assignments. However, in this humble photographer's opinon, it is also too expensive. There are about $1200 good reasons why I haven't invested in a couple of these babies yet. That's not to say they wouldn't be used. They would be. But there are many uses for a photographer's money, and at the moment, the Icelight is not among them. I have long used and taught the benefits and versatility of off-camera flash and we use it at every wedding. However, when the Batlight came into view it whispered in excited tones that we needed to own a couple and use them. I have a feeling that it will be used again...and again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8y0mlRdS6vMb8xY8VjAT-TRX8gpbdSLAfEXR6kWtHryzqFRPGlKKrWiTfv5DXngpA0K7J0zq_UAxTyFa9g7_fUzBlgpm242xcj_ekEgoYJuZUoQ2hshqkCcDa5jW9L2gfIPFiw/s1600/Bianca+against+wall+with+batlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8y0mlRdS6vMb8xY8VjAT-TRX8gpbdSLAfEXR6kWtHryzqFRPGlKKrWiTfv5DXngpA0K7J0zq_UAxTyFa9g7_fUzBlgpm242xcj_ekEgoYJuZUoQ2hshqkCcDa5jW9L2gfIPFiw/s1600/Bianca+against+wall+with+batlight.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-79366135666739556222014-01-31T17:33:00.002+11:002014-01-31T17:33:39.439+11:00Asian Executive Cover<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5QAj62hGRfr76oiUKBdY1m_3pHLf8Vbx8FY-Gg5CTCozpUoWBTBgZtHuCCJmVtSsfpOsOrC_WmO7Ps1IAzchebVfT6oBK8XYPaboTeEq4LLEVm3odkSwbb61oBebDAV0tmv0Wg/s1600/Asian+Executive+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5QAj62hGRfr76oiUKBdY1m_3pHLf8Vbx8FY-Gg5CTCozpUoWBTBgZtHuCCJmVtSsfpOsOrC_WmO7Ps1IAzchebVfT6oBK8XYPaboTeEq4LLEVm3odkSwbb61oBebDAV0tmv0Wg/s1600/Asian+Executive+Cover.jpg" height="640" width="451" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A relatively simply cover shot created in a difficult situation...</td></tr>
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The image on the cover of <a href="http://www.theasianexecutive.com.au/" target="_blank">The Asian Executive</a> magazine is the result of perhaps the hardest and fastest ten minutes I may have ever spent shooting. It is an interesting situation into which we photographers are often thrust. You are told you have an hour to shoot the cover and you accept, wishing you had some time to get into the zone, get the photo mojo working and really work that thing. However, what happens more often than not is that when the reality actually hits, you have much, much less. This was one of those cases.</div>
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The rooftop of the parking lot where we were told to meet was not the most exotic of locations. Neither did it afford us quite the view we were all hoping for. The concept of the image did not in any way meet the realities that were possible. Add to that the reduced time you finally have to create the shot and you can be glad you have been doing this for a very long time.</div>
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What does it come down to? For the photographer, it is a matter of getting the image firmly implanted in your mind and working quickly but thinking slowly until it is in the camera. That is easier said than done and it is not the best way to work.</div>
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<a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/" target="_blank">Tash and I </a>work as a well-oiled team, and when it comes down to it we just get into the process, each knowing what to contribute, what to do and what to suggest, leave in or leave out. </div>
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Me? I was on the ground with the <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d800.htm" target="_blank">Nikon D800</a> and the Nikkor VR70-200 using the lens at full telephoto to compress the subject with the background. Tash was out of frame with a stand mounted <a href="http://strobist.blogspot.com.au/2006/04/steal-this-flash-nikon-sb-24.html" target="_blank">Nikon SB24 </a>connected to a Pocket Wizard. The 36MP resolution of the D800 certainly impresses a client, and the off camera flash gave us a fighting chance with some interesting light on an otherwise dull and lifeless day.</div>
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In the end, the client was impressed - not only with the images we produced but also the calm, humorous and engaging way we dealt with his client. So, that being the case, we have just now finished the shoot for the next cover of this magazine and will blog about it soon. </div>
Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-39647640946514157262014-01-20T15:34:00.001+11:002014-01-20T15:42:57.420+11:00Beauty and the Beasts<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">David Harris, Patrice Lipoki and Rob (Millsy) Mills will be performing at Melbourne Zoo next week! </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sXXvpB4sxgwW5HMdAXw4UzVcPIxf1CCJzAYbDH0nCncye7z2FP1fRnoW1m3zZGllM2bMa8HDp_pi5lBDWgLbT7-0Qhg5y9wEiuIv5-1w6zMw4NnfgUZdhD60p_usbi7oWQH6fg/s1600/LIP_0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLFhSvLxD3HdRaHNpuhPFxpUqtqMlKzVTwRyBx1zi9dPKqcFlJdnSjObrNR69QrsKKsgFIbT24roWeWoYnLCZ5vv5R_58Xov1ocsNQ4Y3TbMkJCm-NEP-eYqjYvtZU-3q_tvolA/s1600/LIP_9973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLFhSvLxD3HdRaHNpuhPFxpUqtqMlKzVTwRyBx1zi9dPKqcFlJdnSjObrNR69QrsKKsgFIbT24roWeWoYnLCZ5vv5R_58Xov1ocsNQ4Y3TbMkJCm-NEP-eYqjYvtZU-3q_tvolA/s1600/LIP_9973.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Hello Blog! </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Its been a while. Nice to be back!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Last week, <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/" target="_blank">Living in Pictures</a> (that's Tash and me) were commissioned to capture some publicity photographs ofthe upcoming production of <a href="http://www.eventopia.co/event/Disneys-Beauty-and-the-Beast/212949" target="_blank">Beauty and the Beast</a>, a performance which will be taking place at Melbourne Zoo on the 26th and 27th of January. Yes..that's this Sunday and Monday. So together, <a href="http://www.thehunterbox.com.au/" target="_blank">Katherine McPherson</a>, <a href="http://www.adamlowegroup.com/ALG/" target="_blank">Adam Lowe</a> and our three stars -<a href="http://www.david-harris.com.au/" target="_blank"> David Harris</a>, <a href="http://www.ambrosemanagement.com/patrice-tipoki" target="_blank">Patrice Lipoki</a> and <a href="http://robmills.net.au/web/" target="_blank">Rob Mills</a> braved the 40+C heat to create some images for publicity. Working with professional people like this is always gratifying. They let nothing get in the way and they continue despite the conditions. The heat was intense, and it had been for days. Imagine then, how wonderful their performances will be!</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">To book for this performance of Beauty and the Beast, click <a href="http://www.eventopia.co/event/Disneys-Beauty-and-the-Beast/212949" target="_blank">here. </a> Its going to be a great show, and the price of the tickets is extremely reasonable. We will see you there!</span></span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95TNVyCMXRcBVoZfZFfgkMcRE2dO_a9BEYSodp5uNVkE-g1418RTP_-QD0wAwW3IJPQ3sXcpverijOAD2K3j4JzcLbnmLiEzSHwSZwAhbvrvm2lWDAlH-BZs2wa7Gg-ZcQP0hpQ/s1600/LIP_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95TNVyCMXRcBVoZfZFfgkMcRE2dO_a9BEYSodp5uNVkE-g1418RTP_-QD0wAwW3IJPQ3sXcpverijOAD2K3j4JzcLbnmLiEzSHwSZwAhbvrvm2lWDAlH-BZs2wa7Gg-ZcQP0hpQ/s1600/LIP_0038.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">David Harris being Beastly with the King of Beasts!</span></td></tr>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-55739581694675841542013-12-09T15:27:00.002+11:002013-12-09T15:29:05.450+11:00Another Photographer Gets Married....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBMbXu6Tz1sncAQ0MnRA2Oqgfm9t6KWiWK4Vb8vnXki-BSW_F_Du0obLcDGvUfbMTMOe1OOfl6oDao8nNPzbjYNoZ5ilNCpJfT87QQFvLFgQ2FuX7EPMEzhwxxjnPsPoVJInBUA/s1600/1-LIP_7889-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBMbXu6Tz1sncAQ0MnRA2Oqgfm9t6KWiWK4Vb8vnXki-BSW_F_Du0obLcDGvUfbMTMOe1OOfl6oDao8nNPzbjYNoZ5ilNCpJfT87QQFvLFgQ2FuX7EPMEzhwxxjnPsPoVJInBUA/s640/1-LIP_7889-2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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It was our distinct pleasure to photograph the beautiful wedding of Travis and Melissa. Once again, it is the wedding of a fellow photographer, and so the honour is even heightened. When photographers ask you to photograph their weddings, there are fewer compliments they could pay you that would honour your work more. After all, your wedding is a 'day of days and entrusting it to another photographer is a decision based on everything they already know about the process through their own experience. So...thanks Mel!</div>
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Melissa and Travis were married at <a data-mce-href="http://www.currabilli.com" href="http://www.currabilli.com/">Currabilli,</a> a beautiful mansion overlooking the oceans of Torquay.</div>
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Knowing as she does the workings of a wedding day, Melissa chose to have their wedding photography mostly taken care of <em>before</em> the ceremony. That meant a shoot at our leisure with fewer, if any, time constraints. So once the ceremony was done, we had family groups to photograph and a few spontaneous images from their very casual but elegant reception.</div>
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Thank you Travis and Melissa! We had fun! </div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-15549881636927171232013-04-01T15:30:00.003+11:002013-04-01T16:16:08.254+11:00Breaking our Own Mold - Mark and Jessica's Beautiful Wedding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysPhmtzmM3GwLeb06W1ktiMTUD2-EP-EslSxO9p-XkmNUdvuhVhpW15_FubXlbhwEYuj9OyG4UC51JMdVla-f42oCT6jj5HQdCWIEF7gVUbBdWtCmMCzPDYsH6ZlUhZdo50JiIQ/s1600/LIP_9653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysPhmtzmM3GwLeb06W1ktiMTUD2-EP-EslSxO9p-XkmNUdvuhVhpW15_FubXlbhwEYuj9OyG4UC51JMdVla-f42oCT6jj5HQdCWIEF7gVUbBdWtCmMCzPDYsH6ZlUhZdo50JiIQ/s640/LIP_9653.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backlit with flash and using a Nikkor 70-200 VR at f2.8, this image was also<br />
made possible because of the creative input of this beautiful couple. Props,<br />
combined with their desire to a very important part of the creative process<br />
made images such as these possible on a wedding day that could have<br />
otherwise been very difficult.</td></tr>
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Photographing a wedding is always a daunting and wonderful task - no matter who you are or how many weddings you have captured over the years. It is an honour to be given the one and only opportunity to capture a couple’s wedding day, and therefore daunting in its impact of personal responsibility.<a href="http://www.facebook.com/livinginpicturesoz"> Tash and I </a>will approach each wedding individually, but admittedly our combined visual style is apparent in each.</div>
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Then along came Jessica and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Phishamusic">Mark</a>. What a wonderful couple! We were looking very much forward to photographing their wedding – for personal and creative reasons. Mark and Jessica are friends of the family and it was an honour for us to capture their dream day and all of the love surrounding them – so much of which was our own.</div>
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It is only a natural part of our service to ask a couple what kind of images they prefer. This doesn’t mean that we don’t know what we are doing, but every photographer can adapt for their customers. From a photographer's perspective it also allows for growth. It doesn’t mean a complete departure from their skill set or visual style, but only a more predominant approach within their style that suits their customers. When Mark and Jessica indicated their preferences of images using examples of wedding images they liked, well…we kinda took a double take. Why? Well, how do I put this?…We didn’t like the images they presented. When that happens, what do you do then?
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmqlHmZ4Jlq0rG2SJjoGdy56kWyl8sCCXjT3RdItKdNlYSypRvK_H3FSZQhmIAlSB6YLJ2h1AVkp3si4Dqng9F3uD_j7N4lqx6p-tznuTILn1AiCkhTyGx1NFBYrmpvA9wwf4ig/s1600/LIP_9571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmqlHmZ4Jlq0rG2SJjoGdy56kWyl8sCCXjT3RdItKdNlYSypRvK_H3FSZQhmIAlSB6YLJ2h1AVkp3si4Dqng9F3uD_j7N4lqx6p-tznuTILn1AiCkhTyGx1NFBYrmpvA9wwf4ig/s320/LIP_9571.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combining the creative vision of our couple with our own<br />
style, this image was alse made possible with a LensBaby<br />
Edge80, which I personally love to use as often as I can<br />
at a wedding. </td></tr>
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Well....we were honest. You have to be, don’t you? We told them that while we didn’t feel that our style matched what they showed us, we would nonetheless do our best to shoot this way – but to add <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/" target="_blank">our unique talent set and visual style</a> to them. Having seen our wedding images, they agreed to place their trust in our abilities and we agreed to step outside ourselves. It was a challenge for the two of us to remember what we had to do, to deliberately alter our methods and styles and produce images that were out of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/livinginpicturesoz" target="_blank">our genre</a>. But it was a great exercise, and we appreciate the growth it brought to us also. For me? I was able to get out the <a href="http://lensbaby.com.au/" target="_blank">LensBaby Edge80</a> I have been dying to work with so much! Thanks Mark! Thanks Jessica! </div>
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Their wedding day was a mixture of weather patterns too. There was heat. Then there were clouds. Then there was downpour. Then there was warmth again. Photographers who are unable to work with these unpredictable conditions will suffer the consequences of this inability – as will their clients. Tash and I took each stage in our stride and instead of working against the weather, worked with each as a creative opportunity.
Thank you Mark and Jessica for being our teachers, our friends and a beautiful couple whose creative input and dedication to the acquisition of props made for a creative collaboration!<br />
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To see a gallery from this wedding, click<a href="http://livinginpictures.com.au/breaking-the-mold-mark-and-jessicas-beautiful-wedding/" target="_blank"> here.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ysWPZrDSBmLSzj_YvT91t-oirevEODUu3HcoXufF1IyZeqfeDIJCqGlaTFv-dvJn3boJM3JZssh5LL8rjQJXWo7XiOZVAB1iBprtUH_q4crRNYj87HdE3cXNUnTXqUPawByPWg/s1600/DSC_5753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ysWPZrDSBmLSzj_YvT91t-oirevEODUu3HcoXufF1IyZeqfeDIJCqGlaTFv-dvJn3boJM3JZssh5LL8rjQJXWo7XiOZVAB1iBprtUH_q4crRNYj87HdE3cXNUnTXqUPawByPWg/s640/DSC_5753.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brave bride and groom made this image possible. Thanks Mark and Jessica<br />
braving the weather and bringing an umbrella!<br />
Image: Natasha Muller</td></tr>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-58880429838820690712012-12-28T15:30:00.002+11:002012-12-28T15:37:17.175+11:00Sunset over Pushkar<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAhLtckeVDisFNXFJgmut1do9LnEhK8LENMKy91vt2BkZ1GiNmXyrN1X8fAu0yGId9hGas09KdgzvWPHQdrbBiriiTZHZv4uPfkU71eIvWf52LXaG5PBbDw4fqHw0-w3tkwxjzw/s1600/camels+in+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAhLtckeVDisFNXFJgmut1do9LnEhK8LENMKy91vt2BkZ1GiNmXyrN1X8fAu0yGId9hGas09KdgzvWPHQdrbBiriiTZHZv4uPfkU71eIvWf52LXaG5PBbDw4fqHw0-w3tkwxjzw/s640/camels+in+sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camels mirror each other in the setting sun as I run to compose symmetrically. Nikon D700, Tamron 28-75 f2.8.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8N7HSIeZ9J6emmz6SIcaD44QsxkChWVCQmZjM4WunTaUN6tIW59D9qcAfqxxME9ANC81HflCg8IRiKTLIHhaPuOoREMVy3sWpaXQrL2I_tvdVDVAKoD5XFWCo33DjFSPMnIFeg/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8N7HSIeZ9J6emmz6SIcaD44QsxkChWVCQmZjM4WunTaUN6tIW59D9qcAfqxxME9ANC81HflCg8IRiKTLIHhaPuOoREMVy3sWpaXQrL2I_tvdVDVAKoD5XFWCo33DjFSPMnIFeg/s640/9.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of day, Pushkar. Nikon D700, Nikkor 70-200 at<br />
200mm f2.8</td></tr>
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Life changes, and each stage of my career is bringing with it new lessons and opportunities. These days, much of the work I am doing is governed by privacy ethics and laws and so my blogging has taken a down turn - as some of you may have noticed. And yet, today, during this usual lull at the end of every year, I find myself sorting through tens of thousands of images, hundreds of directories and a history of photography that I am proud to call mine. So, starting with this post, I think I am going to revisit my images and present their stories to you as often as I can.</div>
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So, lets start with India....</div>
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These images were taken at the famed <a href="http://www.pushkarcamelfair.com/">Pushkar Camel Festival</a>. At the time I was running a photographic tour for an old friend in the industry, <a href="http://wildernessgallery.cart.net.au/cat/2047862.html">Darran Leal.</a> Darran's company, <a href="http://worldadventures.com.au/">World Photo Adventures</a>, is one the best in the business if you want an unforgettable and educational photographic experience. India was an experience I will never forget - on almost every possible human level.<br />
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Walking through this festival, a festival at which tens of thousands of camels are bought and sold, there are photographs at every turn. The camels, their owners, the buyers, their families, the dusty landscape, the colourful culture - the list is endless. You are in a dusty, hot, overcrowded photography heaven. Documenting an event like this is difficult enough as video at 25 frames per second. One image at a time is even more difficult.The problem is not 'what do you take?' but rather 'when do you stop taking?'. </div>
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This in itself poses a problem - the problem of prioritising. When you are in a situation in which there is just too much to photograph, it becomes a case of 'what to leave in and what to leave out'. Once you have eradicated the 'what to leave out' aspect, the 'what to leave in' is challenge enough, but less so. So what do you leave out?' To me, that answer then becomes about light. If the light is not in any way complimentary to the image, then leave it out - epecially when there are thousands of potential images complimented by great light. </div>
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Returning the festival in the late afternoon, the light becomes more workable and interesting, complimenting each image with warmth along with more manageable highlight and shadow details. In these conditions, everywhere you point your camera suddenly assumes more natural capture potential - especially in a place like Pushkar and an event like the Camel Fair.</div>
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Working with two cameras, each armed with a completely different focal length made the decisions and the process easier. So, the first port of call is the lens choices. To maximise the opportunities, I chose a wide angle to medium Tamron 28-75 f2.8 on one body and a 70-200 f2.8 zoom on the other.<br />
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Because I prefer to produce images to the degree possible in camera, metering was manual, which is my usual preference. Then....well...you look, watch, point and wait for the moment. Conversely, you see and grab. There is no formula. You just get what you can - cursing when you miss, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimping">chimping</a> when you hit. The chimping compensates for the cursing until after a while you realise that you are capturing images you have dreamed of taking since you were a boy who dreamed of traveling afar, camera in hand. When that realisation hits, you stop, take a breath of gratitude and continue your quest. There is no room for cursing or regret over any allegedly 'lost' images or opportunities. Right here, right now...this is the opportunity. Just concentrate, and enjoy. After all, you may never be here again.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bred for warfare and known for their inward turning ears, a Marwari Stallion becomes too hard<br />
handle at a Festival designed for a less noble beast of burden...</td></tr>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-53261733654948988842012-12-14T18:57:00.000+11:002012-12-14T19:02:45.365+11:00Tracy and Simon's Beautiful Wedding<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracy and Simon backlit with flash on the bridge at Lyrebird Falls.</td></tr>
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Hello Blog!<br />
Hello Readers!<br />
We recently had the pleaure of photographing Simon and Tracy’s wonderful wedding. The honour it would be to capture their wedding first became known to us when our friend, Greg Earl asked us if we were available on that upcoming November day. Naturally our answer was “yes”! Meeting Simon and Tracy at their initial interview just sealed the deal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracy poses for the light on the stairs in her home...</td></tr>
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Yeah…frankly..they’re awesome.<br />
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Their wedding took place at <a href="http://www.lyrebirdfalls.com.au/">LyreBird Falls,</a> in the heart of the Dandenongs. Surrounded by lush, verdant rainforests, this beautiful venue offers photographers some creative opportunities. Combine that with a young couple who love photographs – plus the time given to create them - and you have the makings of a great wedding – photographically speaking. Hey…either way it was a great wedding! Its just that we photographers view everything from our image-making perspectives….<br />
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We had the pleasure of staying on for the reception and enjoying a lovely meal, some great company, a few hearty laughs and the chance to enact ‘The Grease Megamix” with Tracy on the dance floor. What a hoot!</div>
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For a gallery of images from Tracy and Simon's wedding, go to our Living in Pictures blog<a href="http://livinginpictures.com.au/simon-and-tracys-wedding/"> here.</a></div>
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Thank you so much, Simon and Tracy. It was a distinct pleasure to photograph your wedding!</div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-47682863836799101972012-12-05T18:24:00.001+11:002012-12-05T18:28:13.381+11:00An Afternoon with Stephen Sondheim...<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen Sondheim relates his anecdotes to an enthusiastic audience...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geoffrey Rush joined in the fun...</td></tr>
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It was our privilege recently to photograph an event that proved interesting in various ways. With <a href="http://www.funnything.com.au/?gclid=CM7hiKXagrQCFQFKpgodBXQA5A">"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"</a> currently running at <a href="http://www.hmt.com.au/">Her Majesty's Theatre</a> here in Melbourne, the event was held to honour the visit of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Sondheim">Stephen Sondheim</a>, who wrote the music for this comedy. Stephen Sondheim required no introduction to the thousand<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thespian"> thespians</a> and fawning fans who gathered to hang with hands clasped on his every word. And words there were. He delivered some very interesing insights and humourous anecdotes about his work - insights on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/">"West Side Story"</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056048/">"Gypsy"</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092028/">"Sunday in the Park with George"</a>,<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099851/"> "Into the Woods"</a> and <a href="http://sondheimguide.com/">many others.</a> It was an interesting afternoon. Even<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001691/"> Geoffrey Rush</a> turned up to join in the fun! </div>
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So here we were,<a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/"> Tash and I</a>, once again roaming the darkness of Her Majesty's Theatre for yet another set of performance shots and some obligatory pre and post-performance group photographs. The difficult thing about that was that Mr Sondheim is not one to have his photograph taken - something we were reminded of by everyone who was involved. But, we have all faced that haven't we? </div>
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Mr Sondheim's averseness to photography was further made very apparent after the first song performance. Naturally, we were doing our best to remain discreet and silent during these songs, but the clunk of a shutter and mirror box assembly is not only ampilified by the silence of the audience, but also the acoustics of the building itself. Perhaps we need to buy some <a href="http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m9/">Leica M9</a>'s? I hear they are pretty quiet! Anyway....within seconds of the first song being sung and completed, Mr Sondheim requested that photographers respect the performers and not take pictures during their performances.<br />
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<i>Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.</i></div>
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That request was met with the thundering applause of the 1000 or so fawning fans. But these were the same people who laughed when he said that one of his friends had been hit by a bus. So, by my guess their applause seemed to be something we perceived to be more of the usual fawning and knee-jerk reactions than a well considered response. Either way...its not easy standing in a building while 1000 or so people clap at the request that you no longer do your job.</div>
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But really? How do you respond in a situation like that?</div>
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Tash came over to me during the next minute or so and asked pretty much the same question. I suggested that Mr Sondheim could do a few things with his comment that may or may not have been physically possible - even for a younger man. But I explained that while we will do our best - which we had been doing - we don't answer to Mr Sondheim. Our obligation was to our client, and so that meant that we kept shooting. We would simply adapt our approach a little, perhaps grabbing the shot during the louder parts of the song, or that moment at the end when the song is finishing and the audience begins its applause. There is always more than one way to skin a cat. </div>
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But in the end, with all due respect Mr Sondheim, my client dictates what I do, thank you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Kellie Dickerson poses excitedly with an unenthusiastic Stephen Sondheim...</td></tr>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-24634941445172553512012-11-30T13:22:00.001+11:002012-11-30T13:23:34.749+11:00Keeping Up Appearances<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straight from camera, this portrait could be printed without a single stroke of Lightroom<br />
or PhotoShop. But which camera? The latest, greatest, most expensive? </td></tr>
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If you have seen the classic television show of the same name as this blogpost, you will remember the situations that Mrs Bucket often found herself in because she was consumed with the notion of keeping up appearances. The truth mattered little. She needed to be accepted. She needed to be seen. She needed to look like she belonged. But with a name like 'Bucket', was that really going to be possible?</div>
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Photographers face this situation within their cultural circles also. Its sad, but its an irrefutable truth.</div>
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"What? Your lens doesn't have Vibrations Reduction!"?</div>
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"really" You don't have the 1.4? You only have the 1.8?"</div>
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"Really? You take pictures with that? Oh...mine is much newer/biggger/more technologically advanced!"</div>
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<b>All the Gear, and No Idea</b></div>
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There is a saying that photographers have which I laugh at, but which I have found unfortunately true in far too many cases. "All the Gear, and no idea". I have taught and trained many hundreds of photographers over the years and far too often have I seen them turn up with thirty grand worth of gear and completely devoid of real information and understanding. That, I suppose, is where I came in as a trainer and teacher and that's perfectly fine. But the notion that expensive gear makes the photographer is definitely a myth.</div>
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And then there are those who simply will NOT learn.</div>
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I know that in years past I have been at <a href="http://livinginpictures.com.au/wedding/">weddings</a> where 'Uncle Brian' has turned up with two six thousand dollar cameras, four three thousand dollar lenses, two or three one-thousand dollar flashguns and about three cents worth of ability and talent. Then, he stands in my way all the time or tries to point his lens over my shoulder during the shoot. Sorry, Brian. That's a 'no-go'.</div>
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The image above was taken recently at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.560264083988645.147056.499459446735776&type=1">Tracy and Simon's wedding </a>reception....and yes, we will be blogging that wedding soon. This portrait of Don ( <i>I hope I have remembered his name correctly!</i>) is straight out of camera, (except for some resizing for the blog, of course) . What camera? Our old backup Nikon D200. Yes, folks, you heard it here. A camera with 7 or 8-year old digital technology produced a jpeg like this. And yet, this jpeg - straight from camera - could be printed and accepted for quality without a single stroke of PhotoShop.</div>
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New, technologically advanced camera equipment is wonderful, but it won't make you a photographer. Its funny how we all know that, but its also funny to see the looks on photographers' faces when you pull out an old workhorse like the D200.</div>
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And yet, it can create images that were perfectly beautiful, won awards, travelled the world and shot a mean wedding in 2005. And you know what? It still can. If you are considering photography as a career, think education over gear. Armed with that education and training you will actually save money buying the right equipment first, rather than gathering your weapons only to find that you don't know the battle strategies.</div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-18728456735889211232012-11-29T13:19:00.000+11:002012-11-29T13:19:34.735+11:00A New Look at an Old Lens....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33xyaIrRB_TLoM_5JAWtFDuYRiiGyHGEgaLF8z3iDzSuldB7un0Myd83FpzD84aR-A6qlHFbBAVpC-N_SwCYfxJO0kgibC6BF867G5FdFKESTfH7z9co4qZ8DpvSFlgJJnn2BAw/s1600/SMP_8185-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33xyaIrRB_TLoM_5JAWtFDuYRiiGyHGEgaLF8z3iDzSuldB7un0Myd83FpzD84aR-A6qlHFbBAVpC-N_SwCYfxJO0kgibC6BF867G5FdFKESTfH7z9co4qZ8DpvSFlgJJnn2BAw/s640/SMP_8185-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Sometimes when you are in the middle of what you have to do, you find that there is more you can do. Whether you<i> can </i>do it is the question. As a working photographer, your client is foremost. However, sometimes you are able to fit something in briefly that is purely creative and has nothing to do with the client. This was one of those situations.</div>
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While on a shoot recently, Betty (pictured above) was assisting us with people and other simple logistics. Betty is from Kenya, has striking features and an effervescent, bright personality. For a few moments between tasks, she was able to sit briefly and have her portrait taken. She was more than happy to do so, for which we were very grateful. </div>
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Thank you Betty for spending a few minutes with us and allowing us to photograph you.</div>
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As much as I love available light, I have to admit to being thoroughly enamoured with the control of studio lighting. This is a very simple setup, and combined with some Lightroom processing, a simple but dynamic portrait has resulted.</div>
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What is otherwise interesting in this portrait is that while I used my Nikon D700, the lens was by no means as recent (although even my D700 is now beginning to look a little old...) The lens I chose to use for this shoot was my old manual focus <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/75150.htm">Nikon E-series 75-150 f3.5 </a>zoom. Yes, its 30 years old, but its such a beautiful thing. If you remember the classic image that the great <a href="http://www.mountainlight.com/">Galen Rowell</a> took of the <a href="http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/ict-news-reports/famous-rainbow-over-potala-palace-photograph-signed-galen-rowell-and-d">rainbow over the Potala Palace in Lhasa</a>, then also know that it was this lens that he used. This lens is small, sharp and has a constant aperture throughout. You can get them dirt cheap these days. If you are a Nikon shooter, you work in slow and controlled situations (such as studio) and you see one in good condition....buy it. Its so beautiful to use in the studio and if you are concerned that your eyes may not focus as sharply as they used to in manual focusing...shooting at f11 helps.</div>
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This lens had been sitting in the bottom of my filing cabinet for years.</div>
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Now, I wonder why. I have been missing out.</div>
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Well, it has its place in my LowePro Pro Roller now!</div>
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Yes, I do own the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 zoom, and I love it. But its a cumbersome lens and completely unnecessary in the studio. In studio situations I much prefer this 30-year old lens designed for Nikon-using amateurs in the '80's than the 70-200 f2.8 with its autofocus and its Vibration Reduction and its blah blah blah. The 70-200 is a great location lens, perfect for wedding work, location commercial work, location portraiture and travel. But from now on, I will be very happy pulling this old amateur lens out of my Pro Roller and shooting with it.</div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-86647016552431582992012-11-09T12:45:00.002+11:002012-11-09T12:45:20.398+11:00The Camera Can Do It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S8kyRaLmwgYu50hY6yLJbVZJy-FIec_d-TqyAgT_74H8ixRocGSR9hFSto7sOgfMNxxo-5KaC-v8EPrgnjM7JpSSc03IIq6N1a6bJT4ira5wmvvPYVAuSUX3lB4xoUDgXle7_g/s1600/SMP_6797small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S8kyRaLmwgYu50hY6yLJbVZJy-FIec_d-TqyAgT_74H8ixRocGSR9hFSto7sOgfMNxxo-5KaC-v8EPrgnjM7JpSSc03IIq6N1a6bJT4ira5wmvvPYVAuSUX3lB4xoUDgXle7_g/s640/SMP_6797small.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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There are times I feel a sense of loss for photographers who never had the benefits of shooting with film - back in the ooooooolden days. True, photography has come a long way technologically since then and even I can see that the quality of images I am producing with my well worn, 4-year old Nikon D700 is better than I ever achieved using my 35mm Nikons. However, learning the ropes using film had one distinct advantage - especially transparency film. Why?</div>
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Well, we learned that a transparency was the last word, the final result. What it revealed was the direct result of your shooting skills and your ability to produce an image using the camera and its direct accessories during the actual capture process. That lesson has been one that I have promulgated as a trainer and teacher of photography over the last 15 years, and also one that I still endeavour to maintain as a photographer.</div>
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Do I love PhotoShop? Lightroom? Yes! Do I love manipulating and finessing a RAW file? Absolutely! But I would never want to walk away from a shoot not having produced an image that I am proud of in camera. That is especially true when shooting <a href="http://livinginpictures.com.au/portrait/">portraits</a>, corporate headshots and <a href="http://livinginpictures.com.au/wedding/">weddings</a>. In this 'see it when you shoot it' age, a bride is encouraged to work with her photographer even more enthusiastically when she can see what you are producing there and then. For commercial clients, the advantage is obvious. Your reputation as a photographer who can produce and satisfy on the job is only going to win their hearts and cheque books.</div>
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The other advantage to this is, quite simply, time. The hours I hear photographers putting into their post-processing is often horrendous - chewing through their personal family time, destroying relationships, eating up profits and frustrating their customers. Aiming for the image in-camera reduces that workload dramatically.</div>
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The image above was recently shot in our <a href="http://www,livinginpictures.com.au">Living in Pictures</a> mobile studio, and produced entirely in camera, shot in jpeg fine and using the D700's monochrome mode. It is a straightforward and simply produced image and is a jpeg straight out of camera - downsized for this blog. It was achieved using a simple two-light system with a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCuXvecl1po">Photek Softlighter</a> on the main light and a grid on the hair light. That's it. As an in-camera jpeg, it certainly does its job and prints beautifully.</div>
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I metered as I always would have in my film days, using my Sekonic flash meter. I balanced the ratio between the hair light and the main light as I always did, using my Sekonic flash meter. I added a Lastolite reflector, as I always would have....because the process and the principles haven't changed. To add antiquity to the mix, I used a 30-year old <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/135f28.htm">135mm Nikkor manual focus lens</a> I picked up at a Camberwell Camera Market a couple of years ago for $150. Damn, that thing is sharp.</div>
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We underestimate the humble jpeg and the cameras that produce them. I am all in favour of a RAW file, which is why I usually shoot simultaneously producing both. But twenty years shooting transparencies is a hard habit to break, even after ten years of shooting digitally. I still aim for the finished jpeg, in camera. I wonder if I will ever change. But then, I wonder why I would need to.</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/livinginpicturesoz?ref=hl">Living in Pictures</a></div>
Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-78476090182448108882012-10-01T12:43:00.001+10:002012-10-01T12:47:02.514+10:00The Reality of Shooting and Selling<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTUhO_RR-itrz0cUkcblVjG5mWEHg3pKlLYKVGgX09DGTWKdz8mxu-_C6_TAXn-3pq04aLcy1QlDV8W7uP3vEcRO4DUThcbEHSNs3WLxdnP3sVBR-RnNZvR131slR6fJ79hZ5Mg/s1600/Lee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTUhO_RR-itrz0cUkcblVjG5mWEHg3pKlLYKVGgX09DGTWKdz8mxu-_C6_TAXn-3pq04aLcy1QlDV8W7uP3vEcRO4DUThcbEHSNs3WLxdnP3sVBR-RnNZvR131slR6fJ79hZ5Mg/s640/Lee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vivacious and somewhat crazy Lee Andrikopolous. If anyone can teach you the art of selling your photography,<br />
he can. Don't miss our combined seminar - The Reality of Shooting and Selling!</td></tr>
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In world that has commoditised photography, working photographers at all levels are having difficulty making money from their craft. There are several reasons for this, and many of them have little to do with the customers' perceptions of their abilities or the value of photography. In the hundreds of workshops I have run, I have learned that while there are many photographers who know how to create beautiful work, they have little if any real ability to infuse it with a dollar value and stick to it. Their fear of rejection often gets in the way of their ability to value their photography and sell it for what its actually worth.</div>
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That being the case, long time photographer and lecturer on this very subject,<a href="http://www.facebook.com/leeid?fref=ts"> Lee Andrikopolous</a> and I are running a day-long seminar that will change the way you create and sell your photography, enabling you to understand the process of appealing to your customer, creating the photographs they desire and then selling them at their worth. Along with his wife,<a href="http://www.facebook.com/lorna.andrikopoulos"> Lorna</a>, Lee has been running a life-changing business called <a href="http://www.instinctivedesires.com.au/">Instincive Desires</a> for several years, teaching photographers how to create and sell images and make a living from photography. For my part, I will be discussing the need for a photographer to gather the right creative skillset and in creating niche products. Combined, there is much to learn from our decades of experience in this industry.</div>
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The event is being held at Abbottsford Convent, Abbottsford, Victoria, on Tuesday the 23rd of October.</div>
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We look forward to seeing you there!</div>
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For more information, download the pdf<a href="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/4437837/The%20Reality%20of%20Shooting%20and%20Selling.pdf"> here</a>!</div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-17448295239757592162012-09-25T10:20:00.002+10:002012-09-27T12:38:58.087+10:00The Beautiful Wedding of Nav Sandhu and Georgia Main<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOe89czN7eHH21920XgiUwivwGTuzOQDLSReo0bTAFcvW1WtF7T8S8o9tvaVFU2XvoYsKZiCzg3wUgwyn25BwkZW2N1G92YyE6tGAo6P7YBrjuO2hmDZN7ROnfTWBnMh8oKd8bw/s1600/Sandhu-1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOe89czN7eHH21920XgiUwivwGTuzOQDLSReo0bTAFcvW1WtF7T8S8o9tvaVFU2XvoYsKZiCzg3wUgwyn25BwkZW2N1G92YyE6tGAo6P7YBrjuO2hmDZN7ROnfTWBnMh8oKd8bw/s640/Sandhu-1-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wedding of Nav Sandhu and Georgia Main.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcSk6om8mcdTYQYwIqqm7TnsyZ09Zl8LeZHFZLttsCPk4qZhCT-1lL1OMXpASn_BG7swXe_3BgaU_kq9wazWjhisPCsZjuMRha-fUcyPkbiT6BOvcVFDFvhtCp_LypncpbtdWxw/s1600/Sandhu-1-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcSk6om8mcdTYQYwIqqm7TnsyZ09Zl8LeZHFZLttsCPk4qZhCT-1lL1OMXpASn_BG7swXe_3BgaU_kq9wazWjhisPCsZjuMRha-fUcyPkbiT6BOvcVFDFvhtCp_LypncpbtdWxw/s400/Sandhu-1-10.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The piano at Bram Leigh is a favourite with<br />
photographers. This is my take on it....</td></tr>
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A few years ago I was traveling home from an interstate shoot and sitting next to me was a very friendly young woman. Her name was Georgia and she was very friendly, intelligent and conversational. As 'we spoke of many things, fools and kings'...we naturally we talked about our work. I may have happened to mention that I was a photographer....</div>
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Well, on Saturday, Tash and I, aka <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/">Living in Pictures</a>, photographed her wedding. Yes, on Saturday, the lovely Grace Kelly-esque <a href="http://www.facebook.com/georgia.main">Georgia Ellen Main</a> married the very debonair and incredibly handsome <a href="http://www.facebook.com/navjeet.sandhu.56">Navjeet Sandhu</a>, known affectionately to us as 'Nav'.</div>
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Hmmm... I wonder if his friends call him "NavMan" or "The Nav-Igator"?....</div>
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<i>Ok. I'll quit while I'm ahead.</i></div>
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Our assistant for the day was Frankston-based photographer, <a href="http://www.richardingramphotography.com/">Richard Ingram</a>. Richard is an old (as in 'long time', not aged) <a href="http://www.creativephotoworkshops.com.au/">Creative Photo Workshops</a> friend/customer who had asked if he could come along on a wedding with us one day. Well, this was the day, and we were glad to have him along. Richard was an invaluable assistant and we were truly glad he was there for us. Choosing an assistant for a wedding day is not something you take lightly as they can very easily ruin your reputation. Their behaviour, work ethic and general demeanour can make or break the day. The last thing you want to worry about is your assistant. But Richard...you were awesome, mate! Thank you!<br />
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Hey, even my mother-in-law came to help out at the reception....and she was awesome too....Thanks <a href="http://www.facebook.com/blacktulip.photos">Monika!</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVMng14QNIko6hUVgyVvXVQTCZ10Z_XKQQADC9aW9QPB__oI3TvarkKeFXZx3azVfZg-J-O0ya2UU9Ck26X-yTPmGUqHVJpgZ41P7etCZv1iAAfw80jfSSQdco56EgnyuUWUOiQ/s1600/Sandhu-1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVMng14QNIko6hUVgyVvXVQTCZ10Z_XKQQADC9aW9QPB__oI3TvarkKeFXZx3azVfZg-J-O0ya2UU9Ck26X-yTPmGUqHVJpgZ41P7etCZv1iAAfw80jfSSQdco56EgnyuUWUOiQ/s400/Sandhu-1-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia at home, pre-ceremony.</td></tr>
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We started our wedding as usual with pre-ceremony sessions with both parties. Richard and I started with Nav and the boys, while Tash went on ahead to start the pre-ceremony preparation shoot with Georgia. Then, Richard and I met up with her at Georgia's home, continued the shoot and followed the bride and her entourage of bridesmaids to the ceremony. </div>
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The wedding was held from ceremony to reception at <a href="http://www.bramleigh.com.au/">Bram Leigh Receptions</a>, a beautiful wedding venue that has seen some wonderful refurbishments and improvements in the last few years. I hadn't photographed a wedding there in some time, and it was a noticeable improvement under the new management. The ceremony was lovely, filled with laughter and emotion. The shoot itself was a little brief for our liking, and I would always advise couples to allow more time than they usually do for photography. After all, we don't come cheap, so you may as well work us hard!</div>
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But what time we did have we used to create some of the images you see here. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW-b95H16bQh2cuwPUVvrJDqo55SPFiJ84DUHmQTtfXF-2K2HTI39e7oDWMT8wKKWg_qyPQRoq8nOHilHLLUwYzKN4MupLz-BKON8yWvFx5FcmY7Q0tJtymw94tJql7D1Wj4raQ/s1600/Sandhu-1-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW-b95H16bQh2cuwPUVvrJDqo55SPFiJ84DUHmQTtfXF-2K2HTI39e7oDWMT8wKKWg_qyPQRoq8nOHilHLLUwYzKN4MupLz-BKON8yWvFx5FcmY7Q0tJtymw94tJql7D1Wj4raQ/s400/Sandhu-1-14.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'NavMan'...</td></tr>
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The responsibility of <a href="http://livinginpictures.com.au/wedding/">wedding photography</a> is not something you take lightly. A wedding day holds such promise, hope and joy within it that a photographer needs truly know his or her craft. They need to be always ready, always a step or two ahead, always thinking, creating, preparing and enjoying. </div>
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And yet, at the same time I am not sure that any photographer is always 100% happy with the results from any wedding. There is always that shot you missed, that pose that is slightly wrong or the opportunities that time would simply not allow to come to fruition. </div>
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That said, <a href="http://livinginpictures.com.au/wedding/">wedding photographers</a> need to work as hard as possible, past exhaustion if necessary, to honour the role that they have been asked to fulfill and the craft they purport to know and offer. Wedding photographers are problem solvers, diplomats, acrobats, comedians, therapists, flower arrangers, tailors and yes...even image makers. Their role on a wedding day is to be what they have to be to get the work done and to provide the bride and groom with the best experience possible on the day, followed with the best images they can create and supply. It is an honourable profession, but one which, in my opinion, too many quixotic neophytes are seeing as a chance for an easy buck, much to the detriment of the profession and the eternal chagrin of their clients.</div>
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Thank you Nav and Georgia for the honour to be a part of such a beautiful day, and for the privilege of being your photographers. We look forward to our Trash the Dress shoot when you return from your honeymoon!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUArW2Pn-NGb3MiQjQN6F5W9f2ZUtq7qr75azCMaegYrbx__qgKks40Us19MHdxp-nfRLqL3dqJdOnzUNQzI4U8AdO0cVN21C8nTXROd3n9lh_M3QyC6i-zYmbey4DQGE2MSmxMA/s1600/Sandhu-1-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUArW2Pn-NGb3MiQjQN6F5W9f2ZUtq7qr75azCMaegYrbx__qgKks40Us19MHdxp-nfRLqL3dqJdOnzUNQzI4U8AdO0cVN21C8nTXROd3n9lh_M3QyC6i-zYmbey4DQGE2MSmxMA/s640/Sandhu-1-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourites from the day...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcAcBMw3YL3fFbmdgvqd8Sc-1AVnN480J_lCJFaTrnT-ngziQ6cxbbfXmqNhgFFsDH0V8fGmXX7-D0J4pls_kL60d2m6svca-9BANVv4YoeS5jZwaIyKMotbjn3Gt1tOvOPar0g/s1600/Sandhu-1-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcAcBMw3YL3fFbmdgvqd8Sc-1AVnN480J_lCJFaTrnT-ngziQ6cxbbfXmqNhgFFsDH0V8fGmXX7-D0J4pls_kL60d2m6svca-9BANVv4YoeS5jZwaIyKMotbjn3Gt1tOvOPar0g/s640/Sandhu-1-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia and her entourage at the reception...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwro37NWSu9FziypuPpuXm8UkdP3cZrmXVroghZwkukE1OrcnR-72J129QElyBZUOR5F0pWvzhSdSEGs05R99s6ulPux3FJc99ggh0KzTG4o6KcMY3e9MwGUKMbDmbx0EjlaAP-Q/s1600/Sandhu-1-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwro37NWSu9FziypuPpuXm8UkdP3cZrmXVroghZwkukE1OrcnR-72J129QElyBZUOR5F0pWvzhSdSEGs05R99s6ulPux3FJc99ggh0KzTG4o6KcMY3e9MwGUKMbDmbx0EjlaAP-Q/s640/Sandhu-1-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-62538903586173114662012-09-08T10:41:00.004+10:002012-09-09T18:28:09.178+10:00Success as a Photographer - How?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.australiantraveller.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCc-gtskZf37rpvz1fAZfHu7Wt_xDirPcke2ASMH5ve7y6zUFDv2PDTUSHTqGeEVTVvrN-_9HGpm_1IJAW79o5tJcqujMJCVXLexah9Q4UQyNgnHCxZwK1aC305vd-40ghPKdsA/s1600/Australian+Traveller+cover.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the client demands an image and it presents a myriad of problems, can you still create it?<br />
This cover of Australian Traveller required sunshine on a rainy Melbourne day.<br />
The client doesn't care how you get it...just get it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat-8ef8mq3WijiWarTpDKmHXN03uy8LEQVpCmK4PgDZ4MXN2el0q3zPrTeNPpUf6v9so2s9gXPE1anCKAo_IqH_64plxMKuY2RqTsaUJEVx2mq1f35x6B-Iq9e8xl6Xd54higwQ/s1600/Commercial-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat-8ef8mq3WijiWarTpDKmHXN03uy8LEQVpCmK4PgDZ4MXN2el0q3zPrTeNPpUf6v9so2s9gXPE1anCKAo_IqH_64plxMKuY2RqTsaUJEVx2mq1f35x6B-Iq9e8xl6Xd54higwQ/s400/Commercial-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The client wants a sunrise, but there isn't one. The photographer<br />
needs to impress. Can he create a sunrise when there isn't one?</td></tr>
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I would imagine that the world holds 7 billion creative souls - or thereabouts. In saying this, I mean that all of us are creative in one way or another. It is designed in us. Its part of being human. We each express that creativity in different ways. Music, architecture, the visual arts, sculpture - and the many other means of personal expression that we are given in this life. Some are creative in a variety of ways, able to express our inner person through separate and distinct forms of art. Me? Well, I chose to channel my creative expression through the medium of photography. While I have devoted my creative time to that form of expression to enhance its success as a career, I have also spent much time expressing myself musically, although with much less success in terms of its creative outcome and none whatsoever as a career. This was my choice, and the time I am given in this life to be creative has been spent in photography. It had to be the case, as it became the form of employment that would feed my family.<br />
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We are all creative, but to succeed in creation we need to understand the science of each type of art. Musicians study the differences in sound between types of materials used for their instruments, the combinations of them, the size and build of their instruments. They study the mathematics of music and the relationships between keys and chords, melodies and harmonies. Sculptors study the grain and colour of wood and stone and the instruments they use to carve their imaginings into them. The list goes on. But this academic study of their art enables each of them to create in art form what ebbs and flows within them as a desire of expression.</div>
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In the many years I have spent teaching photography, I have often said that photography is about 5% creativity and 95% problem solving. The creativity flows naturally and uniquely within each of us. But the ability to make an image happen is only borne in the ability to see what is needed in terms of tools and techniques and the employment of them in the creative process.</div>
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While on a recent shoot for <a href="http://www.stile220.com.au/">Stile220</a>, a <a href="http://www.archfashion.com.au/Stile-220">boutique fashion outlet</a> in Melbourne's upmarket district of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Yarra,_Victoria">South Yarra</a>, problem solving was 100% of the shoot, as the almost 'conveyor belt' nature of the photography required little, if any, creativity. <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/">We</a> needed to shoot as many clothes on a mannequin as we could in the time my client's budget could afford. (Yes, <a href="http://nogueiraalliance.com/socialmedia/">building a website</a> and adding hundreds of images to it can be a costly thing and photography is up there in the costs.) The shoot required that we set up a portable studio in the back of the shop itself and shoot clothing against a pure white backdrop. The last thing that either Tash or myself wanted to do was shoot first and fix later. It had to be as right as it could be in the camera. This also meant that we could confidently reveal to the customer the professionalism he expected to see on the backs of our cameras. There is little use in telling a customer "Look, it doesn't look so good here, but imagine it when I have fixed it!" </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOgk3cPZBJv_Uc9wHG6ZrEs7adVIqP7CZKwrTbNLIYEauZZR3iRaynMmi7nW7ufH4KSc45fz9kuhMrYY2XANrLXcPjRJTLx27xcd9cQ6J6bI1rQf5ZYSfBq94fCliFdKRKUjkzw/s1600/2012-09-02+19.53.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOgk3cPZBJv_Uc9wHG6ZrEs7adVIqP7CZKwrTbNLIYEauZZR3iRaynMmi7nW7ufH4KSc45fz9kuhMrYY2XANrLXcPjRJTLx27xcd9cQ6J6bI1rQf5ZYSfBq94fCliFdKRKUjkzw/s320/2012-09-02+19.53.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick capture of the setup as taken with the iPhone,<br />
and before the flashheads were elevated.</td></tr>
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Any photographer knows that producing a pure white background in camera is not easy, and getting that established on the first night of the shoot required some real problem solving skills, considering that we were working in a very confined space. We tried two softboxes, evenly spaced across the narrow white backdrop, and it was relatively successful but<a href="http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/vision/isql.html"> inverse square laws</a> made the clothing very bright on the edge and a little muddy in the middle. So I thought to remove the softboxes altogether and simply bounce the light off the white ceiling. Now, the light was too bright on the top of the mannequins and too dark in the middle and closer towards the floor. So my wife came up with the 'reflector protector' idea. Essentially, we attached a large <a href="http://www.kayellaustralia.com.au/static/lastolite-lighting-acc/index.html?subsub=LASTOLITE%20LIGHTING%20ACC">Lastolite reflector</a> on top of two light stands and placed the flash heads higher than them so that the reflector would not actually catch any direct flash. There was about a 40cm gap between the white roll backdrop and the reflector. So, when the flash fired, the light hit the ceiling, came through the gap and bounced around merrily within the area of the white paper floor and the white reflector ceiling above the mannequin. The backdrop? A perfect, even white from top to bottom.</div>
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<b><i>Voila!</i> </b>That done, the rest of the shoot was 'f11 and be there'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ijOBBlHBJjYf8-y9rsQ_OxuA-hxpjTT6t0XB1XWMbIjaTeBVdOJ9SsY5MXp4Rw6d_RbOC1Ae1YJGNV2Sgk-2R6ii9Mlt_umP0s16WIaqQCs2DMfeB4yitZeuiyqaYGR3VKUj-g/s1600/Stile220+-053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ijOBBlHBJjYf8-y9rsQ_OxuA-hxpjTT6t0XB1XWMbIjaTeBVdOJ9SsY5MXp4Rw6d_RbOC1Ae1YJGNV2Sgk-2R6ii9Mlt_umP0s16WIaqQCs2DMfeB4yitZeuiyqaYGR3VKUj-g/s1600/Stile220+-053.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resulting evenness of the lighting, and about ten seconds of Lighroom</td></tr>
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On the second night of the shoot,we simply set up the same system and shot away, taking dozens of images for our clients - each one consistently illuminated with an even white backdrop from top to bottom. The 'blinkies' on the back of the camera made sure of this. The items of clothing had texture and colour and even the white shirts stood out against the white backdrop - something which many photographers struggle to achieve in camera. </div>
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Yes, successful <a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/">photography</a> is found in your ability to solve problems, not create pretty pictures in your head and then hope they turn out. If you are a photographer and you are reading this, ask yourself "How much about my craft do I study academically? Do I devote time to understanding the process as much as I do in getting inspiration? If I was asked to do this shoot in this time frame under these conditions, could I have done so in camera?" Do I dream of creating images I am constantly unable to create? </div>
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These are important questions to consider as I am always going to believe that successful photography is 5% creativity and 95% problem solving. The creative part will get your images churning in your heart and in your mind. But the skills to create them are often purely academic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTB6W-Nje-5BLc38rviejwKWV_53l232-r_TWBiMLRe8OsjWfxqa50AIT3rNMZ5i2A9-VMek4uWo-cHZjjvpGn_4M-tD6V2ZpUHqn6XQDG40m-g7WKl82oT_D8Yaq8-7xQPg2aIg/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTB6W-Nje-5BLc38rviejwKWV_53l232-r_TWBiMLRe8OsjWfxqa50AIT3rNMZ5i2A9-VMek4uWo-cHZjjvpGn_4M-tD6V2ZpUHqn6XQDG40m-g7WKl82oT_D8Yaq8-7xQPg2aIg/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its the coldest wedding day ever.....Can you solve the problems?</td></tr>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-40347286063976209432012-09-05T14:05:00.001+10:002012-09-05T14:52:46.159+10:00When a KFC Family Meal is Worth More than a Photograph...apparently.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgE_bazmu3ZNZrDt1s_vyo2m1Wmq2RkIRWN-bvTlqUSdTzV01J5yiFJ6KJX2V5tf8GdwGosD3GfWdBRYCAr_rrG-7rGRhyphenhyphen8pfVIi70Hwk9vdnxFTGJrxvPwZq5FISdsQMcEA0JQ/s1600/kfc-logo-high-quality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgE_bazmu3ZNZrDt1s_vyo2m1Wmq2RkIRWN-bvTlqUSdTzV01J5yiFJ6KJX2V5tf8GdwGosD3GfWdBRYCAr_rrG-7rGRhyphenhyphen8pfVIi70Hwk9vdnxFTGJrxvPwZq5FISdsQMcEA0JQ/s320/kfc-logo-high-quality.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this what our images have been relegated to?</td></tr>
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Yes, its an interesting title. But I have to be honest - its an interesting story, one which, as photographer, I am saddened to relate. Here is how it goes.</div>
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While we were on a shoot a couple of weeks ago, I took an incidental but rather<a href="http://livinginpictures.com.au/portrait/"> beautiful portrait</a> of someone who was there at the location. It was beautifully lit with studio lighting, captured in a wonderful moment and taken with 30 years of experience. Yes, it was quite lovely, even if I say so myself. Little were we to know then that it would be the last photograph taken of this person. Yes, within a couple of weeks, this person unexpectedly passed away. When this happened, we naturally got a call from the grieving family. "It is a beautiful photograph", we were told. "Its how we want to remember (this person)". A moment like this can make a photographer feel like they have done something that has lasting and positive results. </div>
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<a href="http://www.livinginpictures.com.au/">My wife and I</a> have gifted our photography many times. We have often done this as an act of gratitude, or perhaps as an act of compassion. However, in this case there were reasons why this was not possible. But there was the opportunity to reduce our price, which we did. When the woman with whom I was speaking asked me the price of a print, I reduced it significantly from our usual price and explained to her that I had done such, with compassion and sympathy. The woman then paused with apprehension, told me that she would consult with her sister about the purchase, and get back to me. Now, her reduced price for the print was being halved due to the fact that her sister was being asked to contribute. This brought the print price for each to below that of a family meal at KFC!</div>
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Knowing that the funeral was being held in the next few days, I contacted the family again, asking if she wanted to me to rush the print over so that it would be there for the actual service. I was kindly told that the portrait was not wanted. Suddenly, a photograph that allegedly meant so much became something that meant nothing at all. Why? Because it would cost her about the same as a meal at KFC. The last photograph taken of the person she loved so much, an image that honoured, dignified and beautified this person, suddenly became completely unwanted....unless it was either free, or perhaps significantly less than the price of a family meal at <a href="http://www.kfc.com.au/">KFC. </a></div>
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This being the case, I have to admit to feeling glad that I did not offer the print as a gift of sympathy. Gifts are hopefully appreciated. While I certainly can empathise with their loss, I find it difficult to comprehend their perspective on the worth of this beautiful and final portrait of someone they apparently loved so dearly, especially when it had become so affordable. I am left wondering what she thought the price would be? Would I just hand it over as if it required nothing to achieve, no costs and no time on my part to arrange? What would you pay for the final photograph taken - particularly one as beautiful as this - of someone you loved so much? Where will your family meal at KFC be in a year? Ten? Twenty? The portrait of your loved one would still have shone from its frame during all those years.<br />
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In a way I feel sorry for this family, whose complete lack of appreciation has cost them this memory of their lost loved one. And then, on the other hand, I am saddened and insulted on behalf of the person who has died. </div>
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While my heart goes out to the family as a result of their loss, all I can say to them with regard to this precious photograph, I suppose, is....'<i>Enjoy your chicken</i>'.</div>
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-Shelton Muller</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/livinginpicturesoz?ref=hl">Living in Pictures</a></div>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-33771618757146457062012-08-22T13:02:00.000+10:002012-08-22T13:27:02.419+10:00Is Your Business a 'Non-Profit' organisation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo8f9uLRlriu9lGy-oqvEMYFkPcmMEJ0fz8BD7vLlvJTU0Hg89kHYrO71P-jFUMOlcL-vTDUORD1Thk4ekTPfF4cvx1xB0TVMK5zPEWhCLj-jX_qZixMGLjA22UHJL30-nB-sdQ/s1600/Lee+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo8f9uLRlriu9lGy-oqvEMYFkPcmMEJ0fz8BD7vLlvJTU0Hg89kHYrO71P-jFUMOlcL-vTDUORD1Thk4ekTPfF4cvx1xB0TVMK5zPEWhCLj-jX_qZixMGLjA22UHJL30-nB-sdQ/s640/Lee+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The digital era has turned photography into a commodity.There was a time when photography was mysterious, a skill to aspire towards, an art. Now, an image costs nothing to take, so it means nothing to own. Many of today's photographers are coming out of the woodwork with little understanding of light, lenswork and composition, adding a funky Lightroom preset that makes it look 'arty' and hoping that people will rave about their images on Facebook. No wonder professional photographers are struggling. The entire concept of the value of beautiful and masterful images by photographers who know their craft has been lost on the masses. Apparently, if you have a good camera, you can do it yourself. And yes, if you buy your pencils from the same place Shakespeare did, you can also pen a beautiful sonnet.</div>
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So, if you are a photographer who creates masterful images, or you are at least aspiring to that endeavour while in the meantime trying to make or supplement your income, you will need to know how to value your images yourself and then sell them confidently. This is why I have attached the image above.</div>
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Its a portrait of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/leeid">Lee Andrikopoulos</a>. Along with his wife, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lorna.andrikopoulos">Lorna</a>, Lee runs a business called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/InstinctiveDesires">Instinctive Desires. </a>He is one of the most inspirational and effective speakers I have heard on the subject of the emotional sale. While spending an afternoon recently in their home having lunch, Tash and I embarked upon a few portraits of them. What the heck....I am too lazy to get my lighting gear and backdrop out of the car, so why not drag it all into their living room and do a few portraits? After all, its fun too!</div>
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Well, thanks Lee and Lorna for using this one in your latest promotions for a <a href="http://www.instinctivedesires.com.au/focus/leesem/">seminar</a> I hope I can attend. I am honoured!</div>
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If you are struggling to sell your work, it may be that you are struggling to value it yourself. It may be that you need the skills that enable others to value it as they should. If you can make this seminar, do so. If not, at least connect with this motivational couple and their business. You won't regret it.</div>
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For the seminar, click <a href="http://www.instinctivedesires.com.au/focus/leesem/">here</a></div>
Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-87054212993193102862012-08-18T10:20:00.000+10:002012-09-03T13:49:07.998+10:00Deliberate. Simple. Beautiful.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsWqcMgqFRi0TK9RLw7W5JV1WGk8U6aIELfVyudd7xmP5nxbEfko26CpGdCPTcxZ8qjYXBxZFUtQqnXH-gbpVCeox1Y-c05QjKXUbxb3bsaczZ7_P87uoqG2MAW_fURCV9C4Yyw/s1600/Sarah+Ballet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsWqcMgqFRi0TK9RLw7W5JV1WGk8U6aIELfVyudd7xmP5nxbEfko26CpGdCPTcxZ8qjYXBxZFUtQqnXH-gbpVCeox1Y-c05QjKXUbxb3bsaczZ7_P87uoqG2MAW_fURCV9C4Yyw/s640/Sarah+Ballet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancer and model, Sarah Hardy, at Black Rock, Victoria, Australia. <br />
One flash, camera left. Nikon D700 with Tamron 10-24 lens. </td></tr>
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Successful images often result from the combination of simple techniques which become something greater than the sum of their parts. It is the choices we make within that process that become the difference between failure and success, and can also be the difference in interpretation of a scene or its desired outcome. I have often been in places and times with fellow photographers who interpret the same scene completely differently. Nevertheless, it is the choice of techniques combined within each image that complete it successfully - or not.</div>
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In the years I have spent training photographers I have to admit that it is this process - the combination of techniques - that is the real learning curve. I suppose it is the same in every creative endeavour. What it means for the photographer is a deliberate series of decisions that come together to create the image - which until completed - is only seen only in the fog of the creative mind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYl2SO_PrA3Z2Sa0KJ0v4GIU_CAOEnFcZIp9aky6u4E4zpbNHbogCan2H9n2oi-79eXoEYj6vxahRD-eXHC6d3xNVgh6FtKXtb4CKsPV_1HHBPcapguXDunaJ3Vo66bT0aDSNSg/s1600/sarah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYl2SO_PrA3Z2Sa0KJ0v4GIU_CAOEnFcZIp9aky6u4E4zpbNHbogCan2H9n2oi-79eXoEYj6vxahRD-eXHC6d3xNVgh6FtKXtb4CKsPV_1HHBPcapguXDunaJ3Vo66bT0aDSNSg/s320/sarah.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real situation, captured on my iPhone</td></tr>
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The image above is naturally a combination of these kinds of decisions. Allow me to elaborate. Light is the first choice, and because there was no light to sculpt this beautiful young dancer - the lovely <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SarahMJHardy">Sarah Hardy</a> - a single flash and wireless receiver were placed on a stand just out of frame. Naturally the exposure setting was established for the flash, which was then balanced to underexpose the ambient light.The next part of the process was lens choice. A <a href="http://www.tamron.com.au/di-ii10-24_b001.html">Tamron 10-24</a> wide angle lens was used, and the lower viewpoint selected to empower Sarah and simultaneously include the cloudy sky. Sarah's pose was naturally a collaboration between photographer and dancer, she being the expert in dance and me being the one with the eye in the viewfinder. </div>
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Without this simple combination of tools and processes, this image as you see it simply would not exist. And while each of these decisions and techniques is simple, it is a very deliberate process that combines the techniques and tools to result in a final image.<br />
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When I was a teenager, I worked in photo retail in Melbourne city. One day a customer walked into the store with a large <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/f2as.htm">Nikon F2AS</a>, complete with its large and heavy motordrive attached, swung neck-breakingly across his chest. Over the top of its photomic head was a <a href="http://b-muses.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/retro-naming.html">Dymo label</a> he had printed that simply said "<b>THINK"</b>. After 30 years I still remember that customer and that Dymo label. This photographer was reminding himself that every time he lifted his camera to his eye, his mental and creative processes needed to combine to create the image he desired. For him, this was not a haphazard process. It required him to think. It is that process, combined with knowledge, tools and experience, that creates the images in our cameras that, until the moment we press the shutter, dwell only in the misty backblocks of our creative mind.</div>
Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-91612875046045424112012-08-13T10:46:00.001+10:002012-08-14T11:39:55.996+10:00Portraits that Matter to You...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRFhdYixg7VzQYtrCEhc4CKGymi4T0KBYWGcuCPUIMaH3QDoF5Que40S47ENS2_BnJR_TlzeDFpce8AGGFqw41ueBrjFm907UhCFfJi0jy9j5T5u1z7vSyBKJDJN0_9EnO-uIGg/s1600/RGE-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRFhdYixg7VzQYtrCEhc4CKGymi4T0KBYWGcuCPUIMaH3QDoF5Que40S47ENS2_BnJR_TlzeDFpce8AGGFqw41ueBrjFm907UhCFfJi0jy9j5T5u1z7vSyBKJDJN0_9EnO-uIGg/s640/RGE-1.jpg" width="499" /></a></div>
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You know how mechanics often have broken down cars, carpenters often have leaky roofs and painters often have scratched and dented walls? The same can often be said about photographers, who never seem to have beautiful portraits of the ones they love. Well, a few evenings ago we turned the TV off, set up a portable studio in our living room and took a few portraits of ourselves. A friend of mine recently gave me a beauty dish, so it was a great opportunity to try it out. </div>
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I decided that for this portrait of Tash, my wife, I would use the diffusing sock that came with the beauty dish, just to soften the specular highlights a little. Add a hair light, a portable fan and her lovely, smiling face and <i><b>Voila!</b></i> A portrait is made! While there, we did portraits of Annabel, my stepdaughter and I even shot my mother-in-law....with a camera....OK? Don't call the cops just yet. The image above is the jpeg, pretty much straight out of camera, resized and watermarked in Picasa. </div>
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If you are a photographer and you are reading this, thinking 'Ya know (insert your own name here), I don't have professional portraits of my husband, wife, partner, my children, my parents, my friends....', well, here is an idea. Turn your TV off and spend an evening with a bit of lighting, a portable backdrop and your camera in hand. Its gotta be better than watching those stupid reality shows. This is YOUR reality. Capture it, honour it, live it.</div>
Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-539761837084053102012-08-04T11:01:00.001+10:002012-08-04T11:03:44.932+10:00Does One Size Fit All?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFfdifxNgNo06McOHUX3soQXudktunay4G9BIH9kGZ_FDHK6dpyAanBs8s0ELqmGieIRvQiqWGn4Y1V5TCmEX-80-Tvh7zplIqG4_IpZMeTGBl4-K7g7ulmQX54Zr8YpC_f0fRQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFfdifxNgNo06McOHUX3soQXudktunay4G9BIH9kGZ_FDHK6dpyAanBs8s0ELqmGieIRvQiqWGn4Y1V5TCmEX-80-Tvh7zplIqG4_IpZMeTGBl4-K7g7ulmQX54Zr8YpC_f0fRQ/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA. Tamron 10-24mm at 19mm.</td></tr>
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In the fifteen or so years I have been running <a href="http://www.instinctivedesires.com.au/2011/07/22/words-of-wisdom-from-shelton-muller-2/">workshops and seminars</a>, <a href="http://www.audio2u.com/?cat=1">podcasts</a> and <a href="http://www.ips.org.au/downloads/archived%20news%20briefs/2010/2010%2006%2007%20IPS%20News%20Brief.pdf">presentations</a>, there has been one constant issue that has featured among so many of those who have attended. This constant has been a lack of understanding of the nature and the true value of lenses and optical nuances. </div>
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Now, let me make one thing very clear. I am not speaking of the technicalities of optics as I am not an expert in the field. Thats's for the guys in the white jackets. I am speaking of the benefit of lens perspective, angle of view, compression and depth of field. When it comes to creating successful, interesting, dynamic images, there are, in my opinion, few techniques which come close to the importance of the correct choice of focal length and f-stop.</div>
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Photographers will argue black and blue about lens sharpness, chromatic and spherical abberation, bokeh, blades and barrel distrotion. Blah, blah, blah. Yes these things are important, but there is a lot of snobbery in photography about technicalities, brands and types of lenses. Photographers will argue over the most ridiculous and irrelevant technicalities of lenses, little realising that they make little if any difference to the creative delivery of their images. Often these are the same photographers whose images are so ordinary and uninteresting that it wouldn't matter if they had used the bottoms of old Coke bottles inside a toilet roll. These days, if a lens is bad, its famous for being bad. This is especially true because of wonderful websites such as <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/">DPreview</a>, and the internet in general. A lens manufacturer could not survive in this kind of environment if a lens was produced at a certain price and did not perform as expected.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LCMOMqFX9Osr_r1g5ThjCvQboTNH8j5PuChyphenhyphenaO_ltxyga1QjlR5JXXkQ_Wh5rrZN20_s_LmmdzdLBeZelslD1ikxQMIp7h4eN9vWuCEuCSr1Nubthkz3aM87o6QN7gCVFopdEA/s1600/Me+at+Fitzroy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LCMOMqFX9Osr_r1g5ThjCvQboTNH8j5PuChyphenhyphenaO_ltxyga1QjlR5JXXkQ_Wh5rrZN20_s_LmmdzdLBeZelslD1ikxQMIp7h4eN9vWuCEuCSr1Nubthkz3aM87o6QN7gCVFopdEA/s400/Me+at+Fitzroy.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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A few short years ago I was in <a href="http://sheltonmuller.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/back-from-patagonia.html">Patagonia</a> running a photo tour on behalf of <a href="http://worldadventures.com.au/">Darran Leal</a>, a personal friend and well known Australian photographer and photography tutor. <a href="http://www.maxwell.com.au/">Tamron's Australian agent </a>had recently asked me to try out their new <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_18-270_3p5-6p3_vc_n15">Tamron 18-270 f3.5-6.3</a> zoom with vibration compensation. Having just acquired my Nikon D700, I knew I could not use it on that because the Tamron is designed for a crop sensor and not a 35mm size sensor. So I brought my trusty<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/s5.htm"> Fuji S5</a> and had it permanently fixed to that. I have never been a fan of superzooms, but I was pleasantly surprised with this lens' optical and physical performance. In fact, I was very pleasantly surprised. If I had to travel the world with one lens and one camera, I could see myself seriously contemplating this as<b><i> the</i></b> lens I would bring. The three images below show Cerro Torre in morning light, captured using the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_18-270_3p5-6p3_vc_n15">Tamron 18-270 f3.5-6.3</a> at its widest (which is approximately the 35mm equivalent of 24mm), then somewhere around 70mm, and then all the way to 270mm (which is the 35mm equivalent of approximately 405mm). I was impressed. I still am, and would happily trust that lens to take me around the world if it was all I could use. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mBUgWd9-TUjX5N8Zwa9k1FaaEkCt8ZseBjJqxQdNUjZNps4WiBY4fl7KJsG8FwThsDuk-TZ1vSloZJDmzcG7PjhqL4d75M0yxCSD6wLzHOUzvSdr6lQFi2iyLcWi0veY-PnS7Q/s1600/Cerro+Torre+18-270+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mBUgWd9-TUjX5N8Zwa9k1FaaEkCt8ZseBjJqxQdNUjZNps4WiBY4fl7KJsG8FwThsDuk-TZ1vSloZJDmzcG7PjhqL4d75M0yxCSD6wLzHOUzvSdr6lQFi2iyLcWi0veY-PnS7Q/s640/Cerro+Torre+18-270+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cerro Torre, Patagonia. Tamron 18-270mm at 18mm. Exposure 1/800th, f10.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-5i7EDf4ItueXAL2jlBGcgd1id3c8WyJ3uQNriK2uYN4eoVcuvfHo3XCrjr3a-89TFzflJza2GtyieKIzFlbfpkTbSuTyZbyzWHnXzKOItAClpmPKiX7kRMKJgBq3rn1fvr18w/s1600/Cerro+Torre+18-271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-5i7EDf4ItueXAL2jlBGcgd1id3c8WyJ3uQNriK2uYN4eoVcuvfHo3XCrjr3a-89TFzflJza2GtyieKIzFlbfpkTbSuTyZbyzWHnXzKOItAClpmPKiX7kRMKJgBq3rn1fvr18w/s640/Cerro+Torre+18-271.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cerro Torre, Patagonia. Tamron 18-270 at 70mm. Exposure 1/800th at f10</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AVRteWjQez74f7lr__nDADtBErWCQGhCYh_E8zu-7Xfu0QTDLs0JOzlXkxBwEJv2rKbZvE8mhcJVtCLJQ_XyM7P2ighjeHB2K5UP6ZrfcSyFkjM7L7xws8TzZ4EhMVa_p7Xk_Q/s1600/Cerro+Torre+18-270+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AVRteWjQez74f7lr__nDADtBErWCQGhCYh_E8zu-7Xfu0QTDLs0JOzlXkxBwEJv2rKbZvE8mhcJVtCLJQ_XyM7P2ighjeHB2K5UP6ZrfcSyFkjM7L7xws8TzZ4EhMVa_p7Xk_Q/s640/Cerro+Torre+18-270+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cerro Torre, Patagonia. Tamron 18-270 at 270mm. Exposure 1/640th at f10.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdxxiB4_B9LdTWyIYqgdRojM4U__MEPLv0O627jC1Nuz6GVD4BRKrsh9vMXZ2x0u1qiwjCtc86e_UE_dyhqGa-N0ag6CnzzqAN8C6f_LYb5CuVc-AE_XQooCOlAf4chZ-VZ512Q/s1600/_SMP1323asmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdxxiB4_B9LdTWyIYqgdRojM4U__MEPLv0O627jC1Nuz6GVD4BRKrsh9vMXZ2x0u1qiwjCtc86e_UE_dyhqGa-N0ag6CnzzqAN8C6f_LYb5CuVc-AE_XQooCOlAf4chZ-VZ512Q/s400/_SMP1323asmall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model: Sarah Hardy. Tamron 70-200 f2.8 at f2.8</td></tr>
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But the fact remains that there is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' lens for photographers. Why would anyone want that anyway? To me, there is nothing more beautiful than a long lens with a wide aperture, such as a<a href="http://www.tamron.com.au/di70-200_a001.html"> 70-200 f 2.8</a>, for example. Even my trusty old Nikkor 85mm f1.8 is a gorgeous thing and I still love it after all these years. We are inseparable. While doing some portraits for a client the other day, I brought out my old manual focus <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/135f28.htm">Nikkor 135mm f2.8</a> because it was the ideal focal length for the situation. It is sharper than many new lenses I have used and much sharper than my newer AF Nikkor 180mm. I am certainly not going to bow to the discussions and debates about lenses that many photographers climb into. If a lens is good, its good. If it does the job well, I will use it, no matter the brand, the age or the technology. Lenses are the tunnels that allow and alter light. That is what they do. The rest is completely irrelevant. </div>
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On the other end of that scale, I love a good wide angle, and have used everything from 14mm on my D700 to create images that I love for their unique perspective. Again, I have been impressed with my Sigma 14mm, very impressed with the <a href="http://www.tamron.com.au/di-ii10-24_b001.html">Tamron 10-24mm</a> and I love my AF Nikkor 20mm f2.8 prime. Lenses that do their jobs are like excellent employees. Their names and physical attributes are nowhere near as important to your business as their abilities, their potential and their results. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIhVNU6y14A0HJ136fsXeCawJsJ1HinHPxwwmw6ut35z-qyOakRhW3RGR4LqB4sznerC6st7a4OOYKHDgtvbGD8g3sSrNrww1d3N1T_XWg764lgRz5qm0IyC5-B1B1PHyTqQI5A/s1600/Cards+in+Baktapur+smll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIhVNU6y14A0HJ136fsXeCawJsJ1HinHPxwwmw6ut35z-qyOakRhW3RGR4LqB4sznerC6st7a4OOYKHDgtvbGD8g3sSrNrww1d3N1T_XWg764lgRz5qm0IyC5-B1B1PHyTqQI5A/s320/Cards+in+Baktapur+smll.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing cards in Baktapur, Nepal. Sigma 14mm.</td></tr>
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Learning to 'see like lenses' is as valuable in the previsualisation process as composition, or any other technique. Generally I try not to officially judge at photography events, clubs and societies. I suppose its because I am not a big believer in the process. If I were, however, I would imagine that my greatest complaint would be that of poor lens choice or lens use. Lens use is a 'make or break' technique in the creation of our images which usually suffers to convenience rather than deliberate choice. Most photographers, I believe, fall foul of the old 'stand there and zoom' method as against choosing the lens that actually makes the image succeed and walking toward or back from the subject. Nothing kills an image more than lens laziness. If you are reading this and you would like me to elaborate, I would be happy to add more blog posts about lens choice and the fine art of 'seeing like lenses'. There are, in my opinion, few components of image creation that matter as much as focal length and f-stop.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYj7b07i8N5D90vTF0u3yojNQieSzgUG8iOzVT8FiNLQTYehAytEHtX8o-XfmfU2Iv_wBiJrvFyjEFmrx5t_pkIJOKfOLAX7wgmkBCilBkNNiWSY3-H4rfZNCO5GKvCLh09Z9Pg/s1600/Portrait-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYj7b07i8N5D90vTF0u3yojNQieSzgUG8iOzVT8FiNLQTYehAytEHtX8o-XfmfU2Iv_wBiJrvFyjEFmrx5t_pkIJOKfOLAX7wgmkBCilBkNNiWSY3-H4rfZNCO5GKvCLh09Z9Pg/s640/Portrait-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My trusty 85mm Nikkor at f1.8, doing its thang...</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-43152902016858685002012-08-01T15:46:00.001+10:002012-08-01T15:46:32.882+10:00Takin' it to the Streets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZzTJO4U8IGNvvsqtHoCtKwCvDkRV_uNnIAYudIEmg6qA1V9OIVcW54GY6E8XhJSbmujgdvMayrprPd6CWjTVxeNm_La_LUs6viuwDUugrLBz6UVGh8cBAAI7O-9VAVoQDjd34A/s1600/_SMP7462asmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZzTJO4U8IGNvvsqtHoCtKwCvDkRV_uNnIAYudIEmg6qA1V9OIVcW54GY6E8XhJSbmujgdvMayrprPd6CWjTVxeNm_La_LUs6viuwDUugrLBz6UVGh8cBAAI7O-9VAVoQDjd34A/s640/_SMP7462asmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aDLq5pwF93Iyg5hOydFt3oK1HOAjiP47b8Zfk-n7seYGiOIe9VFFnVWqRmYzECaNA7S0pFZH5sluQbtW1rbVHFOk1W5TUu0JgPe_78PGBdBE_4-GTdnHosoZRypbvp4c6dnxyA/s1600/_SMP5193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aDLq5pwF93Iyg5hOydFt3oK1HOAjiP47b8Zfk-n7seYGiOIe9VFFnVWqRmYzECaNA7S0pFZH5sluQbtW1rbVHFOk1W5TUu0JgPe_78PGBdBE_4-GTdnHosoZRypbvp4c6dnxyA/s400/_SMP5193.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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There are some wonderful faces around. Just a walk through a city street will reveal faces by the dozn that you would love to capture. Well, why can't you? Is there anything stopping you? "Yes", you say. "I feel a bit apprehensive about asking them if I can photograph them."</div>
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These days, suspicion about a photographer's motives is not uncommon. Taking your camera to the beach or to the swimming pool to photograph your own children is tantamount to a criminal act as those who look on, eyebrows raised, wonder what you are really up to. It is sad situation and one which reveals that despite all our efforts, the wrong kind of people have won. The innocent are left to maneuvre their way around the simple act of photography because a sick few have ruined it for the rest of us.</div>
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But that does not mean that you can't photograph people in the streets. You can do so candidly, with a long lens - the ethics of which are entirely up to you. You can also do one simple but incredibly clever thing. You can engage them in the simple act of conversation. Has anyone ever heard of something called a 'greeting'?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVUdO4astrKDSeD7PhHyhV3xr35_c22o-2qJ1IgW0P4CsLqmvUhjA8YdE5fyCRZaYDhOK8DFclJRfBYmR8MwZPSzCOsKepEhljlGGXykNVT6RRdsSBf5Exg2-bXIAVV0Yrsu_XQ/s1600/Bearded+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVUdO4astrKDSeD7PhHyhV3xr35_c22o-2qJ1IgW0P4CsLqmvUhjA8YdE5fyCRZaYDhOK8DFclJRfBYmR8MwZPSzCOsKepEhljlGGXykNVT6RRdsSBf5Exg2-bXIAVV0Yrsu_XQ/s640/Bearded+man.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2GN7g8KG03p9Xj_9rPtfT2c2E03B0St0b-yZBbJmsfiqkyQGrWuY7ibjfg4XXajI-bibu8lZdDFkblcbu_7uhBpqPuYgMqs9TwqbxCC_O3zxr19vlkj98P6cGm9YtdxLLQXRXw/s1600/_SMP5239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2GN7g8KG03p9Xj_9rPtfT2c2E03B0St0b-yZBbJmsfiqkyQGrWuY7ibjfg4XXajI-bibu8lZdDFkblcbu_7uhBpqPuYgMqs9TwqbxCC_O3zxr19vlkj98P6cGm9YtdxLLQXRXw/s320/_SMP5239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, establishing a rapport with an individual through conversation and honesty is not difficult. That only takes a few moments, and then you can pop the question. </div>
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"Would you mind if I took a quick portrait of you?"</div>
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The worst thing that would probably happen would be a firm and unequivocal "No". And that's ok. No harm, no foul. Somewhere in the middle you may get an embarrassed question about why you would want to do so. Somewhere way up at the top of the list will often be an agreement. It may take a little explanation, but there is no harm in that either.</div>
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Successful photography requires much more than technical skills. It often requires that we step out of our comfort zones, take a risk and enable ourselves more with each experience, growing more confident, socially adept and strong with each image captured. Perhaps the lesser of the benefits will be the portraits you take.</div>
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But then again, maybe not. You may just create some timeless and beautiful works of art. You need only to ask.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDMd1oZd8pyMRjVcfiF_964o0qC9TnQmPTwJADRWM-pd2rjqrN5XeMpP__EmniNANl8Bv5byYrE5YuYUOJ-_X2i57N3cVzcaJ2CkaF85ejTAzzAdDF34A4sJjgTNsRBMXuAku7Q/s1600/Scary+Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDMd1oZd8pyMRjVcfiF_964o0qC9TnQmPTwJADRWM-pd2rjqrN5XeMpP__EmniNANl8Bv5byYrE5YuYUOJ-_X2i57N3cVzcaJ2CkaF85ejTAzzAdDF34A4sJjgTNsRBMXuAku7Q/s640/Scary+Lady.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-52199329802405990722012-07-31T22:18:00.004+10:002012-07-31T22:32:12.492+10:00What are your Instinctive Desires?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg298SFQqX8fL3pUe13-EYr0gh42tHLdrdCTE2V8Kbc5cMzKHaHdZYQbR9ik67jahmw2CATq98yAdtBXI0a6fm44zYi_yxekD0zFyu2zd7-E3gQot_MUfpW6cUmgWRdinb3eqjfEg/s1600/Lee+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg298SFQqX8fL3pUe13-EYr0gh42tHLdrdCTE2V8Kbc5cMzKHaHdZYQbR9ik67jahmw2CATq98yAdtBXI0a6fm44zYi_yxekD0zFyu2zd7-E3gQot_MUfpW6cUmgWRdinb3eqjfEg/s640/Lee+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee Andrikopoulos of Instinctive Desires. Nikon D700, Nikkor 85mm. Photek Softlighter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfpIcDAUr5c9kdjTacM3mp8FxwZbCcYJT6MMlDXY-CUqPMTDLMGc1yWxDMsXyPz_jXIQUjR-pEod7SjRdZOwEizjtOTlfCEI2mDV41YMNZ96DWgxv-jhkhIIxZ0_jJKcdFaVZIQ/s1600/Lee+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfpIcDAUr5c9kdjTacM3mp8FxwZbCcYJT6MMlDXY-CUqPMTDLMGc1yWxDMsXyPz_jXIQUjR-pEod7SjRdZOwEizjtOTlfCEI2mDV41YMNZ96DWgxv-jhkhIIxZ0_jJKcdFaVZIQ/s400/Lee+2.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee, being unusually demure...</td></tr>
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The title of this blog post not intended to be controversial, or some kind of double entendre. It is a simple question that each of us needs to examine in life. What do we really want? The easy answer to all of that is....<i>success. </i></div>
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'Success' is an interesting concept. It is a personal concept that many equate to financial wealth. That is a part of everyone's idea to some degree I imagine, as life in this world without money is impossible. Life without enough money is difficult. But the endless pursuit of it is equally inane and difficult. </div>
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For photographers, success has to do with both creativity <i>and </i>financial return. For most I would also imagine that it would include other, very personal rewards that vary from person to person. But if photography is your profession of choice, your desired career, you will need to know more than just the technicalities and creativities of each image. For you to make money, you will need to know how to firstly value and ultimately sell your work. </div>
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This is where <a href="http://www.facebook.com/leeid">Lee</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lorna.andrikopoulos">Lorna Andrikopoulos</a> of <b><a href="http://www.instinctivedesires.com.au/">Instinctive Desires</a></b> come in. There are some great photography workshop companies around, but who is going to teach you how to sell those wonderful images that you have learned to take? Who is going to help you to value your work and present that value with confidence to customers who have become used to the commodity that photography has become? Lee and Lorna at <a href="http://www.instinctivedesires.com.au/">Instinctive Desires</a>, that's who. That is what they specialise in and one look at their <a href="http://www.instinctivedesires.com.au/">website </a>will convince you of that. Their courses and consultations have dramatically improved the financial returns and successful workflows of the photographers whom they have assisted. </div>
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We spent a fun filled afternoon with Lee and Lorna at their home on Sunday. It was an afternoon 14 months in the making and their hospitality knew no bounds. We ate goat and corned beef, potatoes, pumpkin and cauliflower, drank wine and giggled incessantly. Tash had promised to update Lorna's portrait so we brought out the <a href="http://www.bowensdirect.com.au/">Bowens</a> flash heads and the fold out backdrop in their living room. When Tash was finished with Lorna, we decided it was Lee's turn. He is rather crazy...but that's fine with us. So are we, really. </div>
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If you have read this post and you live in Australia, you would be wise to contact Lee and Lorna. If you live in another country and read this post, you would be wise to contact Lee and Lorna at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/InstinctiveDesires">Instinctive Desires</a>. I am sure that they can hop on a plane and come to you, especially if you live in some beautiful and exotic location and there is access to red wine. Either way, your business will never be the same, and your skills in the viewing room will result in high sales and higher profits. </div>
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Oh, and the pretty face on their website and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/InstinctiveDesires">Facebook</a> banner....that's my wife.<br />
Yeah... I just had to put that in.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH7aKEoRxkq6VW9ldJRlcV2hVSUvC9g3AeATxP-iOQBwzBoIXXff4mYYtzWx8jJRSuRv6jHg2TNiNuyGcOfSl7ZgT-SYLev3OovhMzqC5I68e1E9G6Q9fgvgD5XERNlKnk5MI4g/s1600/Mona_Leesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH7aKEoRxkq6VW9ldJRlcV2hVSUvC9g3AeATxP-iOQBwzBoIXXff4mYYtzWx8jJRSuRv6jHg2TNiNuyGcOfSl7ZgT-SYLev3OovhMzqC5I68e1E9G6Q9fgvgD5XERNlKnk5MI4g/s640/Mona_Leesa.jpg" width="423" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah...its the Mona Leesa....<br /></td></tr>
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Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22752402.post-84991157063770832032012-07-31T11:06:00.001+10:002012-07-31T11:11:00.234+10:00iLoveThisBecauseItSavesYourPhotography...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHiWSIZsIaAZLsdxd4mvxRhbgPlTITHo6ihAcWkr502Bb1m-XFv0GjT2PL5H3sV20j9hSht-TnPjUAPCUgUzowAMjJj0CJvPgZC4VrP1RQthRQZhvUXqEEwyG10_eZ8WfCKzV3w/s1600/7680606882_c0e1169ff0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHiWSIZsIaAZLsdxd4mvxRhbgPlTITHo6ihAcWkr502Bb1m-XFv0GjT2PL5H3sV20j9hSht-TnPjUAPCUgUzowAMjJj0CJvPgZC4VrP1RQthRQZhvUXqEEwyG10_eZ8WfCKzV3w/s640/7680606882_c0e1169ff0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pennsylvania, USA. IPhone and Pixlromatic</td></tr>
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No, this strange title is not a new app from the wonderful library of apps available from<a href="http://www.apple.com/au/itunes/"> iTunes.</a> Rather, it is my way of saying that photographers have so many wonderful tools these days to keep their vision alive. Carrying a camera with you these days is no different to carrying your phone, and with it, so many wonderful applications for shooting, post processing and uploading. I don't intend to make this particular blog post about that as I am sure that you already are very aware of what can be done and probably know more apps than I do. <a href="http://instagram.com/">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://hipstamatic.com/the_app.html">Hipstamatic</a>,<a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlromatic</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/true-hdr/id340741871?mt=8">True HDR</a>....no, I will stop there. I will be typing all day if I continue.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKOyVQ0yneOdcRycJgNqQ7-zVHj_2CDDaeAsYdrWWQTkM2wZ8x7Tt3Hal4wS-uQdQ9lY8dl_mTj4txQHUnJ6mtUngfGqOuLGGO7zKZA9BbwDY8pUA937yfDb9US0dJI2A7L_r8g/s1600/Hobart+Stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKOyVQ0yneOdcRycJgNqQ7-zVHj_2CDDaeAsYdrWWQTkM2wZ8x7Tt3Hal4wS-uQdQ9lY8dl_mTj4txQHUnJ6mtUngfGqOuLGGO7zKZA9BbwDY8pUA937yfDb9US0dJI2A7L_r8g/s400/Hobart+Stairs.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobart, Tasmania. iPhone and Hipstamatic</td></tr>
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But what it does mean is that there is never a reason for not being able to create and reinfuse your creativity. Now, more than ever, you are empowered to create at any opportunity. The photograph above was taken while driving to Newark Airport through Pennsylvania. It was a quick roadside stop to capture a rusting, old Chevy abandoned to time and space. The photograph left was taken while walking through Hobart, Tasmania. The photograph below - a walk through a small town in Pennsylvania. Each image was taken using my <a href="http://www.apple.com/au/iphone/">iPhone 4</a> and then processed in camera.<br />
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Once upon a time, taking a photograph with a phone went against every natural inclination in my soul. The quality was terrible and yet so many memorable moments were being captured using phones. This is not my feeling now. While I still believe in quality and the need to capture special moments and events, I have come to see that the changes made in cameraphone technology are such that these concerns no longer apply. I also still believe in the DSLR, and always will. Its just that - to be honest - I don't always have one with me.<br />
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Wedding photographer <a href="http://www.jerryghionis.com/">Jerry Ghionis </a>has even shot <a href="http://jerryghionisblog.com/2012/05/the-wedding-of-josh-amber-select-shots-taken-with-the-iphone.html">wedding images with his iPhone</a> and won awards for the them. While there are those who would say that he could capture great wedding photographs with a coffee mug and two pieces of sticky tape, it nonetheless indicates the possibilities of the technology and the quality possible in our phones. More than that, however, is the fact that we are always enabled to create in the moment while being assured that our images are high quality. There is no reason then for our photography to enter into a period of creative block simply because we have been 'stuck for time', as it were. These days we can take wonderful images just walking around, catching the train to work or simply sitting in your kitchen. That being the case, our eyes continue to 'see', and we can continue to capture.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFkbKnN8A-toHxl0n0QrP-3lmIaApDhIMVLoYbhPtTzQ0no2nOBInJd_p7McX5gzYblmh5v6pzPGy1PwoQPzr5n_jyKiyvZLcknx76G50fSe57mlb5fNMQHQ0OBE4pmsnqxyPUg/s1600/2011-11-10+06.27.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFkbKnN8A-toHxl0n0QrP-3lmIaApDhIMVLoYbhPtTzQ0no2nOBInJd_p7McX5gzYblmh5v6pzPGy1PwoQPzr5n_jyKiyvZLcknx76G50fSe57mlb5fNMQHQ0OBE4pmsnqxyPUg/s640/2011-11-10+06.27.01.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pennsylvania, USA. iPhone</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Shelton Mullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12752799143756016802noreply@blogger.com0