vin and shadi

Another November bride and groom  in the making.  And what a stunning couple they make.  Not just they way they look but watching them interact was just delightful.

These images were made by myself and Lynn Gail from Lynn Gail Photography.  Over the years Lynn and myself  have shot lots of weddings together and before I leave  Perth and  return to my homeland in Dec we have teamed up again and we will be shooting my last 3 weddings together.  Just about anything could happen when we are together.  Like that time we ended up on the back of a golf buggy at 11.00 o’clock in the evening searching for lost car keys!!  But  we found them!! What  I can guarantee though is we will have lots of laughs and the images we will create between us will be just lovely.

I cant recommend Lynn enough if you are looking for a wedding or portrait photographer next year.  But, you have to get in quick because in-between weddings Lynn shoots for Lonely Planet Images and is usually found in some remote part of Asia trying to communicate with the locals through her lens.

 

 

dean and chloe

And what a gorgeous day it was in Perth yesterday for a a truly heartfelt, intimate wedding tucked away on one of the best beaches around.

One bride, one groom, 18 guests, plenty of fun, laughter, dancing and even a Toyota jump!

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Wells and thank you for letting me be part of your special day.

   

morgan and bec

 

It started at Tiffany’s in Perth, Western Australia and ended not too far away at the Secret Garden Cafe with a delicious coffee.  There are so many little gorgeous nooks and crannies if you just wander away from the high streets in Perth.  Take the time to look around the corner and you just might discover something wonderful.

I am now very much looking forward to shooting this lovely couples wedding in November  at the stylish Sandleford Winery in the heart of the Swan Valley, Perth.

 

blake and kym

I recently had a wander with Blake, Kym and my camera around one of my favourite spots in Perth…… Guildford, which is rich in WA history and the gateway into the delightful wine region “The Swan Valley”.

I am now looking forward to taking lots more pictures at their wedding in November at the Watershed Winery in Margaret River another delightful wine region. … WA is full of them!

special family/couple prortait offer – oct foto fest in perth, wa

the Hundred-Foot Journey

 

“Food creates memories” … well it certainly created a lovely memory that will stick with me for some time to come… Three special  friends, a couple of ice creams, plenty of oos’ and arr’s, maybe a tear or two, certainly a laugh or three,  followed by the best chips I have tasted in Perth at the London Cafe, Currambine and of course swilled down with  delicious creamy hot chocolates….the perfect recipe for a cold, wintry Friday night in Perth.

The Hundred Foot Journey is Steven Speilberg’s and Oprah Winfrey’s new film   based on a novel by Richard C Morais  and directed by Lasse Hallstron.  I haven’t read the book but I intend to now.

In the film the family of talented cook, Hassan Kadam are fleeing from political violence in India that destroyed the family restaurant and killed their mother. The Kadams after a short stint in London living under the flight path of Heathrow eventually settle in the most quaint, village somewhere in France.  The journey then begins, restaurant rivalry between India and France.

Everyone involved gives an inspired performance. Helen Miram’s character Madame Mallaroy is a definite force to be reckoned with, happy sabotaging the Kadam’s family restaurant , filing complaints, buying all food stocks from the local market but stops in her tracks when one of her employees commits a racist act of violence against the Kadams.  This sub plot isn’t really developed instead taking a more “get out of my restaurant and never return” attitude followed by the softening of her heart towards the Kadams especially towards Om Puri who plays Papa.  The pair share a lovely on screen chemistry.

Its a memorable picturesque, charming  romantic fable with some very funny moments, moments of contemplation and wonderful shots of the French Countryside and Paris. It is reliant on racial stereotypes albeit affectionately portrayed. The light throughout the film is exquisite.  It just makes you feel good attacking all the senses connecting the head, heart and stomach!

Yep, this deserves a Michelin Star and I  now want to become a food photographer, and  learn how to make an omelette.

 

Bridal Obsessions

Yesterday I was asked to make some pictures for Bridal Obsessions, in Joondlaup Perth.  Shelley and her team from Minx Cosmetics  were responsible for the beautiful hair and make-up.  Here are a few of my favourites.

 

 

 

5 reasons to book a professional photographer

So you want the perfect day. The perfect venue, perfect dress, perfect flowers, yummy looking cake, stylish invitations, transport, music etc….

….. The list goes on, as I’m sure you are aware, if you are, or have recently planned your wedding.

At the top of your list should be the photographer simply because at the end of the day apart from the wonderful memories inside your head and dress hanging in the wardrobe it is the pictures that will last forever…treasured memories for you to share with family and friends old and new  for the rest of your life.

If you are undecided as whether or not to book a photographer… I mean, I’m sure its crossed you mind that you could ask your friends mate who is still at college or you Uncle…. he takes such beautiful landscapes pictures and has a really good camera or indeed an amateur who has another full time job in the week, then here are 5 simple reasons to help you….

1. A qualified and experienced wedding photographer will know how to tell a narrative through pictures. They will make a record of your day… taking you back to that day for years to come or for those who couldn’t make the wedding giving them the feeling that they were there with you.
2. An experienced and qualified photographer knows were to stand, what to look out for. He or she will be waiting for those moments and also on the ball for those impromptu moments as the they happen as well. Weddings are fast paced and full of emotion, changes do happen at the last minute and a professional wedding photographer will take it all in their stride.
3. They will evaluate the location before the wedding day. Checking out the light and locations to get the best possible results for you.
4. They will  have a really good camera and lenses .    They will have public liability insurance and a back up plan should they become unavailable to shoot your wedding.  They should ask you to sign a professionally “drawn up” contract which protects both parties.
5. A professionally booked photographer will be reliable. They have invested time and money into their profession. Their reputation is at stake at every wedding. The service they offer must be excellent from the initial meeting to the delivery of your disc of memories.

Finally, it doesn’t always matter how long they have been shooting weddings if the work is  good and appeals to you  but there is no harm in asking.   Make sure you feel comfortable with them, after all they will spend most of the day with you.  Ask to see reviews from past brides and always ask why they like to shoot weddings.

My answer to that is:

I love to shoot weddings because every wedding is different. I have not been to one boring wedding yet. I love the whole day. I love to watch and capture memories from the moment dad sees his little girl for the first time in her dress,  or mum looking so proud at her boy, and everything in-between until the first dance between two people in love…  It just a lovely day and an honour to be involved in.  I love to create pictures for people that I know they will treasure forever….

Have I said LOVE enough….. well it is a day filed with love and lovely things.

simon and stacy

I was recently asked to travel to South Australia to shoot a wedding. Once again, I stepped into peoples lives for a day, wondering around documenting what I saw and taking just a little time out to make a few posed pics, which I still love to do. My job is a privilege.
So, Simon married his Stacy at the Parri Estate Wines nestled deep in the heart of the McLaren Vale. It was a beautiful day to photograph. Here are just a few pictures….and too bad Mr Buble… she’s taken!