In this “minisode”, Gina and Valerie talk about how to communicate effectively as a photographer. There is an art to creating a rapport with your model. And that applies whether you are shooting a supermodel, your neighbour, business people, family, school kids – anyone! When you do the right things to communicate effectively, you get better shots. it’s that simple. Gina has mastered the art of bonding with her subjects, whether she’s dealing with an A-list celebrity, a CEO, an octogenarian or the girl next door. She reveals her top 7 tips so you can too. #ginachallenge 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 We’re loving: Top Photographer Top 7 ways to communicate more effectively with your models Gina’s definition of model: Anyone with...

Above: I photographed this uber cool store display Fotografi Reykjavik in Reykjavik using my Canon 5DMK11 and Canon 24-105mm lens. Ever wondered what the world’s most perfect photo looks like? Maybe there could be a worldwide search for the most perfect photo. Kind of like Miss Universe, only classier and with better sponsors. I’m looking at you Nutella. The Miss Universe of photos could be called Pixel Perfection (working title) and be open to all professional photographers, enthusiasts and instafamous. There would be no age limit or megapixel size and images could be film, digital, pinhole, colour, or black and white. In Miss Universe, contestants are put through gruelling challenges such as the bikini challenge or general knowledge challenge and given scores by a panel of beauty experts, celebrities and a Kardashian or two. Pixel perfection would see images scored and rated by a panel of the world’s foremost experts...

Sometimes, all it takes is a little “dook” or a small “ping” to make your image come alive with breadth, colour and tone. You don’t necessarily need a huge lighting setup. Sometimes, the right amount of fill light can be achieved with reflected light, a white t-shirt, a cheesecake dish (yes, a cheesecake dish) or even the light from a smartphone. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss how you can use fill light in a range of situations, when you would use it and how to use a variety of sources to make it happen. #ginachallenge #ping 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 Top Photographer Travelling on planes with battery operated flash will end in tears and no dinner… The Elinchrom Ranger...

Love this quote about the difference between confidence and arrogance. “Arrogance is all about trying to prove yourself. Confidence is about improving yourself.” – Sean Stephenson

Beauty retouching is an essential skill for portrait and fashion photography.

Here’s a really quick and easy way to improve the appearance and texture of hair in a portrait using the selective adjustment brush.

Photography can sometimes be a competitive landscape. So how you make yourself stand out from the crowd? In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss the key elements you need to consider if you want to have a point a difference, make people remember you (for all the right reasons) and bring something extra to the table. Often, it’s not actually about your actual photography. It’s to do with your attitude and your confidence. #ginachallenge #special 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 Links Gina’s recent lifestyle shoot had to incorporate these products: Cables & Accessories Laptop Hardshell Cases Shoutout David Collopy Discover how Melbourne’s familiar landmarks have changed over time in David Collopy’s display of old and new photographs of the city. Images sourced...

As you know, my co-host on “So you want to be a photographer” is Valerie Khoo. She’s the CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre and she has now brought together her passions for both writing and photography in this awesome competition which should appeal to both writers and photographers alike. Here are the details … Bring your creativity to the Surface! The Australian Writers’ Centre invites you to unleash your creativity in an exciting new competition running throughout November 2016. Creativity can reveal itself in many ways – whether it’s writing a compelling novel, taking a mesmerising photo or producing a piece of art. And we’re all about giving you the right tools to help make it happen. Lately we’ve been sharing some great tips on how you can do that with the ultrathin, powerful and versatile Microsoft Surface. (If you missed these tips, you can view them here and here.)...

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” – Henry Ford There is one accessory I believe every photographer must possess to guarantee they nail the shot. You won’t find this on Amazon, B&H or most camera stores, and second hand versions are useless. This accessory must be acquired new and like great hiking boots, you need to break it in. A word of caution – with all good things – too much can be dangerous. It’s a delicate balancing act but when you get it right, this accessory will make you unstoppable. So what is this amazing accessory? Is it a lens, camera, light modifier, tripod? Nope, none of the above. The accessory that I speak of is CONFIDENCE. When you have confidence in your abilities to get the job done, life as a photographer becomes so much easier, and it shows. Confidence is something that...