Monday, May 10, 2010

Stock shots and ongoing projects

Well, I have finally taken the plunge and decided to submit some of my old stock photos that have been laying dormant on an old hard drive to a stock picture agency called Oz Images. I have a load of stuff I took when I lived in Wiltshire, mainly of the surrounding Cotswold countryside. And I thought I may as way see if I can make them pay.

On top of that I have been playing with some long exposures and seascapes around the local area.

It has inspired me to start a new project. I have decided that some nightscapes of some of the buildings up and down the coastline here in Perth would make interesting pictures, and I may even see if I can get an exhibition going! Watch this space! I may even start selling some limited edition prints if there is enough interest.


Wednesday, May 5, 2010

An interesting article!

I was recently having a wander through a newsagents, when I cam across a copy of the UK magazine Professional Photographer.

I was flicking through when I came across a very interesting article by Allister Freeman entitled A lone voice, which nicely summed up my feelings about Wedding Photography in general and my style in particular.

Allister starts by saying " The photography industry has changed beyond all recognition over the last 10 years. In the wedding market the advent of affordable, high megapixel but small SLR cameras has resulted in a proliferation of reportage-style wedding photographers having a go and not doing a very good job."

Now while I agree with the sentiment, I disagree that there are a lot of photographers out there having a go. Maybe I am wrong.

He goes onto say, "Much of the work produced by these newcomers and the majority of the industry's traditionalists, who attempt to offer several styles, in addition to their dated posed shots to 'cover all options' is lacklustre and devoid of any empathy for their subject. Due to a lack of creativity, they have no choice but to go for a mind- numbing 'blanket coverage' rather than a well created body of work.

My opinion is very much a case of you pays your money, you takes your choice. There are plenty of competent photographers, who for whatever reason, be it lack of confidence, pin money or whatever else, who drastically undercharge for their services. There are also a number of highly skilled, and wonderfully talented 'industry traditionalists' who mix reportage with fashion shoot style photography, especially here in Australia.

As for me, I am a photojournalist, my inspiration comes from Cartier-Bresson, Erwitt, Martin Parr, James Nacthwey (not that I am comparing weddings to war zones!!) I intend to continue to shoot wedding photojournalism. With as little interference, and no direction of the scene unfolding as it is possible to do.

My greatest compliments are similar to Freeman's when he states " The familiarity I'm able to achieve by approaching a wedding almost as if I were a guest enables me to make intimate and honest photographs. I use small cameras and lenses, rarely use flash, and dress like a guest. In fact, people often ask me how I know the bride and groom. This is when I know I'm doing a good job.

I am honoured to count a number of my wedding clients as having become good friends, and are even counted among my facebook friends! Surely the highest honour the 21st century citizen of the world can bestow? ;-)

Monday, May 3, 2010

Website up and running!

Well nearly! As things stand, and I have to confess to being a luddite when it comes to this sort of thing! I have received emails from my hosting site, and from the domain registrar, both talking in some kind of bizarre language that I can't quite understand! But hopefully by the end of this week it'll be going live!

Other news is that I have today joined the ACMP or Australian Commercial and Media Photographers group. Mainly as another piece of shameless of self promotion!

This month I have a couple of new clients. the loverly Louise of Four Essence Yoga and Massage therapy and I am proud to say that I have been named as the official photographer for the Perth has the most beautiful women in the world facebook fan page, not that I needed an excuse to wonder up to attractive young ladies and take their pictures, but if I did, I have it now! :-)