What makes up a modern day photographer?

Holga Trial-1, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Especially when "turning pro" is something I have been toying in my mind more so in the last month. I've been inspired by the people around me and following quite a few good photographers on Facebook. Sparks have been flying in my head when it comes to marketing, business plans, web design, branding etc, etc... some things that excite me and caused a few nostalgic veins to tingle.

So what really makes up a modern day photographer? With the advent of modern day technology and the information age. How as this "diluted" the once exclusive trade? Being a consultant during my "office hours", it is often an occupational hazard to try and "analyse" this and to do a proper feasibility assessment on my decision. So the first thing that has been lingering in my head is regarding what makes up this photographer that we know these days? And I am not talking about the truly famous ones. I am talking about the part-time students, the stay-home mums, the wannabe IT geeks. How did they "turned-pro"?

First up let's look at my guesses of key characteristics. By percentages?"

20% Good gear
30% Creative eye to see and set the frame
10% Post production creativity
10% Charisma and knowledge on how the "work" the subject
10% Technical knowledge on gear and light
20% Guts & commitment to chase a dream and stick to it!

Are the ratings right?

Great Brisbane Flood Jan 2011

Great Brisbane Flood Jan 2011-7, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

I couldn't resist on the 12th of Jan 2011 when the Brisbane was about to meet of have already met one of its worse flood in 35 years to get out with my camera to take the event. We were told to stay at home where possible, and not add to the load of the traffic and may accidentally become a victim that need saving. But I wanted/needed to try out my journalistic photography instincts and decided to come out to the safest possible site to take some photos.

Even at a relatively "safe" edge of the flood, you can already see the devastation this flood is causing. Many ask, "seeing this what do you feel?" To me honest, I haven't felt the enormity and emotions of it yet. Maybe because I live quite far from "ground zero" but I am sure it will hit over the next few weeks the gravity of the situation. I will be a dilemma to take photos or not. But I hope that I can capture this historical event, its emotions and heroics as they unfold.

HDR Photography

LC Xmas Meeting 2010-1, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

Finally, one of the rarer few photos I am proud of. Took this at a company conference at Port Stephens. I wanted to do a HDR on it. I've stocked up quite a few HDR photos but haven't tried doing one until now. Finally got around getting a software recommended by Ben called Dynamic-Photo HDR 4.7 and it's awesome!

I am a bit worried about the quality when blown up though. My boss wants to blow it up and put it in the office. Hopefully it works. I took the 3 shots freehanded so there may be some blurness when zoomed in.

Anyway, more HDR to come!

Cleaning the 7D sensor...

Taken at Port Stephens, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

... It's like performing open heart surgery!! I got some cheapo swabs from Hong Kong and tried my first had at cleaning the sensor. What a nerve wrecking job. I basically moved the dust around. The liquid on the swab left marks and I had to use something else to clean it. The sensor is still not entirely good yet. I think I'll have to go the digital camera warehouse soon to get the proper sensor cleaning kit with fitting swabs and better liquid to clean it with. Sigh...

BTW, the blower method of cleaning the sensor don't really work if you had stubborn dust... not even the rocket :(

Peter & Melissa's Photo Shoot

Peter & Melissa, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

2 Months back I got an opportunity to help out a friend and photography mentor to be his assistant and second photographer. My first paid gig! I was excited but also nervous at the same time. I don't think I've got the skills yet, but I went and helped anyway. Holding a reflector or diffuser can't be that hard ;)

Anyway, I got back my RAW photos and looked at it on the screen for the first time. 300+ shots of my own and only 1 is "somewhat" ok to keep. I was a little disappointed. Although I have to remind myself that I'm there to learn and that he has taken all the directed and official shots. I was supposed to take interactions. But even those seemed bad :(

I am very keen to see how Chi's photos turned out and what the end product is. Hopefully at least 1 or 2 of mine gets into the delivered stuff...

What did I learn that day? I learnt to use a reflector, a diffuser and off camera flash. I know that these are basics, but at least I get to practice it on that day. Also confirmed that the hardest part of the gig is not technique but the ability to engage with the client and get the right poses that brings out the best in them without it looking too posed or fake. Chi was pretty good at directing.

I guess there is only one way to improve, and that is through practice... Anyone care to be my guinea pig subjects? :P

Taking lots of photos...

Harrison - Kyla - Kaelynn's 1st Birthday-12, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

I've had a holiday back in Singapore and over the past month I have had a great time taking photos. Let's see... I took:

1. Mikaela's 2nd Birthday
2. Desmond's Bachelor party
3. Desmond's pre-wedding outdoor shoot
4. Desmond's wedding
5. Callum's 1st Birthday
6. Chi's job to do a couple's outdoor shoot (First paid gig!!)
7. Harry, Kyla and Kaelynn's 1st Birthday

Wow 7 great photography treats! Hence the photo :P

I learnt heaps and will try to post learnings so I don't forget them soon.

Panasonic Lumix GF1

Desmond and Estella's Party-47, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

Tried out Desmond's micro four thirds camera at his wedding bachelor and hens night party at Singapore Power House - Dragonfly. I initially wanted to bring all my gear to try out concert photography but was convinced not to as it's too bulky :-P

Good thing too. Got to try out a new camera. The series wasn't that bad. ISO suffered a bit. Although the camera can go to 3200, 1600 is the max I would go at it. Also without a flashgun, I felt a little handicapped. I used the built in flash in some occasions.