Open Invitation to Photograph Australia

As a keen photographer I enjoy following the art of many photographers around the globe through the various internet groups,blogs, youtube etc.

I love looking at places I have never been to and not likely to do so.

While I love the pics and work of many I can't help but think that I live in the best country in the world to do photography.

These are some reasons:

1. We have the most amazing light that is never clouded by smog.

2. Our colours of the natural landscape are amazing. Particular the rich reds and blues of outback Australia.

3. Australia is a relatively safe place to visit. We do have crime but not on the scale of other countries.

4. Accomodation is not expensive and there is a great variety of options.If you are coming from America the American dollar is worth more than the Australian so your money goes further.

5. Our flora and fauna is unique as part of the "separate creation" that Charles Darwin thought in terms of.

6. There are unique highways and byways to explore. Long road journeys that are a photographer's delight.

7. Amazing beaches and National Parks.

8. Picturesque and vibrant cities.

9. A place where the arts flourish.

10. Australian's unique humour and outlook on life. "She'll be right mate!"

11. Great local produce that blends in with the fare of many introduced nationalities and their culture.

Oz Asia Festival in Adelaide

12. A great sporting nation with many high achievers on the international stage.

13. Our landscape is diverse. Tropical, Rainforests,Alpine areas, Outback deserts, amazing Island destinations, long inland rivers, the home of many varieties of Eucalyptus trees.

14. Yes we do have some dangerous animals but you would be a lot safer here than Africa.

So if it's on your bucket list why don't you come.

I will point you in the right direction.

What makes you a real Photographer?

You need to use a tripod to be a real photographer!

Based on my definition there are not a lot of "real" photographers these days.

In the early days of photography it was a must.

Do I use one all the time?

Very rarely.

One of my favourite photography authors is Bryan Peterson.

In his book "Understanding Exposure" he emphasised time and time again "first place your camera firmly on the tripod."

Even in this day and age of image stabilised lenses and cameras he still probably uses that as a mantra.

I tend to shoot hand hold most of the time and there are times when I wish I hadn't.

Back in the day when I was doing weddings I always used to take my tripod with me.

1. To get steady sharp photos.
2. In case I struck low light.
3.To maintain eye contact with people, mainly in group photos, while I pressed the shutter.

4. This next one is a great use of the tripod when you might not even put the camera on the tripod.

If you are wanting to do family and bridal party group photos and you are at a location and it is just after the ceremony and you are about to get started.
If you are at a location where the wedding has been outdoors and people may be mingling and talking and having a bit of a cocktail party.
They are scattered all over the place.
Then is when I would pick the spot where I wanted to do my group photos and then set up the tripod
where I would be shooting from.
I would then announce to all the key people " hi folks, the bride and groom are now ready for family photos can you all gather where the tripod is thank you."

Now people associate the tripod with real photographers.

Professionals!

You will find this works a treat .
 They might not know who you are but they know what a tripod is.

Try it at your next wedding.

"Real Photographers" use tripods.

A typical group shot. How did you get them there?

Room set up for one of my training classes. Note the tripod on the table.

Please note I am available for group training in photography or for individual tuition.