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
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Photography Holiday
It's 8 weeks until the Carnival Weekend Getaway. (Tour? Workshop? Holiday?).
I thought I'd share some thoughts on why I'm doing this and what it's all about. It's not too late to book.
Why Toowoomba?
1. It has so much to offer in one location.
2. The Carnival weekend is splendid with opportunities.
3. The parks and gardens are at their most spectacular for the Carnival.
4. There's also Parades, and Fireworks and Markets and Old Churches and Street Art and endless other things to photograph.
5. I grew up in Toowoomba
6. My brother is co-hosting the tour with me and he still lives in Toowoomba and is a Prize Winning gardener.
7. You get to practice a wide range of photography skills in the one (long) weekend, including macro and action and landscape and low light and fireworks. A bit of everything!
8. I've booked the most amazing, historic accommodation to make this a really special getaway.
9. There's also a photography exhibition we will visit to inspire us on our photographic journey.
If you've been to Toowoomba for the Carnival of Flowers before, I'd love to hear what you liked best. You can leave a comment on the blog or pop over to the Facebook page and leave a comment there.
I'll be back with some more thoughts in a new post soon.
While I was procrastinating...
'tis a windy winters day in Melbourne. Instead of tackling the pile of paperwork on my desk, I photographed the paper daisies near the window. It's nice to be able to connect with the wonders of nature even if it's in the nice, warm confines of my bedroom.
I did start off with a much more complex idea, but ended up liking the simplicity of these shots. The shapes and patterns and lines and shadows and subtlety of colour all work nicely for me.
As for the actual flower... strawflower, paper daisy, everlasting, helichrysum, Xerochrysum bracteatum, Rhodanthe chlorocephala? I have no idea. I'm trying to get better at identifying the flowers I photograph, but it's a bit of a mine field. If you know what it is, please leave a comment and help me out.
Shot on Canon 5DmkII. 100mm Macro lens. Window light.
(now to tackle the paperwork that hasn't miraculously dispeared)
While I was walking... (Fitzroy North)
Autumn leaves, rows of trees, wedge shaped buildings, famous soup bars, views to the city and a rotunda.
And that's just a small section of what Fitzroy North has to offer.
(This walk was a couple of weeks ago)
Edinburgh Gardens Rotunda
One of the grooviest looking library's around. Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library.
I don't often see this stretch of road in the morning. It's a hive of activity in the evenings so has an eery quality about it seeing is so deserted.
Autumn leaves falling. Edinburgh Gardens.
Avenue of Trees in Edinburgh Gardens.
While I was walking...
Glimpses of Melbourne. On the walk home from the State Library.
I walk these roads often but they always offer something new. The seasons have a way of transforming the cityscape. I like the way the trees compliment the architecture.
La Trobe St. Hints of Physical Graffiti. Anyone agree? Anyone know what I'm talking about? lol
Carlton. Trees and architecture create winter tonal delights.
Carlton. Something about the trees and architecture again. They were really talking to me (visually) on that day.
Sidewalk art.
Winter tones in Carlton.
Carlton. Just caught my eye and appealed to me.
Oh the stories that must live in these walls!
Almost home. Carlton North.