Canon Creative Asia Photographic Awards 2010

My best friend's belly was a fantastic shoot to be able to shoot. I am forever grateful for being able to capture her special time whilst carrying bubba. I love this image as at the time we knew it was a girl on the way and the parents both knew they wanted to call their little bean 'Lily'

The judges feedback was great and I'm a little dissapointed that I didn't look closer at the image now and really give it a good tweak pre competition but that is what time does for you and there's no looking back. I am thrilled with a Bronze and telling her will be the greatest fun :)

Judges Feedback SCORE: 77

• Framing - Just as important as what you include in a photograph is what you leave out. Your subject may be great, but there could be other elements in the photograph that are distracting and unnecessary, or it could be that your subject is too closely cropped. Have a look and see if different framing could improve your work.

• Composition - Composition is a big subject and very personal. The judge believes this image could be improved with stronger composition, which can be as simple as where your subject is placed within the frame, to more complex interactions of various elements within the composition. Have a look at your image again and see how a different camera angle, framing or subject arrangement could make the image stronger.

• Technical Quality - When viewing your entry, they may have seen some issues in terms of unwanted spots or marks that have let your entry down. Presentation of your work and correct post-production is so important for a successful competition entry.

Invaluable feedback I believe!

Ahhh, Julia and Viktoria Novak Designs... My absolute FAVOURITE shoot to date and my FAVOURITE image in a very long time. I had an image in my head and I was able to replicate it with the assistance of a fabulous team including Kristie Maynard of Chic Visage and Prya Chandra hair stylist extraordinare!
Julia came to work and was incredible- She took three hours to make up and the shot was taken in a matter of minutes! Thank you honey it's always a pleasure working with you and I love the team we put together to capture you!

Judges Feedback: SCORE 79 (one off a silver!)

• Post Processing - Another highly subjective subject. It is not how much or little you process that matter, but how effective it is. Does it enrich the message and storytelling? Or does it detracts? Be ware of halos dodging & burning, artifacts from over sharpening. Try to maintain details in the highlights and shadows. Successful post processing just glues the eyes the image. Some liken post processing to cooking. When it is done right it is just heavenly.

• Good Image - The judges agree that this is a well executed image. Nice use of exposure, composition and focus. Strong Technique has been displayed.

Katrina and Warwick were a couple which I had the pleasure of dressing them up in their bridal garb and taking them back out on a photoshoot. They said their photographer on their wedding day hadn't quite captured enough couple images and we spent a fantastic day doing just that.
It's always so much fun dressing back up in the wedding garb especially when the pressure is off and there are no stresses or worries about the gown getting dirty or having to sit in it for the rest of the night. We spent the morning shooting around a farm and pottering about in the old shearing shed. It was during a break I saw the two smooching in the corner and we kept them there a little longer to capture the image.

Judges Feedback: SCORE 70

• Good Image - The judges agree that this is a well executed image. Nice use of exposure, composition and focus. Strong Technique has been displayed.

• Technical Quality - Technical quality in a competition is expected by the judges. When viewing your entry, they may have seen some issues in terms of colour, contrast, brightness or even unwanted spots or marks that have let your entry down. Presentation of your work and correct post-production is so important for a successful competition entry.

• Lighting - Often the difference between a good photo and a great one is the light. This is a big subject and covers many issues, but the judge is indicating that better use of light may improve this image. Is the subject over lit? Is the light too contrasty or too flat for your subject? Is the light helping or hindering the subject.

• Post Processing - Another highly subjective subject. It is not how much or little you process that matter, but how effective it is. Does it enrich the message and storytelling? Or does it detracts? Be ware of halos dodging & burning, artifacts from over sharpening. Try to maintain details in the highlights and shadows. Successful post processing just glues the eyes the image. Some liken post processing to cooking. When it is done right it is just heavenly.



Portriats with Sammy

After a first shoot atempt with a sick baby boy, we re shot Sammy, his mum and dad on Sunday. He was MUCH better and full of cheeky beans.

The first shoot was shared with my favourite make up artist, Kristie from Chic Visage and baby Taylor came too. The second time round it was just Sam, his parents and me on an early Sunday morning in the Canberra spring weather... It was freezing!

I love this picture of him kissing his mum X It was during the five minutes he was behaving and having a good time. Then in came the terrible twos! hahah Still, he's a great little bean and I know his mum and dad are so proud of him.

Thank you to Marta and Pete again! I had such a wonderful time meeting you all and to Sam, my little buddy X Be good for your parents! :)

Creative Asia Competition Bronze Winner!

Capturing Essence recently entered five images into the Canon Creative Asia competition and although judging is still under way we have been advised that we have received a bronze award for our engagment portrait!

This is our first competition to ever go in and to get a merit is fantastic! The feedback has been really helpful as well and we look forward to the rest of the judging!

Judges Feedback

• Technical Quality - Technical quality in a competition is expected by the judges. When viewing your entry, they may have seen some issues in terms of colour, contrast, brightness or even unwanted spots or marks that have let your entry down. Presentation of your work and correct post-production is so important for a successful competition entry.

• Post Processing - Another highly subjective subject. It is not how much or little you process that matter, but how effective it is. Does it enrich the message and storytelling? Or does it detracts? Be ware of halos dodging & burning, artifacts from over sharpening. Try to maintain details in the highlights and shadows. Successful post processing just glues the eyes the image. Some liken post processing to cooking. When it is done right it is just heavenly.

• Good Image - The judges agree that this is a well executed image. Nice use of exposure, composition and focus. Strong Technique has been displayed.

• Lighting - Often the difference between a good photo and a great one is the light. This is a big subject and covers many issues, but the judge is indicating that better use of light may improve this image. Is the subject over lit? Is the light too contrasty or too flat for your subject? Is the light helping or hindering the subject.

Merit Awards

Gold, Silver and Bronze merit awards will be will be awarded based on the averaged 5 voting scores as follows

Gold Award scored 90-100

Silver award scored 80-89

Bronze award scored 70-79

The gold, silver and bronze awards are recognized by the judges as high quality images and worthy of recognition in the competition.



Rogue Auditions COMING SOON!

A very close friend of mine has decided to branh out from her awesome dance troup "Rogue Dolls" and offer her clients another level aside from dancers. Melissa Rusconi and I caught up last week to discuss a little further what she was up to...
'I am finally launching ROGUE MODELS! Not everyone will be accepted as is the case with the other agencies in ACT! I am casting for absolute glamors!' Aghhhhhh some fresh air just blew through Canberra! No more searching for those hard to find girls on agencies databases! Hurrah I thought!


As we chatted I got a little bit more information on how and where you can get more information for the casting.

 If you think you or someone you know has what it takes, with an amazing look and outstanding attitude, contact me before the end of December, castings will take place in January, with an official media launch early next year. We are looking at talent from all states!
So if you're interested please head over to the website http://roguedolls.com.au/, have a look and get in touch today!