Grahame Clark Photography

November workshop…

Grahame — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:56:47 +0000

I will be conducting a workshop on Sunday 8th of November 2009.
Anyone interested in attending is asked to submit their contact details here.

Location: Japanese Gardens (Mt Coot-tha)

In addition to photography basics,
the primary focus of this workshop will be macro photography.

All class numbers are limited to ensure a high level of service …..

….. so be sure to book in advance!

Melissa & Steve’s wedding…

Grahame — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:55:27 +0000

In August of this year I had the pleasure of photographing Melissa & Steve’s wedding.
The wedding took place in an open air ceremony in the beautiful township of Montville!

Melissa & Steve are a wonderful couple and it was great fun recording their special day for them!

“Wishes…..”

Grahame — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:04:00 +0000

This month the kids discovered some fairies and sprites in our house …

… heaven knows how they got in?!?

They had a great time with the kids, getting into loads of mischief!

Website development….

Grahame — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:06:06 +0000

(Old web site)

Welcome to version 3.0 of gcphotos.com.au. There have been a few significant changes made since version 2.0 was launched.

The new format will make it far easier for me to update content (a major hurdle of the last site).

Several of the pages now contain an embeded slideshow that will be used to showcase my latest images in a particular field (e.g. Wedding Photography)

The news page will be where you can catch up on the latest and greatest!

Acting portfolios….

Grahame — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:57:39 +0000

Works from recent portfolio shoots.
Talent are all budding young actors, both of stage and screen!

Time lapse photography….

Grahame — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:23:08 +0000

I have always been interested in time lapse photography and would definitelly like to focus on it more in the future. Here is a short sketch I did awhile back entitled “Kate”, using a Canon 20D DSLR.

May – June Newsletter

Grahame — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Recent & upcoming workshops…

“101″ workshop @ Southbank Parklands

Date: Sunday 19th April 2009

I recently had the pleasure of running a “101″ photography workshop at Brisbane’s Southbank parklands. We met up at the Queensland State Library to begin the day with a little theory before exploring the beautiful parklands. I am a big fan of the State Library… not only is the internet free (always a plus), they have some great areas to sit and chat as a group. It was a bit warm this particular day so we gathered on the shaded balconies overlooking the Brisbane river. I was fortunate that all students were packing Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras (once you understand the basics, you realise how easy these cameras are to manipulate when compared to their compact cousins).

Some advice …. if you’re in the market for a new camera and wishing to develop your photography skills, you would be well advised to strongly consider going DLSR rather than compact. If you still insist on opting for a compact, be sure it has “manual” as an option (some don’t). DSLR’s prices have dropped dramatically in recent years (you can now get decent kits < $1000) and they give you so much more “creative leverage” than compacts ever will.

After running through a few theories and concepts, we headed into the Southbank parklands for some photographic exploration. I was so impressed with the quality of shots captured! One of the key reasons Southbank was chosen as a location was the variety of subject matter available for photos. I mean, where else can you photograph a Nepalese Peace Pagoda (apart from Nepal that is)???

As the sun bid us farewell, we concluded our day with some silhouette shots of the city (taken from the Goodwill bridge) before making our way to the spectacular “Eye of Brisbane” where we performed some experiments with long exposures, harvesting some stunning results!

All in all a fantastic day out!

The next workshop will be held on:

Sunday the 21st of June.

Bookings can be made by e-mailing

Grahame.Clark@gcphotos.com.au

Cost is $165 per student

Please note that class numbers are limited

so bookings are essential!

Did You know…?

Private group bookings can be arranged, designed to allow you the exclusive opportunity to focus on anything that takes your photographic interest!

For more details on these personally tailored workshops, please contact

Grahame.Clark@gcphotos.com.au

NB: Gift vouchers also available!

Minimum numbers apply for all classes

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FYI

Diffusion & Reflection

There is definitely an art to flash photography. When I was first starting out, I would avoid using flash at all costs. I hated the results I was getting back – images would appeared flat, lifeless, and washed out. Rather than use a flash, I preferred to shoot with higher film (ISO) speeds (this is still one of my favourite ways to shoot). However, the downside of using high ISO speeds is that the images can get rather grainy (referred to as “noise”). There are also other instances where a flash can really come in handy – removing unwanted shadow on people’s faces is one such example.

When you diffuse light, it becomes softer and more natural. There are two effective methods of diffusing light. One is to have it pass through a light-permeable membraine (e.g. tissue paper). The other method is to reflect or “bounce” the light onto your subject off a surface such as a wall or ceiling. The goal is to spread the light over a greater area and thus, when it returns to the subject, it is softer and more evenly distributed. Soft light will give us better skintones and reduce harsh shadows, making for a better portrait.

NB: I often refer to bounced light as being “diffused” simply because it is less intense when compared to direct flash.

There are a multitude of diffusers on the market. Some are designed to fit the in-built flash on your camera (even the compacts). If you’re feeling inventive you can even make your own – it can be as simple as a few sheets of tissue paper held in front of the flash. I carry three diffusers in my main kit – the most interesting of which is an inflatable diffuser. Although it looks rather strange, it does an extremely effective job of diffusing light and gives fantastic results.

The following is an example of “bouncing” light onto a subject (the subject in this case is my brother-in law’s dog “Kayah”). With the first image, the flash is pointing directly at Kayah. It is quite obvious that the lighting is too harsh and uneven. With the second shot, I angled the flash straight up (an advantage of external flash units) and “bounced” the light off the ceiling of our outdoor patio. The ceiling acted as a giant diffuser, spreading the light over a far greater area. The returning light was far softer and more evenly distributed, providing a much more natural look.

A word of caution: be mindful of the surface you use to bounce the flash - if the surface is coloured, the light that bounces will take on this colour, causing a colour cast to be applied to your subject. Sometimes colour casting can be used to your advantage. For instance, professional photographers will often use a gold reflector/umbrella which will bring warmer tones to a shot. This can is especially effective with portrature, providing the subject with a lovely “tanned” glow. Professional studios use a combination of umbrellas, “softboxes”, and reflectors (also known as “fleckkies”) to diffuse and reflect light onto a subject in a controlled fashion.

Recent Wedding Shoot

“Robyn and Adrian“

I recently had the pleasure of shooting Robyn and Adrian’s wedding. They are a wonderful couple and I had a great time capturing their big day!

Here are a few random images….

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Quick Tip

Try capturing “candid” shots of people- candid shots are more natural and never appear forced.
I find as soon as people see the camera, they tend to tense up and either produce their
standard “say cheese” smile or a disaproving “don’t take my picture” frown.

That’s it for this issue – all the best to you and your families!

Cheers!

Grahame

A zoom lens is a candid photographer’s best friend!

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March – April Newsletter

Grahame — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:44:16 +0000

@ a glance….

- Upcoming workshop @ Southbank parklands (Sunday 19th April 2009)

- Trip to Coolum (Seascapes)

- March Exhibition & Workshop – Coffee Creek Arts Centre

- May Exhibition @ Murphy’s Creek

- Recent wedding shoot..

- Quick Tip

Upcoming Workshop @ Southbank parklands (101 Photography)

Date: Sunday 19th April 2009

Time: 2-7pm.

Meet: Outside the State Library, South Brisbane

Explore the many different techniques for expanding your enjoyment of photography. Topics include lines and shapes, filling the frame, creating depth, cropping, changing perspective, lighting and exposure. It is an ideal starting point if you have recently purchased a camera, and are keen to start mastering features beyond the automatic setting!

Cost: $150 per student

Please note that class numbers are limited

so bookings are essential!

Did You know?

Private group bookings can be arranged, designed to allow you the exclusive opportunity to focus on anything that takes your photographic interest!

For more details on these personally tailored workshops, please contact

Grahame.Clark@gcphotos.com.au

NB: Gift vouchers also available!

Minimum numbers apply for all classes

Trip to Coolum – Seascapes

On Sunday, Jo and I packed the kids into the car and went to Coolum to visit her brother James. James currently has the good fortune of renting a house that actually backs onto a beach! His housemates were away for the week and there was plenty of room for us to invade for a night!

Just the week before I had purchased a Neutral Density Graduated Filter Kit and I could not wait to try it out. For those who are going “What the..?”, the filter is basically a small rectangle of glass that graduates from grey to clear glass. It’s used to guard against over-exposed skies.

	If you expose correctly for the sky, the ground can often underexpose. Although we have good detail and definition in our clouds, we are lacking it in the rocks area.
	In this example we’ve exposed for the ground. We now have good detail in the rocks whereas before there was little or none. The problem is that the sky is now overexposed. Once detail has been lost through “washout” or “burnout”, it’s gone. It cannot be recovered later

How can we get past this?

By using a ND Grad filters, you can reduce the gap between light and dark, thus making it easier to expose for the rocks without suffering burnout in your clouds!

Result

Better definition in the clouds AND the rocks!

Past Exhibition & Workshop – Murphy’s Creek Arts Centre

Back at the beginning of March, Murphy’s Creek Arts Centre hosted another successful “Creative Arts Weekend”. There were workshops available in water painting, drawing (still life and portraiture), as well as in photography. A great time was had by all!

Upcoming Exhibition @ Murphy’s Creek… (May)

When: Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24^th& Monday 25^th May, 2009

Where: Murphy’s Creek Arts Centre

“Coffee Creek” 861 Murphy’s Creek Road, Upper Lockyer QLD 4352.

(07) 4630 5500

sculpturesinc@hotmail.com

www.murphyscreekartscentre.com.au

Although I won’t be able to attend, Murphy’s Creek Arts Centre are hosting a Creating Arts “long weekend!”

I asked Geoff (the gallery owner) what he had planned and here’s what he had to say:

“Workshops are being held in watercolour painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and Photoshop for photographers. Come and enjoy a weekend of creativity in our relaxed bushland setting. Bookings are essential and workshop numbers are limited, so reserve your place now. A workshop registration form is available from www.murphyscreekartscentre.com.au“.

“We are also thrilled to announce that we are now conducting “Friends Workshops,” which allow you to gather a few friends, work mates or family members for a day or two days of creativity at the gallery. You choose the courses in sculpture, watercolour painting and/or drawing and book a day or weekend with us. Further details are contained in the Workshops and Classes section of our web site.”

For more details, contact Geoff & Ginny at the Gallery!

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Recent Wedding Shoot…

A surprise wedding that
turned out to be a very hip affair!

“Brett & Nicole”

Quick Tip!

Approaching a shot…

If you’re interested in improving your photography, take the time to look at your subject from a few different angles before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to bend your knees and look a little silly sometimes either! Getting down and offering a different perspective can often prove a fruitful exercise!

Just before hitting the shutter button, try to remind yourself to quickly scan for anything that is going to distract the viewer later on. A good photograph should “lead” the viewer through it – objects that distract will interrupt this journey. Be sure to run your eyes around your borders – make sure nothing odd or out of place is protruding into the shot … remember, this is the best time to crop!

Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy Easter! : )

Cheers!

Grahame

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