Pic of the Week_Twilight_Half Moon Bay

Canon 5D camera and Canon 180mm f3.5 Macro lens. Exposure Details: 6 seconds @ f32 ISO 100.

There’s little better in life than witnessing a beautiful sunset. My own preference is to linger a little longer for the afterglow and beyond, the twilight. The above image was made at the end of a Landscape Photography workshop I was running along Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne. After the class had finished a few of us sat around to chat and wait for what the early evening would provide.

We were not disappointed with the soft ethereal light that followed. Time seemed to slow and the noise from nearby traffic subsided. I felt very much in the moment.

I balanced my exposure with low ISO and a slow shutter speed to produce the soft, creamy appearance to the water. This, combined with the deep tones of the surrounding rocks and distant hillside, give the image its special quality.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

The Editing Process_Part 2_Lightroom Adventures

Canon 5D camera and Canon 17-40mm f4 L series USM lens @ 17mm. Exposure Details: 1/20 second @ f5 ISO 100.

Boy Oh Boy! what a time I’ve had over the last few weeks. Regular visitors to this site would have noticed a drop off in the frequency of my posts over recent times. The reason for this is my own stubborn nature and determination to, no matter what, get the job done to my best ability as quickly as I can.

Some of your may have already read my post from June 21^st titled The Editing Process_Part 1 when I described a medium term project I had just undertaken to bring my images, both film and digital camera generated, into a single Lightroom Catalog for filing and prompt, straightforward retrieval.

This process has not been easy and has involved over 2 weeks of very, very long hours with early morning finishes of 2, 3, 4 and even 5am. I’m happy to say that I’ve successfully completed stage one. The next stage, attaching more clearly defined keywords to each image, will begin over the next few days. I expect to have that job completed over the next week or two. This time with a more usual work and sleep pattern.

The final stage of the project will be selecting large quantities of negatives and slides from my substantial archive for scanning. Due to the number of images involved this will be another straightforward and time-consuming task. The resulting scans will then be brought into my Lightroom Catalog, with the appropriate keywords attached, ready for a new life in a number of upcoming projects I have planned.

I expect to have this major undertaking completed by the beginning of November when I’II be heading off to Antarctica to run a photography tour with my friend and colleague, David Burren.

The last couple of weeks have been difficult involving long hours and much monotony. However, the exhilaration of re-discovering important images and bringing them into a single, highly organized filing system for easy retrieval has made the task worthwhile. One of many of these images heads this article. It also makes the final goal, bringing all my film and digital camera generated images into the one system, much closer to reality. This will make my trip to Antarctica feel like a reward and help set me up for an exciting 2011.

How’s your shoebox of images going? Perhaps it could do with a clean out and re-organization.

I’II continue to report on this project and what I learn along the way as it progresses throughout the year.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

Play Your Own Tune_Night Photography

Canon 5D Mark II camera and Canon 24mm f1.4 L series lens. Exposure Details: 1/8 second @ f2.8 ISO 1600.

Here’s a very recent image from a winter’s evening photographing at Birrarung Marr in the City of Melbourne. I love the image’s rich gold and red color palette, the strong shapes of the bells and the extra impact given to the image through a low angle of view and the use of line to enhance the illusion of 3-dimensional space.

All light sources in the image are artificial. Spotlights illuminate the bells, from below, and the low-lying clouds reflect light from the city far below.

If you’re interesting in making images like this check out my upcoming Night Photography in the City of Melbourne workshop. Group numbers are limited to make for a friendly, non-competitive environment giving you space to work and plenty of access to your tutor (me) for one-on-one assistance. I hope to see you there.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

Pic of the Week_Glory on a Winter’s Day_Wilsons Promontory National Park

Canon 5D camera and Canon 85mm f1.2 L series USM lens

Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of my favorite locations for landscape photography. It’s a very large park with a range of beach, mountain, rainforest and fauna to keep even the most active photographer busy for weeks.

One of the park’s most special features is its changing weather system. The variations in light that come with the changing weather fronts present the photographer with fantastic photo opportunities. You really feel alive in such moments. Add that to the reward of an early morning start, good technique, an understanding of composition and perspective and a passion for your art and bliss will surely follow. It really doesn’t get any better than that.

The above image was made just after sunrise on an otherwise bleak morning. I’d travelled down to the prom the day before and met a group of photographers for the very last minutes of a late afternoon/sunset shoot at Squeaky Beach, a favorite location for tourists. Getting out of bed the next morning was not easy, particularly given the poor weather. But after a few moments of ill comfort I was off and on the look for interesting subject matter. A quick walk to the beach at Norman Bay and on to Tidal River provided no opportunities in the dim dawn light. I then decided to take a drive up towards Mount Oberon. On the way I saw the sun coming up over the mountaintops and decided to stop by the side of the road. Within a few minutes, and only meters from the car, I’d made an image that made the early morning start well worth the effort.

I love the way this image portrays the soft light and rain-filled atmosphere of that early morning adventure. Not long after the weather further deteriorated and my friends and, with deadlines pressing, I undertook the 3-hour drive back home. With so little time available I almost didn’t make the trip. But the photos I produced made it all worthwhile. And that’s why I do what I do.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

Westgate Park_A Location Shoot in Melbourne’s West

Canon 5D camera and Canon 85mm f1.2 L series USM lens

Westgate Park is located near the Westgate Freeway in Melbourne’s west. I’d often looked down onto the park while driving across the Westgate. The view was particularly good towards the edges of the day when the warm, low-angle sun would sweep across the park caressing the trees and dancing on top of the water. I decided to visit the park to explore possible photo opportunities. Sunset seemed like a good idea so I arrived early to explore the location. It’s bigger than I expected and I found myself walking and photographing for several hours.

Canon 5D camera and Canon 24mm f1.4 L series lens.

A highlight that surprised me was the range of interesting architectural elements scattered around the park. It’s possible, as evident in the image at the top of this article, to photograph some of them with the city in the background. Central to the park is a small lake which reflects the setting sun and, as night approaches, the artificial lighting along the bridge. My visit to Westgate Park was a lot of fun. Numerous glimpses from above had whetted my appetite. I’m really glad I made the effort to explore the location. I was rewarded with numerous surprises and some photographs with which I’m happy.

Canon 5D camera and Canon 24mm f1.4 L series lens

A word of warning: it’s not advisable to be out photographing alone in such an isolated location after dark. As photographers our gear makes us targets and, while concentrating on image making, we may temporarily lose our usual street smarts and not be aware of the variety of unfortunates, undesirables and down right nasty people who sometimes frequent such places.

Melbourne is a beautiful and safe city. Nevertheless, as is the case in most unfamiliar environments, a measure of care should be exercised. Being out and about with another photographer may be enough to easy your mind. And of course there’s safety in numbers. As is the case in the natural landscape, a headlamp or torch may ensure you don’t leave any expensive gear behind and help you find your way back to the car. It’s amazing how quickly darkness can set in after you’ve finished your sunset shoot, particularly when it continues into the twilight.

I run a Night Photography in the City of Melbourne workshop. It’s a great opportunity for folks to get out and about and learn a range of tip’s and tricks to make beautiful night photographs. I design the workshop so that each group is large enough for you to feel secure and yet small enough so that you get plenty of one-on-one assistance. By the end of the 2-hour session you’ll be able to undertake your own night photography projects.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

One-on-One Photography Courses

Your Tutor, Glenn Guy

Yes folks, it’s me. For all of you that have wondered, and especially for those that have asked, you now know what I look like on a good-hair day.

I’m very happy to announce my availability for a range of One-on-One photography courses during 2010. These courses are tailored to your own specific needs and can involve the following, either individually or in combination:

• Getting to Know Your Camera and/or Flash
  
• Camera Craft and Practical Photography
• Adobe Lightroom
• Adobe Camera RAW
• Adobe Photoshop CS3, CS4 and CS5
• Adobe Photoshop Elements
  

Practical Photography courses can be conducted almost anywhere, depending on what it is we decide to photograph, and usually run for between 3 hours and a whole day.

Image processing courses, such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, are usually conducted from my home, in Clifton Hill, Melbourne. Where appropriate such classes could also be conducted at your own home or place of work, with the addition of a levy covering costs associated with travel (car expenses and time for the return journey). I do my best to keep the cost of such levies as low as possible.

When available I can be booked for day or evening sessions, either weekdays or weekends.

Cost for these special One-on-One classes is priced at $110 (inc GST) per hour.

For loyal followers of this blog I’d like to offer the same sessions and content, during July and August 2010, at the following reduced pricing:

• 3 hour session $230 (inc GST) a saving of $100
• 6 hour session $400 (inc GST) a saving of $260

I’m a photographer with a wide and diverse range of practical photography experiences (please refer to the About page on this blog). In addition to a substantial body of personal and commercial work, produced during a 30-year career, I’ve had around 20 years experience teaching photography. I’m as comfortable working with individuals as I am lecturing large groups of tertiary-level students. In the case of One-on-One courses I work particularly hard to adapt my teaching to the needs and learning style of the individual.

Please feel free to contact me directly should you wish to enquire about this unique opportunity. Just send an email to info@blueskyphotography.com.au

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

Pic of the Week_Sand Dune and Cloud_Mungo National Park_NSW

Leica M7 camera and Leica 35mm f2 Summicron-M lens with Kodak Ektachrome Elite 100 Extra Color film

Mungo National Park, in far southwest NSW, is a harsh, arid environment. But long ago it was part of an extensive inland lake system that provided local indigenous people with a bountiful food supply and, despite common perceptions, allowed them to live in seemingly permanent settlements. This challenges common perceptions that Aborigines were nomadic people, a way of life that appeared backward to the conquering British Empire. It’s now evident that indigenous Australians adapted their lifestyle and practices to the environment in which they lived.

I rendered the original image, shot on 35mm color transparency film, into black-and-white to illustrate the inherent shapes, textural qualities and tonality within the image. The luminous nature and strong shapes present in the cloud and dune have been enhanced by the deep tonality of the sky.

The high contrast nature of this image, together with the grain inherent in the film, has produced a look somewhat similar to that normally associated with black and white Infrared film. I hope you enjoy it.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

Sunset_Bemm River_Victoria

Leica R6.2 camera and Leica 90mm f2 Summicron R series lens with Kodak Ektachrome Elite 100 Extra Color film

Bemm River is situated on the edge of Croajingalong National Park in far southeast Victoria. It’s a glorious location in a sparsely populated area of the state. The clean air and often-wild landscapes provide plenty of inspiration for the photographer. I visited the region on a quick detour from a planned long loupe drive I undertook from Melbourne to Mount Buffalo and along the Great Alpine Road down to Omeo, prior to heading back to Melbourne. It’s a wonderful trip that I undertook in mid February around 10 years ago.

The above image was breathtaking to behold. It was made at the end of a very full day exploring and photographing the region. I started the day before sunrise with an exploration of some of the local waterways with a local fishing identity. While I didn’t get any great shots it was a very interesting excursion. I spent the rest of the day visiting nearby beaches prior to returning after dark in the hope of a good feed. I missed out on a meal, but made the above image that made it all worthwhile.

While many consider sunrises and sunsets to be photography clichés it’s, nevertheless, undeniable that they provide positive, life enriching experiences for those fortunate enough to witness and/or photograph them. Over the years I’ve photographed numerous sunsets, some of them incredibly beautiful. These experiences were amazing. Time seemed to move more slowly and I felt myself very much in the moment. During such events it’s possible to glimpse something of the sublime. Such experiences and the desire to share them with the world is why I do what I do.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

Photography Workshop_Night Photography in the City of Melbourne

The Ferris Wheel at Birrarung Marr_Melbourne

Are you interested in making great photographs in the city at night time? I’m very happy to announce that, as part of my Winter Photography Workshop program, the next dates for my Night Photography in the City of Melbourne workshop. The workshop will be conducted outdoors. Participants will be sent notes prior to the session that will cover basic technical concepts and some suggestions for preparing for the shoot. Tripods are recommended, though not essential.

Workshop Description

This workshop provides a great introduction to the world of outdoor photography at night. The great advantage of night photography at this time of year is that we can start soon after the working day finishes and still be home at a reasonable hour. Not unlike a night out at the movies.

Course Content

• Maximize opportunities by making the existing light, both natural and artificial, work for you.

• Experiment by photographing moving objects within the still frame.

• Gain an understanding of your camera’s ability to shoot at high ISO’s.

• Portray architectural elements in exciting ways.

To enhance learning emphasis will be placed on a hands-on practical approach. I’m there to help and advise.

Course Outline

Do you fit the demographic?

This seminar is intended for photographers with a basic to intermediate understanding of their camera. The workshop will allow you to raise your photography to the next level through enhanced technique and a creative approach. The course includes the following:

• Practical Photography session

• On site information via One-on-One discussions and group-based huddles

• Notes

As participation is limited to a maximum of 10 people, its best to avoid disappointment by booking early.

Please feel free to contact me by email should you have any specific inquiries.

Although the exact itinerary may have to be altered on the day I expect the program will run as follows:

5:00-5:30pm            Meet and photograph from Princes Bridge

(Ideal for folks who can leave work early and don’t have a tripod)

5:30-7:30pm            Practical Photography

Birrarung Marr, Federation Square and Southgate.

Dynamic Architecture at Birrarung Marr

Course Outcomes

Participants will:

• Gain a better understanding of the equipment and techniques required to produce great images of night scenes under a range of different lighting conditions.
• Produce a range of interesting and exciting images.
• Have fun photographing with a group of like-minded folk.

Pre-Requisites

An intermediate level of understanding of your camera is required. In particular an ability to use Manual and Aperture Priority (A or AV) exposure modes and, if required, Manual Focus.

Helpful Hint:

Practice being able to adjust Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO without taking your eye away from the viewfinder. All 3 of these functions are visible at the bottom of your viewfinder. Understand what dials and/or buttons change these critical camera functions and get used to seeing them change by watching the updated LED display in the viewfinder.

Bring a small torch or headlamp, as it’s hard to find black buttons on a black camera body at night.

Notes

You’ll receive a comprehensive set of notes that covers much of the material covered in the workshop. This will be provided to you, via email, a few days before the workshop.

Where and When?

I have two separate dates planned: THURSDAY JULY 1^st and WEDNESDAY JULY 14^th 2010.

Tutor Profile

Glenn Guy’s 30 year photography career includes newspaper; wedding/portrait; documentary and travel; landscape; film and TV stills; photo retail and wholesale; publishing; and education.

Glenn’s passion for photography and travel has resulted in many photography adventures, both in Australia and Abroad. His fine-art prints are exhibited and collected at both private and corporate level. Glenn has completed his Master of Arts (photography) at RMIT and is an Associate Member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP).

Materials

• An interchangeable lens DSLR camera with a fully charged battery and, at least, one empty memory card.

• A sturdy tripod is desirable. However, if you don’t have one, high ISO shooting will often allow you to produce very acceptable results. If you find you have an affinity for night photography you can always purchase a tripod at a later stage.

• A fast, fixed or prime lens would also allow you to make a range of great images, with or without a tripod, under low light conditions.

• An external portable flashgun is not essential, but may be useful in you have one.

Registration

The fee for this workshop is $88 (including GST).

To register for this seminar please send your name, email and phone numbers, and the workshop date you plan to attend to Glenn Guy at info@blueskyphotography.com.au Registration will be confirmed once your payment has been processed.

Payment must be made in advance and your space is not confirmed until payment has been received, in full. Please contact me directly at info@blueskyphotography.com.au for payment options.

Cancellation Policy

Please be aware that, due to the low cost of the course, cancellations and, therefore, refunds are not possible. I will be there to run both sessions, regardless of the weather. We may have showers, which usually present interesting photographic opportunities. But the chances of it raining heavily for the entire session are extremely unlikely. Professional photographers rarely have an opportunity for a re-shoot. The skill is to make the best of the situation and a positive attitude, plus a little extra care, is often all that’s required to make wonderful images under difficult conditions.

This seminar is limited to 10 participants and is expected to sell out quickly. Please ensure your place by booking promptly.

I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible through my range of upcoming seminars and workshops. Look forward to more news tomorrow.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography

The Editing Process_Part 1

Canon F1 camera and Canon 200mm f3.5 lens and Agfachrome CT100 film

This is the first of a series of three posts I plan to write over the next few weeks dealing with the concept of the editing process.

We all have images that, due to an emotional attachment, we find hard to delete. But if we surround ourselves with our worst images we will continue to produce more of the same. Deletion is an essential part of the editing process. It allows you to continually trim your image library down and spend a greater proportion of your time processing your best/most important images.

I have a theory that there are three reasons why most folks fail to delete enough of their least successful images. It can be summarized as follows:

Fear

• A lack of confidence as to what images deserve deletion and, as a result, an inability to make a decision.

Ego

• A lot of folks like to brag about the many thousands of images within their database. The more they have the better they feel about themselves. But how many of those have a library as well organized and functional as it is large?

Lack of Organization

• Most of us suffer from a lack of organization. Sadly the more we shoot the less organized our database becomes. This approach denies us of one of the most powerful features associated with programs like Adobe Lightroom or Apple Aperture. The ability to locate a single image within a library of many thousand is a feature none of us should be denied. It’s essential to have all our files processed, rated (e.g. star rating) and with adequate keywords attached to facilitate good workflow, including the ability to easily locate images at a later date. Placing your favorite images into a series of collections (Christmas 2009, Smith/Singh wedding, Antarctica 2010, etc) is also very useful.

Canon F1 camera and Canon 24mm lens and Agfachrome CT100 film

But, despite best intentions, we’re all human and it’s not unreasonable to end up holding onto some images longer than we should. I’ve been guilty of this myself in the past. Despite numerous clean ups (where I’ve thrown out huge quantities of negatives, slides and prints) I still have far more than I’m able to successfully deal with. I plan to have many of these images scanned and incorporate them into my digital database that will then be imported into my Adobe Lightroom Library. I’II then undertake initial image processing and apply keywords and ratings. From there I’II be able to delete many files, prior to organizing the best images into appropriate collections. It’s a huge job that I’m unlikely to be able to complete on my own. More than likely I’II send the files out for professional scanning.

Both images in this post are from my very first overseas adventure. I’ve written about the problems associated with that trip previously. The theft, the illness and the loss of most of my images due to camera-related and film processing problems. Only 13% of my images survived the lab’s processing mishap. Of those that did, most were spoiled by the camera-related problem that caused the lens to shoot at the widest possible aperture, regardless of the aperture I’d actually set the lens to. As a result most of the transparencies that survived were significantly over exposed and beyond use. Of the few dozen images that remained only a few were worth keeping. But, after such a loss, it was too hard a task to throw them out. I held onto them for many years until I had them scanned, a number of years ago, onto Kodak Photo CD’s. While poor quality scans by today’s standards I at least have the opportunity to breathe some life back into them through Adobe Lightroom 2 and Adobe Photoshop CS5. As a result I feel almost cured of my need to have held onto them for so long.

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Glenn Guy, Blue Sky Photography