Well the winter slow down is here and we get a bit of break to be a normal person on weekends, pity about the weather. July and August are very slow for weddings, I'm sure people still get married at that time of the year just not enough to keep everyone busy.
Some exciting news (at least from my point of view!), as from the 1st of August 2009 we will be a full time photography company. Customers probably wont notice much difference, however photos should be available a lot quicker. Looking forward to helping create memories for a lot more people!
As usual if you would like any more information about us check http://www.ctrphotos.com/
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
So you want to be a Wedding Photographer
We get a lot of enquiries from people wanting to get involved in wedding photography, the majority of which we dont even consider. For us to even consider a request we straight away look at the following,
The first question we will ask is are you prepared to sign a non-disclosure and non-compete agreement. If the answer is no, its thanks but no thanks straight away. Why you ask, well for a couple of reasons.
One, we dont want to spend time and expense giving someone the exposure and training for them just to turn around and directly compete with us at the first opportunity they get. So this is the non-compete part of the agreement, we have built in an out clause and /or time period that someone cant directly compete against us.
Two is the non-disclosure part, as we are training someone its very difficult not to share critical information that they can use to compete against us, obviously we cant and dont want people using information they have gathered being used to compete against us in any manner. This also protects our clients information for unauthorised release/usage.
The second question we will ask is what equipment you are currently using. The reason we ask this is it will give us an indication of how serious the person is about photography and whether they have equipment which will provide a quality level that we would be happy to provide our customers. We might also ask some questions around how the camera is used, depending on which modes people use regularly will tell us whether they have potential to be a wedding photographer.
Bottom line is we shouldnt have to be teaching some how to use their camera, the idea is that we would be teaching someone about weddings not photography, and more importantly we generally look for people who are happy to work for us, not using us to get involved and compete against us.
Around the end of september we will probably be looking for people so if you know anyone who maybe interested let us know through our website http://www.ctrphotos.com/
The first question we will ask is are you prepared to sign a non-disclosure and non-compete agreement. If the answer is no, its thanks but no thanks straight away. Why you ask, well for a couple of reasons.
One, we dont want to spend time and expense giving someone the exposure and training for them just to turn around and directly compete with us at the first opportunity they get. So this is the non-compete part of the agreement, we have built in an out clause and /or time period that someone cant directly compete against us.
Two is the non-disclosure part, as we are training someone its very difficult not to share critical information that they can use to compete against us, obviously we cant and dont want people using information they have gathered being used to compete against us in any manner. This also protects our clients information for unauthorised release/usage.
The second question we will ask is what equipment you are currently using. The reason we ask this is it will give us an indication of how serious the person is about photography and whether they have equipment which will provide a quality level that we would be happy to provide our customers. We might also ask some questions around how the camera is used, depending on which modes people use regularly will tell us whether they have potential to be a wedding photographer.
Bottom line is we shouldnt have to be teaching some how to use their camera, the idea is that we would be teaching someone about weddings not photography, and more importantly we generally look for people who are happy to work for us, not using us to get involved and compete against us.
Around the end of september we will probably be looking for people so if you know anyone who maybe interested let us know through our website http://www.ctrphotos.com/
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Fisheye Lens
Well despite posting in various locations about Nikon Australia or any Adelaide Camera Retailers providing some sponsorship in the form of a 10.5mm Fisheye lens, no-one came to the party and after some debate purchased it myself.
What a fun lens to use. In the studio I've been experimenting with some up close portraits which create some really humourous caricture type photos.
I've had three weddings to do since the purchase and have used the lens on all three. Took some amazing photos inside St Laurences Catholic Church and by the Adelaide University footbridge, a couple of nice ones at semaphore near the lighthouse and some excellent photos at Camelot castle. I will post some here as soon as I can.
Don't worry about the distortion on this lens, if used intentionally and appropriately you can get some amazing results. As for correcting the distortion in software so far I would have to say I am unimpressed with the result from Capture NX, you will lose a lot of the image and end up with horrible blurring on the edges of the image. I'm yet to try the well regarded Fisheye Hemi or experiment with distortion controls in Photoshop, but at the end of the day you would probably be better off using a 12-24mm or similar if your looking for wide angle with minimal distortion.
As usual check our website http://www.ctrphotos.com/ for more details about our services
What a fun lens to use. In the studio I've been experimenting with some up close portraits which create some really humourous caricture type photos.
I've had three weddings to do since the purchase and have used the lens on all three. Took some amazing photos inside St Laurences Catholic Church and by the Adelaide University footbridge, a couple of nice ones at semaphore near the lighthouse and some excellent photos at Camelot castle. I will post some here as soon as I can.
Don't worry about the distortion on this lens, if used intentionally and appropriately you can get some amazing results. As for correcting the distortion in software so far I would have to say I am unimpressed with the result from Capture NX, you will lose a lot of the image and end up with horrible blurring on the edges of the image. I'm yet to try the well regarded Fisheye Hemi or experiment with distortion controls in Photoshop, but at the end of the day you would probably be better off using a 12-24mm or similar if your looking for wide angle with minimal distortion.
As usual check our website http://www.ctrphotos.com/ for more details about our services
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
RTFM
I had the opportunity to recently speak with someone studying graphics arts at one of the Adelaide universities. The main thing which stood out in my mind was the comment that most of her peers where using their SLR's in auto mode because they didnt know how to use them.
How disappointing that our further education institutions dont appear to be teaching people what they are going to need to survive in the real world or maybe there is an assumption that students would take some responsiblity, learn how to master the basics of their SLR and the university would teach them more advanced theories/techniques.
Plain and simple if you dont know how to use your camera in manual and in combination with a speedlight then dont bother contacting me for work experience, or as a assistant or anything, basically I cant use you. I simply dont have the time to be teaching someone the basic operation of a SLR.
As per the title take some responsiblity and RTFM (google this, you should be able to find what is means), it will make you a better photographer.
How disappointing that our further education institutions dont appear to be teaching people what they are going to need to survive in the real world or maybe there is an assumption that students would take some responsiblity, learn how to master the basics of their SLR and the university would teach them more advanced theories/techniques.
Plain and simple if you dont know how to use your camera in manual and in combination with a speedlight then dont bother contacting me for work experience, or as a assistant or anything, basically I cant use you. I simply dont have the time to be teaching someone the basic operation of a SLR.
As per the title take some responsiblity and RTFM (google this, you should be able to find what is means), it will make you a better photographer.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Where have I been????
A little while since my last post, I have just been so busy with with weddings and the post processing that haven't had a lot of time for much else at all.
I have been at some interesting weddings in the past few weeks. The 21st at Sunnybrae, the 28th at the Adelaide Zoo, the 4th of april at the Botanic Gardens and the 5th of April at Belair Country Club.
No funny or unusual stories to tell, all these days went fairly smoothly.
The 21st got some nice photos near the Port Adelaide Information Centre, only pearls of wisdom I can pass on from this day is that 45 minutes isn't really enough for bridal portraits particularly when travel is involved and when hiring a limo ask what drinks are supplied, the limo on this particular day only has champagne which I'm sure most guys don't like!
The 28th I was looking forward to being at the Adelaide Zoo, unfortunately the lighting was terrible. I believe the Zoo only allows wedding ceremonies to start at 5pm or after once they are closed to the public. Being this close to the end of day lights saving by the time the ceremony is finished it is starting to get quite dark. I'm sure it would be much better in the middle of day light saving when its not dark until 8:30-9:00pm. Flash lighting is very harsh and unfortunately had to rely on it to try and light up the scene.
The 4th of April went very well. Only pearl of wisdom here is that yes people you have to pay to have photos in the Botanic Gardens. Even though it is a public place, there is a fee whether you have your ceremony there or not. I presume this is to protect the gardens from masses of wedding parties wandering around the garden every weekend and it is policed.
The 5th of April was very interesting, the bride had some Brazilian heritage I believe and the reception was very much party orientated. The reception started off with a display of Capoeira, if you re not sure what this is, its like a mix of dance and martial arts, very fast and difficult to photograph although I think I managed to get a few good ones. Some of the solos were absolutely amazing! Later there was a display of dancing, not sure how to describe it but again very fast and the girls were dressed up in the full Brazilian carnivale style outfits, drummers and whistles which led into pretty much everyone being on the dance floor (very rare to see!). lots of masks, boas, huge novelty sunglasses and everyone having a good time!( and from what I could tell that was without too much alcohol being involved. Only thing I noticed, although the bride and groom didn't seem too concerned was that the celebrant was late, apparently got lost, no excuse in my book not when a decent GPS will set you back less than $200.
So there you have it!
The pearls of wisdom in summary
I have been at some interesting weddings in the past few weeks. The 21st at Sunnybrae, the 28th at the Adelaide Zoo, the 4th of april at the Botanic Gardens and the 5th of April at Belair Country Club.
No funny or unusual stories to tell, all these days went fairly smoothly.
The 21st got some nice photos near the Port Adelaide Information Centre, only pearls of wisdom I can pass on from this day is that 45 minutes isn't really enough for bridal portraits particularly when travel is involved and when hiring a limo ask what drinks are supplied, the limo on this particular day only has champagne which I'm sure most guys don't like!
The 28th I was looking forward to being at the Adelaide Zoo, unfortunately the lighting was terrible. I believe the Zoo only allows wedding ceremonies to start at 5pm or after once they are closed to the public. Being this close to the end of day lights saving by the time the ceremony is finished it is starting to get quite dark. I'm sure it would be much better in the middle of day light saving when its not dark until 8:30-9:00pm. Flash lighting is very harsh and unfortunately had to rely on it to try and light up the scene.
The 4th of April went very well. Only pearl of wisdom here is that yes people you have to pay to have photos in the Botanic Gardens. Even though it is a public place, there is a fee whether you have your ceremony there or not. I presume this is to protect the gardens from masses of wedding parties wandering around the garden every weekend and it is policed.
The 5th of April was very interesting, the bride had some Brazilian heritage I believe and the reception was very much party orientated. The reception started off with a display of Capoeira, if you re not sure what this is, its like a mix of dance and martial arts, very fast and difficult to photograph although I think I managed to get a few good ones. Some of the solos were absolutely amazing! Later there was a display of dancing, not sure how to describe it but again very fast and the girls were dressed up in the full Brazilian carnivale style outfits, drummers and whistles which led into pretty much everyone being on the dance floor (very rare to see!). lots of masks, boas, huge novelty sunglasses and everyone having a good time!( and from what I could tell that was without too much alcohol being involved. Only thing I noticed, although the bride and groom didn't seem too concerned was that the celebrant was late, apparently got lost, no excuse in my book not when a decent GPS will set you back less than $200.
So there you have it!
The pearls of wisdom in summary
- Make sure the limo you hire has something for everyone to drink
- If travelling to locations allow a bit more time
- Yes you have to pay to have photos at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens
- Hire a celebrant who has a GPS or at least knows where your venue is!
Till next time
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