A photograph is made with the help of light. No light, no image. Sometimes we can use the ambient light only, but many times we have to add extra light. A simple flash can do miracles with your images when you use it correctly.

I met another wedding photographer the other day and we started talking about flashes. He asked me which brand I used and on my answer 'Metz' he told me I was 20 years behind since I did not use the nowadays popular nikon / canon flashes who do the work all alone.

His answer made me thinking: I don’t want a flash who thinks for himself. I want to think. If I let a computer decide what light to choose, I get average lightened pictures since the computers decision is based on averages. But I don’t want average lightning; I don’t want my images to be average, therefore I think, I decide and I create. Not a computer.

For those who want to have more then average lightning as well this workshop will be the answer. In 8 sessions we will discuss lightning: seeing the light and using it. Not TTL (through the lens) but through your eyes.

When: this autumn (8 sessions of 2 hours; no fixed dates)
Where: several locations in Zagreb

During the sessions we will discuss and practise the use of your flash as well the results of your assignments, since you have to and will practise a lot.

The price for the workshop is 2000kn, less then the average price of a flash, and maximum 5 people can participate.

If you’re interested, contact me: info@olafsiebert.com

I just found out that a photographer whoes work I admire is using our own Croatia's filmbrand Efke...

Yeah film. Duh, I thought film was dead? Well, it is not, it is alive and kicking :)

The photographer: Riccis Valladares

Vintage… a word related to winemaking… Well, wine is what I like but that is not the point here. Vintage is also used to describe something old yet very valuable.

Whereas our wedding photography is rather unique and unconventional for Croatia, it does not have to be ultra modern: we just strive to be different then our local colleagues. Therefore it is time to introduce a new photographic package:

the vintage way
Old yet valuable… we will capture your wedding in the old-fashioned way, resulting in a truly unique story. Partially photographed on film, partially digital with special equipment, we try to keep the usage of Photoshop to the minimum. Why? Just to give the photos the chance to focus on you, and just you.

No computer tricks resulting that your images look just as your friends… back to basic. The vintage way: the good old way. A unique way for those who dare, for those who want to stand out…

Sadly I found out that I don't have to time to create everyweek a portrait...

The projekt started nicely when it was off-wedding season, but now I simply don't manage and I have to stick with what I like doing most: photographing weddings...

So, back to weddings only!

I can not say enough that, to me, equipment does not matter. Sometimes I do get a question with what brand I photograph… It doesn't matter, it is not the camera which makes the picture, it is the photographer!

This said, lenses are important for the image, as well as flashlight. Recently I was photographing in a 'konoba' which was very dark. Well, I can assure you that I was very happy with my three portable flashes and one assistant to carry this all.

Click here for a photo

But to come back to the camera question, which brand do I use? I use several brands, several kind of cameras, both digital as film, and depending on the atmosphere, the light, the mood I pick a camera and make the images I want… like a painter takes his pencil…

And all what counts in the end, is the image…

On my other blog I wrote that normally I am not bothered with video guys from the competition.

I changed my mind.

During a recent wedding I photographed there was a local videographer. Although he proudly said he was doing 'this' already 15 years, some times he did not act like that.

The picture below is taken in the church (@ 24mm). I kneeled down in the aisle to take some photos and then he just came in front of me and took my viewpoint. Ok, things happen, although it was nicer to wait until I was finished.

Furthermore, you should not bend like this in a church when you're standing in front of everybody. Happily, he did not had his logo written right there.

My advice to this videographer is: kneel instead of bend and do take care of the other professionals who are working with you. And yes, your videocam has a zoom. You can use it, try it.

(Click here for a photo)

… the wedding season started!

After a long, long wintersleep, it is finally time for the new season. For the updates check out the wedding site and the wedding blog.

Engagement sessions are not yet very common in Croatia. We offer them since we love to photograph and happily our couples do enjoy them as well.

In a recent number of the Rangefinder Magazine, Florida photographer Riccis Valladares explained his vision about e-sessions in a great way.

Here is the article. Enjoy.

Last weekend I had an engagement session on our local mountain, Sljeme. We wanted to take some photos in the snow and probably it was our last chance this winter. It is actually quite funny to make pictures of a couple in love whilst others are skiing around you.

For me, it was a nice closure of the winter. I am ready now for springtime and lots of sun!

The images of the E-session will be shown on this blog next week together with a slideshow which will be shown on our new wedding site.

Next time when you go shopping and you think it might be too expensive, think of this:

"There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person's lawful prey.

John Ruskin, 1819 – 1900

Just food for thought...

I am a huge fan of rangefinder cameras (for those who do not know what is a rangefinder, think of Leica and there you have it): they are light, silent, quick and can do the (journalistic) job, although they are in Croatia quite rare.

This weekend I went to a blues concert and wanted to take some pictures, without disturbing anyone. Not with a flash, not with the noisy shutter. And I wanted to capture the atmosphere.

Of course a blues photo asks for a b/w print, or better a lith print. Here it is: Dana Gillespie in BP Club

Something old, something blue, Something borrowed, something new.

Why do we do what we do on a wedding day? The Canadian photostudio 'Red Leaf' made a summary on their 'Red Leaf' blog with the most common habits on your wedding day.

Curious? Take a look, and while you are there, check out their great images as well. They have really wonderful work in their own style.