While I was walking (on the Sunshine Coast)

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS. 

I went for a walk around the Moffat Beach Headland yesterday afternoon. I popped in to share a wine with a friend at Shelley Beach and then walked back in the dark. 
I walk home from work in Melbourne in the dark too. 

"Be Careful" people say.

"Remember what happened to Jill Meagher" they say.

I wonder what the statistics are for people getting raped and murdered at night time, as opposed to in the day time or in their own homes. I figure I'm much more likely, statistically,  to die or get injured in a car accident. But nobody frowns at you disapprovingly when you say you're going for a drive. 

Anyway, it was an absolutely beautiful night. And I was just grateful to be alive and to live in such an amazing place. I feel doubly lucky to also live in Melbourne, which just landed the "most liveable city in the world' for about the 7th time in a row. 

I took a few happy snaps along the way. I was a little bit too early and then a little bit too late for the best light (that was the wine drinking time, which is surely a reasonable alternative to taking photos).

I spotted this guy watering his peas and as I walked past I thought it would make a great photo with the old house in the background. My confidence and outgoingness waxes and wanes, and as somewhat of an introvert, I usually keep walking, and then berate myself for my cowardice. (PS. No problem approaching strangers if I'm getting paid to photograph, but when it's just for me...).
But then I thought of my friend in Melbourne who is so sick going through cancer treatment, and I figured I had nothing to lose by asking. So I backtracked, said g'day and asked if I could take a photo. Simple as that. I then had a lovely chat in the afternoon sun talking about old houses, (multi)million dollar views and growing vegies. His daughter came out and got the obligatory squirt with the hose and for a moment life seemed quite simple.
One day this house will be gone and apartments put in its place and I will be so glad I stopped to take this photo. Thanks for being a good sport Travis. 

Suburbia at Sunset.  

Photos taken with the Fuji X-T2. Night shots balanced on the edge of a railing. 

Sensuous Serendipity

I walked outside my back door and the wind had blown this little Bougainvillea beauty right onto my door mat. I stooped to pick it up and study it. Then placed it on my lightbox to capture the exquisite beauty of nature. 

I love the details that are so often overlooked in the bigger picture. The intricate patterns of the veins. The sensuality of a curve. 

Student Profile - People & Portrait Photography Course @ RMIT

It's always sad when a Short Course comes to an end. We spend an intense eight weeks together (one night a week) and then it's all over.  So I've decided to occasionally feature selected students and their work just to ease the withdrawals. 

Jeremy has just completed the Rmit Short Course in People & Portrait Photography. He presented this series of photos, 'ORANGE' as part of his final folio.  

What camera are you shooting with?  
Sony a7rii

What's your favourite lens?
50mm f1.8 lens

What's the hardest part about portraiture for you?
Trying to achieve the closest photo to your idea. I usually have small compromises or have sudden new ideas while shooting. So I would always be experimenting while I’m shooting. This applies not just for portraiture but for photography for me in general.

What did you enjoy or learn or like the best about the People and Portrait class?
I enjoyed learning how to use studio lightings. I’ve always admired photographers create amazing photos using studio lighting in unconventional ways. I also enjoyed seeing other student’s work and perspectives in their photography.

How old are you? 
23 years old.

How/why/when did you get interested in photography?
Photography has always been a hobby of mine but I really got into it in my 2nd year of university. The ever-changing creative culture in Melbourne has definitely deepened my interest in photography. Seeing new ideas from students and/or people working in different creative fields are one of my inspirations for my photography.

Why did you choose to do the People and Portrait Course at RMIT?
I studied in RMIT before so I knew that in terms of creative subjects, RMIT is one of the more practical and hands-on universities, which is my preferred method of learning.

What's your next photographic project?
Probably another single color theme. This time, I would like to experiment more with studio lighting with the next project.

Would you like to go pro one day or is your photography strictly for fun?
I definitely would like to go pro one day but I like to find balance between two aspects. I would want my work to be professional and be fun for me at the same time.

What do you like to do when you're not taking photos?
I would be either be hanging out with friends, listening to music or finding new music to listen, learning how to cook new recipes or playing video games.

Working or studying? 
I graduated from RMIT last year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Games Design but after realizing that I want to have a change in career to photography, I took a few months off and practiced on my photography and eventually signing up for the People and Portraiture class. My next move would be to look for an internship in photography.

Where did you grow up? (How long have you lived in Melbourne?) 
I grew up in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It’s an island kind of town, slow and chill. I have stayed in Melbourne for 4 years now ever since I left Malaysia for university.

Will you continue with portraiture or venture into other genre's? 
I would definitely continue experimenting with portraiture but I would also like to develop on my street photography too. I was even considering learning videography at one point.

How did you come up with the ideas/inspiration for Orange?
I was inspired by Korean photographer @ralachoi for his use of strong, single-block colours, as well as his simplistic set design. I stumbled upon his work when I was listening to Spotify and saw an album cover that stuck out to me.

Do you have any portrait tips to share?
Always try to have a good composition between subject and space. Sometimes what you show less is better.

You can follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jrmy_wng

If you're interested in learning more about photographing people, the next People and Portrait course starts in October. 

self portrait - jeremy wong

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - Photography Holiday - Sept 2017

Who is it for?

• Anyone who likes taking photos!
• Or more specifically, anyone who likes photography and taking photos and likes to get to the best locations and don't want to be hurried along by others who don't understand if the lights is just right. 
• Anyone who wants to learn more about their camera or how to take better photos.
• Anyone from complete beginners through to serious enthusiasts. 
• Anyone who wants to be at the best places at the right time but doesn't want to figure out how to get there or worry about parking. 
• Anyone who wants to learn more about using composition and design elements and light to take better photos.
• Anyone who loves taking photos. Who loses themselves in the moment. Gets lost in the lens. 
• Anyone who loves parks and gardens at their most beautiful. 
• Anyone who has questions about photography or their camera but doesn't know who to ask. Or even 'how' to ask or 'what' to ask. Q. "How do you get that thing to do the whatsit so it looks like a thingamibob." A. "Oh, you press that button and spin that dial and bobs your aunty."  

The tour offers lots of opportunities to practice different aspects of photography. Macro, low light, action, landscape, movement, fireworks, street photography. There's something for everyone.

My favourite part is getting in amongst the flowers with a macro lens in the early morning light before the crowds move in. 

The photos here are of my brother Stew, who is also our bus driver and horticultural expert. I visited the Carnival in 2016 to plan for this years tour and gave him a few photography tips along the way. He's pretty happy with his slow shutter speed shot of the flowing water in the waterfall. 

Night Photography at the Carnival of Flowers

Apart from Fairy Floss and Dagwood Dogs, both of which I'll be avoiding (unless there's a good photo opportunity), there's plenty of other action in Side Show Alley at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. A great opportunity to practice those slow shutter speed shots with colourful action rides and fireworks on over three nights. 

Learn to Take Better Photos while you're on Holiday

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Photography Getaway

I covered 'Why Toowoomba' in the previous post. This time I'll share 'Why Me". Or the lengthier version of, Why would anyone want to go on a Photography Holiday with Deborah Dorman?'

Why Me?

1. I love sharing photography knowledge with others and seeing their 'aha' moments as they learn knew skills. 

2. I'm a qualified photographer AND a qualified trainer. (Dip of Photography, Cert IV in Training and Assessment) and I'm passionate about both. There's an art to photography and there's a skill to teaching. A great photographer does not automatically make a great teacher of photography. 

3. I've taught photography at the esteemed RMIT University for the last 7 years (and continue to do so).

4. I especially love gardens and nature and flower photography. 

5. I know how to teach photography at any level. I'm great with beginners and explaining things in simple, non-techy language.

6. You can talk about photography until the cows come home but you really need to get out and do it. There's no better way to learn than out in the field (with or without the cows!). And with a qualified photographer on hand to answer all your questions. 

7. I've planned a great itinerary with plenty of action, enough 'down time' to chill out, the best locations and the best time of day to be there. I've chosen a range of activities to challenge and stimulate you photographically. There is flexibility in the schedule to opt out if you want to skip an activity and do your own thing. There is opportunity for feedback and I'll be there every step of the way to answer questions and give tips. 

8. I'm friendly and fun and occasionally funny. I love photography and it's a never ending journey of discovery. I'd love to share that journey with you. 

9. Don't take my word for it.  Here's a couple of testimonials from others.
"Deb is inspirational and full of enthusiasm for her craft. A talented photographer and a gracious teacher" Sherlaine Charisiou
"Thanks Debs. I loved learning with you! Lots of knowledge, experience and a relaxed environment gave me the perfect platform to really develop.
If you are looking to improve your skills you should definitely get in touch with Deb!" Paul Johnstone