sam hicks

Great gem of a book!

2012-01-16T21:29:00.001+11:00

Today in the email inbox I came across an e-book a freebiethat is a beauty!

50 gems from Australia’s top SME entrepreneurs by www.smartcompany.com.au

In it is 50 quotes from SME’s that they have interviewed andI enjoyed reading it.

Well I didn’t read the lot merely flicked through it but I foundnumber 45 to be appropriate to all of us out there in social media land..

“Social media matters a lot!

There’s a new group of people who are on Facebook and theiriPhones, tagging places that they have been to and eaten at.

I think that can become very infectious and good forbusinesses that do very well and not so good for businesses that don’t have agood reputation.

It only takes one negative tweet about an employee not doingthe right thing to their staff and it can go viral.”

Marcus Sellen, Selmar Institute of Education

2/3 can I make the hat trick ?

2012-01-11T15:55:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year and all that Jaz!

I love to shop but the thing that lets most retailers down is their staff - theirability to strike up a relationship with their customers and then ensure thevital part of a sale is to ensure the customers purchase will make a differencein their life in a timely and polite no crap kinda way.

Simple enough? Nope it seems there is no staff training out there in retail land.... or is there...

Think about it for a moment:

If I could sell you something that would improve yourquality of live, make more time for you to enjoy the quality times in your life - whether it be down time, time with familyor bring some pleasure to your little neck of the woods?

Have I got your attention?

YOU WOULD PAY ALMOST ANYTHING?

Right?

you betcha!

I know I would….my time is valuable, im a busy person, businesses,family and lots of volunteer commitments….I scream from the roof…

In the past I have had less than satisfactory experienceswith phone retail and especially retail online….after all its global, your a faceless number/ name out there in the Internet of life...

But my 2 latest online chat/retail experiences have beenunreal – a great start for 2012 and slowly restoring my faith in on-line retail experiences.

Meaning that most online purchases through ebay/onlinestores etc are usually straight forward.

But if you happen to have a slightly out of the box retail need....hold on its real windy out there...

But in saying all that... I have tried the the latest online retail fad – support chat….

Real people that can make decisions...OMG!

Tasks:

1/ update software, tricky one... this one..... need to upgrade from a very oldAdobe product to latest version with all the bells and whistles…please make this simple for me...

2/update phone as 4 year phone is out of contract and wontupdate itself any more, needs a bin real fast.. who doesn't love dealing with telco's... oh dear.... headache tablets at the ready.

Results:

Task 1 – results: search on-line, log in, find chat on-line support - OMG its a real person with the same name as me....a little spooky ....
total time 23 minutes for onlinequestions, selection, extra purchase, payment – delivered to my door within 7days from Ireland.

Impressed!

Task 2 – results: 33 minutes for lots and lots of questions back and forth, selection of handset, choose plan choice, billing choice, proof of identity and finally payment – delivered to my door within 7 -10working days ( they promised )

OMG and they even rang me when the connection was dropped via bad weather..

they I had a nice chat with my online support person who was so SWITCHED ON.

Love it!

that's what it is about....I'm a loyal customer will tell 25+ of my friends and sing their corporate praises online....everywhere...

Task three to purchase IT equipment on line....searching for the support chat...as we blog...

Maybe my faith in retail especially online is being restored...

Judges tips for photography comps

2011-11-22T09:31:00.001+11:00

I recently hadthe pleasure of judging local photographs at an agricultural show and a clubsinterclub challenge all in one week.

The standard wasextremely high and there was a huge amount of effort in the under 18’s sectionwhich is fantastic as these are the photographers of tommorrow.

There were A andB grade images, monochromatic, prints and digital.

I struggle withthe ideology in an open section that has analogue prints and digitally takenimages up for judging together.

I must be strange,I like to judge digitally taken images against one another as I feel analogueis in a league of its own.

If we are to bejudged should we be judged with our peers?

But as usual itwas a fabulous experience and the range of subject matter and techniques andstyles were amazing.

So what are mytips?

Read the rules; ensure your photo is within the guidelines.

Have a clean crisp neat mount for your prints; sometimes it’s literally points that separate 1^st and 2^nd.

Ensure your photo is clear, its hard to judge an image that has been printed too large and the whole image is out of focus or too pixelated.

Don’t have titles near the photo it can be distracting.

Mount colour can be black or white or pick out a colour that is within your photo and match the mount to this.
Make sure your mount colour doesn’t distract from the photo. ( and dont forget to place an arrow for the top of the print on the back - so we know which way up the print is to be viewed.)

Photos are usually judged on:

- Impact

- Composition

- Technique

- Presentation

- Subjectmatter

Otheritems that come in to play are:

- fittingwithin the sections heading,

- the showsguidelines

- creativity

- lighting

- style

- centreof interest

- colourbalance

- storytelling

Digital images can be looked upon favourably with a neat boarder around them.

Good luck with your next show!
I know I cant wait to judge again.

When does business responsibility end?

2011-11-04T16:40:00.004+11:00

Saddened to hear of a friend purchasing a business the walk in walk out type.
All that was promised in the documents, stock control sheets etc were not as it seemed.
Missing passwords, memberships not up to date and mess on site to name a few concerns.

It’s a fact of life people who let businesses run down and or loose the plot with them just prior to the sale can damage the businesses reputation for the new owners.

How do you get over that?

Easy:

1. Wipe the slate!

2. Clean up, sort the place out, put your mark on it.

3. Renew the memberships with enthusiasm; people will be excited to hear you have taken over ( and probably relieved )

4. Work out your new business hours to suit you and your customers and be consistent with your opening hours, people like to turn up to a premises to find its actually OPEN and welcoming.

5. Check out the staff, are they from the previous owners stock pile, are they doing more damage than good? (remember you are as only as good as your staff, brand and marketing will not get you over the line each week if you have rude staff and or staff who don’t have the same passion for your product.

6. Treat each customer the same, remember word of mouth is the fastest and best form of advertising, you want the old customers, the ones who walked away and those new customers to come in and notice the new management. Positive referrals spread fast!

7. Listen to each customer! Sure they may whinge about the previous people but if you listen and pick up how you can do better, its like having a review done on the business – as long as its constructive, if it’s a personal attack against the past owners their reasoning’s may go deeper than a failure of customer service.

8. It’s your business try new things, ask your best customers what they are looking for and NETWORK, join local groups and talk to other business owners. ( don’t get caught up in the gripeing or sad sacks - look for the bright and bubbly owners who are like minded.)

9. Listen to all the advice and pick out the best bits that suit you, your financial situation and your future goals for the business.

10. Have fun, running a business is hard work but enjoy it, “ better to be self employed than unemployed” Work hard, learn hard and you will reap the rewards.

Good luck I know you will do well!

HOw do you run an event on and round Melbourne Cup day?

2011-10-27T18:22:00.004+11:00

One way is to look at successful events that make it happen!

Don't get me wrong the Melbourne Cup is a crowd puller, remember its the race that stops a nation.... see some data on this:

http://app.streamsend.com/s/1/asvY/EqbCxPy/bx

Anyhoo one event I have been studying is the Marysville Sparkling Wine Festival.

Here is a small village that has survived from the Bushfires of 2009 that has come together as one community to showcase what it has to offer over five massive days.

The Sparkling festival on the cup day is one component of what is happening in and around Marysville.

Community engagement, community pride and the willingness to say WE ARE HERE COME VISIT US! is so evident in the happenings.

Community groups have all provided an attraction to showcase their strengths and achievements.

How did they get the word out?

Social media, word or mouth, adverts, pre press releases, Melbourne based radio adverts, hosting and linking up with different events, attracting different target markets, showcasing stalls featuring food and wine, things for the adults as well as the kids and the only sparkling festival in Australia... clever!

So many things happening ..
something for everyone....
as well as the big screens with the race on!

So don't miss out, get dressed up and join in - come along and see for your self..

pure marketing gold

http://www.marysvillefestival.com.au/

The team is off to melbourne for taste of melbourne

2011-08-27T13:07:00.001+10:00

The Upper Goulburn Food and Wine region – Mansfield to Murrindindi will be showcased at this year’s Taste of Melbourne to be held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. Melbourne’s Ultimate tasting menu event, the Taste of Melbourne will be held from Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 September 2011.

It’s a really nice way to treat yourself to a delicious day out!

The Upper Goulburn Food Wine and Culture Group, The Upper Goulburn Winegrowers Association and the Goulburn Strathbogie Olive Growers Association members have teamed up to be part of this endeavour to showcase our regions strengths collectively with our food and wine product.

The volunteer management team are Wendy Oates, Susan Kinloch, Sam Hicks, Lisa Wallace and Rob Mitchell and the team are happy to support the following businesses that are coming on board to be part of the four days:

Ashton Lodge Preserves, Buxton Ridge Winery, Delatite Winery, Emu Olives, Garners Heritage Wine, Great Divide Coffee, Hillcrest Olives, Hye Farm Olives, Kinloch Wines,
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Mansfield Regional Produce Store, Marraweeney Olives,
Maygars Hill Vineyard, Mount Bernard Olives, Oasis Olives and Ridge Grove Pickled Olives.

Come along and visit our the UG stand (no 80 G and H) at Taste of Melbourne and meet the makers of our regions’ best cool climate wines, olives and olive oils, preserves and chutneys, canapés from the new Lake Mountain restaurant and delicious delicacies from the Mansfield Regional Produce Store and more.

Now established as a ‘must attend event’ by food and wine lovers from Australia and beyond, Taste of Melbourne allows attendees to taste signature dishes from some of Melbourne’s best restaurants. Over four days there will be opportunities to meet award winning chefs, learn from demonstrations, take part in tastings and tutorials of fine wine and cheese, attendees can try out coffee and cocktail master classes and discover gourmet produce.

The groups acknowledge the sponsorship of the stand by Murrindindi and Mansfield Shire Councils.
Any further information about this event or if you are a small food producer who wishes to be involved (ring now as we have two sessions left) you can contact info@uge.asn.au or Sam on 5772 3227 or Lisa Wallace on 5772 0333

World Photography Day

2011-08-19T21:55:00.001+10:00

"What's World Photography Day?

World Photography Day is all about celebrating photography and

remembering how special a photograph can be.
Today, we take our photographs for granted.

But next time you're flicking though photos from your last holiday, remember that there was once a time when photography didn't exist.

A time when those precious moments couldn't be captured, uploaded and shared.

On August 19th, celebrate photography and share your world with the world!"

http://www.worldphotoday.org/

Networking networking and more networking is so important

2011-06-01T14:06:00.004+10:00

Networking - some businesses just dont get it...

Networking is about sharing time with like minded businesses over a social glass of wine or food or seated at a conference.

Here you can introduce yourself and your products and services,
learn about a new busines or a busines that is unknown to you,
identify ways to link up and further sales, knowledge or simply promote your self to other businesses and or new customers...

its not hard and best of all

ITS FUN!

check out one such opportunity....

Upper Goulburn Regions Massive networking night
We are inviting producers, wine makers, olive/oil growers,
chefs, cooks and owners from restaurants, pubs, inns, cafes, and produce stores to be part of
The Upper Goulburn’s Food, Wine and Cultural Experience.
Small producers of wine and food such as cakes, pastries, dairy products, honey, nuts, jams, preserves, gourmet butchers, orchardists, nurseries, artists and sculptors, photographers and musicians are welcome to come along and network!
Come along see who how you can link up with other like minded businesses to enhance your business andour region by working together.

Byo a sample of your product for our brag table and most importantly your business cards!!

When: Monday 6 June 2011.
Time: 7 - 9pm.
Where: Rennies at Acheron - "Ariah Park"
132 Breakaway Road, Acheron.
Nibbles & drinks supplied - sample our Upper Goulburn fare
Cost: Its free - although you need to book - numbers are limited .

RSVP to Sam Hicks on 5772 3227/ 0427 723 227 or info@uge.asn.au
by 1 June 2010 - nearly to capacity book now so you dont miss out!

This opportunity is open to food, wine and cultural businesses across the Upper Goulburn region:
Murrindindi, Mitchell, Mansfield and Strathbogie shires.

" The UGFWCG have held many of these nights over the past eleven years and each one has been highly successful"
Mitch MacRae - Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm and President of UGFWCG

Upper Goulburn Food Wine & Culture Group, Upper Goulburn Winegrowers Association and Goulburn Strathbogie Olive Growers Association
working together to promote our food, wine and cultural strengths.

www.uge.asn.au

The Art of Photography show

2011-05-01T09:53:00.004+10:00

Call For Entries!

Deadline May 17, 2011

(Sometimes you see these emails and think...okay this is worth a second glance- i felt last year the quality was outstanding and worth an entry!

Check out this blurb on the show.)

The ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

is an international exhibition of photographic art which will take place August 13 through October 16, 2011 at the elegant Lyceum Theatre Gallery, located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, California. This is the seventh year of this major photography competition and exhibition.

WEBSITE: http://www.artofphotographyshow.com/

CALL FOR ENTRIES:

The online entry process is very easy, simply filling out a short registration form and then uploading your images as JPEG files. Images created via any form of photography will be accepted for consideration.

THE PROSPECTUS

and entry information is available here. Additional details are in the FAQ page here.

JURIED COMPETITION:

Anne Lyden is the Judge for the Art of Photography Show 2011. Ms. Lyden is the Associate Curator of Photography at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Ms. Lyden is highly esteemed in the global photographic community,

so it's a significant honor to be selected by her.

Check out a special PDF with information about the Art of Photography Show by clicking here.

IN AWARDS:

$2,000 1st Place Award $1,600 2nd Place Award $1,200 3rd Place Award

$800 4th Place Award $ 400 (11) Honorable Mention Awards

SHOW CATALOG:

We are producing a superb Show Catalog, which will feature every image in the Show and an artist statement about the work. Artists who are in the Show can obtain as many copies of the Show Catalog as they like for free, which can be used for promotion and marketing of their work.

MARKETING & PUBLICITY:

The Art of Photography Show will be pursuing an intensive marketing and publicity campaign to bring maximum media attention to the artists who are juried into the exhibition.

Over 30,000 people are expected to view the Show during the nine week run at the Lyceum Theatre gallery, which is open (free) seven days a week.

So, the artists and their work will receive a tremendous amount of exposure by the media and the public.

SALES:

One of our key aims is to sell the work that is exhibited at the Art of Photography Show 2011. Our great love of this art form prompts us to 'pull out all of the stops' in order to showcase a truly excellent presentation of photographic art, to elevate and promote this art form, and to provide substantial benefits to the exhibiting artists.

For more information please contact the Producer, Steven Churchill:

Email: steven@artofphotographyshow.com

photo opportunities

2011-03-13T08:57:00.006+11:00

If your a photo nut like me you will carry your camera everywhere you go!

Everything and everywhere is a photo waiting to be captured.

These images were captured at the Marysvilles Worlds Longest Lunch on Friday 4 March.

Enjoy!

I know I did, looking at every aspect to seek out a image that would remind me of the event, its food and wine, sights and smells and the VIP's.

2011-02-06T18:38:00.000+11:00

businesses supporting local events

2011-02-03T19:37:00.004+11:00

One thing I have learnt over the many years I have been in business;
what comes around goes around...and well two things then;
to lead you must serve.

And I like making a difference, If that happens I find everything else in my life falls in to place.
Plus I enjoy helping out with events that bring people together!

Since moving up here from the big smoke ten years ago to the Upper Goulburn region I have enjoyed business, tourism, visitors and the economic sustainability it brings our towns and villages. One of the plus's was meeting up with a dynamic and proactive group called the Upper Goulburn Food, Wine and Culture group.

One such event that myself and my business supports is the Marysville's World's Longest Lunch.(the long lunch volunteer team also support this event and with out them the event would not be the success it is today!)

Tickets are still available for Marysville’s Worlds Longest lunch to be held on Friday 4 March as part of the 19th Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (4-14 March 2011).

Attendees to the lunch will enjoy being part of Marysville’s long table that will meander on the gorgeous Steavensons River flats set in the lush green valley, where four of our finest chefs will prepare a sumptuous menu, matched with Upper Goulburn wines.
Students from Holmesglen and Alexandra Secondary College will be the wait staff who will work in with chefs from Rennies at Acheron, Fragas Café, Cumquat Restaurant, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort and My Chef Mike to showcase great hospitality and the regions best in produce.

This year’s event will be the seventh and is a still a popular way to relax, mingle with locals, friends and family and visitors from Melbourne and enjoy the regions finest in food, wine and culture.

Matched with rabbit, trout and local lamb will be a lovely mix of wine varieties including Sparkling Brut, Pinot Noir Rose, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and a late picked Riesling. There will also be a cold Raspberry Ale. Some of the labels featured include Little River Wines, Jamieson Brewery, Ros Ritchies, Kinloch, Snobs Creek, Sedona and Delatite. All this will be accompanied by music from Pans on Fire and the Becky Moore Quartet.

Sam Hicks the event organiser commented “this year’s event sees many tourism and community partnerships and as in previous years there will be fun auctions and raffles to aid our communities.

2011 will see the Lunch team allocating nearly five thousand dollars from the efforts of the 2010 event to local groups who apply to the group for funding for local community projects.” This primarily is to aid bushfire recovery in the Murrindindi region” says Sam.

“ Our committee invite community groups to apply for a share of the funds that will be announced at this years lunch by applying by email with your project name, contact details of your group, an outline of no more than 150 words of your community based project and how much money your project requires to info@uge.asn.au by COB. February 15 2011.Enquires 5772 3227”

And will there be a celebrity at this year’s event? “It’s a surprise, we are not telling at this stage”
Marysville’s Worlds Longest lunch is one of more than 250 food and wine experiences on offer across Victoria during Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

So gather your friends and join in the celebration of food and wine at Maryton Park B&B Country Cottages in Maryton Lane, Marysville on Friday 4 March – tickets selling fast!

For event and booking details, visit www.uge.asn.au or to book tickets: Ticketmaster on 136 100

Global Eye Images launched

2011-01-26T13:56:00.004+11:00

Check out this recently posted short video to YouTube introducing the new Stock Photo Library, if you enjoy it pass it on to anyone else you think might enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hvR3dERRGs

got to love new libraries!!
Enjoy!

DIY PR Mentor Program helps small businesses get results

2011-01-24T17:10:00.001+11:00

Check out the latest from PR Guru Julie....

To satisfy the increasing number of small business owners bypassing PR agencies to do-their-own publicity, Melbourne based agency, JMM Communications has introduced PR Guru’s DIY PR Mentor Program to help small businesses get better results.

The six step, online coaching program/webinar series is run by media relations expert and founder of PR Guru, Julie Morgan, who has over 25 years running a PR agency. It starts on 17 March 2011.

Julie says, "This six step DIY PR Mentor program has been developed to assist anyone struggling to get results when they do their own PR. Our Mentor program walks you through the key stages of a publicity campaign so that you can really hone your skills, so that you don’t waste your time or, that of a journalist.

The Mentor program will deliver:
6 x 50 minute webinars that guide you through the PR stages (over 12 weeks)
A 15 minute 1:1 consultation to review your progress and answer your queries
A copy of the PR Guru DIY Publicity Guide
A media database list from the PR Guru suite, plus templates and tools to put your plan into action.

By the end of the program participants will know how to identify news, write a press release, compile a media kit, identify target market and media, refine a media pitch, become interview ready and business ready, incorporate social media as well as maximise results.

Details: PR Guru DIY PR Mentor Program - starts 17 March. Cost: $598
Book now to get 15% discount and free booklet: Behind the Newsdesk: 2 minutes with Australian journalists and presenters. www.prguru.com.au

photographic supplies

2010-11-25T21:31:00.003+11:00

regular as clockwork...Camera mag turns up in the letterbox, it takes me 20 minutes to consume all its words, pictures, reviews and new products.
I'm like a rat up a drainpipe as i savour every page and ogle over the latest new cameras, new technology, printers and so much more...
Photographic heaven to me... over a cuppa.
And a bonus this month a catalogue from www.fotobestway.com.au
Specials and some really cool items...

Fat Gecko a cool camera amount
Kindermann a new old slide projector
Portable lighting case.... to name but a few discounted bargains....

check it out....something for everyone.

World record panoramic of London

2010-11-20T13:48:00.006+11:00

I love world records, peopel all the world put a lot of effort in to each record, there is unmatched energy, research and a desire to be the worlds best.

So guess my amazement when I discovered a world record in photos as of November 2010, the worlds biggest panoramic photo.

Check out London, its landmarks and its story pixel by pixel by Jeffrey Martin at 360cities*

http://www.360cities.net/london-photo-en.html

from his website:

"This is an 80-gigapixel panoramic photo, made from 7886 individual images. This panorama was shot from the top of the Centre Point building in central London, in the summer of 2010. We hope that the varied sights and energy of London have been captured here in a way never done before, so that you can experience one of the world's great cities - wherever you may be right now. "

Wow, can wait to see more!
You can sign up to Jeffreys newsletter and see more as they come to light.

For those tech heads:
" The panoramic photo was stitched on a Fujitsu CELSIUS workstation comprising dual 6-core CPUs, 192GB of RAM, and a 4GB graphics card.

" I'm getting weak kneed just thinking about the dual 6 cores....phew..."

*360 Cities is dedicated to promoting geo-located, high-resolution spherical imagery by providing the best any where platform for publishing panoramic photography on the web. 360Cities.net is the web's largest collection of spherical, map-based panoramas, and through its partnership with Google Earth, this content is introduced to an even wider audience worldwide. 360 Cities is a Netherlands limited company with a subsidiary in Prague, Czech Republic.

Photographing in your own backyard

2010-11-13T13:59:00.007+11:00

How many times do you meet people who know nothing about the places of interest in their own region?

For me I like to know from a personal and a business perspective what is out there.

Its nice when visitors come and you can refer with confidence to a local hotel, inn, cafe accommodation etc.

So if you love your region, get out there, enjoy the sites and take photos!

Be a photographic ambassador of your region and share those pics on face book, by mobile phone and or by the good old email.

See if there is a local visitor information centre that can sell your photos as cards or postcards have them printed out and see if local businesses will showcase them - you may even wish to discuss commisionable sales!

happy snapping!

people and places

2010-10-14T12:12:00.005+11:00

Sometimes you meet people and have an instant like of them.

We met Peta in Melbourne in September.

Peta was telling us of some of the wonderful places they (Peta and her hubby Ron) had discovered on their trip around Australia.

So what you may ponder..?

People travel around Australia all the time...
Yes but how many do it in style?

They are travelling on a wonderful boat, yes that's right a boat!

Well its much more than a boat, a small sailing ship we would call it as we are the non sailing variety.

So now we can enjoy reading and following their travels by checking in every so often to their travel blog.

What fascinated me is that they are living their dream, discovering Australia, its coastal cities, its people,the local fare and learning about each ports unique attributes.

What a lifestyle!! and then there is the fishing....

Imagine the photos one could take?? that's what id be doing 24/7...click click click...

You can see the images they have taken as Peta updates their travel blog for relatives and friends - a great variety each one telling its own story.

Live life and love it - I think Peta and Ron are doing just that!

Jealous yet??...we are! happy travels you two!

September news in October...

2010-10-13T11:44:00.004+11:00

September newsletter out today...bit late but you know what they say better later than never.. here is a snippet..

Did you notice its only three months until Christmas?

AHHHH! Now that I have got your attention...

Emails, invoices and phone bank messages
Ever wondered how to extend your marketing with little or no budget?
Ensure your emails have a signature that includes your contact details, business tag line, website and any up and coming events, milestones or special announcements.
You can do this with your invoices too!
Don't forget to add your BSB and account information for payment as many
businesses pay by EFT (electronic funds transfer)

Phone bank messages - sometimes you have to pay for the expense of having a message bank. Think of when you have contacted a business only to find no message bank.
Have you rung the right number and how can you leave a message?
Nine times out of ten a potential customer will not ring back so it may have been a missed business opportunity..

happy marketing.... till next time..

Marketing and on line strategies - part of your marketing plan

2010-08-29T11:53:00.005+10:00

Have a compeditive edge, establish a marketing plan and or online strategy.

So many businesses don't have marketing plans or a online strategy - this I feel is a huge part of running a successful business.
Here are some hints and information about on line strategies.

On line strategies
This will vary depending on your business size, product, resources and budget.
I would recommend that you consider your online strategy & the tools in your arsenal as part of your marketing plan.

Some tools include:

Blogging
Does Google like blogs?, oh YES!
As its robots and search bots look for fresh text. With a blog you can add text, photos and show case your wares via one or two regular updates per week, to get extra visits, you can review or comment on a new product relevant to your industry.

E books
For lovers of the written word, basically its a electronic book. This can be accessed by PC's, palm pilots, book readers and mobile phones.
There are popular viewers to store and read your purchases and there are online libraries.
Check out http://www.ebooks.com/.
They started in 2000 with just 50 titles, now you can search for well over 100,000 titles in 3 file formats.
Many people are now making money by writing e books and selling them through their websites or specifically set up websites - with landing pages that capture the reader/ viewer with specials and 'cant live with out' motivational text as I call them!
Just Google or Bing an e book with your industry sector name. ( eg: marketing e books )

Website
With out a doubt I'm not sure how businesses can not have an online business card these days. Nearly 400 Million people have computers when you add this to the amount of people with mobile phones= 5 Billion.
It pays to be online and have an up to date one!
I nearly cry when I see wonderful businesses with out of date websites.. heartbreaking...

I like CMS websites - content management systems.
Basically a company sets up a template for you and you can alter pages, articles, photos and text, you have control over the content when and where you want.

Facebook
What is the fuss all about? Its a free access social networking website that allows individuals and businesses to upload photos, post messages, videos and much more. Its a great social way of keeping in touch with customers, relatives and friends. Its is fairly easy to set up and you can log on anytime of day and stay in touch. Set up a personal one first then set up a business one, be careful what you comment about and or post as this is a global platform and your comments can be viewed by thousands.

E- commerce
This is a website that allows you to conduct commerce electronically i.e. selling products on line whether it be produce, product, information products or services.
To have a full capable e -commerce website you must have a self authoring content management system (CMS) that is e - commerce enabled.
Or you must own website building or editing software such as Adobe Dream weaver Cs4 ( with e commerce Made simple - a PayPal e commerce tool kit added), or you build a website using open source free website building tools and templates ( Joomla or opensource.org) or your third option is to ask for a CMS template to be built by companies such as Websitegurus.

hope this helps with your marketing plan and online strategy decisions.
happy marketing!

Is our country going nuts?

2010-08-25T13:50:00.005+10:00

Soon you wont be able to photograph anything...

Arts freedom Australia is making a commitment to fighting the increasing amount of red tape which is stifling Australia's photographers, film-makers and other image makers.

Harrold and the Thickshakes - Arts Freedom Australia www.youtube.com
A new clip by Harrold and the Thickshakes supporting Arts Freedom Australia in their fight to reduce the legislation surrounding photographing our beautiful country.
For details visit: http://www.artsfreedomaustralia.com/

I urge all photographers and photo enthusists to take notice and support this calling if you can!
We are photographers not criminals!!

food photography

2010-08-13T06:09:00.005+10:00

Food photography can bite, working with resturants, chefs and owners can be challenging but very rewarding.

Food has to be taken from the the pre are and set up very quickly, all sorts of considerations have to be thought about.

Styling

Lighting

Angles

Colouring

Convey the story that you wish to tell

The results have to be mouth watering

Some things I have learnt:

take a tripod and extra lighting

reflectors are a good thing too

small/ shallow depth of field

steam can be hard to work with

work fast

use cottaon wool to prop food if you need to

keep backgrounds basic

colours need to be worked on

you can use a small water spray to make vegies look fresher

always use fresh food

once you have taken your shots, change the angle spice it up a bit...

you can eat the props if your quick!

Enjoy the shoot - I do everytime!

Photos taken at Black Spur Inn - Narbethong.
The dessert was to die for and the hot chocolate was sensational!

When clouds are seen and fog lifts there is hope of warmer weather

2010-07-25T14:36:00.005+10:00

"When clouds are seen, wise men put on their cloaks;

When great leaves fall, then winter is at hand;

When the sun sets, who doth not look for night?

Untimely storms makes men expect a dearth."

William Shakespeare

Being that today is the second day of sunshine

after it seems a week of overcast, frost and fog,

it reminds me how much I love the warmer weather

and sunsets that each close of day brings.

Enjoy my Murrindindi Sunset.

New website

2010-07-20T09:57:00.003+10:00

I love new web sites!
I like seeing new webbies for businesses, a freshening up a tightening of the message and the offerings.
After having the same website for about 8 years I decided I wanted a fresh look.
So I approached a local designer and got a logo designed!
Wow expensive you may say!! Well no!
I found a talented local designer who doesn't charge the earth!

Check out: http://www.alexandradesign.com.au/

For a few years now I had been referring clients to http://www.websitegurus.com.au/.
Now it was time to take the plunge myself.
This dynamic company designs with you your home page, sets up your pages as per your needs and for a small monthly charge hosts your website all in a creative online process that is easy to be part of.
You are in control of text and photos and setting up internal and external links. Their offerings are too many to list here, I have a blurb about them on my website under websites.
This is what is referred to as a content management system (CMS).

So check out my new webbie : http://www.rossparkwoolshed.com.au/

Special offer:
For my clients and any business in the Upper Goulburn Region websitegurus have a special 2 part offer, if you are interested about updating and are a sole trader or a representative of an Incorporated body or group simply drop me an email and ask about the special deal.

happy marketing...

The 2010 Australia Post - Our Community Photo Bank Awards

2010-07-07T14:52:00.003+10:00

This just came across my desk....
I love competitions... some are better than others and some are way more interesting...see what you think.

The 2010 Australia Post - Our Community Photo Bank Awards are now open for submissions.
The awards are designed to draw out the photos that will help show Australia the amazing breadth of community sector work that is being undertaken, while providing a pool of great shots for community groups to use in their own marketing efforts.

A total of $5000 is up for grabs:
$1000 for the photograph and $1500 for the nominating community group in two
categories: the most popular picture and the picture that best exemplifies the work of Australian community groups.

The competition was launched at the Communities in Control conference last month.
The photo thought to best exemplify the work of community groups last year was of an older member of the Beaconsfield CFA showing a young member of the Hillcrest Rangers Scout Group how to hold a fire hose.

Most Popular Picture went to the Australian Rett Syndrome Association for a photograph of a five-year-old girl who has Rett Syndrome.
You can submit your photos by uploading them at www.ourcommunity.com.au/marketing/photobank or posting them on a disc:
Photo Bank, Our Community, PO Box 354, North Melbourne, 3051. Don’t forget to include a caption, the photographer’s name, the name of the community group, and some contact details.

By entering the competition you are agreeing to allow people to share and use the photo under a creative commons licence. That means that people are free to use the photograph, providing they providing attribution and the publication is not for commercial use.
Entries are open until October 15
To find out more and see all of the photos submitted so far, go to www.ourcommunity.com.au/photobank

okay seriously im in love with gigapan

2010-06-23T15:00:00.005+10:00

You know what its like you ring up to order printing materials and you get talking to the sales rep and he just happens to be a on the ball type who knows his industry, loves photography and knows what is hot.

I buy regularly from Kayell Australia from the Melbourne office and Stan who is a professional sales person who is responsible for Sales, Service and Colour Management for Photography, Graphic Arts and Print for clients mentioned today this cooler than cool product.

Check it out: http://gigapansystems.com/

They call is the EPIC pro for your DSLR its a fitting that produces effortlessly a gigapixel panorama.
It then works in with GigaPan Stich to combine 100's of photos in to a single panna and then uploads to GigPan.com.

How does it work?? From the gigapansystems.com website:
"Simply attach your camera to it, then the EPIC directs you through the steps to capture a gigapixel image. You then set the upper left and lower right corners of your panorama and the EPIC works out how many photos your camera will need to take, hundreds or even thousands, and automatically organizes them into the correct rows and columns needed to capture your panorama. The robotic arm clicks away, capturing amazing detail in a short amount of time."

OMG how wonderful is this system??

like i said I'm in loveeeeeeeeeeeeee.

You also need to check out http://gigapan.org/gigapans/15374/

Thanks Stan from Kayell - Melbourne what a rush of cool product!

quote for the day by Ernst Haas

2010-06-20T10:22:00.003+10:00

‘There is only you and your camera.

The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are’

Ernst Haas

Ernst Haas (1921–1986) is acclaimed as one of the most important figures in 20th century photography and is considered a pioneering artist in color photography.
His estate comprises of

over 250,000 color transparencies;

100,000 black and white negatives;

and extensive correspondence and writings.

Why did I pick Ernst today?

I love his photos of famous people and especially love the B/W's of Marilyn Monroe:

http://www.ernst-haas.com/celebrity_monroeMarilyn.html

help david peterson with a world wide experiment

2010-06-19T05:25:00.004+10:00

Check this out:

'David Petersons first worldwide photography experiment!
With everyones help, he's aiming to see the world in snapshots at a specific moment in time!
and if you help David out you could win a 12 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD780IS camera!
This is all you have to do:
- At 10:30am local time this Saturday morning, 19 June 2010, take a photo where you are.
- Upload it to David's special Snapshots website.
That's it!
It doesn't matter what the photo is about. It doesn't matter what camera you have. It doesn't have to be a fantastic shot (but please put a little effort into it!)
And you'll be able to see everyone else's shots too!
Wouldn't it be great to have a 'snapshot in time' to see our different cultures and experiences?
More details here: http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/go/34771.28/394

Media kits - the what, how and why?

2010-05-29T11:42:00.007+10:00

A few businesses asked me recently to explain the media kit concept further and what makes a good media kit.

Journalists / feature writers do like to have all the business information they are featuring at their fingertips, especially if they are doing a flying visit.
It also prompts them with features you want to highlight.
From this the journo can find a story and build on a particular angle to produce a great feature.

Basically a media kit is a cd that contains the following as word document, pdf or jpgs files:

Overview of services and or products
History of the business
Sample copy/text - basically 300 words about the Business and or a feature on the businesses point of difference or unique selling point.
Copies of previously run features can be included as pdf files.
Hero shots ( jpgs ) of your business - please rename the files i.e. Gumboot B&B cottages " gum leaf cottage". ( this makes it easy for a jpg to be located for the article )

Don't forget to label your cd, if you can print on to it do so with your contact details and website.

Some businesses these days embed the media kit in their website which is very handy to utilise when you recieve phone request for information.

Its about self promotion without being over the top, information on all aspects of your business will give the journalist an opportunity to seek out a great angle!

And finally keep your media kit uptodate, if you have something exciting happen in your business incorporate that in to your files ready for the next media precence.

The dog and his friend Pippa

2010-05-27T06:37:00.008+10:00

Photographing animals especially pets can be challenging.

They are so interested in what you are doing their eyes and heads follow your every move.

Some times its nice when you look after friends animals you can bug them with a camera every so often and they remain less challenging.

One thing I enjoy about the photographs it that you can change them to black and white, this gives them I feel a whole new look as you dive in to the world of contrast!

These are just two happy snaps with no set up of two dogs.

Pippa was just wonderful as she dozed in the sun, with out a care in the world.

The other one I'm afraid is our dog and he is now the right royal poser.

The eyes and getting down to their level are the two best rules I try to remember.

Background and light are also very important with of course natural light being the best.

oh my god we need a name!

2010-05-26T07:20:00.006+10:00

,

Whilst working out my small article for today's blog I got to thinking about names, branding and the whole marketing thing of a small business.

Then my inbox received an email from MOO.

Now Moo is a dynamic, fresh evolving business and they were running a story on their blog today called 'whats in a name'.

I watch with interest, as this company is so enthusiastic and that spreads more enthusing amongst their clients.

Businesses are looking/seeking to see other successful companies and they want to be part of that somehow.

Moo have some innovative ideas which they share with their clients regularly with their newsletters, blogs and their followers on the social media loop.

Check out a snippet from their blog:

http://www.moo.com/blog/?utm_source=MOOsLETTER&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=250510_UK

"So, what’s the best way to come up with a company name?
Many small businesses begin with one employee – you. As a result, they begin with their owner’s name in their company name – Chanel, Jack Daniels, Ford, JP Morgan, Marks & Spencer, JC Penny for example.

For companies taking their owner’s name, it can be hard for clients and customers to tell the difference between brand and owner – something to remember if you’re active in social media. Where do your personal tweets stop, and your company’s start?

Other companies have a name that seemingly means nothing at all. For example, what does Google actually mean? There are lots of rumors behind the name, but where did the name Coca-Cola really come from ?
On delving a little deeper we learn that both of these names tell a story, and relate in some way to the history or nature of the business."

They raise interesting points here about stories, which always fascinate me (love a good case study!) and single identities.

You can struggle with this as sole trader in this country, everyone is watching all the time so you must be professional and diligent at all times....once the owner is crass or way too opinionated people can be turned off by your product or service..they cannot differentiate between you and the product and or service.

Its the most exciting time in a businesses' history is when they are comeing up with name, a look, themeing, deciding on corporate colours, developing style guides or deciding on to start on the branding journey.

Business is exciting thats why we do it!

fluid motion

2010-05-25T16:29:00.004+10:00

Is it the same thing?

Photographing motion or fluid is challenging and you can come up with many variations of the same photograph by using different DOF, iso speeds and shutter speeds.

Since its cold wet and raining outside...I quickly took the shot between rain showers and then back in side I played with Mr photoshop.

I must be going through a metallic stage.

This a photo of raindrops in to a water bowl with a few layers and coloured filters.

I like the rings and the dark and light areas of this photo. The sharpness of it is appealing too!

Ten things I have learnt in 22 years of business:

2010-05-23T09:03:00.004+10:00

Work hard, play hard and network network network!

If it looks too good to be true it’s probably wrong for you!

Keep current, nothing worse than a grumbling business owner who is not keeping up with the industry, whingeing about competition or not being aware of latest fads.

Be contactable, so many businesses don’t have answer phones or my pet hate mobiles that don’t have message bank ARRR!

Get business cards and carry them at all times.

Give back to community, be generous, the return is priceless.

The customer is gold, once they become copper - its time to move on!

Word of mouth is your best advertising!!

Learn how to multi task and be positive and last but not least..

Learn to take time out, switch off and relax – do something you enjoy, life is way to short!

Backyard Rodeo

2010-05-15T09:36:00.003+10:00

Backyard rodeos are the best, kids who show no fear and animals who just want to get out of there make for an interesting show.

Its like christmas for a photo hound like me who loves action shots!

Check out the photo!

dead trees and autumn gold

2010-05-13T19:31:00.003+10:00

Dead trees are sculptures in nature and home to wildlife everywhere, the more remote the better.

What wildlife doesnt like a veiw.

I love autumn toned trees golden populars against the crisp green of the wetter months....wonderful....blue skys and soft white clouds.....

When is a photo a photo and when is it a conversation piece?

2010-04-29T17:36:00.005+10:00

For me its when its much more than a frozen moment in time, much more than a memory, it makes people have feelings, engages them like a piece of art, makes them question their beliefs when they come from and makes them form an opinion....

See if this does that for you! Its the same image.

have a good one! Sam

okay im guilty

2010-03-18T07:28:00.004+11:00

I have neglected my blog!

But I have proof I have not been idle.

I was privileged to be part of the Marysville's World's Longest Lunch 2010 team.

There was a team of nine and we worked hard to bring the event to Maryton Park B&B in Marysville on Friday 12 March.

It was a great day! Jamie Oliver was the main guest who enjoyed the local fare with 200 guests in a lush green valley with almost velvet looking burnt trees as the backdrop.

Here we enjoyed trout, wine, olives and much more by the regions finest chefs and great hospitality from the volunteer wait staff.

Check out photos from the day.

Now I promise to keep up the blog posts !!

2010-02-06T09:06:00.003+11:00

Tie a Yellow ribbon around the ole oak tree by Dawn.

I'm coming home, I've done my time
Now I've got to know what is and isn't mine
If you received my letter telling you I'd soon be free
Then you'll know just what to do
If you still want me
If you still want me

Whoa, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree
It's been three long years
Do ya still want me (still want me)
If I don't see a ribbon 'round the ole oak tree
I'll stay on the bus
Forget about us
Put the blame on me
If I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree

Bus driver, please look for me
'cause I couldn't bear to see what I might see
I'm really still in prison
And my love, she holds the key
A simple yellow ribbon's what I need to set me free
I wrote and told her please

Now the whole damned bus is cheering
And I can't believe I see
A hundred yellow ribbons 'round the ole oak tree

I'm coming home, mmm, mmm

(Tie a ribbon 'round the ole oak tree)
(Tie a ribbon 'round the ole oak tree)

Backyard clicks

2010-02-01T21:48:00.004+11:00

They say you can photograph anywhere anytime...

They may be right.

I read an article recently about finding things in your back yard to photograph.

Birds, flowers, fences, animals, grasses etc...

Well I gave myself the 15 minute challenge, two lenses: lens baby and macro.

See the results. Not bad me thinks.. for 6 minutes each lens and changeover time.

Can you work out what they are?

The blue one has been taken using the lensbaby muse with one adapter ring, the light was dappled through the tree over the pool cover. The leaves were non moving, love a subject that is cooperative.

One Heebie flower peeking out in to the sun - GOTCHA! with the macro.

have a great night!

two things today

2010-01-21T10:10:00.004+11:00

Do you like compeditions?

I do!! It makes you push yourself outside your square, your comfort zone:

The Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images contest will start on February 1, 2010 and the theme for this first judging period will be photos using HDR (High Dynamic Range).

Check it out here..

http://newsletter.nikonians.com/lt.php?id=KUtVVVNWClBTAwVJBgMESgYHUFBR

Another great idea from Matt from Ozimages -
http://www.photographersplace.com/

"Photographers Place has been a popular online meeting place for for full- and part-time professional photographers since 2003" say the website, well worth checking out today!

Just joined up should be a great forum and chat place for like minded snappers!

Photo today is one for the birds!
Magpie taken in Marysville pre 2009 fires.

Coolpix S1000pj – a review and HNY!!

2010-01-07T11:13:00.003+11:00

Happy New Year, hope your Christmas bought you lots of wondrous things, family, food, presents and camera gear!

I’m not one for point and shoot cameras - meaning I like to work for my images, checking light, getting the shot in to the right frame and tweaking with iso, aperture and ensuring the dof is right etc etc….

But I had the opportunity to review this great new camera from Nikon.

This camera fits in to the palm of your hand, has heaps of great features, is easy to use and can project your images on to the wall. Yes you heard right.

From the first set up setting your language, date and time, the newest p& s from Nikon is very easy to navigate and use. Once the rechargeable Li-on battery is charged and you have put the SD card in the memory card holder you’re ready to go.
If you want to just take photos the auto setting is the best way to go.

The neat little camera in auto mode has flash, macro & exposure compensation with self timer. Its settings for each different environment and or subject were impressive. It has auto vibration reduction and motion detection
Using the scene/shooting selection mode opens up many possibilities with more than 15 options to choose from.

For me the most interesting option was panorama assist. You simply take the first frame of the scene, it becomes translucent and you can take the next photo and so on, great for lining up your images and turning them in to one big panorama. Don’t forget to turn off the VR if you’re using a tripod. Nikon have included in their software panorama maker from Arc soft to assist in the post production of your final results.
The Macro mode and evening/dusk mode is very good with results see photo of bee on spring onion ball flower.

Smart portrait mode got me interested as well. Its features include: skin softening, smile timer and blink proof. These funky features actually made me laugh but they do work. There are also in house retouching features that are cute too!

The video mode is easily assessable via the main menu and provides great ability to record with the microphone on the front of the camera. (WAV and AVI files are the results)
The camera card so far has allowed for 300 odd photos and two sessions of recording mini videos, one of which was taken outside and one inside producing good results. The card is a 4GB card and still has plenty to go.

It seems the card was formatted but the camera like most can format cards if needed.
The video picture clarity and sound is average (comparable to say a designated style video cam)

but great for projecting ( dark rooms are best!) it was also emailable and u tubeable.

Is that a word..LOL… the start up only takes a few seconds so it makes for a great back up for capturing those memories from the reserves of your handbag and or pocket.

This camera had a Lowpro case bought for it to hold the camera, the stand (for projecting) and a remote also for projecting, it makes for a tight unit.

Speaking of projecting the projector feature of this camera is pretty cool. I found it works well on a ceiling and or a wall. It can project from 5 – 40 in and the range is from 0.26 to 2 metres (10 in to 6ft 6 in the old language ) The multi selection button can be used as a toggle to advance photos and the slider sharpens the image projected. To minimise keystoneing you can use your tripod and for image brightness ensure your batteries are fully charged. Due to the fact the battery life is only one hour I would strongly recommend you buy a second battery for those times where you need that extra hour. The remote makes for great fun as well.

Viewing screen – this is a whopping 2.7in with 5 levels of adjustment if needed.

The playback menu has over 10 options including quick retouch, small pictures and slide show.

Some tech bits:
· Multi shot 16
· Iso: 80 - 6400
· Pixels ( effective) 12.1
· Focal length 5.0 -25.0 ( equiv with 35mm( 135 ) format picture angle 28-140mm)
· F stop 3.9 -5.8 & aperture range is 2 stops – f3.9 &7/8 (W)
· AF – 3cm for macro setting & 30cm – 50cm. Focus are selection has 99 focus areas with face priority.
· Shutter speed 1/1500 -2s ( four seconds when your shooting fireworks )
Over all a great little P&S camera jam packed with features and well worth the investment of under $700. AUD from national retailers.

Buy a mono pod or a funky gorilla pod for it, a second battery, a lowpro case (helps the polar bears) and a extra card for it.

Do yourself a favor check it out its pretty cool and see results of playing with it for a day!

Camera phones take great photos

2009-12-11T08:57:00.003+11:00

Sometimes.

Check out these three photos taken with a Nokia camera phone.
As with every landscape photo lighting is the key.

With the road scene at Taggerty, this was taken whislt driving, there is mimumal blurring.

Amazing how the camera phone adjusted its setting to ensure the result.

With the Albury photo (the building), I was standing still trying not to get run over.

The last one is Benalla bridge, a nicely lit time of day.

Camera phones are amazingly simple to operate, one click and your memory is snapped. You can adjust, resize and then of course email or send as an attachment with a text message... gotta love the technology.

Just need that built in as an option to the Nikon...

Fruit Fruit glorous fruits

2009-11-28T07:20:00.004+11:00

I love taking photos of fruit, they are the greatest still life subject.

They dont move and their detail is wonderful.

You can take the shots in a studio or out in the orchard!

Choose a still day, somedays the wind moved the leaves around!

Cherries are a favourite, their colour is to die for, as long as you can get the WB correct.

My Nikon doesnt particulary like red. But I love the challenge.

The plums in hand were an added bonus.

Bottled fruit is next!

Len Baby Lens Baby Lens Baby ahooo!

2009-11-21T14:50:00.004+11:00

What fun, what possibilities for creativity, what freedom!

I gave this lens a test out and I loved it!

What simplistic features, with MUSE three basic components:

- 37mm Threads
- Focusing collar
- Lens mount
- Aperture disks

AND LOADS OF FUN!!

Now if you’re a Nikon lover, your camera will need to be in manual mode and check the manual for the adjustment for the diopter- if needed.

Using the camera in slightly different way holding the camera and lens focus using the collar, pull in or push out once focused use the front collar to tilt to the left or right up or down until your sweet spot is found.

For a pure creative indulgence you cant go past this baby lens, the endless possibilites attracted me, there are no hard and fast rules..

That’s basically it but what I like is the different aperture disks as these control the size of the sweet spot, the larger the opening the smaller the sweet spot.

Sounds easy?

I thought so but im still practising and practising, see an early result!

More to follow follow follow...

Want to know more check out http://www.lensbaby.com/

Lighting - do it how you want!

2009-11-20T06:46:00.003+11:00

Lighting and studio set up are always big disscusion points.

For me i like to do not the norm, it makes for interesting shots.

The experts woudl say tsk tsk, but at the end of the day if you have happy customers you have done your job well!

A couple of my current favourites.

For me to review my lighting positions i use the Light cage @ photoworkshop.com

just go to 3D workshop and then click on artificial lighting, then click on light cage. This hint was given to me by Madsens camera www.madsens.com.au and imaging where I bought my studio set up.

These people have been in the camera business for 42 yearsRead more: http://digital-photography-school.com/whiteseamlesshowt#ixzz0XKwTJLQP

Hay and sadness of breaking a lens

2009-11-14T17:43:00.003+11:00

Insurance is great if you can get it!

I would like to find an insurance company that can insure against stupidity, as I dropped a lens, a nice 18-200 VR nikkor lens about 4 weeks ago.

But I’m elated as I have a new one now!
It’s like a comfortable pair of old shoes. I’m happy, the camera seems chirper and we are back snapping landscapes and objects close up with a nice DOF.

My camera just recently celebrated 10,000 shots. That’s 5000 shots per year, must remind myself to slow down to the 60 zone and enjoy the journey a bit more.

But thats about a 50/50 mix of work and personal so its all okay.
Here are some putting in the hay shots.

4 sec handheld, may try tripod next time, 24mm, f/ 3.8 @640 ISO.

post exhibition excitment

2009-11-04T15:15:00.005+11:00

Well its over!

The exhibition was great fun and its all over for 12 months now.

We had great fun meeting and greeting visitors and seeing the locals who were able to see our exhibition.

Sales?

Of course we made lots of sales, took orders and made new friends.

Photo enthusiasts, professionals and lovers of photography came to visit and it was great chatting to all and finding out what makes them excited in this art form.

We had framed photos, unframed work, mounted work, images on canvas, art block and ice mounts to showcase our best!!

Here are two pics of the exhibition.

SPECIAL thanks to Don, Michelle, Bernhard, Di, Scott & Jim and all from Black Spur Inn team and all those who came along!

The positive feedback was huge, about our body of work, the venue and the Inn.

C u next year!

Samx

Bearded Iris

2009-10-28T17:35:00.004+11:00

I love these little guys all cheeky like, they look like they are poking their tongues out!!

LOL

Flowers with attitude!

3 more sleeps until my exhibition, OMG!

Enjoy the Iris selection today. I so enjoyed taking them!

Playing with f stops and DOF to create some surreal and real images.

What fun!

Dont you love it when you discover something new?

2009-10-23T10:56:00.004+11:00

Shh! if you are real good ill share the secret with you!

I have discovered a business who prints images on to canvas.

Now Im sure you will say...so what!

BUT!

They are very compeditively priced, have fast turnaround times, you can order online (yeah so ....but where can you proof on line as well??) are highly creative and

best of all, they care about your photos and you being happy with the results.

Strange creatures in todays world.

Check out: Brilliant Prints http://www.brilliantprints.com.au/

And because im so impressed check out their other products:

ArtBlocs - Photos mounted to foam board - http://www.artblocs.com.au/

ICEMounts - Photos on Acrylic - http://www.icemount.com.au/

I cant wait for my next arrival in the mail, lots of canvas, ice mounts and art blocks

and only 7 days until I set up for my exhibition

Yikkes..!!

Working with kids and animals

2009-10-21T22:18:00.009+11:00

Don't they say working with kids and animals are challenging times for a photographer?
That can be the case, but I believe you have to be creative, quick and spontaneous - go with the flow.
In this case my subject grabbed my camera and took this photo of her self.

I simply enhanced her eyes and teeth to give her a surreal look.

With the calf, I got down to the same level and zoomed in quick and took the photo.

The other photo I simply tilted the camera and got a long titled shot.
I then placed a beautifier filter through Mr Photoshop and I have a great photo memory.

Have fun, play, enjoy your subjects and your photos will demonstrate the fun and spontaneity.

WINE & FOOD EXPO Black Spur Inn @ 436 Maroondah Hwy Narbethong

2009-10-15T15:53:00.004+11:00

Come visit all these small producers at Black Spur Inn
Sunday 18 October 2009
from 10.30 am - 5pm

Little Cathedral Wines

Girdwood Estate

Snobs Creek Estate

Gioiello Estate

Murrindindi Vineyards

Delatite Winery

Growlers Gully

Kinloch Wines

Sedona Estate

Mt Samaria Vineyard

Ros Ritchie Wines

Buller View Wines

Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm,

and me: Sam Hicks photography, business development and marketing.

There will be marquee stalls on the Lawn:

Alexandra Quality Meats, Wild Crust Bakery,Ashton Lodge Preserves,GSOGA Olive Association,Oi Olives,Plantsby Shelly,Little Food,Mandy’s Cakes,Carty’s Gourmet Nuts,Cathedral Honey,Strathbogie Ranges Olives,Misty Spring Berries,Hook & Spoon wine and food tastings, short lunch & music
see u there!

invitation to changing landscapes of murrindindi

2009-10-06T08:43:00.001+11:00

Self promotion

2009-09-30T23:41:00.003+10:00

For some it’s a hard one to work on, promoting oneself.
I love marketing and to produce promotional items, it’s a great time..
I love the design part, working out a theme, a look a feel to work alongside you and your product.
I admit its tricky to step away from your business and objectively look inwards, say to create a marketing and promotional strategy but you can do it..
as Nike say "Just do it! "
The pull up floor banner came from http://www.quickcolourprint.com.au/ and it looks smart.

Ariel shots by the other half and a great flower micro shot

2009-09-25T10:41:00.003+10:00

Okay he’s creative but he’s never been up in a helicopter.
And he took my camera, which he has had limited usage of and I thought you know he may get one or to shots but he took some great shots.

Here is a panna, for this shot I simply cropped the helicopter out of the shot.
The next shot I left the helicopter in to give perspective.

The other is a lovely micro flower shot I took with a fellow photographer.
We were playing around in the kitchen with lighting and using lunchbox lids as diffusers.

Exhibitions

2009-09-20T16:12:00.004+10:00

Over the last couple of years I have really loved exhibiting.

I love the stress, the thrill and the excitement of collecting the pieces together.

My first exhibition was of course with ceramics nearly 20 years ago and since then its evolved from ceramics to ceramics plus photos to photos.

Last year I was fortunate enough to have a fellow photographer come on board.

Don Wilson is a local landscape photographer and we exhibited over Melbourne Cup weekend at CEACA in Alexandra.

See enclosed flyer.

So guess what?

We are doing it again this year.

Even though this year has been a challenging one we will put on a great show over Melbourne Cup weekend at the Black Spur Inn in Narbethong - Details soon.

Books books and more books - e books

2009-09-13T16:54:00.004+10:00

Book books and more books, just when you thought you had filled up the book case, now you can fill up the ol computer.
I was snooping around for a book today, looked in the bookcase and like clothes in the cuboard nothing I liked today.
So online I go and I found it.

Perfect Digital Photography By: Dickman Jay and Kinghorn Jay

Published By: McGraw-Hill Edition: 2

on www.ebooks.com

According to ebooks.com, this is a the second edition from Jay Dickman and Jay Kinghorn.

They go on to say
" In this completely updated, full-color work, a Pulitzer Prize-winning National Geographic photographer and an Adobe Photoshop Certified Expert guide you through the entire photographic process, from composition to printing and archiving.

The expert techniques inside this masterful guide help you greatly improve both the quality of your photographs and your proficiency in the digital darkroom.

Perfect Digital Photography, Second Edition covers the latest technologies, including digital SLR cameras, Adobe Photoshop CS4, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and offers tips for developing an efficient workflow.

Stunning color photographs throughout the book show you the results that you too can achieve."

I was so impressed with this e book I bought it..
Nothing like a good read on a lovely sunday afternoon....and you can never have enough books or e books!!

Triptych always a group of three..

2009-09-11T21:22:00.007+10:00

Did you know the traditional triptych comes from early Christian altar paintings?
Here I have created a modern one from one photo with a help from Mr Photoshop.

See before, during and after.

I cropped/ chopped the original photo in to three, played with the mode to lab colour, adjusted curves, saved each piece, then opened up a new blank file, adjusted the canvas size, made the background black and began layering.

Great fun and the results definitely have got a slight oriental feel.

Very different from the original photo and where I wanted it to be.

Sometimes you have just got to go along with the flow!

Upper Goulburn Wine

2009-09-10T19:43:00.005+10:00

Wine oh glorious wine!

Did you you the Upper Goulburn wine has wonderful cool climate wines?

From the wine growers themselves "This is a super-premium wine-producing area.

Yields are low, and the ancient soil is full of gravel and minerals.

Here, the cool climate produces fine, stylish, wines with elevation being the key determinant of style. The many gold medals gained for the region's wines are for white wines as well as reds. The whites range through crisp, tangy, herbal, sauvignon blanc, elegant, aromatic riesling and pinot gris to spicy gewurztraminer.

Chardonnay is usually refined, stylish, and often European in character."

And they are superb to photograph as well!

Forked

2009-09-04T20:59:00.005+10:00

Okay a little risque but I love forks, see my ring of forks, they are such great models to work with.

There was a slight shortage in the house for the few hours I was playing with them, all shiny like on black velvet. Soft light on from above in the studio set up with no flash.

Nothing like a good fork ring.

Dead trees

2009-08-25T04:57:00.002+10:00

The Dead Tree

My life is a dead tree;

Spring is a mockery to it;

But in the winter it shall bear the snows

And rear aloft its stark and hopeless branches

As bravely as another.

Thomas E. Moore.

http://eudorapubliclibrary.org/poetry/hoopes/deadtree.html

Contemporary Kansas Poetry

Helen Rhoda Hoopes page 87 (Kansas City: Joseph D. Havens Company. 1927)

Lizards

2009-08-23T03:26:00.003+10:00

Some times its great to get in close and personal, capture all that detail and sometimes its nice to stand back and get the full picture.
This fella was at Healesville Santuary in wonderful lighting.

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

2009-08-20T19:36:00.002+10:00

Flowers flowers and more flowers, you can sneak up on them and as long as the wind dies down you can get some great shots.

I just love the colour, the detail and the variety!

Enjoy!

New lens like new car...mmm

2009-08-11T17:34:00.006+10:00

Smell that leather, appreciate the interior, what colour is it?

How fast does it go, how many kms to the litre do you get?

Well it’s the same with a new lens.

What brand?, what is the mm range on it?

Is it macro?

Is it zoom?, does it come with VR or camera shake stopping features?, did you get any filters?, what can it do, are you happy with it!??

How does it work with your camera, how does it rate with another brand?

Oh I'm getting dizzy....

From one camera lover to another - a nice new piece of glass is another opportunity to explore and try new subjects.

To enjoy and see how they interact with you, your camera and your veiwer as you showcase the story you are trying to tell in each shot.

Call me a romantic...a thrill seeker of the frozen moment in time....thats me!!

Merge to HDR

2009-08-07T21:53:00.006+10:00

Isn’t the ol Adobe Photoshop’s merge to HDR command just a great tool to combine those multiple images with different exposures of the same image or scene?

This handy little tool although a memory grabber of the biggest proportions can result in you capturing the dynamic range of a scene in a single HDR image.

Most people try scenes, and producing stunning results, I have been experimenting with still life and having a ball!

More next time....

oh strange little photo file

2009-07-28T23:25:00.004+10:00

Ever wonder what happens to the photos that don't make the cut?

They sometimes end up in the rubbish pile file...

simple really

Delete

and they are gone.

But sometimes I'm feeling generous and if not in my case they end up in the strange little photo file.

You never know when you may need them.

The right place at the right time..

2009-07-27T21:41:00.004+10:00

"I look behind and after

And find that all is right,

In my deepest sorrows

There is a soul of light."
Swami Vivekananda

There is something to being said about being in the right place at the right time.

Just after a storm and just before sunset.

Fireworks - colour that goes boom shackla

2009-07-23T22:16:00.004+10:00

Fireworks are so pretty.

I love trying to capture the light, the colour and the shapes.

Some professional and enthusiasts that shoot fireworks like to have people, silhouettes of buildings or reflections of buildings over water in thieir shot.

For me

I just love the colour and the reflection from water if there is any around.

Really plain and simple.

Pity I cant capture the gun powdery smell...

love that too!

Blurry pictures can be interesting images

2009-07-22T15:29:00.007+10:00

no flash, 50mm, f/5 3 sec exposure.

Shutter prioty,iso 200, manual expsure.

floodlit from below.

Subject: tree branches.

no flash, 18 mm, f/5 2 sec expsure hand held ( can u tell>?)

iso 200, shutter prioty

lights were on in room.

Subject: french woman with camera as it flashes.

Im not one for showcasing the techy bits behind a photo but today I thought I would.

Art is life and life is art.

Reflections (3) Just add water

2009-07-20T22:30:00.003+10:00

Recipe for Reflections

Ingredients: natural density filter, sunny day, not too many clouds in sky, pretty landscape,trees, ensure little or minimal wind.

Just add water.

Take deep breath and shoot.

DPS – digital Photography school

2009-07-17T08:26:00.002+10:00

Darren Rowse is the creator behind this vastly growing site that is kicking major website butt.
According to the mastermind behind this online gathering of photographers and photo enthusiasts the DPS site is breaking records.

From the latest post under milestones:

- Our photography forum has just passed signing up 50,000 members in the last week.
- Our subscriber numbers (the total of those who subscribe via RSS or via our daily and weekly email newsletter) is fast approaching 300,000 - it looks like we’ll hit that magical number in the next couple of weeks..
- Twitter follower numbers are up over 13,000.
- Monthly traffic to DPS continues to be solid. This month we’re on track to hit 2.5 million visitors with over 5 million pages of the site viewed.

more? check out:
http://digital-photography-school.com/dps-town-hall-meeting-whats-going-on-at-dps#ixzz0LSkP2wMP&C

On line communities are the fastest growing of all time, peoples lives are busy and if a blog or a website is ever changing, informative and interesting the followers follow.
DPS has great informative tips and tricks and is a real environment on line to learn, share and answer questions. The site has three major sections, Photography tips and tutorials, camera and equipment and post production, making it easy to navigate and seek out those stories you may find of interest.
Darren encourages regular stories, tips and tricks from guest writers and semi regular writers and this formula works well to ensure a large variety of topics are covered.

Congrats to Darren & keep up the good work I say!

Drought and summers

2009-07-14T23:42:00.004+10:00

Australia can have some of the worst summers on record.

Victoria where I live has seen many years of drought.

Its evident when you walk where there used to be metres of water and you see the wide cracks in the dirt/ground and the dead trees in only a few inches of water.

It makes for an interesting subject matter.

Frost - Jack Frost

2009-07-11T21:16:00.005+10:00

"In English folklore, Jack Frost appears as an elfish creature who personifies crisp, cold, winter weather; a variant of Father Winter or Old Man Winter.

Tradition holds Jack Frost responsible for leaving frosty crystals patterns on windows on cold mornings." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Frost

Winters here in the Upper Goulburn leave mornings crisp and frosty.

Grass, fences, stock, animals, trees, leaves and infact everything outside is a photographers paradise.

Up early and camera firmly tucked under jacket you can take great photos of Jack Frosts' work.

Corn

2009-07-09T20:24:00.001+10:00

There are 70,900,000 mentions of corn when Googled.
That is amazing for sweet corn or Indian corn.
Corn is actually in every aspect of meals in our lives, cornflakes, corncobs, creamed corn and as a movie favourite: popcorn.

Once our planted corn had produced many husks and had produced many golden cobs of silky milky kernels, the plants themselves started to fade in colour and then looked really bedraggled.

Rather than ripping them out, I waited for a warm day with lots of light, with a shadow underneath the sheds eaves - I photographed them.
A bit of tweaking for a slightly barren look and Ta Dah!

R E D

2009-07-07T12:27:00.005+10:00

Sometimes in our landscape some colours are more outstanding than others.

I like to find red in flowers and trees as I find it the most challenging to photograph.

" In human color psychology, red is associated with heat, energy and blood and emotions that "stir the blood", including anger passion and love." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red

This photo was taken on a local property and I was fascinated by the colour of very young gum tree leaves.

I upped the ISO, used fill in flash and I like the result what do you think?

Make hay while the sun still shines

2009-07-04T17:39:00.005+10:00

For me hay means almost Christmas and hay fever.

Okay well it really means the stock will have food when the food gets scarce.

Plus a great subject to shoot.

I enjoy taking photos of the round bales in the dusk of the warmer months.

The long shadows and the yellowness of the hay, the iridescent green of the new grass, that just freshly mowed look is a wonderful subject matter.

Working with children and animals they say can be tricky!!

2009-06-29T11:40:00.006+10:00

Unless the animal you wish to photograph have loves cheese.

Our friend who is also a photographer took these photos of our dog.

He was a good subject except for the drool.

If you are a boxer owner you will understand.

I asked Roger why he wanted to take photos of our boxer and his response's was "I was looking for a photographic dog."

He was great to take photos of and its always great to work with a like minded photographer on a nights muck around with the camera and a nice subject.

Check out the results of the 4 photos above.

Tech tip:

I think its important to build up a relationship with an animal you wish to photograph, pick your surroundings well, our lounge room was perfect, we set up a stand well behind the dog, draped with black material, we used shiny fabric but it didn't reflect back at all.

He, the subject, was sitting on his "rug" in his surroundings, therefore comfortable with his surroundings, Roger and was very interested in the cheese.

Camera used was a D300 handheld, with external flash, and we used a piece of polystyrene sheet (out of a packing box) to diffuse light and bounce the light back towards our subject.

not the usual sunday upload

2009-06-28T10:59:00.008+10:00

Today rather than a photo or three ( well I may not be able to help myself later )
I thought I'd mention a subject that has got a few of the followers of digital-photography-school a little hot under the collar.

Steve Buchanan was a guest contributor on a story regarding basic food photography and how to set up your kit.
http://digital-photography-school.com/a-basic-food-photography-kit

his comment below:

"1. Any Canon or Nikon DSLR.
I don’t care how many mega pixels, or if it shoots video, or whether its full frame or dx sized. Just so you like it and you’re comfortable using it. I know Sony, Fuji, Pentax and others make perfectly good dslrs, but Canon and Nikon have the largest user base and accessory range, and that will be important to you some day. Also, when it’s time to upgrade, Canon and Nikon usually have a better resale value. My primary camera is a Canon 5D."

Now the dynamic editor and founder of the site: Darren put a comment up underneath this piece as I'm sure his eyebrows went up too... ( you can almost hear him thinking: uh oh!!)

"From the Editor (Darren Rowse): Thanks to Stephen for this post. Of course his point on Canon/Nikon cameras is probably going to cause some debate (going on past experience).
I’m more than happy for this debate to happen below - just please be civilized.
For the record - DPS loves great images - not any particular brand of camera.
If you can take a great shot with a Sony, Pentax, Sigma or even a Kodak… that’s fantastic!
Use what your finances, preferences and situation leads you to and keep shooting!"

So far as of today there has been 42 responses to the story and its growing...
everyone has an opinion it seems on their equipment.

And you guessed so do I:

"I don't think its about the gear I think its about the person behind the lens.
I have seen some fantastic photos taken with very basic point and shoot cameras.
& of course I have seen some fantastic photos taken with high end cameras as well.
Its about technique, individual style and portrayal of the subject by the artist behind the lens.
The output, the result on what ever medium, paper, canvas etc is the MOST EXCITING THING!"

(For the record I have many cameras but my fav's are my Nikon D300 and my Samsung Pro 915.)

I'm sure this debate has gone on much like Holden and Ford cars- forever.
But I love it when feathers are ruffled in the chook house and nothing spices it up like a good o'l equipment debate.
It gets everyone thinking about their favourite passion: photography.
cheers
Sam

old farms and old machinery

2009-06-27T15:55:00.002+10:00

Just resting, thats what they are doing, just waiting for that flurry of activity. when they will once again be at their peak performance of racing around the paddock, harvesting,chopping and ploughin..

Could be a long wait...

Reflections one

2009-06-26T17:31:00.005+10:00

mmmm reflections....all photographers love reflections..

"Success is not measured by what one brings, but rather by what one leaves." unknown

Scan art? To scan or not to scan.

2009-06-24T06:53:00.004+10:00

that is the question....

Scan art? What the fudge?

Its a fun way of using your scanner for less serious things.

http://www.scannography.org/ is a website devoted to the art of scanning, there is some interesting effects I must say , I have only just scraped the surface.
From abstract, animal, botanical, illustrative, movement, objects and painting on scanner to portraits…weird and wonderful!

There are some interesting portrait works by Cassandra Leopold, check her blog out: http://cassandraleopold.blogspot.com/

See Jamie’s unusual technique for painting on glass on his scanner and the results he has come up with : http://www.jaimeruas.com/

On http://www.chris-staebler.com/, Chris’s ability to turn everyday objects in to scan art, animals and insects help him to be ever so creative. Lots of explanations as well.

See my first attempts with the leaves.
Now I can begin to play with beads and nuts and seedpods on sticks..... what fun!!

Just five minutes old

2009-06-20T17:33:00.003+10:00

Just 5 minutes old, this black angus calf hasnt even walked yet, his mother intent on cleaning him up before his first adventure on plant earth.

Marysville and the Triangle; Buxton,Taggerty,Narbethong pre fires

2009-06-19T19:55:00.003+10:00

How I loved this village of Marysville and region, its people, its businesses, its sense of place and its PASSION for tourism, nature and business.
The tourism and visitor services were my highlight each week.
So pretty.
Especially loved the views from Keppels lookout, Gallipoli Park and those gorgeous trees along Gould drive.

Support the businesses if you can that are there - check out:
http://www.marysvilletourism.com/

Marysville will be back.

Beaches

2009-06-17T22:39:00.002+10:00

Fun in the sun,
sunsets,
sand,
lapping water,
birds,
shells,
big ships,

seaweed,
long piers,
long walks on the beach,

rock hopping,

seafood at local resturants and cafes,

boats and boat houses…ohh what is not to like?
Must book that holiday now…

Portraits of friends and family

2009-06-16T22:47:00.008+10:00

For some getting your photograph taken is fun, for some its horrible, they may feel they are not photogenic enough, or may have concerns about their hair, face etc...

BUT

if they are comfortable, focussed on other things or other thoughts...

sometimes you can get a great shot.

If they are friends and partners sometimes they have no choice but to smile for the camera.

Iris – my flower fascination continues

2009-06-15T19:00:00.004+10:00

Don't you just love Irises, my neighbours have given us some bulbs, clients too and they have grown well!!
Check out the colours, isn't the world is a prettier place with such colour ?

Irises just make people smile when they see them.

Yes i know such a r o m a n t i c.

Shrubs

2009-06-12T16:59:00.002+10:00

Still life, some times can be easy, get the light right and snap away!!

But as gardening isnt my strong point i have to work fast if i have a flowering shrub or bush!

I'm very lucky as I'm surrounded by clever gardeners who have sensational gardens.

They allow me to sneek in shoot away!

More tommorrow.

cheers!

Roses 2

2009-06-11T17:41:00.001+10:00

I was given this rose by a friend and I saw it sitting there being lonely and thought to myself

I want to play with you, my camera and some lighting.
So with a piece of corflute and my other half’s torches I played.
I worked with shadows, lighting and different isos, speeds and fstops.
I really don’t like the norm, I have really enjoyed the darker photos, the B/W's and some of the layer art was great fun too!

Enjoy!!

Glass

2009-06-10T15:44:00.003+10:00

Its great to be able to discover what you can about how light and glass interact with your camera.

NOT that im one for carrying sheets of glass around and photographing them or through them...

well maybe...see what you think.

The first one is dam water affected glass, a very old sheet,that is very thick with a reflection of a sunset peeking through an old pine tree.

The second one is a newer piece of glass held up in front of the camera. The shot was of tree branches reflected in the running water.

Enjoy!!

Old cars and fellow friends

2009-06-08T12:11:00.004+10:00

Old cars and fellow friends

I just love how two people can perceive, view and extract different thoughts, emotions and feelings from the same photograph.

I took some photos of an old Chrysler rusting quietly in a shed many years ago.
After cropping the original image I started playing with the image in Photoshop.

A friend of ours was over and he looked at what I was doing on the screen and said can I have a go?
So we took the image back to its original cropped state and he began to play.

With my image I thought the interaction between the badge and the radiator was important, the cobwebs showing its age and its immobility was secondary.
I over exaggerated the detail as I felt this was part of the age and texture of the car, I enjoyed the fact that the cap had long gone and that the rust could be enriched by colour enhancement.

Our friend thought the radiator and the cobwebs needed to be the main focus of the image and he blurred the foreground to highlight the cobwebs.
He didn’t over exaggerate the rust and texture as he wanted the focus to be on the
radiator and the cobwebs.

Can you see the difference?
Which one do you prefer?

Food, glorious food

2009-06-06T15:55:00.005+10:00

I love taking food shots for clients and for groups I'm involved with.

Some times I'm taking the photos in very challenging situations, but the secret is to get in close and make sure you have great lighting.

And dare to be different.

Creatures and little furry things

2009-06-05T21:36:00.003+10:00

The best time is at night to see what is in the garden after dark!

The first spider was in our garden for months, spinning night after night her golden thread.

The other was a blurry movement of a different spider, not a perfect result but I still love the activity and the flurry!

Although the last of the photos are not spiders and was taken in summer time in the heat of the afternoon, they were just shells…. no one was home.

Cropping Queen

2009-06-03T08:28:00.002+10:00

I am with out a doubt the biggest cropping queen, I love to crop photos and make them come alive!
Here is a night shot, on the side of the road with lots of flash taken a few years ago and some of my ceramics from a previous life.

Same location a few months apart..

2009-06-02T20:17:00.008+10:00

Isn't it strange, you get fixated on the same look, view or outlook.

I simply have some favourites and this is one of them.

The first photo is when the fires were on in February, the other is a few weeks ago.

The sun was doing its best to set, and here I am pulling over in peak hour traffic to take a similar photo again.

The view is from Lilydale looking towards Coldstream.

Its scary in smoke filled skys when you cant see familiar landscapes.

Black and white -landscape

2009-05-31T17:25:00.004+10:00

There is something timeless and beautiful about black and white photography.
I first learnt about cameras and photography doing a black and white photography course.

I always feel I'm going back to basics when I go in search of a black and white shot.

I always love seeing and admiring black and white wedding photography, landscapes, family shots, fruit, portraits and the like.

Wedding photography is something i havent done and dont want to do.

But I am still interested in people who are fantastic at their craft.

Saw a particularly inspiring shot the other day on a website I follow.

The shot was of a wedding couple, portrait orientated on http://solarisstudios.com

The story seemed to be for me about the fact that they have the world at their feet, but the world was all around. The strength of the shot, the magnitude of the trees, the delicate image of the couple was wonderfully emotive.

ahh.....love it!!!

Recovery…

2009-05-30T15:26:00.001+10:00

Our region has gone through the worst natural disaster with the
bushfires of Black Saturday 7 February 2009.
As I photograph around the region like most locals here I am amazed at nature’s recovery.
Trees that you may consider felling have signs of life.
It’s pretty as we near the end of Autumn to see the contrast of the blackened trees with the greens and reds (in some cases almost fluorescent) sprout through the burnt bark.

more textures

2009-05-30T00:27:00.004+10:00

can be seen as almost abstract-
First one is from last winter; I thought it looked like a satellite image.

The second one is like a Monet painting of gum trees in our street.

So very interesting what the camera sees.

Textures and shapes

2009-05-28T23:31:00.004+10:00

There are many interesting shapes and textures to photograph that can be found around the house and garden.

The first is a water bottle with condensation,

the second is a spider web at night,

the third is some lovely cherries on photocopying paper.

Ps Layer Art

2009-05-26T23:02:00.007+10:00

Here are some interesting layer art pieces that started their lives as photos.
These are lots of fun!
Fabulous printed out and framed too!

Those damn birds!

2009-05-25T23:23:00.005+10:00

Just Kidding!!LOL, I really love birds just they are the most difficult to photograph as they wait until your ready to take the shot and then they move..

pesky little buggers!

My best friends mum takes the best bird photos but she has lots of how’d you say in French?

PATIEANCE!

Mosaics

2009-05-25T23:19:00.005+10:00

Photo Mosaics is a photograph been divided into (usually equal sized) rectangular, square, triangular or similar sections which is been replaced by another photograph of appropriate colour.
Started by Joseph Francis in 1993 and the fad has grown to now being

3D scatter mosaics as seen on American Idol.

Way too cool not to play with!

Found the neatest little programme to turn photos in to mosaic photos, see a portrait of the other half and a local landscape of Mt Cathedral.