Month

August 2015

I nearly broke up with photography: Why shooting personal projects matters

Do you remember the first time you photographed something just because? No ulterior motive, not for ‘folio’, not for Instagram, not for a client, not to go on the wall, just because the light was just so, or the subject moved you and you wanted to capture what that moment felt like? I had not done this for a long, long time. I had fallen into the same trap that many working photographers fall into. I only picked up a camera when someone was paying me, or when I felt the need to shoot new folio shots to attract new clients. I’d forgotten what it felt like to really, really love taking photos. Photography became a job, a chore I had to do. The honeymoon was over. I could relate to the words in one of my favourite Madonna cover songs: “You abandoned me. Love don’t live here anymore, just...

Ep 37 Screentime: The best post production software and apps for enthusiasts to professionals

Your shots are good but you can take them to the next level when you have the right apps and post-production software. ALL professionals do work in post-production, so this isn’t cheating, it’s bringing out the best in your photography. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, when you have the right apps and post-production software, you can create artistic effects with your images that make them really unique. But which ones should you use? Gina and Valerie discuss the post-production tools that Gina can’t live without, what she uses them for and how YOU can use them in your photography. This week’s theme for #ginachallenge is #youcompleteme 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 Shout out to: @Martih0427 Folio Critique Brian Becnel...

Read these quotes next time your self confidence gets kicked to the curb

We all have days when everything seems to be going wrong. Your last shoot sucked, you lost a client, or you just feel meh and think all your photos are shite. I usually curl up in the fetal position with a 500gm jar of Nutella and watch One Tree Hill. I also find reading these quotes (while eating Nutella) really help. Here are a few of my faves. Enjoy. “It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.” ~ W.C. Fields “I never loved another person the way I loved myself.”~ Mae West “I used to be self conscious about my height, but then I thought, f*** that, I’m Harry Potter. ~ Daniel Radcliffe “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” ~ Marianne Williamson “Having...

Why I think this pose needs to stay on the soccer field

I call this the “goalie” or “goolie” pose because soccer players do it to protect their *coughs* family jewels when they line up during a penalty shoot out. Left to their own devices, most men will naturally go to this pose. You see it everywhere, including magazine covers and corporate shoots My biggest problem with this pose is the body language represents vulnerability. People who are feeling nervous or lacking in confidence will automatically go into this pose. Posing your models in this way sends the wrong message. If you want to portray your models as confident people who have their shite together, then please, please leave this pose where it belongs: on the soccer field.

“All my photos totally suck!” How to deal with criticism

“Your portrait style just isn’t strong enough… we’re looking for photographers with edgier work – but thanks anyway.” This was the 5th time in a row I had been told that my folio sucked. I was absolutely gutted. This last blow was delivered by Dave, an art director from one of Melbourne’s most well known advertising agencies. Back then, I was 25 and had just spent the entire day schlepping my folio around in the hope that I would land my big break and pick up the Coca Cola account – and a couple of other big brands – before lunch. All my appointments that day pretty much went the same way: *flick, flick, flick of the pages of my folio*… silence… followed by… “Thanks” *tight smile*. “Your work is not really what we are looking for… but… “ I can’t remember what else they said but in my head...

Ep 36: Patience grasshopper: how to find awesome mentors

When you have the right mentor, you can fast track your photography at a rate of knots. But how you do know what kind of mentor is actually going to help your photography shine – and what kind of mentor you should avoid? Mentors don’t grow on trees. So Gina and Valerie discuss the best way to find a mentor – whether that’s in your own town, one that you admire from afar, or one that can mentor you virtually. But it’s not just about finding a mentor. Once you have one, what’s the best way to get the most out of your mentoring relationship? Remember that it needs to be a two-way street if you want your mentoring relationship to go beyond one cup of coffee. So what do YOU need to do to be a good mentoree and really improve your shooting style? This week’s theme for #ginachallenge...

Ep 35: Classic portrait lighting styles every photographer should know

When you’re shooting portraits, it can be easy to focus on the posing and the location. But what about the lighting style? Which is the best lighting style to achieve the look you want? Get these classic “go to” lighting styles under your belt, and you’ll always have a solution regardless of who you’re photographing. From moody and gritty, to Rembrandt lighting, Gina and Valerie discuss the four styles you MUST know make your portraits picture perfect. This week’s theme for #ginachallenge is #rembrandt 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 Gina dishes on why she loves Khloe Kardashian’s booty (well in these shots anyway) Photo critique, pics by Gary Lun. Gary used a beauty dish that the studio provided attached with an Alienbees B800. Check...

Ep 34: Portable portrait lighting solutions for every budget

When you’re shooting portraits on location, it’s handy to have lightweight portable lights to achieve various looks. But which are the best lights to invest in – and will it cost you the earth? The short answer is no: you can get very affordable quality lights to take with you. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss lighting solutions for every budget including an entire kit for around $200. In the show notes, you’ll also find the exact gear that Gina recommends including links to where you can buy them. Please note that no item in this episode is sponsored. These are real recommendations. This week’s theme for #ginachallenge is #bruce 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 Useful links Gina has dinner with Vincent Laforet...

Love Cameras? Check out these awesome keyrings and bling

Very, very cool custom bling for photographers from Philip’s Diamond Shop. This ring was created for a well-known aviation photographer who still couldn’t stop thinking about the first lens he really fell in love with: the Pentax 50mm/1.7. Awesome!   Charm necklace There are plenty of beautiful and unique designs on Etsy and you are also supporting independent artists, which is a great thing. This sweet little sterling silver camera charm necklace comes with a sterling silver hand stamped disk with your initial stamped into it and a Swarovski crystal birthstone charm and comes on a sterling silver box chain. Approx $40 US from always4evercreations. Love these cool keychains from The Awesomer Lomography Keychains are miniature replicas of four of the most popular Lomo cameras – Lubitel+, Diana F+, Fisheye 2, and the LOMO LC-A+. Each keychain comes in a gift-ready tin. Get the Lomo Camera Keychains from the Awesomer.

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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