Improving Your Image Through Visual Communications



Journalist - Photographer - Writer

Saturday 29 September 2012

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.

Torquay, Victoria, Australia, beach IMG_1090_Torquay
#1 - Rocky Point at Torquay
Canon 20D, Canon 17-40mm lens @ 17mm
1/640sec, f/11, ISO 200, Tripod, RAW

Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_1087_Torquay
#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.

Rocky Point, Jan Juc, Victoria, Australia  IMG_5633_Torquay
#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 

Rocky Point, Jan Juc, Victoria, Australia IMG_5718_Torquay
#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.

Thursday 27 September 2012

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.

Point Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia IMG_5230_Point_Lonsdale

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
Phone: 03 9306 0100
Mobile: 0419 200 469

Mention this sale to receive 15% off our normal prices

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.

Paragliding at Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5616_Torquay
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.

Paragliding at Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5448_Torquay
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.

Paraglider at Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5386_Torquay
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.

Paraglider at Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5389_Torquay
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.

Wednesday 26 September 2012

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.

Anglesea, Victoria, Australia IMG_3199_Anglesea Hervey Bay Whale Festival, Queensland, Australia IMG_6662_Hervey_Bay_Whale_Festival_2006

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.

Friday 21 September 2012

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.

Tuesday 18 September 2012

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.

Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3234_Torquay
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.

Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3250_Torquay
Sunrise at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3241_Torquay
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.

Cosy Corner, Zeally Bay, Torquay, Victoria, Australia  IMG_2873_Torquay
Passing shower during the afternoon at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Cosy Corner, Zeally Bay, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_2867_Torquay
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 at Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5366_Torquay
Windsurfing on Zeally Bay during late afternoon sunlight before sunset.
Photographed from Cosy Corner at Torquay, Victoria

Kite Surfing, Zeally Bay, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5373_Torquay
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.

Sunday 16 September 2012

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
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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

Saturday 15 September 2012

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.

Surfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5114_TorquaySurfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_7713_TorquaySurfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5083_Jan_JucTorquay, Victoria, Australia, surfing IMG_7119_TorquayTorquay, Victoria, Australia, surfing IMG_7100_TorquaySurfing at Winkipop, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3890_Torquay_Winkipop
Torquay, Victoria, Australia, surfing  IMG_7084_TorquaySurfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3493_Torquay_Jan_JucSurfing at Winkipop, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3865_Torquay_WinkipopDamien Oliver surfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3498_Torquay_Jan_JucSurfing at Winkipop, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3828_Torquay_WinkipopStand Up Paddle Surfing, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_3325_Torquay
Kite Surfing, Zeally Bay, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5373_TorquayWindsurfing at Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5366_TorquayKite Surfing at Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_8470_MerimbulaKite Surfing at Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_8559_MerimbulaKite Surfing at Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_8469_MerimbulaKite Surfing at Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_8471_Merimbula
Surfer at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_7759_TorquayTorquay, Victoria, Australia, surfer IMG_6600_TorquayTorquay, Victoria, Australia, surfer IMG_6605_TorquayKite Surfing at Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_8752_MerimbulaKite Surfing at Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_8598_MerimbulaKite Surfing at Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_8451_Merimbula

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