Existing Photographer - Geoff Comfort

Existing Photographer

Canberra based photographer Geoff Comfort has been working in the business for over 16 years. He studied at CIT and since then has started his own business. Geoff is a commercial photographer who shoots on location but also has a studio setup which gives him the ability to photograph a variety of photographic needs. He has a focus on industrial, aerial and architectural photography but also does commercial portraiture and landscape.

His wide range of technical knowledge would allow him to tackle commercial tasks that have broad requirements.
Geoff has a high standard of work which has given him the opportunity to have previously photographed commercially at the AIS. His work demonstrates clear and concise imagery that has technical skills to produce photographs that portray the AIS in a way that promotes and details what the institute is all about.

Week 9 - Folio Progress

Week 9 - Folio Progress

I am currently still in the planning stages of my folio so I will include the timeline devolped for creation of images. I will document my progress as it unfolds starting in the holiday period.

Holidays
During the three weeks of holiday period I will need to use this time constructively to prepare for commencement of shooting in week 1. This could also be an excellent opportunity to begin photography location images. Tasks that will need to be completed include;
- Sourcing a place to print
- Sourcing a place to mount
- Sourcing Props/Locations/Products/equipment/access
- Aim to have the first shoot from both location and studio prepared for and ready to shoot the first week back
- Commence location shooting
- Contact AIS to allow access to photograph on premises

Week 10 : 2.5.2011
The first week back I will begin shooting and doing the necessary post production (minor retouching on studio images) on the first images from both location, being the landscape image and studio, the close up image.
- Book studio, Hasselblad and Macro lens
- Shoot Close Up image in Studio (consideration of two different objects)
- Landscape Image
- Post production for best two images from each shoot
- All four images prepared for printing and digital submissions including raw files and slideshow template
- Prepare Week 2 shoots including confirmation on products, props and locations etc.

Week 11 : 9.5.2011
The second week I will aim to begin shooting and doing the necessary post production on the second images from both location, being the architectural interior image and studio, the glassware image.


- Book studio and Hasselblad
- Photograph Glassware image in Studio (consideration of two different objects)
- Photograph Architectural Interior image
- Post production for best two images from each shoot
- All four images prepared for printing and digital submissions including raw files and slideshow template
- Prepare Week 3 shoots including confirmation on products, props and locations etc.
The reason I am selecting and doing postproduction on the two best images from each shoot is the requirements are 6 photographs from both location and studio but only four have specific tasks. The other two may be the next best images from two shoots or I may need to reshoot two entirely different objects or two different locations or perspectives of locations. Either way I aim to finish shooting with 16 finished images in order to pick the best 12.

Week 12 : 16.5.2011
During the third week I will aim to begin shooting and doing the necessary post production on the third tasks from both location, being the Architectural Exterior image and studio, the chrome or shiny object.
- Book studio and Hasselblad
- Photograph chrome/shiny object (consideration of two different objects)
- Photograph Architectural Exterior image
- Post production for best two images from each shoot
- All four images prepared for printing and digital submissions including raw files and slideshow template
- Prepare Week 4 shoots including confirmation on products, props and locations etc.

Week 13 : 23.5.2011
In the fourth week back I will aim to begin shooting and doing the necessary post production on the final tasks from both location, being the Industrial image and studio, which is the image demonstrating camera movements. I will then need to make sure that all images are completed and edited. This week I will also need to do any potential reshoots if necessary. Once I have the final 16 images I will need to make sure they are cohesive and work together consistently, final retouching may be required for this aspect. Once happy with the final 12 I intend to use an online printing company, most likely digital works as I have been happy with their work in the past, and upload the final 12 images for printing.
- Book studio, Hasselblad and tilt shift adapter
- Photograph Demonstrating Camera Movements product in Studio (consideration of two different objects)
- Photograph Industrial image
- Post production for best two images from each shoot
- All four images prepared for printing and digital submissions including raw files and slideshow template
- Reshoot if needed
- Select final 12 and send to printers

Week 14: 30.5.2011
By the end of this week I will aim to have all my final preparations in order to submit in two weeks time. I will receive the prints this week and get them mounted at Framing Pieces in Mitchell or alternatively mount them by hand. Once prints are mounted they will be wrapped up and ready for submission so there is no last minute rushes in the week that they are due.
- Prints returned by post
- Reprint if any issues
- Mounting
- Digital Files ready for submission

Week 15 : 6.6.2011
My current aim is to have all images ready by week 14. From past experience there has always been a last minute rush to make sure everything is printed and mounted. Planning two weeks ahead will give me sufficient time to correct any printing or mounting errors should any arise. This extra time I feel is important to plan ahead should any unforeseen circumstances arise and the timeline doesn’t go to schedule there is an extra week to adjust any required finishing touches.

Week 16 DUE: 16.6.2011
All images are completed both digitally and hardcopy ready for submitting and presentations.




http://www.localyte.com/places-to-visit/Australia--Australian%2BCapital%2BTerritory?&sq=&dist=35&orderby=&next=11




http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/other/8949523/australia-opens-athletic-base-in-italy/

Week 8 : Why should the client employ me?

Week 8 : Why should the client employ me?

I am an ambitious budding photographer looking to enter the world of commercial photography. I have some experience working as a sports photographer which gives me an insight into that area of photography. As sport is the main aspect of the AIS I believe this will greatly assist in understanding and production of images. I have a strong background in sport playing both representative netball and basketball at a state level and in turn have spent a lot of time at the AIS and have always found the facilities to be fantastic. I have also spent time volunteering at the AIS during the ANL netball games to promote the sport and assist in smooth running of the event on the night.

I revel at the challenge to further develop my photographic skills and the research into this institute has given me a strong direction into developing a quality portfolio in keeping with the principles and current corporate image of the Australian Institute of Sport.


This portfolio is designed to provide challenges in a variety of aspects of photography. I am looking forward to incorporating the technical skills learned into practice to create photographs that will be suited towards the style and current image of the Australian Institute of Sport. I plan to continue research and planning which I believe is a key element that will need to be continuously addressed to ensure that I am getting the most out of each product and location.



Image: http://www.bikepoint.com.au/news/2011/australian-institute-of-sport-camps-23448



Image: http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/employment-news/1166/Grants-good-as-gold-for-some-sports

Week 7 : Requirements for Capture of Studio Images

Week 7 : Requirements for Capture of Studio Images

There are many different requirements for studio image capture. These include objects, props, equipment and costs. I will need to firstly source the products/objects I will be using for each of the four photographs which are close up, camera movements, shiny or chrome and glass objects. When sourcing products I will also need to consider costs as I would like to keep that to a minimal.

My current thoughts for shiny chrome object would be to use weights or barbells. For camera movements I am interested in looking at shifting the plane of focus rather than fixing converging lines and I am still brainstorming ideas for an object or set up. For macro I am interested in looking at sports equipment and I intend to shoot a wide variety of products. The glass object so far has proved to be the most difficult as there isn’t much in the way of glass objects for sport so I have been currently looking into sporting memorabilia to find a unique and interesting object to photograph.

Once all my products have been sourced I will also need to consider the use of props and backgrounds to create a more interesting and eye catching setting to photograph. I want to focus on have a strong and technically correct lighting set up that will be appropriate to each object. It is also important to leave plenty of time for completion of each of the six photographs in order to edit, print and mount as well as rectify any issues that may arise such as needing to reshoot




Image: http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1647R-12126



Image: http://www.masterfile.com/stock-photography/image/600-02786803/Dumbbell

Week 7 : Requirements for Capture of Location Images

Week 7 : Requirements for Capture of Location Images

It is important as a photographer to know that careful planning before a shoot can avoid any problems that may arise when photographing. For instance the same way photographers use a model release when appropriate it can also be required for a photographer to use a property release. In the case where a client approaches you, then it may not be necessary to source this.

For this assignment I will be photographing at the AIS and therefore need to make the necessary arrangements to shoot on the premises. I have located a property release form which can be found below. The property release form would cover the use of the images for this assignment and also for web and portfolio use.
It is also important to leave adequate time to source other locations if any problems do arise with photographing on premises at the AIS.

Another issue that comes into play with this assignment will be cost. I am intending to go on the AIS tour which has a cost of $13 for a student. It may be possible to talk to the AIS and explain the assignment and whether they can lend any products from the shop to photograph in the studio with intention of providing them with the image. Generally businesses are helpful to students and this may be an avenue to explore for better photographs and access.

As the AIS promotes healthy and active lifestyles some of the photographs may include people. If this is the case I will also need to consider the use of a model release form. This entitles the photographer to use of the images of the person as long as the release form is signed.


Property Release Form



http://www.alamy.com/contributors/Alamy-stock-photography-model-release-form.pdf

Locations



Image: http://www.atlas-filters.co.za/media/the-australian-institute-of-sport.aspx



Image:http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/17/2744891.htm

Week 5 : Techniques and Equipment

Week 5 : Identify the techniques/equipment you will need to achieve a cohesive portfolio in keeping with the clients style.

As a photographer it is important to be well prepared. A camera won’t be much use without a charged battery! It is therefore essential to plan ahead. Each shoot will require different equipment from lenses to lighting. To produce the best image possible then the right gear is needed.

Location Equipment
- Light Meter
- Lens eg 10-22/ tilt shift lens
- Tripod - Panorama Tripod Head
- Camera – Canon 40D
- Flash
- Shutter Release
- Grey Card
- Step Ladder
- Portable Lights eg monoblocs
- CF Cards (with capacity)
- Battery (charged)

Tilt Shift Lens


Image: http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/02/canon-introduces-widestever-tiltshift-lens.html

Fixing Converging Lines



Image: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/focusing-ts.shtml

Studio Equipment
- Studio Lights
- Backdrops
- Light Meter
- Macro Lens
- Tripod
- Hasselblad
- Gels
- Grey Card
- Props eg, mirror/glass/texture
- Products to photograph
- CF Cards (with capacity)
- Battery’s (charged) Resources
- Buildings
- Products
- Props
- Computers
- Image Preparation eg. Photoshop/lightroom
- Source Printing and Mounting

The practical components learnt this semester will play a strong role in producing technically correct and interesting imagery. The key elements that I will incorporate whilst shooting will be the creation of a panorama, camera movement principles and HDR images.

When photographing particular scenes it is important to get the most out of that location or product. This may require the use of a HDR image. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range imagery this means that in order to get the highest tonal range from an image I may be required to take a series of correctly, under and overexposed images in order to create one image with greater tonal value.

Another technique is image stitching. Creating a panorama allows for a larger image scene which would be particularly useful in the case of the landscape photograph. Camera movements allow manipulation of planes and focus within an image which is required for studio but will also be extremely useful when photographing architectural interiors and exteriors.

Using consistent photographic skills will allow me to create a portfolio that is cohesive and also in keeping with the client’s current style. The current images are not overly edited therefore I will keep the post production to minimal adjustments. Another aspect that is important to keep consistent is correct colour balance. For this reason I will be using a grey card to achieve correct colour balance. This again will create a consistent portfolio.