Hoi Images

Come to my website!

2010-08-13T22:53:00.001+10:00

I have established my website for a while, but for some reason I never communicated it to this blog.

Check out www.hoiimages.com some time. And there is a blog there too.

Dan Heller's take on model releases

2010-02-19T07:41:00.001+11:00

More on model releases.

My favourite photographic-business writer Dan Heller argued that there are many myths regarding model releases. They say you need one anytime you want to sell a photo. They say you need one if you print a photo of someone in a book. They say you need one if you just put them on your website.

Heller argued that there are four elements in determining whether a model release is required:

Are the people identifiable?
What's the use of the photo?
How was the photo taken?
Was there compensation?

Interesting to note his suggestion that many of the stringent release requirements by stock publishers were borne entirely from fear of litigation, rather than any genuine legal requirements for the photographers.

The beauty about Heller's document is that it has links to relevant legal precedents (most of them US, but it is the land of litigations after all)

Read more here.

Don't trust crowdsourcing

2010-02-18T00:11:00.001+11:00

Web 2.0 is abuzz with "crowdsourcing": solving your own problems by seeking out solutions on the internet. But today I experienced an instance where it goes astray.

I sent an old model release to a potential future model. They got back to me telling me it's complex and formal. I read it and gasped in horror. I uploaded an old release, full of legalese and "herebys" and "henceforths" and "whereupons". It might sound impressive at the British Privy Council, but God forbid, I had no idea what half of it meant. I could not cyber-pulp the old form fast enough.

I wrote up the old form based on a swag of other similar releases that were floating around on the internet. Some wise-guys must have thought it clever to use legalese on a release form. Sure, it might be useful for a first-rate fashion institute, but for me, it was just nuts.

For many of us in the image-making industry, we operate solely, so we don't often have a reliable team to fall back on. Which means a lot of times, crowdsourcing is a good way to solve problems. But Google can only give you a suggestion - you have to synthesise it and not take it on face value. I embarrassed myself by doing just that.

Fail Location 1: Maldon-Dombarton Rail Link

2010-02-09T01:50:00.000+11:00

The inepitude of rail transport administration in New South Wales is legendary. But this piece of failed railway architecture takes the cake.

This incomplete bridge is part of the shelved Maldon-Dombarton rail link, which links Kembla Grange in the Illawarra to Picton in the Southern Highlands.

Just look at the completed pilons, the well-maintained concrete infrastructure, and a nonsensical gap to the other side of the Nepean River, and take a deep sigh at the waste and shocking planning.

I would like to go shooting there, but it seems the only access is via fire trails, and I don't know if my puny hatchback can handle it :)

(Photo credits to NSWrail.net, great resource for rail nerds like me.)

Danielle, Dee Why Beach

2010-02-05T03:16:00.003+11:00

Danielle, 20, marketing student, vivacious, creative, genuine.

We shot on an early evening at the Sydney northern beaches. It was breezy so I couldn't use my softbox. The sun set quickly so I had to use fill flash. I forgot my flash diffuser so I used on-camera bare flash for the first time in aaaaages. It felt like committing a sin.

Nevertheless before the sun set too far, we got some rather smooth images, especially with the bohemian fashion. Here are just a few.

Full set on Flickr (more updates to this set to come.)

A studio set with AlexW

2010-01-26T11:17:00.004+11:00

My 2010 new years resolution was to hone my skills in areas I have not explored in 2009, and high on my list is studio photography. Alex worked with me on a set in the graffiti-filled backstreets of St Peters late last year, and it was a delight to have her back again.

When I said "studio", that's a fancy word, it's just a cleared-out corner of my apartment. It presents unique challenges: lack of space, and plethora of crap in the background. But sometimes, you just have to work with what you've got. Everyone wants to own a 1d mark II believing it to be the magic wand to their photography, but in the absence of the wand, we might just have to make the most of what's there. The only regret I have with this shoot is the creases on the backdrop.

Full set on Flickr.

Alice, in studio

2010-01-24T17:53:00.003+11:00

My past shoots with the actress/model Alice all had some dramatic elements, be it in the woods, amongst graffitis, or in the industrial ruins. This is the first time we've worked together on a shoot just for the sake of aesthetic qualities. We have always approached our shoots from a film-making perspective, so this collaboration was a change for us mentally. We still ended up doing an "angsty-teenager" theme, that's for another entry.

Full set on Flickr.

Lucy - my last portrait shoot for 2009

2010-01-24T17:39:00.004+11:00

Lucy does modelling for fun. We met at a few fashion events, and we both know the excellent portrait photographer Anodyne Stasis. Some photographers can't handle her attitude and expressiveness; that's their loss. Thoroughly enjoyable shoot to round off my 2009 portraitures.

See the full set on Flickr.

Do one more

2010-01-22T00:29:00.001+11:00

Always aim to do one more.

Read one more paragraph.

Process one more photo.

Run one more mile.

The many "one-more's" will add up to give you the edge over those who don't bother.

Another Megapixel Myth Busted

2010-01-20T18:13:00.002+11:00

For the casual photography consumer or the pro who just wants something snappy to carry around on a non-photographing day, the small point-and-shoot with big megapixel count sounds like a good solution. Except that it isn't, with the latest piece of "Megapixel Myth" busted by The Consumerist.

St John's Orphanage, Goulburn

2010-01-18T13:06:00.003+11:00

One of the most unsettling locations I have ever visited. I took this picture around 6pm, still plenty of sun light, but I still felt a chill as I surveyed the surroundings. And it was not so much the haunting atmosphere or the run-down state of the building, but the realisation of the wasted lives, abuse and neglect that characterised early 20th century orphanages such as this one.

I don't know what I wanna be...

2010-01-02T19:29:00.005+11:00

...and to me, that's a good thing.

I have said for a long time that I don't want to be "just" a photographer.

To fellow photographers, I want to be a helpful and (hopefully) insightful collaborator who could help them work out the business side of things.

To an established model who are sure of where they are going, I want to help by offering my technical knowledge and creative ideas (as limited as they might be) to impress whomever they want to impress.

To models just starting out, I want to help them think about where they want to go with their modelling, what themes will bring the best out of them, and offer a more practical perspective on their career (whichever way they choose to go).

It seems to me that the bottom line is that I want to be a collaborator, to share ideas, and to offer a different, hopefully a more practical, perspective.

That's why I rarely do swimsuit. "What kind of photographer doesn't do swimsuit?!" - the kind who doesn't want to do what everyone else is doing.

Know Thy Strengths

2009-12-29T22:30:00.004+11:00

Ever since we were young, we've been conditioned to detect and rectify our deficiencies. Our parents always seemed to overlook the good bits on our school report cards, and focus their attention almost exclusively on that solitary "D". "Know thy weakness" has been drilled into us as a mechanism to improve.

The result? We all forget about what makes us good, what makes us stand out. We spend so much time fixing up what is wrong, and don't spend enough time going hard at what we're doing right.

Imagine if Steve Jobs decided to ignore promoting the iPod and focus on fixing up their battery lives. Would iPod have been half the success it is today, even if it has impeccable battery lives? Or can you imagine the Beatles toning down their rebellious reputation because they're losing out on the middle-age demographic? Or if Cristiano Ronaldo works on his defence and neglect his attacking flair?

"Completeness" is overrated. "All-rounders" spells ignominy.

Know thy strengths and play to them. Hone them. Sharpen them.

Another-Worldly

2009-12-28T22:00:00.003+11:00

Models: Corinne, Danielle and Trudy.

Shot at Lawson, NSW.

In collaboration with Jason Maher.

Twitter, you're the weakest link!

2009-12-27T19:12:00.007+11:00

Goodbye indeed!

I note Sydney Morning Herald's David Dale's blog post about how Ruby Rose dismissed Twitter as being for "boring old farts". Whilst I have next to no time for Ruby Rose, I have long questioned Twitter's usefulness to a photographer. The decision to dismiss Twitter was just an inevitability.

Twitter - all 140 characters, snapshot upon snapshots of your life. Sure, snapshots are great only if you're constantly doing something interesting with your life. But unless you're in Hollywood or on holidays somewhere special, chances are you won't be doing interesting things ALL the time. And that is where Twitter falls down for the photographer.

Face it, 90% of my professional life is not that enthralling. Behind the cool, glamorous world of snapping awesome landscape or beautiful people, I spend hours upon hours processing photos, doing accounts, promotion, networking. Yeah, the mere mention of those words I'm sure is boring the crap out of you. Hey, what if I tweet every minute whilst I'm writing this - "I've written another sentence on my blog!" "I'm done with my 3rd quarter accounts!" "I just spent an hour dealing with a model's release forms" - yeah right.

What about the other 5% of the time when I'm actually doing the interesting stuff? Umm, I'll need to grow an extra hand if I'm going to shoot and twitter at the same time. Even if I drink some nuclear-powered water and I do obtain that additional arm, wouldn't the fact that I'm tweeting whilst I'm shooting be a bullet towards my professional reputation? Malcolm Turnbull tweets too, look at where that got him!

Bottom line: Twitter - photography - do not match.

Midnight Mystique shoot

2009-10-02T21:26:00.000+10:00

A very enjoyable shoot with the wonderfully-versatile and cheerful Danielle (MM 1058371).

We shot through a few series so stay tuned for more!

Psychobilly Kris shoot

2009-09-12T19:14:00.001+10:00

Full set on Flickr

Kris might have only begun modelling recently, but she's handled it like a seasoned pro.

Thanks to Rockabilly Kitten for introducing Kris to the scene, helping with posing and appearing in several shots.

Hotel California fashion show, August 2009

2009-08-26T14:32:00.000+10:00

===================
Hosted by Romantic Rock and Rubi Rocket
Ruby Rabbit, Darlinghurst, Sydney

See other Hotel California Fashion Nights:
June 2009 (Empire Hotel, Kings Cross)
May 2009 (Oxford Art Factory)
April 2009 (The Loft, UTS)
January 2009 (Bikini shoot, Oxford Art Factory, Sydney)
===================
More on My Gallery.

If you participated on the night and would like to see the full set, please email me on hoi.images@gmail.com.

Vintage promotional shoot at Ruby Rabbit, 12 August 2009

2009-08-22T11:00:00.001+10:00

Hotel California Lingerie Show @ Empire Hotel

2009-06-29T00:23:00.000+10:00

===================
Hosted by Romantic Rock
Plantation Bar, Empire Hotel, Kings Cross, Sydney

See other Hotel California Fashion Nights:
May 2009 (Oxford Art Factory)
April 2009 (The Loft, UTS)
January 2009 (Bikini shoot, Oxford Art Factory, Sydney)
===================

Another month, another rapturous extravaganza.

A lingerie-themed night is not for the faint-hearted. I'm not just talking about the models either - sure, it takes a lot of attitude and confidence, and I applaud you all for an outstanding job. I'm talking about the swamp of GWCs, mysterious old men, and extra big Saturday night crowds. How many of them are actually there to do a service for the models, rather than themselves?

More to come during the week - stay tuned.

Hotel California fashion show @ Empire Hotel, June 09

2009-06-28T11:22:00.000+10:00

Last night I've had the pleasure of once again shooting for Romantic Rock's Hotel California fashion night at Empire Hotel, Kings Cross.

If you are a model or fellow photographer from the night and would like to check out the glamour, drop me a line on hoi.images@gmail.com. I will send you the links to a private Flickr album (you don't need to be a member to see them) which has the small unretouched shots.

===================
See other Hotel California Fashion Nights:
May 2009 (Oxford Art Factory)
April 2009 (The Loft, UTS)
January 2009 (Bikini shoot, Oxford Art Factory, Sydney)
===================

Hotel California June show coming up!

2009-06-22T22:07:00.000+10:00

This Saturday night at the Plantation Bar, Empire Hotel, Kings Cross, NSW.
Hosted by Romantic Rock, jewellery from Rubi Rocket.

"The Party That's Not Meant To Be" - Shoot with Alice K

2009-06-15T22:02:00.000+10:00

====================
See full sets on Flickr
====================
Actress/model Alice and I joined forces again after our previous "Versatile Dreams" series.

We wanted to create a series that has an incongruous, conflicting edge: sociable party-girl vs. chained exclusion; glamour vs. industrial; inquisitive spirit vs. code of silence. Alice was great in absorbing an idea and create her own elaborate visual narratives.

We did other shots too other than this series; stay tuned.

Gloomy Marketing Sunday, and more hair show shots

2009-06-04T17:07:00.000+10:00

====================
See full sets on Flickr:
LKJ style
LKJ Out-Takes
Other colleges

Previous entry on this show here.
====================
I was listening to a most brilliant piece of music when I was processing the hair show shots. No, I'm not just referring to the song (as beautiful Sarah Brightman's voice is), but to the marketing story behind it.

Gloomy Sunday had long gained a notorious reputation for being a "suicide song". It was reportedly banned in Hungary, where it was first written, because of a spate of suicides supposedly linked to listening to the song. Even today, Youtubers posting this song will happily post warnings about the "mysterious voice" you will hear in your head if you listen to the song urging you to "end it all".

Well, I'm still here, even though NSW unjustly lost State of Origin last night. Given the long list of stars who have covered it (Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan, Sarah McLachlan, and of course Miss Brightman), clearly the song's persuasive power towards suicide is overstated. However it hasn't done a bad job pursuading people to be curious about it. How?

It all comes down to telling a good story. From our infancies, we develop ideas about the world via stories. Bedtime stories, tales, fables, TV dramas - they shape how we are persuaded. We were not brought up on statistics or rational thinking, and even though they are indispensable faculties, understanding stories and narratives is gaining importance in persuasion.

There is a recent trend for beer ads to take on a more narrative form, involving killer parachutes and magical Tasmanian waters. I remember those ads much better than ads that just remind me how nice it is to dine at certain fast food restaurants, or how important it is to look after my superannuation. Of course, the beer industry are not alone in heading this trend, but companies are starting to take notice of the powers of narratives over rational information.

I guess this post would have been more memorable had it been in story form. Perhaps that's for another day. In the meantime, some photos.

Mimi @ Georges Hall, Sydney

2009-05-31T12:22:00.001+10:00

====================
Full set on Flickr here.
Mimi's ModelMayhem
====================
Meet Mimi - energetic, life-loving, and no pretentions.

If there is just one thing I could complain about her, it's that she's a Liverpool FC supporter. But really, that's not much to complain about!

We have a ground-breaking theme in the pipeline for the last six months. It will shake the earth. Watch out!

Twitter - what's the point?

2009-05-24T11:09:00.000+10:00

I'm not the last person on the planet to know what Twitter was. And I'm certainly not the first (or last) to question its real value.

I have used Twitter. I use it to accumulate information in my other professional fields. In areas of marketing and business intelligence, new ideas emerge constantly, articles (from a myriad of sources) are generated rapidly, it's difficult to keep up in a busy working day. I use Twitter to gather those articles quickly and read them when I have spare time. Even without any effort at promoting my Twitter, I still got 40-odd followers. And I will not try to get any more.

But as far as photography is concerned, I failed to see any reason to use Twitter. Sure, I can use it to accumulate lots of followers and every time I update this blog, I post a Tweet, and people would flog to my blog. But is that really good Twitter etiquette? That constitutes spamming; and in the Web 2.0 environment, spamming and lack of sincerity means a quick death of your reputation, or a ruining of your "personal brand".

I only see one advange of using Twitter for my photography: a quantificable scoreboard of my popularity. But if my only measure of success is the number of followers, I would deem myself a failure. Hey, Titanic raked in more at the box office than The Godfather, does that mean Titanic is the better movie?!

Battle of the Colleges Hairstyle Show

2009-05-20T21:46:00.000+10:00

====================
See full sets on Flickr:
LKJ style
LKJ Out-Takes
Other colleges
====================
Keep an eye out for this space, more photos will be up.

Take a recess even from things you love

2009-05-18T13:46:00.000+10:00

Tonight, I hit a little milestone.

At 10pm, I will remind myself that for the first time in a while, I have not picked up my camera for any given 7-day period (other than a few test shots last night).

I enjoy photography. It's my outlet from more serious aspects of life (multiple careers, thesis, and so on). But occasionally you need a recess even from things you love.

Once something ceases to be enjoyable and challenging, it's not worth doing anymore. I don't want photography to go down that path.

Rockabilly Kitten and LadyBel

2009-05-12T22:45:00.000+10:00

=======================
Botany, Sydney, Australia
Models: Rockabilly Kitten and LadyBel
See my previous shoot with Kitten at Sydney Park!
Full set on Flickr
=======================

This was a rather impromptu shoot. I was always going to do another shoot with Kitten after our previous effort at Sydney Park. She just got in contact and said "my friend from Western Australia is coming for a visit, wanna do a shoot with her too?" I'm very glad I said yes.

We didn't discuss any specifics before the shoot, and we only had an hour to do it. Yet these ladies did not need to be told what to do - they brought the feisty with them.

Unfortunate the mosquitoes were feistier on the day and we had to beat a hasty retreat. LadyBel is heading back our way in the near future, definitely relish the opportunity to work with these ladies again.

Kitten is going for Miss Tattoo NSW as well, show her (and the other ladies) some love!

Battle of the Colleges Hairstyling Show

2009-05-12T06:40:00.005+10:00

If you are a model from last night looking for some photos, LKJ have decided to temporarily withhold release of the photos until they have decided what to do with them. They have done so in a very reasonable manner. Once I know where the photos are going (best place is if they go up here, of course), I will post it here. But in the meantime let me thank you - models, MUAs, stylists, staff alike - for being simply superb.

In the meantime check out the fantastic gallery of Jason, whom I had the pleasure of working with.

Hotel California fashion night, May 2009

2009-05-10T13:32:00.000+10:00

===================
Hosted by Romantic Rock, Jewellery by Rubi Rocket.

See full set on Flickr.

See other Hotel California Fashion Nights:
April 2009 (The Loft, UTS)
January 2009 (Bikini shoot, Oxford Art Factory, Sydney)
===================

Personally, I found this night more enjoyable, relaxed and sociable. Sure we did our best to get the best images for the models, but there didn't seem to be as much pressure. I guess the growing familiarity between models and photographers helped.

Thanks to Emily for another well-organised night, and ladies (and gents) for being your funky selves.

As per usual, if you want full size images for your portfolio, just let me know on hoi.images@gmail.com.

Is TF* cheapening the photography profession?

2009-05-09T17:04:00.000+10:00

This has been a vexing question, particularly to many photographers who feel threatened by the emergence of digital technology, which is blamed for the proliferation of royalty-free (RF) agencies and time-for-print (TFP) operators.

Dan Heller, whom I regard as one of the leading writers on the economics of photography, has written extensively on the impact of digital imaging and RF on the photography market, and is well worth a read. Basically he sees it as an opportunity for operators to improve their marketing and strategies. Even though he did not explicitly said so, this philosophy applies to models as well.

But even from a marketing point of view, providing cheap - even free - images is simply not a sustainable strategy. A photographer or model who exclusively offers TF* work may get their foot into a few doors, but this strategy is easily copied, and your time simply becomes a commodity. Another person with more time on their hands can easily usurp your position.

Of course, I am not addressing photographers and models who consciously chose to go down the TF* path. I have been one of them, because I'm too cheap to give up my day jobs. But for the up-and-comer who considers using TF* as a regular strategy to attract clients, it can only be done sparingly. After all, in this electronic age and low production costs, giving out freebies just isn't that special anymore.

Hail Camaraderie!

2009-05-08T18:09:00.001+10:00

I am thankful for being in the company of fellow professionals who look out for each other.

Last month, in a group shoot, a new GWC turned up and made some of the models feel very uncomfortable.

Words spread quickly, evidence was corroborated among no less than 8 individuals, actions were taken swiftly.

People thought that the world of fashion is completely shallow and self-centered. But there is an unspoken group dynamic at work. One that I am pleased to see.

More Miranda the Country Girl, plus a Flashy Question

2009-05-06T21:03:00.000+10:00

====================
A few more shots from Miranda's Country Girl shoot: (full set on Flickr)
====================

To flash or not to flash?

Essentially the same shot. Same pose, same location, same lighting. Flash gives the clear blue sky and sharper colours; no-flash gives natural light and retains the background.

You might be able to see that I faced that dilemma throughout the shoot.

I used to think that I'm nuts for contemplating using flash on a bright sunny day. But my question remains.

Miranda, thank God she's a country girl

2009-05-05T21:07:00.000+10:00

====================
Full set on Flickr here.

See more here.

Don't forget to check out her Sydney University shoot here. Natural beauty personified.
====================

This shoot had been in the pipelines for almost 6 months. My partner-in-photographic-crime Alison had this as her brainchild, and we brought it to fruition over the weekend with the beautiful and effervescent Miranda.

For a while I forgot where I was or what I was doing. We've never been to this particular place, yet everywhere we went, a suitable scene comes up. It was almost a mythical experience where everything fell into place, like Cityrail during the Sydney Olympics. I hope this kind of experience would be more common than that though.

Thanks Miranda and Ali for being such fantastic troopers. You cannot tell from the photos but they were quite tired by the end.

Fear of the unknown...location

2009-05-02T10:34:00.000+10:00

I'm alleviating days of thesis pain with a half-day expedition out to south-eastern Sydney for a long-anticipated photoshoot. Being a rural theme with a naturalistic, not-over-embellished setup with Miranda, my co-conspirator and I have dubbed it the McLeod's Daughters Shoot. (I cannot bring myself to make a link to the Ninemsn page plugging the show, but most Australian readers would know what it is.)

Problem is, I have never been to that place before. I know it has heritage houses via word-of-mouth; I know it has open fields thanks to Google Earth. But I haven't actually been there!

I prefer connecting to my immediate environment prior to engaging in a shoot. Familiarity can increase stereotyping, not just because mere exposure makes you like the place more.

Whilst stereotyping people isn't good, it is fantastic for producing an immediately-understandable image. People prefer to use quick-and-nasty stereotypes, or heuristics, when they make judgements about things they don't care an awful lot about. And I accept that photography won't be most people's no.1 interest. That's why time is of the essence to grab their attention.

Forecast is for showers...and today is a bright sunny day. Damn.

Miranda @ University of Sydney, Camperdown Campus

2009-04-19T13:27:00.000+10:00

Miranda and I met at the April Hotel California fashion show. She insists that she is "not a model" but got roped in by the show's organiser Emily. She was as impressive as anyone else at the show.

Miranda is full of action and was ready from the get-go. We had a great time.

Full set here.

Hotel California, Hosted by Romantic Rock, 2 April 2009

2009-04-06T14:02:00.001+10:00

=============================
Held at the Loft, University of Technology Sydney.

www.myspace.com/romanticrock

Jewellery by www.rubirocket.com

See full set on Flickr

See Hotel California show January 2009
=============================

I'm not entirely happy with the post-processing this time - I opted for a "balanced exposure" approach, which goes against my usual preference towards subtle contrast. The first three shots went for contrast, the next three went for balance.

How to win friends and influence fellow photographers

2009-04-02T23:44:00.001+11:00

A good way to NOT do that would be to assert your authority in an unwelcomed way.

Especially if you've never been to that event, don't know anyone there, and got no idea how it works.

ESPECIALLY if the folks there think your behaviour, especially towards models, is somewhat questionable.

Photography is as much about networking and enjoyment with fellow professionals as it is about great photos. At least it is to me. Some people may overlook the former aspect, all too willing to proclaim "I am the Best". Good luck to those unfortunate enough to get stuck with them - you will get nothing out of working with self-serving people.

Maybe if I pay too much attention to networking and getting to know my models on a personal level, I'd be labelled a GWC (guy with camera). But if I must choose between that and being a photographer who is self-serving and cares only for his own portfolio, then GWC me away!

People skills - key to modern day photography

2009-03-31T19:22:00.000+11:00

Joke:
"How many photographers does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"
50 - 1 to screw in the bulb; 49 to stand around and say, "I can do this so much better".

With the rapid advent of digital imaging technology, it has become far easier for people to overcome technical deficiencies. Photography is fast becoming a commodity where (low) price and quantity becomes the main selling point for photographers. The value of pure technical brilliance, whilst far from eliminated, is falling in the eye of the commercial buyer.

Whilst many more traditional photographers bemoaned this growing phenomenon of "photography as commodity", it does have a silver lining. It is forcing professionals to hone their people skills more than ever.

It should come as little surprise to know that human beings like being in the company of like-minded individuals who make us feel comfortable. This is no different in professional settings, photography or otherwise.

Just talking to models when you are posing them is not "people skills". Chatting up models whilst shooting is not "people skills". I'm not advocating that photographers should all become mind-readers; but it surprises me to see how many photographers treat a model shoot like a still-life shoot. Girls to them are just like products on a table ready to be shot. Couldn't be bothered to spend time to at least establish a cursory connection.

Would you rather work with a technically-perfect photographer who treats you like a commodity? Or a "decent" photographer who genuinely wants your personal involvement in the shoot?

On balancing multiple careers

2009-03-30T23:24:00.000+11:00

I make no secret that photography is a seriously fairweather activity for me. Seriously as in I try hard to learn and to interact with fellow professionals. Fairweather as in I'm too cheap to give up my two days jobs and thar darn doctorate.

It was a conscious decision to engage in two jobs, a doctorate and a serious hobby. The idea of living parallel multiple careers appeal to me a lot. Suitably renumerated, I'm happy to work on two 25-hour jobs; when one bores me, the other takes over. And at the moment, the doctorate is definitely boring me, so I'm letting the jobs and the seriously fairweather hobby to take over.

Some people query my mental health when they learn that I balance these activities, and wonder whether I am capable of doing so. In truth, I would start having mental issues if I'm stuck on one career. So what can you do to pull it off?

- An ability to switch off the other jobs when you're not doing it.
- Iron-fisted time-management discipline, and the ability to say "no" when any one of those parallel demands threaten to encroach on the others.
- A genuine curiosity in all of the areas that you pursue.

It's fun, rewarding and stimulating. It can drive you nuts though. Tread carefully.

Portrait Photography and Psychology

2009-03-23T22:22:00.000+11:00

One would think that, given the interpersonal nature of portrait photography, more resources would exist in the cyberworld relating to the psychology of portrait photography. Unfortunately that information is not widely available, with the few pieces of writing on the subject dealing with the issue on a rather elementary, crude level.

I'm not about to declare that I can produce superior writings or thoughts on the issues. I am merely bemoaning that the portraiture literati is devoid of any indication that they have thought about the issue carefully. Tens of pages are devoted to technical aspects of portraiture, almost implying that once technical superiority is established, perfect portraits are just a matter of clicking the shutter. Perhaps that is what many photographers would like to think, that models are just like inanimate objects that can be manipulated to suit whatever purpose. As far as I believe, no greater follies can be committed in portrait photography.

I have been asked (in a non-photographic context) "why do you ask so many questions?". Given that few people are willing to divulge information about themselves voluntarily, and without the gift of mind-reading, questioning is the only way I can gain access to what they really are. Even though photography can only capture one's external appearance superficially, the amount of information that is conveyed beyond that appearance is often overlooked, most definitely by folks who do not bother interacting with their models beyond a superficial level. And without prior knowledge about the subject (which is gained by questions), capturing an image that explores the subejct's inner psyche remains nothing but a pipedream.

Photography Skills vs. Photography Confidence?

2009-03-04T12:58:00.000+11:00

I came across this article today, which advocates the value of humility over confidence. One section suggests that people often confuse confidence with skill:

I think a lot of the misguided advice towards improving confidence actually has to do with improving skill. I’ve heard before, “I want to be a more confident public speaker.” To which I mentally reply, “Do you really want to be more confident? Or do you just want to be a better speaker?” ...The same happens with social skills. Some people claim to want to be more confident with other people or relationships. But do they really? Or do they simply want to have better social skills. Confidence without skill would just mean that the person is oblivious to the negative reactions from other people.

This is entirely applicable to many probie (yes, Dinozzo) street and portrait photographers, who often ask how to approach strangers as photographic subjects. Some even have issues with photographing on the street in general, because they become conscious over the image that they project, typically a fear of looking like a "stupid tourist".

Really, confidence is just another skill. It is not a personality trait. Everyone can name certain situations in which they can feel more confident than others. The skill lies in expanding the number and variety of those confidence-inducing situations.

Rockabilly Kitten photoshoot @ Sydney Park

2009-02-28T14:35:00.000+11:00

A late Friday afternoon with the funky, confident alternative model Rockabilly Kitten.

The shoot had been several months in planning. Damn the full lives we both live, but the results were well worth the planning and organisation.

Full set here.

May-Z Photoshoot @ Carriageworks

2009-02-26T09:58:00.001+11:00

One late Saturday afternoon with the awesome May-Z.

For the full set see here.

Hotel California Bikini Parade, Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, 29/1/09

2009-02-01T21:30:00.002+11:00

Yet another superb production by Romantic Rock.

More images see my Flickr.

Bikini designs by Stepanka Fashion, jewellery by Rubi Rocket.

Georges Hall, NSW

2009-01-01T23:59:00.000+11:00

An inhumanely hot new years day at Beattie Reserve, Georges Hall. A beach that wasn't really a beach; a lake that wasn't really a lake.

Christmas Day in Cootamundra

2008-12-26T18:15:00.000+11:00

White Christmas? Stuff that! A day in Cootamundra (5 hours drive SW of Sydney) in the scorching sun, camera in hand, beats waiting for Santa.