Month

November 2016

Ep 104 Three simple ways to improve your photography

What are three simple ways to improve your photography? If you could change only three things, what would they be? We draw inspiration from the podcast community to discover that there are a handful (yes, three!) things that most people have done to take their photography to the next level. And you can even look at the before and after photos provided in the show notes to see the evidence for yourselves. 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 Listener question Danielle Sheehan Help! At a wedding, flash has stopped working! I have a pop up flash on camera that does work, and I’m using a 35mm prime lens. Now at the reception ((indoors) any hot tips Diffuse pop up flash with tracing paper,baking...

Check out this very cool filter in Lightroom

Ever taken a shot that looks great but is missing detail in a certain area? Yeah, me too! This filter is awesome for selectively adjusting areas like skies.

Ep 103 Snapshot: 7 books every photographer should read

In this mini-sode, Gina and Valerie discuss the 7 books that every photographer (or struggling artist) should read. 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 War of Art by Steven Pressfield “Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is.” The War of Art preface “If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends), “Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?” chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.” “The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art:...

Should you follow your dream and become an artist or get a “real job”?

Above: Australian entertainers, Hamish and Andy photographed using my classic 4 light setup When I was a kid and someone asked me “and what do you want to do when you grow up Gina?” my answer was always the same. “I’m going to be an artist.” I always got the same response, a small knowing smile, that I interpreted as “wow, how cool. Everyone should be an artist. It’s like, the best thing ever!” It wasn’t until I was in my mid-late teens that well-meaning friends and family started to comment on my career choice. “Yes, but what are you going to do to make money dear? Art isn’t a real job. It’s a hobby.” Or… “Don’t become an artist, you’ll end up starving in a garret.” This confused me because I didn’t know what a garret was (it’s small living space, like an attic). Luckily for me, I’m a rebel by...

Ep 102 Prop it like it’s hot: how to work with props

Sometimes, one little thing – a subtle prop – can make all the difference in your shot. You might be technically brilliant at photos, but if you want to be creative and really let your photos tell a story, it takes more than just composition, posing and lighting to make it work. The addition of a simple prop can make all the difference. However, you don’t want the prop to overshadow the pic, nor do you want it to be cheesy. Gina and Valerie discuss when you might use props, where you can get them, discuss essential props you should have in your kit and how you can use them cleverly and creatively. #ginachallenge  #propmeup 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 Supermoon Listener...

Ep 101 Snapshot: Tutorial on shooting champagne and bokeh

In this mini-sode, you’ll experience a live tutorial as Gina guides Valerie through workshopping and finally getting the shot she wants to achieve. You’ll discover how to make fake champagne, how to get the bubbles to fizz on cue, different lighting scenarios when you have limited options and how to achieve bubbles and bokeh all in one shot. 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 Equipment Canon 5D MK 111 Canon 70-200mm lens Tripod To make champagne Mix ginger ale and soda/tonic water in equal parts (top up glasses just before you take a shot to get the bubbles) Background bokeh Fairy lights coloured or neutral A black board or deflector or shoot at night! Coat hangers or a light stand to hang lights...

How to photograph portraits in harsh sunlight

Hard midday sun can be brutal on portraits. It’s high contrast and very bright so not only do you have hard shadows on the face to contend with, but it can also be very difficult for models with light coloured eyes, who struggle to keep their eyes open!

Quote: Are you a surfboard or an ironing board?

“What if ironing boards were surfboards that gave up on their dreams and got real jobs?”  – Anonymous Above: “The boys” Ragusa, Ibla, Sicily photographed on the 5D MK111 using Canon 70-200mm, F2.8 @1/250th sec

Ep 100 How to go from taking average to awesome photos in less than a year!

Woohooo – we never thought we’d reach 100! Gina and Valerie celebrate 100 episodes while drinking champagne and discuss how to go from taking average to awesome photos in less than a year! It’s about finding the right mentor, not being afraid to make mistakes, silencing self-doubt and much more. This episode has been inspired by our wonderful listeners who have achieved so much. This is dedicated to you. #ginachallenge  #showusyourpics 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 Watch, listen, read, do, rinse repeat Make mistakes Share your work and seek constructive criticism Join a supportive community Find a good mentor Plan your shoots Sort out your inner mean girls Network and hang around with people who are slightly better than you Shoot, shoot,...

How to sharpen images in Lightroom

Who you calling soft? Are your images as sharp as you’d like them to be? Check out my tutorial on how to sharpen images in Lightroom and discover the one little secret slider that will change your life… seriously.
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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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