Mark Wallace has become pretty renowned for his educational video series on youtube on behalf on Adorama and this time he bring us a little video on working with models. It’s a basic guide from start to finish on working with a model from a photographers point of view. It certainly doesn’t cover all the angles but it’s always interesting to see how others conduct themselves through the whole process.
Check it out.
Thanks to a tip-off from Jay Wells I stumbled across this the other day and had a bit of a laugh! This is a huge photographic industry secret being given away here, guaranteed to produce amazing results everytime. Have a look….
Well here we are, at the end of 2011 and what an exciting year it has been!
I was lucky enough to have started my aerial photography this year, and from my first trip up in the air I managed to nail the front cover of Aviator Magazine Australia with a shot of Darius Pavry’s 300L acrobatic plane in their February 2011 issue. That was certainly exciting. While I was up there I also took a few happy snaps of our beautiful coastline which you can see in this post: Perth Aerial Photography from a Helicopter. You might also want to check out the little behind the scenes video of it all here: Behind The Scenes In a Helicopter with Perth Photographer Brodie Butler. I couldn’t resist to use that music.
It’s been another successful year with Perth Street Car Magazine too for me. This year the magazine took an interest in my behind the scenes videos and we began officially shooting the videos for each issue, starting with this great video of Tims BLOONES Ute and Miss Motorvation winner Gemma Louise. Unfortunately since I am the photographer for the car & model features I can’t film which is highly frustrating. So I have had to put my assistants to work and bring fellow video shooters on board to help out. Big thanks to all of you; Liam Underwood, Kieran Herald, Elliott Vassila, Ralf Schubert, Luke Brooks, Peter Clarke and Ross Metcalf. You can see the rest of my behind the scenes videos on my youtube channel. (Latest Issue out now with Danny Williamsons 750HP S15 drift car and Australian beauty Kristal Hammond)
Photo By Ian Greenwell
Well I never thought Id say this but I officially became a Director of Photography in the filmmaking game this year. In 2010 I started getting heavily involved with HDSLR cameras and pushed my way forward into the industry and in 2011 I really managed to make a dent, working on a number of projects and even creating some productions of my own. It’s an exciting time and I look forward to what 2012 brings. My favourite thing was probably something I filmed with Elliot Vassila and actually X Factor star Johnny Ruffo. We set out one Saturday for a few hours of filming and put together a very cool little action film, just to try out some special effects. Check it out here: Point Blank, A short action film with special effects. I also posted about my first official DOP experience with plenty of behind the scenes here: Becoming a Director of Photography PART TWO
My website and blog copped a fair bit of traffic around two particular occassions this year. It was the rise of Sam Schoers and Renae Wauhop when they hit our T.V screens on the amazing race. Renae of course being the Miss Universe Australia Runner up for 2011. I have photographed and known both these girls for quite some time so having previously featured them on the blog, caught the eye of all the internet searches from fans. See more here: Sam and Renae to race around the World on Channel 7
The second and largest traffic spike was of course from Johnny Ruffo, the X Factor Grand Finalist. I had actually been working with Johnny for a long time on his first music video production which unfortunately had to be sidelined due to X Factor commitments. We did some great photos together though which have made their way all over the internet and I look forward to working with him again. Check out Johnny’s photos here: A day with local Perth singer Johnny Ruffo
Only 1 workshop this year! Well I have to say I’m very sorry to all those people that have been emailing me begging for another one. Finding time for the workshops is difficult. I still cant promise there will be one soon, but I can promise you that I am always thinking about where I can fit another one in. Stay Tuned!
Certainly one of the most memorable moments for me was when a good friend of mine, Director A.J. Carter was hired to direct a piece featuring our childhood heroes James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger! While I unfortunately wasn’t there I did manage to get the whole scoop on the project and I must say provided a bit of technical help because the project was shot on the Canon 5DMKII which ofcourse is what I spend most of my time filming with! I spent a bit of time with the Director of Photography Guy Livneh and of course A.J. and put together an official behind the scenes post with all the technical bits and peices and with some photos courtesy of Rafael A Leyva. The resulting video went viral straight away and was a huge success, and the blog post I wrote went viral amongst the HDSLR filmmaking community which was good. Check out the exciting project right here: Filming James Cameron & Arnold Schwarzenegger with the Canon 5DMKII
Lastly, to wrap up this quick little reminiscing session, Its been another exciting year working with Top Shelf Entertainment. This year Top Shelf launched an amazing brand new website and I had a bucketload of photography and post production to do to fill the website. It was exciting for me because I got to explore my photoshop composite abilities a bit more and be a little more creative. Let me share a few photos with you to finish off the year…
There will be more of these released on the blog soon!
Finally I just want to send out a huge Thank You to my team and others that have been pretty influential in my photography/filmmaking this year.
First thanks goes out to Karl Pearce. An excellent shooter himself and an extremely helpful, thoughtful and very professional assistant.
Also to Jay Wells for the consistent motivation, inspiration and ideas. For the shoulder rubs, the witty remarks and for bringing me cider when its needed most. Thanks Jay you’ve been a tremendous help.
A new addition to the team that Id like to thank is Elliott Vassilla. I have been joining forces with Elliott on some film projects this year but he has also taken an interest in assisting me on photoshoots throughout the year too so thanks very much buddy I cant wait for the next project. I even made a n effort to spell your name right for once!
Thanks to Saul, Howard, Ash, Sam and the rest of the team from Camera Electronic for another supportive year and for also jumping on board a film as a sponsor and providing gear. If there’s anything you need call these guys.
A big thanks also to my fellow video shooters who contributed this year; Ross Wallace, Luke Brooks, Peter Clarke,Kieren Herrald
And finally a thank you goes out to Perth Film Network founder Debbie Thoy for believing in me and giving me an extra kick start in the film industry through a number of exciting projects.
I’m so worried about forgetting to mention someone, If I have forgotten you I’m really sorry and its my round, and maybe work harder next year so I remember. haha!
See you lot next year!
B.
The biggest benefit to doing what you love, is that when you’re extremely busy it’s the best thing in the world. You get to spend all day (and night!) doing what you love doing. I’m constantly telling people “I’m busy” and “I have to work” and the typical response is one of sympathy and they usually have some kind of misconception that I’m missing out on something or that I’m unfortunate to have to work. No no no, you’re misinformed. In reality, I’m having the time of my life building my dream into a reality and there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.
I’ve been buried in work the past few months and it’s been extremely difficult to get blog posts out the door. I haven’t even been tweeting or facebooking much. I just don’t know how some of you find the time! I’ve been having a ball working on some amazing projects though. As you have probably already seen the SXYMMA Calendar has been wrapped, proofed and printed ready for sale. That was a fun project and I got to meet a bunch of awesome new ladies and I’ve developed quite the liking to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Anyway, you can buy the calendar for $20 off the EverythignMMA online Store and keep an eye on the blog for some more behind the scenes images coming soon.
I’ve also been busy shooting a bunch of car magazine features including the next Perth Street Car feature of Danny Williamsons 750 horsepower Nissan S15 Drift car, complete with behind the scenes video too! Renowned Australian model Kristal Hammond joined us on set for this one and we took some killer pictures of the two together. Should be an awesome feature due in newsagents in just a couple of weeks. Not only that but if you keep your eyes peeled to Fast Fours Magazine out January 11th you will see Perth’s finest old school Celica, and shortly after W.A’s fastest EVO which has also been shot and awaiting publishing.
I’ve also managed to squeeze in some glamour shoots too, but the biggest time consumer has been “The Manuscript”. A not-so-short film I’ve been shooting the past few months which wrapped a couple weeks ago. Directed by Perth Film Network founder Debbie Thoy, I came on board as the Director of Photography and operated the camera for the majority of the film. It was a difficult project but we pulled through in the end. The film is now being cut together in post production and hopefully we will see it finished early in the first half of 2012. Big thanks to Camera Electronic who helped us with the equipment on this shoot.
I’ll be working hard through the Christmas break to deliver some more blog posts and I have a tonne of pictures to share so stay tuned!
B.
You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
Perth’s all-male entertainment company Top Shelf Entertainment have just launched their new website to a crowd of industry affiliates and special guests over the weekend at The Basement on Broadway in Crawley. As the official Top Shelf Photographer since their humble beginnings, I was there enjoying the social atmosphere in my spiffy new suit and it was a nice change from a solid few months of working.
We unveiled the website and launched it during the actual event and Leigh (Director) gave us a quick tour and showed off the goods the new site offers. The new website is a massive improvement on the last and offers so much more, not to mention it is sporting my photography on just about every page. Check out the Top Shelf Entertainment website here at www.topshelfentertainment.com.au
Speaking of photography…
I have spent the last few months working closely with Top Shelf. Photoshoots, endless phone calls and doing a lot of retouching and post production work. It’s been a lot of fun and we’ve got some great results. From what I heard at the launch party, all the boys are stoked with the results and everyone else seems to love them too which makes me a happy camper. I cant wait to do more.
The new website is part of their new approach to the industry and their enthusiasm to start 2012 with a bang. The website is far superior to anything else I’ve seen in their particular industry and it looks great.
From a small beginning in Perth, Top Shelf have already captivated Australia with their unique choreographed dance/strip shows and earned themselves a place touring Australia with Sexpo. I look forward to working them all again next year.
This photo above is for one of their DUO shows. (see website) We shot it indoors on a grey background and superimposed the background to make the composite. Combine that with a bit of brodiebutler.com magic and we get the result above.
I’m going to be posting more of these images over the next few weeks and maybe giving some insight and behind the scenes!
B.
The super sexy, submission publication for next year is finally here, the SXYMMA 2012 Calendar. I have to say I really like how it turned out! Well done to all the girls involved and everyone that helped put the calendar together.
Above is the front cover, and below is the back cover…
You can buy the calendar from the SXYMMA website or from The Paddo. Sxymma proudly supports Teen Challenge WA.
Here’s a peak at one of the feature girls Karra in her profile photo. Stay tuned for plenty of behind the scenes action and more profile photos!
Today I am putting my feelers out there in the Perth community to see if anyone is willing to help me locate some studio space (or any large office/warehouse space) for a 2-day workshop. I know I’m well overdue to run another workshop and I’m very sorry but this is not actually for one of mine. This is actually for someone else far more exciting! An international world renowned photographer/retoucher friend of mine is coming to visit Australia for the first time and he wants to visit little old me here in Perth. I can tell you first hand he was one of the most popular instructors I’ve seen at the Photoshop World Conference in 2010.
Now, Perth is an long and expensive trip to make for a single workshop, so it’s the same old “we have no budget” story. Usually in all the countries he has visited around the world he has been fortunate enough to have a studio provided or sponsored for him, however the one thing I don’t have is a studio.
We intend to run a two day workshop, consisting of shooting with different lighting setups along with a retouching session and presentation. We do need a bit of room to move and setup multiple lighting setups if possible. We also need the ability to use a projector and have table and chairs to fit up to 15-20 people. It would be held over a weekend. Originally it was to be late 2011, but it is likely to be pushed into 2012. The date is not set yet.
I would be very grateful and interested to speak to anyone that might be able to help me and I’d love to know if there is anything I could do for you in return.
I will release further details when we are a bit closer to a confirmation on the event going forward.
Please contact me by email on brodie@brodiebutler.com with details on you and your studio.
Brodie.
Here’s your first sneak peak at one of the photos I took as part of the 2012 SXYMMA Calendar Photoshoot. On top of all the feature images which you will only see in the calendar, I also shot some group photos and individual profile photos of all the girls for use in things like this promo you see above. You will also be able to catch these kinds of extras on the SXYMMA website soon too. This flyer showcases all the beautiful Perth girls from day one of shooting (we shot over two days) which includes from left to right: Zoe Reeves , Amy Williamson, Kierina Gaston, Fiona Rockford and Stephanie Lethborg. Well done again girls you all looked amazing.
So if you like what you see I’d highly recommend paying close attention to the details on the flyer above! Head down to the Paddo on November 30th to watch the Danny Green fight, and catch a glimpse of the SXYMMA calendar girls as a bonus while they celebrate the official launch of the calendar. I’ll be there too so come down and say hello!
I’ll be bringing you more images and behind the scenes from the SXYMMA shoot in the coming weeks so stay tuned.
Brodie Butler
Perth Photographer.
Well I told everyone he would make it and he proved me right. The young and very talented Johnny Ruffo from Perth is going to be singing his heart out next week at the Grand Final of the X-Factor Australia television series. Well done Johnny! We all knew you could do it. It’s so good to see Australia getting behind him so much and showing the support he has worked so hard for. You have some solid fans Johnny!
Speaking of fans, thank to everyone who supported Johnny and to all the people who I bugged to vote for him. A measly sms cost to us means a dream come true for Johnny. So thanks to everyone involved.
This photo above was another image I took for Johnny which featured in OK Magazine a few weeks back. Hope you guys like it!
If you’re in Perth you can catch Johnny singing tomorrow night! See the details below.
JOHNNY RUFFO
Where: Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy, Cannington, WA
When: Thursday 17th November at 6:00PM
The concert will be hosted by GUY SEBASTIAN!
For those that haven’t seen, check out the photos I did for Johnny in a previous post, A day with local Perth singer Johnny Ruffo.
B.
A lot of work I’ve been doing lately (and haven’t been able to show) has been composite work. Superimposing portrait images onto alternative backgrounds. It’s something that I enjoy doing because I get to play with Photoshop a bit more and be a little more creative.
This self portrait image above was yet another one of my tests. This time I was testing out a new post production photoshop technique I am using to do my composite work which involves shooting on a seamless grey background. The technique means I don’t have to do any cutting out of people! Maybe I’ll share it on the blog at a later date.
So my new grey seamless arrived, and I had just set it up in my garage and I needed to test it by capturing a couple of really quick shots. This happened to be one of them, and I have no idea what that pose it meant to be. I never intended to use the photo so I just sat my butt down and looked away from the camera.
After I superimposed myself onto this gritty background, I played around with the whole desaturated, contrasty, grungey look and threw it through a couple of NIK Software filters and it was done. I’m only sharing it because I really like how it turned out.
Anyway, just a fun update. Check out my Terminator basketball Self Portrait I took a couple years ago, which was the result of another simple test. Photoshop works wonders eh!
Location scouting is an important part of every photographers job, and I’m a firm believer that a good location can make all the difference to your photoshoot. Locations are the biggest source of frustration for me. Being extremely busy week in, week out, it’s very difficult to find the time to get out there and search for places to shoot, and what makes it harder is that the most amazing locations are usually a long distance away, or they are restricted due to being private property. That’s why when you do head out of the office in your everyday journeys, you need to be prepared for any potential locations that you might stumble across!
I blogged about Location scouting with the iPhone just over a year ago now, which basically talked about how I use my iPhone (a tool that’s always with me) to take pictures of locations as I stumble across them. I download the images to my computer and keep them filed away safely in a Locations folder for a rainy day. You can even record your GPS location and all sorts of fancy stuff with the iPhone thee days too.
Well now I’m here to give you an awesome update and add a whole new level to Location scouting with the iPhone. Photos you take never quite do the location justice. When showing someone else, and even when looking at them yourself you can never quite get a true feel for the location and how big it is etc. Well how cool would it be if you could have a 360 degree panoramic view of the location. Sounds like a pretty tedious and time consuming task and requiring software etc. Well no, you can do it for FREE in a matter of minutes directly on your iPhone!
Let me introduce you to Photosynth. A Microsoft creation, that funnily enough only runs on the iPhone. Photosynth allows you to take multiple photos in a complete 360 direction and it stitches the images together for you in front of your eyes. Only takes a couple minutes from start to finish.
Download Photosynth from the apple store FREE here.
Just download it. Do it. Now.
The image at the top of the post is one I did today while out and about. I’ve been meaning to go to this rooftop for almost 10 years! I’ve been eyeing it off for so many things but just never made it up there. Well today, I made it and I have a 360 panorama to remember it by. The image looks a bit funny on the computer, but when you browse the image on the iPhone, you can scroll through it and it feels like your still standing there again.
Enjoy.
B.
To be honest I don’t think this is a very common mistake, but I still see it from time to time in all sorts of photography. Something you really don’t want to do, is crop a photo at any point of a person where there is a joint. By joints I mean elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and even fingers and toes!
This is an example below. Maybe not the best example because it’s hard to make Carla look bad, but have a play with some of your images by cropping them in different places. In this case, you should either include all of the knee, or none of it. Don’t crop it in the middle like I have on the left.
If you crop at any form of joint then you will have an awkward looking photo.
It’s a simple thing, but you need to know it.
B.
A day with local Perth singer Johnny Ruffo
Today I wanted to share a couple of images I did for Johhny Ruffo, a seriously talented Perth singer who's in the middle of putting his first album together. I've been lucky enough to score a preview of a few of the tracks and I think Johnny will be someone to watch out for!
Getting Accurate Colours using ColorChecker Passport and Lightroom
Now using a grey card can help you achieve a correct white balance, and will also help remove any colour casts that may be present in an image. However, what if you want to go one step further and take full control over all your colours in your image? Make sure your RAW files are converted accurately. Well let me show you how I do it. I use the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport.
Testing my HDSLR Car Rig for video
I've always wanted to strap my 5DMKII camera to a car and record something. Well my new car rig enables me to do exactly that! I recently put together a rig for taking still images of a car at low walking speeds (more on that later), but I wanted to step things up a bit and build a rig that was more secure and could handle filming while driving around!
