Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
Monthly Archives: February 2013
A Walk In The Trees
This photograph was composed from two images taken with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
I still can’t get over the incredible image quality from the Fujifilm workhorse. Certainly a camera I highly recommend!
What about you? Do you have a favourite camera? Let me know in the comments below. I would be interested to hear what gear you shoot with and why.
Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
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Navigation
Light began to fall with a golden glow guiding the sailing boats along the choppy horizon. I watched in wonder as the boats moved back and forward navigating the openness of the earth. Vessels shot along back and forth like children’s toys in a tub. The race had begun.
Looking into the scene I couldn’t help but feel small at the sight of the over-towering clouds as light filtered magically through them, adding a richness to the scene.
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
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Love My Rotto
Rottnest Island is surrounded by pristine waters and only a short trip from the mainland making it a great weekend getaway. The locals refer to the island paradise as ‘Rotto’. For me this photograph captured on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1, sums up the island perfectly. Pristine beaches, clear water and amazing views – what more could you want? You can even see the City of Perth (which is my hometown) on the distant horizon!
Paradise found – love my rotto!
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
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Port Beach
Photographed using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
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The Test of Time
Wisps of playful cloud lingered hawk-like above the crooked building. I stared up at the gothic textures standing steadfast against the softening afternoon sun. Darkening shadows hung chiselled in the crevasses of the tired building. The angle of light was just about right as the flaws of time were enhanced by the soft illumination. I shuffled on the pavement to gain my composition while my eye gazed through the dusty viewfinder, through to the turret like windows.
The tower looked silently lost and forgotten in a place that once was humble cobblestone and carriage. All the streets used to be all like this, lost in the moment of time – bought together by people. However times have changed and it’s nice to see a building of its caliber sit proudly against a sea of glass and steel.
Abruptly the city noisily erupted around me. The clacking of heels and bustling of cars filled my arena. I found my arms weakening at the weight of my camera as it was defined by gravity. My moment of triumph seemed to crumble before the ageing architecture. I recomposed and strengthen myself. Holding my breath, I snapped at the shutter – clickety clack, the mirror jolted up and down revealing the architecture that stood the test of time.
Photographed at the Wesley Church Tower, Perth, Western Australia
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
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Firework Abstracts
Sailing in Fremantle
My Timing was put to the test as I tried to capture a silhouette of this yacht against the sunset in Fremantle, WA.
I probably had half a second before the yacht moved, exposing the sun which would have resulted in an over exposed image.
Shooting into the sun isn’t really recommended for your camera’s sensor or your eyes but hey I couldn’t pass up this rare shot.
I just wish there were some clouds!
Photographed with the Canon EOS 1D MK IV and Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
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Rottnest Swim 2013
The 2013 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim kicked off at the crack of dawn this morning so I went down to Cottesloe Beach to capture some photos of the start.
The first group of swimmers left Cottesloe Beach at 5.45am to undergo the 19.7km swim to Thompsons Bay, Rottnest Island. The rest of the groups left the beach in 15 minute intervals after the first group. Swimming groups were made up of either one of four categories; solo, duo (teams of 2), team (teams of 4) or Lavan Legal Charity Challenge (teams of 4). Colin Barnett, the Premier of Western Australia sounded the hooter for each of the groups to start their epic journey.
The first photo I captured was probably the most difficult due to the lack of light. Fortunately the cameraman at Channel 9 had a very powerful video light which I was able to use to frame the first photo. Although I did have to use ISO 8000 so I could use a fast enough shutter speed.
I wanted to try to portray the salt of the ocean in my photographs so I decided to produce some high contrast black and white photos. These 25 photos are the end result. If you wish to use these photos commercially please credit with the following details: Leigh Diprose – www.leighdiprose.com
These images are free for anyone to use. If you would like a high resolution copy please email me at leighdiprosephotography@yahoo.com.au and I will forward a copy to you.
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Foreboding
The tugboat’s masterful navigation into the darkness was met by violent bursts of electricity as scores of bolts surrounded the tardy freighter and trailing vessel.
The freighter’s intrepid journey seemed like a gauntlet to the watchful eye of the photographer. The ghostlike form steamed into the darkness leaving behind its’ port of refuge.
An eerie glow flashed and faded as the clap of thunder roared across the flat ocean, reverberating across the blanket of laden clouds that encased the darkening storm.
Photographed with the Canon EOS 1D MK IV and Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8
Image processed to the sound of Flight Facilities – Clair De Lune (feat. Christine Hoberg)
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
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Let Loose In Photoshop
See what happens when I play with paint and brushes? I think all the finger painting in my childhood paid off!
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!
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Portrait Photography in Fremantle
After work yesterday I ventured to the top of Monument Hill in Fremantle to take advantage of its towering presence over the suburbs. The clouds were out in full force bouncing some beautiful light and it was my goal to capture them for later Photoshop use.
The sun was setting and I had carded a few great shots when I noticed another photographer in the area photographing a beautiful model.
I approached them both and introduced myself. I then asked if it would be okay to take a few photos, to which they replied no worries. My cloud photos could wait!
I found out the photographer and model had only been in Australia just over a month…when I asked them, are you enjoying living here? They both replied at the same time “its hot!”
These photos were captured using the Canon EOS 1D MK IV and Sigma 120-300mm
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
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Be Creative and Capture The Details
Sometimes its best to look at the interesting parts of a scene. The end result won’t look like another boring sunset…… take this photo as an example.
Do you like this?
Over the next week I would like to challenge you in your photography. Try photographing the smaller details of a scene rather than the complete scene. Let me know what results you get by posting a link in the comments below.
Captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
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The Afternoon Atmosphere at South Beach
The afternoon atmosphere gathered with excitement.
A colourful mass brewed ignited by the last light.
Reflections turned to glass mirroring the magnificent spectacle happening above.
Children played by the water’s edge as a man tried his luck at the ocean bounty.
Mirages filled the drizzled horizon exposing ghost ships shimmering in the afternoon heat.
I saw the scene developing before me.
The movement of the water would have to be masterfully timed.
My hands griped the salty leather surrounding my X-Pro 1.
Powering up, the aperture ring clicked into its normal stop.
With camera rotated my eye became fixed to the viewfinder.
A short wait and the wave behaved the way I had envisioned.
Captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. Stitched in Photoshop.
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
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End Of An Era
Today I have officially put in my resignation from my managerial role at Valentine’s Camera House. I have given 4 weeks notice to the owners and for those who don’t already follow my blog if you didn’t hear the news already…I will be moving to Sydney at the start of April.
My preparation for the big move is going well and my spare time doesn’t seem so spare! I find myself breaking down furniture whilst dealing with the general public on Gumtree as I try to get rid of it. The dealings I have had so far have been good however on one occasion some guy decided a swap should take place, my Canon EOS 1D MK IV for his electric golf buggy. After receiving a photo of a golf buggy I messaged back the official line from the movie, The Castle and said, “Tell him his dreaming.” I think he got the message after that! There is no way I would swap a pro body for a golf cart! Hell no!
For those of you who are interested I will be organising some farewell drinks as I would love to say goodbye to everyone I know in Western Australia. I wish to invite anyone who I have impacted with my photography, anyone within the imaging industry and of course family and friends. The date I have put aside will be Friday afternoon/evening on the 22nd of March. The official invite containing more details will be posted here on my blog as well as Facebook so please leave the date aside as I would LOVE to see you all there. I will provide more information on the venue in the coming week so until then…
Happy Shooting!
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Chris and Charlie’s Wedding at Maitraya
I hope you enjoy this small selection of photographs I captured at Chris and Charlie’s wedding.
The wedding was held at the stunning Maitraya Luxury Private Retreat, located near Albany, Western Australia. If you haven’t stayed at Maitraya before I would certainly recommend it! The views are breathtaking and the accommodation is all class. Hey even Lady Gaga has even stayed there so it must be good!
The bridal party, family and guests were all fantastic to work with. I enjoyed photographing all the smiles and love for Chris and Charlie, so thank you to everyone who made this wedding truly spectacular!
To see more of the weddings photography by Leigh Diprose please visit Brides Perth.
This wedding was photographed using the Canon EOS 1D MK IV and Fujifilm X-Pro 1
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Echidna Abstract
Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo
After work earlier in the week I drove down to Safety Bay to photograph my Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo Limited Edition.
I’m not really a car sort of guy so don’t ask me what the specs are….put it this way I bought this car after watching a YouTube video. The guy at the dealership had the easiest sale ever!
Photographed with the Canon EOS 1D MK IV
Styled and edited to the soundtrack of Chocolat
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
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Latest Wedding Photos Coming Soon
Olympus Australia Adds to the Redundancies List
The imaging industry in Australia is on the decline restructure. Gone are the boom times of rocketing camera sales and profitability. Times are tough for most retailers and this has been reflected in a number of job losses across the wholesale imaging industry.
Today I found out Olympus made 9 positions redundant across Australia. To my knowledge most of the redundancies happened over in the east coast of Australia with no job losses in the State of Western Australia. The positions made redundant varied from business managers, administration and a position within the accounts department.
Recently I saw a similar situation happened with Sony Australia where service technicians and account managers (to name a few) were also given their pink slips .
But it’s not all bad news for Olympus. Industry figures (recently released) showed the Olympus OM-D held a whopping 43% of market share for Digital SLR cameras in the month of December 2013. Historically Olympus have been very strong in their compact range but over the last couple of years sales figures have been in a downward spiral. I’m sure this would have played a part in the redundancies as the rise of smart phones has clearly dominated this category. However saying this the OM-D is certainly making up for the lack of sales in compacts. To this day I have never seen a camera sell as well – so I think Canon and Nikon should take a leaf out of Olympus’s book to see what they are doing right!
On top of the OM-D’s success its rumoured Olympus will be releasing an updated Digital SLR to replace their flagship E-5 camera . I can confirm Olympus’s marketing department is heading on a plane to Japan for ‘meetings’ this week, where I’m sure this rumoured camera will be discussed and revealed. So stay tuned.
For those who are reading this who have been made redundant I certainly know what it is like. Over one year ago I found myself in the same situation. My role as an Area Business Manager for Fujifilm Australia was no longer required as the company was transitioning itself into more streamlined practices. Online services seemed to be the way of the future and since November 3rd 2011 (the day I was made redundant *on my birthday*) Fujifilm Australia is believed to have made a total of nearly 50 redundancies (unconfirmed). As I have been in the industry for some time this was no surprise. Online accounting services and cloud computing have replaced the expensive employee and at the time of my redundancy my thoughts were reflected in Dave Marshall’s CEO statement to the press (via current.com) –
“By creating clever internet systems that incorporate such initiatives as sophisticated reordering websites, centralised systems, Facebook applications and virtual photo books, Fujifilm aims to provide innovative platforms that will offer new business opportunities for all of its customers.
“Fujifilm Australia has already proved very successful in developing and delivering cutting edge network solutions for its customers within the consumer imaging segment.
“Advanced plans are now underway within Fujifilm Australia to extend its network connectivity capabilities to the Graphic Systems and Medical Imaging Divisions.
“New business models that maximise this trend to ensure customers are at the forefront of new technology is a key focus for our business moving forward.
“In order to reinvent our processes and technology, this represents an opportunity to create a range of new specialist positions within Fujifilm Australia to drive a seamless transition for both consumers and customers.
“Unfortunately, as part of this process, it has also meant some changes to positions that have become redundant in the back office administration area due to technological advancements.
“There has also been a small number of positions that have been rationalised at the front end of the business to accommodate the specialist roles that are being created as part of the transition.
“Our goal is to strengthen Fujifilm’s position and ensure it is suitably equipped to balance current market demands with future business investment.
“Advancements in technology coupled with changes in consumer behaviour, has resulted in a significant transformation in the way businesses such as Fujifilm need to operate.”
So do I have any advice for employees who find themselves out of a job? Certainly! My advice – stay positive and hold no grudges. Look at it this way, being let go is possibly the best thing that could happen to you. It’s a new start, a new you. So don’t be complacent, use this time to reinvent yourself and do what you love. Start your own business or even become a consultant within your industry. For me I followed my love of social media and although I am still working a 9 to 5 I do plan on making this my gig in the distant future.
So based on Fujifilm, Olympus, Sony and Panasonic’s (2011) redundancies the big question looms….what about the big players like Nikon and Canon? When will they be cutting back?
Over the last couple of days I have been doing a bit of research on the subject and have found two hypotheticals which could lead to redundancies (please take my findings as speculation and rumour, not fact):
1) Canon Australia are advertising for a Salesforce Consultant.
I can see the move to Salesforce equating to job losses within Canon Australia in the next year. The reason I say this is because when I worked at Fujifilm I saw the same Salesforce rollout. It certainly is a powerful account management system and it does really replace the need to have extra account managers out in the field. Once the accounts are entered in the cloud they can be seen on any device from anywhere. Orders, leads, account history and delivery are all the vital information to an account manager. Salesforce easily combines a team of people reporting this information into a manageable feed which can be read by one person and acted upon. Need I say more?
2) The mirrorless camera situation for Canon and Nikon (Nikon especially) is serious.
Stock levels for the Nikon 1 J1 and Canon EOS M in their respective warehouses are said to be high. For Nikon this is quite alarming. The Nikon 1 J2 (announced August 9th 2012) and the anticipated Nikon V1 replacement (announced October 24th 2012) are simply premature for the market place. There is too much old stock (old models) sitting on retailers shelves. Something has got to give. Either the price has to be lowered and profits cut which in turn could affect jobs in the long-term.
Canon forecasters have anticipated their lack of sales by offering the slow-moving EOS M buyers a $150 cash back when they purchase their camera from an Australian retailer. I’m sure this will work in the short-term but it still early days. Over the next month you will see a huge marketing campaign from Canon to help their sell through across their range of products. I’m sure this is a one of their ways to cut their losses.
So in closing redundancies are never a nice thing. Unfortunately for industry they are a big part of life and for industry to evolve its a necessary thing. Over the next three years I can envision the imaging industry changing dramatically. The rise of connected smart phones and technology will certainly make the jobs within the imaging industry semi redundant if companies don’t act or embrace the technology.
I recently discussed the future of imaging over on F Stop Lounge which looks at some of the future technology and how it may play a part in the industry. No longer will industry be able to sit on their hands and wait for product to sell (fine example EOS M), employees and their associated marketing companies will have to be proactive in their marketing approach to reach a new audience that falls outside the traditional photographer. As the generations age and the technology evolves I see a new kind of photo being created and produced. One that will replace the photo industry and be more aligned with the Consumer Electronics Industry. I just hope that day doesn’t come too soon as I do like working in my industry…but hey we all have to live with change…good or bad.
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
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Pink Grey and Wild
Striking pink and pale grey suit this jovial character.
A sumptuous sunflower seed is pure indulgence for the bird who seems to speak a trilled language.
The messiness of the order tumbles from a worked beak.
A smile ignites in his eye and enlightens a cheeky personality as the burst of seed is enough to make this bird wild.
This wild bird was photographed in my neighbour’s yard on the Canon EOS 1D MK IV
THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RES VERSION CAN BE FOUND HERE
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
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I’m A Photographer – No Bull
Is photography art? What about if you change a photo can you still call yourself a photographer?
These are some really big questions that will always split a room.
For me, my definition of a photographer is someone who captures a photo and then develops it into picture.
Looking through history this is exactly what a photographer would do. The process hasn’t changed a bit. The film was loaded into the camera and the photographer would set out and capture the images of life. Back in the darkroom the film was processed and projected by an enlarger to be made into a photo using various techniques.
Today, photography is no different. Digital has changed the way we shoot but hasn’t changed the photographer. For me I still shoot like I have a film camera. I ensure my composition, exposure and focus are all set correctly in camera before I take the photo and the only difference is I don’t to have to bother with chemicals to process my image – its instant. I simply import my images into my favourite software and process them the way I interpreted the scene. The reason I do this is because I have found no camera will ever capture the scene the way I saw it. I take the image and make it into a picture. So this makes me a photographer.
At this point you may be agreeing or disagreeing with me. Let me put it in perspective for you before we start bubbling over.
I will acknowledge there are many different types of photography out there. Not every type is the same. Some forms of photography require specific processes whereas some require no processing at all. Let me give you an example – photo journalism and documentary style photographers certainly don’t require much or in some cases any editing as the scene they present needs to show real life – how it happened. This wouldn’t be the case for a fine art photographer or digital artist. Just as the real life photographer capture the scene so does the creative photographer. The only difference is the creative photographer uses their imagination and art form to bring emotion and styling to the scene. The photo journalist will rely on the realism of the scene to bring an emotional reaction to the viewer. So really both sides can call themselves photographers, the only difference is the way they try to create emotion through their medium.
If you look through history, artists came in all forms. Painters, sculptors and even photographers would use their industry tools to create a piece of art which in most cases they would present to the world, hoping for some sort of emotional reaction. Today, photo journalists, documentary or fine art photographers are no different. Each still use their own industry tools to create emotion through their pieces of art. They simply use their tools differently.
For me I would call myself a fine art photographer as my main medium is photography. Photoshop is my studio and light is my canvas. I capture and frequently use textures and tones to create emotion within my scenes. I want to portray the way I perceive the scene to be.
Let me give you an example. In the scene below I saw a gritty, dusty bull. I wanted to portray the strong, steadfast masculinity of the bull against the soft background fog, floating precariously in the background. I used strong salty textures and extreme sharpness with black and white tones to separate the bull from the background.
If I didn’t process this image in my digital darkroom (Photoshop) I feel the story wouldn’t have been as strong. Sure, the original looks good but why stay with good when I can make it great and tell a better story? Isn’t that limiting my creative abilities? Would the world be dumbing me down saying “that’s not a photo?!” I hope my explanation on a photographer will change that. What are your thoughts?
This is my view, I can’t really speak for all photographers out there but I would like to say I am an artist. I’m a photographer – no bull!
THIS PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE
Photographed using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
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Google+ Photographers Photo Competition
To celebrate my Google+ Photographers Community reaching 10,000 members I’m running a worldwide photo competition!
Entry is FREE and you even will have the chance to win 1 of 3 Sony Digital Still Cameras!
To enter the photo competition simply visit the Google+ Event and follow the Conditions of Entry (information about the competition can be seen below or on the Google+ Event).
The details of the Google+ Photographers Competition are as follows:
Event is open Friday, Feb 1, 1:00am (Hong Kong Time) and closes Saturday, April 27, 6:00pm (Hong Kong Time)
You can only enter this competition on Google+
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
1. Add Leigh Diprose or F Stop Lounge to your circles
2. Be a member of the Google+ Photographers Community
3. Enter only ONE photo to the event – it has to be your best photo.
4. Share this event with your circles
HOW DO I ENTER?
Follow the CONDITIONS OF ENTRY and
Say you are going to this event and then enter ONE photo to this event.
WHAT IS THE THEME?
There is no theme. Simply enter only ONE of your best photos.
WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?
The Top THREE photos selected by the judges will each receive
1x Sony DSC TX20 Digital Still Camera.
See the specs here: http://www.dpreview.com/products/sony/compacts/sony_dsctx20/specification
HOW WILL THE PHOTOS BE JUDGED?
There will be 10 judges.
Each of the 10 judges will choose their favourite photo.
The photos selected will form the finalists.
The selected finalists will then be judged on a Judges Google+ Hangout and be given a score out of 100 on the following criteria –
How creative, original and what the technical quality is like in the photograph.
HOW WILL THE TOP THREE PHOTOS BE CHOSEN?
The three photos that receive the highest score from the judges will be selected as the winning three photos. These three finalists will be announced LIVE on a Google+ On Air Hangout on Leigh Diprose’s YouTube Channel.
In the event the winner is disqualified for any reason, the photograph that received the next highest total score will be chosen as one of the winning photos.
REMEMBER TO WIN A PRIZE YOU MUST FOLLOW THE CONDITIONS OF ENTRY (located at the top)
WHO ARE THE JUDGES?
The Judges will be announced shortly.
THE LITTLE LEGAL SECTION – THE SMALL TEXT
1. You acknowledge that is Your responsibility for protecting your entry against image misuse by any third party. Leigh Diprose assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any image misuse.
2. There are no alternatives available for the prize winner.
3. The winners photo will be published online on www.fstoplounge.com; the F Stop Lounge Google+ page, F Stop Lounge Facebook page and the Google+ Photographers Community.
4. Photoshop and other editing techniques are allowed.
5 The prize will be sent to you within a reasonable time.
6. Your submission must not contain content, material or any element that is unlawful, or otherwise in violation of or contrary to all applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws and regulations the laws or regulations in any state where the Photographs were created.
7. The judges have the right to disqualify anyone who submits multiple entries or is found to be cheating.
Who is the sponsor of the prize?
Sponsored by Leigh Diprose
Good Luck Everyone!
To see the winner of the last Google+ Photographers Photo Competition check out the Judges Google+ Hangout where myself and the judges announced the winner live on my YouTube channel.
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!
LEIGH DIPROSE 
