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Stoneleigh Photography

Just before harvest in Marlborough this year I completed a couple of days of photography for Pernod Ricard at the picturesque Stoneleigh Vineyard. It is an unusual vineyard in that it is situated in an ancient riverbed, as evidenced by the piles of stones close to the surface. The stones contribute to the unique nature of the vineyard, reflecting and storing the heat of the sun while challenging the vine roots to dig deep. It has been a marvelous growing season for vineyards and Vintners are cautiously optimistic for a great vintage.

As usual for a shoot like this, much of the work is done before a single shot is taken. Watching for a weather window, marking off locations and times to return, establishing a shot list and so on. Even then the weather can put plans on hold, as it did a couple of times when the clouds rolled in. All images shot with a Canon 5D3 and a variety of L series lenses. Post processing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CS6. Thanks to Claire Young from Pernod Ricard for great direction and Rod Brailsford from Stoneleigh for his help on the ground.

Apr 10, 2013 | Categories: assignments | 1 Comment »

Photo-shoot for Waitikiri Property Development

I recently completed an assignment for the Waitikiri property development on the outskirts of Christchurch. This is the second portfilio of work I have done for them under the direction of Robert Jamieson from Q Brand Agency. As with many property developments, it is being completed in stages. The challenge was to show the areas still being developed in an appealing way but also to show what has been achieved so far, to give prospects an idea of the completed environment.

A property development in progress includes a lot of flotsam which is rather un-photogenic – road cones, piles of dirt, skip bins, etc. By careful choice of lens and camera position, I was able to avoid the worst parts. Fortunately Waitikiri already has some nicely finished stages which make great subjects and backdrops. Lighting is also an important consideration, there is usually an optimum time of day and weather pattern to photograph a specific view. Consequently much of the time on the assignment is spent in reconnaissance and planning, then returning when the conditions are right for shooting.

Thanks to Robert Jamieson from Q Brand Agency and Hilton Smith from Smith Developments.

Mar 18, 2013 | Categories: architecture, assignments | 1 Comment »

Assignment for Fletcher Construction

Fletchers Construction Ltd. Canon 5D3, EF100-400 lens at 285mm

Fletcher Construction Ltd.      Canon 5D3, EF100-400 lens at 285mm

One of the challenges of commercial work is constructing an appealing image in a busy workplace.

This assignment was a challenge, a narrow window of time, harsh lighting and not much room to move. The image needed to convey the activity but not be too confusing. It was more effective to take this image in parts with a view to compositing the final image in Photoshop. Firstly the models were photographed so they weren’t waiting around any longer than necessary. Next, I photographed the two workmen with the surveying equipment on the footpath. Lastly, the traffic was photographed with a slow shutter speed to illustrate movement.

I have found this to be one of the most effective uses of Photoshop – not for fixing mistakes, but for putting together an image which would have been difficult to do in a single exposure. A good working knowledge of Photoshop techniques can help overcome technical challenges in the field.

Feb 21, 2013 | Categories: About this photo, assignments, Photoshop | Tags: , | Leave A Comment »

New Airbridge Murals for Christchurch Airport

I recently completed work on two murals for an international air bridge at Christchurch International Airport. The murals are each around 40 metres long by 2.4 metres high. I have produced a few air bridge murals for CIAL now, but these were the most challenging. One of the challenges was shooting from a moving boat; it took some practice to get everything level and in focus. I am grateful for the superb piloting skills of Roger Williams of Whale Watch Kaikoura for keeping things steady. A big thank you is due to Whale Watch Kaikoura who were very supportive of the project and were ready to go out on the water at short notice when the conditions were right. I spent 11 days photographing this project. Much of that time involved reconnaissance and planning; still more time in waiting for conditions or timing to come together. Clicking the shutter is a bit like the final 100 metre sprint in a 10,000 metre race.

Post-production is a major component of an assignment like this. Some serious computing grunt is needed to handle the 2GB files this sort of work generates. Photoshop skills are also mandatory.  Processing and merging of images was done using Adobe Lightroom 4 and Adobe Photoshop CS6. Each mural is made up of several 15-20 image panoramas merged together, a total of 45-60 images per mural. The images were shot on a Canon 5D3 using a variety of Canon lenses.

It was a very enjoyable project to work on and I was fortunate to have a good run of weather in May and June when the images were shot. Thanks to Emma Smith from Christchurch International Airport for having faith in the concept; Steve Thorpe from Dennis Thorpe Signs for a great job printing and installing; and once again to Kaikoura Whale Watch.

Aug 21, 2012 | Categories: About this photo, assignments | Leave A Comment »

Statistics NZ Interior Architecture


Statistics New Zealand have an impressive new workspace here in Christchurch designed by Creative Spaces

Thanks again to Colette McCartney from Creative Spaces for making sure everything went smoothly. Existing lighting was used for all of the photography. Meaning less time waiting around for those involved with the shoot, and more natural looking images. White balance becomes a critical factor here and is most challenging when warm interior light mixes with cooler light from outdoors. Wide angle lenses were favored, taking care to keep verticals looking naturally straight. Occasionally images were stitched together via Photoshop when an exceptionally wide view is called for. Polarizing filters were used where necessary to control reflections. Photographed using Canon cameras and Canon L-series lenses.

Aug 16, 2012 | Categories: architecture, assignments | Leave A Comment »

Waimakariri Images at NZI Headquarters in Temuka

Feature images in the stairwell entrance to NZI Headquarters in Temuka



A set of five framed images have recently been installed in the New Zealand Insulators headquarters entrance stairwell in Temuka. The 88 year old manufacturing business is undergoing a resurgence after years of decline due to competition from cheap imports. They proudly display the Made in New Zealand logo on the front page of the NZI website. It is great to see a local manufacturer support the local economy and compete vigorously against cheaper imports.

Aug 08, 2012 | Categories: About this photo, assignments | Leave A Comment »

Hellers NZ’s Butcher Photo Shoot

This week I photographed the smart sculptural signage at Hellers NZ’s Butcher under the direction of DOW Design. I thought it best to wait for a clear evening and morning to get low-angled sun to accentuate the 3D nature of the signage. I also wanted to get a shot at dusk with the exterior building lights on. It is a lovely time to photograph – the sky goes a deep blue, the light is soft and detailed, and the electric lights give nice accents to the image. The unsettled weather posed a few planning challenges because I had to arrange to have the trucks lined up by early afternoon on their return to base, and I couldn’t guarantee the weather would still be clear in the evening!

Cameras used for this job were a Canon 5D2 and 1DS3. Lenses were 16-35, 24-105 and a 100-400. I also occasionally used a roof tray on my vehicle to get a bit of height.

To help plan for sun angles I use a wonderful tool called The Photographer’s Ephemeris.

 

Mar 01, 2012 | Categories: architecture, assignments | Leave A Comment »

Brancott Estate Heritage Centre and Winery

I’ve recently completed work on a two-day shoot for Brancott Estate Winery and Heritage Centre. A fine spell of weather at the end of January saw me scurrying up to Blenheim, as I really needed sunny weather for this job.  Grey skies and dull weather wouldn’t produce the impact we were after.

Brancott Estate were pioneers in the Wine Industry with the first Sauvignon Blanc plantings in Marlborough in 1975. In fact in the very first vintage of 1979 the varietal won an award!

The Heritage Centre is a fabulous building by renowned New Zealand designers Jeff Fearon and Tim Hay, of Fearon Hay Architects. Completed in 2011, it sits on a hill overlooking the estate, with views to die for. It has been well thought out, showcases the rich history of the area and has a top class restaurant and wine tasting facilities.

So what’s involved with a job like this? A lot of planning happens before any shots are taken. After discussions with the client a shot list is drawn up. This helps to make sure I’m at a particular part of the estate when the lighting is at its best. A site visit was done on day one so, once the requisite safety briefing and clearances were obtained, I could survey the winery and work out the best vantage points and angles. A GPS is used to work out sunrise and sunset times and locations. I also used the GPS to mark off exact locations to return to. Another essential tool is a high vehicle with a roof tray – useful for shooting over the top of the vines. I also carry a collapsible ladder for the same purpose.

As for camera gear – two 21-megapixel Canon cameras were used, with Canon lenses ranging from 16mm to 400mm. A polarizing filter was occasionally used to reduce reflections and enrich the colour of foliage and skies. Other accessories used were Canon 580 flashes with Pocketwizard wireless remotes, a large reflector and a very sturdy tripod.

If you are ever near Blenheim, Brancott Estate Heritage Centre is a beautiful place to visit. I raise my glass to the staff: a more professional and hospitable crew would be hard to find.  I can also vouch for the food and wine experience – top notch!

 

 

Feb 10, 2012 | Categories: assignments | Leave A Comment »

Italy Photo Tour Video

Here is the first of a series of videos I am putting together to give www.italyphototour.co.nz a nudge for this year’s October trip. The camera used was a Canon 5D2.

On last year’s tour, I decided to shoot mainly video with the goal of putting together a few short pieces. To help things along a purchased a Zacuto magnifier and a small set of Glidetrack rails. One addition I wish I had was a decent microphone. I did use a microphone adapted to work with my iphone but in practice it was fiddly and of poor quality. This is the recorder I hope to take this year, the Zoom H4n.

I could only shoot video as workshop commitments would allow, but I still learnt a few things I would do differently next time:

  • shoot more ‘free’ video – i.e. using the glidetrack rails as a rig to walk around with the camera. It is less steady than a tripod but is arguably more interesting and spontaneous.
  • have more of a plan – although I had a rough idea, a more defined script would have helped the continuity of the final video.
  • practice more before the trip – I lost opportunities because I wasn’t fast enough or made mistakes.
  • in most cases the sound the camera records is unusable – but a separate sound recording system needs to be fast and easy to use.
  • it is difficult to shoot both video and stills well, best to concentrate on one at a time.

Video is a lot of fun and although a number of photography skills are transferable, it is QUITE A DIFFERENT BALL GAME. Oh, and did I mention the editing… if you thought editing photos took a lot of time, wait until you try video!

Feb 02, 2012 | Categories: Trips, video, Workshops | Tags: , , , | Leave A Comment »

Holiday Photos

Part of the fun of going on holiday for me is taking my camera … and tripod, lenses, filters … where does one stop?  I couldn’t ever not be a photographer. It motivates me to get up early, explore new places, and be aware of what’s around me. Sure, there are times that I’ve dragged my camera gear up hill and down dale without taking a single shot. But there are worse times when I haven’t had a camera and the opportunities have been great!

Apart from the extra baggage, is there a downside? The only one I have experienced is that it can make you less involved in what is going on, becoming an observer rather than an active participant. There are times when it is best to just put the camera away and lose yourself in whatever is happening. It takes practice to know when those times are. So … always take your camera on holiday, but don’t forget the holiday part of it..

Jan 12, 2012 | Categories: Trips | Leave A Comment »