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Update & Latest Work

Sorry for being a bit quiet lately, but I've had some good excuses.

First of all, I've been working on 2 commercial projects which hopefully I will be able to share with you very soon.

Then there was the shoot for Roxy with finely dressed ladies, a pool and cocktails.....ok not so much an excuse as a brag.

Lastly I've been working on a major update of my portfolio both online and in print, with a web upgrade and completely new blog......stay tuned.

For now, have a look at this fun model test I had last week for my friends at Fashion Model Academy. View the whole series here:

3 of My (current) Favourite Things

For fellow photogs out there, here are 3 things I'm digging lately:

• Dropbox (www.dropbox.com) Being able to upload files by syncing a drive on the computer is awesome, and probably the best way I've found so far to deliver images online. You can share folders using a unique email link for each folder, and your recipient can download them, saves heaps of time.
• Billings 3 (www.marketcircle.com/billings) I've just started using the program Billings for all my accounting, and so far I've found it to be AMAZING. You can use a timer for tasks to accurately track your work in progress, enter activity slips for each client, then raise a bill when you want to. The reports module ties everything all together, and if that wasn't enough, you can sync it with your iPhone for when you are on location. So much easier and more relative for creatives than MYOB. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I got mine from the Apple store for $69AUD!
• My custom made lighting case. I used a Stanley "Fat Max" giant toolbox, removed the inside molded compartments, lined it with molded foam and now have a watertight case to house 3 strobe heads, all the cables and attachments. It's key lockable, and my foam lining ensures nothing moves out of place and can be flipped upside down without disturbing anything. I've attached some iPhone pics, check it out.

Babysitting

Had my nephew over today for a visit. We were sitting on the porch and I grabbed the camera. Such an animated little guy. Well, this is what happens when I'm left to babysit.

The Gold IP Project

Last year I got to work on a series of shots for Gold IP, a brand leader in the intellectual property (IP) legal industry.  Amongst other specialist work in technology, media, and sports law,  they are also the go-to guys in protecting creations by inventors, artists across all mediums, writers and anyone that has made something that needs to be protected as far as copyright.
The images were intended for print, display and web campaigns, and I was honored to be involved as they obviously have a number of creatives on their books nationally.
During the creative meeting I was impressed by their dedication to have all original works and not go near stock images at all. Another thing that was fantastic was them giving me the time and financial budget in order to produce the final images.
I had just read Annie Leibovitz' latest book "At Work" and was really inspired by her black and white portraits and the tonal depth she is renowned for, and used that inspiration for this project, all the way from the initial drawing of the mood boards to the final processing.
Check out the Gold IP website here.

Spilling the Beans - the Commercial Application of Lightpainting

Ok a lot of people have written me asking how these shots were done, and since there really are no secrets any more, only creativity, I'm gonna tell you. Interested? Keep reading.
These were shot with a flashlight. That's right, a humble flashlight was the only lightsource.
Lightpainting gets used a lot for fun. You see it all over, long exposures with people experimenting with different flashlights and LEDs writing funky little messages into the picture. "Hi Mom", whatever, It's cool.
This print campaign I shot last year used the same technique, only in reverse. I shone the light onto the product and the reflection beamed back through the lens and burned the image.
Here's why; We had a problem, how do you evenly light a highly reflective product that ranges from a few feet to up to 6 meters in length? Solution: paint the inside of a hanger black, walls, floors, everything. Block all the ambient light from the roof etc, and using up to 4 minute exposures "paint" the product with a flashlight using long even strokes.  Over a day and a half we shot in the dark and the result is what you see pictured.
The equipment/staff list for this shoot is pretty unique:

• One factory/hangar 
• A crapload of black paint
• A way to get black paint on walls and floors quickly
• A forklift
• 3 product specialists to set up/take down the product
• 1 assistant cataloging the products we were shooting
• A flashlight
• Canon 1DsMkIII
• Canon 17 - 40 F4L

Assistant Wanted

Due to my regular assistant not being available over a couple of shoots, I am seeking an assistant (s) for some upcoming projects.
The position is paid on either a full day/half day basis.

Successful applicants will have:

• Enthusiasm for all things creative
• Ability to display initiative and work unsupervised
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• An outgoing and friendly demeanor and be well presented
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• A degree of physical fitness and ability to lift equipment

Also preferred but not essential are the following:

• Basic knowledge of photography
• Basic understanding of lighting
• Basic understanding of electronic equipment
• Basic knowledge of Photoshop, Aperture or Lightroom

Applications in writing to info@kennysmithphotography.com