Melbourne Lighting Workshop (expressions of interest)
Hey all!
I am thinking about booking up a venue, providing a few talented performers, and setting up a bit of a lighting workshop for folks that want to play with different lighting techniques. This may range from Strobist style remote flash bursting, using available light, or possible stage lighting.
Rather than being a lecture, I’m looking to get people with some experience involved, so we can all share a few do’s and don’ts.
I’m fortunate to have a few performers available, that can do the odd Belly Dancing slink, fire dancing twirl, acrobatic balance or hoola hooping spin. I will work on a date to get them together, with hair and makeup folks that’ll pretty ‘em up (not that they need it!)
At the moment, I’m just looking for numbers, and an idea of what you’d like to shoot…. still poses, dancing, fire madness or say a three person acrobatic troupe to bring some challenging shooting situations to the table. I’d like to get a stage like environment for this to happen, with the possibility of working some gig photography-like shooting techniques into the mix as well. Having access to the models for posed shots is definitely an option, if you want to explore a different look entirely
I’m hoping to get this all done for a small fee to cover the performers and the venue, as well as for any other costs that crazy circus folks might need (warning: this may involve the use of bribery through the purchase of schnapps)
Questions:
1) Would you be interested?
2) How much hard earned would you be willing to part with for a 3 hour window, and multiple “targets” to shoot with?
3) What would you like to focus on? (eg: multiple flash setups, stage lighting or say more of a general help with how to work with models?)
4) Do you have any hardware or skills you could throw in to help others?
At this stage, I want to run with quite low numbers, and have a more communal learn-fest, with everyone working off each others experience. I’m happy to have it as a more formal tutorial feel, if that is what perks your interest
Thoughts, suggestions, feedback and inane abusive retorts are all welcome below!
Hien Nguyen
Happy to help out with what (limited) knowledge I have. I have a few strobes and the full range of Nikon lenses and bodies. Not really interested in taking photos myself :)
Adrian Carmody replied
Having access to your expertise (and your cool shit!) is always appreciated.
If there is anything I could organise that you would want to take some shots of, let me know.
Caroline Gorka
I’d be interested in that Adrian …I’m a poor nurse :((( so it would depend on cost, and whether I’m working…but I am interested :)
Adrian Carmody replied
I’m looking at a Sunday afternoon, and I want to keep the cost down to $50-$75. Depending on a few things (insurance for the folks that set fire to stuff!) it should be pretty cheap :)
Mike Constantinou
Sounds awesome, I would be very interested. Not sure re: the $$’s for the event – $50 – $100
Have used lighting kits before so can assist in set up but not much more.
When would you think of running this sort of event?
Mike
Adrian Carmody replied
I’m going to have a chat to a few performers this afternoon, and find a time when they are all in the country/state. They are a very mobile bunch, but I’m hoping to get this setup in the next 4-6 weeks
earthairfire
I’m definately game. I think $50-100 seems reasonable, if the numbers are low (max 10).
I’d be keen to maybe shoot in pairs, 1 assistant, 1 photographer for say 30 mins, then switch, etc.
I’d be happy just working in a cool space, with some performers. Less of a formal workshop, and more of a sharing of knowledge and ideas as we go. If people buddied up with similar gear to work in pairs, they could share flashes, lenses, triggers etc.
Acrobats, and / or circus stuyle performers would be ace. If you know anyone that can dress up as a warrior, and ride bareback on a live tiger, then that would be awesome too. Asking too much?? :)
ps – t&c of image use would need to be discussed in advance too…
Tim
Adrian Carmody replied
Good ideas there… I like the idea of switching around between assisting and shooting. Having someone giving you feedback, and just asking “why?” for each lighting change can be as helpful as anything. It gives you a chance to step back, and really look at why you use a certain setup.
As for the warrior on lion back… that’s a toughie. Would you settle for a sensitive new age strongman in leopard skin una-tard that will happily serenade you with a ukulele?
No, I’m not joking
earthairfire
Ps – I forgot to answer q 4) I’m happy to loan any experience I can, and happy to let people use my gear (camera gear, strobes, umbrellas etc)
Rebecca McLean
Sounds like a great idea…..would love to come if I possible and offer any tips/help that I can.
MichaelCouacaud
I would love to join in. Just to learn how to work with available light and a chance to use equipment. I’d like to know what are the differences between lighting for video to lighting for a photoshoot/portrait.
Adrian Carmody replied
It would be a great chance to look at any area of lighting or shooting that interests you. As soon as I get a possible venue sorted, we can start putting together a wish list of things we can cover
Michael Alesich
I have very minimal training and experience with lighting but sounds like a great option for both the Veg and myself.
I can’t bring much, but I have my camera equip and a single flash.
Adrian Carmody replied
I’d love to see you guys there!
We have a few people with multiple flashes, umbrellas and “stuff”, so you’ll be able to play with a few Nikond SB800’s. I’ll start getting a few AA rechargers together, I think it might be a battery chewer for everyone involved
Alateia
good luck adrian!! ive been doing this for a while now, the first thing the models would like to see is thier names with their work, when i started this in melbourne i can remember getting my teeth kicked in for not posting the cost immediately!!!
I am now doing it in Europe having lots of fun with the amazing talent over here, I will be back in Melbourne in September and the door is open to you and any others that are interested.
Events experience goes a long way even though it doesnt seem like a big deal, (just a few models & photographers) takes alot of putting together.
Good luck!
lol
i’m now doing it in Europe
Adrian Carmody replied
Thanks Alatieia, I appreciate your insights!
I’m fortunate enough to have made very close friends with a lot of the performers I have shot in the last few years. Malia, the circus performer that I want to run this with is a very close friend, and all decisions will be made with her input. I don’t want to run this as a mini business, my goal is to get everyone involved with artists that need the shots, rather than just as paid models.
All going well, the performers walk away with quality promo shots from a few photographers, and we leave with a better understanding of the techniques and routines to use when working with extraordinary models
Alateia
lol my first coffee forgot to revise before posting, lol better get my caffein levels to ‘publishing status’
John Robb
Happy to lend a hand, lend an idea, lend stuff, lend advice and whatever. :-)
Adrian Carmody replied
I will completely use and abuse this privilege :)
Stephen Colquitt
Im interersted Adrian – Could easily chip in $50 towards cost and bring a couple of SB800’s stands, umbrellas, for Nikon CLS. Just depends on the date as Im away two weekend in late July. Sunday 12th is good for me though.
Adrian Carmody replied
I’m looking at the end of July, venue and performers permitting. I hope you can come along… it’s been too long!
Simon Liberta
Very very Interested!!! $50-100 is cool with me!
Alateia
cool, do will you be using model release forms for the photographers?
Elizaday
This might be out of leftfield, but I would so, so love to do this – but unfortunately I’m in Brisbane! Do you know of anyone up here, any groups etc that put on workshops etc? I’ve looked into a Strobists group but there doesn;t seem to be anything on the horizon. If you could point me in any direction, that would be great!
John Robb
“I will completely use and abuse this privilege”
Oh you make me feel so much like the naughty British politician visiting a high priced mistress. :-))
Caroline Gorka
Haha!
That costing is great :)
I’m sure we can all learn something !