The signs are finally up! The stoffice is almost finished - I just have one wall left to decorate, and then I’m done! I won’t show any wide shots just yet until it’s complete, but first of all here is the big sign in the stoffice above the TV…

Standing on the outside looking in (yes, that does say “The Stoffice”. I don’t care what anyone says, it is a word and it’s here to stay)…

And the outdoor sign…

I spent this week down at Sea World Resort on the Gold Coast, attending the August Exposure seminar. It was four days of intense learning, hearing from some very talented speakers and photography greats. It wasn’t all nose to the grindstone though, with a couple of social dinners. It was great to catch up with other photography friends, and make some new ones as well.

Some shots from Monday evening’s barbeque. First up, Kel Munce & I…

The girls… Justine Rugers, Me, Kel Munce and Deb Amsler…  

 Mark Schoeman & I…

With Ian Wilkinson…

Wilko & Rob Heyman …

Room-mate Justine & I…

Rob Heyman & Kym Berry …

A little bit of everyone…

With Shelley Lumley… 

and Jan Ramsay… 

Earlier this month, Poo and I had the pleasure of being invited to celebrate Kristian’s christening. Kristian is the beautiful baby boy of one of my favourite ever couple’s Kim & Dusan. I was invited purely on a social level, but of course there was no way I was going to go without my camera!

Kristian was christened in the new Serbian Orthodox Church at Wooloongabba, right next door to where his Mummy & Daddy got married. The only other christening I have ever been to was Milly’s, and this was so very different to what I was used to! The ceremony centred around Kristian and his godfather, while Kim & Dusan watched on proudly. Kristian was such a good little boy, not making a sound, until he got dunked in the water. I’m not talking just cupping some water over his head, the priest dunked him down in the fountain pouring water all over him. He got a bit upset about it, but went back to being quiet and content shortly after!

After the service, we went over to East’s Leagues Club for the lunch reception and some awesome home cooked desserts!

This is my favourite photo ever! If you could just get inside the little guys mind and imagine what he was thinking….

Gorgeous family…

Sound asleep and no idea what all the fuss is about…

How cool is this cake?…

08.08.08. The date that any photographer worth their salt was out working. Oh, and also a date that lots of fabulous couples decided to get married!

Leanne originally arranged her wedding from all the way over in WA. I can still remember last June, driving along the Centenary Highway and getting a call from a  softly spoken, but excited young lady to discuss details. She pretty much booked me on the spot, and we didn’t end up meeting until I shot their e-session in February. That is not uncommon for me, as I still have a number of weddings to shoot this year, where I’ve never met the bride or groom. When you “click” you click. And sometimes that’s all you need.

Leanne is one of the sweetest girls I’ve met. And she knows the way to my heart. When we caught up before the wedding she brought me a bag of Tim Tam Balls, and there was another bag waiting for me when I arrived at the Stamford the morning of the wedding. Oh how I love her! It was an early early early Friday morning, arriving at 7am. The amazing Toula had already been and gone. That woman continues to blow me away. She pretty much did Leanne’s makeup in the dark, with the sun having not yet risen, and relying on minimal in-room lighting. That’s why she’s one of the best!

After chowing down on some Tim Tam Balls, I got Leanne dressed, and we got to work. Leanne decided to have no bridal party - and I LOVE that!! I had her all to myself!! She blitzed it, too. Leanne isn’t into “big smiley cheesy” pics, but she has this look about her. Her eyes can be so piercing, like they’re staring straight through you. And that sly pout was in fine form, and she knew how to work it!

The ceremony was up at Glengarrif Estate up at Dayboro. It was quite a chilly morning to begin with, and then the sun rose high in the sky to warm everyone up. Leanne made her way down the aisle to a very happy Julian, who looked adoringly at his bride. Yet again we were graced with the presence of celebrant Andrew Sinclair who performed a lovely cermony.

Afterwards we stole Leanne & Julian away for some pictures in the harsh midday sun. Obviously that’s not the most ideal time for photos, but it’s about making the conditions work for you, not against you. These guys were absolute troopers as I marched them from one spot to the next, looking the best light. We then got back upstairs where we all tucked into some food - because we were starving!!!

Me getting Leanne dressed - Scarlett O’Hara style…

Working it…

Andrew Sinclair - proving not only is he an amazing celebrant, but pretty handy as “shade boy” too…

With the happy couple…

And also with Shane & Tiana…

I don’t know what it was about Clint & Mieke’s wedding, but it totally drew me in. Whether it was it’s vintage feel, or the understated elegance, it was a day that was simple, yet so beautiful. I was so excited about Meike’s dress. Such a simple design, but it made her look almost regal. As we all know,I like dresses that dare to go against the ”norm”, and this worked perfectly for me.

Clint & Mieke first met when they were 12 years old - it makes you wonder back then if they ever dreamed they would end up getting married. They’re a couple who just seem to “fit” together really well, and compliment eachother beautifully. The ceremony was held at Broadway Chapel, where they were married by the fabulous Andrew Sinclair. Outside, Clint & Mieke greeted all their guests with huge smiles, and loving hugs.

Being a late ceremony, it was nearly 5pm before we left the chapel and headed up to Kangaroo Point cliffs, where Clint had proposed to Mieke. The sun soon went down, but that didn’t stop us getting some more pictures - one of the main reasons I love my 85 1.2 & 35 1.4 lenses. There were a lot of laughs, and even some lovely little finger sandwiches (with the crusts cut off!) as we then took a break and reflected on the afternoon.

On our way over to Victoria Park we stopped of at the med school to get some night shots before getting over to the reception.

Poo was back in fine form, nailing two of my favourite shots of the day…

Are we in August already?? I’d had two weekends off, and with Poo back by my side, I was raring to get back to work!

Our day started off at Narangba where Michelle and the girls were getting ready. I had instantly recognised Michelle’s dress as being “the one Stevie wore on McLeod’s Daughters”. I couldn’t work out what was worse - knowing that was the same dress, or admitting that I actually watch the show. I think I’ll just move right along!

The ceremony took place at St John The Baptist Church at Alderley, and afterwards we headed into the city. You could tell it was Friday afternoon by the traffic - the only downside of not having your wedding on a weekend. But we got to the city, dumped our car, and got into the stretch Ford Territory limo with the rest of the bridal party. It was a wise move, and kudos to Michelle for thinking of it.

We cruised around town getting some photographs, before getting back to the (Funky Col) Medina for the reception!

Thanks for a great day Jonathan & Michelle, but to me you will always be Carl & Roberta!!! 

Michelle called me in tears 8.30pm the night before the wedding. It seems her makeup artist deemed that a suitable time to cancel on her. I have a TON of contacts in this business, so I was able to get make-up artist (and former bride) Cherisse, to fill in. Cherisse, thankyou so much for saving the day and for doing such a beautiful job of all the girls makeup. xxx

Long time blog readers will know about the obsession I have for the music of Mark Seymour. I heard on the radio last week that he was going to be playing at the Brisbane Lion’s gala dinner, and I got all giddy with excitement. The last time I saw him play was when I went down to Melbourne for the DVD recording (read about that here). So I put the call out on Facebook to see if any of my friends wanted to go with me.

As it would happen, one of my awesome clients have a business called Total Sports Travel who sponsor the Brisbane Lions. They pulled some strings and got me a seat at their table. I went out and got me a new dress, and I was off to the ball!

There was well over a thousand people there last night in the Great Hall at the convention centre, but being on Table 4 meant we had a front row seat. It was quite early in the proceedings when Mr Seymour came out to play his set of four songs (”Do You See What I See”, “Tears Of Joy”, “Westgate”, and “Holy Grail”). He was then followed up by James Reyne. Can anyone understand what this guy is saying? At one point the gentleman beside me and I were googling the lyrics on my mobile phone to try and keep up.

Anyway, I decided not to bring my pro gear with me. I figured I already have hundreds of shots of him performing, and strangely enough he always seems to wear the same thing! I took my handy P&S camera, a Canon G7, which shot on manual, at 1600 ISO does an ok job.

HUGE HUGE thanks to my March 09 bride, Susan, for making this possible…

Susan burning the floor with random stranger guy…

Another thankyou to Gina, Deb, and of course Toula from Beautiful Images By Toula…

Last month, Kym Berry saddled up with me again to shoot my last wedding before Poo was due home. My folks had been away for some considerable time, and although I’d had a blast shooting with a plethora of other talented photographers - I was missing my old sparring partner. The one who knows better than anybody what I’m thinking, and what I want.

We met up with Louise and her five, yes count them, five bridesmaids at the Quay West hotel. Louise’s Darb gown was quite deceiving on the hanger, as once she got it on it was definately something else.

The ceremony was held at St Stephens Cathedral in the city, where the couple made quite the impression on the many pilgrims that came by the church as part of the World Youth Day celebrations.

From there we wandered down along the river, finally stopping at Customs House for the reception.

And some of Kym’s shots…

Brad & Louise with the pilgrims…

Competing with the paparazzi…

A little while back I was boasting how the rain and I had this little understanding…..well, last month this was thrown totally out the window. 10 years ago, if you had of told me that it was going to pour down rain on a day like this, I probably would have shit myself. Hell, even a couple of years ago it would have filled me with a cold dread. But I remember taking a look outside on the morning of Shane & Tiana’s wedding and seeing a dark horrible and dismal day - and I wasn’t phased. In fact, I think I actually enjoy little curve balls like that - it makes me step outside my comfort zone and try and find other ways to knock it out of the park.

Providing the venue had a wet weather plan, which they did, I knew we would be alright. Another of my clients, Julian & Leanne, were at the wedding, so I lined them up to come with us to the location shoot to hold the umbrellas. Normally when rains around, my second shooter downs cameras in order to hold an umbrella over me, but this allowed Andy to continue shooting, and both of us were covered. The rain didn’t last too long into the location shoot anyway, so we were happily back out into the open. We spent the rest of the late afternoon wandering around the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens which was so crisp and green from the recent rain.

Tiana had the most gorgeous dress - I haven’t had a pink dress in quite a while, so it’s always nice to photograph something different. Shane & Tiana are such a cute couple, and were really good sports making the most of every moment, considering what the day had thrown at them!

Some of Andy’s shots…

The lovely Leanne & Julian (thanks guys!!)…

Some shots Andy took of me…

I like to use flash…

One word to describe Kris & Amanda’s wedding….SuperCalaFreakinAwesome!!

I tend to have this habit of booking clients who I can also see myself being friends with in the “real world”. I clicked with Kris & Amanda right from the get-go, and it totally changes the dynamics of how you work together when you’re so comfortable around eachother. We had such an awesome time shooting their engagement session, and I’d been looking forward to their wedding for ages.

I have to go on record as saying - Amanda rocks my world! I get people say nice things to me about being a great photographer, but seriously, I’m not even half of the equation. It’s when my clients bring such serious hotness to the table, you don’t even have to know how to use a camera to get great pictures.  Amanda was the epitome of everything I love in one of my brides. A willingness to do anything I asked of her, not being shy or embarassed, and ready to ROCK!! And have I mentioned how hot she looked?? 

Kris was also looking hot, and he wasn’t afraid of telling people that himself! Kris is truly one of a kind, and is the king of sparkling wit and repartee. Thankfully Anne Campbell was there to keep the boys in line - and she had her work cut out for her.  The one-liners were flowing thick and fast as the boys calmed themselves down before the ceremony. Before too long, under the grand entrance of the Hope Island Golf Club, Kris stood proudly as the woman who would soon be his wife, made her way down the aisle.

There was laughter, there were tears. There was crowd participation, and even a toilet break. It was a ceremony that was truly “them”. It had been a long time coming, but now here they were as husband and wife.

We wasted no time in getting out onto the golf course and partaking in a lot of tomfoolery, with the occasional photo thrown in. The entire bridal party were so much fun to hang out with, and made it such a memorable afternoon. We stayed on for the reception to catch Kris & Amanda burn up the dance floor with a specially choreographed dance, and then for their suprise fireworks show that wow’d their guests.

A BIG thankyou goes out to the fantastically awesomely talented Kym Berry for coming out to shoot with me, and keep me company. I am inspired by your talent, and grateful to now call you my friend.

Kris & Amanda - words can’t describe how much I love you guys, and how much I have enjoyed getting to know you and share in your joy. You re-ignite my passion for what I do, and remind me why I do this. xxx

Some of Kym’s shots…

Kris has some rather interesting facial expressions…

After this quick shot in the bunker…

…it was my turn…

How many brides would share their potato with me right off their dinner plate!!

I got to do what I almost never get to do at a wedding…have a boogie on the dancefloor…

And now a word from our sponsors….. Anne Campbell & I…

My couple from waaaaaay back in 2006, Adam & Emma ….

Say hello to Kym Berry …

…and the rest are pretty self-explanatory!!….