Improving Your Image Through Visual Communications



Journalist - Photographer - Writer

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

How to save time and money for your business by licensing use of professionally created images

By Darren Stones

There’s times when you need to freshen-up your website and advertising material with new images so you can attract new customers. New customers are critical to growing a business and to maintaining market share.

By licensing professional images that have already been created, you can save your business money because you do not have to commission a professional photographer.

Let’s say your business is involved in the travel or tourism industries. It’s imperative to show your customers images that are not 10-15 years old. Consider selecting new images from the Darren Stones Stock Photography gallery. I specialise in licensing images to businesses and individuals. Prices start from $60.00 and discounted business packages can be tailored to suit your needs.

Bright, Victoria, Australia, Delany Avenue, autumn IMG_9825_Bright
Delany Avenue during autumn at Bright, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

Photographs can be used for:
  • Websites
  • Brochures
  • Leaflets
  • Posters
  • Advertisements
  • Booklets
  • And much more

For further information, see my Photography page and contact me today to discuss your needs.

Saturday, 19 March 2011

Award-winning tour operator Bunyip Tours supplied with fresh images for promotion

By Darren Stones

Darren Stones Visual Communications recently had the pleasure to supply five high resolution digital photographs to multi award-winning Australian tour operator Bunyip Tours. Bunyip Tours who are located in Flinders Street, Melbourne, were seeking fresh images for brochures, their website and posters for marketing and promotion activities.

The professional photographic package we supplied includes:
  • Two photographs featuring the magnificent Twelve Apostles
  • A moody photograph taken at Teddy's Lookout at Lorne which overlooks a scenic winding section of the Great Ocean Road
  • A rare image of a young family walking along the pristine Gibsons Beach adjacent the Twelve Apostles
  • A soothing scene of MacKenzie Falls in the Grampians National Park
Bunyip Tours was a finalist in the 2010 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards and we congratulate them for their achievement. We are delighted to assist Bunyip Tours improve their image in the Australian travel and tourism industry by supplying images from our ever-growing image library.

Darren Stones Stock Photography

Monday, 14 March 2011

Jimmy Barnes and friends rock Aussie Rock on Arden

By Darren Stones - a 1980s music tragic

It's rare to get the opportunity to see some of Australia's best rock'n'roll talent assembled in one place in Melbourne to perform an outdoor gig over seven hours. But when that occasion arises, it's best to book tickets fast and prepare your best-looking black shirt.

Last Saturday between 3-10pm, the North Melbourne Football Club hosted Aussie Rock on Arden featuring Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens and Noiseworks, Ian Moss and Shannon Noll. With the temperature reaching 30 degrees Celcius, things were hot and sweaty both on and off the stage. Fold-up chairs and picnic blankets were the order of the day for the patrons who gathered on the oval, along with plenty of water, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.

Ian Moss IMG_8973_Ian_Moss
Ian Moss
Photo: Darren Stones

Ian Moss IMG_9088_Ian_Moss
Ian Moss
Photo: Darren Stones

First of the headline acts to perform was Ian 'Mossy' Moss. Formerly of Cold Chisel, Moss performed a set which included his solo hits Telephone Booth and Tuckers Daughter from his first album Matchbook, plus My Baby and Bow River which he wrote and performed during his years with 'Chisel'.

TV personality and comedian Peter Hellier was MC for the event and his close friend and Collingwood footballer wannabe Brian 'Strauchnie' Strauchan made a brief yet memorable appearance. Whilst Shannon Noll was on stage belting out What about me, Strauchnie saw fit to enter from stage right and begin hollering out What about Strauchnie. Being typically not-so-humble in the company of real talent, Strauchnie soon realised he was out of his vocal league and went back to wherever it is that he loiters in between engagements.

Shannon Noll IMG_9136_Shannon_Noll
Shannon Noll
Photo: Darren Stones

Shannon Noll opened with Loud, which so happens to be my favourite track of his. From the days of obscurity where he was discovered on Australian Idol in 2003, Noll's performance and voice has matured to a point where his presence in such popular company was warranted. His stage performance quickly commanded the attention of the crowd and they in turn responded to his highly-charged performance. The ladies just love him.

Shannon Noll IMG_9133_Shannon_Noll
Shannon Noll
Photo: Darren Stones

Noiseworks have re-formed and with Jon Stevens out front are playing as good as ever. Long regarded as one of the country's most under-rated acts during the 1980s, Stevens announced to their fans that Noiseworks will be recording a new album - their first in 19 years.

Noiseworks' performance was regarded by many in the crowd as the best of the night with Stevens's voice and energy reminiscent of decades gone by. Stevens is ageing like a fine wine and is looking remarkably fit - a credit to him.

Stevens dedicated Touch to those suffering from the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Jon Stevens IMG_9419_Jon_Stevens_Noiseworks
Jon Stevens - Noiseworks
Photo: Darren Stones

Jon Stevens IMG_9453_Jon_Stevens_Noiseworks
Jon Stevens - Noiseworks
Photo: Darren Stones

Jimmy Barnes was the headline act of the evening and deservedly so. In the style Australians are becoming accustomed to seeing, he quickly commanded the full attention of the audience. Barnes has arguably become the elder statesman of Australian rock and seems to be revelling in his role.

Jimmy Barnes IMG_9843_Jimmy_Barnes
Jimmy Barnes
Photo: Darren Stones

Jimmy Barnes IMG_9926_Jimmy_Barnes
Jimmy Barnes
Photo: Darren Stones

Barnes, who was accompanied on stage during his 90-minute performance by three family members, finished the night strongly by pleasing his screaming fans with Driving Wheels and Working Class Man.