Just Walking Around

For me, the joy of photography has often been not in seeing or experiencing the spectacular, although I have certainly had my share of it. Rather, the joy of photography that is available to everyone with a camera is in the art of seeing ordinary things and transforming them into personal visual interpretations. Not everything you see or everywhere you travel will be spectacular, wonderful, beautiful, incredible. But the great gift of photography is the one we give to ourselves - the art of seeing those qualities in the commonplace objects that surround us.As mentioned in a previous post, I was in Albury for APSCON recently. While walking through the streets on the morning of the day of my presentation, I had my Nikon D200 and my all-rounder lens, the Tamron 18-250. This is an incredible piece of glass, considering what it is. I wouldn't use it for everything, although there is little it can't do. Just seeing the colours and shapes around me was enough to get the juices flowing again.
Professional photographers do not do this enough. As a result there comes a time when they lose their passion, and their eye.How very sad, considering how easy it is to keep it.

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....

Speaking At APSCON, Albury 2007

Each year, the Australian Photographic Society has its annual convention. The first one I ever attended was in Hobart, Tasmania, where I not only got to meet the late Galen Rowell, but also got to spend a day shooting with him. He wanted a car to get around in, we just happened to have one! Its not every day that happens. I remember being very upset when I received the email that told me he had been tragically killed in a light plane crash.I have also attended other Australian Photographic Society conventions, or APSCONs, in Shepparton, where I spoke, and also in Canberra and Toowoomba, where I was also invited to speak. This year, the invitation was once again extended, and so off to Albury we went.I spoke on the subject of People Photography, and I am pleased to say it was very well received. We met some lovely people and reacquainted ourselves with some familiar faces. I was also tentatively invited to speak at a similar event in Christchurch, New Zealand, so I certainly hope that happens!
(Presentation Photograph courtesy Alwyn Kucks and the Australian Photographic Society)

Getting My Brain and Eyes Back

I was away for a few days getting my brain back and looking for my eyes. Those of you who listen to my weekly podcast, Shutters Inc, will know that. It just sometimes feels that I do more writing and speaking on the subject of photography than the actual doing of it. So, while I was away, I kept my camera on me as much as possible. If it wasn't my Nikon DSLR with the Tamron 18-250 mounted, it was my trusty Ricoh GR.
Just going for a walk on the beach with your camera can help you in the plight to rediscover your eyes. I took this image (above) with my D200 and the Tamron 18-250. If nothing else, it was just a chance to take a photograph because I wanted to...for me, that's a good enough reason.

New Total Image and Better Pictures

Well, after another mammoth struggle,the latest issue of Better Pictures and Total Image will be out soon. This Spring issue features a fairly substantial article on wedding photography and another on improving your landscapes. That, along with much much more, makes Total Image and Better Pictures the best value free photography magazine you can get! Hop along to your favourite Camera House store or participating photo retailer today for your free copy!

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!

Not quite the face of advertising...

Corel Paint Shop Pro X2 is a fantastic photo editing suite that has some wonderful features for both enthusiast and professional alike! Since we started producing Total Image and Better Pictures magazines we have been offering tutorials based on this software and there is nothing we can say that could be in any way critical about it - especially for the price. There is one thing about this company that bothers me however...Why would they use my face to try and sell their stuff?If you suddenly hear that they are no longer in business, yep, blame me. Actually, it might be a good idea to buy it while you still can...;-)

Denh and Glenn's wedding

As I have often said, it is an honour to photograph any wedding, let alone the wedding of a fellow photographer. True, most couples know what they are looking for in terms of the images they hope for from their wedding day, but photographers have even greater insight into your processes.Denh Lay is a fine photographer herself, so photographing her wedding is more daunting, and more of a privilege. Denh and Glenn's official wedding day began with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and then followed on to Immerse Winery where their civil celebrant married them before a crowd of family, friends and fellow photographers. Its quite an off-putting thing to work in front of other photographers like Jeff Moorfoot!
But, I think I pulled it off. The light in vineyard was beautiful, and the sky did some great things for us all. In essence, the key to successful photography is in finding the light, and putting them in it!
Interestingly, I used a new lens I have acquired, one which I never thought I would use at a wedding. As a kind of Tamron Ambassador here in Australia, I have been allowed to borrow their Tamron 18-250 AF zoom, and it was just a great all-rounder that saved me alot of time and allowed to expand my vision from each viewpoint. It is very sharp, and very, very handy. I now own one!
Congratulations Glenn and Denh! I wish you both every happiness and thank you both kindly for the privilege, and for some rather exhausting fun!

Photo Workshops in Rockhampton

Learn to take Photograph Weddings and Take Better Portraits!

They say that those who can't do, teach. I don't subscribe to that notion in the slightest. Ego aside, I know I can both do and teach... (Did I say 'ego aside'?)
I do love teaching phtoography! Click here for proof!
There is so much fear associated with photography and technology these days, but the art of photography is so rewarding! I love breaking it all down, making it simple and watching it click in the minds of my students.
In this regard, I am pleased to announce that I am coming to Rockhampton, QLD, from the 21st to the 23rd of September. I will be holding a two hour basic photography session on Friday night, a full day portrait workshop on Saturday and a wedding photography workshop on Sunday. To see my photography, click here

For more information, simply contact me by email or leave a comment on this blog. Hope to see you there!

A Compact to Rid the Creative Lag

I was speaking with friend and fellow photographer, Matt Bennett, the other day as I popped into his studio. In our conversations we bemoaned the fact that often the thing photographers do the least is actually take photographs. Much of the time is marketing, logistics, travelling, photoshopping etc. Sometimes, a week or two can pass and you haven't even taken a photograph. Matt himself has a distinct style that is being well received, but I encouraged him to get out and shoot for himself to keep the passion alive.
Yesterday I was in town with another friend and fellow photographer, Greg Beyer. We attended a PhotoShop CS3 seminar together. While taking a walk around the streets at lunch time I made sure to carry the Leica C-Lux 2 I have been reviewing and take some photographs. Even if the images themselves are not mind blowing, they serve the purpose of keeping you alert, seeeing, photographing. I recommend a quality compact camera for every photographer - professional and amateur alike. They are there when you need them, and they are great for keeping the vision alive.


Images: Shelton Muller, taken with Leica C-Lux 2

They all laughed...

Photographers are people with vision. It is our gift and it makes us who we are. Photography is more than just prowess with a camera. Photography requires a unique perspective, the ability to see more than that which is always obvious.
I took this image (above) at a recent wedding and made the mistake of showing the image on the camera's screen to the bridal party. They all laughed. They thought I had made a mistake, cutting the bride's head off. I laughed along, knowing all along that I had something else in mind as a final image.

I am pleased with it.

Previsualisation is an important aspect to successful photography. The ability to see the image in your head and then bring it to fruition is really at the heart of successful image making. For photographers, that is the lifelong learning process.

Jon and Tracey's Wedding

Jon and Tracey were married yesterday at Bram Leigh Receptions in Croydon and I was there to capture the event! It all went well, apart from the weather, which some of the girls thought was a little bit cold. But then, they were only wearing bridesmaid's outfits. Perhaps something woollen may have been better suited..?

Naturally I took my Nikon DSLR's with me, but this time I thougth I would bring a Leica C-Lux 2 as a snapshot camera. Sometimes I am away from my camera, perhaps because it is sitting on my tripod or I have put it down to adjust the bride's veil or dress. Having a quality compact digital on your hip is handy for those grab shots you might otherwise miss. If you want to know my thoughts on this little camera, email me.

Here are some images from yesterday...


And, some from the Leica...



See what I mean?

Thanks Jon and Tracey - and Congratulations! I had too much fun with you all!