Week 3 Photographic Assignment

Architecture shot in low light: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/11, 1/sec, 14mm, ISO-100. I set this shot up within the building I manage. I focused on where I was standing and waited for people to come by. I had to work this shot to get the right effect and right amount of people. I used a remote to be able to shoot at the time I required. Post processing in Camera Raw involved conversion to greyscale, sharpening and vignetting. I cropped the image to exclude space that was distracting to the image. Andy T

Landscape: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/18, 1/13sec, 19mm, ISO-100. To get this image I got up at 0445, drove to the east side of the Otago Peninsula and hiked up to the summit of Hereweka. Using the rule of thirds I composed the image (camera on a tripod), camera settings required mirror lock and 2sec timer. I also took off the Neck strap as there was some wind to avoid any camera shake. I chose the 16-35mm lens as the blades on this lens allows for great starbursts. I used the full frame camera body as this is much better in low light/noise reduction. To create good star bursts timing is also important. Post processing was completed in Camera Raw - clarity, some contrast and increasing vibrancy slightly. - Andy T

Portrait: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/3.5, 1/50sec, 123mm, ISO-100. I decided on a self-portrait as this seemed more challenging. I had to work the shot several times until I was happy with the outcome. Focus on the eye was critical with a shallow depth of field. Also, the colour of clothing made a difference as my first few shots I had the wrong t-shirt on. I used a remote to take the shot. To get a genuine smile I had to think of either two things - my wife - she makes me smile and or helping people at my work. Post processing in Camera Raw consisted of sharpening the eyes, reducing sharpness to soften the skin, correcting for white balance, sharping and whitening the teeth (remind me to brush better! – Andy T

Week 2 Photographic Assignment

I have started a photography course with SIT, Distance learning. I decided it will help me improve and I am wanting constructive feedback on my photography. So each week I will post up my assignments. I would love to hear your perspectives so please comment.

Week 2 Assignment:

The four images potentially are my worst work! Due to work pressures, not getting the information in an appropriate time I have been rushed or not planned for any of these images. All image processing has used only camera RAW

Portrait: I used an 85mm. Got to their eye level and works a few shots to get her to relax and capture this image - (probably my pick out of these four) I like the natural smile and moment I caught this image of her. I was in a rush and tired and limited gear with me, so natural light and a tree served as the environment. Metadata will show I was able to use good shutter speed to freeze any movement 1/5000sec, and which also meant I could lower my depth of field to f/3.2. I did push the ISO to 500. However, with a full frame, I was happy to allow that in this quick shoot. Processing involved Post processing involved adjusting highlights/shadows, sharpening the eyes and decreasing the clarity to give the skin a soft tone. I also adjusted the white balance for skin tone (used the white of the eye for this)

Architecture: I have tried an image to bring in perspective. I am not that completely happy with it. However, I think it does draw the viewers eye to the end of the hallway in the image. I used a 14mm, had little time to set the shot up. Exposure time was 5 sec, ISO-100 and f/16 to create a good depth of field. I locked the mirror up and used the camera timer. The histogram was great with the start of the image. However, after processing this has shifted having created a vignette to help give a tunnel effect and circular toning in camera raw. I also boosted the contrast to raising the starkness of the carpet and changed to Grey tones. I could do better by spending time lining up the hall better to ensure they were perfect for the 14mm.

Astro: My Gosh, what a terrible image! Sorry! Once I finally got the assignment task I had one night to go out and get a star shot. I was exhausted from the day so dragged my sorry but out and took this horrible image. It was windy, and the clouds were creeping over. I tried to get the stars sharp but could have done better. The composition has no planning and is rubbish! I dropped opened up the f-stop to 3.5, Upped the ISO to 1600, without any calculation for focal length guessed at 10sec. I used a 16mm to get a wide view. The masts are blurry cause it was windy. This image is rather an embarrassment. At least I got some stars and part of the milky way. Post processing involved adjusting highlights/shadows, increasing clarity, increasing exposure to gain more stars and colour and using a gradient to give the sky more mood.

Landscape: Average and rushed again. I had to give up a boot camp for this one. The idea was to create a starburst by using f/18 and a 16-35 with the right blades. Kinda got that! I was intending to use leading lines from the prop, starburst and rail lines to the star. This image I guess has potential, but then I heap of noise when viewed at 100%. Held at 1/80sec with such a wide angle and practising steady breathing I tried to allow for a sharp image. Even though the ISO is 100, there are many dark areas where my noise has come up. Arguably I have shot this image too dark. There is high clipping to the left of the histogram – hence the noise, and on the right of the histogram, I have lost tonnes of information. My exposure is all wrong!

Overall this is experience has been great! And the worst week for me to be creating 4 images of this nature. I hope to get more top of the game in the coming weeks once my course documents can be opened.

Andy Thompson

A Perfect Day

What would a 'Perfect Day Look to me?

As I try to make it across a slippery beam overlooking the deep ocean, Jo cracks up laughing at me.  This was my 6th attempt, but cycling shoes with cleats made it so tricky!

I wake early, Jo is in my arms and we are snuggled. Dawn is approaching and I hear the start of the dawn chorus. It is brilliant and I feel loved. I am with someone who is dedicated to our relationship, has my best interest at heart and compliments what we want in life. Jo is someone who listens and understands me so well. In fact, she is the only person in the world that can truly do that and accepts me for who I am. When we are together we soar wild, yet never let go or sight of the importance of our relationship.  We get up and take the dogs for a walk. The sun is streaming in the house that is clean and simplified. We have built the balcony, have a seat and table in the garden, developed the new garden. We have a new shed so all the bikes are away but ready to go. The walk is invigorating and on the way, I whip a few stunning photos that were a surprise to both of us. When we get back we do a workout. Weights and climbing wall and we are both going strong.

After a most delicious breakfast, we discuss the day's events. We discuss some blue sky thinking in regards to our e freedom businesses, note that our variety of work for both tertiary and private is healthy, share some learning and new innovations, consider our next holiday and adventure, then get into some work for the day. After a solid session attending to clients and work, we take a break for lunch together. Considering we both have different businesses that draw in exceptional income, we can afford the time to have lunch and do a small adventure for the afternoon.

We head to the beach on our Tandem bike, loving the company and chatting about stuff, ideas and what we want to do next. Planning our next travel adventure! We spend a few hours hand in hand walking the beach and bike back home. On the way, we stop for a coffee and ice cream. Fun times. Back home we do a couple more hours work with client's and then make dinner.

In the evening we cook dinner together, chatting and enjoying reciting the day. We have had some great feedback from clients and enjoy supplying a great service. We are making a difference that is positive to others and the planet! The evening is blissful. There is a stunning sunset and colours are amazing. We reside to bed early and cuddle. The way we started the day.


One of my many perfect days!

Andy Thompson

Andy Thompson Photography NZ Ltd

This post is dedicated to Jo Martindale.  She is a rock in my life!

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 3

'Why', River Paddling and Photography

As part of my 10-day blog challenge, it is to write about my 'Why".  What gets my juices flowing and gets me out of bed every day.  One example is when I am in a boat, paddling.... I have complete freedom!  It is like stepping out of the straight jacket of life, demands, pressures and starting a dance that only me, my boat and the river experience.  Hard to put in words... but really the significant change in me is astounding!  I have been paddling since I was 14 years old in some form or fashion.  I started out in the ocean and tasted a river (literally) in my early 20s.  Paddling seems to come easily to me.

Today, 37 years later I went paddling with this guy - Stefan Austin

What a great trip!  Of course, I paddle regularly and the river was 42 cumecs, a brilliant flow.  Grade 3, technical rapids and a stunning day.  It was also important to do it before our programme started to check out the river and get into the flow.  So categorised as 'staff training' and 'bonding' was the trip's purpose.

Why do I do my job?  What turns my propellor and gets me up in the morning?  It is the excitement of opportunities like getting on a river and combining technical skills, confident minds, drawing on experience and judgment to make snap decisions in a dynamic environment, while working with the physics and dynamics of the river.  Part of the fun and adventure is often getting there.  Admittedly we did get lost as there has been so much change with the foresty.

While on the river, I took my TG 4 Olympus to snap some shots.  This pocket rocket has turned out to be a great buy, however, today somehow it switched to just taking JPEGs.  What a lemon!  One of the reasons I bought it was so I could shoot RAW.  Also, it has better machinery.  Also what I have found is it does not have TV priority.  Not being able to set your shutter speed is quite restrictive and some of my shots today suffered due to this.  However, If you get the setting right you can get some great shots.  This camera is still a gem and a better pocket rocket than previous ones I have owned.  I still need to adjust to its limitations.  It was great on my Indian expedition.

So if I answer the 'Why' question.  It's moments like these, sharing great experiences with great people like Stefan on adventures that keep me inspired.  And when I come to teach and am in that position of responsibility to look after others, I fire up!  I am able to share my excitement for being in amazing places like this.  And I can apply my photographic skills to capture memories to share and inspire others to take care of our world and get out and adventure.

Keep adventuring

This blog post is dedicated to Alan Hofman (aka Sarge)  Sarge is battling cancer and has dedicated extensive years to helping the kayaking infrastructure and inspiring other paddlers to love kayaking.  Kia Kaha Sarge!

Andy Thompson
Andy Thompson Photography NZ Ltd

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 2

India and a 10 day blog challenge: Photographing the Extremes of Humanity, Culture and Chaos!

I have decided to take a 10 day Freedom Plan blog challenge run by Natalie Sisson.  The challenges are to identify 2-3 biggest challenges I face stopping me from living a life of freedom.

After returning from leading a World Challenge expedition in Southern India and Rajasthan, being back in Aotearoa, New Zealand is a blessing.  And once again I have gained a new perspective on where my life is presently at.

Back in NZ I drink water and clean my teeth from a tap,  I stand in a que without three others trying push over me. drove a car and at the intersection, I am the only one in line (the other opposite car was on the other side of the white line, and no one tooted their horn).  I stand outside and deeply breathe the cleanest air you can imagine. I stand and look up in the quiet part of the night and lose count of the endless stars I can see.   However, don't let that put you off travelling and visiting other parts of the world.  It was worth every second!

I work as an outdoor facilitator, instructor and guide, and more so am passionate about photography. I have just started my own company Andy Thompson Photography NZ Ltd, and am now looking at ways to earn income from photography, my love of interacting with people and outdoor leadership skills. I love to blend these professions.

The job in India was to lead an expedition with 18 people.  To me, this is nothing short of 'exciting'.  Especially when your task is to guide people in a foreign country you have never been, don`t speak the local language, and 16 of your clients are 16/17 year old with two unknown adults.  What an edgy and brilliant prospect!

Initially, I thought I would have little chance for photography, however, as it turns out I had plenty.  I just had to divide my brain up into safety work, leading/facilitating and taking opportunities to snap the camera. India is a smorgasbord of potential images.  I would go back in a 'flash' to catch more.

Our first destination was Southern India, Kerala, Fort Cochin.  This is the land of the spice and fishing industry.  Kerala boasts one of the highest literacy rates and has more females than males as a population.  It feels easy and calm to be around.  There is a smaller division between cast systems however differences between poverty and the rich are still evident.  Link to map of Kerala.

Fishing boats and large nets were a wonderful ground to get my head into shooting.  However, with a group of 18 people and fresh into the country, I had not quite got into the groove.  It would have been better to shoot at sunset and repositioned myself many times over.  And getting to know some local people would help the shoot for real candid images.

Alleppey is one of the many destinations we stayed.  This is a beach area many people visit for holidays.  Swimming in the ocean is a warm welcome to the heat of the day. At Alleppey, accommodation near the beach is easy to find.  I highly recommend Wind n Waves.  The owner Harri, was outstanding for his help and service.  It's a clean and wonderfully relaxed place to stay. Here I slowly tuned with India and the idea of photographing, while still leading my expedition well.

There is a new cafe on the beach front, their pancakes and coffee are yummy.  The guy who started it is often found sleeping on the veranda in the morning.  I caught him out one morning while in search of breakfast. It was quite funny.  After he woke, he just stood up, shook his large mop of hair, took my order and trotted downstairs to cook it - no problems!

I would get up early (before my students did) which is always a great time to be up and wander along the beach.  It was not uncommon to see fishermen returning from their morning catch.  During the day they would tend to their nets, play cards and consider their next trip to harvest fish to sell.  Check out my 'The Deal' image.

Late into the evening, they would cast their boats on the beach to welcome a warm breeze for the night as the sun set.  You can see more images on Kerala at
http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/Image-Folders-and-Galleries/International/Kerala-India/

What is holding me back from living a life that allows me to develop my photography?  What are my biggest challenges? Well, I think I am living an amazing life!  I have many freedoms in my work already and am grateful for the colleagues and employment I have.  They are great people!  What I have not yet cornered is a way to develop my photographic aspect of my business.  I need to get a focus on this (excuse the pun) and start to earn an income from my skills in photography.  I would love to combine this with teaching and bring messages to others that will inspire people to change habits and make a difference to look after our planet.

So back to my challenge?  I love my present job however, would like to branch my skills and experience outwards.  I need to develop business opportunities to earn active and residual revenue.  My biggest challenge is keeping clear about my goals and developing a business strategy on how am I going to do this?  I welcome any comments for ideas and advice so I can learn from you.

Andy Thompson
Andy Thompson Photography NZ

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1

Photography Gear - What should I buy & why, why why?

"Gosh, you must have a good camera", I hear this comment a lot!  It's hard not to chuckle yet feel the frustration of hearing people's perception of photography.  This comment has edged me on to write something so if your reading this welcome to another perspective on photography... and in case your a headline reader.  The essence of this post is.. you do not need the best camera!  Read on...

(This shot I wanted to give the impression of size.  Unfortunately, the pilot boat was nowhere to be seen so I only had a beacon as a reference.  It was taken on a canon 80d 1.6x crop sensor, 300mm prime f4 with a 2x extender.  I had limited time to work this shot and took about 16 images.)

Photography is made up of many facets.  Here are my thoughts about photography, so you may consider when you think "you must have a good camera",

There are four aspects to photography: 

1. The craft ( Camera use), 

2. Artistry (Composition, lighting, negative space etc.), 

3. Passion and gut feeling and finally, 

4. Post Processing.

1. The Craft.  This is about the ability to use the machine you already have.  Know its limitations, what all the features do.  And when I say all, I mean everything!  Be well practised at using these features in the right circumstances for the right lighting situations.

When I had my first camera - a Nsoca 35, with a 35 mm lens I ran print film then slide later.  I knew little about composition etc. however; I did realise you had to take meter readings, etc. This camera still could take great shots.  I shot slide for years, and have now been swallowed into the vortex of digital. I have a range of machines. Call me obsessed because I now have a few more cameras and have invested in the lens' and other camera bodies.  Here`s the kicker! With all this, you can still take shitty shots.  Overall I have six cameras!  And I am still learning how to use them all to their full potential.  Most days I study a camera to understand its features, limitations and possibilities.  Combine this with a range of lens that only adds to the complications.  The bottom line is to be careful not being sucked into the idea that a certain camera will make your photos any better. In fact, I suggest focusing on the following three points, that I believe truly makes photography.  Only then will you want to move on and decide to invest in anything more expensive.  Cameras equipment is not cheap!

2. Artistry (Composition, lighting, negative space, etc.)

http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/

This image I liked cause it was showing the horses features and a different position you usually do not see.  What a podge!

It is not often you get to see a horse in this position, rolling on the grass.  It's a shame I did not get his eye, as that would have made the shot.  I was positioned too low and sometimes that's just the way it is.  You sometimes just can't get the shot you want.

I like this. However, it`s not my favourite.  This image I have given some artistic post processing, which I think adds to the image.  There is so much to artistry with composition this is not the place to go into any details.

(I was driving along and looking for a new perspective for the day.  I saw these horses on the ground.  It is not often you see this so stole the opportunity.  This one is certainly podgy.  Fun to capture them doing something you often do not see.  It was taken on a canon 80d 1.6x crop sensor, 300mm prime f4 with a 2x extender.  I shot about 50-60 images to work a shot I liked)

3. Passon and Gut Feeling:

Ask yourself, why do you photograph?  The reasons are endless.  I admit I am obsessed.  So find your reasons.

I love photography for many, many reasons.  I love to share my images with others.  It is a way I express myself about how I see the world. I hope to inspire others, and about our amazing world. I want to bring stories to others. I love the challenge of getting a great image.  It takes me to amazing places. I meet wonderful people - there are so many reasons, and the list goes on.  Find yours and ignite your passion for photography.  Also, trust your gut instinct when you think there is a great image caught out of the corner of your eye.  Try it!  Ironically the above image is my favourite of the horses, but probably not for others.  Photography has principles to follow however my advice is to do it cause you love it and don't always follow the rules.

4. Finally, Post Processing:

This is a skill all on its own.  There are basic programmes you can complete this, like Photo elements, etc.  Ideally, your images need a little tweaking.  Remember you are dealing with dots (pixels), and you can improve images.  Most Smartphones have great post processing tools.  Remember the days of film and slide? Well, now you're the camera shop now and the processor!  I like to represent my images how they were at the time.  I have learnt to do a little artistry with some photos but still, aim to represent what I saw at the time.  A camera cannot see what the human eye and brain can create, so all machines have limitations.  Get some lessons and learn some post processing skills.

That's an overall sum up broad brush at what I think photography is made up of.  Of course, when you start drilling into the subject each item I have mentioned has many more levels and aspects, and there are many I have not mentioned.  So next time you suggest to someone or think, "they must have a good camera", remember all the other aspect.  Photography takes dedication, time, passion, subject research, curiosity and a willing to learn.  You may spend a day trying to get an image and come away with nothing you're happy with.  It may take hours, days, weeks, months or in some case, years to get the right image you like.  And respect other people's work.  Alway give credit to a photographer.

Either way - enjoy the beauty of producing images you like and share them with the world.

Happy photographing

Andy Thompson

If you like my posts please leave a comment and follow my blog.

http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/

Purakanui - Another view of Dunedin

I love taking photos. There isn't probably one day I don't shoot a camera, or am not thinking of framing an image. You might say I am obsessed but aren't eccentric people the happiest?

I was looking through my images and realised I have many that are quite dark. I love the golden hour and blue hour, however arguably it lends itself to darker images. I decided to broaden my brightness! So that night a discussion around how to combine three factors occurred. How to combine photography, dogs and exercises with bright light. Dogs rule eh!



So over to Purakanui we trotted. I had not been there for years, and what a wonderful place this is! We were meet by some Royal NZ Spoon Bills. You don`t often see them cross the road!



Another name for a section of this area is Mapoutahi (which is the headland where the Pa site is situated), Osborne and Purakanui which is the inlet bay identified on the map. A link for a map: Purakanui

On a sunny day this place is stunning - and although lupins are considered a weed, they add some bright happy yellow to your day there.

http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/

The beaches are amazing, and if your keen on an a good ol southern swim, I dare you to strip and make a dash for the water! Go on....

Mapoutahi point is in the above photo. Pretty cool to visit as this is where the old pa site is. Be very cautious as there are very large drop offs and no safety fences - so hang on to young kids and your dogs.

Purakanui has some pretty ferocious history. This narrow headland was once the strategic location of a pa that was the scene of the last dreadful act in a feud that tore through the pre-European Maori community of the Dunedin area.
It began sometime in the mid-1700s when a leader named Taoka failed to make an expected visit to his cousin Te Wera, who took this as an insult. In response he took a war party to the Waitaki River and slew Taoka’s son. He sent two minor chiefs to bear the news to Taoka, perhaps hoping that he would slay the messengers and no further utu would be forthcoming. However Taoka was away when the messengers arrived, so they passed the news on to his wives and beat a hasty retreat, likely thanking their lucky stars.

The outraged Taoka laid siege to Te Wera’s fortified pa at Huriawa (which we will no doubt visit in future), but Te Wera had prepared for the attack by stockpiling preserved food, and fresh water could be obtained from a spring on the highly defensible Karitane peninsula. Eventually Taoka was unable to feed his war party and forced to leave. Te Wera quickly took the opportunity to leave for Stewart Island.

But Taoka still needed to settle the score, so he turned his sights on Te Wera’s ally, Te Pakihaukea, who chose to make his stand here at Mapoutahi, perching his pa atop cliffs that could only be accessed via a narrow strip of land. Back in his time, the water was deeper around the isthmus, making it an even more secure position than it appears today.

Taoka laid siege, but could not breach the fortress. Then one winter night he sent a scout to check the defences and discovered that dummies had been set up in place of the usual sentries. The vengeful chief seized this opportunity, broached the pa and slaughtered the inhabitants. It is said that only one man escaped, by diving into the ocean.

Once the massacre was over, the bodies were left piled up like a large heap of wood, which is the translation for the name of the bay – Purakaunui.

I am glad it is a far more peaceful location now, and encourage you to go visit. Make sure you take care of the area, respect locals and keep all dogs away from wildlife. There are blue penguins around too.

I think this is going to be a place I will visit and photograph much much more - so keep an eye out. I did catch a great panorama you can see looking across to Drs Point so click on the link and have a look.

Till next time - keep adventuring & photographing.

Andy

Andy Thompson Photography NZ