We take you behind the scenes of an actor’s editorial shoot. Here, Gina and Valerie discuss the planning process, determining what needs to be achieved, the different “looks” needed, how she achieved her goals in the setting provided and when and why lighting was brought in. They reveal what techniques were used to create moody settings and how to shoot in almost pitch black circumstances and how to create beautiful backgrounds out of nothing. #ginachallenge #slashies 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 links 20,000 Watt Light Bulb Test 35mm Showdown: Canon, Canon L and Sigma Comparison Behind the scenes on an actor’s editorial shoot Timothy Springs actor singer dancer aerialist and model. Seen as a face for the “Back to Blue” print...

In this MacGyver-style episode, Gina and Valerie discuss inexpensive and innovative ways to create a range of diverse backgrounds to use in your photo shoots. These ideas are particularly useful for portrait and lifestyle photography, but could also be used in other types of photography. From simple hacks, to fairy lights, wallpapers and Gobos, you’ll learn ways to transform your backgrounds in an instant. #ginachallenge #checkoutmybackground 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 Listener Questions Peter Foote: “Those that do commercial fashion stuff. Do you charge per image, per hour, or just a half or full day rate?” We answer in this week’s episode. Notes: Charge by half day or full day Catalogue per shot Plus assistant Plus studio hire Plus files per shot...

How do you photograph plus-size model in the most flattering light, poses and situations? In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss the best lenses to use, how to use light effectively, which poses are the true winners in this situation and much more. #ginachallenge #curvelove 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 Listener Question “I am a boy of 17. I have my own studio. 2 strobes. I have 100% support from my family to pursue photography as a career. But. I need to know what is the future of this field as a person’s source of income? I have deep interest in fashion and portrait photography and I follow your works But I don’t want to do marriages /ceremonies/ programs etc. I want...

In a world full of Instagram, Tumblr, Flickr and Google images, it’s easy to come across amazing photography from regular people. But it is also very worthwhile to invest some time discovering – or re-discovering – the masters of photography. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss true icons of the photographic world – on how they shaped the way we see things, what you can learn from them, and how you can adapt their style in your own images. #ginachallenge #masters 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 Paul Chapman Tried some self-portraits today. First time shooting tethered which made it sooo much easier. Took a few with my umbrella box and square softbox but it was quite tricky to get a...

If you want to get the best bang for buck – or give your client the best bang for their buck – all it takes is a bit of planning and forethought. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss how you to get multiple shots from your portrait photo shoots. And we’re not just talking about getting your subject to bring heaps of different clothes. Here, we outline how one pose can achieve a variety of looks, and how to create differences with only micro-adjustments. #ginachallenge #goingwiththeflow 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 Question from Michael Brewer “I wanted to say how nice it is to be part of this group. I haven’t posted for a while, because my camera gear was stolen...

Sometimes, you have to work with what you’ve got. Life doesn’t always provide you with perfect shooting conditions. So, in this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss how you can find great daylight for portraits anywhere. They also talk about the importance of exposing for different parts of the image – and the surprising results you can achieve from this. 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 links 2 Million Photos In 8 Years Or What It’s Like To Be Obama’s Photographer Shoutout Listener Question from Katrina Schubert “I’m in the early stages of starting a small photography business. I want to shoot families, kids, head shots and hopefully school formal portraits. I’m at the point where I need to start building a portfolio...

What happens when you head to Sicily with a group of photography enthusiasts to capture a series of awesome portraits, combined with an unforgettable culinary journey? Well, Gina Milicia has done just that. And in this episode, she shares her adventures with Valerie, along with: what gear she packed, what went wrong, how she achieved her shots, and what the group learnt along the way. #ginachallenge #rustic 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 Gear List 5DMK111 70-200mm L series 11 24-105mm L series 16-35mm L series   4x pocket wizards 2 x yongnuo triggers 1 x 580 EX11 1x Yongnuo speedlight 1x Chimera portable beauty dish 1x grid 1x med softbox 1x small softbox 1x plastic dome 1x paper bag   Tripod Manfrotto...

Sometimes you have to travel light (pardon the pun), whether that’s overseas or just to do a shoot down the road. Or maybe you’re just not ready to invest in a whole heap of lighting equipment. Well, the good news is that you can often rely on just one light – if you’re smart about the way you use it. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss what you can do in different situations where lighting is needed, and how to solve the problem with just one light, but still get magnificent results. #ginachallenge #onelight 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 Paul Mansell shot this Australian politician: Doug Smith shot these B&W images:   Listener question Keith Macke asks: To all that...

“I never have enough time!” It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? We’re all pressed for time and it can be tough to carve out a section of your week so that you can work on your photography. But the reality is you don’t need to wait till you have a huge chunk of time to work on your craft. You can get “photofit” in just 5 minutes a day. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss how you can improve your photography with a range of smart exercises that you can do in just five minutes a day. And you don’t need any fancy gear to make to happen. All these exercises can be done with what you have one hand, at home or in the office. #ginachallenge #photofit Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the...

Photographing reflections can be tricky, but they can also add another dimension to your photography. While some photographers think reflections are annoying, they can also be a creative tool that can take your images to another level. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss where to look for reflections, how to use them to your advantage and what you need to do to achieve the look you want. 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 Shout outs Hugo Takes a Selfie | 8.5+ Years (via Ian Hulme)   Smart MacGyvers   Peter used the welding glass suggestion from the episode 73 (Filters). He says: “Welding glass would have been a shade 13. On my then new pride and joy 1100D with kit lens in Coffs...