PHOTOGRAPH LIKE A PRO - Helpful hints from Venture Photography
Nothing beats a studio shoot, but with the advent of smartphones everyone is carrying a camera. As new technology advances and photo-editing mobile apps becoming readily available, everyone can take amazing images. However, having the camera does not make you a photographer; technique does. The pioneers of storytelling, Venture Photography share their professional tips on how to photograph like a professional, allowing your photos to stand out.
Rick Reeder, Art Director of Venture Photography Hong Kong and Dawn Austin, Digital Art Director of Venture Photography, Hong Kong share some, not all, secrets of their trade. So if you think yourself as a budding photographer, here are serval tips:
UNDERSTAND YOUR SUBJECT
A camera is your tool to capture the subject, but to understand the subject is what everyone forgets. Communicate with your subjects and coach them for the best shot. Pointing a camera at them and hoping they will always look good results in uncomfortable portraits. Remember the adage of working with children and animals, you need to take extra time to engage with these subjects .
THINK MORE AND TAKE LESS
Slow down and think about what it is you want to capture and try to minimise distractions in the frame. Look for a background that is non-intrusive and does not distract from the subject.
MAKE IT QUICK AND FAST
For home photography, if you are photographing your special people then find a camera that is quite fast focus so you don’t miss the moment!
BEGINNERS, PLEASE AVOID FLASHING
For a beginner flash can be a disruption from learning the fundamentals. So avoid it unless absolutely necessary until you have grasped the core skills needed. Soft and diffused light is easier to work with for beginners. Look for some shade or an overcast day.
A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY
After effects and retouching are extremely important, to get that “darn you look good today” effect, but don’t overdo it. If you airbrush at home, try using a Wacom tablet to get better results.
MAKE GREAT USE OF YOUR PHONE
Many mobile apps have filters and skin softener’s built in, for every day, casual snaps. Use Instagram and Rookie, they are not as slick as studio shots but great for posting on Facebook!
CREATING ART
Great framing is the key to show off your photo, to get your finished products hanging on your wall and impress your guests. Venture Photography carries a variety of frames to create the bespoke art for your home. e.g. ‘’Vue’’ suspends the image dramatically within the transparent glass with the edge framed ; “Lumino” is an innovative metal print wall product produced using the state of art high definition print technology, the best bet for vibrant coloured images.
Meet the Pro - RICK REEDER
ART DIRECTOR | VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY | HONG KONG
At the young and tender age of 14 years old, Rick persuaded his father to let him borrow his Fujica STX-1 camera so that he could take photography as part of his GCSE examinations at his high school in the UK. Rick was extremely fortunate that his school had a darkroom on site and a photography lecturer who was only too willing to show Rick the ropes. As soon as he developed his first role of film and produced a contact sheet of the images, he was hooked.
Portraiture is his favourite style of photography. Rick explains that the type of subject is not important, it is the connection he shares with the subject (be it man or beast!) and how he portrays them through the lens. When asked what he loves most about working at Venture, Rick said: “What I love about Venture is that as a team we differentiate ourselves from the preconceived ideas of what the family portrait is. Behind the scenes such a large part of our work is looking for ways to master our craft and implement innovative ideas into the portrait industry.”
On the selfie phenomenon, Rick is on the fence: “If that’s what people like doing then go for it! I have photographs in my collection of people taking selfies but you won’t find one of me I’m afraid.”
ALL THE GEAR AND NO IDEA?! (Great advice by Rick Reeder)
Rick Reeder, Art Director at Venture Photography, concludes: ”The best camera is the one you have with you. Don’t let the equipment weigh you down. Whether you have a phone camera or a Hasselblad they can both be as powerful as each other in terms of producing a great image. Photography should never be defined by the equipment you use. Great photography comes down to hours, weeks, months, years of constant critique of your images. So practice, practice, practice and don’t fear criticism!”
Enquires: venturephotography.com.hk
(852) 2885 6262
MY STYLE MY RING
PANDORA has taken the concept of interchangeable bracelets and has carried it through to its collections of rings. Each ring is hand-finished to maintain PANDORA’s high standards of quality and offers women the opportunity to create, combine and change out rings to suit the mood and occasion. For My Style My Ring, PANDORA has invited celebrity stylist, Christie Simpson to create a few hot looks, which acts as inspiration for these unforgettable moments and incorporates PANDORA’s new Autumn / Winter collection 2014.
Personal stylist to Lisa S and Daniel Wu, Christie Simpson has styled many other celebrities including Charlie Yeung, Anita Yuen, Grace Huang, Cara G, Li Bing Bing and Victoria Beckham. She was the host stylist on Asia’s Next Top Model and now shares her styling secrets to create on trend accessory looks using PANDORA’s latest ring collections.
“My big styling obsession is accessorizing. For me an outfit is only complete once you have the right accessories and I like to go mad with jewellery when dressing a celebrity client or on editorial photo-shoots. I love rings as they are so versatile and really set off an outfit. It’s all about mixing metals, blending gold and silver rings to create a modern take on a classic look. Pandora has got so many different styles to choose from that you can mix and match, combining new and old collections to create some really stylish looks.” says Christie Simpson. And as for Christie’s favourite look, Christie says: “I am a big fan of the Vintage look, it suits my personal style. I love the Shimmering Leaves ring from the new Autumn collection, which runs up the finger and completes the look. Mixing metals of gold and silver adds an element of modern day Vintage and I adore the twisted bands stacked on top of each other; with a hint of bling these bands look fabulous. I follow the mantra, when it comes to my own personal style or when I am working, more is more!”
For the past three decades, PANDORA has been allowing women to express their personality through accessorizing. Famed for its charms, PANDORA adopts the same exquisite craftsmanship and brand philosophy of personalization to its collections of rings. Through My Style My Ring, women can create their own look or take inspiration from PANDORA’s celebrity stylist that fits every woman’s own unique style.
For enquires: http://www.pandora.net/en-us
Or visit the new Store: 32A, G/F, JP Plaza, Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
New Air on Wine - The most elegant sparkling wine from Italy
From Left to Right: Bellavista Alma Cuvée Brut NV/ Bellavista Brut 2008/ Bellavista Pas Operé 2007/ Bellavista Rosé 2008
New Air on Wine by Bellavista Franciacorta is the most elegant sparkling wine from Italy, Bellavista remains faithful to the wine making and grape growing philosophy that is a trademark of their wines and style, while changing their outlook to reflect their identity within the bottle.
“A New Air because the energy that surrounds Bellavista is a life-enhancing concept, a forward-looking spirit that we have always nurtured,” explains Francesca Moretti, CEO of Bellavista. The new look branding expresses beauty, pleasure, energy and lightness – the notes that personify this fine sparkling wine in a glass and on the palate.
Each cuvée is depicted by a visual that symbolises its unique personality. Represented by origami butterflies, the Bellavista Alma Cuvée Brut is known for its craftsmanship of blending 60 harvest selections while paying tender homage to the roots of Franciacorta; The Bellavista Brut, represented by deep roots, has a beautiful energy that is enhanced by the passing of time; the complex yet pure Bellavista Pas Operé applies blue skies and clouds inspired by René Magritte to inspire imagination, evoking the mystery and complexities of the classic Franciacorta; while Bellavista Rosé, which embodies the charm of a proud structure with tone and stability, is associated with a glamourous feminine painting inspired by Gustav Klimt to express its grace.
For enquires: www.altayawines.com or Tel: (852) 3669 1973
A cosmopolitan apartment in Happy Valley - Tagus Residences
A brand-new stylish apartment building, “Tagus Residences”, is in the heart of Happy Valley. Nestled at 8 Ventris Road, the landmark project is perfect for couples and singles seeking work-life balance.
Located in a tranquil neighborhood, residents can enjoy peace and comfort in the heart of a vibrant and cosmopolitan community that houses some of the city’s best gourmet groceries, butchers, fine-dining restaurants, top-notch cafes and bars. Outdoor lovers can enjoy running at the Happy Valley Racetrack, hiking at Tai Tam and Aberdeen Country Park trails, or competing on the courts at the neighboring Craigengower Cricket Club or the Hong Kong Football Club. In addition, The Gym and The Studio inside the Residences also provide a full range of state-of-the-art equipment for fitness enthusiasts to relax and rejuvenate.
A subtle touch of luxury is added to all units with the fully-equipped kitchen, a cosy balcony and large bay windows that overlook the magnificent St. Margaret’s Church and sweeping views of the Happy Valley Racecourse. The second-floor residences also include a large outdoor terrace that is perfect for social gatherings and home gardening.
Situated within a 10-minute walk of Times Square and a 15-minute drive to Central, the development sits just above Happy Valley’s main bus and tram station, offering the most ideal location for mobile urbanites who seek to connect with friends easily while getting away from the city’s hustle and bustle in a flash. For those opt to host friends and family at their own place, they have at their disposal The Terrace, a private enclave in the impressive Club House, or The Sky Garden on the rooftop, which offers a fully-equipped barbecue area with stunning views of the Racecourse and the iconic Hong Kong skyline.
For enquires and details: http://www.tagus.hk
Perfect eco-chic pieces to make prefects of us!
Amazing character & unique style items for your home and home office
From Left to right: "Fendy" writing desk and desk rack/ "Ferum" foldable work desk with chair/ TREE vintage desk + armchair/TREE oak sophisticated bar stool/TREE oak sophisticated lounge chai/TREE sophisticated multi rack oak
With hard work always on the horizon for busy Hong Kong-ers, TREE introduces a stunning new range of eco-chic collections to ensure that we study in style. From handcrafted desks to cutting-edge storage solutions and quirky accessories, TREE’s timeless pieces will transform your interiors. Working and studying has never been so chic!
Super hardwearing, this beautiful European oak wood boasts a distinctive long and straight grain and ranges from creamy white in colour to subtle darker tones. Low maintenance and long lasting, TREE’s oak pieces are a beautiful, lighter alternative to the signature eco teak.
Sustainably sourced from well-managed forests in Europe, each piece is as impressive and majestic as the mighty Oak tree from which it came! Transform your home office with TREE’s fresh and sophisticated Oak collection, which features clean, simple lines and allows the natural beauty of the wood to speak for itself.
For enquires: www.tree.com.hk
FR\AME: A gastronomic road trip in Paris that is not to be missed
In the heart of Paris, a stone’s throw from the Eiffel tower, Californian brasserie FR\AME takes you on a trip to the American West Coast.
For the décor, interior designer, architect & scenarist Christophe Pillet has created a lively and modern setting, as unique as it is timeless.
In the kitchen, Chef Andrew Wigger, has used his culinary expertise & savoir faire to create innovative Californian dishes influenced by subtle French flavors.
FR\AME was conceived to be an animated space that encourages gatherings with friends and family. Being an open space that merges with its exterior due to its glass walls, this Californian styled restaurant symbolizes freedom as it brings a new dimension to the traditional Parisian brasserie.
With its open kitchen, private room, bar, vinoteca and stunning terrace, FR\AME prides itself on its creativity and invites you to enjoy the wholly unique experience being offered here. Namely, the Californian experience à la française.
Throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner, from tea-time to cocktails, FR\AME offers an inventive and extensive menu. Beyond a simple restaurant, FR\AME is a laidback Franco-Californian brasserie, a space of freedom, embodying a West Coast attitude in a Parisian setting.
A unique space created by Christophe Pillet
Christophe Pillet is one of the rare French designers to enjoy international recognition due to the quality and variety of his creations. Architecture, furniture, product design and artistic direction are only some of the fields explored by him while his name continues to be associated with important brands and projects of great scale.
For FR\AME, Christophe Pillet imagined a space that opens onto Paris, where modernity and comfort come together with a quintessentially Parisian elegance and simplicity.
For this Californian brasserie, the designer focused on a mineral décor inspired by nature. The predominant warm grey tones of the décor are contrasted with colourful pieces that bring it to life. Wood, marble and leather combined with patina and bronze add an enriching touch to this environment.
The result is a timeless space designed by Christophe Pillet.
Please stay tuned with us for more information!
FR\AME address: 28 Jean Rey 75015 Paris
WWW.FRAMEBRASSERIE.FR