When a model saves the day

I ran one of my Wedding Photography workshops over this last weekend. All was going well until the Friday when I received a text message from the model and her husband telling me that a family emergency had arrived and that they had to drive to Sydney. Ok...I am suddenly down not just one model, but two. The other problem is that this particular model is 'mammiferous' enough to almost fit the wedding dress I have bought for these occasions. Almost...

Enter Melissa Cresp. Melissa has been an integral part of my workshops this year and I have really appreciated her constant willingness to be there. This time though she went above and beyond, spending her Friday night adapting an old wedding dress she had into something that could be used for the workshop. She also then made herself available for the entire Saturday afternoon. In the end I could not get a male counterpart to play the groom but Melissa worked hard enough for two people anyway.

Thanks Melissa. Very much appreciated!

Creative Flash Photography Workshop 21.6.08

They say that 'those who can't do, teach.' If that is true, then I am in a quandry.

Why?

Because I love to teach.

I hope, however, that I can actually DO at the same time!
I had the rather exhausting pleasure of running my Creative Flash Photography Workshop at Montsalvat on Saturday. My flash workshop is perhaps the most difficult to run, seeing as there are only a few flashguns that can be accessed off camera and some rather eager photographers wanting to take as many photographs of our models as possible. But all seems to go well enough and everyone gets their share of a good time and good photographs.
I have more workshops to come at this fabulous location so let me know if you want to come and join the fun!

To see what some of those who have come accomplish, come to the Flickr site dedicated to my workshops and to those who attend. Click here.

Imaging and Technology Expo 2008

Well, after much work and preparation, the 2008 Imaging and Technology Expo in Brisbane is over. It was in 1997 that I first came to the Expo as editor of a magazine, and 11 years later I am still in that role. Although this year I must admit to being able to shake alot more hands than I did in 1997. I suppose over that period of time you get to know a few people and you get to be known. It has been an interesting 12 year ride since it all began.
I was pleased to be able to present a session for the Photo Marketing Association and three tutorial sessions for the public. We were able to convince several people to become a member of our Five Minute Photographer family and of course we gave away about 1000 copies of Total Image, Better Pictures and PhotoPlus.

I wonder what I will be doing there in 2009....
I suppose we shall just have to wait and see...

Creative Flash Photography Workshop

Well, despite the rain and the cold, the Creative Flash Photography Workshop went ahead at Montsalvat over the weekend and our models, Soph, Elise and Melissa were absolutely wonderful. They worked in the cold to provide us all with subjects for our indoor and outdoor flash techniques.

What a get together! There were about 6 or 7 members of the Five Minute Photographer family and of course many others who came from the ad one the Camera Action site. Others attended who are familiar with me, having attended my workshops previously.It was great to have you all there. I want to thank all who attended for coming to what are now apparently being referred to as 'SheltonShops'.
While I didn't get the chance to take many photographs it has to be understood that I need to at least take some to explain what I am teaching and of course to get a few in the bag.

Speaking and Shooting in Lismore

I was honoured to be invited to speak at a recent convention of camera clubs in Lismore, New South Wales. It was a gathering of members from the Northern part of New South Wales. I spoke on both days on the subject of People Photography and then held a workshop on the Sunday afternoon, putting into practice the things I had been teaching during my two presentations.
Interestingly, after the sun had set, I was also able to teach a little off camera flash photography. Using a little bit of orange cellophane on the flash we recreated the glow of the late afternoon sun, as both of these images bear out.In reality, the sun had already set behind a distant hill...

Rocky II is over

Well, Rocky II, the Rockhampton Workshops Extravaganza, is over. It was another successful event and I am hoping I can return again. There are some great people in Rockhampton - and for some reason they all love photography!

With the summer months approaching it will possibly be a little while before I am able to return - if they want me that is. But again, thanks to all for your attendance, and to Sharon Mahoney for once again doing a great job as my Rockhampton agent.

As images of the workshops get emailed to me, expect this post to change in appearance!

But, some comments so far are:

"Hi I am one of the crazy people from Rockhampton and I would like to thank you for your great effort in helping us with our pursuit to better photography, I have learnt more in one week-end than some will in a lifetime, my sisters wedding photos will now be amazing, Thanks hope to see you back here soon!"

"Hey Sheldon, (OK, so he spelled my name wrong..) I was at the sunrise session, really enjoyed it, learnt a lot. Can we perhaps have a section where we could share some of the photos we took? Would love to see some of the other people's shots and the model shots you took with the orange cellophane"

"Yes it is by popular demand!! We Rocky crew learnt sooooo much and had sooooo much fun on the previous seminar, that we just had to get you back. If anyone has the opportunity to attend any of his other future seminars; believe me you won't regret it!"

And! One for Sharon, my Rockhampton agent..

Hi Sharon

I didn’t get a chance yesterday to say thank you for taking the time to organise the courses. I had a great time, and like Shelton said you could spend every weekend learning about Photoshop and still not cover it all.
So thank you very much for bring this quality of teaching to Rockhampton.

Thank you all! How lovely of you! I am looking forward to returning in 2008!

Rocky II - Back in the Ring

Well, I'm back by popular demand, it would appear. Those crazy photography folks in Rockhampton want me (as the famous song says) 'back in the ring to take another swing'! So, I am headed for Rockhampton on the 9th of November for more workshops. Don't worry folks...we will be running some in Melbourne next year too. So, if you are anywhere near Rockhampton the weekend of the 9th, 10th and 11th of November look out for a bunch of crazy photographers being led by a tired but somewhat enthusiastic photographer from Melbourne....

Rockhampton Workshops a Success

Well, I am back, tired but very much encouraged, from the Rockhampton, Queensland, where I held three workshops for the avid photographers who attended. Some actually attended all three - the Basic Photography Workshop on Friday night, the Portrait and People photography workshop on Saturday and the Wedding photography workshop on Sunday. The interesting thing about each person who attended was that while all learned the principles we discussed and work shopped, each person learned something individual and unique to them, things that were perhaps incidental to me and yet nonetheless important to them as a lesson to take home. They were a great group of people, and I had a ball getting to know them. I am looking forward to keeping in touch with as many of them as possible and hopefully watching as their photography improves. The other great thing was that I have been asked back! So it appears I will be returning to Rockhampton to catch up with this lovable bunch once more!And don't think I won't go! This was all too much fun to not do again! And the rewards from making new friends, helping others...just wonderful!


Some comments:
Shelton,
You were the final push I needed to decide to fulfill my ambitions of becoming a photographer.
Thanks again!

Shelton,
Thank you very much for your informative and dynamic photography workshops.You have taught me more than I thought possible in one weekend, and in such an entertaining way! Thank you for coming to Rockhampton and giving us all such an amazing fun-filled and informative weekend! Hope you are back here soon.Thanks again"

"Since completing your ‘Photography Seminar’ in Rockhampton, I have become completely passionate and inspired to take photos… ANY PHOTOS! You have given me the knowledge and confidence that ‘I CAN’ take beautiful photographs.
Mental note: “Find the light and put them in it… find the light and put them in it!!!”
Shelton I would also like to thank you for EVERYTHING!! You shared openly your knowledge and entrusted it to us/me. As an enthusiast; I hope that I can make you proud. For your kindness, professionalism, support and understanding during the whole process; my “thank you” seems so small compared to all you’ve done, but it comes from my heart. . A person like you brightens the world for the rest of us. Thank you for committing all of your time and efforts toward making this past weekend successful! It was appreciated immensely by not only me, but by everyone who took part.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!"

"What a blessing to meet and be part of Shelton's wedding workshop. I learnt so much and was so excited and pumped after the workshop that I couldn't put my camera down and went out to photograph a local band....
Shelton I can't wait for you to come to Rockhampton again (Heh!!).
You were such an awesome teacher and kept a laugh and smile on our faces the whole time.
Look forward to meeting up again to learn more and more and more.
Thanks again Shelton!"

"Hi Shelton
I just want to thank you for this great performance last Friday in the photography club in Rocky. It was a great enjoyment for me to see such a high concentration of "madness", enthusiasm, skills, energy, happiness, flexibility,and comedy of someone who made his hobby to his profession and obviously his life. I learned a lot although I only was there on Friday...I'm looking forward to your next "show" in Rocky."


Lookout Rocky! Here I come!...Again!

Speaking for the PMA and the Imaging Technology Expo

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Above: Speaking at Melbourne's Imaging Technology Expo (Bottom Pic Courtesy: Steven Pam)

The Imaging Technology Expo is now over and I was honoured to be a part of the speaking program, both for the Photo Marketing Association and the Imaging Theatre for the general public who attended.

My lecture on Friday morning was called "The Other Side of the Counter" and dealt with the differences between what customers expect and need from photo retailers and what photo retailers often give them - techbabble. I was apprehensive about my ideas, but was reassured afterward by those within the industry that I had hit the nail on the head.
My three lectures on Sunday for the general public dealt with photo tips and techniques and I was happy that I drew an even larger crowd than celebrity photographer, Guy Sebastian! Sure, he's young and good looking and a great singer, but he can't shoot like I can! ;-) I have been asked to do more speaking within the photo industry and I am more than pleased to do so. I love to inspire, motivate and teach the love and the art of photography. After all, it has brought so much joy to my life...
Here are some comments from those who were there...

"Once again mate I just want to say how great your talk was. You were certainly in the top few speakers at the conference. Your bells and whistles quote was a classic..."

"I wanted to say, thank you for sharing your passion and skill, If you had anything to do with the weekend's exhibition I am very grateful because trying to find people who share their knowledge, trying to find courses that are around for people who will never be great but hope to improve their photography is not easy, and it was pleasant to sit and listen to a man who believes that what he does is worthwhile and valuable.."

I attended your seminars on Sunday for the photographic exhibition at the Exhibition Building. They were really interesting and motivated me to learn more about photography.."

"I was lucky enough to hear all 3 of your presentations yesterday at the PMA exhibition in Melbourne and thank you - they were great. .."

Well, thank you all for your kind comments....much appreciated!
I will be speaking on the subject of Cokin filters at Michaels Camera and Video on Friday Afternoon at 2:15 11/5/07.

It was an Event!

For the past few years I have been very busy doing event photography, travelling all over the country for Kodak and other clients. But the recent AIME Expo held here in Melbourne was an event that won't soon be forgotten. AIME is an incentive and marketing expo where people who are involved in corporate events gather, and my team and I were there to offer our services and introduce the idea of photography - not just as a coverage of any event but as an event in itself. Somehow, from the response we received, I think we are going to be busy over the next year or so....

The theme of this year's AIME Expo was "Love is in the Air" and our Love Lounge, along with the presence of Australia's own 'Dr Phil' was a big hit. Attendees were able to have their pictures taken and go home with their memory in a branded folder. My good friend and fellow photographer, Greg Beyer, did most of the photography while my wife, Kerry, Meryn Pratt and I did alot of talking at my Photography By Shelton stand. Greg and I have travelled Australia together doing event photography and we have had so much fun.

As for the future of our event photography business...the idea was a big hit with many major corporations...and rightly so. What could be more memorable than a photograph...?

Speaking at Photo Expo

I had the immense privilege of speaking the Pakenham Photo Barn Photo Expo yesterday, instructing the attendees there in ways of improving in their photography. The event was a huge success with hundreds attending from all parts of Melbourne. I spoke on three topics, which rotated during the course of the day - Ten Tips to Better Pictures, Improving Your Travel Photography and Taking Better People Pictures. It goes without saying that I was getting rather tongue tied by the end of the day. Nonetheless, I enjoy teaching and public speaking and I am always encouraged when I can help others to improve in their photography.

Speaking at Southern Suburbs Photographic Society

Upon my return from Argentina, one of the first things I am going to do is speak at Southern Suburbs Photographic Society. (Hopefully I will be over the jetlag!) This will be Tuesday 5th of September at 8pm. Southern Suburbs meet at the Uniting Church Hall, Hemming Street, Brighton East. (Melway Map 77C4.) For more information about Southern Suburbs, click here. I will once again be presenting my lecture on the subject of People Photography. If you are interested in the subject, or just wish to hang around with fellow photographers, make sure to come on down. Camera Clubs and Associations are the perfect way to find birds of a feather who flock together. Some of them are pretty crazy birds too! There will be free copies of Total Image, new friends to make and coffee and biscuits to have. Hope to see you there!

Shelton Speaks At Essendon

On Monday the 26th of June I will be speaking at Essendon Camera Club, 134 Buckley St, Essendon, Melways ref 28, F4. The subject will be People in Photographs and is a Powerpoint presentation discussing techniques behind successful images of people. The presentation begins at 8pm and will go for about an hour. I look forward to seeing you there!