Technique and Approach #3

For the third instalment of my series I would like to look at the Golden Hour.

That period of time 1 hr after sunrise or 1hr before sunset. Although I don't always shoot at this time, it certainly produces some beautiful light. Often creating unexpected and surprising colours with film.

This makes me happy.

The following image was shot only a month or so ago during WWIM (World Wide Insta-Meet) here in Brisbane. Atop Kangaroo Point overlooking the city. In this instance, focusing on the fauna growing along the cliff edge. The obvious being the city skyline. 

Focusing on the tree, with an almost identical one in the background giving it both a shadow  / silhouette look. Using Kodak Ultramax 400 Colour film, the colour was a little unexpected, but a wonderful surprise. 'Golden'. A slight vignette around the bottom where the sun slowly passes below the horizon. This has become of my favourite photographs. The golden colour, the silhouette. Simply nature.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Technique and Approach #2.

I can see this becoming a regular thing for me. Where I pull apart and image. Deconstruct.

My first image can be viewed here.

My second image. This is one my all time favourites. It's a Story about a Bridge, here in Brisbane. Commonly known as "Story Bridge'. 

> "The Story Bridge is a heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge spanning the Brisbane River that carries vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between the northern and the southern suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is the longest cantilever bridge in Australia.The bridge is part of Bradfield Highway (15) and connects Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point. It is named after prominent public servant, John Douglas Story." (source - wikipedia)

From my point of view, I shot this on a fairly typical sun shining day in Brisbane / Qld. The composition is a little different. Which is something I always aim for. Avoiding clichés or just a 'snap', I take the form of the structure into consideration when framing the photograph. This is often (although not restrained by) / determined by the lens that I'm using. Which in this case was a 50mm standard prime. The film type Fuji Velvia 100 which produces quite vibrant / vivid colour saturation. Going for just a small part of the structure, rather than the whole thing (which I have done on other occasions). Framed using thirds, the bridge part takes up the lower third (another technique I've used in the past). A detail shot I suppose rather than a whole of subject. With a touch of lens flare from the sun. The colour of the steel has a hint of purple to it, which I owe to the film and the lens. The sun of course, being the main contributor. My obsession for form / structure and light continues...

This image is of course available as a print. Hola here.

Portraiture.

I am now offering portraits for interesting people. Artists (of all kinds), adventurers, sports... My approach is use of natural lighting, the environment (surrounds) and incorporating these elements with a range of different film types. Be it classic portra 400 / 800 or maybe, Ektar 100, or Cinestill, maybe something else. Each film has a certain look, giving direction to the shoot.

Sessions start from $150 for 1 roll (colour or bw)  *guarantee of 15 images minimum (extra rolls POA), including digital files. I like to keep the look natural, some additional post-editing maybe required. However my style is quite raw and natural, sorry no retouching will be done as I think it takes away from the look of film (a little grainy, a little organic).

"Let's get this road on the show."

Contact me here.