Elizabeth September 22nd, 2008
Part of my 101 Things in 1001 Days challenge
Last Friday I finally replaced the lens that I broke in the US, 18 months ago! I bought a beautiful 70-300mm VR f/4.5-5.6, and have spent the past few days putting it to work.
I can’t even begin to explain how much more “me” I feel, now that I am shooting again. For a while there I had stopped framing imaginary shots in my head. As weird as that sounds, it’s something I’ve done for years - with or without a camera in my hand.
Now that I have the equipment I need to take the shots I love I am seeing the world the way it is supposed to be seen. I love my new toy, and I’m happy to cross number #85 off my list!
Elizabeth February 9th, 2007
I’ve decided on a plan of action to build up my photography portfolio, with a view to promoting myself as an event/portrait photographer - and I need your help!
Upon my return to Brisbane I will be offering portrait sessions free of charge. I need to gather a variety of faces to put together a diverse portfolio, and am interested in photographing as many of your friends, family and pets as you can gather. Be photographed alone, with your partner or best friend, have a family portrait with your siblings and parents, or let me capture your band / netball team / book club / trivia team in action.
You will receive a high resolution selection of the best photos on CD, and I can arrange commercial grade prints at a very cheap, profit-free rate. You are also welcome to use the images on your personal/team/band’s website, in exchange for a small link to my online portfolio.
In return, you would sign a release that grants me permission to use the images for promotion (and publication, but this is negotiable).
How it would work
- I am available to take your photograph from mid-March.
- Most evening portrait sessions would take place at my house, 7 mins from the CBD.
- Outdoor sessions (particularly great for kids and relaxed family portraits) are available on weekends at the location of your choice, or let me suggest some great spots! I am available to travel to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Darling Downs for a small fuel contribution (or beyond, for the cost of airfare and accommodation!).
- You will be provided with a CD of images shortly after our session, from which to select your prints. I have negotiated a dirt cheap rate with a local commercial printer, and as I will not profit from the sale of prints you are under no obligation to purchase prints at all.
How you can help!
- Book a session for yourself and/or your partner, friends and family.
- Think of the various social, sporting and hobby groups you are connected to, either first or second hand. If any of these groups needs updated photos for their website, or would simply benefit from a short photo session for team-building purposes, please pass on their details so that I can approach them personally.
- Children are constantly changing, so think of the children in your social circle and let their parents know about my services.
- Grant me an all-access photographer’s pass to your next event.
- Spread the word!
Stuck for ideas?Formal photographs aren’t everybody’s cup of tea. Read the list below for some inspiration for your unique, artistic portrait.
Children & Families
- Children are best photographed in their natural environment. Coordinate our session with a family trip to the beach, park or zoo, or have me crash their birthday party!
- Seek permission from your child’s school or kindergarten for photographs to be taken in the classroom after hours. Blackboards, desks, colourful posters and toys all make wonderful props and backdrops, and so does outdoor play equipment.
- Consider a themed portrait, based on their hobbies or special skills. Have your child photographed with their musical instrument, basketball, or in their team uniform on the court. Is your three-year-old running you off your feet? Let’s photograph them on a professional track! Learning to read? It’s never too early for Mark Twain and a pair of glasses.
- Have your little ballerina photographed in her dance studio, or on a big empty stage.
- Children and their pets will always bring out the best in each other in a photograph.
- If grandparents aren’t local, arrange a short photo session when they visit.
Friends
- Have a relaxed portrait taken of yourself with your best friends at New Farm Park, the Powerhouse, stadium seating or a carpark.
- Get the boys together for a game of social footy, and have a mud-covered “team” photo.
- Simulate some classic photo booth shots.
- Get into costume and recreate your favourite album cover.
Sporting/Social groups
- Have your team or club photographed in uniform, on the court/stands, or in the coffee shop where you meet.
- Break all the rules by having your group photographed completely out of their natural environment. Dress your book club in footy shorts!
Feel free to email this around to anybody who might be interested. I will only be working for free for as long as it takes me to start up a portrait portfolio, so please be in touch as soon as possible.
Email elizabeth@scarletarts.com for further information.
Elizabeth January 25th, 2007
Yesterday it arrived - my brand new Nikon D200 and 50mm f/1.8 AF lens. It’s beautiful, and I feel all inspired for the first time in ages.
I loved my D70 to death, but it feels like a toy compared to my new camera. It has a magnesium alloy body, it’s fully weather sealed and the LCD screen is big and bright. Most importantly, there are dedicated buttons for settings that I could only access via the menu on my D70. Major design improvement in that regard.
Plus, I can shoot at ISO 100 for the first time since shooting film, and I didn’t realise until yesterday just how important that can be. Shooting with my new prime lens has also made me truly appreciate the value of speed in a lens. The next item on my wishlist is probably the 18-200mm VR, but at close to AU$1000 I have a feeling I’ll be waiting a little while.
I’m so excited that I don’t even care that I’ll be living on 2 minute noodles for the next few months 
