How Much ?

Yesterday my son’s friend Tommy was over and we were chatting about business and all kinds of other things, when he asked how much does a photo sell for? I explained that I was usually paid for assignments but some photographers sell their works as fine art and can get paid incredibly well.

I gave Tommy the example of the famous “99 Cent II Diptychon” made by Andreas Gursky in 2001

“99 Cent II Diptychon” made by Andreas Gursky in 2001

Quoting Wikipedia “The work became famous as being the most expensive photograph in the world when it was auctioned at Sotheby's on February 7, 2007, for a price of US$3.34 million. Another auction in New York in May 2006 fetched $2.25 million for a second print, and a third print sold for $2.48 million in November 2006 at a New York gallery.[4] These would be the fourth and sixth-most costly photographs sold, as of 2011. On May 12, 2011, Cindy Sherman's Untitled #96 from 1981 was sold for $3.89 million.”

I digress…

Yesterday I noticed the announcement of the winner of the “The 2024 Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA)” The Grand Prize ($200,000 USD) went to Liping Cao, China for his photo “Quiet Power” - shown below.

“Quiet Power” By Liping Cao - Lake George

Firstly, congratulations to Liping Cao for creating such a stunning image that embodies the theme of renewable energy. As I examined the photo, I thought hmm I know that location. Yes ! That’s near the Lake George rest area as you head to Canberra. The photo even features the road safety rails in the foreground.

In fact. I have had an image that I captured from the same location in 2017 on my website and that image has been for sale at “The Art Trail” since 2017. Photo Below.

My clouds are not as dramatic as Liping’s - which might explain why, so far no bites.

The Hills Are Alive P1120198 By Andrew Richardson 2017-07-08 12:41:46 Asking price $199,999 USD


So How Much ? At $199,999 USD could I be asking a little bit too much.

Easels In The Garden - Andrew Richardson - Greenwich Village Arts Trail 2024

Background

Greenwich is a peninsular village not far from North Sydney and just across the water from Balmain. It has been a popular place for creatives due to the strange combination of seclusion and proximity to the city.  

Around twenty years ago several Greenwich artists had a show at the local sailing club and following from there as more artists got involved the event morphed into the Greenwich Village Arts Trail.

This year on the first weekend of November around 30 Artists will open their home studios with works that cover the full spectrum, from Painting and Sculpture to Jewellery and Photography. Many of the original artist including Lyn Burns, Amanda Harrison, MaryAnne Parry and Susan Rothwell (Chairman of the National Art School) are still exhibiting. There are many emerging artists including Deb Callaway, Lyn Barling and Marianne Urth.

With so many involved it is too hard to list everyone.

“The GVAT has now grown to attract around 1000 art-loving visitors from all over Sydney and beyond. Set as the first weekend of November, the streets of the beautiful harbourside suburb fill with art-lovers who meet with friends, walk in groups, and view art in over 30 sites, speaking with the artists, learning about the creative processes, and purchasing fabulous artworks to take home to enrich their homes and lives.”

About Andrew Richardson / Mitchell St Greenwich.

I am a commercial photographer and established Crossfire Photography’s Darlinghurst studios in the 1990’s. More recently, the globalisation of editorial content has not only created a homogonous stream of content it has also reduced creative assignments for many local photographers.

Surprisingly, the art trail has become a way to find an audience for personal creative projects, so it has become a genuine inspiration and had led to new ideas. I first opened my garage up for the trail in 2016 and by the end of the weekend around six hundred people had wandered through and purchased work from my tiny space.

During Covid I decided to exhibit outdoors with  “Billboards In the Garden” which was a great success, so I have continued with the large scale theme. I have several series that I work on including the Analogue Series, Marine Series, Staircase Series and Postcards from Another place. I can elaborate on each of these series during our chat if you want.

This year I visited Barcelona and covered the Americas Cup from the official photo boat so have some very strong new marine works from that event and I have also continued to develop my Analogue series and Postcard Series.

My exhibit on Mitchell St Greenwich is a stone’s throw from several other intriguing artists including Robin Allan who produces unique ceramic jewellery and Susan Rothwell who has an amazing collection displayed from her harbourside studio.

Other artists of note in the area include Amanda Harrison (Sculpture), Dana Dion (Abstract Painting),  Aura Parker (Author & Illustrator of children’s books), David Markel (Woodwork) and Imogen Baylis-Smith (Fine Pen Drawings).

There are various local cafes open, a trail shuttle bus and a local baths if you feel like a dip midway through your adventures.

More details at.

https://greenwichvillageartstrail.com

Instagram

@Greenwich_village_Arts_Trail

Afternoon Walk

OK - It has been a while between blog entries but I am going to try to change that…but does anyone really read blogs anymore. The other day I went to the BANK and noticed the newly renovated BRANCH had this shot filling the wall. I recognised it as a view from my daily walk. So let todays afternoon walk pictures speak for themselves.

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.

Clothing – bring 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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P1340295_Solstice_MR_Crossfire Photography.jpg

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.