Month

April 2015

Ep 20: Get off Auto Master manual mode in 30 minutes

If you’re not yet a pro, it can be confusing to know which of your camera functions you should be choosing: aperture priority? Shutter priority? Program mode? Any of those other little icons on the dial? In this episode, Gina breaks down her approach to taking pics like a pro. It’s a simple framework that will help you got off auto and onto the manual mode of your camera – with confidence. Note from Valerie: “Gina explains this is a such a straightforward way that she demystifies which buttons and icons matter – and which don’t. You’ll be shooting on manual in 30 minutes.” And this week’s theme for #ginachallenge is to shoot anything in manual mode. Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes How to...

What would MacGyver do? How to create a boom stand.

MacGyver, was one of my favourite TV series from the 80s about a secret agent with a beautiful mullet who managed to come up with ingenious ways to build really complicated devices using chewing gum, paper clips, pens and a Swiss army knife. (verb) : To improvise a creative solution to seemingly impossible situation by using everyday found objects, faith, spit, gaffer tape and a bit of luck. I love to Macgyver. I do it often. Half my home has been MacGyvered together but the place I love to MacGyver the most is when I’m on a photo shoot. I love being able to come up with creative ways to MacGyver lights together or new ways to make things using found objects. I think this is the reason I love working in television and film so much. The crews I work with are masters of MacGyver. I’ve seen them pull...

What value do you really bring to your work?

“You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.” ― Jim Rohn  

Ep 19: Girls on film. How to direct and pose women.

When you photograph women you have the opportunity to capture an amazing image – and to make them feel like a million dollars. But not all women are supermodels who ooze with confidence. Many women come to photo shoots laden with insecurities and, even though they are beautiful, it’s these insecurities that can actually prevent you from getting a great shot. So what do you do? In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss the Golden Rules for photographing women and Gina’s 5 “go to” poses that can guarantee an amazing shot – every time. We also discuss how to troubleshoot situations when some women don’t like certain parts of their body. And this week’s theme for #ginachallenge is “women”. Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes...

The most versatile accessory every photographer must have

Superclamps are the best invention since gaffer tape for photographers. They cost about US$20-$30 are super heavy duty and can be used to hold lights, background rolls, cameras and 101 other uses. I use Manfrotto because they last forever. I’ve had mine for 25 years and they are still going strong.

Ep 18: Kerching – Everything you need to know about pricing

Money, money, money. Every photographer is different and every job is different. So what are you supposed to charge for your work? In this episode, we cover what you need to know to determine how much you should charge and give you ideas on how to be confident with your pricing. Gina and Valerie chat about different types of pricing for different types of photography, and discuss the most common fears photographers have when quoting – and how to get over them. Listener questions answer and this week’s theme for #ginachallenge is “luxury”. Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes This week’s #ginachallenge is “luxury”   Listener questions from: Confounded in Cupertino and Ashley from Boston. How to focus and get the right exposure when you’re...

Portrait focus hacks when you’re in low light

This is the best focus hack ever. Have you ever had trouble with auto focus on your DSLR, particularly in low light or low contrast? Here are two awesome focus hacks that will get your images pin sharp. 1. Shine a torch If you’re working with flash then shine a torch onto the area you want to focus on. I use this technique when I’m working with really shallow depth of field portraits that I’m shooting in low light or when my modeling lights aren’t strong enough. The extra contrast you create in the shot will make it easier for your cameras auto focus system to detect and edge and lock on for a super sharp image. All you need is a portable penlight size flash that runs off AAA or AA batteries or even one of those LED keyring lights will do the trick. 2. Use the screen of...

Ep 17: Get your gear off! How to use off-camera flash. Part 1: Speedlites

Many photographers are scared of using flashes. This awesome episode dispels a bunch of myths about using flash and provides you with a step-by-step introduction into the world of speedlites. Gina and Valerie chat about cost effective (actually, ridiculously cheap!) options so that won’t break your bank so that you can start experimenting with speedlites immediately – and take your photography to another level. #ginachallenge “Flash” Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes This week’s #ginachallenge is “flash” Meet Flo Fox, the Blind Photographer Who’s Chronicled New York City for 40 Years Riley Hooper “FLO” My shot Flo’s shot What’s a speedlite? selaphobia an abnormal fear or dislike of flashes of light. Speedlites I use a speedlite flash on 20%-30% of my photo shoots. Like any...

Wise words from Malcolm Gladwell

“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.” ― Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success

Ep 16: Rock on!: How to photograph live performances

Shooting live events is an art form. In most cases, there is no second chance. So whether you are shooting a concert, theatre or live television, you need to understand the tips and tricks to make this happen. Gina and Valerie discuss everything you need to know from how to get the best angle, how to treat performers, what to do with low lighting, the gear you need so that you can easily move around – and much more. #ginachallenge performance Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes This week’s #ginachallenge is “performance” Mothers of invention Performance Anxiety: How to shoot live bands, concerts, theatre, and television Live gigs are tricky/many challenges What’s the best way to get started? The best gear for live events DSLR...
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How to direct and pose like a pro

About Gina

About Gina

Gina Milicia is one of the most widely known and respected photographers in Australia. She is the master of capturing that ‘magical moment’... READ MORE

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