PAINTING WITH LIGHT

Went out into the city on an impromptu architectural dusk shoot tonight.
I was out with a prospective client, showing my wares as they are currently looking for a new photographer to head off their franchise.
So as the client was shooting his stuff I had creative licence to walk around and capture whatever I thought looked interesting or "visually dynamic".
I took several shots in the short space of time that dusk shoots cater for, then at exactly 8pm, when the sky was completely black, camera on tripod and flash "in hand" I came up with this little gem...
Hand on heart I can say that this is virtually "untouched" by photoshop.
I gotta say I'm pretty proud of it, and so was my new client!!

IF OTHER PROFESSIONS WERE TREATED LIKE PHOTOGRAPHY

I stumbled upon this little nugget this morning... http://petapixel.com/2016/03/28/professions-treated-like-photography/
It reassured me that it was not only me that feels the way I do about the current state of the photographic industry.

Reading the examples given for other industries here, it just reminds me of so many instances where in an attempt to save money, a "potential client" has used the old "Oh we only want a few pics" line.

"Of course you do!" That's why you contacted a photographer. You wouldn't call a vet to fix your car now, would you!
Only it boggles me how often the need for quality imagery suddenly flies out the door when 'Little Johnny' walks in with his iPhone or starter kit and a freshly downloaded certificate at a fraction of the price.

Strangely, these people generally work for obscenely cashed up companies where salaries are more than generous for the workload... makes you wonder if they've ever given any thought as to how dispensable 'their' boss thinks they are if they want to save some money!

OK, RANT OVER.... CARRY ON!

RETOUCHING SERVICE

So I recently took a couple of casual photos of a BMW X3 which was being sold in Melbourne. The top image here (amongst others) will be used for the ad.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well these rushed photos came out and thought I'd have some fun with this particular image.

The bottom image is the final result.

"Stay sharp", no matter which element of the job...

BEAUTIFUL KOH PHANGAN

I recently returned from my February "Christmas break".

After my experience only 12 months earlier, I decided that I would return to the friendly little Thai island of Koh Phangan. I wanted to return there to basically switch off, recharge, and do very little more than sit on the beach and enjoy endless watermelon shakes.

My decision to return to the island was validated as I got off the ferry just after dusk...
This was the scene that greeted me. Enough said!

Ok... So here I am venturing into my wonderful new world of "blogging"...
Be gentle folks as I'm still learning how to drive this baby!

But this will be where I will share stories, images and experiences, while with some luck, get to know all of you out there a little better.

So having said all that, "Let the good times roll!"
I look forward to your feedback, sharing some banter and general interaction...

See you in the near future!

GS