Photographer of the High Seas
The life of a cruise ship photographer...
One of my first photography gigs...
The staff and crew bar... not quite as glamorous as the ones above water level. From memory, we were only meant to have a maximum of two beers per person per day... made sure we cleared the table often.
What else to do when surrounded by hundreds of un-sold photographs? Be models of course! This is the gallery where we would print every image with the aim of selling.
As long as we weren't in a guests place, we were able to have a drink in any of the bars. Perks of being a Photographer.
Santorini. When you go every week, you don't even bother getting off the ship. Tender process, stairs... all seemed too much sometimes. But, when we did get off, we had fun!
Guests would head left, we'd go right. Far, far away. Frappes, Greek salad, beer, no guests. Ahh.
I have read a lot of interviews with photographers, and the question is always asked. How did you get into photography? Many times, the answer is ‘my parents were artists’, ‘I knew from the minute I picked up the camera age five’… and so on. Childhood encounters. But mine is a bit different.
Sure, I took pics as a child. I loved Photography in high school - even commuted 45 minutes from a different school so I could hang out in the darkroom. I worked at photo labs, camera stores and got an assisting job in a Greek/Italian/Croatian wedding studio by walking in the door with a handful of prints. Literally.
But then I went overseas...
Working in a bar in Richmond, London, I made friends with a guy who was Photographer for H&M or Mango or something like that. The more I chatted with him, the more I wanted to do what he did. I asked how he got into it. One thing led to another, and next thing I know, I’m working on an Italian cruise liner as a photographer.
The glamorous part of the job was that we visited Venice, Bari, Dubrovnik, Rhodes, Santorini, Corfu and Piraeus (Athens) weekly - and, unlike other staff, we could get off and explore every port. The less glam side of it was that three of us lived cramped in a two bed cabin for a few months, we pestered the guests for photos every waking minute, then had to stand in the gallery and try to sell them in between functions.
A mild ‘up’ was the fact we were staff and not the crew. The crew weren’t allowed above sea level; staff could be in passenger areas so long as they were not getting in a passengers way. We could have a drink or two in one of the lounges, as long as we sat at tables towards the back and not near the bar. We weren’t to ride in the elevators. And for goodness sake, we had to be below water by midnight. I tell you what, our past midnight feast runs up the elevators to the only open restaurant on the pool deck were an adrenalin rush. Never would you want to get caught by the Captain. Thankfully, we had a few security guards on our side.
To be honest, I should have known what it was going to be like. The first week, I felt ‘off’ from all the metal surrounding me. The Captain put us through training for fires. He locked us in a room, let off smoke bombs and told us to find our way out. The choking! OMG.
I was also a minority. It was an Italian cruise liner. Most passengers were Italian, Greek, French or Dutch. The staff and crew were European or Phillipino. I didn’t speak any language spoken on board - the nearest I could get was Brazilian Portuguese. It got me by. I could understand them (sometimes) but rarely could they understand me. It made not understanding ‘no, I don’t want a photo’ very easy. It made selling and the questions that come with it, just slightly difficult. The hardest part though was making friends. English as a second language can be difficult and be tiring to speak for a lot of people. I know - having lived in Brazil and learning Portuguese, I got tired and restless quickly for having to constantly concentrate and think while ‘chatting’. It’s easy for people to hang with their own. I made just a few friends. But we had fun.
Cabin parties. Drinking sessions in the crew bar. Sneaky food runs up to Pool deck. Dancing in the nightclub. And running ashore away from the hordes to have a sneaky local lunch.
Seven day work weeks. Morning and night shifts. Lots of hours. Leftover guest food. Grumpy Captains that complain the music is too loud in the gym during the day. Inside cabins. Bunk beds. One locker for all your personal belongings.
Worth it? I think so. If I had a ship that was English speaking, I could have lasted longer. It’s a great way of discovering parts of the world - especially if you get the opportunity to relocate with the change of seasons. Unfortunately, we’d had enough by the time relocation to the Caribbean came, so quit just a month or so shy of discovering a new side of the world. Oh well. Perhaps I’ll do that as a guest. Haven’t done that yet.
5 tips for building your photo library
"A picture tells a thousand words." We have heard the saying... how many times?
How do your photos tell your story?
Here are some tips to get your photo library working best for you.
Special family times...
Your photo library is the visual foundation on which any marketing strategy is built. Photographs show the appeal – and the competitiveness – of a company or destination.
Research says you have 8 seconds to catch the eye of a Gen Z. And for print... the decision to read or reject pamphlets and direct mail pieces is made by readers in just 2.5 seconds.
Considering thousands of dollars are being spent taking those images into the marketplace - think websites, promotional collateral, travel shows, social media... it makes sense to do it properly from the start. Good photographs are the foundations of your marketing.
Here are a couple of suggestions to make sure your foundations are sturdy.
1. Don't rush it. Plan to build your library over several assignments. You are unlikely to get all the images you need in a single assignment. Consider different light, times of year, emotions, feelings, events... Develop a shot list with your photographer, taking into consideration seasons, major events, travel time and accessibility. Then prioritise. Work out what you can do straight away and what you have to wait for.
2. Recognise the difference between “Stock Shots” (the necessary pictures that show the range of attractions you have to offer) and “Hero Shots” (the flagship photographs that are likely to lead your promotional effort). Like a magazine with their hero cover shot and then the additional feature shots inside the article. Plan to it.
Stock shot of accommodation...
Hero shot showing emotion and experience...
3. Build your library on professional standards from the start. For example... ensure all images are licensed to you and your stakeholders to use for promotional purposes, you have Talent Releases for all people in the photographs, and the images are of a professional standard (i.e., size, colour space, etc.).
4. Work out the most effective way of keeping and distributing your library of images. This will save you hours searching for images in your next campaign. And save you from losing any. Your photographer can also offer advice on how they do it/what they recommend.
5. Make sure your images (hero and stock) sit firmly within your marketing brand. Images that define you and make you unique.
Getting back to nature...
Quirky...
Big open spaces...
If you want to start showing off to the world - the best way you can... contact me. We can chat, I can give you ideas, and of course, I can make beautiful photos for you.
All pics taken at www.almertastation.com.au - a place where ‘Kids can be kids and adults can reconnect.’
UPDATE: South Australian Regional Tours - new dates and new packages!
I'm hitting the road again. Now is the time to update your photos. I have some awesome new packages too.
I'm very excited to announce some new dates for regional South Australian tours. Maybe Tasmania has given me itchy feet? (Who am I kidding, I've always got itchy feet for discovery.)
If you missed out last time, then now is your chance. I loved my last tours and clients found them ultra beneficial and cost effective. Email me now to get going.
BOOK ASAP FOR THESE TWO...
Flinders/Outback - Mon 31 July - Sun 6 Aug
Barossa/Clare - Wed 19 - Fri 21 July
DATES TO BE COMFIRMED...
Riverland/Murrayland - Oct
Limestone - Oct
Yorkes/Eyre - Nov
Fleurieu - Sept/Oct
A range of packages are on offer for these tours, check them out...
Website overhaul
Ideas and package prices to be discussed. This is the big kahuna. Something that will set you up - website, printed promos, Instagram. It's all sorted with these packages.
Social Media Rock Pack - get three months of social pics. 100 pics! $500 - 3-hour shoot
Tell your story SPECIAL PRICE $1500
Various portraits, details, overviews, variations.
Up to four hours
Business
Pics of you
Social media brand style
Website pics
Hero images for advertising
Up to 50 images
Valued at $1900
Region In Residence SPECIAL PRICE $5000
Five days including 2 ‘hero image’ half day shoots including 50 images
3hr workshop
Social media pics x100 taken throughout the week
BONUS: 50% discount Editorial shoots for members/businesses in area booked through this package
Valued at $6500
Better Pics for Social Workshop $500
Suitable for beginners - no fancy equipment required
Simple tips for photographing people, food, events, architecture
Story and light
3 hours
Limited Contra Deals are also available for accommodations.
Of course, if you want something special and unique (who doesn't), I can work with you on that also. Call or email me to discuss ideas.
Conditions: Minimum numbers required for tour to be confirmed.
All prices are exclusive of GST.
Take a look at some of the shoots on my last tours. All done on the popular Editorial Package (with slight variations) valued at $400.
Regional South Australia photo tours - mid 2017 update
South Australian Regional Photo Shoot 2017 TOUR UPDATE
Need photos?
Don't have $$$$ to spend on a full photo shoot?
Not happy with your own pics for social media?
Want awesome pics easy?
I know you realise how important photography is, but when it comes down to budget, there is always something more pressing.
Good photography builds a solid foundation for your marketing. Without it, you can spend thousands and not get the return on invest you hope to see. With just seconds to make an impression (online), you need to give it your best.
To help you get that impact and return on investment, I am doing Regional South Australian tours over the next few months. Not only will you be able to book an awesome package that offers lots of photos, but you won't have to pay any travel/accom fees either. Sounds great, yes? Plus, if you are a member with SATIC, you get an ultra special package. Check your membership area. :)
Dates are...
Barossa/Clare - June/July
Flinders/Outback - Aug/Sept
Fleurieu - Sept/Oct
Riverland/Murrayland - Oct
Limestone - Oct
Yorke/Eyre Peninsula - Nov
There are some new packages available on these tours, as well as my popular $400 Editorial Package which gets you...
Pre-shoot plan
- We will discuss your ideas, what you need, and how to plan to get the most out of your hour of photography. With a little planning and organisation, you will be amazed at what can be done.
1-hour photo shoot
- I can photograph quickly! Have it all ready to go, and we can move around like a 'production line'. With over five years News Limited experience, I know how to get in, get the shots, and get out.
Up to 20 images delivered via Dropbox
- I'll supply your images via Dropbox in both print and web sizes. You can use these images for whatever you want within your business.
Ten pack Social media photos
- While I'm in the area, I'll also get some stock photos. You have access to 10 of these for free use on any social media channel for your business.
Of course, you can book more than one package, or get a tailored package to suit your requirements.
AND THE OTHER AWESOME PACKAGES...
Website overhaul
Ideas and package prices to be discussed. This is the big kahuna. Something that will set you up - website, printed promos, Instagram. It's all sorted with these packages.
Social Media Rock Pack - get three months of social pics. 100 pics! $500 - 3-hour shoot
Tell your story SPECIAL PRICE $1500
Various portraits, details, overviews, variations.
Up to four hours
Business
Pics of you
Social media brand style
Website pics
Hero images for advertising
Up to 50 images
Valued at $1900
Region In Residence SPECIAL PRICE $5000
Five days including 2 ‘hero image’ half day shoots including 50 images
3hr workshop
Social media pics x100 taken throughout the week
BONUS: 50% discount Editorial shoots for members/businesses in area booked through this package
Valued at $6500
Better Pics for Social Workshop $500
Suitable for beginners - no fancy equipment required
Simple tips for photographing people, food, events, architecture
Story and light
3 hours
Limited Contra Deals are also available for accommodations.
Email me or call me on 0402 716 406 now to book or discuss what you need.
A day in the Tarkine, North-West Tasmania.
The Tarkine in North-West Tasmania is a place l fell in love with. It ruined Eastern Tasmania for me.
Belle discovering the Tarkine.
Wow, this is an amazing part of the world. And to see the damage the 2016 bushfires made is sad, but it also gives hope with all the new growth colouring the charred trunks.
I attempted this in a day, although, if you are doing lots of walks, I'd recommend two days. I knew I wouldn't be doing too many hikes with the kids so chose carefully and drove a lot. It is a long day of driving, but so entrancing.
Thin winding roads lead the way to the Tarkine.
The drive there is fun too - thin bitumen roads winding their way through farmland. Bales of hay, cows and random chickens dot the rolling hills. Only the chickens notice the car as they flap away from the sides of the road as I pass. The highway is not much different to the country roads. It is a fraction wider, has a white line painted in the middle, and I can pass another vehicle without pulling off the road. Not that there are many cars on the road.
The Tarkine Dive itself has just over twenty attractions - lookouts, bridges, walks and sink holes. Walks range from easy 15 minute strolls to 5-6 hour coastal hikes.
Trowutta Arch beauty.
Trowutta Arch is an easy 15-minute stroll on a path through the rainforest. The floor is carpeted with moss, fallen trees and tree roots. At the end of the path is Trowutta Arch, the entrance to a water-filled sinkhole - a collapsed cave. One of the mossy rocks makes the perfect canvas to sketch your name. It entertained my artistic Belle while Ashton threw rocks into the water, measuring the 'plops' as they hit - as boys do.
Carpark area at Trowutta Arch entrance.
And the wildlife? Loud talk of leeches, the excitement of finding Cicada shells and 'testing' if the forest carries a coo-ee make sure we don't see any wildlife. Thankfully, we are the only tourists here, so we aren't ruining the quiet serenity for others.
Belle and Ashton finding little bugs and leaves.
Next is a drive through the burnt out area. An area that clashes with the general lush Tarkine elsewhere, where forest kisses each side of the road. These trees are now separated by the sky, little puffs of new green growth smothering the trunks. Burnt, spindly dead sticks stick up in between. Will it ever be the same?
Beautiful Tarkine forest floor.
After a late lunch stop at Julia's River, where we walked another 30 minute round forest track (which probably only took us 20 with after lunch energy) I headed towards the coast. Another contrast.
Pristine waterways.
Driving the road up to the coast, all I could see was barren farmland with nothing able to be grown. It's not windy today, but I can imagine the wind blasting in off the wild ocean. I mean, there is nothing between here and 15,000km of ocean to Patagonia on the south coast of America. Roaring 40's winds of up to 200km have been recorded here!
The path to discovery.
I'd love to stop and do some of the hike out to the ocean, but it's raining, and the kids are tired. So I don't.
Where did all these logs come from?
But I do stop at Edge of the World in Arthur River. And it looks jut like its name, if not a very pretty version. Waves pound in as far as I can see, huge logs have been tossed on every rocky outcrop of the coastline, and the tumbleweed sits sideways.
The other side of this rock is a five metre drop.
It's here that Ashton decides to sprint up to a rocky ledge to see what he and see. I see him running, and my heart stops, I go to scream, then he stops. And sits down. And calmly watches. Heart pounding I go over to him and see what he's looking at. And below him is a drop of over 5 metres. Argh. At least he knew what he was doing.
I'm calling it a day... back to Stanley for fish and chips. Now I'm tired.
NOTE:
I saw (somewhere) it's about 135km drive, but when you are twisting and turning, of course, it takes a lot longer. In some sections allow 15 minutes for 15km.
Workshop: Marden Senior College
Taking a sneak peak into a workshop I conducted for Marden Senior College students.
Last week I gave a workshop to the students of Marden Senior College. Focusing on how I photograph food, but we also touched on location portraits.
The day was split into a studio food shoot, shoot in a kitchen, on location food shoot and portrait shoot.
I started off my intro by saying 'I am not a technical photographer, I go with a feeling. I care more about the story than the camera model or tech specs (although I am fully aware of how I'm shooting and why). Not everything I do is correct, but it's the way I do it.' I don't know if there is a dead set right or wrong way to do things in photography? Or life really.
We also spoke about Contra work, charity jobs, social media and how to get clients. There can be confusion and misunderstanding that there is a prescribed way of how you have to do things.
There isn't.
I accept or decline things on a case by case basis. Some things I do for love, practice, exposure or desire to help. Other things are purely business decisions.
But something I did want to 'bang on' about is the relationship building. It's so important. I have been in business since 2004 and put emphasis on networking, being friendly, doing a good job... people will talk. You know the old saying... 'It's not what you know, it's who you know.'
Studio - playing with angles, light, reflections in glass, working without a lightmeter and reading the histogram.
Kitchen - telling a story. Detail, medium and wide shots. Looking for interest. Keeping out of the way.
Food on location - light, direction, props, backgrounds, creating stories (including one here done by a student on healthy/indulgent), playing around.
People - Looking at interesting backgrounds, graphic, space, reflector or speedlight, working with your subject to make them comfortable.
I put a call out on Facebook for anyone willing to lend us some food... Kayla from Natural Naughties came to our party with some delicious, healthy food. Check out her food, recipes books and more here. http://www.naturalnaughties.com/
Client: Marion Holiday Park
Marion Holiday Park - there really is accommodation for everyone. These images were part of a package I took while there for two hours of event coverage.
Late last year I photographed Marion Holiday Parks 35th birthday celebrations.
Must say, this park is pretty awesome... accommodation for everyone from tent sites to two storey poolside residences. Yes please.
Check out some of the pics I took while there...
Regional South Australia photo tours - mid 2017 update
South Australian Regional Photo Shoot 2017 TOUR UPDATE
Need photos?
Don't have $$$$ to spend on a full photo shoot?
Not happy with your own pics for social media?
Want awesome pics easy?
I know you realise how important photography is, but when it comes down to budget, there is always something more pressing.
Good photography builds a solid foundation for your marketing. Without it, you can spend thousands and not get the return on invest you hope to see. With just seconds to make an impression (online), you need to give it your best.
To help you get that impact and return on investment, I am doing Regional South Australian tours over the next few months. Not only will you be able to book an awesome package that offers lots of photos, but you won't have to pay any travel/accom fees either. Sounds great, yes? Plus, if you are a member with SATIC, you get an ultra special package. Check your membership area. :)
Dates are...
Barossa/Clare - June/July
Flinders/Outback - Aug/Sept
Fleurieu - Sept/Oct
Riverland/Murrayland - Oct
Limestone - Oct
Yorke/Eyre Peninsula - Nov
There are some new packages available on these tours, as well as my popular $400 Editorial Package which gets you...
Pre-shoot plan
- We will discuss your ideas, what you need, and how to plan to get the most out of your hour of photography. With a little planning and organisation, you will be amazed at what can be done.
1-hour photo shoot
- I can photograph quickly! Have it all ready to go, and we can move around like a 'production line'. With over five years News Limited experience, I know how to get in, get the shots, and get out.
Up to 20 images delivered via Dropbox
- I'll supply your images via Dropbox in both print and web sizes. You can use these images for whatever you want within your business.
Ten pack Social media photos
- While I'm in the area, I'll also get some stock photos. You have access to 10 of these for free use on any social media channel for your business.
Of course, you can book more than one package, or get a tailored package to suit your requirements.
AND THE OTHER AWESOME PACKAGES...
Website overhaul
Ideas and package prices to be discussed. This is the big kahuna. Something that will set you up - website, printed promos, Instagram. It's all sorted with these packages.
Social Media Rock Pack - get three months of social pics. 100 pics! $500 - 3-hour shoot
Tell your story SPECIAL PRICE $1500
Various portraits, details, overviews, variations.
Up to four hours
Business
Pics of you
Social media brand style
Website pics
Hero images for advertising
Up to 50 images
Valued at $1900
Region In Residence SPECIAL PRICE $5000
Five days including 2 ‘hero image’ half day shoots including 50 images
3hr workshop
Social media pics x100 taken throughout the week
BONUS: 50% discount Editorial shoots for members/businesses in area booked through this package
Valued at $6500
Better Pics for Social Workshop $500
Suitable for beginners - no fancy equipment required
Simple tips for photographing people, food, events, architecture
Story and light
3 hours
Limited Contra Deals are also available for accommodations.
Email me or call me on 0402 716 406 now to book or discuss what you need.
CLIENT SHOWCASE: King River Rafting
Kayaking on the Franklin River with King River Rafting - and the promo pics.
I hadn't thought of taking the kids kayaking before. I love adventures but presumed they would get bored after, hmm, 10 minutes.
They proved me wrong. This time I was happy to be wrong. And that doesn't happen often. :)
We were in Queenstown with King River Rafting. Paul normally takes people out white water rafting, but for kids aged five and seven, as you know, rafting is not really that appropriate. So he suggested a kayak up the Franklin River. He also liked the idea of getting some kids pics to promote that area of his biz.
Leaving Strahan early, I'd forgotten to pack spare clothes so was hoping we wouldn't get too wet. Oh well, I thought to myself, it's just kayaking (and worse case scenario, we can blast the heaters in the car when we get back). When Paul brought out wetsuits, booties and thermal layers for all of us I realised I had completely underestimated the experience and how cold we could get. Oops.
The kids looked ridiculously cute in the smallest adult gear we could find. Wetsuit legs rolled up like big cream puffs. Booties that flopped about like flippers. They stomped about with giggles.
The next clue to our adventure not being as leisurely as I thought hit me when we arrived at the river. I hauled a kayak over my head and plodded for ten minutes down the forest path to the river. Of course Paul asked if I was ok, but of course I answered, 'yep, no problems'. The kids had to carry a paddle each while I stepped one foot in front of the other, blinded by the kayak, hoping I wouldn't fall in the leech-infested ferns.
While Paul climbed in his and slid down the rock face to the water, I was a little more cautious. I shouldn't have worried, the blow-up kayaks are very stable and can handle just about anything, as I was soon to discover. Ashton jumped in and was paddling before I could push off the rocks.
We paddled for about five minutes. I'm sure I looked ridiculous... learning how to paddle straight using the paddle out one side only (not switching sides). The kayak nosing left then right up river, Paul had to come back and check in on me a few times. It was definitely a slow start.
Then we hit a rapid - with no water. Slimy rocks and branches lay strewn across the river. Hmm. Paul was all over it. He hopped out, hitched his canoe above his head and ran over the rocks to the next section of the river. Then he returned and did the same with our kayaks.
Meanwhile, I was desperate to find a non-slippery rock or branch to step on, and make sure the kids do the same (I don't think I found one). They loved it. I worried about them falling. Nothing unusual. But after doing this about five times up river, I was getting used to it. Then we had to do it all again on the way back. Workout? You bet. Fun? Definitely. Scenic? Given. It's truly stunning.
And... did the kids enjoy it? Absolutely. We took a risk, but because it was just us and Paul, and knew we could turn back at any time. But the kids just kept on going. They loved to 'help' paddle, lay down and watch the water float by, and grab hold of Paul's canoe to get a pull.
Their favourite bit? Clambering all over the wet rocks. Ashton also loved skimming rocks over the river surface - well, trying to.
My favourite part? Getting the hang of keeping the kayak straight while moving forward, using only one paddle. Winning!
Here are the pics I took...
NOTE: Definitely make sure you have a wet bag or housing for your camera - it will get wet.
Getting arty farty...
Switching the brain from commissioned brief driven to creative. Eek.
Occasionally I have the time to think about creating, getting arty. I've done a few exhibitions now, and love the learning curve I get from it.
With my commercial photography, I shoot to a brief. When you sell a destination or company, you can't get too artistic and creative with what you show. It needs to tell the story.
Sometimes I struggle coming out of this mode and into creating mode. It takes a while. And I feel like a complete newbie.
Recently, while resourcing a new personal project, I found some drafts from one of my recent exhibitions. Salty Stories.
I enjoy looking back at my process from first concepts to final pieces... from 'let's put everything in one photo' to simple and soft.
The final 3 images are the exhibition pieces (in order from what I least to most liked).
