Ramblings

June 28, 2011

10 Year Celebration

Well … today marks 10 years in business. Where did the time go? With such a milestone there is always cause for reflection. Where was I 10 years ago?

- Moving into our studio in Chapel St where we have had the good fortune to remain for 10 years.

- Door knocking like a Turkish rug salesman, hoping someone would look at my folio and give me a job. Thank you Cox and Buro you gave me a great start.

- Servicing a huge equipment debt – (that hasn’t changed).

- Shooting on 6x12cm roll film backs on a beautifully crafted Linhoff technikardan S45.

- Scanning all our film with an Imacon Flextight Precision II scanner.

- Filing and archiving all our film.

- Endlessly visiting the Lab.

From a technology stand point life now is quite another story. We are slaves to the digital era and spend a large part of our time tied to the computer labouring over file processing, archiving and maintaining enormous catalogues of data.

I have had the good fortune of some fabulous assistants who have all contributed so much to helping me remain in business and overcome many unexpected obstacles on a shoot. Thank you to:

- Alexandra Yourn my producer and good friend who made starting a business fun and gave so much moral support. Ali is now a dedicated producer in New York for her wonderfully talented husband Lucas Allen – www.lucasallen.com.au

- Kim Lawler my first assistant who helped me muddle through the beginnings of a professional career. Kim is an amazingly talented photographer in her own right pursing her own career as an artist and undertaking a PhD – www.kimlawler.com

- Kate Morris who generously came on board to assist and help with administration, all the while establishing and running her own photographic business - www.katemorris.com.au

- Markus Weber – the man who did everything! Markus never complained despite some very tiring and trying shoots. Markus now works full time for Spotlight shooting their in house catalogues and remains a most valued friend.

- Viola Nardi – Viola was just an absolute joy to be around. She would make light of any situation and was a hard working and dedicated assistant. We lost Viola to the sunnier shores of Sydney where she is making her way to establish her own photographic career – www.violanardi.com

- Katherine Reghenzani – Kat came on board after her father contacted me to see if she could do some work experience. Straight from high school, Kat embraced tasks with maturity and intelligence. It was a pleasure to have Kat. Kat is now a full time school teacher.

- Kelly Gardner – I mentored Kelly while she was undertaking her BA Photography course at RMIT. She impressed me so much I employed her when she graduated. Kelly has gone on to establish herself as a beautiful documentary photographer - www.kellygardner.com.au

- Jason Chetwynd-Cox – Jason you rock and you can never leave!

The resounding attribute of all my assistants is that they were all extremely hard working and bastions of support in producing the portfolio of work that I have to date. Thank you I would not be here without your help.

Last but by no means least I would like to thank the man who gave me my start in photography, the one and only Mr John Gollings. Assisting John gave me an insight into the craft and processes of photography along with a lot of fabulous experiences

Just to wrap up, a few milestone experiences:

- Most challenging location – Engine room of Casey Arc Swimming Pool.

- Best accommodation pick – Echuca Rivergum Motor Inn whose promo line says it all ‘Spend a night not a fortune’.

- Best luxury shoot – Sofitel Wentworth Sydney followed by Magnetic Island.

- Most challenging obstacle – sensor lighting for dusk shoots – seems that override button is about as accessible as the crown jewels.

- Most mentally tiring shoot – 8 hour – 360 degree (50mm) panorama stitches from 55m crane.

- Longest standing client – Cox Architects – Thank you for your amazing on going support over 10 years from Kangan Batman TAFE to AAMI park.

- Best celebrity moment – Meeting Al Gore – Thanks GHD for commissioning me for the ‘Our Planet’ conference.

- Best helicopter shoot – Melbourne to Lorne with Flood Slicer.

Thank you to Grenade www.grenade.com.au, efront www.efront.com.au and Pyemachine www.pyemachine.com for my facelift – you’re better than any High Street plastic surgeon.

Cheers to 10 years!

April 10, 2010

Generosity of spirit

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This blog is dedicated to generosity of spirit!

Over the past month our travels and assignments have introduced us to some wonderfully generous people who have helped us and bestowed their hospitality upon us.

Firstly I must thank Bobbie Lederman who graciously invited us in to photograph her home. Bobbie is one of those wonderfully amazing women who has an innate kindness about her. Upon arriving at her home we were greeted with a parking permit to alleviate us of the hassle of having to move our car on the hour (pure bliss for us!). Bobbie had her home in immaculate order so our job was made very easy. Once we finished taking photographs Bobbie invited us to stay for afternoon tea that she had prepared in advance for us. I think the i-phone snap below says it all. We don’t often get too much down time on jobs and I think Jason’s (my assistant) smile is a good indication of Bobbie’s fabulous baking skills – Oh yes indeed! Did I mention that Bobbie baked a cake for afternoon tea?

Another assignment saw us all the way out in Glenhope for a new job with JOH Architects. Twas a dawn shoot and a 1.5 hour drive, so for us one of those crazily early starts. Upon arriving at Glenhope we introduced ourselves to Christian who had kindly met us on the freeway and guided us to the property to avoid us having to find the remote property in darkness. Thanks Christian you’re a champ! Upon arriving David (the owner) offered us coffee (glee to our ears) and then returned with coffee and jam on toast – we love you David! Here’s some pic’s that confirm the early start was worth it.

Thanks to Jane & Mat Martino for sharing their Easter Saturday and their gorgeous little boys with us and helping us create some lovely images that reflect the special touches they have made to their fabulous holiday rental ‘Comma Stables’ at Daylesford. In addition to Matt’s abundant creative talents, he’s also a magnificent sandwich maker. If the piccies below make you want to be there, you can book a stay at http://www.dayget.com.au – just look for ‘Comma Stables’.

Another assignment saw us out at Berwick. Sometimes luck shifts in mysterious ways. Upon our arrival in Berwick the weather was not being our friend. We had decided with the client to cancel the shoot, but agreed to spend a bit of time checking out our options for a later shoot date. During this time the clouds cleared and we couldn’t believe our luck. This luck was short lived, just as we were about to do our shot a car crashed into a telegraph pole bringing it down and rendering the main st closed. Traffic was abysmal. We circumvented things a little and changed our perspective to get the shot and then realised that we could shoot in the middle of the road since it was closed off (see pic below). What we hadn’t considered was that to the unsuspecting commuter stuck in a traffic jam it appeared as though the road was closed for us to take photographs. A very frustrated lorry driver abandoned his vehicle amidst the jam to come and complain – funny!

…. last but not least – I was nominated in the Top Ten photographers for Architectural Photography in Capture magazines Australia’s Top Photographers competition. To see some interesting work and talented photographers – see http://www.austtopphotographers.com.au/yaf-news/architecture

Each year photographers, creative directors and anyone with a vested interest in professional photography can nominate photographers for consideration for the awards. After nominations close, the nominated photographers then vote for their peers. This is a fabulous opportunity for photographers to be acknowledged by their peers. I encourage you to keep your eye out for 2011 and nominate those great photographers whom you admire.

July 27, 2009

July Update

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It’s been a while between posts and am feeling a little catholic guilt for neglecting our blog. Our biggest news is the purchase of our new Phase P45+, 39 Megapixel Digital Camera back and Cambo Camera. I have sadly bid farewell to my faithful old Linhoff and embraced the new high end digital technology. This is not our first foray into the high end digital arena, we previously purchased the Leaf Aptus 33 megapixel back which we have been very happy with. Anyone whose privy to what is going on with Leaf at the moment will understand our reservation about committing to upgrades with this brand and hence the switch to Phase. I feel a bit like the guy who bought a Ford Edsel! We have been holding off on our investment in a large format camera suitable for the high end digital back until the release of the 23mm Rodenstock lens. This is an exquisite lens and makes the high end backs now much more appealing for architectural work. These items are enormously expensive and are a testament to our commitment and investment in the production of the best quality work we can deliver for our clients. This by no means leaves our Canon 1DS Mark III redundant. It really is about selecting the right equipment for the job. I look forward to sharing some of the pictures that we produce from our new technology. We’ve been busy shooting some new interesting projects, here’s a glimpse of what we’ve been up to. Another beautiful fit out by Ryan Russell Architects:

We had fun with the Grenade team shooting their fabulously renovated studio in Prahan:

We have been working with the City of Melbourne to document the new Flagstaff Gardens Bowls Club – a true haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, nestled cosily amidst the gardens, you almost forget you are in an urban metropolis:

On the studio front, we bid farewell to Markus who has been a fabulous contribution to our studio for the past 5 years. He has become a treasured friend and will be missed. We wish him well in his new endeavours. We welcome Kelly on board and we look forward to covering many great projects over the next 6 months.

May 12, 2009

Awards Frenzy

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Well it’s that time of year again where we get to celebrate and acknowledge the fabulous work of our clients and the accolades bestowed upon them.

World Architecture News – Education Building of the Year 2009

A huge congratulations to Spowers Architects on the ‘WAN – Education Building of the Year Award’ for the Australian Technical College in Sunshine. To take out a global award is most certainly a fabulous coup for both Spowers and Australian Architecture on the world stage. I love that there was a 13 year old student on the jury. It is so important that Architecture and Interior Design is successful to those who inhabit the spaces and it’s great to see that Jury’s are formulated not just by peers and academics, but the audience who actually may work, play and live in these environments. I was completely enthralled shooting the East facade of this building. It was one of those situations where a symbiosis occurred between the landscape conditions, the light, the architecture and my enthusiasm at the realisation of this alignment. The learning spaces are bold, open, integrated and fun. I am pleased to see this building recognised and I am always glad to see ‘fun’ celebrated in Architecture and Interior Design.

Dulux Colour Awards 2009 – Residential Interior

Congratulations to Emma Mitchell who took out the colour award for ‘Residential Interior’. The Anglesea House was a pleasure to shoot and has been featured in ‘Houses’, ‘Home Beautiful’ and ‘Kitchen, Bathroom & Bedroom’ magazine (UK), so it’s safe to say it has raised a lot of interest amongst publishers. It is a wonderful space to be in and is delightfully playful and fun. I have been shooting Emma’s work for the past 7 years and and each project is unique and inspiring to me as a photographer. Emma has a very distinct style and I am very fortunate to be able to be part of the documentation and expression of her completed projects. You can see more of Emma’s work at www.emmamitchell.com.au

National Interior Design Awards 2009 – Emerging Interior Design Practice

We are proud to congratulate Byron George who received the award for Emerging Interior Design Practice.

Thank you Byron for selecting me to commence the photographic record of your work. It has been inspiring, but more importantly it has been fun… just remember ….’The last plane out of Sydney’s almost gone!”

Byron (in conjunction with Fabio Ongarato) also received the 2008 IDEA Award for Best Retail Interior for the Igloo Zoo fit out shown above.

National Interior Design Awards 2009 – Colour in Commercial Interiors

Ryan is certainly the one to watch – young, handsome and hungry! Having won the ‘Emerging Practice’ Award in 2007, I think we can safely say he has emerged.

This year ryan won the ‘Colour in Commercial Interiors’ award for his Aesop store at Doncaster and was awarded a ‘Commendation’ for the ‘Retail Design’ category. The Aesop Doncaster store is an ingenious solution for a high profile brand. Well done Ryan – we love it! To see more of Ryan’s work visit – www.ryanrussell.com.au

National Interior Design Awards 2009 – Premier Award in Design Excellence & Public Interior Design

Congratulations to John Wardle Architects. Everyone should visit this building. The Jury citation says it all. To view the jury citation visit http://www.interiordesignawards.com.au/results/

May 9, 2009

Back on board

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After 5 weeks traveling the globe I’m back on board. We had the most incredible holiday catching up with friends and seeing amazing sights. I return refreshed and inspired. Thanks to Markus for keeping things rolling in my absence.

We had an eventful global journey narrowly escaping the Rome earthquakes, the attempted assassination of the Queen of Holland and the dreaded ‘Swine Flu’, but mostly we survived driving on the crazy Italian roads – less one side mirror.

I’ve included some pic’s from our escapades for anyone who is interested.