Photoshots Blog by Tony Stewart

I have recently been sent links or have somehow stumbled across these two sites.
I think both are too good not to share!

I think this takes the cake in terms of extreme camera work.

Walk Off The Earth – Canadian indie band
A very clever yet so very simple video. You just have to admire such creativity.

Late last year, I was fortunate to hear that I had won a bronze place for a landscape image in an International Competition. Actually, my first ever international entry so I was pretty chuffed to get that feedback.

Though I have often say to students and clients alike, that awards themselves are funny things. Quite often photographers are intrinsically motivated, and can be sidetracked by how many awards they have, what sort, by who judged them etc…
The results can sometimes be several steps removed from ‘real’ or applied client work (not always I realise). The time and effort involved far exceed what is commercially necessary or what has been budgeted for.

Yet I am a firm believer that the benefit of awards lie not just in the cudos associated with individual images, but the wider intent demonstrated by the photographer. A photographer who is passionate about awards, is also passionate about their craft. Awards are a vehicle for creative exploration, and a practical demonstration of both vision and technique. Therein lies the benefit to clients, knowing they have an individual serious about their profession.

Check out the lighting here! Everything is straight out of camera (other than standard post pro corrections). We had a stunning sunset shoot together with Andrea and Aaron, ahead of their upcoming wedding. As an engagement type shoot, it was nice to be able to choose a time and day to maximise the cracker summer conditions we have. This is truly a pleasure, and not something that you get to control with many actual wedding conditions.

Here are some more photos from Punakaiki at New Year.

After a Christmas in Hawkes Bay, we were most fortunate again this year to join friends camping for New Year in Punakaiki. It is a special part of New Zealand, that I just love visiting. I love the native bush right down to the sea, the ruggedness of the coastline, the Pohutakawa and Rata in flower, the Nikau Palms, camping, a few beers, the laughs… The best thing too, is we have yet to have a miserable run of weather there at New Year, despite other regions getting hammered.
We always seem to come back with sandfly bites and a tan!

Here is the sunset on New Year’s eve, taken at three intervals.

Happy New Year! May 2012 bring happiness and prosperity to all.

Just in case you could do with the laugh to start the year, this is a well travelled clip on the web, that I never cease to laugh at.

A stellar day was how I’d describe Monja and Jamie’s wedding on Saturday. Despite quake disruption that caused a complete change of course earlier in the year, everything came together on the day. There was a stunning bride, great make up, hard case groom, a switched on bridal party, beautiful moody lighting….it was a dream wedding. Not just for Monja and Jamie, but me as well. Those things all make for such a difference. Thank you!

Anywhere with native bush makes for a superb setting for a photos. Add in a sunny weather, a beautiful seaside view, a great couple, and a wedding at Portage in the Marlborough Sounds is just the ticket. Karyn and Thilo certainly knew their guests would be well relaxed, and together we had a magic weekend.

Wedding photography, Portage.

Click here for more about Portage Resort. For more details try;

www.portage.co.nz

The road in from Havelock is very windy (very windy!). I think the water taxi from Picton is the better option!

Currently I am teaching a short course at the the CPIT Fashion School. Situated right on the red zone boundary, the Fashion School building directly overlooks the red zone boundary on both High St and Tuam St. It is such an odd feeling surrounded by devastation on two sides. There’s concrete trucks, workmen, demolition trucks, high vis vests, flashing lights, & jack hammers for Africa!! Funny, as on the green zone side (St Asaph / Madras St), the Mobil station and McDonalds sit eerily empty, void of stock, awaiting an uncertain outcome.

Strange how the tide has turned in this part of town. Great to see the rebuild underway on High St, and the progress on much of the Tuam St. Despite that, seeing the heart of the city being stripped bare is still hard to fathom. Speaking of stripped bare, the Atami lounge (Gentlemen’s club, Tuam St) has been partly demolished, with the top story open for all to see, complete with erotic poster and wall mirrors! I bet not many folk will confess to recognising that!!

With an election drawing ever closer, political rhetoric seems to be everywhere. My local National MP was on the roadside with her supporters waving banners at passing traffic at first light. The worm is even back on TV. Despite all the talk about what is best for the country, there are a number of private companies out there doing their best for NZ. I have shot for several in recent weeks where the knowledge economy, and calculated business growth, has been crucial to their success.

The first was at the Deloitte Fast 50 awards, with the national winner had a staggering 5280% growth last year. (Growth of that magnitude surely makes it a tough task to match or exceed next year ?!).

http://www.powershop.co.nz

Another was a Westpac Bank function for high achievers. Like the Deloitte Fast 50, common elements again prevail. Like many corporates, Westpac is a company that sets about rewarding excellence, supporting their staff, & celebrating success. I think when management nurture a culture that supports individual talent, innovation flourishes. Obviously behind the scenes this is backed by a clear strategic plan, and established core values.

A lot of political talk lately has concentrated on low income issues. At times it can be easy to forget just how we will create the funds to pay for many of the social solutions needed.

Good on these companies pushing growth in the higher end of our economy and providing leadership for our high achievers to flourish. I feel privileged in my job to have such an insight, and to work with such positive people.