AIPP Journal - April 2019

Issue 270

Dan O'Day: Awards & Weddings Lumix S1/S1R: Full Frame Panasonic

April 2019

JOURNAL

CONTENTS 6

John Swainston's President Message What's the AIPP's strategy for the future? Where are we going? Where is the AIPP taking us? The President outlines what's happening now.

10

AIPP National Board - Meeting Summary The following summarises the outcomes of the March 2019 AIPP National Board meetings, as compiled by Steve Wise.

Cover

14

AIPP Honours Committee Meeting 2019

Dan O'Day APP M.Photog. III

Melinda Comerford APP M.Photog. reports on who the Honours Committee are, what the Honour Committee does – and what our various honours mean.

AIPP AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YERA 2018 AIPP AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

18 AIPP JOURNAL is the official newsletter of The Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP).

Editor Peter Eastway B.Ec CPA APP.L FNZIPP Hon. FNZIPP G.M. Photog. 1 P.B. Hon. FAIPP FAIPP Disclaimer The information provided in the AIPP JOURNAL and associated publications is made in good faith, but is general in nature. Neither the editor, the publisher or the AIPP accept responsibility for or will be under any liability for any recommendations, representations or information provided herein. The AIPP JOURNAL presents information, opinions and suggestions for subscribers to evaluate in coming to their own decisions in the light of their own individual circumstances. The information should not be relied upon without readers first obtaining independent advice from their own financial and legal advisers.

Unless otherwise noted, all articles are written by Peter Eastway.

Publication The newsletter is published 10 times a year – monthly with November/ December and January/February being combined.

The AIPP JOURNAL newsletter is published by Pt 78 Pty Ltd, ABN 75 003 152 136, PO Box 351, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097, Australia.

Phone: (02) 9971 6857; Fax (02) 9971 6641.

E-mail eastway@betterphotography.com Quietly celebrating 26 years of publication.

AIPP Membership Contacts www.aipp.com.au admin@aipp.com.au PO Box 249, Mooroolbark Victoria 3138 Phone 1300 685 334

2

Are You Attending Refocus Retreat 2019?

Refocus Retreat is on again this year, from 24 - 27 May in the gorgeous Macedon Ranges in Victoria. It's a 4-day 3-night all inclusive conference and it is unique in that it is the only female-focussed photography conference in Australia. Victoria Mckay reports.

ISSUE 270 / APRIL 2019 24

Dan O'Day - Loving Photography

38

The charismatic Dan O'Day APP M.Photog. III reflects on what it takes to be a successful wedding photographer today and the importance of both awards and business acumen.

Get Cyber Secure As avid computer users, professional photographers and video producers need to be aware of more than just their editing programs. Here Aon Insurance provides some helpful tips on staying safe and protecting your business data.

42

44 46

Capturing Nature Inspiration or background knowledge for judges?

Author Vanessa Finney possibly hasn't realised how her new Museum sponsored book could be received by professional photographers.

Lumix S1/S1R Full-Frame Is it time for professionals to go mirrorless? If so, Panasonic has released two full-frame models sporting a Leica lens mount and a brilliant viewfinder. Which one is right for you? By Peter Eastway

What Makes An Award Image?

While rainbows might be considered clichÊ, present them in a package that draws together design, colour and emotion – and like Roza Marciniak, you could be earning a Silver with Distinction!

Platinum Sponsors 3

4

CHALLENGE YOURSELF! ENTER THE 2019 AIPP EPSON STATE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS April to June this year. Get ready now!

Entry details and dates can be found at http://stateawards.aipp.com.au

5

NEWS

John Swainston's President Message What's the AIPP's strategy for the future? Where are we going? Where is the AIPP taking us? The President outlines what's happening now.

G’day! How are you? Are you meeting your own

and contracts, and run your business better.

goals for your photography business, adding

to your skill set, readying images for the Epson

strategy: AIPP Vision 2022.

State Print Awards?

in three years, built on 55 years of history, but

Or perhaps you are finding the current

climate challenging, not getting the bookings

Right now, we are finalising our 3-year It’s where we want the AIPP to be for you

confidently contemporary.

you’d hoped for, even wondering if this is the right profession for you?

Good or bad, a bit of introspection from time

ENGAGE – GROW – DEVELOP – EVOLVE.

to time is a normal part of working life.

6

Happily, most of us also experience those

The strategy is about being emphatically

wonderful days when the phone rings, a job

relevant in a world of rapid technical and client

comes through that’s really going to make a

change.

difference, you interview a couple of new clients

who commit on the spot and you get a nice

from fellow members, combined with the

thank-you email from a client from last month.

development of a community for young and

Now that’s seriously uplifting, isn’t it?

less young (!) alike.

And that, Dear Member, is what the AIPP

That’s what your Board sees for your AIPP.

Board, councils and committees are all working

We hope you will too.

at on your behalf: Planning and hosting events

After further discussions and improvements

that build friendships and community, and help

from the councils and commitees, the May

you to grow your skills to keep you current, be

edition of the AIPP Journal is where you’ll

more efficient in workflow, explain copyright

see the detail. The AIPP Strategy will be the

Central is the social support and sharing

Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Trade Partners ATKINS PRO LAB

ATKINS PRO LAB

APVP Sponsors

Advancing Professional Photography.

For Everyone.

7

NEWS

result of extensive discussions, individually

broader exchanges with each other.

and in groups. Last month in this Journal, I

summarised the Board’s initial concepts, now

steps in maintaining your edge. Enter your

distilled to three key areas of focus:

Epson State Print Awards, starting in South

1. Building a great Member experience and an

Australia this month, concluding in NSW in

inclusive sense of community.

2. Providing value for all types of Members, new and long-standing.

3. Advocating for photographers, constantly

But first! Please take one of those important

June. No matter how long you’ve been a professional image maker, testing yourself through the process is a vital part of continued progress.

aspiring to the best standards in every field of

image making.

refreshment (and usual panic!) that you’ll find in

The AIPP of today acknowledges things

All success to you in your business and the

the Epson State Print Awards.

could have been done differently over the years.

With apologies and in reverence to possibly

There are some no longer with us who are every

the greatest beer ad of all time, for Dutch brand

bit as valid as working photographers as most

Heineken.* It’s from 1973, created by Tony

of our members. We want them to feel included

Lovelock of London agency, Collett Dickenson

and we want to welcome them back to

Pearce:

membership because they have been missed.

By being more inclusive, we can deliver for

our sponsors and partners, too. Think of all the people who purchase online courses and book seminars or seek advice from AIPP members.

8

“ENTERING THE EPSON STATE PRINT AWARDS REFRESHES THE PARTS OTHER AWARDS CANNOT REACH.”

Think of the many skilled photographers,

who are never going to work in the profession,

Go well!

yet would value the opportunity to be judged

John Swainston Hon. FAIPP

by some of the world’s best judges, just for

National President

personal growth and satisfaction.

john.swainston@aipp.com.au

*The immortal original: “Heineken refreshes the

Think of an association that is the genuine

benchmark of excellence, an association to

parts other beers cannot reach.” The voice-over

which we all want to belong whatever form of

was read by Danish entertainer Victor Borge.

image maker, vlogger or teacher we are.

Check them out on YouTube. They are pure

creative genius.

Think how much we can all grow from

•

Matthew Gianoulis APP AAIPP

NEWS

AIPP National Board - Meeting Summary The following summarises the outcomes of the March 2019 AIPP National Board meetings, as compiled by Steve Wise.

DIRECTOR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE

of recent investigations, highlighting that a

It was suggested and agreed that directors’

the matter had tested the Awards systems and

conflicts of interest will be declared monthly

proven that they work. John Swainston thanked

in the AIPP Journal via a standing statement,

Ollie and the NZIPP Board for working with the

to let the Members know that these conflicts

AIPP on this matter.

of interest are regularly under review. This will

commence in the next issue of the Journal.

which will be held in Wellington in June 2019.

Members are to also be made aware that in

This includes three days of judging, a trade

discussions focused on the brands that present

show, public events and workshops, a two-day

a conflict of interest, the conflicted director will

conference and culminating in the gala dinner.

recuse themselves from the discussion and any

There is a charge for the conference with 180

relevant decision-making processes.

seats available, currently 90 have been sold. It

process had obviously been followed and that

Ollie updated the Board about the NZ Event

was decided to promote this further to AIPP

TAGS AIPP Management

10

NEW ZEALAND MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

Members at a discounted early bird price.

Current NZIPP president Ollie Dale was invited as a guest to the directors' training and strategy

AWARDS SCRUTINEER ROLE & 4TB DRIVES

day and was able to join the board meeting to

Steve Wise updated the Board about the

talk through a number of matters relevant to

Awards Committee decision to update the

the NZIPP at present.

2019 Awards Entry Process, whereby all entrants

would now be required to submit their original

The Board was congratulated on the result

11

NEWS

capture files on a USB with their prints. The

videos and podcasts.

Board was also asked to ratify the decision to

bring in a scrutineer role to join the Awards

in the best position to organise their awards

Team on the ground at each Awards to assist in

marketing and that they could rely on back up

the assessment of prints during breakout and

from the Board for any further information and

judging.

branding requirements.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

MEMBERSHIP CLASSES

A graphic designer has been found for the short

Melissa Neumann advised that the MAC and the

to medium term to update current documents

Constitution Committee had given feedback on

and handle all member/public facing

membership classes, and it was agreed a deep

communications – including the State Awards

dive session into updating AIPP membership

and APPA – in line with the need for branding

classes would be scheduled.

It was discussed that the state councils were

consistency and the professional look that the AIPP should be marketing.

GENERAL BUSINESS In his role as joint company secretary, Roger

SPONSORSHIP & TRADE SHOW

Rosentreter held a short session covering

Bruce Pottinger explained to the Board that a

compliance on numerous legal and governance

sponsor-run seminar program would run on the

responsibilities. The council and committee

Saturday and Sunday during the APPA Judging

bylaws are ready to be adopted and it was

with no liability to the AIPP, designed to increase

asked that the Board discuss the management

numbers to the trade show and APPA – with an

bylaw and offer their recommendations.

aim of having 3000 people through the doors over the three days.

NATIONAL MARKETING FOR STATE AWARDS Sara McKenna suggested further marketing may be required for Awards this year, especially at state level, in order to increase excitement about entering. Suggestions included different media be employed for this task, including

12

•

Jina Zheng APP

NEWS

AIPP Honours Committee Meeting 2019 Melinda Comerford APP M.Photog. reports on who the Honours Committee are, what the Honour Committee does – and what our various honours mean.

I admit it, I’m more entrenched in the AIPP than

met in person once per year, the process of

some people!

deciding the honourees is, by design, a bit of a

mystery.

I’ve spent the past 14 years volunteering in

some capacity or another. Most recently, I joined

So, here’s my take on how the Honours

the Honours Committee, which is designed

Committee works, from the perspective of a

to celebrate and highlight the achievements

brand newbie.

of members of the AIPP and the wider photography community.

WHAT WE DO Firstly, I didn’t really think we would need two

TAGS AIPP H o n u r s

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LOTS OF INITIALS!

full days of meeting to find five people to

I’ve recently returned from my first Honours

recognise. But it turns out that looking at the

meeting with fellow committee members

lifetime achievements of a candidate takes time.

Richard Bennett APP.L M. Photog. IV Hon. FAIPP

Two days was enough, but only just.

FAIPP, Ian van der Wolde APP.L M. Photog. III

Hon. FAIPP FAIPP and Greg Hocking APP.L G.M.

share on the people we consider, the process

Photog. Hon.FAIPP FAIPP (check out all those

is remarkably unprejudiced, with personal

initials following their names!!!), who have been

relationships completely irrelevant to the

faithfully honouring photographers and other

discussions or the names put forward.

industry experts on behalf of the AIPP for the

past 13 years.

Presidents of the AIPP and their combined

knowledge of the photography industry and its

Although I have known the guys for a long

Despite the knowledge and stories we

Richard, Greg and Ian are all past National

time now, I was clearly the new kid on the block

participants spans over 30 years!

in the context of this committee and a little

nervous about my first meeting.

thin air and tell you who received an honour

that year, and what they did to deserve it. I’m

While I knew that the Honours Committee

Richard, in particular, can pick a date out of

What do all the initials mean?

APP is for Accredited Professional Photographer.

APP.L is a Licentiate. This means they have been an APP for 15 years or longer.

AAIPP is the earliest of the APP Award designations - Associate of the AIPP is signified by a yellow Awards ribbon.

M. Photog. is Master of Photography. Any Roman numerals following this distinction indicate how many times they have received a further 10 points within 5 years, represented by gold bars on the red Awards ribbon.

G.M. Photog. is the ultimate Award designation, reserved for our Grand Masters of Photography who wear a black ribbon. Platinum bars are also awarded for a further 25 points in 10 years, and written as Roman numerals.

Hon. LM is an Honorary Life Member, typically reserved for people who have made a significant contribution through their volunteering. Signified by a blue ribbon.

Hon. FAIPP is an Honorary Fellow of the Institute and recipients wear a grey ribbon. Both members and nonmembers alike are eligible to receive this distinction, but it takes an impeccable record and many years to achieve.

FAIPP is the highest honour, Fellow of the Institute, with a purple ribbon. Reserved for a combination of stellar service to the industry and outstanding photography work over a sustained period.

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NEWS

lucky remembering my phone number, so this

Katrina Ferguson APP AAIPP were honoured

astonishes me!

with the same award last year, the Honours Committee arranged to have their partners

16

CURRENT RADAR INKLINGS?

attend the dinner so the girls could party with

So, who is on our radar for this year? Well, that is

their nearest and dearest.

a well-kept secret and for good reason.

I was fortunate enough to receive the

it turns out to be someone I’ve never heard of.

Claude McCarthy Award with my Awards

And that’s the importance of the citation read

partner in crime, Mark Zed, a couple of years

by the Committee members on the stage - it

ago. It came as a complete surprise to me when

tells the dinner attendees why the person is so

the Honours Committee started to read out the

deserving of the honour.

story about our journey.

to recognise an individual, it’s possible that

I did the ugly cry, I don’t remember my

Sometimes a recipient is announced and

Because the process can take many years

acceptance speech (athough I do remember

they have missed the radar of those of us in the

that Mark was far more eloquent), and the

younger generations.

rest of the night was quite a blur from the

excitement.

to stand on their shoulders to get where we are

today, and those short citations tell us briefly

Did I feel a little like I had been presented

Mostly, they are the giants who enabled us

with the photography equivalent of an Oscar?

how the recipient accomplished their feats and

Just a smidge.

why they are worthy of celebrating.

Do I wish I had known to expect the award

before the announcement? Not one iota. If I had

WHY THE DINNER?

known I wouldn’t have enjoyed the night nearly

Finally, why are the Honours announced at the

as much, because I would have been fretting

APPA Dinner? Well, they actually aren’t. They

about my speech and where in the ceremony it

are announced at the Institute Dinner, which

would appear.

happens to be where we also announce the

APPA winners.

Instead, I was able to enjoy a marvellous

night with my friends and colleagues,

completely unaware of what was ahead,

to commemorate and commiserate APPA

and could share my joy with them once the

results, the honours presented on that night are

formalities wrapped up.

to mark a long period of sustained achievement

– sometimes the work of an entire lifetime.

When Keren Dobia APP M. Photog. II and

And while some dinner attendees are there

And I think this kind of work deserves to be

paved the way for us newer photographers.

celebrated on the biggest possible stage for our

organisation.

recipients to observe their accomplishments

can be used by other dinner attendees to salute

I’m really looking forward to presenting my

I hope the few minutes we devote to the

first honour at the Institute dinner later this year

these people who are the foundation of our

in Sydney and honouring someone who has

incredible industry.

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NEWS

Are You Attending Refocus Retreat 2019?

Refocus Retreat is on again this year, from 24 - 27 May in the gorgeous Macedon Ranges in Victoria. It's a 4-day 3-night all inclusive conference and it is unique in that it is the only female-focussed photography conference in Australia. Victoria Mckay reports.

I have enjoyed my experiences at Refocus

"Why? Why is it assumed that women

Retreat, having been a regular since 2017. Yet

photograph weddings? Is it because they are

the question that is always asked each year

pretty and women shouldn’t be shooting war

is, “Why is there still a need for an all female

zones, bush fires, street protests or abattoirs?

retreat?”

"As far as we believe we have come, in trying

to even out the scales on gender equality, we TAGS Fo cus R e tre a t

18

A LONG WAY TO GO

have such a long way to go. Age and gender

I asked Carla Gottgens about her experiences.

combined have a stereotype attached to them

that people can’t seem to see beyond.”

“Countless times when I’m asked, 'What do

you do?' and I answer, 'I’m a photographer,' the

I also put this to the founders of Loud and

follow up question is always a second guess like,

Luminous, a celebration of women in photog-

'Oh right, so you shoot weddings and stuff like

raphy, Mel Anderson & Hilary Wardhaugh.

that?'

Mel said, “It’s a challenging time culturally

Last year's Refocus Retreat. Photographs by Kym Griffiths.

19

NEWS

in navigating and redefining gender. I believe

organisation – and so to allow for changes

that conversation needs engagement from all

within the whole community"

genders, however we equally need our own space, through projects, networks etc.”

FEEL NOT THINK

Annie Murray is a mentor who helps both

Hilary is involved in a Special Interest Group

within the AIPP to improve gender issues and

women and men find their way in business.

equality within the Institute.

She says, “Women feel, men think...

photography is technical, but also a feeling is

STATISTICS REVERSED

captured. Through the lens, I can see someone’s

She said, "There are many more women in the

soul and I capture that. That’s what sells photos.

industry these days. In 2002, 70% of the AIPP

membership was male. The statistics these days

technical aspects, women just operate at a dif-

are reversed. The balance of power is changing

ferent frequency; not better, not worse, just

within the organisation and there have been

different. We gather to connect and we make

changes in policy. These include a commitment

decisions based on how we feel.

to diversity, an understanding to be inclusive

and changes also to discrimination and work

pour every inch of our soul into becoming

place health and safety, to ensure everyone’s

our own version of success. I think the Refocus

rights are equitable.

Retreat is incredible for women to let down

their guard and connect, laugh, cry, take photos

"Systems are in place to ensure that when

"While many men often focus on the

"We wear our hearts on our sleeve and we

judging awards, speaking at conferences or

and share experiences. This is where you find

being honoured, women feel comfortable that

your tribe, your support network”

they will be represented.

women-only retreats too and they aren’t afraid to

"For example, the percentage of women

There are men who support the concept of

currently being honoured within our

have their say. Glynn Lavender is one photographer

organisation is minimal, less than 40% between

with an opinion on women’s retreats.

2003 and today. Male speakers far outweighed

20

female speakers at the cancelled Lenscape in

VALUING YOURSELF

2018. To give women the confidence to speak

“Having trained nearly 10,000 photographers,

up and to speak out, it is important to come

a large percentage of whom were women, I

together to raise awareness and to have the

have noticed many common denominators

collective confidence to be a part of a larger

with women photographers. What is missing is

confidence and the valuing of themselves.”

hurdles to overcome. Carla Gottgens nailed it

when she talked about her struggles as a female

I asked Glynn how women and men differ in

a photographic sense?

in this industry

“Generally speaking, I find women

photographers far more creative, have a greater

STILL HURDLES TO OVERCOME

feel for emotive imagery and often produce

“When tendering or putting quotes forward for

work that really speaks. The underlying male-

work, especially in the photojournalist, news

dominated industry can make it tough for some

and media/event categories, I have found as a

to speak out, take charge and champion the

woman that I am expected to work longer and

work of themselves and their peers.

harder than a male might do in order to prove

myself.

Women-only retreats can cut through a

lot of this and allow photographers to get

"I also find as I’m approaching my late 40’s

to the heart of what is important; crafting

that people ask if I’m still taking photos! And

quality images without the tensions that can

yet many guys I see in my industry are well and

sometimes be in the way during traditional

truly older than myself. I find this so offensive

events.”

and have to be very careful when asked this of a past client who contacts me after a long period

SPEAKING DIFFERENTLY

of silence to see if I’m available to shoot a gig.

Julie Kimpton from Nikon had some insights

into the benefits of the women’s retreat too.

name, this can very much appear to work

against you.”

“Many women speak differently when in

"As a freelancer without a studio or studio

an entirely female group. The Refocus Retreat

encourages women to get together, to be

our society and when women were finally al-

creative, discuss their challenges, whether per-

lowed in, they were given a hard time. While

sonal or business, and overcome them in a

there are few clubs left for men-only, women

safe, inspiring and supportive environment. It

still need a safe space because the balance of

is welcoming and inclusive, and we see a lot

power hasn’t been addressed across all parts of

of women attending for the first time on their

life.

own, which I think is really brave.”

only classes – simply so women will turn up

We have come a long way from the days

There have always been men-only clubs in

"In the same way some gyms have women

when some men would simply tolerate women

and feel comfortable participating – there are

in the industry. However there are still a few

enclaves like the Refocus Retreat that gives this

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safe space to women to succeed.

attendees a glimpse that there are still issues

that need to be addressed and that the women

So what are some of the ways women

benefit from attending?

who are at the retreat, whether as attendees or presenters, all have their own very special

GREAT FUN

stories on how they have dealt with the not so

Julie says, “There is lots of hands on

pleasant aspects of our profession.

collaboration, learning, networking,

photography, socialising and great fun. Most

show inner strength that perhaps wouldn’t be

attendees love it so much they come back the

revealed outside of the retreat.”

"The stories are unique and they also

next year, having made a whole new set of friends.”

TICKETS AVAILABLE

The last word goes to Julie from Nikon. “Refocus

There are men directly involved and Michael

Marlborough has attended all the Refocus

Retreat is one of my favourite events of the year.

Retreats to date. He not only brings amazing

At Refocus, I don’t just feel like a supplier, I feel

equipment from Kayell for the attendees to try

like a friend and part of the community. Nikon is

out, but also runs some workshops on the use

very proud to support Refocus Retreat.”

of lights and other equipment.

Michael says, “My opinion is that Refocus

with some wonderful speakers, including

Retreat is an amazing event and I want to help

AIPP Members Natalie Howe, Kelly Tunney,

out as much as I can.”

Keren Dobia, Karen Alsop, Lacey Barratt, Kelly

Champion and many more.

Again Carla Gottgens speaks on the value in

Tickets are still on sale for this year's event,

an all female retreat. also opens windows here and there. It gives

Want to come along? AIPP Member's get a 10% discount - use the coupon code below - AIPP19

24th - 27th may 2019 www.refocusretreat.com.au

22

91PPIA

REFOCUS RETREAT For Women in the Business of Photography

FOR 10% OFF

“The Refocus Retreat is a safe haven, but it

SPECIAL CODE FOR AIPP MEMBERS ENTER COUPON CODE

Last year's Refocus Retreat. Photographs by Kym Griffiths.

23

FEATURE

Dan O'Day - Loving Photography The charismatic Dan O'Day APP M.Photog. III reflects on what it takes to be a successful wedding photographer today and the importance of both awards and business acumen.

It’s been a good 12 months for wedding

just about winning, but about earning Silvers or

photographer Dan O’Day APP M.Photog. III.

Golds and accumulating points for a Master’s

After winning the AIPP Australian Professional

bar.

Wedding Photographer of the Year in 2018, he’s

recently followed it up as the overall winner in

regularly search for and update my portfolio

the 2018 International Wedding Photographer

and highlight reel, and then I can always use

of the Year Awards, announced in February

the updated work for a blog post or content for

2019.

social media.

"Competitions also give me the impetus to

"And while winning is good for the prizes, so

BECAUSE IT FEELS GOOD

is the PR you can receive.

Over the years, Dan has done very well in

competitions, making a name for himself as one

interviewed on a few radio stations, had

of the world’s leading wedding photographers.

articles and images in several newspapers

He speaks around the globe at various

and appeared on a number of American and

conventions and festivals and is also a respected

European blogs. The SEO that brought to my

judge.

website was awesome. Any press I can get helps

my business and I only have to book one extra

“I guess deep down I enter photo

competitions because it feels good to be

"When I won the IWPOTY recently, I was

wedding to make it worth entering.”

acknowledged. I want to do well, of course, but I also believe that if I want to stay relevant, then

WHY BOTHER?

I need to remain active within the community

However, there can only be one overall winner

and entering photo comps is one way (of many)

and a handful of category prizes, so how does

to achieve this.

the average photographer stand a chance? Why

should they bother entering competitions?

“I always enter most comps hoping to win,

of course. Except for APPA, because that’s not

24

“It all depends on the competition. I

From a selection of Dan O'Day's wedding photography.

25

From 26a selection of Dan O'Day's wedding photography.

FEATURE 27

From a selection of Dan O'Day's wedding photography.

28

FEATURE

particularly like peer review comps where you

I applied a different approach to wedding

get feedback on your work. The truth is that

photography which has paid dividends over

none of us really enjoy critical feedback, but

time. I was probably a little lucky because,

my view is that if you can expect the worst and

when I started, there was a common style of

learn to handle it, it can be incredibly helpful.

wedding photography that everyone seemed

to follow. If you wanted something else, then

"Still, I know it’s hard not to be defensive, but

if I’m going to enter a competition where there

there was only a handful of photographers who

is potential for both exposure and financial

were doing anything different – so clients who

gain, then I have to be prepared to take on

wanted something unique didn’t have many

the criticism as well. That’s the world of photo

options!

competitions – you get some exposure and the feedback that comes with it.

BEING DIFFERENT

“I’d hate to be starting out today as a wedding

“Even if you don’t come first, entering

competitions keeps you active. In many

photographer because it is so difficult to stand

competitions, if your work is in the top 20 or

out from the crowd. There are a lot of really

30 photos in a category, chances are you’ll

good photographers who produce really solid

be published somewhere and that’s great

work and this makes it incredibly competitive.

exposure. There can be many side-benefits from

entering competitions because you get your

doing something a little different, so if a client

work in front of a new audience.”

didn’t like the standard style being offered by

“When I started, there were only a few of us

the majority of photographers, they more or

ARTY OR WEDDING?

less had to choose one of us. We ended up

Dan is known for shooting weddings in a less

with more work than we could handle and this

conventional style, although given the number

helped establish our careers.

of awards he’s won and all the workshops he’s

given, there are more photographers following

forever and I’m very aware of the fact that I

his lead today than when he began.

can’t drop my guard creatively. Things move

so quickly and newcomers are so good, so I

“I shoot weddings the way I do because

“But I know being different doesn’t last

of my background. I started as an art

have never been complacent. I’ve always had

photographer who accidentally got into

the attitude that I might not be here next year,

weddings, only to discover I loved doing them.

so how do I ensure that I am? I don’t take my

position in the market for granted.

“Due to my background in the art world,

29

FEATURE

“My prices are higher than the average

including the 70-200mm quite a bit, whereas

wedding photographer and I know this from

the way I like to shoot is with just two prime

the inquiries I receive.

lenses, a 24mm ultra wide-angle and a 50mm

standard.

"Couples often tell me I am a lot more than

what they had budgeted for, but then again,

many couples base their budget on what the

me apart a little, along with a more free-flowing

first two or three photographers tell them they

approach to how I shoot with a couple. There’s a

charge.

lot of composition and available light play.

"At first this worried me, but I have never

"This is another thing that I think helps set

“The standard wide-angle lens for wedding

dropped my prices and I have managed to stick

photography when I started was a 35mm f1.4,

around. Sure, it’s been tempting to drop my

so I used a 24mm. "I know these are all subtle

prices at times, but I’ve stuck it out because my

separations, but when you add them up, it

clients have continued to confirm for me that

creates a significant difference.

there is something about what I do that keeps

them coming back and that's enough to push

or f8, instead of a 35mm at f1.4, was different.

on."

I was influenced by the work of documentary

"Using a 24mm lens at a mid-aperture of f5.6

photographers like Stephen Dupont and

SO, WHAT IS DIFFERENT?

Sebastiao Salgado.

So, what exactly is the difference that Dan is

talking about? What makes his photography

photographing weddings, but those are the

different to the work of other, more mainstream

photographers whose work I love and I have

photographers?

their books and photos all around our house.

“The new style is more relaxed with its

"I know they shot wars and conflicts and I’m

“I didn’t find the work of many other

posing and framing. I think that many of the

wedding photographers particularly interesting.

past generation of wedding photographers

I loved the photos by Marcus Bell and David

(not all) pushed back against this change, rather

Oliver, but otherwise I was more influenced by

than seeing how they might adapt. Or, maybe

non-wedding work – and then when I applied

they and their clients loved what they shot and,

this approach to weddings myself, people

since they had a good client base, saw no need

thought it had an original vibe.”

to change. I don’t know!

“With the older way of shooting,

photographers also tended to use zoom lenses,

30

NO RISK APPROACH While many of Dan’s award-winning

From a selection of Dan O'Day's wedding photography.

31

From a selection of Dan O'Day's wedding photography.

32

FEATURE

photos might be considered risky by more

websites and pin them on a wall in your house.

conventional shooters, Dan takes no risks in

Postcards, brochures, photos – even colours

getting the right photos for a client – and he

and typefaces can be used to generate a mood

does this by employing a second shooter for

board of what you like.

every wedding.

“Having a trusted second shooter means

FINDING GOOD TASTE

someone is always taking the safe shots, leaving

“But don’t second guess this. You actually have

me free to create more imaginative images that

to go through the process. Once you’ve filled

may or may not work.

up a fair bit of your wall, you should be able to

stand back and look at what you’ve collected

“I’m comfortable with the non-linear way

I shoot and how I curate my galleries for

and ask yourself if there’s a colour, a tone, a style

the client. Unlike a lot of photographers, I

or a thread that joins most of the elements

don’t follow the wedding day story from the

together – that’s probably your taste coming

beginning to the end when sharing the story

through.

publicly.”

work out what you like and who you are as

And, explains Dan, there’s the matter of

“When you take the time and trouble to

good taste. Many Instagram influencers have

a creative, you will also have a clearer idea of

lots of people following them because of what

who your clients should be and what they are

they choose to post – they have good taste and

targeting.

it makes their feed interesting. Similarly, there

are a number of wedding photographers who

a great idea and do nothing. Only ten percent

have good taste and this carries into their work.

of readers will actually take the time to create

a mood board. But I think they will surprise

“I like to think I have good taste (maybe?) or

"Sadly, a lot of people will read this, think it’s

at least the same taste as the people I attract to

themselves with what they learn and they may

my work, the same people who will eventually

watch it trickle into their branding.

become my clients.”

taste, rather having the ‘right’ taste.

So what exactly is good taste and how do

“So, maybe it’s got nothing to do with good

you acquire it?

branding. I think having a strong identification

“I’d say the first step is understanding what

“And your taste should flow into your

you like. A good exercise is to create a visual

is important in business. Whether it’s a colour

mood board of everything that you like. Grab

or a font doesn’t matter, but when you identify

magazines and books, print out images from

it, it can set you apart. There’s not much

33

FEATURE

point looking exactly the same as another 10

selecting in photos you want and throwing

photographers because then the only thing

out photos you don’t want – and it’s generally

that separates you is price.

quicker too.

“Many photographers use the same website

“On the first selection, I use Photo Mechanic

templates, the same editing presets and the

in full screen mode so I can see if the photos

same poses – and what they create looks good,

are sharp. I know I’m probably selecting more

but it’s not too different from one another. So

photos than I’ll need, but that’s okay. Once

the only way our clients can compare these

I’ve made the selection, I copy all the files and

photographers who all look the same is cost.

transfer them into a folder called Cull 1.

“On the other hand, if you can create a

“Next, I open up the photos in Cull 1, but

brand, a style or a taste that is different to the

I change Photo Mechanic so I am looking at

rest of the market, and people like it, then price

a grid of nine photos. I already know all these

isn’t such an issue. If clients want what you have,

photos are sharp, so I’m selecting the images for

then they’ll be more likely to engage with you,

context. For instance, if I have eight shots of the

even if you are expensive.

bride putting on her lipstick, I’ll just select the

one or two stand-outs. Again, I’m selecting the

"I think that’s when business gets easier

because people want something that you do

photos in, rather than selecting out.

that they haven’t seen in other brands. Even if they can’t directly pinpoint what it is that they

INTO LIGHTROOM

like, there needs to be a certain something that

“At the end of this process, I transfer the

lets you differentiate yourself in the market.”

selected images into another folder called Cull 2 and these are the images that are transferred

34

POST-PRODUCTION

into Lightroom for adjustment.

Dan uses Photo Mechanic to ingest his photos

because it is very fast and it also runs a report to

photos that I’ll turn into B&W first and give them

let him know if any of his images were corrupt.

a 3 star rating. B&W photos are often ones that

It’s a method to ensure nothing is missed.

are taken of the speeches in poor light, or shot

at too high an ISO, or if I have a series of very

“I backup all the files of the whole wedding

“In Lightroom, I begin by selecting the

three times and then I go to work editing.

similar shots. It’s around one third of all the

images in the selection.

“I do two culls, adding photos to the

selection, rather than weeding out the ones

“Once all the B&Ws are rated at 3 stars, I

I don’t want. There’s a difference between

select everything that isn’t rated – and these are

From a selection of Dan O'Day's wedding photography.

35

From a selection of Dan O'Day's wedding photography.

36

FEATURE

the colour images. Then I find an image taken

create the slide show.

in a ‘normal’ part of the wedding day, a middle

ground, and apply the right preset. When I’m

use the photos on their social media platforms

happy with the edit, I’ll copy this setting to all

– and they remember and appreciate that. And

the colour images and this gives me a starting

PicTime is great for me to sell the couple and

point for all of them.

their guests other products – prints, frames,

albums, greeting cards, canvas prints. Plus it has

“Then I start at the beginning and go

“I give other wedding vendors permission to

through each group of photos, adjusting the

a really good visual gallery which helps clients

settings and applying the changes to all the

imagine what the final products will look like.

other images that are taken under similar

conditions. This speeds up the editing process

for printing and although clients might only be

a lot and it also means that all the photos have

expecting a USB from me, I give them a set of

a similar feeling to them because they are

10 prints as well as a surprise. Because it’s a gift

processed with similar settings.

from me, I get to choose the 10 photos, which

is good if they end up being framed and put on

“When all the edits are finished in Lightroom,

“I send my prints off to Atkins in Adelaide

I use Alien Skin to process the edited files with

a wall in their home because their friends and

another preset that gives it a final look.”

family will be seeing the photos I want them to see!”

USB & PRINTS

Dan provides the images to his client on a USB

front, and around half of the other half order

as a slide show which runs for around half an

one after the wedding. Dan includes a $400

hour.

credit towards an album, so it’s a little incentive

to get them moving.

“I know that not everyone wants to look

Around half Dan’s clients order an album up

at a long slide show, but I also know from

experience that if you’re the bride and groom,

to throw the $400 credit away as it can’t be used

there’s nothing better than grabbing a bottle of

towards any other products. The reason for this

wine and settling down to watch a great slide

is to give them as much incentive as possible to

show of your wedding photos - at that stage it

order a book. We love our books and we want

doesn’t worry you how long it goes for!”

everyone to have one :>)”

“If they don’t want an album, they will have

The photos are also uploaded to a Pic-Time

gallery (www.pic-time.com) and Smart Slides

http://www.danodayphotography.com.au/for-pho-

(https://pixellu.com/smartslides ) is used to

tographers/

37

EDUCATION

Get Cyber Secure As avid computer users, professional photographers and video producers need to be aware of more than just their editing programs.

Here Aon Insurance provides some helpful tips on staying safe and protecting your business data.

Did you know that 43% of all cyber crimes are

targeted at small business? And that 60% of

their turnover is under $3m) have no obligation

small businesses who experience a significant

to report a data breach to the government,

cyber breach go out of business within the

but even so, the inconvenience can be very

following six months?

challenging.

Most photography businesses (because

Many photography studios hold confidential

data and information about both their own

CYBER SECURITY CHECKLIST

operations and their customers. This may

With cyber-attacks on the rise it is important to

include customer’s bank or credit card details,

take preventative measures.

personal contact details or even confidential

information about their families and businesses.

businesses as their data security tends to be less

advanced than in larger businesses.

However, even more important maybe the

Hackers are increasingly targeting small

irreplaceable photographs and videos we hold

And the costs of a cyber-attack often

for our clients, especially for current jobs that

outweigh the costs of preventative measures,

might not yet be delivered. Imagine the trauma

so this checklist is designed to help you better

if these files were not backed up – or if they

protect your business:

were hacked and corrupted?

SUGGESTION 1.

WHAT IS A DATA BREACH?

Ensure employees and contractors only have

A data breach is any unauthorised access to,

access to the information that they require

unauthorised release of, or loss of personal

to perform their work. Reducing access can

information that a business holds that is likely

prevent the risk of an ‘insider’ accidently or

to result in serious harm to the individual/s

intentionally releasing information.

affected.

For instance, a retoucher or editor doesn't

This is general information only. We do not know your specific financial or legal situation and we are not providing you with advice. As such, this article should not be relied upon as legal, financial or accounting advice. Please use this article as a conversation starter with your own adviser.

38

•

Marija Sullavan APP M.Photog.

EDUCATION

need access to your accounting system or

them from the backup. If you can't, then

emails.

you need to revise your backup procedures immediately because at present, what you're

SUGGESTION 2.

doing isn't working!

Provide regular training and awareness information on the management of confidential

SUGGESTION 5.

data and cyber scams for new employees and

Create complex computer passwords with a

current staff. And keep yourself up to date as

combination of words, numbers and symbols.

well!

Ensure each employee has unique passwords and that passwords are changed bi-monthly.

SUGGESTION 3.

Employees should be reminded to be on the

SUGGESTION 6.

lookout for suspicious emails or websites and

Make sure all devices, including phones, tablets

not to provide personal or financial data. Avoid

and computers, have an auto lock when not in

interacting with suspicious emails or websites

use and advise all staff to lock their computer

as these can expose your computer to viruses.

when leaving their desk.

And if in doubt about an email or link, don't!

SUGGESTION 7.

SUGGESTION 4.

The purchase of cyber insurance can help

This is probably the most obvious, but it's

manage the financial loss of a cyber-attack.

surprising how many people don't have

Learn more: aon.com.au/cybercover

antivirus software, or if they do, it is out of date.

Ensure you have current antivirus software

SUGGESTION 8.

installed and if you need a hand, consult your IT

View common online cyber threats and more

provider.

preventative measures at Stay Smart Online

Small Business Guide. (https://ssogreen.govcms.

And even if you do have antivirus software,

ensure that all your data is always backed

gov.au/sites/g/files/net1886/f/Stay-Smart-

up and test that the backups work. There's

Online-Small-Business-Guide_1.pdf )

not much point making a backup if what it's

backing up can't be recovered!

take a look at Aon's cyber insurance checklist,

visit au.entertainment@aon.com or call

To test if your backup works, pretend that

you've lost a few files and see if you can recover

40

For more information on cyber security or to

1800 806 584.

•

Nathan Madigan APP M.Photog. I

41

EDUCATION

What Makes An Award Image?

While rainbows might be considered cliché, present them in a package that draws together design, colour and emotion – and like Roza Marciniak, you could be earning a Silver with Distinction!

On the one hand, judges are looking for

Roza has carefully controlled the contrast,

something new and different. On the other

presenting a soft, romanticised rendition. I

hand, they will applaud a popular subject if it is

perceive it as being very femine, very soft, yet it

done extremely well or differently.

has a power of impact. How does she do this?

Rainbows are a good example.

Let's analyse the tonality more carefully.

Photographers love shooting rainbows, but

Note how the detail throughout the sky and

more often than not, rainbows happen in a

ocean – no awkward areas of white paper to

place or at an angle that isn't perfect for the

challenge our enjoyment. Note how the image

landscape below. It's rare to be setting up

is darkened around the edges, to contain our

a strong composition and have a rainbow

interest within its frames. And note how the

magically appear above.

island has the darkest tones, attracting our eye

in a sea and sky of lighter tones.

I don't know if Roza Marciniak's entry is

a composite or not. Personally, I don't care

because, as a judge, all that interests me is

dominate and even the sea is a yellowy-green.

the final product. However, as an entrant,

Rather than lots of different colours, the image

we need to be aware that some judges are

has a simple colour palette and the hint of blue

less enthusiastic about composite images

in the sky contrasts against both the subtle

– although anecdotally, I'd suggest that

greys in the cloud and the strength of the

composites done extremely well will impress all

rainbow.

judges, no matter their persuasion!

your subject in the middle isn't fatal to a

So, whether a composite or not, Roza's

Now the colours. Soft pastel yellows

And the composition? It proves that putting

entry ticks lots of boxes. If a landscape can have

winning score, as long as it is appropriate to

emotion, surely Roza has captured it with this

the subject. And it's hard to imagine a perfect

rainbow and her choice of colours and tonality.

rainbow like this being put off to the side.

There's lots happening within the image, but

Great image!

Peter Eastway is a past chairman of the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards and an experienced judge. However, his views are those of a single judge and our awards system intentionally uses five judges to obtain a range of opinions. This article reflects Peter's opinion only.

42

n o i t i s o p m o c e g Simpl n i t c a r t s i d o n with d e r r u l B . s t n e m ele le t t i l a s d d a r e t . e wa c n e r ffe i d f o t poin

s e n o t k r a d e h t T c a r t t a d n a l s i e e h in th t e s u a c e b e y s our e e n o t g n i d n u o r r. e sur t h g i l h c u m l l are a ts c a r t t a t s a r t n o C . n o i t n atte

e h t f o s r u o l o c e n All th e e b e v a h w o e l p m rainb i s a o t n i d subdue ette with a l a p r u e l p colo m i S . h s a w . l yellow l e w k r o w s r u colo

•

Roza Marciniak APP M. Photog 43

NEWS

Capturing Nature Inspiration or background knowledge for judges? Author Vanessa Finney possibly hasn't realised how her new Museum sponsored book could be received by professional photographers.

44

Capturing Nature - Early Scientific Photography

At The Australian Museum 1857-1893 might

enough, but the giant flipper of a whale (let

sound a bit historical to a modern photography

alone the whale itself ) was quite another

world, but flipping through this book's pages, I

matter.

was surprised by just how many APPA Awards

over the past 10 years appear to have been

book, you can see how their practical solutions

inspired by this type of work.

have pioneered and possibly inspired the

work of many other photographers over

Originally utilitarian in purpose, like many

A photograph of a flower would be simple

So, as you flip through the pages of this

other genres of photography, time has a

the decades, from advertising to fashion,

tendency of turning record photography into

documentary to art.

something more; sometimes art, sometimes

simply inspiration for other work. So even

photographers tackled new projects and

though I was only mildly interested in the

assignments, especially when you reflect on the

history of photography at the Australian

limited technology available to them. Certainly

Museum, I was very impressed by not only the

makes our lives as digital photographers seem

photographs, but their style and technique. And

incredibly easy!

yes, it's given me ideas!

of photographs by the same name and is on

As author Vanessa Finney explains, the

And it's fascinating to read how the

The book accompanies a free exhibition

photographs of Gerard Krefft and Henry Barnes

display until 21 July 2019. Head to 1 William

back in the late 19th Century, which feature in

Street in Sydney, opposite Hyde Park.

the book, were ground-breaking, purely from

a technical perspective as new techniques and

purchased directly from the Museum. You can

processes needed to be developed to record

see more about the exhibition on its website,

in minute detail the Australian Museums many

but to purchase the book, you'll have to use

specimens.

email: shop@austmus.gov.au.

The book has a RRP of $49.99 and can be

45

NEWS

Lumix S1/S1R Full-Frame Is it time for professionals to go mirrorless? If so, Panasonic has released two full-frame models sporting a Leica lens mount and a brilliant viewfinder. Which one is right for you? By Peter Eastway The first question many readers will ask is, would

but pressure will be gently applied to upgrade

I sell my current camera system and purchase a

to new optics specifically designed for the new

new Lumix S1 or S1R system?

full-frame mirrorless cameras.

It’s not a bad time to ask because if you’re

So if you find yourself in this position, why

shooting Canon or Nikon, which probably

not switch to Lumix instead of a new Canon or

accounts for three quarters of the market, it’s

Nikon? The cost differential might not be such

something you’re already asking as the new

an issue, so what does Lumix offer that Canon

mirrorless models are ushered in.

and Nikon do not? It’s not a question we will

answer for you because we all use our cameras

When Canon introduces a new camera

model, it’s a big decision for a Nikon shooter

somewhat differently, but we can certainly

to sell up his or her existing gear and invest in

report on what the new Lumix full-frame

a Canon because it isn’t just a camera you’re

mirrorless cameras offer.

changing, but lenses and flash guns as well.

46

What might be a $1000 to $2000 investment for

FIRST GENERATION?

the camera body can quickly balloon to many

Some commentators note that the new

thousands for a system. So, generally speaking,

mirrorless cameras from Canon, Nikon and

photographers don’t change brands just for a

Panasonic Lumix are first generation, which

new camera.

is and isn’t true. All three manufacturers have

produced mirrorless cameras before but,

However, both Canon and Nikon’s new

mirrorless cameras also sport new lens mounts

importantly in Panasonic’s case, its previous

for a new system of lenses, so if you’re intending

mirrorless cameras have been incredibly

to turn mirrorless with Canon or Nikon, then

successful and have evolved over more than a

you may end up buying a completely new set

decade. So yes, the Lumix S1 and S1R are first

of lenses as well, at least over the next few years.

generation ‘full-frame’ cameras for Lumix, but

Yes, you can use existing lenses with an adapter,

they are far from first generation mirrorless

47

NEWS

cameras.

a mirrorless design, the Lumix S1 and S1R

cameras have a lot going for them.

Two more issues. First, the Lumix S1 and S1R

are Panasonic’s flagship full-frame mirrorless

On a recently product launch, we had the

cameras aimed at professional photographers

opportunity to use the cameras extensively

– and enthusiast photographers aspiring for

and came away very impressed. Panasonic has

professional results. As such, they are not

certainly produced two camera that will serve

inexpensive cameras. The S1 body has a RRP of

professional and enthusiast photographers very

$3599 or $5199 with the Lumix S 24-105mm F4

well.

Macro O.I.S lens. The higher resolution S1R body

48

has a RRP of $5299 and $6899 with the same

ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER

lens. In comparison to some of the equivalent

Perhaps the biggest difference between a

Canon and Nikon models, these are not much

DSLR and a mirrorless camera is found in the

different, but they are more expensive than

viewfinder. This might sound like an obvious

the Lumix G series cameras and many well-

distinction, but the viewfinder really dictates

equipped DSLR cameras.

how we interact with both our camera and

our subject in such a fundamental way that it’s

Second, the Lumix S1 and S1R are not

lightweight cameras. Neither are the Canon EOS

importance cannot be overlooked.

R or the Nikon Z6/Z7, yet up until recently, we

were told by most of the manufacturers that

through the picture taking lens and what you

the benefits of mirrorless cameras included

see is (almost) what you get. The viewfinder’s

smaller size and lighter weight. Of course, most

image quality is sensational – every bit as good

mirrorless cameras also had smaller sensors, so

as the lens on the camera!

perhaps the size issues were more to do with

sensor format (size) rather than the mirrorless

requires an electronic viewfinder. Over the past

design, although surely the absence of a reflex

10 years, the manufacturers have improved

mirror could contribute to a smaller size camera

the image of the ‘tiny television screen’ tucked

body?

away inside the viewfinder. In the beginning, it

displayed coarse resolution and garish colours.

If you’re looking for a super lightweight

A DSLR is simple in that you look directly

In comparison, a versatile mirrorless camera

mirrorless camera, then this is not it. Grab a

Today, the high resolution EVFs are much, much

Lumix G series camera instead! On the other

better and for many people every bit as usable

hand, if you’re looking for a professionally

as an optical viewfinder.

specified camera with all the advantages of

Add in the other benefits of an electronic

At the launch of the Lumix S1/S1R in Tasmania, dancers perform a welcoming ceremony, closing their eyes and chanting. With a 47-megapixel sensor, there was no shortage of detail to be found - and this is only processed from the JPG. As we go to press, we're still awaiting raw plug-ins to be released, but they won't be far away as the camera is on sale this month.

49

50

NEWS

viewfinder, such as being able to precisely

what are the differences? Mainly resolution.

display exposure and depth-of-field results

in real-time, plus the plethora of readouts

CMOS sensor (36x24 mm), the highest

and displays (such as horizon lines and

resolution in its class and supports low-light

histograms), and not working with a mirrorless

shooting at up to ISO 25,600 (extendable to

camera suddenly becomes a chore. Some

ISO 51,200). In comparison, the S1 comes with

photographers suggest the DSLR no longer

a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor

seems sophisticated enough to use!

(35.6x23.8 mm) that provides a wider dynamic

range and supports low-light shooting at up to

The Lumix S series’ LVF (Live View Finder,

The S1R has a 47.3-megapixel full-frame

which is Panasonic-speak for EVF) boasts the

ISO 51,200 (extendable to ISO 204,800).

world’s highest 5,760k-dot resolution. High-

speed OLED technology delivers a smooth 120

the S1R is aimed at landscape and commercial

fps display, a minimum time lag of less than

photographers who want the highest resolution

0.005 second and an exceptional 10,000:1 high

files possible, while the S1 works for portrait and

contrast ratio.

wedding photographers – and video producers

- where low light performance is of more value

Looking through the viewfinder, the

At the risk of over simplifying the equation,

image quality is great and the standard 0.78x

than lots of pixels.

magnification ratio can be switched to 0.7x or

0.74x, an excellent feature for glasses-wearers

both models offer a high resolution mode

who can adjust the magnification in order to

where the camera captures and combines eight

see the full frame.

consecutive images, in-camera (similar to the

Lumix G9). The S1R produces a 187-megapixel

On the back of the camera, a 2,100K-dot

And if you want super high resolution files,

triaxial tilt touch monitor can be used in

equivalent (16,736x11,168 pixel) raw and/or

conjunction with the viewfinder as a Touch Pad

JPEG image while the S1 creates a 96-megapixel

AF, allowing you to set focus on any point in the

equivalent (12,000x8,000 pixel) image. A tripod

field of view at a touch. If you have a long nose,

is needed for capture and obviously there are

you may find this feature initially sets the focus

limitations with moving subjects, but it’s a really

point where your nose touches the screen, but

useful feature to have when high resolution files

this feature can be easily isolated if required.

are required.

TWO RESOLUTIONS

IMAGE STABILISATION

So why two cameras? Well, they’re different! So,

Panasonic’s Dual I.S. 2 technology combines

51

NEWS

5-axis internal stabilisation in the camera

In 6K/4K Photo, three modes can be selected

body (compatible with any lens) and even

depending on the situation: 6K/4K Burst, 6K/4K

more stabilisation for lenses with their

Burst (Start/Stop) and 6K/4K Pre-burst.

own stabilisation – up to 6 stops of image stabilisation.

VIDEO PRODUCTION

So, is the Lumix S1 going to set the video

One of the benefits of the mirrorless design

is that the camera can be designed to focus

production world on fire, or is there still life for

anywhere on the image, not just in a central

the G series? Perhaps the answer is yes to both

area as found on DSLRs (when you’re focusing

questions!

through the viewfinder – Live View usually

allows focusing anywhere on the image, of

in 4K 30p/25p /24p, which means you can

course). The lens and sensor communicate at

record video without cropping. HDR video

a maximum 480 fps, while Contrast AF with

recording is available using the HLG Photo Style

DFD technology allows the cameras to focus

and the camera records video with a designated

in as little as 0.08 seconds. You can shoot at a

gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100.

maximum of 9 frames per second (AF single

shot mode)) or 6 fps (AF continuous mode), and

upgrade key available later in 2019 (to be sold

low light autofocus is possible down to -6EV

separately) - will support 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p/25p

luminance detection.

internal video recording and 4K 60p/50p via

HDMI output, as well as the V-Log picture profile

Face/eye detection technology makes it

The S1 and S1R capture full sensor readout

Furthermore, the S1 – via a software

possible to capture people in crisp focus, with

featured on Panasonic’s Varicam products.

the Eye AF detecting the pupil of the eye for

precise focusing in portraiture. The cameras

40 are expected by the end of 2020, all using

also incorporate Advanced AI Technology that

Leica’s L-Mount. This makes it possible to use

detects specific subjects - humans and fast-

Lumix, Leica and Sigma lenses, but there were

moving animals. The camera keeps tracking

just three S series lenses available at the launch:

these subjects, even when they are not facing

24-105mm macro, 70-200mm and a 50mm f1.4

the camera.

which is claimed to be a ‘reference’ lens, against

which all other lenses will be measured.

And like the G series cameras, 6K Photo lets

There will be no shortage of lenses – over

you record a burst of 18-megapixel still images

52

continuously at 30 fps, or 4K Photo lets you

For further information, please visit

capture at 60 fps in 8-megapixel resolution.

www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

53

“The best book on photography you will ever buy!” Peter’s Mother-in-Law

SPEC

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Peter Eastway

The Nεw Trαdition “This is seriously one of the most definitive photographic books I have seen in the last 25 years.

It belongs on every photographer’s bookshelf and will change the way you view your own photographic journey!” Tony Hewitt, AIPP Grand Master of Photography In The New Tradition, photographer Peter Eastway presents a series of

The New Tradition has been lavishly produced, sparing no expense in its

100 photographs that traces the progression of photography from film

preparation, printing and binding. Measuring 300x300 mm with 272 pages,

to digital. For some images, he explains how the photograph was taken

the hard cover tome is destined to be a classic in photographic literature – or

and the steps involved in post-production. For others, he simply presents

at least that’s what Peter’s mother-in-law says! If you like what you see, take a

a story, an experience or an opinion on an aspect of photography. So,

chance and purchase a copy of The New Tradition.

methods and fables. This is a book written for photographers who are

RRP $120

interested in the art and craft of photography – and who are enjoying the

Special Offer! Order your copy before 30 June and we will include

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postage and packaging within Australia - a saving of up to $20.

expression.

Purchase the book at www.betterphotography.com in the online shop.

The true beauty of photography is found in the photographic print

found in his book. You can purchase a signed, limited edition print

and to celebrate the publication of The New Tradition, Peter Eastway

and a book for as little as $345. Visit the website to see the 10 different

is making available ‘photographer size’ copies of some of the photos

prints available and to order online - www.betterphotography.com