Photography by Bambi

Daniel + Holly ~ Learning to dance in the rain (Rainbow Beach Wedding Photographer)

Bambi — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:08:47 +0000

April has been a fabulous month!

1. I celebrated my 34th Birthday with a new car…

2. My partner Andy proposed to me on our 6th year anniversary…

3. And for the trifecta, I helped Daniel & Holly celebrate their wedding at Rainbow Beach. They say rain on a wedding day is good luck. I think Dan & Holly now have loads of it.

In the beautiful & wise words said by Holly’s Grandfather : “Life is not about waiting for the Storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the Rain”

And dance they did!

I saw two very incredibly beautiful families come together and celebrate what was a very wet and windy day. They celebrated like they’ve been friends for years and years.

Laughed. Danced. Love.

Enjoy!

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Tim & Jen ~ from Engagement to Wedding (Mundubberra Wedding Photographer)

Bambi — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:00:50 +0000

One thing I love to do is a ‘Love Shoot’ before my couples’ wedding day. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the groom beforehand (if I haven’t already) and also to see how my Bride & Groom ‘work together’ in photographs. It’s a brief photography session, more talking and laughing than actual clicking of the camera! But I find it’s such an important part of my relationship with my Bride and Groom. By the time the wedding comes around, the three of us are already as comfortable with each other as long lost friends. So it’s simply a progression of the days’ events and they can totally trust that I know exactly what they want without having been told.

Tim & Jen are from whoop-whoop. So to get together for a ‘Love Shoot’ was either near impossible or a major trip. So it was perfect when Jen rang me and said they were meeting their Minister and could we meet up on the same day. I wanted to post some of their love shoot images because I loved what they wore. From the get-go, I could see that Tim was country and was comfortable with it, and Jen is, well Jen could wear a brown heshion bag and STILL look amazing! I am always directing my portrait clients to wear solid colours and darkish tones ~ so what Tim & Jen wore for their shoot is a classic example.

So the wedding day arrives…

Jen arrived on the back of a Bullock Tray, drawn by REAL bullocks! So original & what an incredibly amazing job by the owner of these huge beasts. He directed by noises and calls and never missed a beat.

And it is a STUNNING day! So stunning in fact that we were met by the most amazing storm cloud I’ve seen for a while. ”Nah, it’ll go around us… I hope… Nope, of course not!” We had about 2.5 seconds to get to cover before it rains buckets, cats, dogs and the occasional duck! And it didn’t stop!

I was saddened by the fact that we couldn’t get the entire bridal party outside for location photos on this beautiful property, but then it challenged me to think on my feet and ‘find a way’ to give Tim and Jen beautiful photography that they could enjoy, rather than just all images taken in the marquee with direct flash… And so this is the big difference between an Amateur and a Professional.

One for the Grandkids I think! I loved the fact that EVERYONE took off their fancy shoes and danced the night away in ankle deep water!

Enjoy!

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Couture Book Wedding Albums (Destination Wedding Photographer)

Bambi — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:00:15 +0000

I have finally launched my newest and latest creation… being my Couture Wedding Albums, cutely named Belle D’Arte ~ Italian for ‘Beautiful Art.’

This is 18 months of finding a versatile and talented BookBinder and designing an exquisite album that I can offer to my engaged Couples. But the thing I love most about this Couture Book is that each and every album will be different to the last and the next. No two albums will EVER be the same. Every album will be an original and I’m very excited to offer something a little different to compliment my couples’ personalities and have a album that represents their wedding day right down to the little details chosen for the cover. The genuine leather covers and fine art paper pages are sourced from Italy and represent the best we can offer in the album manufacturing industry. The binding of the albums are hand sewn and the print quality of the images on page are divine.

This album is truely for those couples who love the Art of Photography and Storytelling. Not only do I capture the whole day of events, moments and emotions, but hours are spent in the lead up and on the day, speaking with the happy couple and their loved ones to record special words spoken by each.

Here is my album designed for Mel & Blakey. They celebrated their wedding late last year at Kingfisher Bay Resort. All the elements of this album represent the individual style of their wedding, plus reflecting their personalities.

PS – This particular Album also just recently won me a Silver Award at the Qld Professional Photography Awards.

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The Red Shoe Photographer Diaries Day 6 Part 2 (New Zealand)

Bambi — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 02:29:21 +0000

Part Two:

D’s studio space is not far from the City Centre. Fortunately, his building faired quite well, given he’s suffered through 3 earthquakes in the last 18 months. I couldn’t say the same for any building over 4+ stories tall. I went for a solemn walk around a few streets and the sound of bulldozers, cranes and concrete dust fill the air. It is so incredibly unfair and extraordinary to witness. I was only here 8+ years ago and Christchurch was so beautiful – the big Catholic Church in the centre of the city, iconic for it’s beautiful architecture and stained glass windows stands no longer. Roughly a 5 block radius is fenced off, any building within that red zone being stamped for demolition (roughly 300 buildings yet to be pulled down). As I was there, the massive Convention Centre was being pulled apart. Two bulldozers working methodically clawing at wires, cables, grasping at tin, concrete slabs and neatly making individually piles behind them. Constant sprays of water settling the dust while the big machines worked backwards and forwards. The ground rumbles underfoot and can be felt up to 2 blocks away. Eerie sounds of glass breaking and concrete crumbling and falling apart. Tourists stopping to take photos and locals stopping to view the demise of a once proud standing building.

There is some sort of normality amongst the locals but I think moreso they are simply trying to get their lives back on track. The politics, paperwork and issues revolving around the residents’ homes of Christchurch is genuinely mind-blowing. I certainly didn’t realise there are still people living in homes with no running water or flushing toilets. Some literally have a port-a-loo at their back door! I thought what we suffered in South East Queensland with the January Floods last year were bad… Nothing can prepare for what the residents of Christchurch have been through and are still struggling with on a daily basis 18 months later.

Local business owners are struggling to make ends meet and people are losing their jobs by the hundreds. So far roughly 20,000 residents have left this city. The only industry is that of the industrial demolition and construction industry.

My only hope is that it will be sooner rather than later before Christchurch returns to the beautiful city that it once was. We can help, by visiting New Zealand and spending a few tourist dollars there. I mean seriously, it’s only a three hour flight…

I’m sorry to leave my New Zealand Journey on such a saddened note, but I’m glad I visited NZ and was able to take you all with me. What Christchurch is going through now (& what we suffered during the floods), simply reminds us how fragile life is and that Mother Nature really is the Big Boss in the end.

B xx

The Red Shoe Photographer signing off for now ~ until the next adventure! xx

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The Red Shoe Photographer Diaries Day 6 Part 1 (New Zealand)

Bambi — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 02:19:13 +0000

Part One Christchurch:

My last day in New Zealand was spent with Deiderik and his team photographing for a commercial furniture catalogue.

For a Wedding/Portrait Photographer, this was completely foreign to me but entirely interesting as well. Deiderik lights the furniture pieces on location at the clients’ store and using 4+ head kits, plus being tethered to the iMac screen so that everyone could see where the light was needed and what detail was required plus visualising the overall image.

I always wondered why it took Commercial photographers all day to photograph 3-5 items (ie my dear friend Ross Eason), but now I totally understand. It is a true art to capture the complete image in camera, plus being able to light a subject properly and especially using so many varied light sources – tungsten, available window light and studio light kits, sometimes all at once.

I assisted with a little styling during the day as well and loved hanging out with D and his team (Alex and Chris). A big thanks to the fabulous staff at Mackenzie Willis for having me play for the day!

I was also lucky enough to spend some time with D’s wife Sandy, Miss A and Master M ~ and go to their school orchestras – both of them on the same night! They did so well – so proud of them! After the concerts, I joined them for a family dinner, getting to meet all the Grandparents too! What a delight!

I am so grateful to have been able to spend this precious time with D and his family. One of the nicest families I have come to meet – and definitely a family I can foresee loads of future trips visiting again.

…To be Continued…

A serious moment assessing the lighting...

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The Red Shoe Photographer Diaries Day 5 (New Zealand)

Bambi — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:59:15 +0000

I picked up my first hitch hiker today… His name was David, from Switzerland and he was only 18 years old! I thought to myself ‘why on earth would his mother think that it’s ok for her son to travel by himself for 10 weeks in another country on the opposite side of the world??’ But then when I thought about it further, what a perfect age to do this type of travel and experience what David’s experienced and the people he has been lucky to meet to influence his journey. David is unlike any 18 year old I have met before. He has big dreams for his future and he is so eager to learn, intrigued by what settings I was using on my camera and why I do what I do. He called me an Artist. It was such a pleasure to help David even if it was only for 120 kms.

This morning (prior to meeting David), I walked to Franz Joseph Glacier. From the last time I was here 9 years ago, the Glacier has retreated ALOT. I didn’t find it as appealing as Fox Glacier so I didn’t bother walking right up to it. But can you see the red and white helicopter in this shot below? Just gives you a hint of an idea as to the size of these mountains….

Instead I made an executive decision to do one of the big walks at Arthurs Pass. I stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, and as the sign said 3.3 km round trip, I thought perfect! 8 kms later I finally found the exit to my walking track! I seriously thought I was going to collapse! Poorly sign posted, I got to one waterfall, took a few shots (using the tripod) and thought there must be a bigger waterfall because this one looked nothing like the brochure… How wrong was I! I ended up finding the main highway and walked about 5 kms BACK to my car… No more walks for me today!

Bridal Veil Falls

West Coast trees requested by Naomi A

This one is for you Andy - your 'Spig-etts!'

The scenery through Arthurs Pass is nothing short of spectacular. It constantly amazes me how much the scenery, landscape and treescapes change from one corner to the next. There is still snow even.

Rock slide shelter!

I arrived into Christchurch and to Deiderik’s house and settled right in with his beautiful family. I first met D at the first AIPP Event at Twin Waters about 2 years ago – he was one of our guest speakers and is an amazing commercial photographer based here in Christchurch. Sandy and the kids are just gorgeous and I am already chief homework helper and even invited to the big School Orchestras tomorrow night… Can’t wait!

Here are some piccies from today, hope you are still enjoying the ride with me. Off to a surprise destination tomorrow…..

B xx

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The Red Shoe Photographer Day 4 (New Zealand)

Bambi — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 09:36:05 +0000

This morning on my jog around Wanaka, I found ‘The Picture Lounge’. It’s a fine art gallery for New Zealand Professional Photographers. It didn’t open until 10am so I hung around a little longer for a look-see. I’m glad I did. I met Christopher David Thompson, the owner and featured landscape photographer. Alongside his art, also starred the wonderful Mike Langford and Jackie Ranken. Such inspirational images, in my head I was making my ‘dream wish list’…

So back to todays’ travel journey:

20,228 steps on my pedometer…

15.91 kms walked…

2,832 calories burnt…

185 Images taken…

2 glasses of Pinot Noir…

& one Authentic Indian Chicken Korma for dinner!

So many beautiful landscapes and so many kilometres travelled. I started at Wanaka, then Clutha River, Lake Hawea, Blue Pools, Thunder falls, Fox Glacier and a few little tid bits on the way. I did so much walking today that I foresee a visit to the Hot Pools across the road from my motel in the morning if my legs and joints don’t co-operate with me!

Don’t you just L.O.V.E Autumn!?!

I must have passed a dozen or more hitch hikers today. I so wanted to stop and help them on their own journey, but I could hear Andy in my head saying ‘No honey, you just never can trust people you don’t know, especially these days in those circumstances’. And with my entire lens kit and camera gear in the car, plus traveling by myself, he’s probably right. I hope they got to where they wanted to before this cold evening set in…

Tonight I’m in Franz Joseph. Tomorrow I plan to walk to the Glacier and then cross Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch. There I will meet up with my dear friend Diederik and his beautiful family and take in the altered sights that the poor city has to offer since the earthquakes. It has been 8 years since I last visited CHCH.

Hope you are all well & loving life!

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The Red Shoe Photographer Diaries Day 3 (New Zealand)

Bambi — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 09:08:05 +0000

Wow, what a day…. I’m exhausted, sunburnt I think and eyes feel like there’s sawdust in them! Signs of a big day… I googled today and found out that I am 2,564 kms from home. Cool!

So I left Deb, Darren and little AJ in Alexandra (after a quick family portrait shoot) and headed off to Lake Tekapo. On the way stopping numerous times to admire the gorgeous landscapes.

Lake Tekapo…. A quick lunch and then turn around and head back to Wanaka…

Mount Cook

The Lindis Pass

I took a joy flight…. only kidding! I wish!!

I finally drove into Wanaka at 6pm and after finding a cute little apartment to book into, I had just enough time to take the short walk to the lake front and catch this lovely sunset. Tomorrow morning NZ’s daylight savings is over – then I’ll only be 2 hours different again.

And a Self-Portrait!

I listened to six episodes of Rangefinder today and with only myself to talk to, I’ve had the time to reflect on parts of my photography career so far. I have a somewhat clearer mind on what direction I want to continue in/change and some key elements I need to do to make that more successful for my beautiful clients. And that was only one day by myself in a foreign country! I wonder what tomorrow will bring?!

I hope you are enjoying this journey with me so far. And if there are any special spots you recommend I visit between Wanaka, Franz Joseph & Christchurch, then let me know – I’ll try and photograph it for you…

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The Red Shoe Photographer Diaries (New Zealand Day 2)

Bambi — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:30:31 +0000

You are probably asking ‘why am I NOT wearing my red shoes in this photo…?’ Well for one – it’s freekin cold! and two – that’s moss we are standing on… And even more freekin cold water right beside me – no red shoe appearance today. I’ll bring them out tomorrow

So today Deb and I set off for a tour around Arrowtown and Queenstown. Arrowtown is one of my all time favourite spots to visit in Central Otago. A sleepy little town, Arrowtown is famous for being one of the first Chinese settled towns back in the day when gold was mined there. This year they are celebrating 150 years!

Arrowtown is settled amongst beautiful mountains and plenty of maple trees. I have arrived about a week early, so the leaves are only JUST turning yellow. By the time my plane leaves next week, Autumn will be in full show!

As we walked around, all I could see were scenes perfect for family sessions and bridal parties! But at the same time, there were stunning landscapes – fitting for my wall!

Queenstown – We drove up the main access to Coronet Peak Ski field and at the half way point, there is a beautiful vantage point where the views are AMAZING!

As lunch approached, all I could think of was Seafood Chowder, so I quickly Googled ‘seafood chowder Queenstown’ and guess what? BEST Seafood Chowder ever came up for Eichardt’s Hotel on the lakefront. And at $26 for a lunch size, I was thinking it had BETTER be the best! And it certainly didn’t disappoint! Compliments to the Chef – Buurrp!

Tomorrow, I say goodbye to Deb and her family and take off to Wanaka. After that, I’m not sure which road to take… Undecided. Mt Cook or Franz Joseph or both? I have the privilege of spare time on my hands.

Chat soon,

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The Red Shoe Photographer Diaries Day 1 (New Zeelund)

Bambi — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:02:27 +0000

My little red shoes have become my trademark signature fashion statement… And the next week of blogging is dedicated to my new personal photography statement – ‘The Red Shoe Photographer Diary!’

I’m in glorious New Zeelund ! South Island in fact, Central Otago. I am here to commence my ‘personal journey’ photographing all of my favourite places during the colour turn of Autumn and to visit a few old friends along the way.

Upon arriving into Dunedin, the landscape is superbly green – super green, with a touch of golden leaves from the Poplar trees lining the highway. Sheep, goats and cows lined their dainty paddocks.

Today I took my little hire car and drove to Alexandra to stay with my good friends Deb, Darren and little two year old AJ. I haven’t seen AJ since he was 5 months old, during a Winter trip I did in 2010. We are planning a family portrait session with these guys on Saturday morning, so will post some piccies then.

I’m half way through my second glass of wine (a Hawkes Bay and Marlborough delight thanks to Deb) so will post more tomorrow. But just to keep you interested in what I’m doing, here is a little teaser…

Enjoy!

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