Month

October 2015

Want to be inspired? Here are 3 awesome photographers to follow on Instagram

@365ken Ken “The subject matter is so much more important than the photographer.” A view from within… #streetphotography #Philadelphia 365ken.tumblr.com/ I love Ken’s gritty black and white photography from the streets of Philadelphia @mustafaseven Mustafa Seven From Istanbul / Turkey Twitter: mstfsvn [email protected] Mustafa’s images are so inspiring. I particularly love the way he shoots street views through windows dappled with rain. @wisslaren Christopher Collin I’m Chris from Sweden. I try to capture beautiful things with my camera. Contact me at [email protected]. Snapchat: ChrisCollin Christoffer’s landscapes are absolutely stunning and without the cheesy sunsets. I want to visit every single location he photographs.

Ep 46: Taking it to the streets: The Street Photography Show

We love the documentary aspect of street photography. Here, nothing is set up and you’re capturing a slice of life just as it happens. Part-journalism-part-art, street photography can result in powerful shots that you couldn’t set up if you tried. But what makes a good street photograph? And how does that differ from a street portrait? In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss the elements that make up great street photography, techniques you can use to achieve those stunning frozen moments, and the little hacks that will ensure your street photos are authentic and awesome. #ginachallenge #street Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes Shoutouts to our MacGyver of the week Lucho Cairo Calderon (Peru) Lucho Macgyvered softboxes from airsick bags and the results...

How to create an old worn image using Photoshop

The Footy Show Cast/Courtesy Nine Network Australia Here is a really simple way to make photos look old and worn using Photoshop. I created this image as part of a promotion for the Nine Network’s coverage of the Ashes. The cast of The Footy Show had dressed up as cricketers from last century and I wanted to make the image look old and worn too. Here’s how I did it in six easy steps.                     1. Start with a colour image you would like to turn into an old worn image and convert it to a black and white image Image>adjust>Black and White     2. Make or download a textured background. I bought mine from a stock library but you could easily wrinkle a piece of textured card and stain it with an iron and coffee.     3. Open...

Ep 45: Back is the new black: The backlighting show

Backlighting is the new black. When you’re backlighting your shots, there are a number of issues at play. So this show is dedicated to the delicate art of backlighting. If you want to create awesome shots with great ambience and atmosphere, then backlighting is for you. But there is a risk that you will underexpose the subject and blow out the background. If you want to master the art of backlighting, you need to understand the rules and work them to your advantage. Gina and Valerie discuss when you want to backlight, how to create great backlight, the best form of natural backlighting, how to deal with different skin tones and hair colour when using backlighting and much more. #ginachallenge #backlighting Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on...

Advice to my younger photographer self

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr. It was twenty-six years ago this week that I made the decision to become a photographer. To make it official I went out and got business cards printed that said: Gina Milicia Photographer … and my home phone number. I then spent the next 26 years making it up as I went along. It’s been a roller coaster of a ride and I’ve loved every minute of it but there have been times when I doubted my decision and wondered if I was really any good, or would be better off “getting a real job”. Starting out is never easy and, sometimes, all we really need is someone to tell us to keep going. It’s worth it and everything is going to be ok. So I decided to write my younger photographer...

Ep 44: Viva Las Vegas: Gina’s rat pack shoots

When Gina recently had 48 hours in Vegas, she didn’t waste a second. Despite Gina’s mantra that “What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, Valerie manages to quiz her about everything from location scouting to securing talent. She also reveals her secrets to shooting her signature “rat pack” shots right in the heart of Sin City and confesses all about why she got no sleep. Importantly, Vegas is all about the capturing the characters AND the lights so Gina spills about the challenges you face when shooting in low light – and how to overcome them. With behind the scenes stories and images, this is a great adventure into the heart of Vegas. #ginachallenge #lowlight Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes “Bright...

Ep 43: Group Hug: How to direct, pose and light group photos

You take them at weddings, schools, family gatherings, cast shoots, staff photos, and more. We’re talking about groups photos. But how do you ensure your group shots don’t look like a lineup of criminals or a boring cluster of people? In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss a step-by-step process on how to create dynamic groups shots that really shine. Gina reveals her “go to” poses for ensemble shots such as the “90210”, the “Reservoir Dogs”, the “Cartier-Bresson”, the lineup and the “just act casual”. We discuss how you can direct a group, whether there are five or 50 people, how to coordinate everyone, how to ensure no one is closing their eyes and how to ensure you image is balanced, and much more! #ginachallenge #group Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here,...

Ep 42: Destination Havana: Gina’s adventures in Cuba

There are some dream photo destinations – and Cuba is certainly one of them. With its nostalgic architecture, retro cars, and faded glamour, Gina’s recent trip to Cuba resulted in amazing images, a brush with the authorities, and a series of inspiring characters. In this episode, Valerie quizzes Gina on why she went to Cuba, how she prepared for the trip, the portable gear and lighting she took with her, and what hair-raising adventures she had along the way. Gina also dissects some of her favourite Cuban shots including how she set the shots up, what she left to chance and which lighting styles she used. Also remember to join the free community on Facebook. Just search for “So you want to be a photographer podcast community”. This week’s #ginachallenge is #retro Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes...

How to direct and pose like a pro

About Gina

About Gina

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

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