Month

September 2016

Ep 93 Everything you need to know about working with photographers’ assistants or how to become one

One of the best ways to learn more about the industry is to become a photographer’s assistant. This will fast-track your learning like nothing else. And when you do get more confidence, one thing that can take your photography to the next level is to actually hire an assistant – not just to help but to bring knowledge and flair to your photography. Yes, you read that correctly. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss what you need to do if you want to work as an assistant, but also if you want to hire one. #ginachallenge #thewindbeneathmywings 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 My new gear! My new sigma 35mm lens $899 US vs Canon $1900 Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head Canon Speedlite...

Why every great photo needs a hero

“I need a hero, I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the night” – Bonnie Tyler Back in the 80s when we wore our hair BIG and our jeans acid washed, Bonnie Tyler had a hit single called Hero. I know every word off by heart because I used to sing it into my hairbrush and pretend I was an 80s pop star. The word “hero” applies to many different things. The fireman that rescues the kitty stuck in a tree is a hero. The footballer who kicks the winning goal in overtime is a hero. And late at night after a long hard day, vanilla ice cream with Nutella is my hero (the ice cream’s organic – don’t judge me). In the photography world, the word “hero” is used to describe the shot, it could be the cover image of a magazine or the opening shot...

Ep 92 How to direct a portrait shoot with confidence

When you are shooting portraits, you need to bring your A-game as a photographer. That means instilling confidence in your subject so that they trust what you are doing and follow direction. When you’re confident, you’ll also achieve a more efficient and productive shoot – and be able to take the risks you need to get the creative shots you really want. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss what you need to do in order to direct a portrait shoot with confidence. Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes Useful link 23 Things You’ll Never Hear a Pro Photographer Say (via Petapixel) Listener Question From Kristi Louise Herd Hi Gina, I have my first portfolio shoot with a young lady (who wants to...

Lightroom Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

Using Lightroom keyboard shortcuts are a great way to speed up your workflow and give you more time to spend on other important things like taking photos! Download your cheat sheet via the link and either print it out and display it near your computer or store it on your smartphone and access it anytime. Download it here.

Ep 91 More ways to avoid and overcome common mistakes part 2

Photography can be a breeze if you eliminate common mistakes. The trouble is that it can take years of experience to figure out what those mistakes are – and how to avoid or overcome them! In this episode, Gina and Valerie distill their experiences in the world of photography and publishing to discuss how you can learn from what they got wrong. They also reveal how you can improve what’s on your website, the right ways to self-promote and what you’re really missing in between frames – it could be gold! #ginachallenge #oops Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes Useful link Photographer BELLYFLOPS into a pool to create the perfect spray of droplets behind his swimwear models Shoutouts To Andrew McNamara Taking some...

It’s amazing what can be achieved one brick at a time. Love this quote!

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent van Gogh

Great composition is a numbers game and understanding the bunny rule.

I love binge watching cooking competitions. One of my favourites is The Great British Bake Off. I love watching contestants battle it out to create the perfect chocolate mud cake or custard tart. The best part about the show is that all the contestants are given the same ingredients to work with and their final creations are judged on technique and presentation. I’m amazed at how many different variations of custard tarts can be created using the exact same ingredients. A few extra minutes whisking or a few moments longer in the oven can be the difference between success and failure. I would love to see a photography version of Bake Off called “Snap Off”, where enthusiast photographers from around the world compete against each other to create the perfect image. The format would be similar to Bake Off, there would be timed challenges and each photographer would be given...

Lighting and directing: The magician

Learn the secrets of lighting and direction in this promotional shoot.

Ep 90 Common mistakes photographers make and how to overcome them part 1

The world of photography can be a world of complexity. And it’s easy to make some rookie mistakes even if you’re a veteran. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss common mistakes that many photographers make and how to overcome them. Whether you’re shooting too loose, or don’t realise you have sloppy composition or need a way to make your images to come to life, the answers are all here. #ginachallenge #myway Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio. Show notes Useful link Looking at the Future Shout out Natalie Finney “Thought I would share a few of the shots I got from shooting my first event last weekend (a charity gala evening with 500+ guests). It was the craziest most manic experience i have had...

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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