Charleville Photography Retreat

4th – 6 March 2022

Explore Charleville and the surrounds with us in western Queensland on an amazing photo retreat .

Meet endangered bilbies, see the stars, uncover the secret history, and meet the welcoming locals as you discover the ‘heart of the Mulga Lands’.

This retreat will be led by Danielle Lancaster.
Suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced.

We hope you can join Danielle in this wonderful area of outback Queensland.

A proposed itinerary can be emailed, along with accommodation and additional activities.

Travel:
Charleville is due west from Brisbane on the fully-sealed Warrego Highway.
It is also serviced by air, train, and rail. Pickups can be arranged with bookings.
Please if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us at info@blue-dog.com.au

‘I had the time of my life on my first Blue Dog Outback Tour. From start to finish the professionalism, pride and dedication of the Blue Dog shone through thus making the tour such a memorable one. The memories will live on forever.’ Kath M

Suitable for intermediate to advanced.

Location: Charleville, Queensland
For more information or to reserve a place, please contact
Danielle Lancaster
info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

Highlights include:
Meeting the bilbies, locals, individualised sessions, star gazing, outback date farm visit, WWII history, and more.

PricePhotographers: $550.00Partners: $260.00Prices include entry to Charleville Bilby Experience, WW!! Base, Historal House and Museum, Giftpack on arrival, E-pack with notes as required, one-on-one tuition; constructive feedback, task sheets,  and the opportunity to capture images from within Queensland’s outback.

Non-photography partners are welcome.All prices are based from Charleville, Queensland, and are dependent on numbers of min 6

What to bring for camera gear
Camera, manual and tripod
Lockable cable release or remote
Polariser filter
2 batteries and charger
Computer or back up medium

What to bring – personal items
Water bottle, daypack with sunscreen and hand sanitizer, hat and personal toiletries. For clothing: long trousers, shorts, shirts, closed-in walking shoes, sunglasses, raincoat, umbrella,  insect repellent, money for personal spending and meals. And extra snacks like chocolate if you like a late-night munch. Transport is not included. We are hoping most will drive but if you are flying we can work with others for a seat in a car – there is never a problem only a solution as we give a ‘Lending Hand’.

More Info:
ExperienceCharleville
Outback Queensland
Queensland Holidays

Come join us for sunrise at thie iconic Shorncliffe Jetty.

Each month our Brisbane @ sunrise and sunset sessions revolve and change to bring you new and exciting photography opportunities.

This two-hour practical session is designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

Our meet time is 5.00am and our session will finish at 7.00am

Following this session we will have a portraiture shoot. For anyone doing both you will receive  5% discount off the second session!

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We also hold steel wool burning, fire twirling, seascapes, city scapes, light painting, star trails and more, all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light  on the Gold Coast and along the Brisbane River.

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Brisbane @ Dusk Wellington Point

Each month our Brisbane @ Dusk sessions revolve and change to bring you new and exciting photography opportunities.

We have steel wool burning, seascapes, cityscapes, light painting and more to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.

These two-hour practical sessions are designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

This workshop will be held at Wellington Point, meeting place is advised at the time of booking.

Meet 5.00pm for a 5.15pm start. The session finishes at 7.15pm.
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
T: 0428 715 310

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Gold Coast and other locations around Brisbane.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

This is about taking your art further and getting it right in camera!

We explore: exposure compensation – get those whites white and blacks black, how to use a grey card, learn to read your histogram, white balance and the varied uses of a polariser, what is the basis for colour management and does it matter, flash basics including balancing on camera with natural light, and more.

Workshop notes sent via email.
Tea and coffee supplied.
Time 9.30am-1.30pm
All participants receive a copy signed copy of ‘Out Around the Bulloo’.
Location: Algetser, Brisbane

Price: $280.00
Numbers limited
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Do I need to have done the Bluedog Beginner workshop to attend?
No. We do ask you have an understanding of shutter, aperture and ISO and how the three work together and what they do. We are happy to discuss by phone if you are unsure.

A Practical Portraiture Shoot By the Sea – Currumbin

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights at Currumbin with David Alexander.

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and the use of light to create a range of different images including high key and low key.
This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers, reflectors and speed lights to control the light.

Meet 6.45 am for a 7.00 am start
Our session finishes at 9.00am

Location: Currumbin- details of meet location sent on registration.
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you!

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting at many various locations.

FAQ:
Q. Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Beginner Photography – Brisbane

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner workshop is aimed to get you off Auto (that dirty four-letter word) and for you to discover how to become a creative photographer.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Practical: Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands-on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor.

You receive a Bluedog Pack via email with all your notes from the day; a pocket-sized reference card and a copy of our ‘Out and Around the Bulloo’ book, plus a Statement of Attendance vie email.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-12.30pm
Price $280.00
Tea and coffee supplied.
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

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Join David for Sunrise at Currumbin and capture the sunrise.
This two-hour practical session is designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer.

Our meeting place is advised at the time of booking.

Meet at 4.15am for a 4.30am start.
Session finishes at 6:30 am
Min and max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Sessions are also held in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Beginner Photography – Brisbane

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner workshop is aimed to get you off Auto (that dirty four-letter word) and for you to discover how to become a creative photographer.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Practical: Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands-on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor.

You receive a Bluedog Pack via email with all your notes from the day; a pocket-sized reference card and a copy of our ‘Out and Around the Bulloo’ book, plus a Statement of Attendance vie email.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-12.30pm
Price $280.00
Tea and coffee supplied.
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – Karawatha Forest – Brisbane

Join us in the soft morning light as we are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using natural light and speed lights in Karawatha – a beautiful reserve in Brisbane.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories including flash, diffusers and reflectors.
We will also cover posing for a variety of scenarios and a model will be provided .

With our small group size (maximum of 6) you have the opportunity to set the scene and create work on specific images techniques, all in a relaxed and friendly yet educational environment.

Time
Meet  7.45am
Start: 8.00am
Finish 10.00am
Location: Karwatha – exact location emailed to those who register
Price: $85 inc GST
5% Intensive Subscriber discount available for this workshop

For further information and to reserve a place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you!

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image courtesy Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Beginner Photography – Brisbane

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner workshop is aimed to get you off Auto (that dirty four-letter word) and for you to become a creative photographer.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Practical: Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands-on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor.

You receive a Bluedog Pack via email with all your notes from the day; a pocket-sized reference card and a copy of our ‘Out and Around the Bulloo’ book, plus a Statement of Attendance on the day.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-12.30pm
Price $280.00
Tea and coffee supplied.
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

Beginner Photography – Brisbane

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner workshop is aimed to get you off Auto (that dirty four-letter word) and for you to become a creative photographer.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Practical: Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands-on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor.

You receive a Bluedog Pack via email with all your notes from the day; a pocket-sized reference card and a copy of our ‘Out and Around the Bulloo’ book, plus a Statement of Attendance on the day.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-12.30pm
Price $280.00
Tea and coffee supplied.
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

Private Photography Tuition

Our private photography sessions are designed around you. From one-on-one to small groups, the session is planned on your specific needs after a phone meeting prior with your tutor. Dates during the week and weekends are available.

It may be learning how to drive your camera, experimenting and acquiring knowledge in studio lighting, flash – any of a range of possibilities are on offer. These are offered in-person or as online tutorials through our training program. Everyoe receives their notes by pdfs (we are green and clean) and a signed copy of ‘Out Around the Bulloo’.

To further information or to organise please
Email info@blue-dog.com.au or call 0428 715 310

Beginner Photography – Brisbane

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner workshop is aimed to get you off Auto (that dirty four-letter word) and for you to become a creative photographer.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Practical: Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands-on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor.

You receive a Bluedog Pack via email with all your notes from the day; a pocket-sized reference card and a copy of our ‘Out and Around the Bulloo’ book, plus a Statement of Attendance on the day.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-12.30pm
Price $280.00
Tea and coffee supplied.
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

This two-hour practical session is designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer so you can develop your photography further.

Maybe there’s an aspect of your camera you are uncertain about, maybe you need some guidance in composition or what those dials and numbers really mean, or maybe you want to know just where you are at and go that next step…

Think of this session as an opportunity to spend two hours with a professional photographer who, as the group is so small, can offer tailored assistance to everyone who attends

Meet at 12.45pm for a 1.00pm start.
The session will finish at 3.00 pm.

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.
Other locations: Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane City, Toowoomba, Tamborine Mountain and other regional locations

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – Wellington Point

Join us in the soft evening light as we are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using natural light and speed lights at Wellington Point.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories including flash, diffusers and reflectors.
We will also cover posing for a variety of scenarios and a model will be provided. Images taken during the session can be used in a folio.

Due to Covid-19 social distancing will be adhered to with your tutor able to be close to you for a very short time. Your tutor will have hand sanitiser and use it between any interactions. We recommend you have your own hand sanitiser and adhere to all instructions by the tutor.

Meet: 7:45am
Start: 8.00am
Finish: 10.00am

Price:
$85 inc GST
(5% Intensive Subscriber discount available for this workshop or if also attending the sunrise before)

For further information and to reserve a place please email info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you!

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Abstract Photography with Judi Neumann and Danielle Lancaster

During the session, Judi and Danielle will talk on how they photograph abstract images, what they look for, equipment, settings for starters!

Session length 60 minutes including Q&A time.
Start 8.00am AEST Time
Price: $27.50 (incl GST to non-subscribers)

This session will be recorded and uploaded onto our private YouTube channel for viewing at your leisure.

To reserve a place please email info@blue-dog.com.au

Or for more information
Tel: +61 428715310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A: No, not at all. Everyone is welcome!

Meet the Photographer – James Rushmore

James is the Global Travel Photographer of the Year along with winning many other awards.
During the session, he will speak about the how, when and why of his folio submitted and we will have Q&A time in the 40-minute session.

Session length 40 minutes including Q&A time.
Start 11.00am AEST Time
Price: $27.50 (incl GST to non-subscribers)

This session will be recorded and uploaded onto our private YouTube channel for viewing at your leisure.

To reserve a place please email info@blue-dog.com.au as they are limited.

Or for more information
Tel: +61 428715310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A: No, not at all. Everyone is welcome!

Meet the Photographer – Dan Avila

Dan was a finalist for the Global Travel Photographer of the Year along with winning many other awards.
During the session, he will speak about the how, when and why of his folio submitted and we will have Q&A time in the 40-minute session.

Session length 40 minutes including Q&A time.
Start 11.00am AEST Time
Price: $27.50 (incl GST to non-subscribers)

This session will be recorded and uploaded onto our private YouTube channel for viewing at your leisure.

To reserve a place please email info@blue-dog.com.au as they are limited.

Or for more information
Tel: +61 428715310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A: No, not at all. Everyone is welcome!

How to photograph stained glass windows

Photographing through glass can be tricky, and there are many times during our daily lives, or when we travel you see amazing stained-glass windows. How to get that great image of these wonderful artist feats need not be to have a physics degree. Here are a few tips on how to photograph stained-glass windows.

When photographing stained-glass windows, we are wanting to show the colour, shape, texture, expression down to the body language and the message depicted by the artist.

Let’s look at the main substrate: glass so we understand a little of its properties – for the less nerdish of us, it’s only three more short paragraphs till we get into how to do it.

Glass
Glass can be a fabulous subject or a downright pain to photograph. It’s translucent, transparent and highly reflective. All of these qualities can be an advantage or a disadvantage when photographing stained glass.

Properties of Glass
Translucent
One of the qualities we love about glass is that it allows a diffused light to pass through. Stained glass windows in churches, cathedrals, and in some homes provide explanatory examples of how colour and light can pass behind glass.

Transparent
You can see through the glass from the outside and vice versa.  Scenarios could include shop displays, museums, aquariums, zoos, transport or through the window of a café or house. At times we may forget it’s there but then it plays its games with us causing ugly reflections that inhibit our ability to capture the scene on the other side.

Reflective
Glass is reflective. Often, we try to decrease or eliminate reflections in the glass, but an enchanting quality of glass is its reflectivity.  We can use it to our advantage. It can reflect a scene such as an office building on the other side of the road or a window or even in a vehicle. This is an area that inspires creativity in the image-maker.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Tips for photographing stained glass windows

Choose a sunny day when the light falls behind the glass and illuminates the colours. This includes choosing the time of day as windows will be illuminated during different times of the day.

Get as close as you can to being straight on with the window, if you shoot upwards your image may look out of perspective and this increases with the wider the lens you use.

Shooting square on means that the window should all be in the same focus plane. If you need to crop ensure the image is straight – the strong verticals in most windows make any odd angles very obvious.

Don’t use flash

Rules: Some churches will allow photographers to use tripods others will require a fee – best to check before you visit.

Shoot in RAW – this will give you greater latitude in exposure.

If you can’t use a tripod try a beanbag, your backpack or we have even used a water bottle to support the camera while composing and taking the image.

Spot meter read off an average green or mid red area of the stained glass.

To achieve inside and outside correctly exposed
Take a properly exposed shot of the glass. Now move your metering spot to meter for the stonework/ inside and take a properly exposed shot of that. Then composite the images together in your software of choice. Thankfully due to the concise and clear edges of the window, this makes it a simple task.

Composition is important
Look at the stained-glass artwork, do you want to capture all or part?
These windows tend to be symmetrical, so shooting from an angle rarely looks effective. Shooting square on means that the window should all be in the same focus plane so, assuming you are using a tripod aperture doesn’t matter a great deal. When cropping, ensure the photo is perfectly straight – the strong verticals in most windows will make any odd angles obvious.

Never visit a church during a service unless you have prior permission. If you are visiting to admire and photograph the windows in a church, take note of service times and when the venue is open to visitors.

Always remain in the background, admire and never disrupt proceedings either in a church or in a public or private place.

Remember to turn of VR/IS when on a tripod.

Image courtesy John Bailey

Quilpie Photography Retreat

7th – 11 May 2020

Explore Quilpie and the surrounds with us in western Queensland on an amazing photo retreat while ‘Lending a Hand’ to an area ravaged by drought.

Join Bluedog Photography as we head to Quilpie in outback Queensland on a ‘Lending the Hand’ photography and cultural tour.

Danielle Lancaster will be joined by local Troy Minnett around an itinerary based around supporting regions and local businesses that have affected by drought, bushfire, flood or any other natural disaster.
Suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced.

We hope you can join us into this wonderful area of outback Queensland where we will meet the locals, do a road trip and enjoy the night skies full of stars while supporting local businesses.

Please see below for the proposed itinerary, information on staying at the Channel Country Caravan Park in Quilpie, what to bring, price, inclusions, travel information and more.
Please if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us at info@blue-dog.com.au

‘I had the time of my life on my first Blue Dog Outback Tour. From start to finish the professionalism, pride and dedication of the Blue Dog shone through thus making the tour such a memorable one. The memories will live on forever.’ Kath M

Suitable for intermediate to advanced.

Location: Quilpie, Queensland
For more information or to reserve a place, please contact
Danielle Lancaster
info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

Highlights include:
Exploring outback landscapes from the Channel Country to the most eastern Simpson Desert. We’ll do a road trip one day and call into meet Corey at the Eromanga Natural History Museum, a station and boulder opal mine.
Evenings we will dine in town from tapas at The Brick to the local Quilpie Bowls Club and then there is the campfire back at the caravan park under those amazing clear skies.

Troy Minnett, is the owner of the caravan park and a fourth-generational Quilpie man, so we could call him a local. Troy will be joining us on many of outings as he showcases his unique backyard in Outback Queensland.

Price
Photographers: $1,274.00
Partners: $260.00
Children under 15: $114.00 (children are to be fully supervised at all times).
Prices include entry to Eromanga Natural History Museum, E-pack with notes as required, one-on-one tuition; constructive feedback, task sheets, some meals and the opportunity to capture images from within Queens;land’s outback.

Non-photography partners are welcome.
All prices are based from Quilpie, Queensland and are dependent on numbers of min 6
Meals as indicated in the itinerary below: B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = Dinner – we aim to support as many local businesses with pre-booking of meals as we can as to lend a hand.

Accommodation
Danielle and Troy will be based at the Channel Country Caravan Park.
There is a variety of accommodation available from cabins, a house, powered and unpowered sites. Please book your own accommodation and pay stating ‘Bluedog’ when booking (accommodation is not included in price). There are other accommodation options in Quilpie and surrounding.

Registration is made through Bluedog and we will double check your reservation with Channel Country Caravan Park (please note any cancellation policies).

Itinerary
Quilpie “Lending a hand’
Itinerary may be changed due to weather, safety or other factors.
Day 1: Thursday 7 May 2020
Arrive in Quilpie. Settle into accommodation before we head to one of the local coffee shops for an afternoon coffee or tea fix and the local stores and hotel for any supplies you may need.  We’ll visit the opal alter, race track, take a drive around town and get our bearings – take note of the street names -and maybe catch up with a local or two.

6pm The Brick for tapas, drinks and dinner (own expense).
Overnight Quilpie

Day 2: Friday 8 May
It’s an early start as we head to Eromanga today! We will have breakfast packs ready (included). On the way, Troy will show us into a station where we may see a woolshed, before we meet Cory at 11.00am at the Ermomanga Natural History Museum for an hour personlised tour into the ancient history of the dinasours in outback Queensland (entry and tour included).
Time is allowed before lunch at the Eromanga Hotel at 12.30pm to wander the other musuems, meet the locals and absorb the quaintess of this friendly outback town.
2.00pm depart Eromanga for the trip back to Quilpie. Sunset along the road.
Dinner at the Quiplie Bowls Club. (own expense).
Overnight Quilpie

Day 3: Saturday 9 May
Rise and shine! We’ll have two locations for sunrise on the local map for you to visit.

Breakfast packs will be ready (included) before we head out looking for wildlife, scenery and people that call this special area home. In the middle of the day is some downtime for you to organise images, upload into our the ‘best photo of the day’ to be judged before we do a rec drive for our star trails/night sky photography location.

Dinner: For all registrations, the time for leaving for a star trails will be on this. Either have an early dinner at the Imperial Hotel, order a takeaway or provide your own dinner.
Overnight Quilpie

Day 4: Sunday 10 May|
Happy Mother’s Day to our Mums!
Breakfast this morning will be a cooked breakfast at 8.o0 am at the caravan park (included) with Troy and Danielle.

Today we will visit an opal shop and see first hand how these special gems are produced, then we may travel to a station out of town, see an outstation and discover other haunts Troy knows in the district. Maybe a little opal fossicking on the way – someone may well get rich! We’ll do a group photo at the ‘Welcome to Quilpie’ sign plus time to see the many other attractions like the Quilpie Miltray Musuem, Amy Johnston memorial, Bulloo River Walk, or the sandhills as options.
Overnight Quilpie

Day 5: Monday 11 May
We farewell you from Quilpie and Queensland’s wonderful outback.
Overnight your own bed.

Bluedog reserves the right to change the proposed itinerary if necessary.

For more information on the photography and tour details
Contact Danielle Lancaster
Tel: +6 14 28 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

‘This was an amazing experience, I can’t thank you all enough.’ Mary K.
‘I loved the outback and look forward to doing more trips with Bluedog.’ Sue N.
“I was interested to learn more about the outback and that I did, I still can’t believe the opportunities we had. Danielle gave us lots of information.  And of course the photography advice and assistance. I got the my bucket list shot! Thank you!!‘ Tim R.

Getting to Quilpie
Drive
The drive to Quilpie is one of Queensland’s great drives. If you can stop for a night in Charleville, and visit the Cosmos Centre and Bilbies. Ther are a multitude of festivals and events like Music in the Mulga you can call into on your way back – say a hi to Carmel and David.

Fly
Qantas Link flies direct from Brisbane to Quilpie – for those that are flying ground transport will need to be organised.
www.qantas.com.au

What to bring for camera gear
Camera, manual and tripod
Lockable cable release or remote
Polariser filter
2 batteries and charger
Computer or back up medium

What to bring – personal items
Water bottle, daypack with sunscreen and hand sanitizer, hat and personal toiletries. For clothing: long trousers, shorts, shirts, closed-in walking shoes, sunglasses, raincoat, umbrella,  insect repellent, money for personal spending and meals. And extra snacks like chocolate if you like a late-night munch. Transport is not included. We are hoping most will drive but if you are flying we can work with others for a seat in a car – there is never a problem only a solution as we give a ‘Lending Hand’.

More Info:
Quilpie
Outback Queensland
Queensland Holidays
Eromanga Natural History Museum

Private Photography Tuition

Our private photography sessions are designed around you. From one-on-one to small groups, the session is planned on your specific needs after a phone meeting prior with your tutor. Dates during the week and weekends are available.

It may be learning how to drive your camera, experimenting and acquiring knowledge in studio lighting, flash – any of a range of possibilities are on offer. These are offered in-person or as online tutorials through our training program. Everyoe receives their notes by pdfs (we are green and clean) and a signed copy of ‘Out Around the Bulloo’.

To further information or to organise please
Email info@blue-dog.com.au or call 0428 715 310

Photo walk in Karawatha Forest – Brisbane
Wait List

Join us in the soft morning light as we take a photo walk in Karawatha – a beautiful reserve in Brisbane.

With our small group size, you have the opportunity to learn and experiment in a relaxed and friendly environment along this photography walk.
Your tutor is Danielle Lancaster.

Our session times are:
Meet  7.45am
Start: 8.00am
Finish 10.00am
Location: Karwatha – exact location emailed to those who register
Price: $80 inc GST
5% Intensive Subscriber discount available for this workshop

We look forward to welcoming you!

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – Shorncliffe

Join us in the soft morning light as we are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using natural light and speed lights at Shorncliffe.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories including flash, diffusers and reflectors.
We will also cover posing.

With our small group size (maximum of 6) you have the opportunity to set the scene and create work on specific images techniques, all in a relaxed and friendly yet educational environment.

Time
Meet  7:15am
Start: 7.30am
Finish 9.30am
Location: Shorncliffe
Price: $85 inc GST

5% discount available for this workshop if attending the sunrise session.

For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you!

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Beginner Photography – Brisbane

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner workshop is aimed to get you off Auto (that dirty four-letter word) and for you to become a creative photographer.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor.

You receive a Bluedog Pack via email with all your notes from the day; a pocket-sized reference card and a copy of our ‘Out and Around the Bulloo’ book, plus a Statement of Attendance on the day.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-1.00pm
Price $280.00
Tea and coffee supplied.
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

A polarising filter can be one of the most beneficial tools in your photography kit.

Join Danielle Lancaster for this online session where she explains when and how we use them in numerous genres from portraits to macro to wildlife, real estate and everything in between.

We’ll discuss their advantages, what type to get, how to use them, the disadvantages, and why they are always in our kit. And how and when they can be used with  Neutral Density (ND) filter?

The session will be recorded and uploaded onto our private YourTube channel for those that cannot join us at this time – but you must register. PDf notes will be sent after the session for those registering and paying.

Time: 7.30pm-8.30pm (AEST)
QLD: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Cost: $33.00 including GST
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
How to reserve a seat:
Email us at info@blue-dog.com.au, and we will register you and send a confirmation email and tax invoice with EFT and payment details through EFT or PayPal.

For further information:
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
T: 0428 715 310

This is about taking your art further and getting it right in camera!

We explore: exposure compensation – get those whites white and blacks black, how to use a grey card, learn to read your histogram, white balance and the varied uses of a polariser, what is the basis for colour management and does it matter, flash basics including balancing on camera with natural light, and more.

Workshop notes given to all participants.
Tea and coffee supplied.
Time 9.30am-2.00pm (with two)
All participants receive a copy signed copy of ‘Out Around the Bulloo’.
Location: Algetser, Brisbane

Price: $280.00
Numbers limited to two (2)
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Do I need to have done the Bluedog Beginner workshop to attend?
No. We do ask you have an understanding of shutter, aperture and ISO and how the three work together and what they do. We are happy to discuss by phone if you are unsure.

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

You receive a Bluedog Pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card plus a copy of our award-winning book ‘Out around the Bullo’.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on-camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Hands-0n and understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-2.00pm.
Price $275.00
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

*This session is currently full

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Brisbane
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

Private Photography Tuition

Our private photography sessions are designed around you. From one-on-one to small groups, the session is planned on your specific needs after a phone meeting prior with your tutor. Dates during the week and weekends are available to suit your needs.

It may be learning how to drive your new camera, experimenting and acquiring knowledge in studio lighting, flash – any of a range of possibilities are on offer. These are offered in person or as online tutorials through our training program.

To further information or to organise please
Email info@blue-dog.com.au or call 0428 715 310

Private Photography Tuition

Our private photography sessions are designed around you. From one-on-one to small groups, the session is planned on your specific needs after a phone meeting prior with your tutor. Dates during the week and weekends are available.

It may be learning how to drive your camera, experimenting and acquiring knowledge in studio lighting, flash – any of a range of possibilities are on offer. These are offered in-person or as online tutorials through our training program. Everyone receives their notes by pdfs (we are green and clean) and a signed copy of ‘Out Around the Bulloo’.

To further information or to organise please
Email info@blue-dog.com.au or call 0428 715 310

Bluedog Photography’s one day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

You receive a Bluedog Pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card and a copy of our award-winning book ‘Out around the Bulloo’.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Hands-0n and understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-2.30pm.
Price $275.00
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

Bluedog Photography’s one day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

You receive a Bluedog Pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card and a Statement of Attendance plus a coy of our award winning book ‘Out around the Bullo’.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Hands-0n and understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-2.30pm.
Price $275.00
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

Beach Portraiture Photo Shoot

During this two hour practical session we will use natural light and flash and cover aspects of posing and using accessories such as diffusers and reflectors.

You learn under the guidance of a professional photographer and model. Images of our model may be used in your folio.

This workshop will be held at Wellington Point.  Our meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Meet at 7.30 am for a 7.45 am start. Our session will finish at 9.45 am.

Book both workshops this day – sunrise and portraiture and receive a 5% discount.

Max of 6 per group.
Price $85.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for confident beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Brisbane and Gold Coast.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Private Photography Tuition

Our private photography sessions are designed around you. From one-on-one to small groups, the session is planned on your specific needs after a phone meeting prior with your tutor. Dates during the week and weekends are available to suit your needs.

It may be learning how to drive your new camera, experimenting and acquiring knowledge in studio lighting, flash – any of a range of possibilities are on offer. These are offered in person or as online tutorials through our training program.

To further information or to organise please
Email info@blue-dog.com.au or call 0428 715 310

Private Photography Tuition

Our private photography sessions are designed around you. From one-on-one to small groups, the session is planned on your specific needs after a phone meeting prior with your tutor. Dates during the week and weekends are available to suit your needs.

It may be learning how to drive your new camera, experimenting and acquiring knowledge in studio lighting, flash – any of a range of possibilities are on offer. These are offered in person or as online tutorials through our training program.

To further information or to organise please
Email info@blue-dog.com.au or call 0428 715 310

Tips for photographing fireworks

It’s almost New Year’s Eve. Are you heading out to see the fireworks and want to capture stunning photographs? Photographing fireworks can be a very rewarding experience or very disappointing.

Here are our 10 tips for capturing brilliant images of fireworks:

1 – Position, position, position

Location is the key. Areas can get very busy especially at times like New Year Eve and it’s not unheard of to hear of photographers ‘camping’ on a site for a day before the event to secure a prime sought-after position. A rule of thumb is higher is generally be better.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

2 – Use a tripod or maybe not?

The tripod head needs to be able to support your camera and the heaviest lens you have in a vertical position. If you forget your tripod, relax and try some hand holding abstract images. This could be drawing with the camera, shapes and letters, zooming in and out during an exposure, the options are endless and can create some bizarre one-of-a-kind images.

Waiting for fireworks in Brisbane

 Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

If your lens/camera has IS or VR turn it off when the camera is on a tripod. And don’t forget to turn it back on when you are finished.

3 – Use a cable release or remote control

We want to avoid any form of camera shake and control the shutter opening time to the firework burst for the optimum image.

4 – Composition does matter

Think about what you want to portray in the scene and take the time to look around your image area and ask yourself, do you really need it? Don’t let unnecessary items clutter your image!

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

5 – Which Lens?

Choosing which lens can be difficult.
Each lens has negatives and positives. With a wide angle you can include other points of interest like a landscape or cityscape in your image. An object that is recognisable such as a statue or monument can really look awesome.

With a zoom, you can capture one burst standing solitary in the sky and eliminate other objects that could become distracting like bright lights or even worse the backs of people’s heads.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

6 – Know the wind direction

It is preferable to get upwind as then the smoke from the fireworks will blow away from you. A still night can be as bad as those when the wind is blowing towards you, as the smoke lingers longer in the air and is notably worse after multiple bursts. You can always edit afterwards but it can also be a lot of work.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

7 – Focusing

Look for an area of contrast and pre-focus. Then turn auto focus off, otherwise your lens will hunt for a point of focus and remember to turn it on after you have finished.

8– Exposure = ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed

It’s often the hardest part so here is the recipe:
Shoot in Manual Mode
Choose a low ISO for example Canon 100 and Nikon 200.
Shutter: Bulb
Aperture: Start at f/8 – 16
Be willing to exposure compensate using your aperture to get the correct exposure.

What you don’t want is an image like this!

9 – Shoot horizontal and vertical

Variety is the spice of life!

10 – Experiment and have fun!

Most importantly keep your photography fun and if you have managed to do all the above whilst juggling a glass of bubbly in one hand for the midnight show, well done!

All the very best for 2019!

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Food photography tips for Christmas

Christmas is a festive season for many and food plays a huge part as we come together with family and friends. No matter where that is: be in a flash house or soup kitchen catering for the homeless, there are amazing images to be taken of food.

Kerry Heaney, an award-winning Australian food blogger and travel writer shares some of her tips for photographing food at this time of the year.

1 – Get in close

As Danielle Lancaster from Bluedog, once told me, ‘cut the crap’. Isolate your subject and don’t make the scene too busy.

Image courtesy Kerry Heaney

2 – Shoot from different angles

I will often do two to three images from different angles and I am always looking at the light falling on the food. If I need to move a plate or drink into better light, then I will.

Image courtesy Kerry Heaney

3 – Do it quick!

Most of the food I photograph I also want to taste,so that means working fast, knowing my camera settings and how to use them for the light I am in and the subject I am photographing.

Image courtesy Kerrry Heaney

3-Use something relevant to demonstrate your image and a theme

Whatever the season is, use something relevant to demonstrate your image and the theme. For example, with Christmas, a little tinsel or a few baubles can add colour and work towards creating your theme,  but don’t overdo it, as then it becomes tacky and far too busy.

Three quick tips from Danielle on food photography

1- Use a large aperture

This create a small depth of field (DOF) and therefore isolate the main subject. For example f/5.6  to f?2.8 is ideal. If you have the twin lens kit choose the longer lens and zoom in. You will have to stand a little further back but you can create much more blur and emotion to you image thena your wider lens.

2 – Keep your images simple

Don’t overcrowd the image with too much and use those trusty composition tools to guide the eye around your image and not out of it.

3 – Make it fun

Don’t forget to make it fun – take a video of the carving, a tasting, maybe someone has ventured  into the fridge to steal one of those rum balls or to dip a finger to taste test the pudding and you catch them!

Above all have a fabulous holiday and safe Christmas and be careful as the girth can grow.

About Kerry Heaney

Kerry is an award-winning travel writer who is best known for her food and travel writing. Visit her blog for the latest tips: EatdrinkandbeKerry

How to keep your camera gear clean and safe this summer

It’s the first day of summer here in Australia! I’m based in Queensland and already our temperatures are settling in the mid-30s ° Celsius and humidity building.

Heat and humidity can be killers for our camera gear. Here are a few tips to keep your camera gear clean and safe during summer.

1 – Don’t leave your gear in a vehicle in the sun.

And especially not in a compartment like a glovebox. A car’s interior temperature can rise by more than 40 degrees within one hour, even when the exterior temperature is only 22 C (72 F). Here in Australia, it is not uncommon for interior car temperatures to be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. On a 29-degree Celsius day, a car can reach 44 degrees in just 10 minutes and a deadly 60 degrees in 20 minutes.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

2 – On the beach

It is beach time here in Australia, and we all love to capture those fantastic family shots. Our summer storms provide an amazing landscapes creating one-off photo opportunities. Seaspray is another killer of our gear. Use a Protector or UV filter to protect your lens from sand and sea-spray. Try and keep your gear shaded under an umbrella for example. A towel still absorbs heat and is not good enough. Never, ever, ever change lenses, memory cards or the battery on the beach unless you absolutely have too. After your outing, use an air blower first to clean the lens as this may avoid scratching the glass then wipe your camera and lens and anything you used on the beach, including a tripod (we prefer to wash ours) with a damp cloth to remove any sea-salt as its highly corrosive.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

3-Avoid condensation and mould growth

Place packets of silica gel packets in your camera bag. These absorb moisture from the air and come in so many products you may already buy so it’s great recycling. Don’t use the ones that come in food packets though. Our camera bags are literally lined with them. Every couple of months we empty the camera bag, give it a good vacuum out and place all the silica packs in the oven at around 180 degrees for around five minutes to help draw out moisture. At the same time our bags are empty we wipe them inside and out with either white vinegar or Domestos as both are known to kill mould and various fungus – another one of the destroyers of our gear. Like cancer, mould spreads silently at first. We wipe the inside and outside of our bags, lens bags etc and allow everything a good amount of time to dry before placing back in. If you have any gear stored in cupboards, make sure there is air flow.

Warm, humid conditions are ideal for mould growth. Most moulds need temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) or more to grow.  Air conditioning units can assist in the control the temperature and humidity in your home, which can decrease and even prevent mould growth. During the hot, humid summer months, set your air conditioner to between 20- 22 Celsius (68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit), switch auto off and if you are looking to install a unit there are ones on the market now also designed to reduce moisture. Checking the energy rating is advised.

Mould is invisible as it starts growing

4- Gradually adjust temperatures

If you are going from a cool air-conditioned room into the heat and humidity allow time for your gear to adjust. If your lens is fogging you simply have to wait. NEVER blow on it as your breath has moisture in it and you are creating condensation and the perfect environment for fungus to grow. Usually, around 30 minutes is an average, but I have had situations where it has taken longer. I try and slowly acclimatise my gear before I leave the cool indoors so there is less shock and less horrible fogging. Taking your lens caps off during this process and when you first go out can assist but I recommend having a blower on hand to gently blow the lens for dust as well.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

3. In the rain

Sometimes we do get caught out in a downpour – for me recently this was in Thailand on a canoe trip where it came down fast, heavy and relentless. Carry a plastic bag big enough for your whole bag and a raincoat for yourself. Ponchos can be great as I can fit my bag under the poncho for added protection. Your rain coat should be a long one measuring to your mid thigh at least – it keeps you drier.

If you want to shoot in the rain, use your lens hood to help protect your lens from water droplets and use a rain sleeve. I use a plastic bag and rubber band – see this video on ‘What’s in my bag”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nVYtFNnIAw

Once home, remove all your gear from the bag and place in a nice airy location (not facing a sea breeze) to dry out. If you are unfortunate enough to have your gear totally saturated by rainwater, place your gear in a bucket of rice to assist drying.

Hope some of these tips assist you for a fabulous summer of photography!

Butterflies are here for a reason. Like flowers, chocolate and fruit? They are all here due to pollinating insects like beautiful butterflies.
Butterflies are a welcome addition to any garden, and they are easy to attract no matter if your garden is a sprawling rural property or a tiny city deck or communal courtyard.
While our studio was on Tamborine Mountain we planted four Richmond Birdwing butterfly vines and were rewarded with never-ending sightings of these beautiful endangered butterflies visiting our garden, along with many, many others.

Birdwing butterfly
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Plants that attract butterflies and butterfly friendly-gardening tips
If you want to attract butterflies to your garden, as they provide a natural beautiful subject for you to photograph (how is discussed later) here are a few tips on plants to consider planting to attract these flighty yet attractive critters.

Butterflies like full sun, so position your butterfly-attracting plants where they receive a good amount of sunlight. Butterflies also don’t like too much wind, they are special and delicate.

Borage and fennel are two herbs that butterflies adore. The list of natives is endless…. which makes your planting choices open for colour and variety. If you are buying plants choose wisely as this can become very expensive. Acacia, Callistemon and grevillea species are all popular butterfly species.

Many Australian natives attract butterflies to your garden
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Limit your use of pesticides as butterflies like a pest-free garden, as we said, they are delicate subjects.

Butterflies see on the UV spectrum and love bright colours. They not only need a variety of colours but nectars as well. Planting loads of butterfly-attracting plants especially in the hot pink, white and red regions should soon have you seeing these beautiful insects in your garden. Nectar and colour are the two keys to attarcting butterflies.

Butterflies love full sun and colour
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Some say a shallow dish of muddy water is beneficial as butterflies like to sit in the water and suck the moisture from the soil, I am trying this now with the new Bluedog studio plantings and will let you know if it works.

Butterfly photography tips
1. Keep the shutter speed high
I aim for 4000 second if I can though will go lower if they are relaxing and feeding.

2. Know your point of focus and depth of field (DOF)
This is critical for what you want to get into focus. If you are working with a dedicated macro lens your DOF extends each way equally, if not it is one third: two thirds with the one-third being in front.

3. Cut the crap
Only photograph what you need – cut all the outside crap you can without interfering on the insect’s daily chores and distributing him or her.

A Ulyusses butterfly – Kuranda
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

4. Do I need a macro lens?
The short answer is no, though a macro will allow you to get a larger image and one that is life-size. Any other general lens will give you a close but not true macro image. This image below was shot on a 70-300mm stock lens.

A butterfly feeding in outback Queensland
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

 5. Source out butterfly-attracting gardens and national parks
Before your travel, do a google search for parks and gardens – even many zoos have butterfly gardens. Some butterflies are only seasonal unless bred and kept in captivity while many are only attracted at certain times of the year to a plant.

Two of our favourite sanctuaries in Australia are
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda, Queensland
Butterfly House – Melbourne Zoo

Butterflies come in a range of colours and patterns
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Did you know:
A butterfly is an insect. In fact, a flying one. Like all insects, they have six jointed legs, three body parts, a pair of antennae, compound eyes, and an exoskeleton. The three body parts are the head, thorax (the chest), and abdomen (the tail end). The butterfly’s body is covered by tiny sensory hairs.

Photographing a butterfly in Kuranda, Queensland
Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Studio Lighting – 1 light and the different looks

In this two-hour workshop, you will learn how to use just one studio light to create stunning different looks in portraiture and just how easy it is!

Using a professional model as our subject, we will cover:

*Lighting Principles – at the end of this workshop you will understand the relationship between the relative positions of light/s, subject, and camera and what it all means when creating a “mood”

*Using lighting to enhance or minimise texture in clothing and skin

*How to talk to your subjects to make them relax in front of the camera

*How and when to use props

*Backgrounds

A sign-off is obtained from the model so your images may be used in a folio or other media in a respective manner.

Suitable for all levels.

Max of 3 per group.
11.000am-1.00pm
Price $275.00 pp

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
T: 0428 715 310

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog  Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have an understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Location: Jimboomba
Images Courtesy David Alexander, Judi Newuman and Danielle Lancaster

Sunrise at The Spit Photography Course

Each month our sunset and sunrise photography sessions revolve and change to bring you new and exciting photography opportunities.

These two-hour practical sessions are designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

This workshop will be held at the Spit on the Gold Coast, meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Meet at 3.15am for a 3.30am start – yes that’s right:)
first light is at 3.45am and sunrise at 4.44am
Our session will finish at 5.30am in perfect time for all the great coffee shops opening.
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Sunshine Coast and other locations around Brisbane.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Beach Portraiture Photo Shoot

During this two hour practical session we will use natural light and flash and cover aspects of posing and using accessories such as diffusers and reflectors.

You learn under the guidance of a professional photographer and model. Images of our model may be used in your folio.

This workshop will be held at The Spit on the Gold Coast. Our meeting place is advised at time of booking.
The model signs an agreement that you can use the imags in a respectful manner for folio, social media etc.

Meet at 6.15am for and 6.30am start. Our session will finish at 8.30am – perfect timing to have a breaky at the cafe or the many numerous places nearby.
Max of 6 per group. Minimum of three to run.
Price $85.00pp
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for confident beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Brisbane @ sunrise: Wellington Point Photography Course

Each month our sunset and sunrise photography sessions revolve and change to bring you new and exciting photography opportunities.

This two-hour practical session is designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

This workshop is held at the Wellington Point, meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Meet at 5.15am for a 5.30am start.
Our session will finish at 7:30am and is followed by a portrait session.
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Gold Coast and other locations around Brisbane.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Fungi

They come in all shapes, colours, forms and some even glow at night. They have intrigued man and been used in many scientific experiments, consumed with food, used as a drug and in floral arrangements.

Are they mushrooms or fungi? Well its simple: all mushrooms are fungi, but not all fungi are mushrooms.

Where to see Fungi around Brisbane

1-Mt Glorious and Mt Nebo
Virtually at Brisbane’s front door, this makes a perfect day trip out. Tracks shaped by the drays of timber-getters and gold prospectors during the 1860’s, lead you through along this historically scenic drive. Make sure you take some time to pause by fallen trees where fungi sprout in a range of colours.

2-The Rainforest Way
Travel the Rainforest Way – a world-class scenic drive through a world-heritage listed region. See Mount Warning, the most easterly point of Australia to receive the first sun’s rays each day.  With numerous accommodations options from camping to 5-star, take time to enjoy a walk or two. See the ancient beech trees, flowering orchids, waterfalls and many varied fungi.

3-Tamborine Mountain National Park
Home to Queensland’s oldest national park and the third oldest in the world, and once my home. Located only 50 minutes from Brisbane and 30 minutes from Southport, there are 13 sections of ancient rainforest to explore.

Some of my favourite sections for fungi viewing within Tamborine Mountain National Park are Joalah, McDonald, The Knoll and of course the Witches Falls Section, which was first proclaimed in 1908 as a national park. Early risers may often also see or hear an Albert’s Lyrebird – one of the many endangered species that thrive on Tamborine Mountain.
More: https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/tamborine/about.html

4-Lamington and Binna Burra
Another short drive from Brisbane is the twin peaks of Lamington and Binna Burra. A walking trail links the two together as does a fully sealed road making the two, a great day or overnight stay.

From short strolls to longer hikes take you deeper into the forest and to fungi! We call it a magical garden – just take the time to wander slowly and look around. Accommodation ranges from camping to cabins to upper market units and suites.
More: https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington

5-The islands
Sand and beaches may not be considered the environment to look for fungi. This is wrong!

Along the foreshores timber is rotting, leaf matter provides another layer of natural compost and from this a variety of fungi from. Look closely, we have seen bright red through to sparkling oranges, vibrant whites to the darkest of blacks, and many colours in between. Our favourite islands for fungi spotting around Brisbane are Fraser Island, Bribie Island and North Stradbroke.
Did you know? All Queensland islands have fungi.

Five quick tips for photographing fungi

1-Watch your Depth of Field (DOF)
You control the amount of your subject in and out of focus.
Fungi left: f/51
Fungi right: f/8

2-Use a tripod or some form of support for your camera in low light.
If you are using a tripod turn Image Stabilisation/vibration Reduction OFF!

3-Turn flash OFF – it creates ugly shadows and frontal light kills any texture in your subject.

Overcast light is the best.

4- Watch closely
Fungi are usually not large, so watch closely as you meander along any of path from the city to the outback. Its one advantage of walking a track both ways.

5-Recycle
Use general household items that are light to carry like alfoil as a reflector and muslin.  Some preparation needs to go into your planning – don’t expect to get to the location and the perfect environment and flowering on-hand. Unfortunately, we cannot control Mother Nature….these areas known for leeches, so we also carry a small amount of salt to pour over the bloodsuckers plus we spray our walking boots, legs and body before departing on a walk.

Images courtesy of Danielle Lancaster
Images cannot be reproduced or used in any format without written consent.

Cath photographing a fungi during a Bluedog Photography Fraser Island tour.

Australia’s worst drought

I grew up on the land.  I saw droughts, floods, good times and bad. I have seen tears of sadness and tears of happiness.

Australia is now facing one of the worst droughts on record. Heard it before? Support one of the many blogs floating in cyber criticising farmers and you can be cutting your nose in spite of your face.

Here are a few facts and tips:

1-Weather control
Our Australian graziers and farmers can’t control the weather – though they wish they could – they don’t have a crystal ball.

2-Our Australian farmers and graziers are custodians 
They wouldn’t do this occupation if they didn’t respect the land.
As feed drops down, herds must be downsized to protect the landscape, the breeding stock along with native wildlife both flora and fauna.

3-Community and keeping connections
In drought times a journey to see the neighbour could entail a couple of hours travel and the associated costs such as fuel. Drought leads to isolation as families cut items like travel, telephone and even power.

Community, friends and support, from even someone you don’t know in a time of need can save a person. One of the most heart wrenching stories I heard was of a young boy in central Queensland who died of snake bite after the family had to disconnect the telephone due to the drought and no income.

For more info:
Lifeline
131114
www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au

4-Keep buying Australian produced foods and fibres
We need to keep supporting our home industries.

5-Plan a road trip
Head on out! Go camping or do an accommodated self-drive or fully catered tour. Call into the pubs and stores along the way supporting many a vibrant community. Maybe even plan ahead to include a festival or event?
Bluedog’s Outback Desert Odyssey is planned for 2019!

6-To the Australian government
You have more than half of Eastern Australia in the worst-ever drought. Give the framers a break – it’s not rocket science what you need to do.

Other articles that may be of interest
The best way to do an outback road trip

All images courtesy of Danielle Lancaster
Images cannot be reproduced or used in any format without written consent.

Whale photography tips

Once hunted to the brink of extinction, whales are returning in record numbers. Annual migrations draw visitors from around the world to observe different species such as the Humpback and Southern right whales along Australia’s coastline.

For those with a camera, here are a few tips to get a great image:

1- A water vessel is better than on the land. A vessel can follow the whales as they leisurely swim, stop and observe us.

2- Use a polariser filter

3- Use Autofocus

4- Watch your exposure settings – they can move very fast when breaching so you need to know your shutter speed is high enough to freeze the action. I usually try and keep mine around the 800^th-1000^th. ISO depends on the conditions of the day, but I usually start with 400 ISO.

5-Which lens – it depends.
Long is great if they are a bit further away but being curious animals they may come close and then you will need very wide as per the image below shot on 17mm.
I generally use a combination from 17mm to 500mm though humpback whales are naturally inquisitive creatures and often come close to boats where a wide-angle lens is best.

6 – Lighting
An overcast day is not what you ideally want. The colour of the water will be the same as the sky. If photographing on an overcast day, get up high and try excluding the sky as it is grey, washed out, boring and detraction to your subject, that magnificent whale unless there are dark storm clouds or a scene that can create a dramatic backdrop.

7 -Don’t delete
Don’t delete during your outing. Firstly, you waste precious time looking at images so you may miss that awesome shot and secondly, it wastes valuable  battery power. Ensure you have a fully formatted card and a backup and of course a fully charged battery.

The top 5 images are:
Breaching
Tail slapping
The waterfall forming a fluke
Pectoral fin slapping
The blow

All images courtesy of Danielle Lancaster
Images cannot be reproduced or used in any format without written consent.

Our panel of experts explains in-depth how the publishing arena can work for you.

The panel will discuss elements in creating a great travel photo, storage on the road, stories and more.
On our panel is:
Dan Avila – multi-award-winning travel photographer
Helen Hayes- editor of Vacations and Travel magazine (print and digital)
Jason Dutton-Smith – award-winning publisher, working with brands such as Virgin Australia, Seven Network, Flight Centre Travel Group

This online interactive session will also be recorded for you to listen to at your leisure.

6.30pm-7.30pm EAST
Price $25.00
To register follow this link:
https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/5343819317361655041

or email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

We look forward to you joining us!

Sydney July 2018
Danielle will be in Sydney from the 7-12 July 2018 for photography training.

Sessions are suitable for beginner to advanced photographers and will be held as one-on-ones, in small groups and corporate groups. Each session is designed around what the participants want to learn, and provide an intimate learning environment where goals are achieved.

Notes for sessions are sent electronically. Review of images is done during the session with follow up available through our Dropbox, Skype and our online training programs. Minimum session time is one hour with half hour increments after that.

One-on-one – first hour $175/hr including GST, every hour after that $99 including GST.
4 hour sesion for up to four $550/pp
Group discounts can be given with prior arrangement unless in the below groups:
Bluedog photography subscribers, ASTW and Global Travel Writers receive a 10% discount.

For more information
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. These sessions will be designed for beginners and cameras from the basic point and shoot to high-end digital cameras. All levels and types of cameras are catered for. Each session is individually designed.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Understanding White Balance in photography

White balance is another tool in our kit that you can use to make your images pop.

We discuss tips, exposure, lighting, and other problems and advantages.

Cost: $50.00 inc. GST per person
Time: 7.30pm
Bluedog Subscribers: Intensive 20%  discount and Extensive 10% discount on the above price.
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

How to reserve a seat:
Email us at info@blue-dog.com.au and we will register you and send a confirmation email and tax invoice with EFT and payment details through EFT or PayPal

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you to have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Beginner Photography – Brisbane

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner workshop is aimed to get you off Auto (that dirty four letter word) and for you to become a creative photographer.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image has punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on-camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands-on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor.

You receive a Bluedog Pack via email with all your notes from the day; a pocket-sized reference card and a copy of our ‘Out and Around the Bulloo’ book, plus a Statement of Attendance on the day.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-2.00pm (approx. depending on the size of the group).
Price $275.00
Tea and coffee supplied.
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

This is about taking your art further and getting it right in camera!

We explore: exposure compensation – get those whites white and blacks black, how to use a grey card, learn to read your histogram, white balance and the varied uses of a polariser, what is the basis for colour management and does it matter, flash basics including balancing on camera with natural light, and more.

You receive a Bluedog Pack via email with all your notes from the day; a copy of our ‘Out and Around the Bulloo’ book if this is your first session.
Tea and coffee supplied.
Time 9.30.00am-12 noon (approx. depending on the size of the group)
Location: Algetser, Brisbane

Price: $280.00
Numbers limited to two (2)
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Do I need to have done the Bluedog Beginner workshop to attend?
No. We do ask you have an understanding of shutter, aperture and ISO and how the three work together and what they do. We are happy to discuss by phone if you are unsure.

Quirky facts about Australian animals

Isolated on an island many a millennium ago, Australia’s animals have become unique. They bring curiosity to many visitors that venture to this far and distant island down under. Here are some unusual facts about Australian animals:

1-The Emu and the Kangaroo
Both feature on the Australian coat of arms but neither animal can walk backwards. Australia is the only country in the world that eats both the animals on its coat of arms.

2-Camels
More than 750,000 camels roam the Australian deserts (some say it’s over a million). They are understood to be the largest herds of purebred camels in the world.

3- Dingo
The dingo, or wild dog, is the largest Australian carnivorous mammal. The ‘dingo fence’, more correctly called the Wild Dog Barrier Fence, is the longest fence in the world at 5,530km. It is about twice as long as the Great Wall of China and is still patrolled daily by ‘doggas’ who check the fence protecting southern sheep flocks.

4- The smallest
Australia is home the smallest mammal in the world – the Feathertail Glider. It is a mere 6-8 cm long. Its feather-like tail fringed with long stiff hairs which act like a rudder glide it metres in one leap.

5- Is it a bear?
The Koala is not a bear. Australian koala numbers have dropped by 90% in less than a decade. This cute Australian marsupial should never be approached in the wild, though. While they look cuddly, the koala has very sharp teeth and very, very sharp claws. For the best close-up and intimate experience, visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast.

6- Did you know?
No native Australian animals have hooves.

7- Mammals that lay eggs
The only two mammals in the world that lay eggs are found in Australia, they are the cute platypus (whose venom is strong enough to kill a small dog) and the prickly echidna – a delicacy for indigenous Australians.

8- There are more than 32 million kangaroos
There are over 60 different species of kangaroos found in Australia. The kangaroo, a marsupial belongs to the macropod family which means “large foot”. It is estimated over 32 million kangaroos live in Australia. A large male can stand 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall and weigh 90 kg (200 lb).

9- Snakes and Spiders
Australia is home to 10 of the world’s 15 most poisonous snakes plus a few venomous spiders.

10-Below the water
Venture below the water as Australia’s oceans are said to be some of the richest and most diverse oceans on planet earth. Southern Australia has over 80% of all marine species living in the temperate oceans which occur nowhere else on Earth. Whales, turtles, sea lions, southern Bluefin tuna and great white sharks are just a few of the underwater animals you may encounter.

Coral are a living species and the waters of tropical Australia boast over 1,700 different species of coral. Coral spawning is often referred to as an underwater snow storm and only occurs at night. Corals on the Great Barrier Reef usually spawn in late spring and early summer – perfect for snorkelers and divers.

Papilio ulysses, the Ulysses butterfly.
It’s a large swallowtail butterfly with a wingspan of about 10.5 cm.

Aerial Photography

During this session, we discuss the many aspects of shooting from planes, helicopters, balloons and anything that takes you into the air.

We discuss tips, exposure, lighting, dealing with substrates and other problems right down to what to wear.

Price: $80.00 inc. GST per person
Time: 6.00pm QLD Time; 5pm EAST.
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

To Register simply email
info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you to have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – Wellington Point

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights at Wellington Point to cover from swimwear to resort wear.

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of different images including high key and low key.
This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers, reflectors and speedlights to control the light.

Meet 7.00 am for a 7.15 am start
Our session finishes at 10.15am
Location: Wellington Point
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you!

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting at many various locations.

FAQ:
Q. Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – Brisbane

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot in this fabulous bushland and lake setting.

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light.

Time: 7.45am – 9.45am
Location: Brisbane
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Steel wool burning and low light photography session – Brisbane

Join us for sunset then some fun with steel wool burning!
6.15pm-8.15pm
A two-hour practical session designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer in low light and develop your photography another step while having some fun!

Max of 6 per group with one tutor.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428715310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We have along steel wool burning: night city walks, portraiture after dark,  fire twirling, light painting and star trails all designed to get you working in low light.
Also held in Brisbane.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Light painting has intrigued and inspired photographers for hundreds of years.

The Pixelstick takes it to another level and redefines light painting with an array of exciting photographic options now within your reach to reward creativity.

Join us for this hands-on small-group workshop where you will learn:
– to light paint creative imagery
– exposure and techniques using a Pixelstick
–  receive personal guidance during the practical session with a model supplied

Skills and level
This workshop is designed for beginners to advanced. There are only a max of six per the session.

Equipment
Digital SLR
Tripod
Cable release or remote (if you have one)

A Pdf note sheet will be supplied to those registered and paid before the course.

Meet at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start and our session will finish at 8.30pm
Location: Pizzy Park, Gold Coast
Max of 6 in the group.
Notes for all participants.
Price $85.00
Tutors: Dylan Crawford and Danielle Lancaster
To join us simply email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

Images by Dylan Crawford

Light painting has intrigued and inspired photographers for hundreds of years.

The Pixelstick takes it to another level and redefines light painting with an array of exciting photographic options now within your reach to reward creativity.

Join us for this hands-on small-group workshop where you will learn:
– to light paint creative imagery
– exposure and techniques using a Pixelstick
–  receive personal guidance during the practical session with a model supplied

Skills and level
This workshop is designed for beginners to advanced. There are only a max of six per the session.

Equipment
Digital SLR
Tripod
Cable release or remote (if you have one)

A Pdf note sheet will be supplied to those registered and paid before the course.

Meet at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start and our session will finish at 8.30pm
Location: Pizzy Park, Gold Coast
Max of 6 in the group.
Notes for all participants.
Price $85.00
Tutors: Dylan Crawford and Danielle Lancaster
To join us simply email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

Images by Dylan Crawford

Tips for photographing frogs

Without a doubt, frogs are one of my favourite creatures to photograph. These intriguing amphibians are always cute and an amazing photograph need not be a mighty feat and yet it still remains a mighty reward!

A Red-eyed Tree Frog by Danielle Lancaster
These frogs inhabit a thin coastal strip in Queensland within rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest and spend most of the year in the rainforest canopy. They come down after heavy, soaking rain to breed in shallow temporary pools. You know when they are in your garden by their long drawn out moan call.

One of the great things I love about frogs is how they act when they sense danger: they stay still. Its part of their survival behaviour to avoid being detected from predators such as snakes. This is an added bonus for photographers! Unlike other species such as mammals which hop, run, and scatter before you have even started focusing your camera; frogs freeze.

Here’s a few tips to help you capture some memorable images of these marvellous creatures.

Watch that shutter speed for camera shake! One of the biggest disappointments in frog photography is an image that is blurry due to camera shake. Can you increase you ISO, use a tripod, flash or other means to counteract this occurring?

Don’t let camera shake spoil your image.
Sedge frog by Danielle Lancaster

Try photographing from the eye level of the frog for an image that has impact and appeal.

Be patient and know the frog’s habitat. Some frogs won’t come out to play unless it’s going to rain, been raining or not raining. Are they out at night or day? Do the live in leaf litter, rushes and trees?

Try using a polariser to increase the saturation and contrast.

Composition does count! What’s in the background, does the surrounding compliment the frogs colouring?

White-lipped Tree Frog.
Confined to the coast of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland and New Guinea, you will often find them around homes and they love in banana plantations.
They lay more than 4000 eggs at a time!

Know your Minimum Focusing Distance (MFD). That is how far your camera can be away from the subject and still get a correctly focused image. On many of the new compact cameras simply turning the dial to Macro means you can get very, very close.

Lighting is paramount! Using flash can create either brilliant images or terrible ones.

The majority of the time an off camera flash is best as frontal lighting is not the best for showing texture and frogs have textured skin.

Respect the frog and its habitat. Never harass an animal or disturb their environment.

What to do with those old slides

Can you recycle old photography slides?

The answer is yes and no.

The emulsion (the film or slide part) contains silver and few councils can dispose of this nowadays (there were more when there were more wet darkrooms).

We the slide apart. The emulsion goes in the non-recyclable bin and the holders go in the recycling. It takes a little more time but is better for our environment.

ages.

Still life photography is a genre of photography used for the depiction of inanimate subject matter, typically a small group of objects. It is the application of photography to the still life artistic style.

As the oldest of photographic traditions, still life has a rich and extremely varied history. There’s no end to inspiration, and no end to the learning you can do simply by engaging the world around you with your camera.

Join us for this hands-on small-group workshop where you will learn:
– how to see a Still Life
– how to choose and arrange your subjects
– lighting
– backdrops,  composition, using negative space and the Golden Spiral, gear
– receive personal guidance during the practical session

Skills and level
This workshop is designed for beginners to advanced. There are only a max of six per the session with two tutors.

Equipment
Participants are welcome to bring their whole kit bag or alternatively this workshop can be done with a point and shoot camera or even smart phone!

1.00pm-4.00pm
Location: Tamborine Mountain Bluedog Photography Studio
Max of 6 in the group.
Notes for all participants.
Price $175.00
Tutors: Danielle Lancaster and Lindy Sherwell
To join us simply email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

Image by Lindy Sherwell

Join us for this special session with the crew from Pterodactyl Helicopters and learning about aerial photography from a helicopter.

The doors are off and you receive our pdf tip booklet plus tuition before and review afterwards back on the ground.

This session we will take off from Tamborine Mountain and fly down to Broadbeach and up the Gold Coast past Q1 to Southport and back to the mountain – Queensland’s oldest national park and the third oldest in the world!

Maximum seat weight is 110kg averaged out with the pilot. Total all up pax weights and equipment for each flight to not exceed 220kg.

Flight 1: Meet 8.00am
Flight 8.30-9.00am
Review of images to 9.30- 10am
Finish 10.00am

Flight 2
Meet 10.30am
Flight 11.00-11.30am
Review of images to 11.30am
Finish 12.45pm

Location: Tamborine Mountain
Flight path: Tamborine Mountain to Broadbeach then along the beaches to Southport and back ton Tamborine Mountain.

Price: $550.00 inc GST per person
Only 2 per flight.

No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Location: Tamborine Mountain
Flight path: Tamborine Mountain to Broadbeach then along the beaches to Southport and back ton Tamborine Mountain.

Price: $660.00 inc GST per person
Only 2 per flight.

No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Join us for this special session with the crew from Pterodactyl Helicopters and learning about aerial photography.

We will take off from Tamborine Mountain and fly to the Gold Coast and along the coast with the doors off!

Flight time is 30 minutes and you receive our e-booklet plus tuition before and review afterwards when you are back on the ground.

Maximum weight per pax inclusive of camera equipment is 110kg. Total all up pax weights and equipment for each flight to not exceed 220kg.
Particpants have to weighed with their camera before the flight and fill in passenger details in a registration form.

Two people per flight.

Flight 1: Meet 9.00
Flight 9.3-10.00
Review of images to 10.30am
Finish 10.30

Flight 2
Meet 11.00am
Flight 11.30-12.00
Review 12.15-12.45pm
Finish 12.45pm

Location: Tamborine Mountain fro over the Gold Coast
Price: $605.00 inc GST per person
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Join us for two hours hands-on and getting to know your camera better during sunrise – a golden part of the day – and playing with our crystal ball.

Is it aperture, depth of field, shutter speed or composition you need a hand with? We then add another layer to your session experimentintg more with the many functions of  your camera in a small and intimate group, to enable the best experience for you, along with experimenting with a crystal ball.

Time: 4.15am meet for a 4.30am start
Finish 6.30am
Location: Nudgee Beach – meet and greet time provided on confirmation of booking.

Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited – maximum of 6 per group.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you!

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – Gold Coast

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights with a lady in a gown and in the forest.

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers, reflectors and speedlights to control the light.

Time: 8.30am – 10.30am
Location: Gold Coast
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

n

Join David for sunset at Currumbin.
This two-hour practical session is designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to capture the sunset at the end of another glorious day.

Our meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Time: meet at 4.45pm  for a 5.00pm start.
Sunset 5.31pm
Last light 5.53pm
Session finishes at 7:00pm
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 428 7153 10
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held in the Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Join us for sunset then some fun with steel wool burning!
6.00pm-8.00pm
A two-hour practical session designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer in low light and develop your photography another step while having some fun!

Max of 6 per group with one tutor.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced. Families are welcome to join to watch as there are tables around the picnic area.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We have city scapes, steel wool burning, fire twirling, seascapes, light painting all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.
Also held in Brisbane.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Come and learn how to create surreal and artistic photography through simple shooting techniques and photoshop editing.

Step away from the standard photography and more into bizarre and dream-like images while seeing photography as more of a partial tool, rather than the whole for your image making.

Equipment:
Camera and any lens

Tripod
Laptop with Photoshop loaded (this is not necessary as you can watch on the tutor’s laptop).

Included:
A note sheet sent to everyone after the workshop with the tips of what we did for the shoot and post processing details
Props
Model

Location: Pizzy Park Pine Forest
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Price: $185.00

Tutor: Dylan Crawford

Images by Dylan Crawford

Still life photography is a genre of photography used for the depiction of inanimate subject matter, typically a small group of objects. It is the application of photography to the still life artistic style.

As the oldest of photographic traditions, still life has a rich and extremely varied history. There’s no end to inspiration, and no end to the learning you can do simply by engaging the world around you with your camera.

Join us for this hands-on small-group workshop where you will learn:
– how to see a Still Life
– how to choose and arrange your subjects
– lighting
– backdrops,  composition, using negative space and the Golden Spiral, gear
– receive personal guidance during the practical session

Skills and level
This workshop is designed for beginners to advanced. There are only a max of six per the session with two tutors.

Equipment
Participants are welcome to bring their whole kit bag or alternatively this workshop can be done with a point and shoot camera or even smart phone!

10.00am-1.00pm
Location: Tamborine Mountain Bluedog Photography Studio
Max of 6 in the group.
Notes for all participants.
Price $175.00
Tutors: Danielle Lancaster and Lindy Sherwell
To join us simply email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

Image by Lindy Sherwell

Are you passionate about black and white photography, but don’t know where to start? Join us for this hands-on small-group workshop where you will learn:
– how to see the world around you in black & white
– the importance and quality of light, shadows, highlights and contrast
– to understand tonal range, using the “Zone System”, developed by Ansel Adam
– how to process your images so they convey your photographic vision

Participant skills and requirements
Skills – Participants are expected to have an intermediate understanding of their cameras and photography – for example, participants are expected to understand aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, etc.

Equipment – participants are welcome to bring their whole kit bag – ideally this should include one lens that has a polariser filter. Up to 20 of your existing favourite images in colour on usb covering a range of subject matters.

9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Tamorine Mountain
Max of 6 in the group.
Notes for all participants.
Price $195.00
To join us simply email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

 Learn the Art of Portraiture using natural light and flash during this session covering a family photo session.

Includes a short theory then a practical session with a family.
Tip sheet provided.

Suitable for beginners with adequate understanding of aperture, shutter speed, ISO and how they work together to the advanced.
Price: $85.00
Meet at 10.45am for an 11.am start. Our session finishes at 1.00pm.

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Other locations: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and online

We also offer Portraiture Using Flash and Studio Lighting.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image courtesy Tony Holden

We are pleased to announce we will be in Toowoomba for a two-day workshop.

We will explore tips and techniques suitable for beginners and into intermediate during this 2-day photography course.
Topics covered will include: composition, aperture, shutter, ISO,  exposure compensation – get those whites white and blacks black and – how to use a grey card, learn to read your histogram, white balance, the varied uses of a polariser and more.

Workshop notes provided by Dropbox to all participants.
Morning and afternoon tea refreshments supplied.

Date: 23 – 24  Spetember 2017

To book: https://artsworx.usq.edu.au/capture-beautiful-images-with-david-alexander

Limited numbers apply.
For more information
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Do I need to have done the Bluedog Beginner workshop to attend?
No – this is not a pre-requiste and we look forward to welcoming you.

We are pleased to announce we will be in Miles for a two-day workshop.

We will explore tips and techniques suitable for beginners and into intermediate during this two day RADF funded in regional Queensland.
Topics covered will include: composition, aperture, shutter, ISO, the exposure triangle, exposure compensation – get those whites white and blacks black and – how to use a grey card, learn to read your histogram, white balance, the varied uses of a polariser, what is the basis for colour management and does it matter, flash basics including balancing on camera with natural light, diffusers plus an evening shoot and more.

Workshop notes provided by Dropbox to all participants.
Morning and afternoon tea refreshments supplied.

Date: 29 – 30 April 2017

Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
To book contact Kylie Bourne at the.bournies@bigpond.com
Limited numbers apply.
For more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Do I need to have done the Bluedog Beginner workshop to attend?
No. We do ask you have an understanding of shutter, aperture and ISO and how the three work together and what they do. We are happy to discuss by phone if you are unsure.

Brisbane After Dark Photo Walk

Join us for an evening in Brisbane on an @ Brisbane After Dark Photo Walk.

We will meet at Southbank and make our way down to the river and across into the city while covering different photographic techniques and exercises.
Meet at 6.00pm for a 6.15pm. The session will finish at 8.15pm

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We have city scapes, steel wool burning, light painting all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.
Also held on the Gold Coast.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

This practical two-hour session covers the basic of posing a subject in natural and a studio setting for a variety of scenarios from corporate to art.

All participants receive a tip sheet plus a statement of attendance. Images may be used in a portfolio.

Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
Start 9am and finish 11am
Price $110.00
Only 5 places available.

To reserve a place or for more information 
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Each month our Brisbane @ sunrise and sunset sessions revolve and change to bring you new and exciting photography opportunities.

These two-hour practical sessions are designed for to you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

This workshop will be held at Nudgee Beach.

Meet 5.00am for a 5.15am start.
First light is 5.15am and sunrise at 6.00am
Our session will finish at 7.15am

We also have steel wool burning, fire twirling, seascapes, cityscapes, light painting, portraiture practicals and city walks.

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Gold Coast
Image courtesy Clea-Marie Thorne

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Tips for Photographing Fireworks

It’s that time of the year again when the champagne corks will pop, kisses are shared, resolutions are made and the fireworks will explode!

So, you have your camera in hand now how on earth do you photograph all those colours of light in the sky?

There’s no great trick to it and usually no matter what type of camera you have you can capture something.
Here’s our top 10 tips for capturing brilliant images of fireworks:

• Position, Position, Position Location is the key. Areas can get very busy especially at times like New Year Eve and it’s not unheard of to hear of photographers ‘camping’ on a site for a day before the event to secure a prime sought after position. A rule of thumb is higher is generally better.
• Use a tripod The tripod head needs to be able to support your camera and the heaviest lens you wish to use in a vertical position. If you forget your tripod try some hand holding abstract images: drawing with the camera shapes and letters, zooming in and out during an exposure, the options are endless and can create some bizarre one-of-a-kind images. If your lens/camera has IS or VR turn it off when on a tripod.
• Use a cable release or remote control Avoid any form of camera shake and control the shutter opening time to the firework burst for the optimum image.
• Form your composition – it does matter
  Think about what you want to portray in the scene and take the time to look around your image area and ask yourself do you really need it? Don’t let unnecessary items clutter your image! This is where lens selection comes into play.
• Which lens? Choosing which lens can be difficult but you have to work out what you are using before. Each lens has negatives and positives. With a wide angle you can include other points of interest like a landscape or cityscape in your image. An object that is recognisable such as a statue or monument can really look awesome.With a zoom you can capture one burst standing solitary in the sky and eliminate other objects that could become distracting like bright lights or even worse the backs of people’s heads.
• Know the wind direction It is preferable to get upwind as then smoke will blow away from you. A still night can be as bad as those when the wind is blowing towards you, as the smoke lingers longer in the air and is notably worse after multiple bursts. You can always edit afterwards but it can also be a lot of work.
• Focusing Look for an area of contrast and pre-focus then turn auto focus off.
• Exposure = ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed – it’s often the hardest part so here is the recipe: Shoot in Manual Mode; ISO 200; Shutter Speed:bulb; Aperture: Start at f/8 – 16Be willing to exposure compensate using your aperture and shutter to get the correct exposure.
• What colours are best? Reds and greens photograph brilliantly. Some gold fireworks photograph as white so it’s a good idea to play with your white balance as well.
• Take your UV filter and any other filters off.
• Experiment and have fun!Most importantly keep your photography fun and if you have managed to do all the above whilst juggling a glass of bubbly in one hand after the midnight show, then please let us know
• 

  What went wrong?

  

  Answer: F4.5; 1/15th Sec; ISO 1600

Each month our Brisbane @ sunrise and sunset sessions revolve and change to bring you new an exciting photography opportunities.

These two hour practical sessions are designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

This workshop is held at the iconic Shorncliffe Jetty.

Our meet time is 4.15am with first light at  4:53 am. Our session will finish at 6.30am

Following this session we will have a portraiture shoot. For anyone doing both you will receive  5% discount off the second session!

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We also hold steel wool burning, fire twirling, seascapes, city scapes, light painting, star trails and more, all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light  on the Gold Coast and along the Brisbane River.

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Beginner photography course – Gold Coast

Bluedog Photography’s one day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

You receive a Bluedog Pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card and a Statement of Attendance plus a copy of our ‘Out Around the Bulloo’ book!

Topics covered include:

Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Suitable for digital SLR, point and shoot and film cameras. SLR digital camera and tripods are available for hire – please advise us in advance if required.

Max of 6 per group. 9.00am-4.00pm. Price $280.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Location: Gold Coast

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Tamborine Mountain
Brisbane & Toowoomba

Brisbane @ Sunrise: Wellington Point

Rise and shine! It’s such a beautiful time of the year for photography!
Each month our sunrise sessions revolve and change to bring you new and exciting photography opportunities.

These two-hour practical sessions are designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

This workshop will be held at the Wellington Point, meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Meet at 04.45am for a 5:00 start. Session will finish at 7:00am
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Gold Coast and other locations around Brisbane.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Beginner Photography Course – Gold Coast

Bluedog Photography’s one day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

You receive a Bluedog Pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card and a Statement of Attendance.

Topics covered include:

Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Suitable for digital SLR, point and shoot and film cameras. SLR digital camera and tripods are available for hire – please advise us in advance if required.

Max of 6 per group. 9.30am-4.00pm. Price $280.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Location: Gold Coast

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Tamborine Mountain
Brisbane & Toowoomba

Exhibition opening Bunginderry Artists

Sculptures, painters, photographers are invited to the opening of the western Bunginderry Artist Camp participant’s exhibition.

Bunginderry, west of Quilpie, has been an amazing location for all forms of artists to come together and share their skills.

This exhibition draws together a wide range of art works in celebration of Bunginderry, a special place.

Annabel and Stephen, the caretakers of Bunginderry and special friends will be joining us and we hear each are bringing a unique piece of their own art work. Danielle Lancaster will be opening the exhibition.

Opening 16 December 2016
Miles, Queensland

For more information please contact
Anne Keam
Cultural Development Officer
WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
Dogwood Crossing, PO Box 551, Dalby, Qld 4405

Phone 07 4628 5326
anne.keam@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Real Estate & Property Photography

A very comprehensive workshop. We from our new base in Brisbane where we will look through a Powerpoint and discuss aspects of equipment, file formats, lighting, exposures, white balance, balancing flash and natural light, how to deal with each room, what to do and what not to do, marketing and an outline for post-processing.

A full set of workshop notes is provided is emailed so you can save on your device for future reference and to save a tree or two.
After this workshop, you should be equipped to go out and shoot estate photography with an in-depth understanding of what is required.
We have many past participants doing just that! Morning tea refreshments supplied.

Suitable for intermediate to advanced.

9.30am-12.30pm
Price: $355.00
Location: Brisbane
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 4 28715310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run – our max. is two so it’s a nice intimate environment where you learn.

  Blackall Photography Beginner Retreat

Meet us in Blackall, western Queensland for a two day beginner photography weekend.

30 and 31 July.

Your sessions will be both theory via PowerPoint and notes provided by our drop box folder along as doing it on your camera.

Suitable for all forms of cameras.

Location: Blackall, Queensland
For more information or to reserve a place, please contact
Lisa Alexander
lisa@antmail.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

  Blackall Photography Retreat

Explore Blackall with us in western Queensland on an amazing photo retreat.

We will be doing a two day beginner on the 30 and 31 July.

Your sessions will be both theory via PowerPoint and notes provided by our drop box folder.

Suitable for intermediate to advanced.

Location: Blackall, Queensland
For more information or to reserve a place, please contactLisa Alexander
lisa@antmail.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Join Rebecca online for this comprehensive session on new born baby photography.

Rebecca Pattinson, an AIPP accredited member and award winning photographer, who runs her own successful photography business based on the Gold Coast, shares her tips on capturing these special images.

Suitable for beginner and intermediate.

Tutor: Rebbecca Pattinson
Session length 60 minutes including Q&A time.
Price $110.00

To reserve a place, register please click HERE
A tax invoice and details of payment options will be emailed to you including for those that choose to use PayPal.

Or for more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Real Estate & Property Photography

This workshop is given as a one-on-one or up to two people.
We start at our Brisbane base and watch a Power Point where we look at aspects of equipment, file formats, lighting, exposures, white balance, balancing flash and natural light, how to deal with each room, what to do and what not to do, marketing and an outline for post processing.

After this we learn how to balance interior and exterior lighting during a practical session in-camera.

A full set of workshop notes is provided for you by pdf.
After this workshop you should be equipped to go out and shoot real estate photography.
We have many past participants doing just that! Morning tea refreshments supplied.

Suitable for intermediate to advanced.

Price: $355.00
Location: Brisbane
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Other Locations this is also offered:
Gold Coast
Toowoomba

Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Macro and Still Life Photography

Join Danielle Lancaster in our intro to macro photography course in Brisbane.

The workshop consists of two parts:
1. A power point presentation that goes through gear; techniques on lighting, focusing, exposure and many tips
2. Practical – held in and around the Bluedog unit to make this an all-weather event. Notes are provided and follow-up advice offered to all participants.

Suitable for beginner, intermediate to advanced.

Price: $165.00
Session Times: 10am – 12.00pm
Two participants only.
Macro sessions are included in many of our tours such as Cambodia, Heron, Outback Queensland, Tamborine, Stradbroke and Fraser Islands,  during our retreats and many short courses including online.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Image above courtesy Marianne Purdie

  Join us in the ancient capital of Siem Reap, Cambodia
July 4 – 11 2016

This is suitable for beginner to advanced photographers and partners are welcome to join us.

For more info on the workshops see our Siem Reap Cambodia Page of our website.
To register for this information session on the tour PLEASE CLICK HERE and follow the links to this session.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Image courtesy Danielle Lancaster

Words and images by Danielle Lancaster

4 photography tips to capture the colours of autumn

1. Use colour

Colours that either contrast or compliment always other work well together

Always place strong colours in the foreground

2. Use Red

Red is stronger colour than green or yellow

My rule of thumb:

I generally find underexposing  autumn images brings out the vibrancy and gives the colours the saturation levels more actually as seen by our human eye. I also use a polariser filter on all my images.

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – Tamborine Mountain

We are holding another special Portraiture Shoot using natural light and speed lights on Tamborine Mountain.

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

From 9:30-11:30
Location: Tamborine Moutnain
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@bloue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing youWe also offer portraiture using natural light and studio lighting at many other locations and on our tours and retreats.FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together. For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.
Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Real Estate & Property Photography

A very comprehensive workshop. We start at the studio and watch a Power Point where we look at aspects of equipment, file formats, lighting, exposures, white balance, balancing flash and natural light, how to deal with each room, what to do and what not to do, marketing and an outline for post processing.

After this we go to a cottage where you photograph the living room, glassed wall bathroom, BBQ area and exterior. You will balance interior and exterior lighting during the practical session in-camera.

A full set of workshop notes is provided for you to take home.
After this workshop you should be equipped to go out and shoot real estate photography.
We have many past participants doing just that! Morning tea refreshments supplied.

Suitable for intermediate to advanced.

Price: $355.00
Location: Tamborine Mountain
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Other Locations this is also offered:
Gold Coast
Tamborine Mountain
Toowoomba

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

13 – 15 May 2016

We’ll meet at the Bluedog Studio on Friday afternoon for a meet and greet session and the first of our tutorials.

Then it is off to Hang-gliders Lookout for sunset and long exposure photography including light trails before a group dinner (at own cost).

On Saturday for early risers, we will visit a Gold Coast location to capture the sun rise.

Time out for breakfast and we’ll then have sessions on macro, portraiture, polarisng and neutral density filters, composition.

After lunch we will venture into Queensland’s oldest national park and the third oldest in the world with a leisurely walk to Curtis Falls.

Our model will accompany us for those that would like to extend their portraiture work. Flash sessions will also be held.

After a break to refresh and download we’ll return to  Hang-gliders Lookout for sunset – no two are ever the same – before a group dinner (at own cost).

Sunday
Sleep in! We’ll meet at the Bluedog studio at 9am for a two hour overview, feedback of your work from the weekend.

Images for a critique can be submitted.

11.30am Sunday head home hopefully with your mind boggling on photography ideas.

Price:  $880
Includes: Photography tuition, notes for dropbox, entry fees if applicable, gifts.
Excludes: Accommodation, meals, transport to venues.
Partners are welcome to join us for meals.

Accommodation options
Holiday Stays
Mountain House Real Estate

B&B’s on Tamborine Mountain
www.tamborinemtncc.org.au/bed-and-breakfast-accommodation-on-tamborine-mounta

Pre Requisites and Gear
A sound knowledge of your camera and the basics of photography.
Digital DSLR, tripod, polarising filter, laptop for processing and back up of images, USB for transfer of images

Price:  $880
Includes: Photography tuition, notes, entry fees if applicable, gifts.
Excludes: Accommodation, meals, transport to venues.
Partners are welcome to join us for meals.

Accommodation options
Holiday Stays
Mountain House Real Estate

B&B’s on Tamborine Mountain
www.tamborinemtncc.org.au/bed-and-breakfast-accommodation-on-tamborine-mounta

Pre Requisites and Gear
A sound knowledge of your camera and the basics of photography.
Digital DSLR, tripod, polarising filter, laptop for processing and back up of images, USB for transfer of images

Tamborine Mountain Weekend Retreat

We’ll meet at the Bluedog Studio on Friday afternoon for a meet and greet session and the first of our tutorials.

Then it is off to Hang-gliders Lookout for sunset and long exposure photography including light trails before a group dinner.

On Saturday for early risers, we will visit a lookout on the mountain to watch the sun rise over the Gold Coast.

After breakfast on Saturday we will have sessions on macro, portraiture, polarisng and neutral density filters and composition before lunch followed by a walk to Curtis Falls, within Queensland’s oldest national park and the  third oldest in the world!

Our model will accompany us for those that would like to extend their portraiture work. Flash sessions will also be held.

We’ll return to  Hang-gliders Lookout for sunset – no two are ever the same – before a group dinner.

Sunday
Sleep in! We’ll meet at the Bluedog studio at 9am for a two hour overview and feedback from the weekend.
For anyone wishing to capture sunrise you now know the best location!

11.30am Sunday head home hopefully with your mind boggling on photography ideas.

Price:  $880
Includes: Photography tuition, notes, entry fees if applicable, gifts.
Excludes: Accommodation, meals, transport to venues.

Accommodation options
Holiday Stays
Mountain House Real Estate

B&B’s on Tamborine Mountain
www.tamborinemtncc.org.au/bed-and-breakfast-accommodation-on-tamborine-mountain

How to photograph fireworks

Here’s our top 10 tips for capturing brilliant images of fireworks.

1. Position, position, position
   Location is the key. Areas can get very busy especially at times like New Year Eve and it’s not unheard of to hear of photographers ‘camping’ on a site for a day before the event to secure a prime sought after position. A rule of thumb is higher is generally be better.
2. Use a tripod
   The tripod head needs to be able to support your camera and the heaviest lens you have in a vertical position. If you forget your tripod, relax and try some hand holding abstract images: drawing with the camera shapes and letters, zooming in and out during an exposure, the options are endless and can create some bizarre one-of-a-kind images.
   If your lens has IS or VR turn it off when on a tripod.
3. Use a cable release or remote control
   We want to avoid any form of camera shake and control the shutter opening time to the firework burst for the optimum image.
4. Form your composition – it does matter
   Think about what you want to portray in the scene and take the time to look around your image area and ask yourself do you really need it? Don’t let unnecessary items clutter your image!
5. Which lens?
   Choosing which lens can be difficult.
   Each lens has negatives and positives. With a wide angle you can include other points of interest like a landscape or cityscape in your image. An object that is recognisable such as a statue or monument can really look awesome.With a zoom you can capture one burst standing solitary in the sky and eliminate other objects that could become distracting like bright lights or even worse the backs of people’s heads.
6. Know the wind direction
   It is preferable to get upwind as then smoke will blow away from you. A still night can be as bad as those when the wind is blowing towards you, as the smoke lingers longer in the air and is notably worse after multiple bursts. You can always edit afterwards but it can also be a lot of work.
   The feature image has had some Photoshop post processing on it. Here is the original.
7. Focusing
   Look for an area of contrast and pre-focus. Turn auto focus off.
8. Exposure = ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed – it’s often the hardest part so here is the recipe:
   Shoot in Manual Mode
   Choose a low ISO for example Canon 100 and Nikon 200.
   Shutter: bulb
   Aperture: Start at f/8 – 16
   Be willing to exposure compensate using your aperture and shutter to get the correct exposure.
9. Shoot horizontal and vertical
   Variety is the spice of life!
10. Experiment and have fun!
    Most importantly keep your photography fun and if you have managed to do all the above whilst juggling a glass of bubbly in one hand after the midnight show, then please let us know!

Colour Balance and Colour Correction in Adobe Photoshop CC

One of the big challenges in photography is to get the colours in our digital file to match
the colours that we see when we take a photograph. This is a complex topic to understand
and implement, but this course will attempt to simplify things for you.
Our eyes are adept at neutralising the colour temperature but getting the colour right want
on the computer is not as easy.
This course will help you use Adobe CC to master colour balance and colour manipulation
for creative effects.

Topics will include:
• What is colour temperature
• Effects of different light sources (daylight, flash, tungsten, Fluorescent and mixed
lighting)
• Colour balance settings in camera
• Setting up a colour managemed workflow
• What are colour spaces?
• Using and setting colour profiles
• Neutralising colour casts in Photoshop CC and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR)
• Using colour correction for creative effects

Tutor: David Brazil
Session length 60 minutes including Q&A time.
Start 18:30 QLD Time
Price $150.00

To reserve a place please click HERE

Or for more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

Creating Stunning Black and White images in Adobe Lightroom CC

We all love a great black and white image – despite our world being saturated in colour,
black and white still has a place in creating tonally complete images without the distraction
of colour. In this course you will learn about using Adobe Lightroom to create beautiful
monochromes from your digital files.
Topics will include:
• Shooting for black and white
• How to “see” tonal contrast vs colour contrast
• Shooting RAW vs JPG
• Creating virtual copies of your images in LR
• Simple black and white conversion
• AUTO conversion
• Manual digital colour adjustment filters
• Toning Black and White images
• Noise and sharpening control
• Tips to printing Black and White

Tutor: David Brazil
Session length 60 minutes including Q&A time.
Start 18:30 QLD Time
Price $150.00

To reserve a place please click HERE

Or for more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

An Introduction to Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers

Adobe Photoshop CC has been the industry standard image manipulation tool for digital
photography and image manipulation. It is a complex application with many tools and
functions. This course is designed to assist beginner and intermediate photographers to
use Photoshop to get the most out of their digital images to produce stunning print-ready
results that reflect their creative intent.
Topics will include:
• digital images, file formats, pixel resolution, file size
• Raw vs JPEG capture
• Image evaluation
• Basic image tone control using levels and curves
• Colour control (saturation, vibrance)
• Sharpening and noise reduction
• Cropping, straightening and perspective control
• Using filters to fine tune image values
• Local adjustments using adjustment layers and masks
• Creative Techniques
• Preparing files for output and printing
• Creating web ready images

Tutor: David Brazil
Session length 60 minutes including Q&A time.
Start 18:30 QLD Time
Price $150.00

To reserve a place please click HERE

Or for more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

Urban Portraiture

This practical session will include posing tips and techniques, using natural light and shooting with your flash on and off camera in various ways and using various accessories (all provided) through practical exercises with feedback given and advice .

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

Requirements:
You are able to use your camera off auto and on manual mode with a sound understanding of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed.

You DO NOT need a speed light to attend. We will be working with them, for some exercises which enables an ideal environment to learn.

Location: West End

Time:  Meet at 1.00pm for a 2.00pm  start. Finish 4.00pm.
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited and restricted to 6 for the session.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

After this session, we have a sunset session. Anyone joining us for this receives a 10% discount once minimum numbers are reached.

We also offer Portraiture using natural light, speed light, studio lighting and other genres such as environmental.

Images courtesy Judi Neumann and Angela Flower

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Brisbane After Dark Photo Walk

Join us for an evening in Brisbane on an @ Brisbane After Dark Photo Walk.

We will meet at Southbank and make our way down to the river and across into the city while covering different photographic techniques and exercises.
Meet at 6.00pm for a 6.15pm. The session will finish at 8.15pm

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428715310

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We have city scapes, steel wool burning, light painting all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.
Also held on the Gold Coast.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Photo Walk and Get to Know Your Camera

This two-hour Photo Walk and Get to Know Your Camera with Danielle is a practical session is designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography further.

Maybe there’s an aspect of your camera you are uncertain about, maybe you need some guidance in composition or what those dials and numbers really mean, refine aperture, freezing the action the list can go on.

As our groups are small (max of 6), we can offer individual assistance to everyone who attends.

Session time: 10.00am start. Finish 12.00pm
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
Suitable for beginners to intermediate.

Enjoy a late-ish lunch after our session at the Powerhouse - next door to New Farm Park. An historical site, the Powerhouse Museum houses galleries, spaces for comedy and shows and a cafe/restaurants which overlooks the river.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.
Other locations: Gold Coast and Tamborine Mountain

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – New Farm

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights in Brisbane!

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Time: 6.45am – 8.45am
Location: New Farm Park
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@bloue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Brisbane @ Dusk: Cleveland

Each month our sunrise sessions revolve and change to bring you new and exciting photography opportunities.

This workshop will be held at Cleveland, meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Our two-hour practical sessions are designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

Meet at 4.15pm for a 4.30pm start.
Our session will finish at 6.30pm.
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Gold Coast and other locations around Brisbane.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Star Trails

Learn how to do long exposures, and capture the brilliant colours of the twinkling stars in our awesome star trails with one exposure.

You do not need to be an expert to attend! We will walk you through each stage during our web-based interactive training.

What you get: An hour detailing the process of capturing star trails, recognising the ideal conditions and locations for it and a post-session assignment for you to undertake independently at your leisure and your own location.

Our Bluedog pdf booklet covering the session – 28 pages!

After completing the project you will be encouraged to submit your star trail image/s to Danielle for personalised, private feedback and review. (Please note there will be some times frames when Danielle is unavailable to give feedback due to professional commitments and you will be notified of these at the session).

Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
Session length: 60 minutes including Q&A time.
6.00pm Queensland, Australia
Price $90.00

For more information email: info@blue-dog.com.au

To Register:
Email us at info@blue-dog.com.au and we will register you and send a confirmation email and tax invoice with details for payment.

Urban Portraiture

This practical session will include posing tips and techniques, using natural light and shooting with your flash on and off camera in various ways and using various accessories (all provided) through practical exercises with feedback given and advice to get that image along the way.

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

Requirements:
You are able to use your camera off auto and on manual mode with a sound understanding of aperture, ISO and shutter speed.

You DO NOT need a speed light to attend. We will be working with them, for some exercises, off-camera and have a speed light and triggers for you to use on the day.

Location: Waterford

Time: Meet 7.30am for a 7.45 start. Our session will finish at 9.45am.
This is a two hour practical shoot with a model. You may use any images in a folio or online presentation such as a Facebook.
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited and restricted to 6 for the session.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

We also offer Portraiture using natural light, speed light, studio lighting and other genres such as environmental.

Image courtesy Angela Flower

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

How do our online photography courses work?

Join us for this free interactive session and see how easy it is!
You don’t need Skype – you can join in from your phone or computer.
Upon registration, you will receive an email of approval with the link to click on at the time to join.

Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
Session length 30 minutes including Q&A time.
Start 9:00am QLD Time
Price Free

To reserve a place please click HERE

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

Tomorrow is Anzac Day, a day when Australia as a nation stops to remember those that have been to war. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War – 100 years ago.

 ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey early on the morning of 25 April 1915 during the First World War (1914-1918).

As a result, on the 25^th April Australians come together at dawn services and ceremonies in a sign of gratitude and national pride. These solemn ANZAC ceremonies of remembrance are our way of saying thank you to ALL of the men, women and children (so many were under the age of 18) who have fought and died in the name of War.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to capture memorable images and practice photo documentary styles of photography.

Here’s a few tips for your Anzac Day photography:

Research about Anzac Day and the associated wars. It gives an insight into the men and women, conditions etc so you can appreciate what some of the people you are likely to photograph are experiencing on this day. It will also allow you to have a more interesting and involved experience on the day.

Stimulate your own creativity by seeking inspiration from other photographers in books, magazines and on the internet.

Know the route of the march, times, places, best spot to park etc and do a rec trip.

Observe closely – there will be little things happening in every crowd. A tear wiped, a child holding a placard, hands being held etc.

Make sure you get your exposure right! You may be photographing in a variety of lighting conditions and matrix metering may not always be the best.

Tell a story with your images.

Composition, composition, composition!

Keep pressing the big button as often as possible.

Respect the privacy of those there.

Take the time to reflect and remember.

Bluedog Photography’s one day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

You receive a Bluedog Pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card and a Statement of Attendance.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Hands-0n and understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Max of 2 per group. 9.30am-2.30pm.
Price $275.00
Location: Algester
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Toowoomba
Online
One-on-ones

Understanding White Balance

Do you know what White Balance (WB) really is? How can you use it towards gaining better images straight out of your camera? Join Danielle Lancaster in this interactive Bluedog Photography online session on WB . A pdf set of notes sent and audio recording supplied to all registered participants.

This is an interactive session with time for questions and answers.

Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
Session length 30 minutes including Q&A time.
Start 10.00am QLD Time
Price: $33.00

This session will be recorded and uploaded onto our private YouTube channel for viewing at your leisure.
Intensive Subscribers 5% discount applies

To reserve a place please click HERE

Or for more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A: No, not at all. Everyone is welcome!

During this interactive online session we go through many of the tips and tricks, how to be organised and do the best for that special day.

Suitable for intermediate to advanced. A set of comprehensive notes is provided to all participants including our extensive shot list and contract outline.

For those that would then like to join us, when time permits we allow a 10% discount to our practical sessions during which we hire a model. You are able to use the images in your folio that you capture on the day.

After this workshop you should be equipped with the knowledge to go out and get started – others are already earning money simply by doing this workshop!

Price $90.00
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Other Locations this is also offered:
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Toowoomba

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

It is true, some of the best photography occurs during the worst weather.

How is the best way to protect your camera (and cheapest) from the sorrowing elements of the wet.

1. If shooting in light rain use a rain sleeve or as an alternative a plastic shopping bag and rubber band as seen in this video at about 5.09 mins into this video
2. Place silica packs in your camera bag: check and replace these regularly.
   We suggest emptying all packs out and checking for any that may have broken. After throwing those out, place the rest on a baking tray in the oven at 180 degrees for five minutes and no longer! During this time vacuum the inside of your camera bag.
3. Use your lens hood. Most think a lens hood is for a sunny day but they also protect our lenses from rain drops.
4. When at home keep your gear well ventilated. What you don’t want is mould forming and transferring to one lens and another and bodies by changing lenses.
5. Have insurance. If you are working or playing and your gear is worth anything check your insurance. Household policies have limits and upgrading is an option for a reason.Check out our tips for shooting in a humid environment and what’s in our bag for more tips on protecting you and your gear and a little environmental tip for your walk.

For more ideas on water protecting for your gear  and you visit http://www.adorama.com/alc/0008477/article/100-in-100-Part-II-Flood-Insurance

About the author:
Danielle Lancaster is a professional photographer and a director at Bluedog Photography.
Danielle works as a feature photo-journalist, conducts photography courses, retreats and tours and supplies a range of imagery for corporate and private clients. She loves sharing her passion of photography with others.
Tel: 07 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
www.blue-dog.com.au

  We all love a great black and white image – despite our world being saturated in colour, black and white still has a place in creating tonally complete images without the distraction of colour. In this course you will learn about using Adobe Lightroom to create beautiful monochromes from your digital files.
Topics will include:
Shooting for black and white
How to “see” tonal contrast vs colour contrast
Shooting RAW vs JPG
Creating virtual copies of your images in LR
Simple black and white conversion
AUTO conversion
Manual digital colour adjustment filters
Toning Black and White images
Noise and sharpening control
Tips to printing Black and White

Time has been allowed for questions

Location: Online
Price: $150.00
Intensive Subscribers 5% applies

FAQ:
Q. Do I have to have Lightroom downloaded on my computer?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite, however we ask you have a basic understanding of computer editing software and understand all demonstrations will be given in Lightroom. There is a freee trial version available which we recommend you download.

Q. Do I have to attended any other session to attend this?
A. No it is not a pre-requiste.

Q. Do I get a recording of the session?
A. Yes you receive a recorded session via our private YouTube channel.

Q. I can’t make this one, will another be held?
A. Yes if we can run these whenever you want, and we can plus small groups and one-on-ones sessions are also held.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Lightroom: Digital Workflow Online

In this Adobe Lightroom (LR) inertactive online session we look in depth at how to use LR  to provide effiecient organisation and publishing.

The library is the essential filing cabinet for the digital photographer. All the functions will be explained and an end-to-end workflow demo will assist participants put their training into practice.

Understand the main functionality of the application, Lightroom (LR), and why it is an essential tool for the digital photography enthusiast and professional.

During this interactive session, David introduces each of the modules below and takes participants through the process from importing images from your digital camera or card, basic image correction through to printing, exporting and uploading images to online services.

Digital image management strategies
• Why is a digital workflow important
• Storage and backup
• Cloud services (Crashplan, DropBox, Google Drive, iCloud)
• What is a Lightroom catalog?
• Importing your images into Lightroom from your camera or device
• Import settings
• Preview settings
• RAW vs JPG
• Folders and file naming conventions

Introducing the Library Module
• Navigator
• Folder
• Collections
• Quick Collection
• Smart Collections
• Views
• Compare and Survey
• Quick Develop
• Metadata and Keywording
• Synchronisation
• Filters
• Publish Services
• Export settings (overview)
Sample Workflow
• Capture to Print – the 5 minute demo

Time has been allowed for questions

Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm (AEST QLD Time)
Location: Online
Price: $150.00
Intensive Subscribers 5% applies

FAQ:
Q. Do I have to have Lightroom downloaded on my computer?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite, however we ask you have a basic understanding of computer editing software and understand all demonstrations will be given in Lightroom.

Q. Do I have to attended Part 1 to do this one?
A. No it is not a per-requiste.

Q. Do I get a recording of the session?
A. Yes you receive a recorded session via our private YouTube channel.

Q. I can’t make this one, will another be held?
A. Yes if we can run these whenever you want and small groups are catered for.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

How to get your travel images published?
A question that many a photograrpher asks. Helen Hayes, the contributing editor at Vacations and Travel shares her knowledge on what editors are looking for and not.

This one hour session which includes Q&A time is online and a recording will be made if you cannot make the session. Pre-questions are welcomed.

Price: $25.00 AUD
Time: 7.00pm – 8.00pm ASET
To reserve a place please click HERE

Or for more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A: No.

Q: I’ve never done an online session before – is it hard?
A: No. We can alk you through this. I f you are not sure email us and we can register you and send the log in details for the lve session or the recording.

Q: I can’t make it on the night – can I still listen to the session?
A: Yes for all those that register and pay they will recive a link to the recording.

Words and images by Danielle Lancaster or as credited.

Capturing that feeling of movement; be it a child on a bike or a racing car along an open road: these are images where you want to sense the sensation of speed and passage of those involved. The best way to do this is by a technique called panning.

The idea is you pan your camera in line and in time with the moving subject. The resulting image will yield a relatively sharp subject with the back ground and/or foreground out of focus (blurred) and delivering a sense of movement and speed to the viewer of your image.

Panning seems to work best, especially when you are new to this technique, with moving subjects that are on a relatively straight trajectory. That is the subject is moving parallel to the photographer in a straight line from left to right or vice versa. This allows you to predict where your subject will be coming from and moving to.

If the subject is travelling towards you (or away from you) then you won’t be able to obtain the same look of movement. You will have more success as a beginner to this technique if your subject is moving parallel to you, the photographer. Objects that are moving side to side are challenging and can result in messy looking shots as the motion blur can be quite erratic unless you are very careful.

Image courtesy Cass Johnson in a session on panning during the
Bluedog Photography Siem Reap Cambodia workshop in 2015

As the subject goes past, the camera needs to follow it while you gently push the shutter button. Those that have played golf or tennis know the follow through. We use this same technique here and keep moving our body while tracking the subject. The smoother the better.

When first attempting this technique, work with a wider angle lens. Start with a shutter speed of 1/125th and decrease as you perfect the technique of your body movement. Ideally you want to aim to be at 1/30th or below. There could be some camera shake on top of motion blur: these are two different things and we’ll discuss these in more depth in a later blog.

Be aware that some auto focusing tracking systems work great but others have a shutter lag which causes all sorts of problems. All cameras are different and as you can understand we can’t go through all the makes and models (wish we could but there are bills to pay:)) If your camera doesn’t have fast enough auto focusing try pre-focussing on the area you anticipate releasing the shutter – we’ve found this works really well. Remember you need to release the shutter gently – we need to avoid as much camera shake as we can from our body movement.

Watch your background: the closer your background is to your moving subject the greater the blur and the more colourful this is the more dynamic your image will be.

Panning does take patience and practice, however it is well worth the effort.

At about 1 minute and 52nd seconds into this video you see me during a Bluedog tutors training session panning.

About the author:
Danielle Lancaster is a professional photographer and a director at Bluedog Photography.
Danielle works as a feature photo-journalist, conducts photography courses, retreats and tours and supplies a range of imagery for corporate and private clients. She loves sharing her passion of photography with others.
Tel: 07 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
www.blue-dog.com.au

Words by Danielle Lancaster. Images by Danielle Lancaster and food image courtesy The Point

I’m a Brisbane girl. Born in the city that once was tagged the ‘big country town’, things have changed.

Back in those days trams still shuffled patrons up and down the city streets, the New York Hotel in Queen Street (where the Myer Centre now is) was still operating and Queen Street was open to two-way traffic.

The historic New York Hotel, opened in 1860, had become a meeting place for country folk on their way to the Brisbane show, aka the Ekka. By the time I was born it had been the scene where my maternal grandfather, Pop John became a cripple.

Pop John supplemented the meagre farm income with shearing contracts. He also suffered from sleep walking. Each night in the shearer’s quarters his mates would barricade him in his room so we wouldn’t wander, however while in in Brisbane to see his first prize wool clip at the Ekka no one did. He walked during his sleep, so I am told, off the second floor and never walked again; leaving my grandmother to bring up eight children.

Now to ‘The Point’.

Due to work and business I get to travel back to my birth place every so often. That’s how I discovered The Point Brisbane.

Situated at Kangaroo Point, it’s a hotel leading the way.

I have free wi-fi, chocolates on my pillow each night and nothing seems to be a problem: even after seeing my truck loads of photography gear for a mere two night stay.

The ease of access to the city was a definite advantage. For a 7am meeting in George Street the cab cost me $10.00. For other activities I took the short walk to the ferry and easy access to any city venue I wanted to visit.

However, the biggest delight for me was the view from the balcony.  I do love a balcony. It rates top on my list for accommodation requirements as it allows me to sit, relax and take in the night views of any city. I love listening to the sounds, seeing the sights and the changing smells of a city as it turns from day to night – each is so different.

My balcony was awesome with plenty of room for seating and my tripod! A must in a photographer’s world. I had a wide view of the Story Bridge, the city and the continuing parade of cars exiting and entering the modern metropolis of Brisbane.

The other big advantage I found with The Point while working in Brisbane was the dining options. Lambert’s Restaurant I have since discovered is getting a name in Brisbane. Using locally sourced and only high quality ingredients it is open to the public and not just those of us staying at The Point. If you get carried away like I did with photographing the changing landscape from the balcony they provide efficient room service – same top chef presenting same top cuisine. Close by, and less than a five minute walk, is the Story Bridge Hotel and other smaller restaurants offering a selection of varied cuisines.

The benefits keep on rolling in: check out is 11am, not 10am, secure parking, a pillow menu (that I must make sure I try next visit and there will be a next), access to Press Reader which means I can see all the newspapers online and free, 24 hour room and guest services, heated pool, gymnasium and an express check-out.

So why would I stay here again?

My top points of The Point
1. Free Wi-Fi. When I travel it’s usually for business and I need to keep in touch

2. Easy and cheap accessibility to Brisbane CBD

3. Dining options

4. Balcony – don’t think I need to reiterate how awesome this was

5. Service. Polite, courteous and respectful

Plus the chocolates:)

More Info

The Point Brisbane
For more on this innovative accommodation option close the the city in Brisbane

Words by Danielle Lancaster. Images by Danielle Lancaster and tutors during training at Bluedog Photography

Mistake No. 1: Focus not on the eye
The eye closest to the camera has to be in focus. A general rule in portrait photography is the eyes need to be sharp as they are considered the most important element.

Many wish to use a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject and direct the viewers’ attention straight to the subject. If the camera selects the focus point it can all go wrong!
We need to get our focus point correct: it needs to be on the eye closest to the camera.

Click on the images to enlarge

An example of when the eye closest to the camera (left image) is not in focus and vice- versa.

Mistake No. 2: Something ‘growing’ out of the subject
What’s that branch growing out of the ear, that horizon growing from the shoulders? This mistake is made by not looking at your background. Your background is as important as your subject and it should complement not compete.

Take the time to look around your image area and criss-cross over it (the more you do this the quicker you will get) and it allows you to see those ugly obtrusions before you click that shutter. Look in your background for lines that intersect with your subject. These could be the horizon, a post, branch etc. What we don’t want is things ‘growing’ out of there heads.

Click on the images to enlarge

In the image on the left, the subject has a post growing out of his head. By the photographer moving only a few centimeters the subject is now framed by the posts.

Mistake No. 3: Shooting too wide
How close should you get and what lens should you use? If you use a wide angle lens you may be very close to your subject. The problem arises that parts of the body close to the lens or objects can look out of perspective to the rest of the subject.

This technique can work brilliantly in environmental portraiture – as long as there are no body parts too close and the subject looks in proportion.
Remember the wider the lens, the greater the DOF at any given aperture.

Mistake No. 4: Cutting a body part
This is another one that is so very important and often overlooked. For example: you should not have half a hand/foot. It is visually more pleasing and comfortable for the viewer to either see the whole hand/foot or no hand/foot at all.

Mistake No. 5 Lighting
Look at the direction and quality of your light. Your lighting can make or break a portrait.

Side lighting accentuates texture while front lighting does the opposite. Harsh overhead lighting such as the midday sun can cause ugly shadows. Shadows always are formed due to the direction of the main light source; diffuse that and you soften the shadows.

Using direct natural side lighting

Above and below: Using window lighting

About Bluedog Photography
Bluedog Photography deliver a wide range of courses, workshops, retreats and tours
View our Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Images and words by Danielle Lancaster

Fiji has never been high on my bucket list – scraping through to the top 50. Pictures of romantic getaways and couples smooching silhouetted as the sun sets on a deserted beach; families frolicking nosily on vacation have all been off my immediate radar. That has since changed.

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Australian Society of Travel Writers, Photographers and Public Relations Professionals (ASTW) Convention and Awards held at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. It’s located on Natadola Bay, Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, and relatively new on the accommodation scene in Fiji.

This made me consider Fiji again. At least I’d be surrounded by other travel media – many of whom have become dear friends. Surely as a single traveller I wouldn’t feel like the duck out of water?

And that’s when I discovered Fiji is a superb location as a conference venue. This resort, and as I learn many others are, dotted around Fiji’s 333 tropical islands, is slightly an isolated location. There are no nearby bars that slosh alcohol till the wee hours of the morning and blurt thumping music or streets lined with glitzy shops enticing retail therapy and credit card explosion.

The brilliance of this is it allows attendees ample time to network and catch up. Groups don’t disperse to one restaurant, bar or another location. Friendships are formed, information exchanged and connections made. Isn’t that what attending these conferences is all about?

Adding to the flavour was interaction with villagers. The resort employs many of the locals from the neighbouring Sanasana Village. Just outside the resort grounds other villagers set up massage tents on the beach, provide horse rides or just happily pull up and have a chat with you.

Meet Jessie, a girl from the local village I meet during breakfast while staying at the Intercontinental

Conference delegates interact with the local village school children – it’s a two way sharing experience

‘Want a horse ride? I can get for you.’
A friendly local villager on the beach in front of the resort

I can guarantee you within the first 24 hours of landing in Fiji you will know the word “Bula” (pronounced boo-lah!). Most think it means hello but it has various meaning and can even be used when someone sneezes. What is does convey is the Fijian peoples warmth, friendship and love of life. Something I’m sure everyone who visits takes away with them.

So don’t think Fiji is all about couples and families because for single travellers like me it has much to offer from it’s fabulous foods to relaxing or adrenaline filled activities (above and below the water) and most of all its open-hearted and peaceful people.

And you never know, maybe one day that will be me on the beach watching the setting sun in the arms of a lover – hey I can only dream of finding things in Fiji!

About the ASTW
The Australian Society of Travel Writers is a not-for-profit organisation of Australia’s leading travel media and public relations professionals.
Follow them on Facebook

About Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa

About Fiji

We are holding a special A Special Practical Wedding Photography Shoot.

This practical session will include posing tips and techniques, using natural light and shooting with your flash on and off camera in various ways and using various accessories (all provided) through practical exercises with feedback given and advice to get that image along the way.

We have a model booked for the session to be our bride and you may use the images in your folio.

Requirements:
You are able to use your camera off auto and on manual mode with a sound understanding of aperture, ISO and shutter speed.

You DO NOT need a speed light to attend. We will be working with them, for some exercises, off-camera and have a speed light and triggers for you to use on the day.

Location: Tamborine Mountain Studio garden and neighbouring award winning garden

Time: 9am meet, 9.30am start 2 hour shoot with model.
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited and restricted to 6 for the session.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@bloue-dog.com.au

We also offer Portraiture using natural light, speed light, studio lighting and other genres such as environmental.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Images and words by Danielle Lancaster

The sea turtles cycle is all timed around the moon, tides and nature. And the time to see them is now!

From November to March the annual pilgrimage of sea turtles begins with huge female turtles making their way up the beach to lay clutches of eggs. You’ll rarely see a male sea turtle on shore unless he’s chased a lady too far up the beach. For males, once they hatch their life is predominately in the ocean.

Above: A pair of Green turtles doing the ‘turtle-thing’ in the shallows on Seventy-Five Mile beach on Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

Approximately eight weeks after the female lays the clutch (50-350 soft-shelled eggs depending on the species) , the hatchlings emerge making a hasty dash to the sea. The estimated rate of survival is low: only one hatchling in a thousand make it to adulthood and breeding (15-25 years). Did you know there are seven living species of sea turtles: leatherback sea turtle, green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, flatback sea turtle and olive ridley sea turtle.

Above: A Loggerhead hatchling heads to sea

Mortality rates for turtles and the eggs are increased by predators (animal and human), and some nests are laid to close to the tide line and if not relocated will be lost; hence recovery programmes. Another huge mortality cause is pollution due to rubbish such as plastic bags and containers, fishing lines and nets.

This is a feast of nature that I highly recommend as one of the best natural experiences I have encountered and that is saying something! It should suit all ages in your family or group no matter the age.

I have only witnessed hatchlings a few times and only twice during the day as most happen at night so be prepared for some late hours. No matter what, it’s a special occasion to witness an animal that may live to be 200 years old in the wild be born.

When visiting Queensland’s beaches and islands, (or any other destination that allows beach driving), avoid driving on the beach at night between November to late March. It’s hard enough to see dangers like rocks, washouts and creeks at night, let alone tiny baby turtles or their mum’s lumbering to and from laying her eggs. Vehicle lights can distract this ancient ritual.

Above: A baby loggerhead breaks through the sand at 2am at Mon Repos, Queensland, Australia

Understanding the successful protection going and studies is critical for the survival of this endangered species and ancient mariner of the sea.

Best times of the year for viewing:
Nesting: In Queensland on the mainland and islands mother turtles come ashore during November to January.
Hatchings: January to late March see hatchlings explode from the sand on their ‘march’ to survival.

Our Top Places to Visit
Mon Repos
Australia’s Most Accessible Sea Turtle Rookery
‘The Mon Repos Conservation Park, within the Southern Great Barrier Reef, supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the Eastern Australian mainland and has the most significant Loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific.’ Bookings are essential

Lady Elliot Island
A coral cay istuated at the southern tip of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.

More Info:
Queensland National Parks
Mon Repos
Lady Elliot Island
Queensland Holidays

Above: Peek-a-boo we can see you! This was the first of 55 loggerheads to enter the world from this clutch of eggs

How beautiful is the rainforest on Tamborine Mountain – Queensland’s oldest national park and the third oldest in the world!
The frogs are croaking, the waterfalls running and fungi are preparing to burst from the forest floor!

And to celebrate we are holding a two hour practical session working on a variety of subject matter such as: selective focus, macro, composition, freezing/blurring the waterfall and stream, using neutral density and polarising filters, white balance and other techniques including lighting.
This two hour practical session is designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer, Danielle Lancaster, in a small group that allows you to develop your photography further and offers tailored assistance to everyone who attends.

These sessions are often attended by people before they do our full-day Beginners Course (as a way to get to know us), and sometimes people come to this course after our full-day Beginners to reinforce and lock-in their knowledge.

Max of 6 per group.
Session Time: 09.00-11.00
Price $80.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to intermediate.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Other locations: Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast

Bluedog Photography’s one day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

You receive a Bluedog Pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card and a Statement of Attendance.

Topics covered include:

Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Suitable for digital SLR, point and shoot and film cameras. A DSLR digital camera and tripods are available for hire – please advise us in advance if required.

Max of 6 per group. 9.00am-4.00pm.
Price $280.00
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Location: Gold Coast

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Burleigh – Gold Coast
Brisbane

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – New Farm

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights in Brisbane!

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Location: New Farm Park
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@bloue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you!

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Portraiture After Dark

We are holding a special portraiture after dark practical photography session in Brisbane.

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of creative lighting including with a speedlight.

Time: Meet 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start.
Finish 8:30pm
Location: TBA on booking
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited: Max 6 per session and 3 to run.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information on our Portraiture After Dark or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Featured images:
1st row:
Above left: by Mandy Krohn during a Bluedog Speedlight one day workshop
Above right: by Ben Footer cropped square during a private session
2nd Row:
By David Alexander – portraiture after dark in Brisbane city

Studio Lighting #101

In this four-hour intensive workshop, you will learn how to use one studio light to create different looks!

Whether your interest is still life, fashion, family or portrait photography, this workshop is for you.

We will cover:
*Lighting Principles – at the end of this workshop you will understand the relationship between the relative positions of light to your subject and camera and what it all means when creating a “mood”

*Using lighting to enhance or minimise texture

*How to talk to your subjects to make them relax in front of the camera – even if they are not human

*How and when to use props

*Backgrounds

* A model will be in part of the session and you can use these images in a folio

Notes provided to all participants.

Suitable for a confident beginner to advanced. A DSLR digital camera is available for hire – please advise us in advance if required.

Max of 6 per group. 9.30am-1.30pm.
Price $225.00 pp

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have an understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together

Location: Jimboomba

Images courtesy Lindy Sherwell and Danielle Lancaster

Join us for this special two hour session with some fun steel wool burning and silhouette work.
6.15pm-7.15pm

Max of 6 per group with one tutor and 10 with two tutors.
Price $40.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We have city scapes, steel wool burning, light painting all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.
Also held on the Gold Coast.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

We are holding a special portraiture shoot on the Gold Coast in July!

We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Meet 8.30am for a 8.45an start
Finish at 11.45am
Location: Gold Coast Botanic Garden
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited to maximum of six.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 725 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

n

Join David for Sunrise at Currumbin.
This two-hour practical session is designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer, weather permitting, to capture sunrise.

Our meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Time: meet at 5.15am for a 5.30am start.
Session finishes at 7:30 am
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held in the Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

In the early morning light, we are holding a photography workshop around photographing swimwear at Wellington Point, Brisbane.

This two-hour practical session is designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step. A model is provided and you may use images in a portfolio. We will be using a variety of scenarios and covering lighting, posing, composition, working with talent, just for starters.

Time:
Meet 6:30 am meet for a 6:45 am start
Session finishes at 8:45am
Max of 6 per group
Price $85.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and other regional locations.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights at Redcliffe!
We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Location: Redcliffe
Price: $85 inc GST

Meet 8.15am for an 8.30 start.
Session finishes at 10.30am.

Numbers are limited.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you!

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

This two-hour practical session is designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer so you can develop your photography further.

Maybe there’s an aspect of your camera you are uncertain about, maybe you need some guidance in composition or what those dials and numbers really mean, or maybe you want to know just where you are at and go that next step…

Think of this session as an opportunity to spend two hours with a professional photographer who, as the group is so small, can offer tailored assistance to everyone who attends

Meet at 10am for an 10:15am start. Our session will finish at 12:15pm.

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to intermediate.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.
Other locations: Gold Coast and Tamborine Mountain

A Special Practical Portraiture Shoot – Shorncliffe

Join us in the soft morning light as we are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using natural light and speed lights at Shorncliffe.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories including flash, diffusers and reflectors.
We will also cover posing.

With our small group size (maximum of 6) you have the opportunity to set the scene and create work on specific images techniques, all in a relaxed and friendly yet educational environment.

Time: 8.15 am meet . Finish 10.30am
Location: Shorncliffe
Price: $85 inc GST
5% Intensive Subscriber discount available for this workshop

For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Brisbane @ Dusk Wellington Point

Each month our Brisbane @ Dusk sessions revolve and change to bring you new an exciting photography opportunities.

We have steel wool burning, seascapes, cityscapes, light painting and more to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.

These two-hour practical sessions are designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer to develop your photography another step.

This workshop will be held at Wellington Point, meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Meet 4.15pm for a 4.15pm start. Session finishes at 6.30pm.
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Gold Coast and other locations around Brisbane.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Brisbane after dark: city skyline and steel wool burning

Join us for this special session where we satrt phootgraphing the city skyline and then have some fun with steel wool burning!
Meet 6.00pm
Session from 6.15pm-8.15pm

Max of 6 per group
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428715310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We have sessions rotating that include city and beach scapes, steel wool burning, light painting, city walks, architecture, street – all to get you working with your camera and many during the magical hour in low light and afterwards.
Also held on the Gold Coast and on many of our tours and retreats.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights at The Gold Coast Botanic Garden!
We have a family booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the family for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Date: Sunday 8th March 2015
Time: 10am-12 noon
Location: On confirmation of booking
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights at The Gold Coast Botanic Garden!
We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Date: Sunday 8th March 2015
Time: 7am-9am
Location: On confirmation of booking
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Beginner Gold Coast

Bluedog Photography’s one-day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

You receive a Bluedog Pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card and a Statement of Attendance.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lightning, on-camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands-on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Suitable for digital SLR, point and shoot and film cameras. SLR digital camera and tripods are available for hire – please advise us in advance if required.

Max of 6 per group. 9.30am-4.00pm. Price $280.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715310

Location: David Fleay Wildlife Park Gold Coast

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Brisbane
Toowoomba
And other locations around Australia including our tours, retreats and regional workshops as required.

Beginner Brisbane 

Bluedog Photography’s one day Beginner Workshop is aimed to get you off Auto and to become a more creative photographer.

This is a small group of only two. You receive a Bluedog e-pack with all your notes from the day, a pocket-sized reference card and a Statement of Attendance.

Topics covered include:
Composition and how to make that image have punch; ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, focusing, how to store your digital files, RAW versus Jpeg, how to shoot long exposures for fireworks and lighting, on camera flash and when to use it, how to achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, and much more.

You will never use Auto again!

The workshop has three components:

1. PowerPoint presentations showing what you can achieve and how to achieve it
2. Understanding the dials and buttons on your camera
3. Hands on practical exercises – doing it yourself with guidance from your tutor/s.

Suitable for digital SLR, point and shoot and film cameras. SLR digital camera and tripods are available for hire – please advise us in advance if required.

Max of 2 per group. 9.00am-1.00pm.
Price $280.00/pp.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Other locations this workshop is held at:
Mount Tamborine
Gold Coast

Adobe Photoshop: An overview, navigation and intro to some “Wow” features Brisbane

Are you getting the most out of Photoshop? Where do you start?

Join Graham Bliss, Adobe Certified Expert and Adobe Certified Instructor, in our  Overview of Photoshop
Graham will cover

• An overview of the Photoshop interface and how pixels work
• Using Adobe Bridge to easily find, sort, filter and organize your images
• Screen navigation, essential tools, working with panels and the main menu commands
• Colour space (RGB & CMYK)
• Using the Modifier Keys – Shift, Alt and Control (Command)
• An Introduction to the “Automate functions” and “Image Processor”
• Image size and Quality. Photoshop Preferences and Document Set Up
• The Move & Crop Tools
• Working with the Histogram Panel
• An in-depth introduction (with exercises) into some of Photoshop “Wow” factor features, including: – Camera Raw, Adjustments, Liquify, Cloning, Lens Correction, Blending Modes, Layer Styles, Content-Aware, Photomerge, Selecting and Transforming

Suitable for PC and Mac users.

Tutor: Graham Bliss
Session length: 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Foto Frenzy Cooparoo Brisbane
Price: $295.00
Intensive Subscribers discount applies.

Pre Requisites, Materials and Equipment required:
To attend this course we ask that you are computer literate, have a full understanding of the PC or Mac environment, and be familiar with using programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet. We will be using the modifier keys, Shift, Alt and Control (Command on a Mac) and although you need no past experience in using these keys, you should at least know of them. This computer literacy is an important requirement, as students who are not familiar with the computer environment will not keep pace.

A laptop or desk top computer with either Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS6 or CC (Creative Cloud). Please note you can download a free 30-day trial from Adobe

A USB Memory Stick (minimum 8GB), Notepad and pen; images of your own, which you may wish to work on.

We recommend you purchase “Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) on Demand”. This book can be ordered through Les Harden at Highcove. Tel: 07 – 3359 3776  Email: highcove@uqconnect.net
Orders placed up to 7 days before can be delivered for you to pick up at the workshop.

We will supply images for working on in tutorials and a statement of attendance.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ’s
Q. I have not done any intense Photoshop training but have done a few courses both face to face, online and via YouTube ? Will I be okay to keep up?

A. As long as you are computer literate (see above) and are keen to learn, you will be able to keep up.

Adobe Photoshop: An overview, navigation and intro to some “Wow” features Brisbane

Are you getting the most out of Photoshop? Where do you start?

Join Graham Bliss, Adobe Certified Expert and Adobe Certified Instructor, in our  Overview of Photoshop
Graham will cover

• An overview of the Photoshop interface and how pixels work
• Using Adobe Bridge to easily find, sort, filter and organize your images
• Screen navigation, essential tools, working with panels and the main menu commands
• Colour space (RGB & CMYK)
• Using the Modifier Keys – Shift, Alt and Control (Command)
• An Introduction to the “Automate functions” and “Image Processor”
• Image size and Quality. Photoshop Preferences and Document Set Up
• The Move & Crop Tools
• Working with the Histogram Panel
• An in-depth introduction (with exercises) into some of Photoshop “Wow” factor features, including: – Camera Raw, Adjustments, Liquify, Cloning, Lens Correction, Blending Modes, Layer Styles, Content-Aware, Photomerge, Selecting and Transforming

Suitable for PC and Mac users.

Tutor: Graham Bliss
Session length: 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Foto Frenzy Brisbane
Price: $295.00
Intensive Subscribers discount applies.

Pre Requisites, Materials and Equipment required:
To attend this course we ask that you are computer literate, have a full understanding of the PC or Mac environment, and be familiar with using programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet. We will be using the modifier keys, Shift, Alt and Control (Command on a Mac) and although you need no past experience in using these keys, you should at least know of them. This computer literacy is an important requirement, as students who are not familiar with the computer environment will not keep pace.

A laptop or desk top computer with either Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS6 or CC (Creative Cloud). Please note you can download a free 30-day trial from Adobe

A USB Memory Stick (minimum 8GB), Notepad and pen; images of your own, which you may wish to work on.

We recommend you purchase “Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) on Demand”. This book can be ordered through Les Harden at Highcove. Tel: 07 – 3359 3776  Email: highcove@uqconnect.net
Orders placed up to 7 days before can be delivered for you to pick up at the workshop.

We will supply images for working on in tutorials and a statement of attendance.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ’s
Q. I have not done any intense Photoshop training but have done a few courses both face to face, online and via YouTube ? Will I be okay to keep up?

A. As long as you are computer literate (see above) and are keen to learn, you will be able to keep up.

Adobe Photoshop: Adding & Deleting Pixels, Masks, Transforming, Content-Aware and… 

Photoshop Lesson 2 (6 hrs) – Adding & Deleting Pixels. Image Size, Selecting, Masks and Transforming. Content-Aware.

• Repeat and continued use of screen navigation tools, Layers and some basic Adjustments
• Resolution and File Size, Cropping and Resizing. Rulers & Guides
• The Selection Tools. Working with Selections and Masks
• Transforming and Lens Correction. Content-Aware

Take your digital editing to the next step with this session where we focus on Cosmetics, retouching tools and techniques as well as more Camera Raw, Adjustments and useful tools.

We will continue the use of navigating our screen and using layers as well looking at Blend functions and a number of useful tools including Type, Blending Modes and Editable workflow practices. The Filter Gallery, including Blur, Sharpen and Noise.

Practical exercises are completed during the day.

Tutor: Graham Bliss – Adobe Certified Expert and Adobe Certified Instructor
Session length: 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Foto Frenzy, Cooparoo
Price: $295.00
Intensive Subscribers discount applies.

Pre Requisites, Materials and Equipment required:
To attend this course we ask that you are computer literate, have a full understanding of the PC or Mac environment, and be familiar with using programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet. We will be using the modifier keys, Shift, Alt and Control (Command on a Mac) and although you need no past experience in using these keys, you should at least know of them. This computer literacy is an important requirement, as students who are not familiar with the computer environment will not keep pace.

A laptop or desk top computer with either Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS6 or CC (Creative Cloud). Please note you can download a free 30-day trial from Adobe

A USB Memory Stick (minimum 8GB), Notepad and pen; images of your own, which you may wish to work on.

We recommend you purchase “Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) on Demand”. This book can be ordered through Les Harden at Highcove. Tel: 07 – 3359 3776  Email: highcove@uqconnect.net
Orders placed up to 7 days before can be delivered for you to pick up at the workshop.

We will supply images for working on in tutorials and a statement of attendance.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ’s
Q. I have not done any intense Photoshop training but have done a few courses both face to face, online and via YouTube ? Will I be okay to keep up?

A. As long as you are computer literate (see above) and are keen to learn, you will be able to keep up.

Take your digital editing to the next step with this session where we focus on Cosmetics, retouching tools and techniques as well as more Camera Raw, Adjustments and useful tools.

We will continue the use of navigating our screen and using layers as well looking at Blend functions and a number of useful tools including Type, Blending Modes and Editable workflow practices. The Filter Gallery, including Blur, Sharpen and Noise.

Practical exercises are completed during the day.

Tutor: Graham Bliss – Adobe Certified Expert and Adobe Certified Instructor
Session length: 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Foto Frenzy
Price: $295.00
Intensive Subscribers discount applies.

Pre Requisites, Materials and Equipment required:
To attend this course we ask that you are computer literate, have a full understanding of the PC or Mac environment, and be familiar with using programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet. We will be using the modifier keys, Shift, Alt and Control (Command on a Mac) and although you need no past experience in using these keys, you should at least know of them. This computer literacy is an important requirement, as students who are not familiar with the computer environment will not keep pace.

A laptop or desk top computer with either Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS6 or CC (Creative Cloud). Please note you can download a free 30-day trial from Adobe

A USB Memory Stick (minimum 8GB), Notepad and pen; images of your own, which you may wish to work on.

We recommend you purchase “Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) on Demand”. This book can be ordered through Les Harden at Highcove. Tel: 07 – 3359 3776  Email: highcove@uqconnect.net
Orders placed up to 7 days before can be delivered for you to pick up at the workshop.

We will supply images for working on in tutorials and a statement of attendance.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ’s
Q. I have not done any intense Photoshop training but have done a few courses both face to face, online and via YouTube ? Will I be okay to keep up?

A. As long as you are computer literate (see above) and are keen to learn, you will be able to keep up.

Are you getting the most out of Photoshop? Where do you start?

Join Graham Bliss, Adobe Certified Expert and Adobe Certified Instructor, in our  Overview of Photoshop
Graham will cover

• An overview of the Photoshop interface and how pixels work
• Using Adobe Bridge to easily find, sort, filter and organize your images
• Screen navigation, essential tools, working with panels and the main menu commands
• Colour space (RGB & CMYK)
• Using the Modifier Keys – Shift, Alt and Control (Command)
• An Introduction to the “Automate functions” and “Image Processor”
• Image size and Quality. Photoshop Preferences and Document Set Up
• The Move & Crop Tools
• Working with the Histogram Panel
• An in-depth introduction (with exercises) into some of Photoshop “Wow” factor features, including: – Camera Raw, Adjustments, Liquify, Cloning, Lens Correction, Blending Modes, Layer Styles, Content-Aware, Photomerge, Selecting and Transforming

Suitable for PC and Mac users.

Tutor: Graham Bliss
Session length: 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Foto Frenzy Brisbane
Price: $295.00
Intensive Subscribers discount applies.

Pre Requisites, Materials and Equipment required:
To attend this course we ask that you are computer literate, have a full understanding of the PC or Mac environment, and be familiar with using programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet. We will be using the modifier keys, Shift, Alt and Control (Command on a Mac) and although you need no past experience in using these keys, you should at least know of them. This computer literacy is an important requirement, as students who are not familiar with the computer environment will not keep pace.

A laptop or desk top computer with either Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS6 or CC (Creative Cloud). Please note you can download a free 30-day trial from Adobe

A USB Memory Stick (minimum 8GB), Notepad and pen; images of your own, which you may wish to work on.

We recommend you purchase “Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) on Demand”. This book can be ordered through Les Harden at Highcove. Tel: 07 – 3359 3776  Email: highcove@uqconnect.net
Orders placed up to 7 days before can be delivered for you to pick up at the workshop.

We will supply images for working on in tutorials and a statement of attendance.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ’s
Q. I have not done any intense Photoshop training but have done a few courses both face to face, online and via YouTube ? Will I be okay to keep up?

A. As long as you are computer literate (see above) and are keen to learn, you will be able to keep up.

Does the Rule of Thirds apply when taking a landscape for Instagram?

By Danielle Lancaster

My answer is it depends….

With most landscapes this does apply. Ask yourself what is the most important: is it the land/sea or the sky?

If it’s the land or sea place your horizon along the top third of your image area and if it’s the sky place you horizon along the bottom third.

When can we break this rule? When we have a perfect reflection.

Instagram crops to square – 650 x650px – so it is really important to view your scene in the square format as not all long sweeping landscapes suit the square format.

Your photographs will always look more dynamic if there is some frontal focal element or you use another strong compositional element such as leading line.

Image 1 (above): The original image full frame

Image 2 (above): Image 1 resized for Instagram at 650x650px square

Danielle Lancaster teaches and advises on photography for Bluedog Photography as well as shooting corporate and media assignments and delivering personalised training.
For more info on the workshops run by Bluedog Photography please visit our Events Page or to contact Danielle please email info@blue-dog.com.au

Setting up in business
What should you do? Set up as a sole trader, company, trust or other?

Join Zoë Brereton, Principal and Lawyer at Brereton Lawyers for our online sessioncovering these issues.

Zoë will explain the differences in these business entities, the positives and negatives of each and take questions.

Copyright issues including on for social media, waiver/talent release forms will be covered in following sessions.

Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm (AEST QLD Time)
Location: Online
Price:
Intensive Subscribers Free
Extension Subscribers $27.50
Non-subscribers $55.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Register online at Bluedog’s Online Training Catalogue or
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Adobe Lightroom is a comprehensive tool deigned for photographers to manage their digital workflow.
The Develop Module is the place to go to get the best out of you digital images and to generate the specific image treatment that you were looking for.

This course will investigate all the different tools available in the Develop Module for working with JPEG and RAW image files.Introduction to the Develop Module of Adobe Lightroom in an inactive online session with image manipulation for the digital photographer.

We  cover the use of lightroom to process your images to create results that capture the essential emotional impact the you were experiencing when
making the images.

The course will briefly run through the panels and functions and take the participant through the process of image development, cropping, correction and local adjustments.
We will also look at the use of third party editors and develop settings, exporting and uploading images to online services.

Topics will include:
• Raw vs jpeg images
• Basic Tonal Correction
• Using the histogram to control image tones
• Understanding colour balance
• Clarity, Saturation and Vibrance
• Black and White Conversion (intro)
• Spit toning
• Sharpening and Noise Reduction
• Perspective and lens correction
• Vignettes and Noise
• Using Camera Profiles
• Saving image settings and applying settings to groups of images
• Creating and using presets
• Outputting and printing images
• Capture to Print – the 5 minute demo!

A Sample Workflow will be demonstrated

For those registered a recording of the session will be available for you on the private Bluedog Photography You-Tube.

Time has been allowed for questions

Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm (AEST QLD Time)
Location: Online
Price: $150.00
Intensive Subscribers 5% applies

FAQ:
Q. Do I have to have Lightroom downloaded on my computer?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite, however we ask you have a basic understanding of computer editing software and understand all demonstrations will be given in Lightroom.

Q. Do I get a recording of the session if I register and then cannot attend?
A. Yes you receive a recorded session via our private YouTube channel.

Q. I can’t make this one, will another be held?
A. Yes if we can run these whenever you want and small groups are catered for.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

In our Lightroom (LR) Part 2 we look in depth at the Library Module in Adobe Lightroom. Providing organisation and publishing.

The library is the essential filing cabinet for the digital photographer. All the functions will be explained and an end-to-end workflow demo will assist participants put their training into practice.

Understand the main functionality of the application, Lightroom (LR), and why it is an essential tool for the digital photography enthusiast and professional.

During this interactive session, David introduces each of the modules below and takes participants through the process from importing images from your digital camera or card, basic image correction through to printing, exporting and uploading images to online services.

Digital image management strategies
• Why is a digital workflow important
• Storage and backup
• Cloud services (Crashplan, DropBox, Google Drive, iCloud)
• What is a Lightroom catalog?
• Importing your images into Lightroom from your camera or device
• Import settings
• Preview settings
• RAW vs JPG
• Folders and file naming conventions

Introducing the Library Module
• Navigator
• Folder
• Collections
• Quick Collection
• Smart Collections
• Views
• Compare and Survey
• Quick Develop
• Metadata and Keywording
• Synchronisation
• Filters
• Publish Services
• Export settings (overview)
Sample Workflow
• Capture to Print – the 5 minute demo

Time has been allowed for questions

Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm (AEST QLD Time)
Location: Online
rice: $150.00
Intensive Subscribers 5% applies

FAQ:
Q. Do I have to have Lightroom downloaded on my computer?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite, however we ask you have a basic understanding of computer editing software and understand all demonstrations will be given in Lightroom.

Q. Do I have to attended Part 1 to do this one?
A. No it is not a per-requiste.

Q. Do I get a recording of the session?
A. Yes you receive a recorded session via our private YouTube channel.

Q. I can’t make this one, will another be held?
A. Yes if we can run these whenever you want and small groups are catered for.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Introduction to Adobe Lightroom for the digital photographer.

During this interactive session with David Brazil understand the main functionality of the application, Lightroom (LR), and why it is an essential tool for the digital photography enthusiast and professional.

David introduces each of the modules below and takes participants through the process from importing images from your digital camera or card, basic image correction through to printing, exporting and uploading images to online services.

Such as:
• What is Adobe Lightroom 5? Who is it for?
• Introduction to the digital workflow
• RAW vs JPG
• Image storage and backup strategies – how can Lightroom help you get organised
• Setting up your preferences
• Importing images from your camera or card
The Library Module
• Rating and organising your images
• Setting up collections
The Develop Module
• Basic image treatment
• White Balance
• Tone Correction
• Sharpening
• Noise Reduction
• Cropping and sharpening
• Develop Presets

The Map Module
• Geolocation and mapping your images

The Book Module
• Using Lightroom to author photo books
• Blurb Books
• PDF Book production

The Slideshow Module
• Setting up a slideshow with music
• Slideshow presets
• The Print Module
• Printing single images
• Printing a contact sheet
• Lightroom Print templates

The Web Module
• Creating an online gallery in Lightroom
• HTML vs Flash gallery
• Using Lightroom web templates
• Export or upload your website with in Lightroom

Review and questions

Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm (AEST QLD Time)
Location: Online
Price: $150.00
Intensive Subscribers 5% applies

FAQ:
Q. Do I have to have Lightroom downloaded on my computer?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite, however we ask you have a basic understanding of computer editing software and understand all demonstrations will be given in Lightroom.

Q. Do I get a recording of the session?
A. Yes you receive a recorded session via our private YouTube channel.

Q. I can’t make this one, will another be held?
A. Yes if we can run these whenever you want and small groups are catered for.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Join Danielle Lancaster on Tamborine Mountain for a new photo walk through Gallery Walk .

During this two hour practical session we will learn how to pan, do practical shooting of street life and food during the session while looking at tools to make a dynamic images. Danielle will review your images as the session progresses and show how Instagram works.

Info sheet provided electronically, as per our green policy, for all confirmed.

Max of 6.
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
Price $80.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Join us for this two hour practical session where we will be working with slow shutter speeds and low light.

This session is designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer developing your photography another step.

Also in our @ Dusk workshops we have beach landscape sessions, steel wool burning, fire twirling, seascapes, light painting all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held in Brisbane
Image courtesy Angela Flower

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

This course is about taking your art further and getting it right in camera!

We explore: exposure compensation – get those whites white and blacks black, how to use a grey card, learn to read your histogram, white balance, the varied uses of a polariser, flash basics including balancing on camera with natural light, use of wireless triggers, diffusers and more.

Workshop notes are supplied.

Time: 9.30am-1.30pm
Price: $330.00
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
Limited to 2 for a small and intermate experience.
For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: 0428 715 310

Do I need to have done the Bluedog Beginner workshop to attend?
No. We do ask you have an understanding of shutter, aperture and ISO and how the three work together and what they do. We are happy to discuss by phone if you are unsure.

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Brisbane.
We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images.

Time: 6.15pm-8.15pm
Location: Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
5% special ‘subscriber’ discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Featured image by Ben Footer cropped square during a private session.

We are excited to be travelling to Narrabri for a day of workshops.

9am to 12midday: Still Life
Cost $150.00
2pm to 5pm: Portraiture using studio/flash/natural lighting
Cost $220.00

For more information please email info@blue-dog.com.au as some sessions are almost full!

By Danielle Lancaster

No matter what you want to call them: toadstools, mushroom or fungi, this is one subject I love to photograph.

Here’s a few tips:
Know the season for different species in the area you live in or are visiting. For instance, I live on Tamborine Mountain about an hour’s drive south from Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. It’s home to the oldest national park in Queensland and the third oldest national park in the world.

When we have an increase of temperatures along with overcast days and rain, fungi bloom. We can experience cloudy days where the fog rolls in providing a damp, cool environment, perfect for eukaryotic organisms wich these belong to.

Get down to the fungi’s level
Most fungi live close to the ground and the best photographs are taken from down low – either alongside or from under the plant. What you are looking for is to see the texture, shape and colour.

Start by playing with one particular subject and try photographing it from a variety of different angles.

Make sure to look at your lighting. You’ll most likely be working in a low light environment. I find the majority of my images are taken using a tripod where I can have longer shutter speeds then I can hand hold with while keeping a relatively low ISO to minimise noise for the camera I’m using.

When on a tripod make sure you turn your Image Stabilisation or Vibration Reduction OFF and when hand holding this must be ON.

Depth of Field (DOF) depends (it’s a word we use a lot in photography). It depends on the subject, the lens I am using and the effect I wish the final image to have.
In the imags below you can see the change in DOF on the same subject from f/5.6 to f/51. Both give different information on the subject and location and aesthetic feel.

f/5.6 Nikon D3 105mm

f/51 Nikon D3 105mm

If I need to, I may introduce a reflector to assist with the lighting of the fungi and one of my favourite is the common kitchen aluminium foil (as in the image below).

The light around fungi can not only be dark but also contrasty which can make things tricky.

Fill flash is another method that you can use as is taking your flash off camera to provide directional light which is much preferred when we are working in close. Side lighting always emphasizes texture which fungi have a lot of.

Be prepared to:

1. Get in close: isolate your subject and make its features stand out. For DSLR uses a macro lens is best. If you have a point and shoot camera turn it onto the macro mode.
2. Do some cleaning: its okay to clean the fungi a little (I believe). Often the plant may have tiny bits of dirt, a leaf, or other forest matter on it, as many have risen from the forest floor. A very gentle brush across the fungi will not hurt it. At the same time look at what is around your subject as your background and foreground need to complement your subject.
   Always be environmentally friendly. We want the next season to bloom again next year, the year after, the year after and I’m sure you get the picture.
3. Enjoy the world of fungi!

Images copyright Danielle Lancaster
Danielle Lancaster is a professional photographer with Bluedog Photography.
She loves sharing her passion of photography with others. Bluedog Photography runs photography courses, retreats and tours in-person and online and shoots a range of imagery for corporate and private clients.
For more info please visit: www.blue-dog.com.au or
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Guest blog by Breanne Hetherington

The last years of apartheid were a bloody time in South Africa’s history. Large numbers of seemingly random and gruesome murders were occurring on a daily basis. While people were lead to believe that this was due to rivalry between the African National Congress and Inkatha Freedom party, this was later proven not to be the case. Instead it was the act of a government who were desperate to cling to power.

While a number of photographers worked in South Africa during this time a small group of South African photojournalists became known as The Bang-Bang club. Ken Oosterbroek, Kevin Carter, Greg Marinovich and Joao Silva worked together to share the story of the last years of apartheid with the world. They caught horrific moments on film and won awards for their work. However by the end of apartheid Ken was killed in the field while covering a hostel battle in which Greg was also injured and Kevin had committed suicide.

The Bang-Bang Club was written by the two remaining members Greg and Joao and attempts to tell the story of these four people all with different backgrounds who came together as friends and colleagues. While they collaborated in writing the book, both felt that the story would best be told through a single voice which is Greg’s.

From a historical perspective, The Bang-Bang Club provides a fascinating insight into the complex history of white South Africa and the last years of the apartheid regime. As they did much of their work within the townships covering the Hostel War which is the central focus of the book they also explain why the townships become such flashpoints for violence.

From a photography perspective, they explore many aspects of working amongst this violence. Throughout the book, Greg and Joao explain the back story to some photos and how they managed to ‘get the shot’ amongst the chaos and heightened emotions of the moment. An example is when Greg recounts how he captured the killing of Lindsaye Tshabalala and an image known as ‘The Human Torch’ for which he won a Pulitzer in 1991. They also write about the inherent danger that was sometimes involved in taking these photos and explore their own mortality particularly when friends are killed and Greg is injured.

The ethical aspects of working in this environment are also explored……do you continue to take images or do you put the camera down and provide help to an individual? At times throughout the book they almost appear ruthless in some of their decisions but they also write about the emotional impact that this took on them.

Within the book they also try to recount some of the back story of Kevin’s Pulitzer Award winning photo of that he captured of the starving Sudanese child being stalked by a vulture during a famine. This story had to be explored as it is interwoven with that of the Bang-Bang Club. This image shocked the world but also brought outrage as the focus started to move from the image to questions about what happened to the child and what assistance did Kevin provide. This along with other personal issues overwhelmed Kevin and he was found dead in his car in July 1994 from an apparent suicide.

At times, The Bang-Bang Club is a confronting book as they write about some of the violence they observed but it is a fascinating read for those with an interest in history and photojournalism. Not only is it a book but there is also a film of the same name.

Please Note: the opinions are of that of the author.

Associated Reading:
http://www.photography-news.com/2013/09/remembering-kevin-carter-and-photo-that.html

We look forward to returning to Stanthorpe and delivering a range of workshops during the 2014 Open Garden Weekend.

These practical sessions with Danielle Lancaster are designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer so you can develop your photography further.

Maybe there’s an aspect of your camera you are uncertain about, maybe you need some guidance in composition or what those dials and numbers really mean, or maybe you want to know just where you are at and go that next step… We will look at many aspects of photography during each session plus have a free Bluedog Instameet for those on Instagram during the weekend.

Session times:
Saturday 22nd
10:00am-12noon
2.00pm-4.00pm
4.00pm-4.14pm Stanthorpe Insatmeet – Free Event
Just come with your smart phone or tablet with Instagram downloaded and your account set up or simply watch as we load.

We’ll be popping next door between sessions on Saturday for berries and ice cream – everyone is welcome to join us and talk on photography and travel:)

Sunday 23rd
10:00am-12noon
12noon-12.15pm Stanthorpe Insatmeet – Free Event
Just come with your smart phone or tablet with Instagram downloaded and your account set up or simply watch as we load.

Location: Grevis-James Garden, 321 Townsend Rd, Glen Aplin (10 mins south-east from Stanthorpe); garden opening times: 10am—4.30pm (Sat & Sun only).

Cost: $87 per person (includes entry fee to the garden and the workshop); Members of Friends of Open Gardens Australia are entitled to a 10% discount for these workshops.
Max of 6 per group.
All participants also receive a FREE photography booklet (PDF format) via email.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.
Other locations: Gold Coast and Tamborine Mountain

Visiting Stanthorpe?
November is a great time to visit Stanthorpe. Make the weekend a ‘getaway’ and enjoy exploring the region before or after your photography session – and put your newly-developed photography skills to the test! Wineries, national parks, cafes, and fresh produce are all close by. Accommodation choices include B&B’s, hotels, caravan parks and retreats.
For more info visit: The Granite Belt

Virtual Wine and Cheese with Kara Murphy

Grab a glass of wine, cup of tea, some cheese and biscuits, and join us for our FREE Virtual Wine and Cheese with award-winning photojournalist Kara Murphy.

This is an informal live session, with plenty of time for questions.

Kara specialises in capturing underwater and nature-based images and writing inspiring articles to accompany them. She also produce short videos her clients.

Session will include Q&A time.
Price:
Bluedog Subscribers FREE
All others $15.00 to a charity of Kara’s choice to cover the online costs.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

About Kara Murphy
Kara Murphy provides travel, underwater, and nature-based photography, videography, and writing services to Australian and overseas clients as a freelance travel photojournalist. With stories and imagery appearing around the world, Kara is also a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) and a 2013 finalist for Best Australian Story Under 1000 words. Her favourite assignments involve underwater adventures, active travel, and nature-based tourism.

See one of her stories on the Yongala Wreck or view more of her work at www.karamurphyimages.com

Join us for sunset then some fun with steel wool burning!
6.30m-7.30pm
These two hour practical sessions are designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer in low light and develop your photography another step.

Max of 6 per group with one tutor and 10 with two tutors.
Price $50.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We have city scapes, steel wool burning, light painting all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.
Also held on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Tamborine Mountain.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

This two hour practical sessions is designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer so you can develop your photography further.

Maybe there’s an aspect of your camera you are uncertain about, maybe you need some guidance in composition or what those dials and numbers really mean, or maybe you want to know just where you are at and go that next step…

Think of this session as an opportunity to spend two hours with a professional photographer who, as the group is so small, can offer tailored assistance to everyone who attends.

Session time: 12:45 – 2:45pm
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to intermediate.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.
Other locations: Gold Coast and Tamborine Mountain

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights in Toowoomba!
We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Date: Saturday 25th October 2014
Time: 3.30pm-5.30pm
Location: On confirmation of booking
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@bloue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Introduction to Adobe Lightroom for the digital photographer.

With David Brazil understand the main functionality of the application, Lightroom, and why it is an essential tool for the digital photography enthusiast.
The course will briefly introduce each of the modules and take the participant through the process from importing images from your digital camera or card, basic image correction through to printing, exporting and uploading images to online services.

During this interactive session David covers:
• What is Adobe Lightroom 5? Who is it for?
• Introduction to the digital workflow
• RAW vs JPG
• Image storage and backup strategies – how can Lightroom help you get organised
• Setting up your preferences
• Importing images from your camera or card
• The Library Module
• Rating and organising your images
• Setting up collections
• The Develop Module
• Basic image treatment
• White Balance
• Tone Correction
• Sharpening
• Noise Reduction
• Cropping and sharpening
• Develop Presets
• The Map Module
• Geolocation and mapping your images
• The Book Module
• Using Lightroom to author photo books
• Blurb Books
• PDF Book production
• The Slideshow Module
• Setting up a slideshow with music
• Slideshow presets
• The Print Module
• Printing single images
• Printing a contact sheet
• Lightroom Print templates
• The Web Module
• Creating an online gallery in Lightroom
• HTML vs Flash gallery
• Using Lightroom web templates
• Export or upload your website with in Lightroom
• Review and questions
• 10-15 minutes for questions and discussion

Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm (AEST QLD Time)
Location: Online
Price: $55.00

FAQ:
Q. Do I have to have Lightroom downloaded on my computer?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite, however we ask you have a basic understanding of computer editing software and understand all demonstrations will be given in Lightroom.

Q. Do I get a recording of the session?
A. Yes you receive a recorded session via our private YouTube channel.

Q. I can’t make this one, will another be held?
A. Yes if we can run these whenever you want and small groups are catered for.

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

In Part 4 we uncover the Pen Tool, Channels and Adjustments?

As one of Adobe’s flagship products Photoshop is a complex and powerful program. Many photographers simply scratch the surface, only ever using a small percentage of Photoshop’s full functionality.

In our comprehensive series of workshops we will show you the “in’s and out’s” of the program and allow you to utilise features and functions you probably didn’t even know existed. Whether you want to improve and enhance your images through traditional digital darkroom tools, or create entirely new images through Photoshops’s creative tools and methods these workshops are for you.

In this session we will continue our use in Layers using the Selection Tools and Transforming. We will modify selections (saving and loading), apply and learn why Quick Mask and Layer Masks are handy tools plus introduce you to the marvels of Channels along with how grey-scale relates to channels and masks. We will also cover Colour Range and master the Pen Tool.

Plus from Bridge, Batch Rename, Photomerge and Proof Sheets; from the Edit Menu > Auto Align Layers and Auto Blend Layers; from the Image Command and the Adjustments Panel, an in depth study of the many Adjustments available.

Plus we review the Dodge and Burn Tools and include Blending Modes.

Conducted by Adobe Certified Expert and Adobe Certified Instructor, Graham Bliss, each workshop stands alone. However by attending all three you will gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the overall program. Photoshop is a tool of the trade, whether you’re a professional or a passionate enthusiast, this program of workshops is an investment in your photographic future.

Suitable for PC and Mac users.

Tutor: Graham Bliss
Session length: 9:30am-4:30pm
Price: $295.00
Intensive Subscribers discount applies.

Pre Requisites, Materials and Equipment required:
To attend this course we ask that you are computer literate, have a full understanding of the PC or Mac environment, and be familiar with using programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet. We will be using the modifier keys, Shift, Alt and Control (Command on a Mac) and although you need no past experience in using these keys, you should at least know of them. This computer literacy is an important requirement, as students who are not familiar with the computer environment will not keep pace.

A laptop or desk top computer with either Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS6 or CC (Creative Cloud). Please note you can download a free 30-day trial from Adobe

A USB Memory Stick (minimum 8GB), Notepad and pen; images of your own, which you may wish to work on.

We recommend you purchase “Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) on Demand”. This book can be ordered through Les Harden at Highcove. Tel: 07 – 3359 3776  Email: highcove@uqconnect.net Orders placed up to 7 days before can be delivered for you to pick up at the workshop.

We will supply images for working on in tutorials and a statement of attendance.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ’s
Q. I have not done Part 1 and to be honest have done a few Photoshop courses both online and face to face. Can I come to this if I have not done Part 1?

A. Although not recommended, you are welcome to attend if you have already been working with Adobe Photoshop for some time. Please contact us to discuss further.

Beach Portraiture Photo Shoot

During this two hour practical session we will use natural light and flash and cover aspects of posing and using accessories such as diffusers and reflectors.

You learn under the guidance of a professional photographer and model. Images of our model may be used in your folio.

This workshop will be held at Currumbin on the Gold Coast. Our meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Meet at 7.45am for and 8am start. Our session will finish at 10am
Max of 6 per group.
Price $85.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for confident beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Brisbane and Gold Coast.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

In this one hour practical workshop we look at the world of macro

Tutor: David Alexander
Session length: 1 hour
Price $40.00

Or for more information
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Also offered as a 3-hour workshop at:
Brisbane, Gold Coast and Toowoomba

Image above courtesy Marianne Purdie

During this workshop we go through many of the tips and tricks, how to be organised and do the best for that special day.
You do a practical session so you get to understand how simple modelling and lighting techniques with a bride and groom can be.

Suitable for intermediate to advanced. A set of notes is provided to all participants including our extensive shot list and contract outline.

We hire a model for this workshop and you are able to use the images in your folio that you capture on the day.

After this workshop you should be equipped with the knowledge to go out and get started – others are already earning money simply by doing this workshop!
Morning tea refreshments supplied.

Price $395.00
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

Other Locations this is also offered:
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Toowoomba

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

In Australia, August marks our recognised National Family History Month.

Does one have a ghost in the cupboard, a tale to tell such as a fraud, murder of excommunication? A hair do, dress sense or social outing photograph that records that time and moment? Or are we ordinary folks going about the ordinary life and photographing those doing extraordinary things in our personal lives?

The big question is: How do we protect our images so we have access to them in 20 years’ time?

Documenting family moments via photographs, pieces in time, are precious and the most shared method especially at the moment with Social Media and sites such as Facebook.

#1 Make a second (or third if you can) back up of your image.
Social Media is an ever-changing front: once there was Myspace now there is FaceBook, tomorrow who knows what there could be? Make sure that your image is backed up at least twice!

#2 Share the image you have with another person.
This allows the chance of another copy being archived, even if only in low res form. Though not a foolproof backup strategy: it’s another safety net for your image. Tagging is a good strategy here as it may see it saved by the person tagged.

#3 If the image has been taken on your smart phone, email the image back to yourself for saving (see point #1 and #2) Start working in the Cloud.  Dropbox is one simple tool you can use.

#4 Don’t let simple opportunities pass you by – that hug today may not happen tomorrow.

Image credit by David Alexander

#5 Dates are always important and everyone loves to remembered. Can you make a pictogram to celebrate an event that could be snail mailed, emailed or posted in recognition? A simple thing that shows someone you recognise them but allows others the chance to share and save a family history image in our modern digital world.

Let’s keep family images and history going!

More info
http://www.familyhistoryweek.org.au

Words by by Danielle Lancaster
Images by Danielle Lancaster and David Alexander

In this on hour interactive online session we will discuss how you create depth of field creatively using your tools: the aperture, lens and subject distance. Learn how this makes us more creative photographers no matter what genre you follow?

Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm Queensland Australian Time
Cost: $25.00 including GST
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
How to reserve a seat:

To Register follow one of the following options:
1. Email us at info@blue-dog.com.au and we will register you and send a confirmation email and tax invoice with EFT and credit card details
2. Register via our Online Catalog and pay by PayPal

https://attendee.gototraining.com/7c00f/catalog/1085500906330319872

3. Phone us on +61 7 5545 4777 (please note the phone is diverted to message bank when the office is unattended)

Places are limited. Please if your require further information: info@blue-dog.com.au

Please if your require further information: info@blue-dog.com.au

We cover freezing and panning – what is best and when to use.

As a stills photographer, you don’t have the luxury of instant replay!

You do, however have the power to capture the incredible skills and prowess of an athlete, vehicle or animal in motion; the emotion and passion of those taking part, on and off the ‘field’; and the capability to tell a story through your imagery.

As with all photography, taking great action photographs is not all about having the latest and best equipment. Rather it’s about seeing, lighting, composition, choosing content and the right shutter speed.

Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
Session length: 90 minutes including Q&A time.
Session time: 6.30pm to 8.00pm QLD Australian Time
Price $55.00

To Register follow one of the following options:
1. Email us at info@blue-dog.com.au and we will register you and send a confirmation email and tax invoice with EFT and credit card details
2. Register via our Online Catalogue and pay by PayPal

https://attendee.gototraining.com/7c00f/catalog/1085500906330319872

Please if your require further information: info@blue-dog.com.au

This two hour practical sessions is designed for you learn under the guidance of a professional photographer so you can develop your photography further.

Maybe there’s an aspect of your camera you are uncertain about, maybe you need some guidance in composition or what those dials and numbers really mean,  refine your aperture or shutter or maybe you want to know just where you are at and go that next step…

Think of this session as an opportunity to spend two hours with a professional photographer who, as the group is so small, can offer tailored assistance to everyone who attends.

Session time: 8.00am – 10.00am
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to intermediate.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.
Other locations: Gold Coast and Tamborine Mountain

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using natural light and speed lights at Redcliffe with couples!

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as flash, diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Time: Meet at 7.30am for 7.45am start. Our session will finish at 9.45am.
Location: Redcliffe
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@bloue-dog.com.au

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Join us for sunrise!

This two-hour practical session is designed for you to learn under the guidance of a professional photographer and develop your photography another step.
Our meeting place is advised at time of booking.

Meet 5.45am meet for a 6.00am start.
The session finishes at 8.00am
Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Also held on the Brisbane and Gold Coast and during out tours and retreats.

Images courtesy
Kelsey Brown
Anita Bromley
Danielle Lancaster
Julie Martin

Photographing Humpback Whales Workshop

Join us for a day out sailing and photographing during our Photographing Humpback Whales Workshop.
Along the coast of Queensland the mighty humpbacks are playing with record numbers! It’s the best year on record since before 1940 to photograph them.

You receive our pdf booklet on ‘Photographing Whales’.

We depart from Runaway Bay Marina for our day out on the water.
Max of 5 per group. Time: 9.30am-3-3.30pm (approx)
Meet at marina at 9.00am
Tutor: Danielle Lancaster
BYO food and drink
Price $295.00

For more information or to reserve a place
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777

View our article on Tips to Photography the Humpback Whales featured on Travel@Next

Real Estate & Property Photography

A very comprehensive workshop delivered online. We look at aspects of equipment, file formats, lighting, exposures, white balance, balancing flash and natural light, how to deal with each room, what to do and what not to do, marketing and an outline for post processing.

A full set of workshop notes is emailed.
After this workshop you should be equipped to go out and start with real estate photography.
We have many past participants doing just that!

Suitable for intermediate to advanced.

Price: $275.00
Location: Online via Zoom

FAQ:
Q: Do I need to have attended a Bluedog
Photography Workshop before?
A: No. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, shutter, ISO and how they all work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential.
At booking you will receive a tax invoice and details to log into ther session.

We are holding a special Portraiture Shoot using Natural Light and Speed Lights at The Gold Coast Botanic Garden!
We have a model booked for the session and you may use the images in your folio.

We will cover posing and use of light to create a range of differing images including high key and low key. You are welcome to set up the model for specific aims during the session.

This practical session will include shooting with natural light and using a range of accessories such as diffusers and reflectors to control the light.

Date: Saturday 20th September 2014
Time: 8am-10am
Location: On confirmation of booking
Price: $85 inc GST
Numbers are limited.
No other special discounts can be used for this workshop.
For further information and to reserve a limited place please email us at info@bloue-dog.com.au
We look forward to seeing you !

We also offer Portraiture using natural light and studio lighting.

FAQ:
Do I need to have done a Bluedog Photography Workshop before?
A. No, it’s not a prerequisite. We do ask you have a basic understanding of aperture, ISO, shutter speed and how they work together.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Image by Mandy Krohn during a workshop

Are you getting the most out of Photoshop?

As one of Adobe’s flagship products Photoshop is a complex and powerful program. Many photographers simply scratch the surface, only ever using a small percentage of Photoshop’s full functionality.

In our comprehensive series of workshops we will show you the “in’s and out’s” of the program and allow you to utilise features and functions you probably didn’t even know existed. Whether you want to improve and enhance your images through traditional digital darkroom tools, or create entirely new images through Photoshops’s creative tools and methods these workshops are for you.

Conducted by Adobe Certified Expert and Adobe Certified Instructor, Graham Bliss, each workshop stands alone however by attending all three you will gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of Photoshop. Photoshop is a tool of the trade (whether you’re a professional or passionate enthusiast) and this program of workshops is an investment in your photographic future.

Part 2 “A Creative Course”, covers the critical topics of resolution and file size, colour corrections, adjusting highlights and brightness and contrast, dodging and burning. It also covers some of the “fun stuff” such as the Liquify (tummy-tuck anyone?) and Puppet warp.

Suitable for PC and Mac users.

Tutor: Graham Bliss
Session length: 9:30am-4:30pm
Price: $295.00
Intensive Subscribers discount applies.

Pre Requisites, Materials and Equipment required:
To attend this course we ask that you are computer literate, have a full understanding of the PC or Mac environment, and be familiar with using programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet. We will be using the modifier keys, Shift, Alt and Control (Command on a Mac) and although you need no past experience in using these keys, you should at least know of them. This computer literacy is an important requirement, as students who are not familiar with the computer environment will not keep pace.

A laptop or desk top computer with either Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS6 or CC (Creative Cloud). Please note you can download a free 30-day trial from Adobe

A USB Memory Stick (minimum 8GB), Notepad and pen; images of your own, which you may wish to work on.

We recommend you purchase “Adobe Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud) on Demand”. This book can be ordered through Les Harden at Highcove. Tel: 07 – 3359 3776  Email: highcove@uqconnect.net Orders placed up to 7 days before can be delivered for you to pick up at the workshop.

We will supply images for working on in tutorials and a statement of attendance.

For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: +61 7 5545 4777
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

FAQ’s
Q. I have not done Part 1 and to be honest have done a few Photoshop courses both online and face to face. Can I come to this if I have not done Part 1?

A. Although not recommended, you are welcome to attend if you have already been working with Adobe Photoshop for some time. Please contact us to discuss further.

Brisbane After Dark Photo Walk

Join us for our Brisbane after Dark Photo Walk.

We will meet at Southbank and make our way down to the river and across into the city while covering different photographic techniques and exercises.
6.15pm-8.15pm

Max of 6 per group.
Price $80.00
For more information or to reserve a place
Tel: 0428 715 310
Email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Suitable for beginners to advanced.
Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

We have city scapes, steel wool burning, light painting all to get you working within the magical hour and in low light.
Also held on the Gold Coast.