Have your say in the photography workshop survey

By Darren Stones

With photography such a big part of our lives today, your opinion is important, and I invite you to participate in my photography workshop survey.

The survey will take 1-2 minutes, and your responses will assist me to develop and facilitate photography workshops to Australians.

Thanks for your input, it's much appreciated.

Photography Workshop Survey

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Looking, seeing and photographing in Brunswick

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

There's something magical about using the 10-22mm wide-angle lens. I just love how it allows me to get in close to subject matter and pull in other environmental elements.

During my recent photography walk around Brunswick, which is in the city of Moreland in Melbourne, I felt my creative juices flowing during that Labour Day public holiday. I could have been lounging around at home, however I went investigating to see what I could find.

I love to LOOK, SEE and PHOTOGRAPH. When visiting a new location, there's times when I simply have to stop and absorb the environment. This day was one of those days where slowing down provided me with time to connect with the surroundings.

When doing travel photography, it's important to STOP. Yes, STOP. STOP travelling ... STOP driving, STOP walking. STOP in your tracks, close your eyes and listen. Do this at least 3-4 times for at least 10 seconds within a five minute period and you will begin to better connect with the location you are in.

I haven't spent any previous time photographing in Brunswick. This opportunity inspired me to think differently than in the past. I think it comes with maturity, and by that I mean photographic experience, knowledge, and know how.

Nobody is born knowing how to create photographs ... but you can learn how to make better photographs whilst on your feet by giving yourself time. Quality is what it's about. Quality time, quality photography, quality experience. And fun.

Stuff you see in Sydney Road, Brunswick

By Darren Stones

Labour Day this year reminded me of the days when textile factories in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick employed local residents. These days, it's a different scene. Sort of a bit arty and definitely multi-cultural.

Something that struck me whilst walking along Sydney Road was how thriving it is, even on a public holiday. People were getting around ... doing stuff.

Intersection of Sydney Road and Dawson Street in Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

Sydney Road in Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Photo by Darren Stones

Entry for Head On Photo Festival

By Darren Stones

The Head On Portrait Prize is Australia's "major innovative showcase for Australian portrait photography." The competition is run in conjunction with its festival and aims to reflect "a vibrant, diverse cross-section of new and traditional photographic practices."

I've entered the 2012 competition with one of my favourite portraits, that of Jon Stevens performing at the North Melbourne Football Ground in Melbourne.

Jon Stevens
By Darren Stones

Information about the competition can be found on the Head On Photo Festival website.

AIPP Accredited Member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography

By Darren Stones

I recently applied to become an AIPP Accredtited Member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. In doing so, I had to meet various criteria, and did so successfully.

Career development
I wish to further develop my professional photographic knowledge and business skills, and view membership of the AIPP as an exciting new opportunity. The photography industry is constantly changing, and it's important that clients are well serviced by professionals.

Portfolio assessment
I was required to submit a 20-image portfolio for professional assessment as part of my application. Choosing the 20 images was an enjoyable and challenging task, as I had initially selected 58 images made in the last 24 months.

Surfing at Jan Juc, Victoria
Photo by Darren Stones

Activities and awards
The AIPP conducts various activities for members, including organising its annual photographic awards. I'm looking forward to participating and networking with fellow professionals.

From the AIPP site
"The AIPP is Australia's leading membership body for the photography community. Supporting professional photographers at all stages of their careers and enabling them to become accredited to the photographic organisation that is the AIPP."

An Accredited Professional Photographer:

• Is Assessed and Proven – Accredited members are judged by an assessment panel to ensure that each accredited member achieves and maintains an expected level of craftsmanship
• Is Professional - operates a registered business
• Is Professional - has liability insurance, as appropriate to their business
• Is Professional – agrees to the AIPP Code of Ethics and AIPP Terms and Conditions of Membership
• Is Professional – agrees to abide by the AIPP Accredited Membership Business Requirements
• Is Experienced – every Accredited Member has a minimum of two years industry experience or has completed a minimum two year photographic program before applying for Accreditation
• Is Experienced – Has the skill, creativity, style and ability to get the job done on time and on budget
• Never Stops Learning – through the AIPP Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program, all Accredited Members must take part in workshops and seminars throughout each year to ensure they continue to develop along with the industry

Updated May 2013:
I'm no longer a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), however I am a member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA).

The Henry Lawson Festival of Arts 2012 Photography Awards Entry Form

Inspiring photographers to participate

By Darren Stones

The 2012 Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Photography Awards entry form is now available. The photography exhibition will be held in Grenfell, New South Wales on Friday 8 June to Monday 11 June, 2012, and I urge fellow photographers to enter and visit Grenfell during the festival.

Who can participate
The awards are open to all Australian citizens, professional photographers, emerging photographers, enthusiast photographers and student photographers.

Entry Form
Here is a link to the entry form. I suggest you save a copy to your computer and print it.
Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Photography Awards Entry Form

Categories
There are nine categories:

• Portrait
• Landscape
• Photojournalism/Documentary
• Science and Nature
• Abstract and Fine Art
• Under 18
• Local
• Emerging Photographer
• People's Choice