Challenge Accepted

At first, like most of you, I was quite alloyed with the amount of ALS challenge videos that surfaced on all social media platforms. That was until I watched this video a month or so ago.

I was nominated by my *so called* friend Quintin – to say that I was not thrilled is an understatement. Immediately I planned on using multi-shot camera angles, Go-Pro mounted über production… yeah that would be cool, but this was never going to happen.

Thankfully, I have just finished reading “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield a few minutes prior to my decision to avoid the resistance (read the book) trap. Instead, I got up, and stopped listening to my BS excuses, no more waiting for the best light, pondering whether I should build a set or use slow-motion/hyper-lapse trash. Just film a quick clip and get on with it, and even compile a blog post all in on go. So here you go - it’s quick, it’s dirty but hey I did it.

Why do you create?

A while ago I stumbled across a great inspirational video from Filmmaker Salomon Ligthelm. I usually bookmark good content that I enjoy but I might have been too captivated by the message and gorgeous cinematic style because somehow I just couldn’t find the damn link. After about a week of scouring the web I have managed to track it down again.

I often ask myself why? Why do we even bother? Why do we create? For some it’s money and for others it’s simply chasing fame. After watching the video a few times you cannot help but feel challenged and left to reflect on why we do what we do for a living. While money and fame might be great for a little while but they won’t help build your career.  I hope that you get the same slap across the face that I got from watching this. I needed this today.

Cheers!

Video: Easter Food Shoot - Behind The Scenes

Here is a quick behind-the-scenes video filmed with food stylist Leila Saffarian. The main shoot was part of an editorial feature for Easter. While it was quite challenging capturing motion between stills, I did manage to grab a few interesting frames while Leila was busy working her magic.

The video is quite short, but I recon anything over a minute might get a little long in the tooth. I still need to get the hang of capturing footage in-between stills – it involves a change of mind-set and a slightly different configuration, which also contributes to everything being under a minute.

Well, there you go — I hope that you enjoyed the video, it was quite fun to put it all together. Have a fantastic week everyone!

Breaking Bad (habits)

I have always understood the importance of personal projects; you know… creating the stuff that you really care about! Nevertheless, every time I come crashing down to the realization that I am not creating enough personal work; a body of work that feeds my soul with something meaningful, rather than trying to please a client. Let's face it, we all try to push the envelope with the little bit of creative input given to us with briefs – but you can only do so much until you start burning out…

Once you start working professionally, it is easy to fall behind and hinder your own personal growth as a photographer if you neglect shooting for yourself. There are plenty of photographers that are hired purely on their personal work alone - so the substance that makes you feel alive, might very well be the same thing that pays the bills. Here is the catch; you have to get off your ass to create something meaningful. Get together with fellow creatives, brainstorm, come up with a concept and go create something beautiful.

Before you go watch this, then go Do something you CARE about.