The Amazing Kez and Haylz

When I first met Kez and Haylz, Kez was a bridesmaid at a wedding that I had photographed (you might remember Monica and Stuart?). She was a laugh a minute, and such a genuine person - I could see why Monica was her friend. Kez actually saved my butt - I had sat down my last blank CF Card for my camera (storage) and turned my back for quite literally, two minutes - only to find that the table I had sat it on - was gone. My heart leapt into my throat - I only had 3 images left before my current card was full - and they still hadn't thrown the bouquet. Argggghhhhh!!!!! Kez MUST have seen the panicked look in my eyes and offered to help find it. After about 5 minutes of crawling around a dark dancefloor on our hands and knees - Kez found it. Yaaaaayyyy!!!!

I know this may seem like such a trivial story to most people - but to me - it meant everything. I have never forgotten her kindness. She took me from heart attack to happy in 5 minutes flat. That's just the best thing since sliced bread in my books.

When Kez sent me an email recently asking to do a photoshoot - I thought "YAY" - I get to say thankyou again. I called her soon after to talk about the shoot - and to find out what exactly she had in mind and what to expect. But what I didn't expect to do was break down and cry a little after the call. Kez had told me she had Breast Cancer, and was wanting to do the photoshoot to "celebrate her baldness". She wanted to show Cancer that she was kicking butt, and taking no prisoners! Hell yeah!

To say I admire Kez, is an understatement. To me, she personifies that song by Helen Reddy "I Am Woman" - especially that line "I am woman - hear me roar!". Kez was one of the ladies who instigated "Pink Days" at the Dubbo Base Hospital - where everyone would wear pink scrubs on certain days of the week. This little campaign has helped immensely to raise awareness - with an article in the Photo News. Through it all has been Kez's rock and pillar of support - her partner Haylz. Together, they are a pretty amazing team.

So - thankyou Kez and Haylz for asking me to take your photos. I am honoured!

Gorgeous makeup by Danielle Peace Artistry. Lighting Assistant - the awesome Candice Locke.

Make Over Monday - Water Angel

Hello everyone. Welcome to our first ever "Make Over Monday". This regular feature will take a behind the scenes look into what goes into an image AFTER it has been taken - that is, the editing. 

I thought I would start out with an image that is very dear to my heart - this is my awesome Assistant/Second Photographer Toni. She let me experiment with her maternity shoot - to say I was excited would be the understatement of the year. I had this very clear vision in my mind of the final image - basically - a floating, gorgeous, pregnant, beautiful Water Angel. Yay!!!!

I was also very, very nervous. So many things could go wrong.
So - imagine me - climbing up a little rickety step ladder besides this very deep, very WET pool, in intense humidity from the pool heating, with my very fragile, very non-waterproof camera - and well... you get the idea that I was kinda nervous!

So - I took the photo. Well - I took 56 of them, to be exact. Why so many? Well - it is because there are so many variables that I had to get JUST RIGHT in this image. The angle of the hands, the expression on the face, the "float" of the sheet (yes - that IS a purple sheet she is wearing). So - I took a lot of photos to make sure that I got "the one". 

But this was only the beginning. I needed to convert the RAW file to a format useable in Photoshop. Then, straightened, dodged and burned, enhanced makeup, smoothed skin, cloned, liquified, colour popped, and then finally added wings. As you can see - the TAKING of the photo is just the first step. There is so much more to it than just clicking away. 

Now - I don't go to this degree of editing for EVERY photo - in fact - most of the time I just enhance the tiniest amount. But - this photo is more of a piece of art than "just a photo". 

I want to say a HUGE thankyou to Toni for allowing me to show you the "Before and After". You are such an amazing and gorgeous friend! Thankyou! (And a BIG thankyou to Toni's sister, Eliza, for helping with the lighting on the day).

What To Do Wednesday {NSW Photographer, Pink Bug Photography}

Welcome to the first post of our new regular weekly articles, one of which will be: What To Do Wednesday. This regular post will give hints and tips on how to improve your own photos - no matter what camera you use.

Over the next few weeks I will be discussing "Composition".

It may sound clichéd, but the only rule in photography is that there are no rules. However, there are are number of established composition guidelines which can be applied in almost any situation, to enhance the impact of a scene.

Of course, I break these guidelines... a lot. To me, taking a photo is more about "feeling" what is right and what isn't. Some people seem to have a natural instinct for composition - for the rest of us - we need a little help. And this is where composition guidelines can help.

These guidelines will help you take more compelling photographs, lending them a natural balance, drawing attention to the important parts of the scene, or leading the viewer's eye through the image.

Once you are familiar with these composition tips, you'll be surprised at just how universal most of them are. You'll spot them everywhere, and you'll find it easy to see why some photos "work" while others feel like simple snapshots.

This week - we will look at The Rule of Thirds

The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine dividing an image into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts. As follows:

With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four intersection points of the image that you should consider placing elements that you wish to provide a focal point for.

The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines, that your photo becomes more dynamic. Also - when viewing an image, the eyes usually tend to go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot. 

In this example above, notice how the focus is on the eyes, drawing the viewer in.

In this image focus is on the couple kissing - but another important element, the line that the lavender makes, runs directly along the  bottom third line. 

Likewise, the horizon, just like the lavender, when placed on either the top or bottom third "line", help to make an image become more dynamic. 

So, there you go! Have fun, go experiment. Would love for you to share the images you create at: www.facebook.com/pinkbugphotography

Camilla Jayne Fashion Shoot { Dubbo Photographer }

Was very honoured to be asked to take the photos for local Fashion Label, Camilla Jayne. She will be launching her range online very soon. Here is a little sneak peek of the magazine-style editorial shoot that we had fun creating on the weekend.

Pink Bug Photography {Dubbo Wedding and Portrait Photographer}

Hello everyone,


Has been quite a good while since last posting. Have been super busy, and having super amounts of fun! I will be sharing more regularly as Wedding Season is about to start well and truly for 2011/2012. Can't wait to show you all my amazing adventures when the time comes.


Till then, thought I would share the advertisement placed into the September 29th edition of the Dubbo Photo News. Snazzy huh? :D

Ashley and Mitch {Narromine Wedding Photographer}

The Sun was shining, the birds were singing, blossoms from the trees floated on the wind. It was a beautiful day for a wedding, indeed! Ashley and Mitch were married in a private garden in Narromine with their very closest friends and family in attendance. I felt very honoured to be one of the very few to be there to witness such a joyful, happy, lovely day. Congratulations to both of you. <3

June Long Weekend Special {Dubbo Photographer}

Due to the wild success of the Mother's Day Special - am offering a June Long Weekend Special to accommodate those who missed out on the Mother's Day Shoot. Details of the Special, and Terms and Conditions are outlined below:

*Terms and Conditions:
1. Up to 6 people may be photographed in the half hour session. The shoot will be held at a secret location within Dubbo City Limits. In the event of wet weather, an alternate date/time can be chosen that is mutually agreeable with both parties.
2.People of any age, from Newborns through to Grandparents, are able to take part in the photography. However, it must be stressed that this session is not suitable for a dedicated Newborn shoot, due to the time that is needed in order to settle them properly. Newborn babies are fine though, if are part of an overall family session. 
3. All edited images will be available to view and order on the website www.pinkbugphotography.com for a period of 12 months. There will be more than 5 images to choose from. Extra images over the allocated 5 will be available for purchase at a later time, at a rate of $15 per image (5 image minimum on disc). Alternately, you may choose instead to order individual prints via the website (Pricing per print shown at time of ordering). If an additional 10 images are paid for (on top of the original 5), then all images will be included from the shoot.
4. For the $150 session you will get 5 edited images on disc, chosen by you from our website. You will also get one 8x10 image printed and framed (again, your choice). Other images can be purchased at a later time, if chosen. They will only be available for purchase 1 year from the date the image was captured.
5. If you want a longer time for the shoot, or if you need to photograph more than 6 people, you will need to book 2 consecutive sessions. If you book 2 sessions, you will get DOUBLE the images (10 images on disc and 2 8x10 framed prints).
6. Pink Bug Photography will retain copyright of all images, and may be used for marketing purposes.
7. Time slots available: 1:10pm, 2:00pm, 2:50pm, 3:40pm
8. Session is only reserved once payment is received. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Landscape? What Landscape? { Dubbo Photographer }

Well.... let it be said, before all witnesses present - that I am NOT a Landscape photographer. I just really don't "get" it. My passion is people and faces and giggles and laughter and tears and smoochies and big cheesy grins and er... well - you get the point. BUT. I am learning. Growing.

My Cousin, Lyndal Cook, DOES have a passion for it. So - in the interest of being sociable (and being able to yak the ear off of someone about Photography BESIDES my long suffering Husband) I tagged along. You know - I didn't think I would enjoy it. But - surprise, surprise - I did! I think some of Lyndal's enthusiasm rubbed off - just a bit.

Now - the editing aspect on the other hand.... I just couldn't stop myself. I apologise for any landscapes that may resemble the surface of Jupiter. I know I may have committed 1000 different crimes against landscape photography, but I just "had to" put my stamp on them. So - enjoy - or not - here they are! :D

Pink Bug Photography - Dubbo Photographer: Sunshine + 2 Gorgeous Kids + A Camera = FUN! {Dubbo Photographer}

Pink Bug Photography - Dubbo Photographer: Sunshine + 2 Gorgeous Kids + A Camera = FUN! {Dubbo Photographer}

Sunshine + 2 Gorgeous Kids + A Camera = FUN! {Dubbo Photographer}

Courtney is normally the camera hog. God love her! Always with eyes that smile and a flash of teeth! Liam is normally the opposite - crazy, fast moving, running a million miles AWAY from the camera. But not today. Today was Topsy Turvy Day! Roles were reversed. But that is okay. I already have a whole library of images to remember of Courtney. Today, well, today was Liam's Day! Love those kids!

What I do to wind down

Most people might watch the Tele. Many will have a chat on Facebook. Some may even curl up with a good book. Me? I play in Photoshop. Whilst this image isn't the most technically brilliant, I loved my niece's expression - so I had a play till I got something I liked. Am I crazy? Probably. Will it appeal to everyone - probably not! But hey - this wasn't about making others happy. It was about me chilling out. Either way - enjoy!

Templates For Photographers

Am very pleased to say that I was chosen not too long ago to be a member of the Design Team for Templates For Photographers - a fantastic resource for photographers working in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. The products that are on offer are, quite simply, a dream to use. I have been having a bit of a play with some of the different options available in the Dream a Little Dream Lightroom RAW Collection. I really like the diverse range of presets in this pack, each with their own unique feel. My personal favourite I would have to say is Vintage Diva 1. Their site is http://www.templates-for-photographers.com/
Have a look at some of the options below:

Mr and Mrs Jackson

I was quite excited when I found out I would be able to do my first wedding in Orange, NSW - about 2 hours drive from Dubbo. New exciting venues to visit, gorgeous parks to have as a backdrop and new lovely people to meet. And I wasn't disappointed. Orange reminds me a little of the New England area in NSW - with gently rolling hills, gorgeous deciduous trees and most enjoyable of all - the people.

Julie and Ray are the most gentle, caring, loving couple that anyone could meet. They way he looks at her when she isn't looking. The way they hold each other in their loving gaze. The way he gently places his hand on her waist. You can't doubt that these two are definitely in love. Their families and friends were quite exceptional too. I have never met a more caring bunch. It made my job very, VERY easy.

The reception was amazingly decorated with gorgeous table decorations and balloons. The kids had even decorated the menu board. So cute! On the Bridal table there were plates from one of the couple's relatives, which added a special touch.

All in all, it was an amazing, heartfelt, special day and I am very honoured that I was allowed to share in that.

Have included a small selection of photos here for your enjoyment. For those guests wanting the full album go to www.pinkbugphotography.com and put your password in after clicking on the right gallery.