This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Australian Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines. Before 2004 there was no recommended standard for digital photography capture and delivery. At the turn of the century some professional photographers were doing more damage than good to the adoption of digital. They zealously over-sharpened, manipulated tone and colour, then delivered … Read more
Recently I was invited to speak with students at a photography college on the business of the profession. Here is some of what we discussed. Now vs “Then” How I started out and the way new photographers do today is very different – but only on the surface. Whilst I may have used mailers, the … Read more
This time of year new photography equipment is announced at the world’s largest photography expo, Photokina in Cologne Germany. Just like an Apple event, keen technology followers get excited and discuss the new gear. As a passionate photographer I too follow the reports. As a seasoned professional I also reflect on the key players in … Read more
For over 15 years these are some of the most common questions asked by clients looking for corporate headshots. How long does it take? Schedule 5 minutes per portrait; each person is in front of camera for 2-3 minutes. Set up (and pack down) takes 30 minutes. Where do we do the photography? The photography … Read more
Photography has many uses, more so now than at any other time. Closely linked to advances in technology the scope of how and what we photograph is rapidly expanding. Communication Visual media crosses many barriers: language, culture, literacy and age engaging a diverse audience. With only a quick glimpse an image can tell a story … Read more
The traditional path to professional photography started with a formal education at a brick and mortar college. Students could assist photographers during or after graduation for hands on practical experience before establishing their own businesses. Now, just as with photography itself, education has been disrupted by technology. Potential pro photographers can learn online through random … Read more
There are many aspects to finding a photographer. These may include, experience, location, availability, price and personality. Part of evaluating whether any creative is a good fit for your job involves looking at a portfolio of their work. But what if the work you’re presented with isn’t their own? Stock Photos Many businesses use stock … Read more
Many “experienced” photographers pine for the pre-digital days of photography. To be clear I’m not referring to Millennials discovering film and vinyl for the first time. I’m talking about photographers who began photography when film was the only option. Skill Film meant you had to “get it right in camera“. There was no chimping (looking … Read more
Around year end is a good time to review your back up. Specifically, how your personal images are stored. Here are five things to consider. 1. Do You Even Have A Back Up? You should at least have an extra copy of everything. On another hard drive or in the cloud. Ideally have three copies … Read more
Teaching is a vocation. It’s a calling for those individuals who shape our lives and those of our children. The most quoted section from Robert Fulghum’s book All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten tells us the rules of a civilised world are taught that first year at school. As with any parent … Read more