Canon Australia Community

Check out the People’s Choice winner of the latest Canon EOS 1wall, Humans in liquid

carolineb — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:10:00 GMT

THE BRIEF, THE JUDGE:

Drawing from his expertise as a pro surf photographer, EOS 1wall judge Nate Smith set the brief as ‘Humans in Liquid’. With water posing infinite challenges to photographers, Smith wanted to see something fresh, technically correct and full of feeling. The brief was open to interpretation and could be anything from a surf shoot, kids playing in the spray or a kayak going over a 50 foot waterfall, just as long as it included humans and water.

THE WINNER:

Creating a priceless family memento, EOS 1wall photographer Maria Noonan won the hearts and votes of the World of EOS community with her photo titled ‘Flying High’. The photo is of her son in the water throwing her granddaughter up into the air.

Describing her passion of photography Noonan said, "I am married with four grown children. I can't sing, dance, paint, draw or play a musical instrument but photography has allowed me to become creative and it all started with the purchase of a Canon 350D in November 2006. Digital made it all so much easier and I could edit the images and make them exactly what I wanted them to be in the digital dark room. A given subject will either make you go looking for something to shoot or create an image in your head of something you must put together to shoot. It's always amazing when an idea in your head comes to life.

I have updated my camera along the way and now shoot with a 7D and 60D and have five Canon lenses and a few flashes. I like shooting a bit of everything so don't specialise in any type of photography. I don't think I will ever tire of it."

The tech specs of this special shot are:

Camera: Other

Aperture: F/5.6

Exposure: 1/500

ISO: 400

Check out the Judge’s Choice winner of the latest Canon EOS 1wall, Humans in Liquid

carolineb — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:58:00 GMT

THE BRIEF, THE JUDGE:

THE WINNER:

Capturing the judge’s attention, EOS 1wall photographer Joel McAskill’s Humans in Liquid photo sees him traversing the depths of the ocean getting up close and personal to a surfer catching a break.

Smith said of his choice, “When I first saw this image it immediately stood out from all the others and being a surf photographer I was very impressed knowing how hard it is to achieve an image like this. The colours, composition, silhouette effect, clarity and technicality have all worked well here.”

Describing what inspires him McAskill said, "To me I see everything as if I was looking through a viewfinder. Photography is everything to me and although only just having turned 19, it is something I can never see myself getting tired of. My main passion for a while now has been shooting around the beach whether it be in or out of the water and just the whole surf lifestyle really.”

The tech specs of this special shot are:

Camera: Canon EOS

Aperture: F/8

Exposure: 1/1000

ISO: 200

Canon Island Blogger Profile: Brooke Vs The World

carolineb — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:12:00 GMT

Our second Canon Island Blogger star is the lovely Brooke from popular lifestyle blog Brooke vs. The World. Her blog began with the idea and a passion to explore the world, and has now evolved into the story of her life for the past 5 years.

Since most of her work involves travel, Brooke believes finding inspiration is never hard - and there is a world of possibility to write about. Here’s what she had to say when asked for her top tips:

Top tips for capturing the perfect image?Shoot often and shoot from many different angles. Don't be afraid to try new settings!

Photography inspiration? Anything on my travels that tells a story later on. A street scene to remember where I walked; a food photo to remember what I ate. I am naturally drawn to colors, and street graffiti is a must.

Blog inspiration? It's a personal journey - both literally and figuratively and it all began with the idea and passion to explore the world.”

Favourite feature of the PowerShot SX 40 HS? The combination of both manual and auto settings on this camera, as well as the "color picker" photo setting allowing you to hone in on one colour or range. The flip-out screen is also extremely useful!

Make sure you visit her blog and don't forget to support Brooke to put her in the running to win a trip to Canon Island in March, make sure you vote – click here now!

ROUND 1

ROUND 2:

ROUND 3:

Jane Waters is the latest winner of EOS Photochains Hero Chain with her new link, PATTERN

carolineb — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:44:00 GMT

THE INSPIRATION:

Jane was inspired by a small but delicate dandelion head she picked up on a walk one afternoon. Holding the dandelion to the light as the sun set on the horizon gave Jane the idea for capturing these two simple yet powerful objects with her camera.

THE LINK:

Joanna chose PATTERN as the next link in the Canon EOS Photochains competition because of the symmetrical arrangement of the seeds. In addition to this, Jane was conscious of providing a link which would also inspire creativity from fellow photographers, just as other previous entries did for so for her.

THE WINNER:

When it comes to photography, Jane sees herself as merely an enthusiastic hobbyist. Having followed the Photochain competition for several months now, she has continued to be inspired by the Hero Chain entries and wishes the best of luck to everyone looking to take the crown for the next winning link

With PATTERN claiming the title as the first winning link of 2012, this year looks to be better than ever for Photochains enthusiasts - make sure you have a go and enter for your chance to win!

Canon Island Blogger Profile: Be A Fun Mum

carolineb — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:20:00 GMT

Round 2 entry: Urban Island

Round 1 entry: A desert Island

Meet Kelly Burstow: this popular mum blogger is currently tying in first place for the Canon Island Blogger Competition and is the creative brains behind Be A Fun Mum, a blog which is all about reclaiming the joy of motherhood. We had a quick chat to find out a bit more about Kelly and what makes her tick when it comes to the photography world.

Top tips for capturing the perfect image? Look at light, background, angles - then you just feel it. Click.

Photography inspiration? Capturing emotion.

Blog inspiration? A love of words, a desire for connection and the belief in giving.

Favourite feature of the PowerShot SX 40 HS? The tilting LCD screen which makes it easy to take those hard to get shots. And the zoom capability is mind blowing.

Check out Kelly’s amazing entries here and if you’ve got a sec, her blog is worth a visit: http://beafunmum.com/
If you want to support Kelly and send her on a trip to Canon Island in March, click here to vote now!

Joanna Pitwood is the latest winner of EOS Photochains Hero Chain with her new link, LOW LIGHT

carolineb — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:15:00 GMT

THE INSPIRATION:

This year, Joanna was separated from her partner while he was away completing his University studies. Upon his return, the couple went on a romantic dinner to celebrate their reunion. As a romantic low light filled the restaurant, the mood was perfect, inspiring Joanna to capture the moment and keep the memory forever.

THE LINK:

Joanna chose LOW LIGHT as the next link because of the intrigue it creates. Joanna has always been fascinated by the way in which the light falls on subjects she is photographing, and believes it can be the key factor which can make an ordinary photo something sensational.

THE WINNER:

When it comes to her photography skills, Joanna sees herself as an inspired amateur. Although she is a full-time nurse, she has a strong passion for taking photos and would love to give it all up to pursue her interest more seriously one day. For her winning entry, Joanna is now the proud owner of an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit, valued at $1,099. In terms of her photography life, Joanna lives by the mantra of pushing the boundaries when it comes to taking photos – “Don’t hold back or be afraid to freeze out in the cold to get the perfect shot.”

With LOW LIGHT claiming the crown as the last link for 2011, what’s your prediction for the first link of 2012?

Check out the winning Canon EOS Inspires Judge’s and People’s Choice Award photos!

carolineb — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:17:00 GMT

Over the past month we’ve had over 3,000 entries in our Canon EOS Inspires competition. It has been brilliant to see such a wealth of talent with so many inspiring entries. We Australians truly are a creative bunch.

In its second year and as an extension of Canon’s EOS Photo5 competition, Canon’s EOS Inspires provided an exclusive opportunity for Sunrise viewers to take part and get creative. It was open to photographers of all skills and levels; the only rule is entrants had to include an umbrella in their entry photo.

The Judge's Choice Award chosen by Aquabumps photographer Eugene Tan, went to the above image, titled ‘Drifting in the Dust’ and captioned, ‘Nevada's Burning Man Festival holds little pieces of awesomeness around every corner. Amongst the dust and make shift camps, a man is determined to drift.’ The Judge’s Choice winner took home a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Premium Kit, valued at $4299.

Tan said the decision wasn’t easy but ultimately he chose this entry for the following reasons (in his words):

- Captures the moment - mid-air, makes it interesting and dynamic
- Composition is good with some unusual shapes. I quite like the large area of sky as it makes me focus on the action below
- The umbrella is a beat up old thing - I liked that too - interesting choice - bit risky

The People's Choice Award went to the below image titled ‘Bella Umbrella’ which showed ‘Beautiful Bella dancing with her umbrella’. The People’s Choice winner also took home a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Premium Kit.

Melissa Popov is the latest winner of EOS Photochains Hero Chain with her new link, ARCH

carolineb — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:55:00 GMT

THE INSPIRATION:

Melissa was inspired by her travels through Venice in the Piazza San Marco where she saw performers magnificently dressed in intricate costumes during Carnevale di Venezia. The beautifully adorned performers had drawn quite a crowd as they communicated silently to each other in a mysterious and captivating performance.

THE LINK:

Melissa chose ARCH as the next link in the hope that it inspires a new wave of images that exemplify architecture photography. Through the ARCH motif, Melissa hopes to give people the opportunity to capture images of structures which inspire and captivate them.

THE WINNER:

Keeping your camera on hand is Melissa’s advice for capturing the perfect shot. “You never know when a situation may present itself and you will be kicking yourself if you are not prepared,” she says. Melissa, who is now the proud owner of an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit, valued at $1,099, lives by the mantra of trial and error when it comes to photography. “If one shot doesn’t work, then I keep changing bits and pieces until I can achieve the perfect shot,” she says.

With ARCH as the new link, you now have the chance to win just like Melissa so make sure you enter the new hero-chain challenge. Entries close Wednesday 14^th December, so take the challenge and start shooting!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s the chance to win a once in a lifetime trip to Canon Island

carolineb — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:10:00 GMT

View the video here: Win an Amazing adventure to Canon Island Instantly

Canon recently announced its much anticipated Christmas campaign – yes Christmas has well and truly come early!

Spend more than $90 or more on any Canon products from now until 16 January 2012 to be in with a chance of winning. All you need to do is enter yourself into the prize draw and you and a guest could win a VIP trip to a mysterious Australian Island, which includes:

An all-expenses paid THREE day adventure
AND the chance to explore an Underwater Paradise, Carnivale Circus and Arabian Nights

This exclusive promotion is only available in-store at Australian and New Zealand local authorised Canon retailers or by visiting the Canon Store online

For more information, click here.

Leonardo Tarjadi is the latest winner of EOS Photochains Hero Chain with his new link, Masquerade Mask.

carolineb — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:35:00 GMT

THE INSPIRATION:

Leonardo was inspired by the snoot lighting technique. Using his Canon 60D and a homemade cereal box to create the snoot, Leonardo attached it to his Canon Speedlite 430EX II and started practicing. The Masquerade Mask was then incorporated to add a glamorous yet mysterious feel to the shot which he hoped would leave viewers intrigued as to who was behind the beautiful mask.

THE LINK:

Leonardo believes the masquerade mask creates a sense of intrigue to the shot, but also a strong enough impact to act as the next theme in the series of the EOS Photochain Hero Chain Competition.

THE WINNER:

Leonardo's innovative use of lighting to capture a sense of mystery saw his image selected as the winning entry. Describing himself as an enthusiastic and persistent photographer who works hard to get the image he has in mind, Leonardo believes persistence is key to the art of photography. “Keep shooting and practice. Don't be afraid to try new things,” he says. Leonardo is now the proud owner of an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit, valued at $1,099. Masquerade Mask is now the new link, so for your chance to win just like Leonardo, make sure you enter the new hero-chain challenge. Entries close Wednesday 23 November, so challenge yourself and start shooting!

The latest win for the EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge!

Emma — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:36:00 GMT

Congratulations to Cormack, winner of the latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge, ‘lights’.

We love how extraordinary this winning image is - capturing the concept of ‘light’ in an original and creative way.

Cormack is now the proud owner of an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit valued at RRP $1,099.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, and want to be in the running to win an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit, then make sure you enter the new hero-chain challenge. Cormack has chosen ‘Vest’ as the new link. You have until Thursday 15th September to upload your image.

Good luck to our new entrants!

If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our interview with Cormack below – he shares some great insights about his photography.

Meet Cormack:

1) What inspired this shot?
The shot was taken on a shoot with Newcastle band The Karma Cops. It was inspired by the iconic band images around. I wanted to create a vibe and an atmosphere to fit with their music.

2) Why did you choose 'Vest' as the link?
I chose 'Vest' as the link because I think it's not an item that is seen in many photos. I'll be very interested to see what everyone comes up with!

3) How would you describe yourself as a photographer?
When I take a photograph I want it to be my view of the world. I look for beauty in the environment around me and try to capture that. I want to give people a look into my world.

4) Anything else you want to share with the EOS community?
Always follow what you feel when photographing. Give people a look into your world and don't feel like you have to follow someone else.

Some inspiration for EOS Photo5...

Emma — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:49:00 GMT

As you’re aware the infamous EOS Photo5 has launched again for 2011, and we know many of you are busy preparing and formulating ideas for the Open Brief. With this in mind we thought it would be a great opportunity to inspire you with a 2010 winner’s profile. A nice reminder of what happens when you’re challenged creatively, which EOS Photo5 aims to do.

Last year Zoie Hickey won the Incense Brief for this captivating and incredible image. The stark contrast of colour in conjunction with the minimalism, made this image so powerful. It portrays various meanings in a simplistic way.

Zoie has shared her photographic journey with us, and what inspires her photography.

Has anyone started working on the 2011 Open Brief? Good luck!

A few words from Zoie:

What motivated you to compete in the EOS Photo5 competition?

I love the Photo5 competition and look forward to participating in it every year. I enjoy thinking outside the square, experimenting and doing something that I haven't done before. It's a challenge and a very rewarding experience.

What inspires your photography?

I am inspired every day by all the amazing photographers and artists out there. Just looking at the creativity in their work makes me want to achieve more within myself.

Describe what the EOS online community means to you?

A place for like minded people/photographers to share their passion.

Have you participated in any other World of EOS competitions?

I have participated in Photochains a couple of times - another great competition by Canon that I endeavour to enter more often.

How would you describe yourself as a photographer?

I love photography and am continually developing my skills. There is so much to learn and I am having a great time doing so.

I am confident using manual settings and a range of lenses

Are there any professional photographers that you aspire to?

I love David LaChapelle and his artistic approach to photography. He certainly has that 'Wow' factor.

And the winner is…. the latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge!

Emma — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:08:00 GMT

Congratulations to Leonardo, winner of the latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge!

We loved this interpretation of ‘Night’, in particular was the vivid use of colour, in contrast to the dark background.

Leonardo is now the proud owner of an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit valued at RRP $1,099 and has chosen ‘Lights’ as the new link.

What do you think of the new link? Has anyone started capturing their interpretation of ‘Lights’?

You have until midnight, Thursday 25th August to upload your interpretation of ‘Lights', good luck!

Check out what Leonardo has to say about his image, and why he chose the new link..

1) What inspired this shot?

The colours gradient and patterns that illuminates the iconic Sydney Opera House.

2) Why did you choose 'Lights' as the link?

Because lights play an important role in every shot. In particular, the projection of multiple lights in this shot brought out the dynamic of the Opera House.

3) How would you describe yourself as a photographer?

I am an enthusiast. I love taking photos and always try my best to produce the best image in every shot.

4) Anything else you want to share with the EOS community?

Thank you all for your support.

Congratulations to the winners of the latest EOS 1wall – ‘Depth and Dimensions’

Cassie — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:02:00 GMT

Congratulations to everyone who entered this month’s challenge! The brief, ‘Depth and Dimensions’, certainly attracted some of the most interesting and dynamic images we’ve seen during the EOS 1wall competition.

Judge, Craig Golding, awarded the Judge’s Award to Laki for this incredible image, Little Crowds #2, taken at the Athens Architectural Museum.

Chris shares his thoughts about the winning image, “There is a really nice flow throughout the frame. I love the composition particularly the missing heads of the statue and man. I also like the humour within the picture, such as the women’s expressions and how they appear to be looking away from the statue, not to mention the symbolic extended finger of the man and the missing appendage of the statue, (call me weird). Finally I love the Reportage style in which it has been shot. There is a lot happening within this picture”.

Sweeping up the People’s Choice award was Cheryl for this amazing photograph, Bubble in Backyard. We love the rarity of this shot - perfectly capturing Cheryl’s backyard in a bubble caught on a wire cage.

Craig describes the image as, “A really interesting interpretation of the brief that works well. Nicely composed. I love the strong geometric and graphic shapes and the perception of depth within the bubble”.

The next challenge ‘Physical Challenge’ will be judged by Krystle Wright. The brief is about capturing an active subject in the heat of the moment. Most importantly, it's about bringing to life the emotion they are experiencing. “An action shot can be over in an instant but remembered for a lifetime.”

You have until the 5th September 2011, 11.59pm AEST to upload your images.

Good luck everyone!

Don’t forget to let us know whether you found this month’s brief challenging.

It’s that time again, the famous EOS Photo5 competition is back!

Cassie — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:04:00 GMT

The time has finally come! Canon’s biggest annual Australian and New Zealand online photographic competition for amateur photographers has just kicked off, EOS Photo5!

Get excited everyone because this year’s competition is sure to heat up with ‘5’ fresh challenges and a new judging panel, encouraging all entrants to reach new levels of creativity.

2010 EOS Photo5 winner LouDD, Shot on the Canon EOS 1000D

EOS Photo5 is a competition, open to all, that inspires people to create some amazing photography.

Last year, EOS Photo5 reached an unprecedented level of popularity with over 8,000 entries from Australia and New Zealand – so, with boxes in such high demand, we’ve made some changes to this year’s entry rules.

Those who entered EOS Photo5 in 2010 will automatically be eligible to request one of the limited number of boxes. If you’re a new entrant, you will be required to submit an image to the ‘Open Brief’ – now available online – for a chance to receive an EOS Photo5 box.

Inside the EOS Photo5 box are five briefs made up of everyday objects, and instructions on how to incorporate creative photography techniques into a shot. There is also a ‘Portfolio Competition’ for the photographer who enters the best set of images in all five briefs.

To give you a taste of what to expect, last year the EOS Photo5 objects were an eye dropper, bubble gum, incense, confetti, and 'Inspired by Sound' was the ‘Open Brief’. The ‘Open Brief’ is a way you can enter the competition if you miss out on one of the EOS Photo5 boxes.

Finalists will be chosen by a new judging panel of some of the biggest names in photography: Yervant, Mercury, Chris Tovo, Mark Horsburgh, Peter Eastway and Nick Rains.

Voting will then commence on 9 November 2011 by the World of EOS community, with everyone who votes having the chance to win an Canon EOS 7D Super Kit (camera body plus EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens).

The lucky winners will be announced on the EOS Photo5 website on 30 November 2011. The winner of each individual brief will receive a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Premium Kit (camera body and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens) and an incredible three-day creative photography workshop in Queenstown, New Zealand with EOS Masters Jackie Ranken and Mike Langford.

The winner of the ‘Portfolio Competition’ will also receive a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Premium Kit and the creative photography workshop, as well as a Canon PIXMA Pro 9500 Mark II professional photo printer and the new Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye lens.

To make sure you receive all competition information and updates, you must login to MyCanon, go to the ‘My Subscriptions’ page and add tick ‘Photo 5 – Announcements’.

Remember, those who did not enter last year, the sooner you submit an image that answers the ‘Open brief’, the better your chances of receiving the box with the four remaining briefs.

Good luck everyone!

Winner profile for the latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge - 'Shrubs'

Cassie — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:03:00 GMT

Congratulations Sam, our latest our latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge winner for his interpretation of the ‘Shrubs’ link!

We love how the light captures and accentuates the subject link in the picture, drawing our attention to its subtle colour and tones; the shrub is in complete contrast with the dark void that surrounds it.

Sam has chosen ‘night’ as the new link for this month’s challenge. For your chance to win an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit valued at RRP $1,499, make sure you get involved in the next EOS Photochains Challenge.

You have until midnight tomorrow night to upload your image. We can’t wait to see the creative interpretations of the new link. Good luck!

Here are a few words from our winner, Sam:

What inspired this shot?

I saw this light one night on my walk home and thought it would make a nice picture. I can't believe people voted for it!

Why did you choose 'Night' as the link?

I chose night because I thought it was new and different compared to other links in the chain.

How would you describe yourself as a photographer?

I would describe myself as an enthusiast photographer.

Anything else you want to share with the EOS community?

Thank you everyone so much!

The finalists have been announced for ‘Depth and Dimensions’ EOS 1Wall challenge! Now it's your turn to vote…

Emma — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:13:00 GMT

Judge Craig Golding has chosen ten finalists for the EOS 1wall challenge, ‘Depth and Dimensions’.

Now it's your turn! By voting for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ you have the opportunity to choose the image that you believe answered the brief.

Our judge Craig has selected some great finalists. If you'd like to know why he chose each finalist, take a look at his comments – featured on each image. Learn from Craig as he discusses the composition of each image and why the finalist answered the brief.

To vote, simply click on the link, select the image you want to win and click the vote button.

You have until midnight on the 31st July 2011 to get your votes in. The winner of both the People's Choice Award and the Judge's Choice Award will be announced on the 1st of August.

Congratulations to everyone who entered this month’s challenge, and good luck to all the finalists!

The real World of EOS – July World in Review

Chris — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 02:25:00 GMT

Hi all

I mentioned in my last post that July was shaping up to be a busy month for Canon, the World of EOS and the photographic community as a whole. Now that most of the events are coming to an end, I wanted to share some of my personal highlights.

As many of you are aware we put on an exclusive World of EOS member breakfast at this year’s Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Imaging & Entertainment Expo to celebrate our 2-year anniversary. When we consider the community’s incredible growth in membership and talent over this short period of time, it really is a milestone worth recognising.

The breakfast was a great opportunity to meet so many of you; find out what you’re interested in and what you gain from your World of EOS membership. A number of you even tuned in to the event via Facebook, which gave us the opportunity to send a photo of a member’s work which was displayed on our stand – pretty cool!

Personally, I thought the stand was incredible and the opportunity to see some of our members’ images brought to life was truly inspiring. What did you think of the World of EOS display?

Thank you to our two World of EOS members and 11 Canon Professional Photographers who gave some inspiring presentations over the two days, providing invaluable advice about capturing different forms of photography. Big thanks to:

Nathan Lester – World of EOS member
Aliah Jan - World of EOS member
Pro Photographers:
Chris Ireland
Darren Jew
Craig Golding
Stephen Dupont
Simon Harsent
Murray Bell
Sean Izzard
Chris Searl
Mike Langford
Jackie Ranken
Graham Monro

As you can see, there was an overwhelming range of talent on-stage. Make sure you check out all of the photos on the Canon Australia Facebook page.

We also captured some great footage from seven very brave World of EOS members who shared on-screen inspiration about what photography and the World of EOS means to them. Keep watching the Canon Australia Facebook page for this content.

A minute away from the Canon stand was the live judging of the Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photographer Awards for 2011. The public was given a fascinating insight into the selection process, where the industry’s elite critiqued and scored each finalist.

On the Monday following PMA, I was lucky enough to attend the Awards Dinner and Presentation for the Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photographer Awards. We want to personally congratulate Canon EOS photographer Eugene Tan who won the Australian Photography Book of the year 2011, at the awards. Make sure you check out the gallery of images and winners, they’re truly inspiring and represent years of discipline and hard work.

As many of you saw and some lucky winners had the opportunity to experience, we had the official opening of the World Press Photo (WPP) exhibition in Australia last Friday night.

For the past 12 years Canon has brought the World Press Photo Exhibition to Australia, which brings together the best press photography from around the world.

This remarkable exhibition, which showcases the most powerful images of world events from 2010, left me both stunned and captivated. I urge you to visit this travelling exhibition.

The event also highlights the calibre of Australian talent. Of the 55 winning photographers from nine themed categories, three of these were Australian.

Congratulations to Daniel Berehulak who won First prize in the News category for his moving images of the floods in Pakistan; Adam Pretty won First prize in the Sport category for his portfolio of sporting images; and Steve Christo won Third prize in the Sport category for his photo of this year’s Cole Classic ocean racing competition at Manly Beach.

Both Daniel Berehulak and Steve Christo attended the opening night to share the stories behind their image and how they were captured.

Among the breathtaking imagery was the World Press Photo of the Year 2010, awarded to Jodi Beieber from South Africa for her incredible image of a young girl left disfigured after being punished for attempting to leave her husband in Kabul, Afganistan. This year’s winning image sums up what World Press Photo is all about: it wasn’t selected because of any political statement it makes; but for the power of the image to make us contemplate this moment and want to understand more about it.

Alongside the WPP exhibition is the SMH 1440: A Day, A Minute, A Moment exhibition, featuring prints and multimedia of the best published and unpublished work by Herald staff from 2010 to the present.

Exhibition details:

World Press Photo
Sydney exhibition: 2 July – 24 July 2011 | State Library of New South Wales

‘Photos - 1440: A Day, A Minute, A Moment’ exhibition
Sydney exhibition: 2 July – 24 July 2011 | State Library of New South Wales

Have you had the chance to attend the exhibition? Tell me what you thought?

Winner profile for the latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge - 'Cloud'

Emma — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:59:00 GMT

Congratulations to Sean the owner of this breathtaking image and winner of the latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge!

Sean managed to capture the brief ‘Cloud’, in a very dramatic way. We felt that the image portrayed the light at the end of the tunnel, with the predominant use of Black and the glistening sun coming through. How would you portray this image?

Sean is now the proud owner of an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit valued at RRP $1,499 and has chosen ‘Shrub’ as the new link.

You have until midnight, Thursday 14th July to upload your interpretation of ‘Shrub’, good luck!

Sean has answered a few questions for the community.

What inspired this shot?

This shot was inspired by a road trip to Queensland that I went on with my Girlfriend. We had been driving through the night and as we were about 3 hours from our destination, we saw the dawn break and with it the most beautiful colours spread across the sky. As the sun came up the sky became more and more beautiful.

I asked my girlfriend to pull over at the next available spot and this is where we ended up. She let me borrow her camera and I ran to the other side of the road and snapped several photographs, this was the one that turned out the best.

Why did you choose 'Shrubs' as the link?

Because I feel it's not a common thing to photograph and I would love to see what creative and inspiring things people can come up with by incorporating shrubs into their picture.

How would you describe yourself as a photographer?

I describe myself as a lifelong enthusiast but I have only recently been able to get into photography, with the purchase of my new point-and-shoot. Since then I've been taking photos almost every day.

I generally take about 10 photos of a subject and hope that at least one of them is good, even if I think I have the perfect shot, I will take a few more just to be sure.

Anything else you want to share with the EOS community?

I just want to thank everyone who voted for my image! This is a real honour and I am very excited about my prize which will definitely help me further my passion for Photography.

Winner profile of the latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge winner

Emma — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:53:00 GMT

Congratulations to our latest EOS Photochains hero-chain challenge winner Patrick!

Below is Patrick’s interpretation of ‘Broken’ - we love the vibrant colours, in particular the contrast of the Blue sky against the rustic Brown landscape.

Patrick is now the proud owner of an EOS 550D Single IS Lens Kit valued at RRP $1,499. Make sure you check out the next link – challenge yourself and have the chance to win an EOS 550D Single IS Kit.

As always, we love to share the process and inspiration involved in capturing images. Patrick has answered a few questions for the community, including his valuable thoughts about digital photography.

If you were going to upload an image for ‘Broken’, how would you portray it?

A few words from Patrick:

What inspired this shot?

I thought “Broken” was a great idea for a Photochain link, and this derelict old truck was definitely broken. Abandoned at the end of an isolated dirt track, it appealed to me as a reminder of a time when life was a lot harder.

Why did you choose 'Cloud' as the link?

“Cloud” is a subject which is open to a wide range of interpretations. Clouds can be intriguing subjects in their own right, or they can add another dimension to landscapes. Clouds can be found everywhere and the possibilities are endless.

How would you describe yourself as a photographer?

I would describe myself as an enthusiastic amateur with a lifelong interest in photography. I enjoy taking photographs which capture unusual views of people, places and moments in time.

Anything else you want to share with the EOS community?

Photography used to be expensive and the results were somewhat unpredictable. Digital technology gives everyone the ability to take a good photo, but great images still require skill and imagination.

Thank you Canon for providing forums where average enthusiasts, like myself, can display our images and learn from expert photographers.

Special giveaway – tickets to World Press Photo Sydney opening night

Chris — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:35:00 GMT

Hi everyone,

Next Friday night 1 July is the exclusive opening of the World Press Photo exhibition in Sydney from 6.30-8.30pm. This is a highlight of the Australian photography calendar. It’s an invitation only event and we’re offering members of this community a chance to win one of 25 double passes to be among the first to see the winning images.

If you will be in Sydney next week, here’s how you can win a double pass:

Send an email to canonWPP@gmail.com, including your full name, telling in 25 words or less why you would like to attend the opening night of World Press Photo.
Entries close at 5 pm next Tuesday 28 June, so be quick!
We’ll judge entries based on originality and creativity. We’ll pick the entrants who submitted the best 25 responses and email the winners directly on Wednesday 29 June
Here are the Terms and Conditions

Please be aware that World Press Photo is not for the faint hearted, and contains confronting images from the year that was in photojournalism around the world. You may want to preview the online 2011 winners’ gallery.

Good luck and I hope to see some of you there!

It's PMA this weekend - don't forget to register!

Cassie — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:22:00 GMT

Hi everyone! Just a quick reminder that the World of EOS will be coming to life this weekend, at the PMA Imaging & Entertainment Expo, at the Sydney Convention Centre, (June 25-26).

To everyone who’s planning on coming along, make sure you register before Saturday: www.pmaaustralia.com.au.

With only one day to go, we’re excited about all the things we have planned at the World of EOS stand!

As well as an inspiring array of images captured by the community itself that will be on display, some of the Canon EOS Professionals and World of EOS members will be speaking throughout both days about their latest works, and sharing their digital imaging tips and insights with you all.

On Saturday, Pro photographers Darren Jew, Stephen Dupont, Simon Harsent and Craig Golding will be taking part in an interactive Q&A session about some of their most compelling work, the power of photography and what it takes to be a Pro. These interviews will coincide with the launch of ‘Seconds/with’, a web series featured on the new Canon EOS-Professional website.

Check out the full schedule below of who will be speaking at the World of EOS stand.

I hope to see you there!

Saturday:

10:30 AM – Chris Ireland
11:30 AM – Nathan Lester - WoE member
12:00 PM – Graham Monro Judging session
1:00 PM – Aliah Jan - WoE member
1:30 PM – Jackie Ranken - Judging session
2.00PM - 2.30PM    Seconds/With: Darren Jew
2.30PM - 3.00PM    Seconds/With: Craig Golding
3.00PM - 3.30PM    Seconds/With: Stephen Dupont
3.30PM - 4.00PM    Seconds/With: Simon Harsent

Sunday:

11:30 AM – Murray Bell
12:30 PM – Sean Izzard
1:30 PM – Chris Searl
2:30 PM – Mike Langford
3:30 PM – Jackie Ranken

Congratulations to the winners of the latest EOS 1wall challenge – ‘A sense of place’

Cassie — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:02:00 GMT

There were some fantastic shots this month! The brief was about creating a connection with your environment, which was certainly embraced and portrayed by all those who entered.

Judge Daniel Eastwood said, “It’s about capturing an image that conveys a feeling or evokes an emotion about that location”. This idea was certainly portrayed in the winning image of the Judge’s Choice Award – ‘Alone…?’, by Peter Benning.

Eastwood expressed how this image was his favourite; “a simple yet tonal image. It is full of subtle transitions and graduations but with just enough detail to hold your eye and give it a context. To me a sense of place requires some ambiguity, it needs to leave something up to your imagination and allow you to bring something to it. This image realises this beautifully”.

Spencer Clubb earned the People’s Choice award for their image ‘Saturday morning’, which perfectly captures the contrasting tones of the sun beaming through the trees.

Eastwood commented, “There is an amazing quality to the light and the contrast of this image. There is a beautiful subtlety to it that invites me into the image”.

Congratulations to everyone who entered!

The next challenge ‘Depth and Dimensions’, judged by Craig Golding, is now open for entries. Craig asks; “Show me subjects or objects at a range of distances within one shot. Use them to force my eye around the frame. Composition and lighting is important, and messy images won’t process”.

Something to think about when capturing the best shot for this challenge! See how far you can stretch the imagination.

Be sure to let us know what you thought of last month’s challenge!

The last of the ‘Head On’ exhibitions

Emma — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 01:07:00 GMT

If you haven’t had a chance yet to visit the ‘Head On’ events as part of the Canon EOS Festival of Photography, make sure you organise a time to visit one of the many inspirational exhibitions!

This week is the last of the exhibition openings for ‘Head On’, and with some fantastic work being showcased, it’s definitely worth checking them out. In particular is the Shutterbug Awards night, which features the work of non-professional and emerging photographers. For those of you who are fine tuning your photography skills and seeking inspiration, this is a great exhibition that clearly proves “you have to be in it to win it”.

Make sure you check out the ‘Head On’ calendar of events for a list of other exhibitions still on show. For all of you who aren’t able to visit the exhibitions, we have just launched the second festival-themed competition as part of the Canon EOS Festival of Photography Facebook competitions. To be a part of the ‘World Press Photography’ Facebook competition, visit the Canon Australia Facebook page and upload a photo that illustrates a news event, activity or an issue in your life or your community. Good luck!

Exhibition and awards night s opening this week:

Frances Keevil Gallery, Untying the Knot in Double Bay, will exhibit the work of 20 finalists’ from the ASCA’s photographic competition - ‘Untangle the knot'. Thu 9/06/2011 - Sat 11/06/2011
Sun Studios Australia, Sun Studios Assistants Award and Exhibition in Alexandria showcases the talent and hard work of the industries assistants. Thu 9/06/2011 - Sun 10/07/2011
Wedge Gallery at Books Kinokuniya, The Holga Diaries in Sydney, displays the travel work of Lucia Fischer, from urban landscapes to the city streets of Europe. Tue 7/06/2011 - Mon 27/06/2011
The Verona Cinema, Projection in Paddington is the Shutterbug Awards night – “one of the most prestigious Awards in Australia for non-professional and emerging photographers”. Tue 7/06/2011

What’s happening in the World of EOS

Chris — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 02:39:00 GMT

Hi all, it has been another exceptionally busy time here at Canon. With plane trips around Australia – treating 52 lucky winners and their friends to a once in a lifetime experience; hosting 22 journalists to an exclusive product experience event in Byron Bay; winning major awards and planning for upcoming community events – I have a lot to share.

One of the most exciting things happening in the World of EOS at the moment is the Canon EOS Festival of Photography, which brings together four inspiring Canon-sponsored exhibitions in Sydney and Brisbane.

The Festival, which kicked off on the 5th May and runs through to 27th July, includes: Head On Photo Festival; Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPAs); World Press Photo (WPP); and, The Sydney Morning Herald Photos - 1440: A Day, a Minute, a Moment exhibition.

The most compelling event for me is the internationally recognised, World Press Photography (WPP) Exhibition. WPP showcases breathtaking press photography from around the globe.

Presenting the finest and most creative in photojournalism, it is an exhibition not to be missed. If you can, make sure you visit the Brisbane or Sydney exhibitions.

For all of you who don’t have the opportunity to visit the events, not to worry, you can still get involved. Check out our festival-themed competitions currently running through the Canon Australia Facebook page – in particular we have just launched the “World Press Photography” themed competition. To enter simply upload an image that illustrates a news event, activity or an issue in your life or community.

Challenge yourself by trying these photographic briefs which photographers around the world compete in, and be in the running to win some great prizes.

Another big event on my horizon is the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Expo in June. This year, Canon will dedicate a whole stand to bringing the World of EOS to life. You have seen it online, now you have the opportunity to interact with it at this year’s PMA.

For anyone who didn’t see the latest World of EOS newsletter, we are hosting an exclusive champagne breakfast for members. If you’re a World of EOS member residing in Sydney or already coming along to PMA, email your interest to canon@hillandknowlton.com.au for an invite to this VIP event. I’d love to get the opportunity to meet you all.

If you can’t make it to the breakfast, come by the World of EOS stand and say hi – we have a few surprises in store.

I also have an exciting announcement for all EOS 1100D fans and Canon collectors. Hitting shelves today is the limited-edition Red EOS 1100D, including Twin IS Lens Kit and bonus custom case. There are only 2,000 units available in Australia, so if you’re interested make sure you hurry to a participating retailer for this Canon collector’s item!

Some other great news here at Canon - four of our products have been chosen for the “Best Product 2011” award in the prestigious Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). For any EOS 600D fans out there, you will be happy to know that this was one of the four chosen along with; the PowerShot SX230 HS compact digital camera, the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens, and the PIXMA MG8150 multifunction inkjet printer.

If I don’t get to meet you at PMA or at one of the EOS Festival of Photography exhibitions, please feel free to share with myself and the community, any inspiring photographers you have come across lately.