Melbourne Portrait Workshop and Calder Park drive day shoot?

[gstark]

Following the success of the Sydney workshop, I have had an offer of a venue for a similar Melbourne event.

The venue is a small studio, with a particular style of lighting setup that will work very nicely for what we did in Sydney, and it also has a background setup, so it's a perfect venue for what we need.

So ... we need to determine if there's enough interest to make this happen. I'd be wanting between 6 and 10 participants, and I'd be very surpprised if we were unable to garner that sort of interest.

Logistical issues that need to be sorted are that we need to have a couple of models. If we can get two who were as good as Dee and Jacinta, we would really be cooking.

I could ask each of them if they were willing to make a trip to Melbourne for this, but if so, we would need to cover all of their expenses for the trip. I don't know if that's viable or acceptable to anyone, but I thought I would raise the question here and see what sort of responses it generates.

Alternatively, we could try to get some local people as models. I'm comfortable either way, but this would be your event, and I'll be guided by what you want.



Now .... here's an interesting point, and I have yet to float this one in the appropriate quarters. I also haven't checked my personal schedule for this one, and this may just be pie in the sky, but I'll raise this here anyway.

As you know, we're having a day, in November, for a few lucky Sydney members at Oran Park where they will have the run of the circuit during a U-Drive drive day. This event gives those lucky members pretty well unlimited circuit access to permit them unhindered shooting of the cars. Panning, prefocus, tap focus ... a great way to get your hand and eye in.

I know that Andrew users Calder Park Raceway as his Melbourne base, and I have a calendar for some of his upcoming days, which shows me a date in the not too distant future. This particular date seems to be on or adjacent to a weekend, which means that one of my primary objections to holding a day shoot in Melbourne - the lack of a known quantity as the lead for the day - could be overcome were we able to take advantage of the timing potential that I think I may be seeing here.

So ... we have a number of different questions to consider ...

1: Is there interest in a Melbourne portraiture workshop?

2: If there is, how do we want to address the issues of dealing with the models: see if we can get either or both of the ladies we used last Saturday, bearing in mind that this would incur some form foem of contribution from participants, or would you prefer to try to source some local people for this?

3: Is there interest in a shoot at one of U-Drive's Drive Days at Calder Park?


Over to you.

[johnd]

Gary, having seen the great results from the Sydney one, a portrait workshop in Melbourne would be tempting for this Hobartian. Especially if combined with shooting at Calder. I'd need an idea of dates before I could commit as I'm in Qld October 21 to 30.
Cheers
John

[PiroStitch]

THe portrait session in Melb gets my vote

[Alex]

Portraiture for me too,Gary, I might get one model (amature). But to check with her I would need to know at least approximate dates for the workshop.

Alternatively, I'm quite happy to chip in to flying the models from Sydney.

Looking forward to this one.

Cheers
Alex

[makario]

another vote from me as well

[Oz_Beachside]

1 vote for me, I'd love the chance to learn with peers, and give me new lenses a solid run!

Happy to contribute towards costs of models from SYD.

[blinkblink]

I'm in unless it is late November as I'm cycling around Victoria then.

I'm not real rich at the moment so I'd rather find some local models but if that fails I could probably find the money to get the models down from Sydney.

Wouldn't mind the Calder Park thing either.

Chris

[Oz_Beachside]

I have a great shoot from the U-Drive days, of a friends drive day (was all 35mm film)

Its lots of fun, and the colors are bright too.

[Greg B]

I'm in for the portraiture session.

Gary - did you pay the models in Sydney anything for the day? I would think that finding local models would be much more cost effective, even if we needed to cover minor expenses and a few bob for their trouble (plus of course, the shots for their portfolios)


(Any weekend except 21/22 Oct for me, I will be away on holiday)

[Oz_Beachside]

I understand Dee is a photgrapher herself, so that would add another photographers input to the learnings of the day!

[gstark]

Greg,

Gary - did you pay the models in Sydney anything for the day?

No.

Both ladies were friends, not models, whom I asked to help out on the day.

We're giving them each a CD with a selection of images from the day for their personal use, and I'm going to be printing a couple of images for each of them as well.

I would anticipate a similar arrangement for the Melbourne workshop as well, and I think for this sort of thing there's an advantage in using people who are not professional models, because, let's face it, when you're shooting portaits, you're not shooting models!

I would think that finding local models would be much more cost effective, even if we needed to cover minor expenses and a few bob for their trouble (plus of course, the shots for their portfolios)

Cost effective, yes, but we also need to have the right people. That was a key to the success of last weekend's efforts.

Dates are still open. If we go with the concept of a Calder Park visit as well, that would mean that Calder would be a Saturday affair, and the portiature workshop a Sunday one.

So ... let me also pose this question: what sort of objections do we have to doing the portatiture on a Sunday?

Again, dates are open; I'm merely looking at the options.

[Alex]

I can recommend an amature model who I took photos of previously. Here is a sample

Alisa is very easy going and is quite relaxed. She has done photo shoots before.

As modelling is not her career, I would be comfortable compensating her for her time in a form of payment of say $25 per hour. If the workshop takes 4-5 hours it's only $125. I am happy to contribute 50% of the total fee for this model with the other 50% coming from other members.

Gary, if you prefer to fly Dee and Jacinta to Melbourne I'm happy with that also.

Alex

[Oz_Beachside]

Weekends work best for me, either day.

Remember in Melbourne we have a day off in November to wear facinators, and top hats...

[Oz_Beachside]

any others interested?

We just need to finalise somes dates, and lets book it in.

How many do we have so far Gary, 5-10?

Anyone know if models from previous are interested/avaialble?

I may be able to arrange for a friend to model for a little bit (pic below)

[Greg B]

Confirming that I am in for any weekend except 21/22 October. Please don't make it 21/22 October

[Antsl]

Hi Oz,

I am able to help out with this workshop depending upon the weekend. Lets see what other people have to say and we can take it from there.....

Ants

[Nikon boy]

Please count me in to both the Portrait and Calder park sessions, and i am willing to contribute to any costs involved Great idea Gary and thanks for thinking of us down here !

[Oz_Beachside]

Proposed Date: Sunday 19 November (also lines up with the Fred Hollows exhibition, weekdays at that time)
Venue: Melbourne Inner City, near beach, will PM details
Setup: 1 studio lighting setup, and 1 Speedlight Setup (SB800 etc)
Time: Kickoff 1030am – through to sunset…
Cost: Voluntary wine donation for host, tutor, and models… (Antsl has offered to run the workshop, so thanks to Anthony)
Draft format:
10.30 in the morning with one model only and we discuss lighting types and the effect of different lights on the model.
12.30 pm we stop for some lunch (BBQ? Every body brings some meat and a salad?).
At 1.30 we go into practical session with extra models. My thoughts are that if we can organise about three or four models in total for the afternoon session then we can split the people into two or possibly three different groups, one in the lounge, the other in the garage and the other work in the garden for an hour or two. The lounge group could be experimenting with the studio lights, the garage group get to experiment with smaller on camera flash units in an off camera role and the outside group can try working with available light and reflectors. Later in the afternoon we can all go down to the beach for a free-for-all!
Sunset about 530-6pm.

Any other volunteers for models?

PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT THIS FORM, HURRY, PLACES ARE LIMITED TO 10, AND EXPECTED TO FILL FAST!!!

[PiroStitch]

if you need some gophers to be models, i might be able to rustle up some girls for you

[Greg B]

Perfect. Lock it in. Make it so. Start your engines.

[Oz_Beachside]

Perfect. Lock it in. Make it so. Start your engines.

Hi,

My note was for the portraiture workshop only, was no reference to the UDrive day, not sure who is carrying that one???

Gary?

Oz

[gstark]

Perfect. Lock it in. Make it so. Start your engines.

Hi,

My note was for the portraiture workshop only, was no reference to the UDrive day, not sure who is carrying that one???

Gary?

Oz

Nothing.

That needs me to be present - there are safety issues that need to be addressed, and we need somebody in whom I have confidence in their knowledge of motorsports and circuit safety and the like. If I was coming down for the portraiture workshop, then I'd be trying to tie the two events together.

But with Anthony running the portraiture workshop, the participants could not in better hands, and I would only just get in the way.

So that means that we'll have to put this off till another time.

[Greg B]

Apologies if my "start your engines" remark was misleading, it wasn't meant to refer to the proposed calder meet, I was just enthusiastically endorsing the proposals for the portraiture workshop.

[casnell]

Consider me definitely interested, I've filled in the form!

Chris

[Alex]

Yep. Have filled out the form.

Thanks
Alex

[PiroStitch]

form submitted and nobody's still replied to my offer....

[Oz_Beachside]

form submitted and nobody's still replied to my offer....

I have received your registration.

Is your offer to invite friends to Model? We are looking for some, so would be helpful.

[Oz_Beachside]

WOW, Strong interest, 6 registered ALREADY!!!

[PiroStitch]

g'day bruce,

Well they're not friends. I did take some photos of them for an event I was covering and I'm sure they'd be interested in this. I'll let them know and see if they're keen.

Cheers,

Wayne

[johnd]

I've registered. It's a long way to come from Hobart for a workshop but I reckon it'll be worth it. And I'll get a chance to meet a few people I feel like I know already but have never met.
Cheers
John

[Alex]

I've registered. It's a long way to come from Hobart for a workshop but I reckon it'll be worth it. And I'll get a chance to meet a few people I feel like I know already but have never met.
Cheers
John

Good. Looking forward to meet you, John.

Alex

[Oz_Beachside]

9 registrations so far!!!

which means, if the limit remains at 10, only one left, but register anyway, as some may drop out as we get closer to the event.

thanks for your intererst.

[casnell]

Still looking for models?

Chris

[Oz_Beachside]

Still looking for models?

Chris

Yes we are, do you have any volunteers?

[casnell]

I'll try...what are we after?

Chris

[Oz_Beachside]

I dont know the criteria...

perhaps someone who is confident in front of a camera is a start, maybe posing experience? a brilliant smile?

what would other registered members like?

[Antsl]

Ok guys... thinking thinking...

Whats the difference in results between an amatuer photographer working with a professional model and a professional photographer working with an amatuer model.... answer, not a lot!

Anyone can make a good model look reasonable but it is worth noting that most of the time you are not going to get an A grade model for your weekend shoots, your going to be getting a friend or someone from next door and these require more skill. You are better off asking an average looking friend who is just happy to be part of the day simply because you are going to learn more about portrait photography this way. Half the battle is in learning how to light people but the other half is in learning how to make people appear comfortable in front of the camera. Learn the later skill and you can photograph anyone.

Don't go looking for "model" models for the day, just bring along a friend!

Ants

[Aussie Dave]

Ok guys... thinking thinking...

Whats the difference in results between an amatuer photographer working with a professional model and a professional photographer working with an amatuer model.... answer, not a lot!

Anyone can make a good model look reasonable but it is worth noting that most of the time you are not going to get an A grade model for your weekend shoots, your going to be getting a friend or someone from next door and these require more skill. You are better off asking an average looking friend who is just happy to be part of the day simply because you are going to learn more about portrait photography this way. Half the battle is in learning how to light people but the other half is in learning how to make people appear comfortable in front of the camera. Learn the later skill and you can photograph anyone.

Don't go looking for "model" models for the day, just bring along a friend!

Ants

I agree. It's about learning to take better portraiture shots, not about working with a gorgeous model.

Perhaps if you're finding it hard to get models, you could all take turns in being the model ? It would let everyone see things from the models point of view, which could also be beneficial in the learning experience ?!? At the end of the day, does it matter who is sitting in front of the camera (for the purposes of this workshop ?)

Just a suggestion.

[Greg B]

All true Dave, but it also about having fun, and having one or more models (amateur or otherwise) who are into being models will create a better sense of occasion than taking photos of each other.

[Aussie Dave]

All true Dave, but it also about having fun, and having one or more models (amateur or otherwise) who are into being models will create a better sense of occasion than taking photos of each other.

True Greg. I just thought I'd suggest it as it seems finding suitable models is posing a problem.....pardon the pun

Of course working with models that have been in front of a camera before will certainly be an advantage. I didn't mean to elude otherwise. Sorry if I was not clear

[Alex]

My model offer still stands if you guys are interested.

Alex

[johnd]

Well, both Alex and Oz have said they may be able to get models. So do we still have a problem?
Cheers
John

[DaveB]

Of course working with models that have been in front of a camera before will certainly be an advantage. I didn't mean to elude otherwise.

<scratches head>
Ah: "allude"!

Sorry, someone has to be the token pedant!

[Aussie Dave]

Of course working with models that have been in front of a camera before will certainly be an advantage. I didn't mean to elude otherwise.

<scratches head>
Ah: "allude"!

Sorry, someone has to be the token pedant!

Sorry, English is my second language......Australian is my first

It was early in the morning though

[gstark]

Of course working with models that have been in front of a camera before will certainly be an advantage. I didn't mean to elude otherwise.

<scratches head>
Ah: "allude"!

Sorry, someone has to be the token pedant!

But is it possible to just be a token pedant?

[Oz_Beachside]

Thats 10 so far. Please register, in case we can cater for any more, or others cancel (will be in a first in basis I guess is fairest?)

Antsl
Oz_Beachside
7zark7
johnd
casnell
Alex
Pirostitch
Nikon Boy
Greg B
DaveB
blinkblink

[DaveB]

Gary, touche!.
Don't you wish you had a rimshot sound-effect to go with that?

[PiroStitch]

Man I'm really excited about this!!! Sorry guys the girls I asked are still studying and that's exam period :S

[Oz_Beachside]

Hello,

THe Melbourne lighting/portaiture workshop is now 3 weeks away. We have 1 volunteers model booked in, can anyone else voluteer (themselves/family/frinds/experienced-models/inexpereinced-models).

regards,
Oz

[MHD]

Proposed Date: Sunday 19 November (also lines up with the Fred Hollows exhibition, weekdays at that time)
Venue: Melbourne Inner City, near beach, will PM details
Setup: 1 studio lighting setup, and 1 Speedlight Setup (SB800 etc)
Time: Kickoff 1030am – through to sunset…
Cost: Voluntary wine donation for host, tutor, and models… (Antsl has offered to run the workshop, so thanks to Anthony)
Draft format:
10.30 in the morning with one model only and we discuss lighting types and the effect of different lights on the model.
12.30 pm we stop for some lunch (BBQ? Every body brings some meat and a salad?).
At 1.30 we go into practical session with extra models. My thoughts are that if we can organise about three or four models in total for the afternoon session then we can split the people into two or possibly three different groups, one in the lounge, the other in the garage and the other work in the garden for an hour or two. The lounge group could be experimenting with the studio lights, the garage group get to experiment with smaller on camera flash units in an off camera role and the outside group can try working with available light and reflectors. Later in the afternoon we can all go down to the beach for a free-for-all!
Sunset about 530-6pm.

Any other volunteers for models?

PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT THIS FORM, HURRY, PLACES ARE LIMITED TO 10, AND EXPECTED TO FILL FAST!!!

DOH! If you would have made it the saturday I could have come!
Sounds like fun!