Eye-catching range of Season's Greetings cards

By Darren Stones

Season's Greetings cards are a terrific gift giving idea and let us save you valuable shopping time by offering a collection of eye-catching designs.

We've included the words "Season's Greetings" on the front of all our cards so they can be used regardless of religious circumstances.

See our Season's Greetings card designs

With punchy colours and a subtle drop shadow added to the Season's Greetings text, our greeting cards are available in two sizes:

• Standard Greeting Card - 100 x 150mm / 4” x 6”
• Large Greeting Card - 125 x 190 mm / 5” x 7.5”

Each greeting card is 300gsm with a satin finish, and blank on the inside so you can tailor your special message to the recipient. Each card is supplied with a white envelope.

Purchase 16+ cards and receive a massive 30% discount. And the great thing is, you can purchase different card designs to make up your 16+ cards to receive the discount. How good is that?

So what are you waiting for? Check out our Season's Greetings card designs today and make your purchase. You will be glad we saved you another trip to the shopping centre.

See our Season's Greetings card designs

What to look for when employing mature-aged job seekers

By Darren Stones

In a world where the workforce is having to continually adapt to change, it's imperative to consider employing experienced people who have a breadth of knowledge and skills that can be drawn upon by younger people within a business or company. By doing so, positive action can be taken to building a rounded team where ideas are shared for the betterment of the business or company and their clients.

Mature-aged job seekers who may be experiencing unforeseen circumstances where they now need to find alternative employment, can bring their life experiences and talents to a new work environment and positively contribute to increased sales, performance and reputation.

Australia is currently going through a workforce transition where thousands of manufacturing and media positions are being made redundant, so this presents exciting opportunities for those who want to change career and possibly enrol in some form of course or training.

There are numerous benefits to employing mature-aged staff into positions where the clients of a business may prefer to engage with people of similar age. This is something that employers need to consider because it can lead to word-of-mouth referrals and increased sales.

Mature-aged job seekers will most likely have a sound background in volunteering and contributing in some way to the community. Regard this highly because it is a clear indication that they are willing to make a positive difference for others.

Life achievements, awards, and continued learning are also factors to consider as these demonstrate active participation and initiative.

Consider these key characteristics and qualities when looking to employ mature-aged people:

• Life experience  
• Gained knowledge and skills through work and study
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances
• Willingness to promote the business or company they work for via word-of-mouth
• Voluntary contributions to the community
• Achievements and awards 
• Continued learning

I am happy to know your views about this topic and invite your comments.

Superb eye-catching range of Season's Greetings cards

By Darren Stones

Season's Greetings cards are a terrific gift giving idea and let us save you valuable shopping time by offering a collection of eye-catching designs.

We've included the words "Season's Greetings" on the front of all our cards so they can be used regardless of religious circumstances.

See our Season's Greetings card designs

With punchy colours and a subtle drop shadow added to the Season's Greetings text, our greeting cards are available in two sizes:

• Standard Greeting Card - 100 x 150mm / 4” x 6”
• Large Greeting Card - 125 x 190 mm / 5” x 7.5”

Each greeting card is 300gsm with a satin finish, and blank on the inside so you can tailor your special message to the recipient. Each card is supplied with a white envelope.

Purchase 16+ cards and receive a massive 30% discount. And the great thing is, you can purchase different card designs to make up your 16+ cards to receive the discount. How good is that?

So what are you waiting for? Check out our Season's Greetings card designs today and make your purchase. You will be glad we saved you another trip to the shopping centre.

See our Season's Greetings card designs

New photographic print products featuring the Maribyrnong River

By Darren Stones

The Maribyrnong River meanders its way through Melbourne's north-west suburbs and is a fantastic recreational area. As a local or tourist visiting the area you will find an excellent walking circuit that crosses the the Afton Street Footbridge.

For those who enjoy coffee, a stop at the Boathouse Cafe will provide the option of dining indoors or outdoors. The outdoor timber deck area directly overlooks the river and is the place to be on a sunny day.

You can learn to row at the Essendon Rowing Club, where they conduct learning sessions for all ages. There's parks with BBQs, playgrounds, and a whole lot more.

I've released new photographic print products featuring the Maribyrnong River and they are available as a:

• Postcard
• Greeting Card
• Photographic Print
• Matted Print
• Canvas Print
• Framed Print
• Poster

Lots of great options to suit your budget and a great gift idea for a friend or relative.
View all the new Maribyrnong River photographic print product options.

These products are also suitable for displaying and selling in cafes, restaurants, newsagencies, gift shops, and other retail outlets.

Postcard

Greeting Card

Framed Print

Shannon Noll in Black and White

By Darren Stones

There was something that just made me process this unique image of Shannon Noll in black and white. Generally I'm not one to process images in black and white, however this photograph of Shannon seems well suited to the style.

With him reaching skyward and belting out a song, the raw energy and emotion he displays while performing makes you want to listen to LOUD.

Shannon Noll by Darren Stones

How to improve your photography by participating in photography mentoring

By Darren Stones

For someone who actively participates in photography, it can be a fulfilling experience to connect with a like-minded person and achieve goals as part of a photography mentoring partnership. As an amateur photographer, you can further develop your knowledge by discussing your plans with a more experienced photographer who is willing to share knowledge and ideas, and exchange wisdom and thoughts.

Fast-track your learning
You can improve your photographic knowledge and fast-track your learning, by initiating a photography mentoring partnership with a mentor who will facilitate positive discussion and support you to achieve agreed goals.

Constructive feedback and advice
Photography is a continuing learning experience because it provides you with exciting opportunities to further develop your skills, increase your network, and share your newly created images. As a photographer, you can discover new insights with a photography mentor who will provide you with constructive feedback and advice.

 

Darren Stones Photography Mentoring from dgstones

Facilitating growth
Over the years I have been mentored by people who have successfully facilitated my growth, and they did so by encouraging me to set realistic goals and discover information. My mentors did not attempt to solve problems. We discussed my goals and they encouraged me to initiate my journey to improving my knowledge and skills.

Discuss how goals can be achieved
In the 1990s, I was mentored by a former secondary school teacher. Our common interest was playing golf at the local club, and in particular the Rules of Golf. My goal was to achieve Club Level Rules Accreditation, and my mentor and I participated in a mentoring process during planned meetings where we discussed how I could achieve my goal. Our mentoring partnership was conducted over four months and I achieved the rules accreditation that I wanted with a perfect score of 50 out of 50, which was better than my mentor achieved! My mentor was highly skilled at the rules of golf and his achievements included officiating at the Australian Open and other professional events, and numerous amateur tournaments at national, state and local level.

Develop a plan to achieve a goal
During the early stages of developing my photography business I was involved in a mentoring partnership for six months as part of the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme. My specific mentoring goal was to increase sales of my framed prints, cards and calendars. My mentor and I discussed how developing and implementing a marketing plan would help me to achieve my goal. We achieved success because we completed a planned process that included an achievable goal. My mentor held qualifications in business and marketing, and she was successful in her own business pursuits as well as being a TAFE trainer and mentor.

Initiate a mentoring partnership
Photography mentoring is an enjoyable learning process where a less experienced photographer can initiate a mentoring partnership with a more experienced photographer. As a professional photographer, I have knowledge and skills that I'm willing to share with amateur photographers who want to improve their photography knowledge and skills.

Create your new pathway
As a photographer who wants to advance your standard of photography, I invite you to contact me by email or phone. We can discuss your photography mentoring needs so you can create your new photography pathway.

Contact information
Darren Stones
42 Melbourne Avenue
Glenroy, Victoria 3046.
Mobile: 0419 200 469
Email: darrengstones@gmail.com

Further information
Further details about my photography mentoring service are located on the "Mentoring" page.

Download, save and print the 20-page PDF information booklet

Download and print the Photography Mentoring flier

Afton Street Footbridge at Essendon

By Darren Stones

The Afton Street Footbridge is a hugely popular crossing point over the Maribyrnong River at Essendon. As part of the Maribyrnong River Loop Walk, the bridge offers excellent views both in an easterly and westerly direction.

Afton Street Footbridge

I walk regularly in this area and find it to be a a haven in suburbia. The walking path follows the twists and turns of the river and a feature along the shore is the magnificent palm trees.

Afton Street Footbridge

From a photographic viewpoint, these images were taken during the afternoon from the north side of the river. Directly adjacent to the bridge is a car park, and it can be accessed from The Boulevarde and Afton Street.

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Improve your photography skills and knowledge

Photography Mentoring

Participate in photography mentoring with Darren Stones and you will be encouraged to discover your pathway with support and guidance.

Download, save and print the 20-page PDF information booklet

Darren Stones Photography Mentoring from dgstones

As a beginner to intermediate amateur photographer you can:

Increase your motivation

Improve your confidence

Receive constructive and supportive feedback

Gain new knowledge and skills

Acquire new perspectives

Fees from $100.00 for the first session

Visit www.darrenstones.com.au and see "Mentoring" for details

Contact Darren to discuss your needs

Email: darrengstones@gmail.com

Phone: 03 9306 0100

Mobile: 0419 200 469

www.darrenstones.com.au

 

"It was my mentor who convinced me that I was good enough."

 

Accredited Member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography

Download and print the Photography Mentoring flier

How using a tripod will help you to create better landscape photographs

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

So what's a good way to slow down a photographer who madly dashes around with their camera snapping as many subjects as possible? Suggest to them that they use a tripod.

Compose images with a critical eye
Photography is an art form, and for those who are serious about wanting to improve their landscape photography, I highly recommend using a tripod.

One of the key benefits of using a tripod is that it slows the image making process whereby giving us time to analyse the scene and think creatively about it.

We should be mindful of how we compose our images because it is critical in the image making process to producing interesting looking photographs. And that's what we all seek to do.

#1 - Rocky Point at Torquay
Canon 20D, Canon 17-40mm lens @ 17mm
1/640sec, f/11, ISO 200, Tripod, RAW

#2 - Rocky Point at Torquay
Canon 20D, Canon 17-40mm lens @ 30mm
1/250sec, f/13, ISO 200, Tripod, RAW

Experimenting with techniques
The Surf Coast area along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of my favourite locations for photography. I believe the stretch from Point Danger at Torquay through to Jan Juc is perfect for experimenting with landscape photography techniques that require using a tripod.

Exposure settings
During the last few years I have taken a series of images in the same area at Rocky Point, Torquay. In making each image, I have mounted my camera on the tripod and photographed the scene using different exposure settings.

Create a collection
The reason I return to this location and photograph it, is that I can create a collection of photographs that features the same area and produce different looking images. I do this by using various camera and composition techniques, and by using my tripod.

#3 - Rocky Point at Torquay

Canon 20D, Canon 17-40mm lens @ 30mm

1/25sec, f/13, ISO 100
B+W 64x Neutral Density Filter
Photoshop adjustments include:
Levels, Brightness and Contrast selections and masking,
Gradient Fill Layer selection and masking 

#4 - Rocky Point at Torquay

Canon 20D, Canon 10-22mm lens @ 14mm

5sec, f/14, ISO 100, Tripod, RAW

Lee 0.9 (3 stops) Soft Neutral Density Graduated Filter

Photoshop adjustments include:
Levels, Brightness and Contrast selections and masking, Saturation

Freezing and blurring water movement
Freezing and blurring water movement are creative techniques that require different shutter speeds. Longer shutter speeds allow us to produce images that blur the movement of water, whereas faster shutters speeds freeze the water movement.

In image #1 and #2, I have chosen to freeze the movement of the water. My objective in these images was to create leading lines in the wet sand and water, whilst also emphasising the jagged rocks and the fine weather.

Using a neutral density filter
During the day in sunny conditions, it can be difficult to slow the shutter speed and blurring the movement of water. However, with the use of a neutral density filter, it can be achieved.

For image #3, I used a B+W brand 64x Neutral Density Filter. This filter reduces the exposure by 6 stops and it allowed me to slow the shutter speed to 1/25sec. As you can see in the image, I have created movement in the water and it's particularly noticeable where the wave hits the rock.

Time, analysis and creativity
So in summary, use a tripod when photographing your landscape scenes and give yourself time to analyse the scene. Develop your creative skills and you will create better landscape photographs.

Revive your marketing materials and publications with new photographs

License stock photographs for your projects

By Darren Stones

Photographs create visual interest and will enhance your marketing materials and publications. Now is the time to change your promotions with new photographs that will visually communicate to your clients.

October 2012 Stock Photography Sale

• Pricing starts from only $70.00*
• Images supplied via email within 24 hours
• Images for flyers, brochures, websites, calendars, books, etc
• We accept bank deposit, PayPal, cheque, money order, cash
• Visit www.darrenstones.com.au and "Stock Photography"

Contact Darren Stones today to discuss your needs

Email: darrengstones@gmail.com

Phone: 03 9306 0100

Mobile: 0419 200 469

Web: www.darrenstones.com.au

Mention this sale to receive 15% off our normal prices

Download and print our promotional flyer

Paragliding action at Bells Beach Southside

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

Photographing paragliding action is a real challenge, and I believe the best place to do it on the Surf Coast in Victoria is at Bells Beach Southside, Torquay.

Here's a few shots that I think capture the essence of paragliding in this area. Spectators can see the action close up because the paragliders use the thermals across the cliff top where the viewing area is located.

Spectators glued to the action

You need to be patient and continually observant, because composing unique photographs can be a bit hit and miss. With people moving, timing is critical.

Floating on air above the beach

It's a great spectacle to see a paraglider floating on air above the beach. When the backdrop is as brilliant as the Victorian south-west coastline, it makes for awesome photographic opportunities.

Waiting for the wind

There is the opportunity to get close to the paragliders before they lift off, however I suggest you introduce yourself to them and develop a rapport. Chat to them about their experience and interest in the sport. You can gain a good insight by engaging in conversation.

Ready for lift off

Every so often it's wise to step back and take a wide shot. Photographing with a wide angle zoom allows you to take images that include the natural surroundings. Sometimes the sky adds a brilliant background to a scene.

These images were taken using a wide angle zoom lens. By using a wide angle zoom, and getting in close, you can create dramatic images.

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How to improve your marketing materials with photographs

By Darren Stones

Are you using professional quality photographs in your marketing materials that enhance your marketing materials, or snapshots that lessen the quality of your promotional efforts?

Visually communicate to your clients
Use professional quality photographs and rotate them on your website and other marketing materials on a regular basis. By doing so, you can better communicate your ideas to your clients and show them that you are active in your business.

Catalogue of photographs
I offer over 1700 digital photographs for licensing and you can purchase usage rights for your marketing or publishing projects. See the Darren Stones Stock Photography catalogue.

Businesses we assist
We service a variety of clients including:

• Graphic designers
• Guide book publishers
• Magazine publishers
• Calendar producers
• Agricultural organisations
• Real estate agents
• Financial advisors
• Tour guide operators
• Architects

Take action today
See my Stock Photography page for the full catalogue of images and pricing information.

Photography Workshop Survey

Hi folks, thanks for dropping by to see what is happening around here. If you could spare a minute or two, I would appreciate if you could participate in my Photography Workshop Survey. Your responses will assist me to develop and facilitate photography workshops.

Click here to open and take Photography Workshop Survey in a new window

Or you may prefer to complete the survey via the embedded survey below. Please note that you may need to click on the written text options in the embedded survey to register your answers.

Thank you very much your time and consideration. Please leave a comment or suggestion and let me know your photography interests. Cheers.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Get comfortable at Cosy Corner and take your time

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

When photographing the landscape, it's worth spending time in a specific location and working the various angles of that landscape at different times of the day. I recommend to closely analyse a small area and investigate the numerous photographic opportunities that an area can provide.

In this article I would like to highlight Cosy Corner at Torquay in Victoria as a place for landscape photographers to practice their craft. Torquay is a great seaside town for a short break and about one-and-a-half hours from Melbourne.

Being patient
Many hobby photographers have a tendency to rush their landscape photography and want to cover large areas during a short time. I believe it's worth investing time and being patient so you can maximise your chances of covering a small area in a more thorough manner. Even just sitting for 15 minutes can give us time to relax and prepare for an hour of quality photography.

Sunrise at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

See what is happening
When visiting Cosy Corner, I like to park at the car park at Point Danger because access is easy and you can see the weather changing, especially approaching showers and squalls, which can make for interesting images. When I park the car, I always get out and survey what is happening. I look at what the weather is doing, what people are doing and just let the area wash over me. I never get out of the car straight away with the camera and start snapping away in the hope that a good image will magically find its way onto my memory card.

Sunrise at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Sunrise at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Use a tripod
A tripod slows down our image making process and I believe that is a key aspect to creating better images. When using a tripod, we can better compose our images and begin to better see what it is we are actually viewing. Rushing around with a camera and just snapping away is not the best way to make a series of quality landscape images. Time ... give yourself time to connect with a location and allow yourself to feel what is actually happening around you.

Passing shower during the afternoon at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Passing shower during the afternoon at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Lighting and weather
Cosy Corner at Zeally Bay, Torquay in Victoria is a good example of a place where you can return to the same location during a short stay and photograph a variety of subjects and activities within a small area. Different lighting conditions can make a big difference to the scenery around here, and as photographers, this is to our advantage. Changeable weather conditions are great because you can create a series of images where the cloud formations look completely different.

Windsurfing on Zeally Bay during late afternoon sunlight before sunset.
Photographed from Cosy Corner at Torquay, Victoria

Windsurfing on Zeally Bay during late afternoon sunlight before sunset.
Photographed from Cosy Corner at Torquay, Victoria

Summary
Take your time and use the weather conditions to your advantage. Return to the same location and work the angles during different lighting conditions. The rewards will be worthwhile.

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Darren Stones Framed Prints

Framed Prints

Our professionally crafted ready-to-hang framed prints are made by a picture framing specialist. Enhance your decor by hanging a selection of qualty framed prints.

Facebook - Darren Stones Visual Communications
Like us on Facebook to stay informed of photography advice, new products and services.
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View the range of Framed Prints
Darren Stones' Framed Prints

Medium size framed print
Off white matboard
Box walnut frame

Framed print sizes

Framed print features

• 3 archival quality matboard colours: White, Off White, Black
• 5 high quality timber frame finishes: Black, Charcoal, Mocha, Walnut and Cherry
• Exhibition quality Box or Flat frame styles
• Premium Perspex; clearer and lighter than glass
• Archival quality Kodak Professional Supra Endura Paper - Lustre

Matboard Colours

Timber Frame Finishes

Frame Styles

Wire backing allows for easy positioning

Protective edges

Detail of box style frame

Detail of flat frame style

Darren Stones - Surfing

By Darren Stones

I love heading to the coast to photograph surfing. It's one of the most enjoyable photographic pursuits I partake in and I find it relaxing and a challenge. The rewards for being patient are usually good as most times I come home with images that look okay.

I would like to share with you some of my finest surfing photography. This set includes:

• Surfing
• Kitesurfing
• Windsurfing
• Stand Up Paddle

Click on the thumbnails to view a larger size of each image in this collection of Australian surfing photography. Each image in this collection is available for licensing. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.

Darren Stones - Surfing, a set on Flickr.

Towns and locations in this collection include:

• Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria
• Zeally Bay, Torquay, Victoria
• Winkipop, Bells Beach, Victoria
• Main Beach, Merimbula, New South Wales
• Bombo Beach, Kiama, New South Wales
• Dalmeny, near Narooma, New South Wales