Portrait Shoots
Birth of a nature spirit
29/04/12 16:52
What a courageous model Gabrielle (Wheelie Wicked Womyn) turned out to be. Must be those years of roller derby that toughened her up! Our prearranged dawn shoot turned out to be the coldest day of the year so far. (Well cold for the Tweed Valley and fairly cool for sitting in a pool in the creek for half an hour!) Alan’s pre-visualized image of the birth of a nature spirit came together really well with the light of the baby (aka the flash) lighting up the beautiful trees and rocks. We then moved into a more usual portrait shoot of Gabrielle in some of her favourite clothes - she had never actually worn the stunning coat dress in the last images before. Thanks again Gabrielle.
Dawn at Cabarita with Chrissy
25/04/12 16:17
Late last month we arranged to meet our friend and model, Chrissy, at Cabarita Beach just before dawn. When we arrived there was a heavy downpour of rain, but it passed and left us with the most sweet golden dawn. The water was warm, the reflections on the sand were beautifully coloured and we all felt blessed to be there. Here is a broad-range of images from the morning:
Red Tent Festival
09/04/12 13:50
I had a fantastic experience doing over 20 indoor portrait sessions on the one day at the recent Red Tent Festival held at Mullumbimby. Met so many beautiful women, babies and bellies! Everyone was so friendly and appreciative and I was pleased with results considering I don’t usually rely so much on flash - preferring to use as much natural light as possible. It was so good to see women of all ages talking, laughing and sharing such crucial knowledge and experience with each other. Here are a few photos from the day.
Naomi and Ollie schmoodling at Julita
27/02/12 11:11
We had been wanting to photograph Naomi and Oliver for about a year now and it finally all came together (the timing is always perfect - we have to remember that!) The opportunity came at a promotional shoot we did about Julita - the lovely holiday apartment at the back of the Old Convent in Uki. Naomi has had a very successful modelling career and is now getting back into it. They were both really natural and relaxed in front of the camera (though we usually seem to help create that even with people who are usually camera-shy). They certainly had no problem when we asked for more kissing and schmoodling - so in love!
From the balcony
The luscious indoor day bed
Great little spot for chilling out
General schmoodling
The gazebo bathhouse
The outdoor shower with Julita in the background (Oliver foreground)
Separate portraits
and together.
Ethan turns 1
18/01/12 13:45
Last year we had this informal photo shoot to capture young Ethan’s first birthday. We like the one of him using his “mobile”, but were most pleased of the ones with his amber necklaces. The small necklace is to help with his teething. The large one belonged to his great-great grandmother and came from Estonia.
A burlesque shoot goes off on a tangent
05/12/11 11:18
We have photographed Maya and Chrissy individually before, and as we had found out they are good friends we all decided to do a shoot with them together. The starting point for this shoot was a white burlesque outfit that we had got hold of plus Maya’s beautiful clothes. I don’t know if it was something astrological, but it didn’t seem the right time or day for burlesque energy and we ended up with something a bit more “morning after the burlesque party-ish” We then moved on to an idea we had pondering for a while incorporating rain and an umbrella. The one of Chrissy is a composite of two photos - a fairly successful experiment that may lead to something else - thats the way if works for us.
Every now and then we are looking for models for a creative project that we are working on. The model receives a disc of images and hopefully an enjoyable and creative experience. If you are interested let us know and send us a photo of yourself and we will keep you in mind when the right project comes up. Contact us.
Every now and then we are looking for models for a creative project that we are working on. The model receives a disc of images and hopefully an enjoyable and creative experience. If you are interested let us know and send us a photo of yourself and we will keep you in mind when the right project comes up. Contact us.
Kenny Super Chef
28/11/11 14:16
Something a bit different for us; a chef shoot!
We love the Uki Cafe, Kenny and his really yummy meals, so it was with great pleasure that we were commissioned to do some promotional shots for him and the cafe. he told us he was’t good in front of the camera but he certainly warmed to it - with some help from a can of oil at times. Have a look below!
Kenny’s uniforms are courtesy of Retrochef.
We love the Uki Cafe, Kenny and his really yummy meals, so it was with great pleasure that we were commissioned to do some promotional shots for him and the cafe. he told us he was’t good in front of the camera but he certainly warmed to it - with some help from a can of oil at times. Have a look below!
Kenny’s uniforms are courtesy of Retrochef.
Dogs of Ukitopia
25/11/11 14:39
So many wonderful dogs (and their gorgeous owners) at this years Ukitopia Festival, so I had to revisit my Dogs of Ukitopia project. They were all so beautifully behaved too! Our apologies for any wrong or mis-spelt names.
“Boof”
“Suki Lala”
“Toma”
“Majik”
“Teddy”
“Miffy”
“Millie”
“Tom”
Unknown on a leash outside the exhibition - too cute to resist!
“Ishta”
? The Gatt’s pooch
“Gus”
“Warria Warria”
“Harvey” aka the cutest dog in the village!
“Memphis”
“Uber”
The Sculptor and his model
12/11/11 20:50
A few weeks ago we finally were able to achieve a long-anticipated photoshoot towards some personal projects. Alan is working on a series on artists at work and Perri on a series of couples living various alternative lifestyles. Ammun and Lisa, were great subjects for both these categories and Ammun’s hand built studio became almost the third personality in the photos - it has so much true character. Here are a few images that we feel come closest to what we were trying to convey:
Childhood
17/10/11 11:20
For quite a while I had been wanting to photograph Jasper. His sensitivity and quiet self-confidence and slightly puckish appearance fascinate me - and I wanted to catch that time where he still has a lot of the child in him, while the teenager and future man is starting to appear. While Jasper and I explored the creeks and special trees on their farm, Alan took photos of the girls and though it was a playful shoot we were pleased with those photos too. Here are some of our favourites:
Portfolio for an actor
29/09/11 10:33
This week we were engaged by Elias (who is very engaging) to shoot a series of portfolio shoots that he can use as an actor - sending them to agencies etc. He is very photogenic (even though he said he doesn’t enjoy stills) Here are some of our favourites, showing different aspects of his complex personality.
The maiden and the crone
13/08/11 14:59
We were approached by artist, Maya to do a collaborative shoot based on an image she had in her mind of herself as a crone, representing the energy of winter and the winter of womanhood. A dormant Illawarra flame-tree made the perfect setting and we found an afternoon with great dark skies. We used very harsh light to created the cold and stern look we were all seeking. After time in the tree we then explored the more maidenly side of the beautiful Maya with soft natural light in the beautiful dry grass. Hope you enjoy the two different Mayas!
Sita and Gareth's wedding at Hosanna
10/06/11 17:06
Sita and Gareth put so much love, sweat and tears into their wedding day and were rewarded with a truly beautiful day. The threatening rain held off, they were surrounded and supported by such loving friends and family and there was even a bit of the sunset colour and glow that had been so important to Sita, while planning and dreaming of her wedding and her photos. We all really enjoyed ourselves at the dam - look out for the guys on the diving board!
Sit
Lalita - a modelling session
07/06/11 16:33
Lalita is a gorgeous young woman with a New Zealand/ Thai background. She needed some outdoor images for her modelling portfolio and as we absolutely love photographing in nature, it was a valuable session for us all, with the chance for us to push our skills in using flash in outdoor settings. Here are some of the results:
The cute boys from Zacalu Zoo
13/05/11 16:00
Isaac and Luca are the inspiration behind Zacalu Zoo - a great little shop based in Murwillumbah, specializing in babies and children’s clothes, toys, maternity wear etc. The boys were super active after having spent a few rainy days inside, but we managed to catch a few great moments as they stopped to catch their breath. Chantal loves the photos and we hope they will always bring back great memories of that moment - that stage in the boys’ lives.
An inspiring artist
23/03/11 14:34
Last week, we had a photo shoot with Jhana Bowen with some of his beautiful colourful paintings. The images are for an article that is being written about him and his artwork. We aimed to capture his warmth and the integrity and sensitivity that he imbues into his work (and the rest of his life). You can find out more about him at www.jhanabowen.com.
Waiting for their first child
19/03/11 17:22
Emma and James invited us into their home about two weeks before their baby daughter was due. They were a bit nervous about their portrait session, but soon relaxed in front of our cameras. We believe we captured some of energy of a time of waiting, of just being together anticipating the amazing changes ahead of them!
Enchante!
15/01/11 18:23
This young French couple, Morgane and Florian, were holidaying in the Tweed Valley and we had the great pleasure of holding a portrait shoot with them. They were so charming, so photogenic, so .... French!
Father and Son
09/12/10 15:22
With Tom about to start school next year, his grandmother,Rosemary, decided to commission us for a portrait session of Tom with his father John (a well-known potter with a great little gallery in Chillingham) to mark this transition in their lives.
As it turned out, Tom had just received his new school uniform on the day that we were to photograph them and he was very reluctant to take it off! The chooks are a big part of Tom’s life - even sitting on his lap to watch TV!
The family were really happy with the photos; Rosemary’s only complaint was that it was hard to choose which she liked best for prints. We also did a slideshow (part of our portrait shoot packages) that came together really well. We’ll try to put a version of it up soon.
As it turned out, Tom had just received his new school uniform on the day that we were to photograph them and he was very reluctant to take it off! The chooks are a big part of Tom’s life - even sitting on his lap to watch TV!
The family were really happy with the photos; Rosemary’s only complaint was that it was hard to choose which she liked best for prints. We also did a slideshow (part of our portrait shoot packages) that came together really well. We’ll try to put a version of it up soon.
A new person in the family
12/11/10 13:51
Wednesday saw the slow entrance of little Ethan Riley into the world and into our lives. Well done Melissa and Ashleigh! As the proud grandparents we had a short time to get to meet him yesterday and the opportunity to take our first photos of him. We are looking forward to our next photo session with them (as well as a lifetime of the happiness of knowing him).
Amber
14/10/10 14:54
Amber is about to say goodbye to her friends and family and the Northern Rivers as she heads off to the Caribbean to work at an exclusive health resort. She just had time to come and do a portrait shoot with us before she leaves. Amber has a calm and wise soul and a beautiful face to match. We had a lovely time capturing her in natural light and a variety of off-camera flash combinations. A few days later we were able to meet her lovely mother and take a few photos of the two of them - not long before the big departure. We wish her all the very best!
Rhyla's first birthday
29/09/10 16:28
Just a few days before Rhyla’s first birthday, we had the pleasure of photographing her and her parents. Erin and Dave, at their breathtaking property, below the Springbrook Range, in the Gold Coast Hinterland. We used Rhyla’s favourite places as our outdoor studios, that is the beautiful creek that flows through Natural Bridge and the family’s organic garden.
Rhyla seemed to lap up the attention and left the camera shyness to Dave (we got some great ones of him too though). Once again through our photography, we had the privilege to meet some genuinely lovely people and to see yet another stunning part of our country.
Rhyla seemed to lap up the attention and left the camera shyness to Dave (we got some great ones of him too though). Once again through our photography, we had the privilege to meet some genuinely lovely people and to see yet another stunning part of our country.
A girl and her horse
17/09/10 15:41
Amy was keen to have some photos with her pony, Beacon, who she’s been riding since she was 11. This was a great opportunity to get some images that we’d had in mind for a while, including capturing them in motion:
Amy has a lovely youthful spirit (despite being all of 25) and a bit of an elvish look, so we also had fun with her fairy wings and put her up a tree!
Also used the flash to capture something different down by the creek. Amy is a hairdresser, working at Uki and Brunswick Heads and did a great job doing her own hair and makeup as well as modelling.
Amy has a lovely youthful spirit (despite being all of 25) and a bit of an elvish look, so we also had fun with her fairy wings and put her up a tree!
Also used the flash to capture something different down by the creek. Amy is a hairdresser, working at Uki and Brunswick Heads and did a great job doing her own hair and makeup as well as modelling.
Photo session at an elegant wedding venue
10/09/10 19:18
Yesterday saw us up at North Tumbulgum at the stunning home and property of Bill and Bev Mclean, which they are developing as a wedding venue - for which it is perfectly suited! Even though the day before and today were grey and wet, we had beautiful weather with some helpful cloud cover. With two dresses that were very generously on loan from Chantilly Lace Boutique in Murwillumbah and another dress provided by Bev, Rebecca (our model) Alan and I all had a great time. The sumptuous beaded wedding dress by Scala fitted in so beautifully with all the antique furniture and items - especially in the regal “red room”. The black and white “raceday frock” was also heaps of fun, set against the lush green garden and their European inspired patio.
Here are two images that we loved - maybe a bit darker than the usual wedding photo?
Here are two images that we loved - maybe a bit darker than the usual wedding photo?
Photos taken in the (very) pink bedroom and the two formal lounge rooms:
Here are two of the race day number with a great little hat also provided by Chantilly Lace.
I love photographing babies!!
30/04/10 15:41
The past few weeks we had two great photo sessions with babies and their loving families.
The first was with Jessie who was about 9 days old. I just love that slightly other-worldly newborn look as well as watching all the interactions. Here are a few images that aren’t on our main website.
The next week we met up with Renae who we had photographed at two stages of her pregnancy with Lohwana. This gorgeous active little bundle is now 6 months old and already quite at home in front of the camera (well Mum was a model). After a couple of hours of fun, Lohwana had a brief nap and we were able to catch our favourite image of the day: the black and white shown below. Some more images are on our main site.
The first was with Jessie who was about 9 days old. I just love that slightly other-worldly newborn look as well as watching all the interactions. Here are a few images that aren’t on our main website.
The next week we met up with Renae who we had photographed at two stages of her pregnancy with Lohwana. This gorgeous active little bundle is now 6 months old and already quite at home in front of the camera (well Mum was a model). After a couple of hours of fun, Lohwana had a brief nap and we were able to catch our favourite image of the day: the black and white shown below. Some more images are on our main site.
Marking the changing dynamics
12/04/10 16:25
In February, Willow and Andy commissioned us to do family portrait session to mark the occasion of their eldest son, Jonathon, leaving home to start university hundreds of kilometres away. The family dynamic was about to change forever, so we tried to capture the relationships between Jonathon and his much younger brother and sisters.
The start of a dynamic year.
09/04/10 20:52
It certainly feels like a tiger of a year! It’s April already and we are flat out recreating our websites to reflect our new directions. Recent photographic highlights have been some lovely family portrait shoots. We photographed Marcia and her son Druen so that she could send prints as an 80th birthday present to her mother in England. Her sisters also loved their prints, one dashing out in the subzero temperatures to shop for a suitable frame. We aimed to capture the very close relationship these two have.
