Weekend Beach to Mountain Experience Photography Workshop 8 - 9 March 2014

Weekend Beach to Mountain Experience Photography Workshop 8 - 9 March 2014 Hi Everyone, We still have limited spots available for our Weekend Beach to Mountains Experience coming up next weekend. Join Michael and I for a comprehensive weekend of photography as we take you through techniques for landscape (including sunset and sunrise), waterfalls, macro, birds and some post precessing information for good measure. Rainforest Waterfalls We kick off on Saturday morning and, after some basic theory and camera settings discussion head into the Buderim rainforest for waterfalls, rainforest cascades etc. We can't promise a 'Trash the Dress' session but its a beautiful spot nonetheless. Macro World A quick break and then we're into the tiny world of macro. Don't worry if you don't have a dedicated macro lens. We have both Nikon and Canon extension tubes available which allow you use your ordinary zoom lens to shoot macro subjects. Post Processing After lunch I will introduce you to easy digital workflow and post-processing techniques at Buderim Girl Guides Hall. If you are wanting to start shooting RAW then this session will give you the tools to get started. Sunset Techniques We finish day one with a beautiful sunset photography session overlooking the ocean at Point Cartwright. Sunrise over the Ocean On Sunday we are up early to capture sunrise at Point Cartwright (very early start but well worth the effort to capture the beautiful morning light as the sun rises over the ocean). After our sunrise shoot we will give you some time to move out of your accommodation (for those people staying over for the weekend), have breakfast etc. Bird Photography We reconvene for bird photography techniques at top of Buderim Forest Park where we see many rainforest species such as Eastern Yellow Robin and Golden Whistler. Image Critique We finish off this amazing weekend back at the Buderim Girl Guides Hall for an image critique and final post-processing techniques session. During this weekend workshop, Michael and I will present group presentations as well as one-on-one tuition for each participant. We will explain a variety of digital camera functions, teach you how to use these functions correctly and discuss different photographic techniques that will allow you to take better photos. By the end of the weekend, you will have learned macro, landscape and bird photography techniques and some digital workflow and post processing tips. Queensland's fabulous Sunshine Coast will play host to a wonderful weekend of photography and tuition. The workshop cost is $394.90 per person (this workshop qualifies for Loyalty Discounts). If you have any questions regarding the workshop please feel free to email or call Mark on 0459 221678. We hope you can make it along. Happy shooting. Cheers, Mark

New dates for Brisbane Post Processing and Workflow Bootcamp - Lightroom and Photoshop

Post Processing and Workflow Bootcamp - Lightroom and Photoshop BRISBANE - New date released for 12-13 April 2014 Hi Everyone,  I am pleased to announce the new dates for my Brisbane Post Processing Bootcamp. The Brisbane workshop will be held over the weekend of 12th and 13th April 2014 at the Caboolture 'HUB'. The premises is fully air-conditioned and very comfortable. The workshop is limited to 10 people to ensure maximum learning opportunities. This workshop always fills quickly, so please book now to avoid disappointment. This workshop is designed for the beginner to fast track entry into the world of Lightroom and Photoshop, but still caters for the more experienced user wanting to hone their skills and learn new tips and tricks. Some comments from past participants: Chris Holland wrote: This was such a useful weekend... I'm still in mental overload, but excited about putting into practice so many of the ideas that I absorbed. Thanks to Mark and the rest of the group for making it all so worthwhile. There wasn't one unanswered question!! Anne Reid wrote: Was a great weekend, yes it was a great venue. Easy parking, close to shops and beach for the lunch time breather. Must mention the great teacher and the surprises we all received with some of the things we learnt. Heather Streatfield wrote: Am feeling especially inspired after my photography Bootcamp this weekend. Alarm set for 3.45am, it's time to drag this butt out of bed for a summer sunrise! Here is a rundown of what to expect over the weekend. Phototrek - 8:30am Saturday We will all be photographing together in the surrounding area and this shoot will provide most of the imagery for the weekend's processing tuition. You will be working from scratch on images from your own camera, far preferable than working on supplied images which may have totally different characteristics than your own. Morning Tea Session 1 This session covers the basics of Adobe Bridge and Camera Raw and de-mystifying the connections of both with Photoshop. Mark will show you how best to transfer your images to your computer and some convenient protocols for folder naming and storage. We will also look at the benefits of utilising Lightroom 4 and 5 for this process. 1:00pm Lunch (BYO or purchase nearby) will split session 1 Session 2 This session will cover image adjustment and enhancement in Camera Raw / LR4 - 5 and look at a number of techniques to speed up the post-processing workflow. We will look at the various adjustment modules and tools which will become the backbone of your image processing. Session 3 - 8:30am Sunday We will start to get into some of the new user friendly aspects of Photoshop and really begin to make a difference to our RAW files to produce images with that "Wow" factor. We'll look at the best way to set up your tool panels and optimise your workspace to suit your style and needs. You will explore the different tools available in Photoshop and how and when to use them. 10:30am Morning Tea Session 4 To help speed up the workflow process we will begin to incorporate plug-ins, presets, actions and scripts. As well as providing you with many ready to use presets, Mark will guide you through the process of creating your own actions to speed up processes that you find yourself doing more often. You'll learn how to create stunning, unique and interesting backgrounds for your "studio" portraits and much more. 1:00pm Lunch (BYO or purchase nearby) will split session 4 Session 5 By this session you will have a new understanding of presets, actions, scripts, plug-ins, batch processing, curves, layers, masks, resolution, filters and many more terms.This session will put your new found knowledge and skills to work and consolidate what you have learned into a smooth and efficient workflow. We will also look at the basics of some of the hot topics of digital photography such as HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama stitching and more. If you have any special or problem files you wish to work on please bring them along (time permitting). All the details can be found on the website here -> Brisbane Price: $396.00 Hope you can make it along. Cheers, Mark Questions? Please give me a call on 0459 221678 or shoot me an email.

New Melbourne Zoo Photography Workshop - Monday 3 March 2014

New Melbourne Zoo Photography Workshop - Monday 3 March 2014 Hi, If you find yourself in Melbourne on the 3rd March, I'd love you to join me for my inaugural Melbourne Zoo Experience. Join me as I guide you along on a day of fantastic wildlife photography providing you with settings and advice to ensure you maximise your opportunities to 'nail the shot'. Our first stop will be the gorgeous and ever playful Meerkats. These little guys and girls will keep you entertained and allow many opportunities to grab some great shots. I will be on hand throughout to talk to you one-on-one, and make sure you are utilising your camera to its potential. We'll then make our way to the Mandrill enclosure to photograph these imposing characters. Along the way you'll have the opportunity to photograph Gorillas and Lemurs. Amazing. On our way to the Elephants we'll stop off at the Tiger compound and then take a wander through the butterfly house for a change of pace and lenses. We will photograph many more species during the course of the day. Lions, Servals, Zebras and Leopards to name but a few. We won't, however be racing from one display to the next to try and photograph every single creature at the Zoo. We will take our time and I will show you how to photograph the animals that we do choose correctly. We will discuss optimum settings and look at depth of field, composition, lighting and many other features. We'll finish our day at the fantastic new Baboon enclosure. This recently completed state of the art facility will give you uninterrupted access to photograph these amazing creatures. This workshop is limited to 8 participants to maximise your learning opportunities so please get in quickly to avoid missing out. For more details please check out the Trekabout website -> here. or call Mark on 0459 221678 to reserve your spot. Please note that my Melbourne Post Processing Bootcamp is running the two days prior on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March. If you wish to attend both workshops please call me for a special combined rate. Details on the Melbourne Post Processing Bootcamp are -> here. Happy shooting. Cheers, Mark

Eastern Sierras - Los Angeles - Death Valley - Alabama Hills - Mono Lake - Yosemite - San Francisco - Big Sur - October 2014

Eastern Sierras - Los Angeles - Death Valley - Alabama Hills - Mono Lake - Yosemite - San Francisco - Big Sur - October 2014 Hi , I told you 2014 was going to be jam packed full of photographic goodness and it gives me great pleasure to announce another amazing adventure. Join Michael and I from the 2 October to the 16 October as we take you in the footsteps of Ansel Adams to photograph the magnificent Eastern Sierras. We'll both be on hand to offer tuition, tips and advice along the way. Composition, exposure, DOF, ISO and many other camera settings will be discussed so that you will be able to make the most of the incredible scenery and wildlife opportunities. We'll take you to Death Valley, the lowest point in the U.S. with extraordinary colours, beautiful rock formations, dramatic cliffs, spectacular badlands vistas, high rugged peaks, soft textured sand dunes and contrasting salt flats. You'll visit Mammoth Mountain and the river valley surrounds including several beautiful mountain lakes and dramatic canyons contrasting with the vibrant, spectacular fall (Autumn) colours. We'll visit the quaint cafe on the mountain near Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the United States (outside Alaska) and photograph the surrounding Alabama Hills, a scenic treasure and magnet for landscape photographers. Mono Lake, formed 760,000 years ago and home to millions of migrating birds, Mono Lake is a unique sight to see and photograph, producing different hues and colors at sunrise and sunset. You'll be captivated by this amazing place. You'll see Bodie, the largest preserved (un-restored) ghost town of the west, dating back to 1877. For those interested in the old west, it is fascinating wandering around the deserted, dusty streets with a wide-angle lens and soaking in the spirit of this historic wild-west town. You'll have the opportunity to take flight over the mountains and lakes on an optional helicopter ride. Simply stunning! We will cross Tioga Pass, the highest pass in California and without doubt the most spectacular with waterfalls, rivers, wildflowers, towering mountains and wildlife. We have allowed a full day to photograph the highlights of Tioga Pass, which ends in our highlight destination, Yosemite National Park and the place Ansel Adams spent 68 years of his life photographing. Ansel Adams Bio Yosemite is a simply unforgettable experience – you experience nature at its finest. We will spend four days photographing the glacier carved valleys and mountains from many different angles - sunrise and sunset and at night under the full moon! This trip has been planned to take in the beauty of the fall colours , just when the first snows of winter are arriving. Next we're off to San Francisco where we spend two days to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, the redwood trees and the wild windswept coastal scenery. The more adventurous will have the opportunity to take a helicopter flight which actually flies under the Golden Gate Bridge. Departing San Francisco we head south and take in the Big Sur. Fabulous coastal scenery with an abundance of wildlife and sea-birds will make this a fitting finale to our grand adventure. We will be staying in comfortable accommodation including mountain cabins and travelling in our own private bus with ample time factored in to upload photos and learn from the review sessions with your professional photographer guides, Mark and Michael. The cost for this incredible 15 day experience is USD $6760.00 single occupancy starting and finishing in Los Angeles, California. A $500.00 deposit will secure your position today. More details are on the Trekabout website -> here or call Mark on 0459 221678 for more information. We hope you can join us. Cheers, Mark

Little Wattlebird with Chicks

I was walking the dog this morning and as I headed back to the house I spotted some movement in the tree just outside the front door. 
A Little Wattlebird. 
Hadn't seen one of this around here so I was happy that my native tree plantings were bringing new visitors and then I heard it. 
Little, tiny chirps directly above me.   Mum was here to feed her chicks so I was heading off to grab the camera and a big ladder. 
Gotta love Mother Nature. Cheers, Mark 

If you enjoy bird photography check out our 5 Day Mountain Experience coming up in February, We do quite a few bird sessions including birds in flight. Great fun and lots of learning opportunities 

Here is the -> LINK

Free online sell, buy and swap your photography gear

Hi , Many of you would remember that in my err, less than regular, newsletters I had a section where you could advertise your photography gear. It was a free service but it all became way too much with lots of people wanting to sell lots of gear. I still get many requests now so, after having a chat with Michael, I've decided to create a brand new avenue for your to sell your gear, look for new stuff or simply find information on something you are considering purchasing. Check out our new Facebook Group, Trekabout's Photography Swap Meet by clicking on the image below and hop on board. Share with your friends and get the group growing. The more members the better the opportunities that your special lens that you have yearned for will pop up at the right price. The more the merrier. Oh, and of course it is free. Cheers, Mark

Click here to join

Adobe Photoshop CC New Features

Adobe are constantly improving their products and, of course, for photographers the most relevant Adobe products are Photoshop Lightroom 5 and Photoshop CC.

The latest changes to Photoshop CC are very clever and for those that use the particular features, a great time saver.

Here is a link to the latest Adobe video outlining the new features. Of particular interest are the Shake Reduction, Perspective Warp,  and improvements to text and Smart Sharpening.

Check out the video below.

My next Post Processing Bootcamps in Brisbane and Melbourne are coming soon:

Brisbane 22 - 23 February 2014

Melbourne 1 -2 March 2014

Perspective Warp:

From this

To this

Just crop or fill in the blank area and your done.

Melbourne Post Processing and Workflow Bootcamps - Lightroom and Photoshop - New dates released

Post Processing and Workflow Bootcamp - Lightroom and Photoshop

MELBOURNE - New date released for 1-2 March 2014 Hi, I am pleased to announce  new dates for my Melbourne Post Processing Bootcamp. The Melbourne **workshop will be held over the weekend of 1st and 2nd March 2014 at Oakley South Pacific - Head Office in St Kilda. Like the Brisbane workshop numbers are limited to 10 people to ensure maximum learning opportunities. This workshop is designed for the beginner to fast track entry into the world of Lightroom and Photoshop, but still caters for the more experienced user wanting to hone their skills and learn new tips and tricks. Some comments from past participants: Chris Holland wrote: This was such a useful weekend... I'm still in mental overload, but excited about putting into practice so many of the ideas that I absorbed. Thanks to Mark and the rest of the group for making it all so worthwhile. There wasn't one unanswered question!! Anne Reid wrote: Was a great weekend, yes it was a great venue. Easy parking, close to shops and beach for the lunch time breather. Must mention the great teacher and the surprises we all received with some of the things we learnt. Heather Streatfield wrote: Am feeling especially inspired after my photography Bootcamp this weekend. Alarm set for 3.45am, it's time to drag this butt out of bed for a summer sunrise! Here is a rundown of what to expect over the weekend. Phototrek - 8:30am Saturday We will all be photographing together in the surrounding area and this shoot will provide most of the imagery for the weekend's processing tuition. You will be working from scratch on images from your own camera, far preferable than working on supplied images which may have totally different characteristics than your own. Morning Tea Session 1 This session covers the basics of Adobe Bridge and Camera Raw and de-mystifying the connections of both with Photoshop. Mark will show you how best to transfer your images to your computer and some convenient protocols for folder naming and storage. We will also look at the benefits of utilising Lightroom 4 and 5 for this process. 1:00pm Lunch (BYO or purchase nearby) will split session 1 Session 2 This session will cover image adjustment and enhancement in Camera Raw / LR4 - 5 and look at a number of techniques to speed up the post-processing workflow. We will look at the various adjustment modules and tools which will become the backbone of your image processing. Session 3 - 8:30am Sunday We will start to get into some of the new user friendly aspects of Photoshop and really begin to make a difference to our RAW files to produce images with that "Wow" factor. We'll look at the best way to set up your tool panels and optimise your workspace to suit your style and needs. You will explore the different tools available in Photoshop and how and when to use them. 10:30am Morning Tea Session 4 To help speed up the workflow process we will begin to incorporate plug-ins, presets, actions and scripts. As well as providing you with many ready to use presets, Mark will guide you through the process of creating your own actions to speed up processes that you find yourself doing more often. You'll learn how to create stunning, unique and interesting backgrounds for your "studio" portraits and much more. 1:00pm Lunch (BYO or purchase nearby) will split session 4 Session 5 By this session you will have a new understanding of presets, actions, scripts, plug-ins, batch processing, curves, layers, masks, resolution, filters and many more terms.This session will put your new found knowledge and skills to work and consolidate what you have learned into a smooth and efficient workflow. We will also look at the basics of some of the hot topics of digital photography such as HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama stitching and more. You will be provided wit actions, scripts and various plugins for use during the workshop. If you have any special or problem files you wish to work on please bring them along (time permitting). All the details can be found on the website  here -> Melbourne Price: $396.00 Hope you can make it along. Cheers, Mark Questions? Please give me a call on 0459 221678 or shoot me an email.