Easels in The Garden 2023. Wrap Up and Print Sale

Well, that’s the Greenwich Village Arts Trail done and dusted for another year. 

The Rain All Weekend weather wasn’t ideal for my Easels in the Gardens concept. So, on the Friday I adapted my show to a market stall on the front veranda. Visitors were down a bit because of the weather however there was a flurry of enthusiastic trailers once the clouds cleared. With not a lot of space on the front veranda it felt busier than ever….

There was lots of interest and sales including some of my new or recently released work. One lovely lady snapped up my slightly controversial – Nine Lives image developed as part of a series in 1998 using a 5x4 inch film camera. Picture below:

I still have a few billboards available including one MIX TAPE and one Agfamatic… featured on the front of my website.  The billboards are great value and a fantastic way to fill a wall with an enduring image. If you mention this page before 20th December 2023, I will sell the prints at the 30% off art trail pricing. 110 cm x 160 cm  $680 & 110cm x 110cm $500.

Above - Time lapse of some of the visitors over the weekend.

See you all next year if not before.

Welcome to Easels in The Garden 2023- The Greenwich Village Arts Trail

There’re only a few days to go before I open the front of my home studio for an indoor-outdoor photo exhibition. Following on from the amazing success of Billboards in the Garden,  this year there will be Easels in the Garden. As the exhibition developed, I couldn’t help myself from producing some more billboards for this year. So there will be various photos displayed on easels & billboards. First Weekend November 2023. 4 Mitchell St Greenwich NSW 2065

The images below are from my last exhibition.

This is all part of the Greenwich Village Arts Trail, featuring 24 Artists across the waterside suburb that can be accessed by Ferry, Train, Car, Bike and Bus. There will be a bus providing access for those not wanting to walk the whole trail and there are various coffee & food stops on the way.

All the artists can be found at https://greenwichvillageartstrail.com. I do have to mention a few including Amanda Harrison – Sculpture and a founding member of the trail.  Deb Callaway - Abstract artworks in ink.  New to the trail. Marianne Urth, Popular Abstract Marine Painting, Dana Dion, Beautiful home studio with  large format Paintings Imogen Bayliss-Smith Emerging artists with  Fine Pen Drawings. Robin Allan – Silver & Enamelled Jewellery who is across the road from my exhibition.

My most recent series ANALOGUE explores and amplifiers last century artefacts in a world that has shifted from the mesmerising mechanical to melancholy digital precision. The ANALOGUE series is a work in progress with several mayor pieces on display during the Greenwich Village Arts Trail. Earlier works from PHOTONAUTICAL, TWISTED & OUTBACK JUNKIE will also be featured.

All works will be for sale - cash & cards accepted. 4 Mitchell St Greenwich NSW 2065

What to do before your portrait session.

Preparation for Profile Portraits.

Here are a few tips to help prepare for the photo session with Crossfire Photography.

Clothingbring a selection of garments if you are unsure.

Clothing for your profile portrait should be smart casual. Something you’re comfortable wearing with friends or family at a social event is a good guide. You may wish to have several poses from more formal (work related) to more personal and approachable, if this is the case bring a few garments to choose from and we can go through what looks best at the time.

For Men a jacket with a mid-toned shirt works well for the work shots. Mid tone to dark toned shirts or a smart polo shirt work well for more social shots. Women, have a bit more flexibility, but you want to feel comfortable in something you know looks good i.e. a favourite outfit helps rather than something you don’t usually feel inclined to pull out of your wardrobe!

Whites, pastels, and busy patterns are best avoided, and clothing should be freshly ironed. Also, some geometric patterns (houndstooth for example) and thin stripes may not work well on camera and computer screens.

Makeup, Beards & Glasses.

The lighting is designed to get the most flattering image of you. For men a freshly cleaned face or a dab down with a tissue also works well. If you’re bearded and you trim it then time your trim so your beard is looking it’s best on the day. For the same reason natural, matte makeup will deliver the best result for women. If you wear glasses, give them a good clean with soapy water before the photo session and bring your second pair if you want variety.

Hair

Hair is one of the most important things to prepare for a good portrait. Freshly styled hair is best if possible. Make sure that it’s all brushed and neat around the edges. Bring a brush or comb with you in case it’s a windy day! For men a recent haircut and being freshly shaven. Retouching hair is complex, so it’s better to get it right before the photo is taken.

Smile

How do you like yourself when you’re smiling in a photo? Mouth shut or open, teeth or no teeth? Look at photos of yourself that you like and note how you were smiling. If you are worried maybe practice a little in front of a mirror or with selfies.

Now relax and show us your best side.

A lot of people know how they look on camera and what side of their face they prefer, so if you have a best side bring it to the camera. Finally, please treat the photo session as a bit of a micro break from work, this way you will look and feel more relaxed in your photos.                                                                                                

Copyright Crossfire Photography/ Simply Portraits Individual Profile Portraits 9.2023

You might have some questions ? Call us or email us for a quick reply.

Quick Look at Day Three Sail Port Stephens 2022

Thought I should get some of these up on the blog ASAP because Day 3 was a BLAST. Lots of good sailing breeze and an offshore course. What more could you ask for, If you have a boat in the regatta chances are I have a shots of it - email is best so I will update method of getting in touch shortly. Images are RAW so excuse the disorder.

Sail Port Stephen - A Flash Back to 2018

After all the recent Port Stephens Regatta photos I found myself in the archives. The 2018 offered sensational condition with clean waters and bit more breeze than the last series. Yacht “Showtime” featured in some of the shots lost their keel returning home from Hobart in 2020 - with dramatic consequences.

Sail Port Stephens - some images from Friday 23rd April 2021

I drove up from Sydney on Friday so just managed to capture a few shots of the mid divisions finishing up. I mainly followed a few Greenwich Flying Squadron boats around because I race against them during the GFS Twilights. I focussed on Passion X ( Check out http://3gwiz.com.au/passion_wp/) because David Edmiston & my Lisdillon often finish seconds apart. Well done - GFS Boats - Jackpot achieved first overall for their division.

Sail Port Stephens - Saturday 24th April 2021

Conditions were light for the Saturday 24th April Regatta even so Port Stephens delivered a spectacular day for the yachting spectator. These images are a shortlist of the short offshore course. Enjoy. Prints & use can be ordered, just contact me. All Images are Copyright Andrew Richardson / Crossfirephotography.com. Drone footage posted to you tube https://youtu.be/ZD_H1RUKc14.

Road Trip

One of the great things about a boy growing into young man is the 120 hours he has to spend with his parents behind the wheel. It’s a strange new perspective when a boy is responsible for the life of his parents - a reversal. But the best part for me, as a father, is the the Road Trip.

Another kind of professional photographer.

When I studied photography at College, I discovered that commercial photography covered anything from Architectural work, industrial imagery, automotive, scientific, aerial, micro, macro, marine, fashion, visual audits, online stores and much more. 

It is interesting that there are many other professionals that work day to day with cameras & lenses such as the Optometrist, Surveyor, Astronomer & even the Plumber.

Recently I have ventured out on a few assignments for pleasure, with a group of Radiologists / Astro photography enthusiasts. After our first adventure, I explained that they are true professional photographers working (and being paid) with incredible cameras and imaging equipment every day! 

In their free time, Ariel, James & others have decided to look to the sky on moonless nights, capturing the infinity that is the Milky Way. Here are a few shots I gathered on my outings with these adventurers who have inspired me to explore the night and all it has to offer.

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From The Archives

Twenty years of digital photography.

Today I stumbled across this image captured with my first professional digital camera which was a 1.5 mega pixel pre year 2000 Kodak DCS 200. The camera retailed for around $20,000 stored 50 photos before it had to be attached to a computer. With no LCD screen on the back, the only way to confirm that the photo had been captured was by the sound of disc writing to the cameras hard drive.

Late last Millenia the abandoned Rozelle power station was used as a secret performance space for young soprano Mark Da Silva.

Late last Millenia the abandoned Rozelle power station was used as a secret performance space for young soprano Mark Da Silva.

Oswald & Barcom Studios - Five Years Young

FIVE YEARS

Happy Fifth Birthday to Oswald & Barcom Studios

Our mentors - Oswald & Barcom - celebrate 5 years in the studio hire biz.

Our mentors - Oswald & Barcom - celebrate 5 years in the studio hire biz.

It only seems like yesterday when I decided to redesign the Crossfire Photography working studio into a multipurpose hire studio space. I am not big on marketing … actually, I still have the flyers in the office from five years ago and sooner or later I will get them out. So it is the regulars and word of mouth that have kept Oswald & Barcom alive. This year has been the busiest so far and we have seen more & more repeat bookings perhaps we are doing something right?

Oswald & Barcom has worked as a Stills Studio, Video Studio, Gallery Space, Life Drawing Space, Meeting Space, Offsite Space, Popup Gallery / Shop, Party Venue & Glamour Studio

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Although I can’t mention everyone - I would like to thank some of the regulars.

  • Artful Hens

  • Ascraft & Cloth Julie

  • Brightworks

  • Cath & all the other Instagrammers

  • Chris Cuffaro / USA

  • Crossfire Photography clients.

  • Lees Models

  • F45 Training

  • Frida LasVegas

  • Glen Gante

  • Main Course Films

  • Mikella / renaissance-magazine.com

  • The Australian Museum

  • The Creative Foundry

  • The late - Martyn Cook

  • The Melbourne Photographers

  • Richard Hedger Photographer

  • Stephen Stewart Photography

  • Sue Robbins Photography

  • Vintage Luggage Company

  • WOW Retail Advertising

Finally, I have to thank http://www.creativespaces.net.au for making us more visible  I love the site and it is not for profit but so useful for anyone looking for a creative space.

To celebrate our birthday we have treated the studios to a few upgrades including

  • Upgraded furnishing in Cyclorama Studio

  • More Rugs on Cyclorama Studio

  • In addition to Cyclorama, there is now a shooting wall — with an edge for room set looks.

  • Improved Sound Deadening for Video / Audio

  • Updated Gallery in Lounge Studio.

  • Swedish built Profoto strobes come standard with a hire.

  • LED Continuous Lighting now available in house for Video Work

  • New chargers & Connectors - for newer Macs & I Phones

  • Upgraded Stereo System in Lounge Studio

  • Coffee Machines now in both studios.

  • New light stands plus a Video Tripod with Dolly.

  • Coffee Machines - now in both studios.

All this with the same low-stress approach to studio hire so you can continue to Make Your Ideas Happen at Oswald & Barcom Studios. Cheers From Andrew Richardson Mbl 0408 284 256 www.oswaldbarcom@ozemail.com

Shock Election Result - Shocking Candidate Photos

It never ceases to amaze me that a political candidate will recruit a team, including family and ask them to devote hours handing out flyers and banners with material featuring below standard portraits of the candidate. The portrait is often the only thing the voter knows about the candidate - so why do candidates short change themselves ?

I am not going to show the worst pictures from my local electorate but I did wander around Wentworth (In Sydney) where the some of the portraits were still below what I feel should be acceptable for a political campaign photo.

Poor lighting in the top image versus the overuse of photoshop in the lower photo - neither are good.

Poor lighting in the top image versus the overuse of photoshop in the lower photo - neither are good.

I have photographed Dr Kerryn Phelps before (quite a few years ago) and here I feel that she might have been mesmerised by the outcomes of photoshops smoothing tools. A little more restrain in post production might have improved the integrity of thi…

I have photographed Dr Kerryn Phelps before (quite a few years ago) and here I feel that she might have been mesmerised by the outcomes of photoshops smoothing tools. A little more restrain in post production might have improved the integrity of this image.

Dave Sharma’s grey and underexposed photo was captured in the shade without a lot of attention to hair.

Dave Sharma’s grey and underexposed photo was captured in the shade without a lot of attention to hair.

I think the Liberal Candidate - Dave Sharma should have had the funds to pay for an assistant with a reflector or even a fill flash. His photo was all over the Eastern Suburbs but looked flat and unflattering compared to other candidates in the electorate.

How simple is it to spend half an hour in front of a camera with a professional obtaining images that put you and your team in their best light?

Tim Murry - probably didn’t have a big chance in the blue ribbon Liberal seat of Wentworth but he entered the game with a confidence building photo.

Tim Murry - probably didn’t have a big chance in the blue ribbon Liberal seat of Wentworth but he entered the game with a confidence building photo.

A good portrait is confidence building

Dr Mehreen Faruqi’s photos featured quality lighting and an built environment backdrop.

Dr Mehreen Faruqi’s photos featured quality lighting and an built environment backdrop.

A little while ago a local council members who was in opposition bought her whole team over for a one hour photo session and in that hour we produced enough material for her to run posters for almost ten years needless to say she is now the Mayor.

So - if your running for office or any kind of office. If your planning on putting your face out there. Take the time to have a professional portrait - in studio or on location - with Crossfire Photography.


Amazon Photography

Amazon Product Photography

Lately Crossfire Photography had a lot more and more requests for Amazon Product Photography. The good news is that we are set & ready to deliver photos to the Amazon Specifications while you wait. Whether it’s a garment, sporting goods, lifestyle product or anything in the big wide world of Amazon Crossfire can help you win over the competition for very little cost. 

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Our Amazon Photos have a clear background and show the product in series of up to 10 images

Our Amazon Photos have a clear background and show the product in series of up to 10 images

Getting you product online through Crossfire Photography is so simple that it often takes about as much time as getting a haircut or less ! Most of the time consuming work is in the post prouduction studio where we will tweak your product photos so they are optimised within the Amazon Photo Specifications.

 Why not contact us and then drop by with the product for an obligation free run through. To make it easy we have off street parking and level access access to the studio via our loading dock. Simply roll or walk your product in and then we will show you how to beat your competitors with a professional Amazon product photography set.

What does it cost? Our pricing is so competitive we can’t put it online – so call 0408 284 256 now.

 Before you come along - here are a couple of tips for your Amazon product photos.

 Product Colours

Amazon product photos are on a clear white background – so if you have a slection of product colours you are better photographing mid coloured ones that will bounce out of  the background.

Detail & Styling 

People love detail – so before you bring in your products think about how your product stands out from your competitors so that we can capture all of it’s special qualities.

 Garments & Flat Lays

Garments – smaller sized garments photograph better as flat lays. So when bringing garments for flat lay – bring smalls and /or mediums stock and try to keep them all the same size.

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Not quite as fun as the last number ...

Last wave Burleigh Heads 2017

Last wave Burleigh Heads 2017

Neil - testing the product ...

Neil - testing the product ...

And then Chris joins in ...

And then Chris joins in ...

Tug Boats ... Sydney harbour

Tug Boats ... Sydney harbour

Anyone got the time?

Anyone got the time?

Water of Life. Akvavit or aquavit is a flavoured spirit that is principally produced in Scandinavia, where it has been produced since the 15th century. Akvavit gets its distinctive flavour from spices and herbs, and the main spice should be caraway …

Water of Life. Akvavit or aquavit is a flavoured spirit that is principally produced in Scandinavia, where it has been produced since the 15th century. Akvavit gets its distinctive flavour from spices and herbs, and the main spice should be caraway or dill.

These guys look a little bit too tidy to be shoveling dirt at the end of the day #benross

These guys look a little bit too tidy to be shoveling dirt at the end of the day #benross

Boots off

Boots off

Better have a VB with Harvey.

Better have a VB with Harvey.

Blog By Numbers

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Dagmas Surprise 80th - a few months ago at Old Curragundi Willow Tree

Dagmas Surprise 80th - a few months ago at Old Curragundi Willow Tree

This is the first entry of my blog by numbers.

Crossfire Photography has been around for many years and I use a 4 digit code to identify each image I produce. For example - If I did a product shoot today each image would be described as CLIENTSNAMEXXXX.

I ask all my clients to try an keep the four digit code on the file - even if they want to rename the image - this means that I can access an image from a the archives in very little time and as far back as 1996. It reduces the search from one in a million to one in fifty.

Nowadays - I will do an image number search and I am suddenly having a trip down memory lane - with photos that would otherwise have been left on the cutting room floor forever.

If anyone is interested ... I am happy to search a number requested through the comments section.

So here is my first entry of my Blog By Numbers ... the number - chosen by my lovely Wife Monique without her knowing why I was asking for a random number  -  0357 .

There are many more 0357's but --- I will save them till next time that number comes up.

Captured Lower Hunter Valley during a Outbackjuncky Recce 2015

Captured Lower Hunter Valley during a Outbackjuncky Recce 2015

Colin Buchanan - Always the Larrikin

Colin Buchanan - Always the Larrikin

One Night In Paris 2012

One Night In Paris 2012

Whats in the box ... image before retouching,

Whats in the box ... image before retouching,

A day in someones office.

A day in someones office.

Winter Sailing 7/6/2015

Winter Sailing 7/6/2015

Matt Ballin - NRL Footballer - looking relaxed in his role as male model.

Matt Ballin - NRL Footballer - looking relaxed in his role as male model.

Who is this man?

Who is this man?