Monthly Archives: August 2014

In my 15 years as a professional photographer, I’ve always insisted on having my model releases signed off before I start shooting – particularly when there’s paid talent involved. That way, both my client and I are legally protected and everyone knows where they stand regarding ownership of the photographs before the first frame is shot.

For those unfamiliar with the world of professional photography, it is the photographer who owns the images under international copyright law, unless otherwise agreed to. In my case, I license my images to tourism authorities to use for promotional purposes, with very few conditions attached.

In all this time, it’s never been an issue….. until a recent assignment.

I’m just back from Vanuatu and thought I’d post a few pics from the photographic exhibition I did in Sydney just before I left (below).

It’s was a clever idea, mounted by South African Tourism. Grab five Australian photographers and send them around South Africa for 10 days then invite travel agents and media to a fund raising exhibition of their photographs in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

The launch was tastefully done at an intimate venue (The Black Eye Gallery). The photographs were professionally mounted, there was nibbles, wine and live music and the speeches were short – a snapshot of the photographer’s motivation and a few words from the sponsors. Funds raised went towards the South African charity Afrikan Tikkun.

I should probably begin this entry by saying that this is not my photograph (above). It was captured by Alcina Charlie from the Vanuatu Tourism Office, who’s a student in the photography mentoring project I began in the South Pacific last year.

The project looks to build capacity in Pacific island countries by transferring my skills and experience to national tourism offices I work with in the region. Entry to the program is by invitation only as I am keen to ensure there is a tangible and lasting benefit to the country from the investment of my time and energy.

I’m just finishing up a 10 day shoot in Vanuatu but, as I’m heading straight out on assignment as soon as I get back, I thought I’d quickly post these few pics (below).

It’s been a productive shoot built around Vanuatu’s competitive strength as a holiday destination – the fact you can indulge yourself with fine food, comfortable accommodation and a range of activities and, within just an hour’s flight, you can be having an amazing world-class adventure on some of the most remote islands on earth (assuming you’re flying in from Europe, he adds, as its all just an hour and a half flight from Australia).

We spent the first five days of the shoot on Efate, working with talent we flew in for the assignment. On this occasion, as we’ve already added Espiritu Santo, Pentecost and Tanna to the tourism authority’s photo library, we headed off to Malekula Island for the Nalawan cultural festival.