1 Year of Slap! Photography
I can’t believe it’s already been a year for Slap! Photography. Time truly flies! This blogpost is mainly going to be a retrospect; a summation of my thoughts, experiences and opinions directly pertaining to my time as the sole shooter for Slap!
It’s been an exciting journey to say the least. Building connections, upselling myself and my business, upskilling in photographic techniques, finding new and interesting ways to challenge myself, surmounting personal hurdles. A bit of everything. But I’ve deeply enjoyed the challenges and hurdles that have arisen from every opportunity. What follows is a collection of my favourite shots from the year and a little bit about each; not only is Slap! Photography a platform to offer a service it is also one through which I am able to share my personal journey.
So, if you’ll indulge me; grab a beverage of your choice, kick off your shoes for a bit, relax into your favourite position or place, and have a peruse of some of the shots I’ve taken! It is my absolute pleasure to share them.
Can’t go wrong with a classic! I was able to attend the 2O23 RACQ Motorfest, which was a fantastic experience. Not only do I love capturing the beauty of vintage cars, I equally enjoy being able to talk to their owners and learn about their stories! This shot turned out perfectly and really has something about it compositionally and aesthetically.
Whilst getting out of my comfort zone and attending a group shoot; I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the talented model in this shot. We’ve worked together several times now and I’m consistently blown away by the quality of her work. This is definitely a favourite; emotion, dynamics, composition. Definitely proud of it and grateful for the experience.
Here’s another throw-it-at-the-wall shot. I happened across this fiery red Camaro in a mechanic’s yard and couldn’t resist. Definitely speaks to the value of being in the moment. Most of the shots from this roll turned out well if I say so myself, but this one is the red cherry on top.
Early on I found this sweet VW Bug while on a car-spotting cruise through the burbs of Brisbane. The moment was right, the light was right, everything just turned out so perfectly in my opinion. It’s still one of my favourite shots to this date and is inspiring to look back on to this day.
The first time I shot with a model was absolutely nerve-wracking. It was an amazing exercise though and I learned a great deal about many things that have served me well ever since. This was the best shot off that first roll in my opinion and is still one of my favourites!
Sometimes the shots you just gloss over in the moment, focus on and take then move on from, are some of the best. Despite the nature of film photography; there is a beauty and a simplicity in fluidity. This is one of my favourites and really emphasizes the tack sharpness of the Pentax 67 system. Featuring a gorgeous two-tone corvette.
This is a shot directly from the aforementioned group shoot. For me it is really indicative of what portrait photography is all about. If nothing else; it was my absolute pleasure in retrospect to be able to capture the skill of the model and the depth in her expression. Another shot that blows me away every time I study it.
These are but a few of the shots that really speak to me from throughout the year. For me, they all serve as a fantastic, visual reminder of just how far I’ve come. I’ve had the opportunity to work, communicate and collaborate with a lot of talented, passionate, skillful and straight-up interesting people as a result of my journey with Slap! I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences and I’m also proud of myself for committing to the challenge of setting up and running my own passion-led business!
If you made it this far into the article; thank you. I hope you have a wonderful day and that all your shots turn out exposed to perfection.
‘Til next time!