Workshop 2 – Location Class

Two photo shoots are included in this blog, Capital Country Cavy Club, Inc Executive Committee and the Marketing Manager with the Marketing Coordinator of the National Press Club.

The shoot I had planned for the group of executives at the National Library had to be postponed. The Director I was dealing with had a death in the family and has been overseas for some time. Although her return date is not known I've managed to confirm a group shot at the Library for 27 October and at the same time will do the computer shot probably using the microform readers.

Arranging the photos of the Cavy Club was a near impossible task to organise and the final results are far less than desirable. Originally scheduled to be shot following their AGM in September did not eventuate because the show ran overtime and was followed by the AGM and hall cleaning. Most of those elected reside in country NSW – Cootamundra, Temora, Hay, and Yass – and because of the late finish none were prepared to stay for the photo. The next opportunity was 16 October. There was a bit less time pressure although they were still anxious to get on the road.

Images were shot using a speedlite off camera E-TTL, inside a brick Scout hall with high ceiling andlarge skylight panels running across the roof that unfortunately provided too much ambient light. Looking at these photos at home on the computer shows they are unsuitable for the class project although they will work for the club's website and Newsletter.

These photos were taken at the National Press Club using speedlite mounted on a stand with an umbrella soft reflector positioned as high as possible and remotely triggered.

The question of what to shoot at Kioloa troubled me mostly because I was thinking of the place and that I had never been there. Of course, I knew there would be ocean and coast line but would it be sandy beach; would there be rock pools; would the weather be conductive to shooting; would there be native fauna and flora or farms and farm animals photograph; should I choose an outdoor or indoor; and looking at the numbers of items on the assignment sheet it only added to my anxiety.

"Stop fretting and just get on with it!", was the advice I gave myself. "Take a deep breath, relax and decide."

My decision is to have a couple of projects in mind. First, as a people watcher I thought I would work on a project showing the interrelationships of those attending Kioloa; from the standpoint (pun intended) of their feet, trying to read what was happening what is happening from their stance. Second, I love the ocean and exploring rock pools; viewing things that are washed up on the beach and just watching the rolling and crashing waves. I was prepared to head off to Kioloa with several possible projects set in my mind. Peace at last.

Five of us headed off from Canberra on our journey to Kioloa. We shared our ideas of what we planned to do discussing various aspects of the projects and volunteering assistance for shots that needed just more than the photographer. It was a great drive and interchange of ideas, thoughts, chatter on a variety of subjects. Arrangements had been made to Stop at Braidwood for lunch but also a visit to Steven Best's Macquarie Editions print studio. Some of us had met Steven before and used his services. He, as always, was his congenial self happy to show us the studio and talk to us about various papers he used; considerations of paper choice based on the mounting technique and light in display area; how he worked to include the precise reason his computer an monitor were located where they were in the studio. A very enjoyable and educational part of the trip. Naturally, we wondered through some of the antique and pre-loved shops.

At Kioloa we had time to wander before dinner and headed to the beach. It was there I commenced taking photos of feet as we wandered around the beach and rocky area. I could not contain my fascination with the waves as they rushed into the rocky outcropping so spent quite some time taking long exposure photos of the water. Thereby starting two of my project ideas. On Saturday the photos for both projects continued and while walking on yet a different sandy beach I found myself walking along the high tide mark looking at the seaweed clumps, shells, a surprising number of feathers, a dead parrot fish, blue bottle jellyfish, sponge, ... and so the third project series commenced. Even though I accomplished photographs for three series. I'm sticking to the original shoe project for this assignment and for the Technology.

Me and my shadow go everywhere together. Is he taking my photo or am I taking his?

Sand, rock, footprints and new dainty blue runners contrasting with rugged climbing boot. In the background, left, there is something but what is it. Something to hold the viewers curiosity.

Ugg the ever year round Aussie boot.

Blokes getting together to discuss their plans for the day, a little photograph and maybe head down to the pub for a quick one.

Game Time let's everybody get into the spirit.

Sometimes feet are easy to observe because they are just cold and need to stay snuggled under a jumper and Hidden.

Most people wear their shoes on their feet but when you know someone is doing a photo project on shoes why not make it a little more challenging with a pair of Hand Walking.

Goodbye as friends prepared for their journey home.

Although I stuck with the "original intent" the shots I feel were successful in portraying the interrelationship and personalities of the students attending. The varied colours, textures, and positions in the images along with the short explanation of each makes it a cohesive collections of images.

I mentioned two other projects that developed from the trip and I've included a small sample of the images for each below.

Found objects: