Pixels & Power Plays: AI Editing, Camera Shakeups, and the Battle for Creative Control

The world of photography and videography is evolving faster than ever—and this week’s episode tackles the wild frontier of AI tools, industry moves, and creative disruption.

We open with a closer look at Quinn, a new open-source AI photo editor that promises pixel-perfect edits with just a text prompt. While the ambition is huge, real-world testing shows a big gap between sci-fi promise and practical use—especially when pros demand precision.

Next, we explore a much more subtle threat: platform interference. YouTube has been caught silently applying AI-based enhancements to Shorts—altering clarity, smoothing skin, even changing how you look—without creator permission. This raises urgent questions around artistic ownership and digital identity.

Gear Updates:

  • Ricoh GR IIIx is out, GR V is coming—with higher specs and higher prices due to global tariffs.
  • Nikon is raising US prices again; buy before September 1st to save.
  • Hasselblad, powered by DJI, teases a new 100MP medium format camera with likely autofocus improvements.
  • Godox AD400 Pro II packs power and portability—great for freezing action or creative lighting in the field.
  • Backlight 6 offers self-hosted galleries for photographers tired of subscription traps.
  • GoPro files a patent for a modular gimbal cam to rival DJI—something to watch!

What You’ll Learn:

  • Where AI tools are succeeding—and where they’re still falling short
  • How silent platform changes could be altering your work
  • How new hardware announcements and global economics are impacting your next gear buy
  • Why owning your platform and files is more important than ever

Why Listen?

Because your creative voice matters. In an era of invisible algorithms and AI overreach, it’s not just about what you shoot—it’s about who controls how it’s seen. This episode arms you with the insights you need to stay one step ahead and stay in control.

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School of the Air Photos for 2025 Are Now Live!

I’m excited to announce that the 2025 School of the Air photo collection is now available for viewing and purchase in my online shop !
It’s always a privilege to capture these moments for such a unique and resilient school community, and I’m thrilled to share the images with you.


What’s On Offer This Year?

Along with all the individual portraits, and class groups, I’ve put together a range of photo packages and print options to suit every family and every budget.


Photo Packages for Families

Single-Pose Packages

All items come from one chosen image—for example, your child’s portrait or a single sibling photo.

Basic Portrait Pack — $25
• 1 × 8×5.3″ Print
• 2 × 4×6″ Prints
• 1 × Facebook Sampler (low-res digital, great for social sharing)

Deluxe Portrait Pack — $40
• 1 × 11×7.3″ Print
• 2 × 4×6″ Prints
• 1 × Medium-Resolution Digital (ideal for personal printing up to 8×10”)


Multi-Pose Package

Pick different images for each product—perfect for mixing sibling shots, class photos, or a special candid!

Family & Friends Pack — $55
• 4 × 4×6″ Prints (choose up to 4 different images)
• 2 × 8×5.3″ Prints (same or different images)
• 1 × Medium-Resolution Digital

Want a bigger digital? Upgrade your Medium-Res file to a High-Res digital for just $5 extra—great for large prints or photo books.


À la Carte Options

Want just a single print or digital download? No worries! Build your own collection:

Digital Downloads

  • Facebook Sampler (Low-Res): $4.90

  • Medium-Res JPEG: $9.90

  • High-Res JPEG: $14.90


Direct Prints (Standard Lustre)

Wallet Print – $5.45
4×6″ – $3.95
8×5.3″ – $6.10
11×7.3″ – $10.50
12×18″ – $39.90
16×24″ – $49.90
20×30″ – $104.90

Direct Prints (Metallic)

Metallic paper has a unique reflective finish—perfect for display pieces!
4×6″ – $5.90
8×5.3″ – $9.20
11×7.3″ – $15.95
12×18″ – $59.90
16×24″ – $75.50
20×30″ – $138.90


What’s the Difference?

  • Standard Lustre: Classic photo feel with minimal glare. Works well in any room—great for family albums and everyday display.

  • Metallic Finish: Adds extra pop and depth to colors with a pearlescent shine. Stunning for wall displays or as special gifts.


Ready to Order?

Just visit my online shop, select your favorite images, and pick the package (or prints) that suit you. Everything is easy to order, and you can have prints sent to your door or download your files straight away.

These images are a special way to remember this year at School of the Air—don’t miss out!

If you need any help or have questions about the products or ordering process, just send me a message—I’m happy to help.

Thank you for supporting local school photography, and I hope you love your photos as much as I loved taking them.

School of the air

Breaking the Rules: Creative Photography Hacks with Everyday Items

Breaking the Rules: Creative Photography Hacks with Everyday Items

Forget expensive gear—some of the best photography tools are already in your home. In this episode, we explore how ordinary objects can become powerful tools for creative photography. From using a Swiffer mop as a video stabilizer to crafting DIY bokeh backgrounds with aluminum foil, we cover simple yet brilliant hacks that bring professional-level results.

But we don’t stop there. Sometimes, the best shots come from breaking the rules. We challenge traditional photography guidelines, showing you how embracing blur, grain, and unconventional compositions can lead to powerful and unique images.

What You’ll Discover:

  • Household Items as Photography Tools: Learn how to use steam irons for dramatic food shots, hairdryers for dynamic portraits, and even mouthwash for color effects.
  • DIY Lens Filters and Light Modifiers: Discover how fishing line can create cinematic lens flares and how plastic bags can soften light for dreamy portraits.
  • Breaking Traditional Photography Rules: Why you should ignore the rule of thirds, embrace blur for movement, and use grain to add texture and emotion.
  • Unconventional Techniques for Standout Photos: Using flour for smoke effects, hair conditioner to fake ice cream, and aluminum foil to create stunning bokeh backgrounds.
  • How to Experiment and Find Your Own Style: Photography is about creativity—this episode will inspire you to think outside the box and try new techniques.

Why Listen?

This episode is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their photography without spending a fortune. Whether you’re experimenting at home, on a budget, or just looking for fresh ideas, these hacks will give you a new way to see photography. Grab your camera, raid your kitchen drawers, and get ready to break the rules!

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Capturing Australia’s Outback: Wildlife, Astrophotography, and the Art of Storytelling (Part 2)

The Outback is more than just vast, red landscapes—it’s a place teeming with wildlife, offering some of the clearest night skies in the world, and rich with history and cultural significance. In this episode, we dive deeper into capturing the essence of this unique region, from photographing kangaroos at sunrise to framing the Milky Way over ancient rock formations.

What You’ll Discover:

  • Mastering Astrophotography in the Outback: Learn how to shoot the Milky Way, capture star trails, and focus manually in complete darkness.
  • Wildlife Photography Tips: From kangaroos to the elusive thorny devil, discover techniques for capturing the Outback’s most fascinating creatures while maintaining ethical practices.
  • Essential Gear for the Remote Photographer: Find out what you need to survive and shoot in the harsh Outback environment, from camera gear to must-have survival essentials.
  • Composition Techniques for the Perfect Shot: Learn how to use leading lines, framing, and depth to create striking Outback images.
  • The Art of Storytelling Through Photography: Photography is more than just images—it’s about sharing emotion, history, and connection to the land.
  • Respecting the Land and Culture: Tips on traveling responsibly, preserving Indigenous heritage sites, and leaving no trace.

Why Listen?

This episode takes you beyond the technical aspects of photography and into the heart of what makes the Outback such a magical place to capture. Whether you’re setting up your first astrophotography shot or looking to refine your storytelling skills, we’ll provide insights, techniques, and inspiration to elevate your work.

This is Part 2 of our Outback photography series. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, check it out to learn about the most photographed locations in the region.

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Capturing Australia’s Outback: The Most Photographed Places (Part 1)

Australia’s Outback is one of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the world, offering endless opportunities for photographers. In this episode, we explore some of the most iconic and most photographed locations in the heart of the country, while sharing expert tips on how to capture their beauty through the lens.

What You’ll Discover:

  • Uluru’s Changing Colors: Learn how to capture this sacred monolith at sunrise and sunset while respecting its deep cultural significance.
  • Flinders Ranges Through an Artist’s Eye: Discover why this landscape inspired legendary painters and how photographers can harness its light and textures.
  • Lake Eyre’s Dramatic Transformations: From a barren salt lake to a thriving oasis—find out how to capture the lake in both of its extreme states.
  • The Ancient Beauty of the MacDonnell Ranges: Explore both the West and East MacDonnell Ranges and their hidden photography gems.
  • The Wildlife of the Outback: Meet the elusive bilby, the pink cockatoo, and the fearsome-looking (but tiny) thorny devil, and get tips for photographing these unique creatures.
  • Remote Road Trips & The Legendary Gibb River Road: A guide to capturing the Outback’s most scenic and isolated locations—even without a hardcore 4WD.

Why Listen?

This episode isn’t just about stunning landscapes—it’s about the stories they tell. We’ll share photography techniques, personal experiences, and insights into the history, culture, and ever-changing nature of the Outback. Whether you dream of capturing the perfect golden-hour shot of Uluru or tracking down some of Australia’s most fascinating wildlife, this episode will get you inspired and prepared.

This is only Part 1! Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll dive deeper into advanced techniques, hidden locations, and insider tips for Outback photography.

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