Month

April 2019

Read these quotes next time your self-confidence gets kicked to the curb

Above: Image by Gina Milicia We all have days when everything seems to be going wrong. Your last shoot sucked, you lost a client or you just feel meh and think all your photos are shite. I usually curl up in the fetal position with a 500gm jar of Nutella and watch One Tree Hill. What’s your go-to feel better hack? I also find reading these quotes (while eating Nutella) really help. Here are a few of my faves. Enjoy. “It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.” – W.C. Fields “I never loved another person the way I loved myself.” – Mae West “I used to be self-conscious about my height, but then I thought, f*** that, I’m Harry Potter.” – Daniel Radcliffe “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that...

“All my photos totally suck!” How to deal with criticism.

Above: Image by Gina Milicia “Your portrait style just isn’t strong enough… we’re looking for photographers with edgier work – but thanks anyway.” This was the fifth time in a row I had been told that my folio sucked. I was absolutely gutted. This last blow was delivered by Dave, an art director from one of Melbourne’s most well-known advertising agencies. Back then, I was 25 and had just spent the entire day schlepping my folio around in the hope that I would land my big break and pick up the Coca Cola account – and a couple of other big brands – before lunch. All my appointments that day pretty much went the same way. Flick, flick, flick of the pages of my folio…. silence…. followed by “Thanks” and a tight smile. “Your work is not really what we are looking for… but… “ I can’t remember what else...

Ep 243: How to take photos that stand out in a crowded market

If you want to stand out in a crowded market, you need to ensure that your pics exude a certain quality that’s hard to put into words. It’s not about using the most expensive gear or the opportunity to shoot a supermodel. It’s about understanding a few simple rules that can set you – and your photographs – apart from everyone else. In this episode, we discuss what you need know about gear, your point of difference, lighting, posing and how to go the extra mile. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you...

How to swap eyes in Photoshop

Swapping eyes in Photoshop is a useful technique when a rogue blink ruins your perfect shot.

Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Above: Image by Gina Milicia Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking the first steps towards something new can be a really scary experience. Here are a few of my favourite quotes to help you think differently about fear. Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. – Marie Curie Fear is a darkroom where negatives develop. – Usman B. Asif Fear is faith that it won’t work out. – Sister Mary Tricky Fear is the father of courage and the mother of safety. – Henry H. Tweedy Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is small. – Ruth Gendler To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. – Bertrand Russell Fear cannot take what you do not give it. – Christopher Coan The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. – Joseph Campbell Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. – Author Unknown

Ep 242: How to photograph sporting events with guest Robert Cianflone

Sports photography is a unique skill that requires not only an understanding of the sport but an ability to capture fleeting moments that range from sheer victory to tragic disappointment – and everything in between. In this episode, we chat to sports photographer Robert Cianflone on: how he went from shooting local suburban soccer matches to international sporting events, what it’s like to shoot a World Cup, Olympic Games or Grand Prix, his workflow, gear and location scouting. Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. 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...

How to retouch hair in Lightroom

In this tutorial, you’ll discover how to bring out detail, texture and shine in hair using the selective adjustment brush in Lightroom.

How to Photograph Art

Shooting art is surprisingly tricky. It can be hard to line up the shot and capture colours in all their original vividness. Learn the tips to overcome these common hurdles. 

Is shooting in RAW a waste of time?

Did you know that after you take a photo in the JPEG option, your camera will process that file according to an exact mathematical formulation determined by Hans at the camera factory? Hans (not his real name) is commissioned by all camera manufacturers to calculate the amount of contrast, sharpening and white balance that is added to your image when you select the “shoot in JPEG” option in camera settings. Most entry level DSLR cameras and beyond – and some point-and-shoot cameras – give you the option to shoot in JPEG or RAW or a combination of both. A RAW file is like a digital negative. It contains unprocessed data taken directly from the camera sensor. A JPEG is a RAW image that your camera has processed (according to Hans’ personal preferences). I had two beautiful chickens, Marija and Consuela, who were prolific egg layers, forcing me to become more...

Ep 241: How to photograph art using basic or advanced techniques

Understanding how to photograph artwork can result in an additional revenue stream especially because there are not many art photographers around. In this episode, Gina breaks down exactly what you need to get started. You’ll be surprised at how little gear you need to do it! Gina discusses where to place your lights, the ISO your need, what your F-stop should be and much more. And Valerie has a thousand questions! Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process. 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 Every...

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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