Karizmatik

NEW BLOG

2010-03-13T17:05:00.004+10:00

I've moved -- http://www.Kariz-Matik.com/blog/ -- I hope you all follow :)

New Blog | Sunshine Coast Wedding Photography

2010-03-06T04:17:00.003+10:00

I've been putting it off and putting it off, but after quickly helping a Facebook-Friend out with their new Blog today I finally told myself to put my butt into gear and actually upload MY new Blog that I have had sitting around for a solid month now. So it is in the progress of being uploaded and modded.

You'll have to bare with me as all the directories are changing on my server. Unfortunately some old posts on here (Like the flood post, for instance) are going to lose images / photo's, because of said directory changes. But if I get time, I'll fix it all up on here, too, just for the sake of it.

Give it a few days and the New Blog should be up. See you soon!

Rain, Rain.... Flood | Sunshine Coast Photography

2010-03-05T13:37:00.002+10:00

Most people are hating this rain. But Jacinta and I, well.. we kind of make Lemon out of Lemonades in most situations. So horrific as it has been for our foreign cousins, a big thumbs up to Chile and Taipei for the after affects of their recent Earthquakes.

For us it means fun in flood waters (Don't stress, this was just in our own backyard with nothing but grass on either side of us -- No scary flood drains or nothing), it means curling up on the couch watching movie's and countless episodes of Friends, it means hot pots of coffee all day long.. And well, nice, cool, cuddling weather.

Back to the flood waters, though... Jacinta insisted we go "check out the backyard" and I stupidly agreed, grabbed my camera and went for a trek. She grabbed our Fish Bowl (No lie, it seriously is a giant Fish Bowl -- I'll take pictures of it in action sometime soon.) and decided to go for a ... drift? Check it out by clicking on the "Read & See More" link just below,

On the plus side again though, the herb garden is absolutely going nuts with all the water,

Bokeh Bokeh Bokeh | Photography

2010-02-28T16:39:00.000+10:00

Short and sweet,

Sunshine Coast "Fun" | Personal

2010-02-26T20:14:00.001+10:00

Boredom is quite apparent when you live on the Sunshine Coast -- We may have some awesome beaches, cool restaurants and some nice rainforests... But after living here for 10+ years ... It all gets a bit old.

That is where random afternoon's like this one come in perfectly. My good mate Steve Elmer needed a bit of tech / nerd help, so he popped round. After which, we had a bit of a play on the cameras and of course, he was messing around on his iPhone.

Snapped this one real quick on the new Cam',

My Little Cinta | Personal

2010-02-22T22:58:00.000+10:00

My gorgeous girl Jacinta has worn contacts for the past 2 years or so. She had a pair of glasses but unfortunately they went walk about a little while ago. I love glasses. I really do. She hates them. There is something just so sophisticated about them for me, though -- I never understood the whole bullying side of it, I guess I just like people that are different. I somehow managed to talk her into buying a pair though, woop, woop!

So last week Jacinta and I, rather than getting a new 6 months worth of contacts, decided to go shopping. We went to this very cool spot up in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, where we live. We got 2 pairs for the price of one -- SAY WHAT?!?! A plastic pair she can "kick around in" at home, because they are supposedly comfier; Who knew?! And also a FCUK (French Connection) pair for "going out" in and of course, for her to rock at work.

She jumped out of the shower tonight and threw on her new pair.... And I couldn't resist. I got hissed at a bit and told to "Wait until my hair dries!!" -- But do you think that stopped me? See below,

Thanks for modelling for me, baby! :)

The Wedding Photographer "Top 5" Check-List | Brides

2010-02-21T15:42:00.016+10:00

THE CHECK-LIST

# 1 -- The Photographer

Forget the Photo's for a second. Forget the Camera or what "Brand" they shoot with. Hell, don't even think about if he'll be dressed in a Suit & Tie or Short-Shorts and Flip-Flops at this point. Simply go out and meet your Photographer, as this is the most important thing you could ever do. This is a person you'll be spending, in some cases, the entire day with. You better click with them. You better like them. And you better be able to have a conversation with them!

If you don't like them, regardless of how great or mediocre their Photography is, how do you expect to put up with them for an entire day, while they poke and prod a giant Camera & Lens in your direction? The Photographer should, in my opinion, be like a best friend. Although you would think the "safer" bet would be to go with someone 100% Business-like, right? But why, exactly?! The point I'm getting at is simple: Find someone you could imagine as a friend.

That isn't to say you should hire someone who acts like a goof or dresses like a slob, or worse even still - An actual Friend. You do need a happy medium in a business context, of course. But I think it is safe to presume most would prefer someone they like following them all day with a Camera & Lens then someone that they don't. You may prefer the latter, but for those who want to look back on their day as a happy experience - Maybe hire a happy Photographer, because if you get a grump, they'll be there. All day long. Taking photo's.

Think about it.

# 2 -- The Photo's

If your Photographer passed step # 1 of my gruelling test, then onto the next important part, The Photo's! Look at their work. Well, duh. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you have a "Good" Photographer, versus a "Bad" Photographer. I use these terms very loosely, as what constitutes "Good" or "Bad" has completely different connotations, person to person.

How to spot what you personally think is "Good" or "Bad" though, is simple. Consistency. When you are shown a gallery from a Photographer or meet with them, what are they showing you? 30 different photo's of 30 different people? If so, ask for more. And ask for more from one particular Wedding.

Ever hear the old adage, "even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in it's life-time"? Or, "even a broken clock is right twice a day"? The same metaphor can be applied to Photographers - If a Photographer can't show you consistent results (Good or Bad) from one Wedding then pick up your purse and Fiancé and run.

Out of any Wedding, Photographer's will take up to 1200 Photo's; Some take more, some less. But we typically cull a little over half of the images we take before showing them to you, depending on how many hours we are covering. The point is, if a Photographer is only showing you 20 Photo's from 20 different Weddings... They have culled a lot to find those rare gems and probably, for good reason..

This isn't to say that every Photographer who shows individual Wedding's initially is going to be "bad". It can simply mean they are holding onto the rest of the shots until you specifically ask for them (I personally do this, just look at my Website). It could mean they don't like showing them until you are at a meeting (Another thing I do, so my previous Brides don't feel "on display") -- It could be for any number of reasons.

But if you have actually requested more from one particular Wedding and they cannot provide it, then it probably means one thing - You are going to get one "great" shot from that Photographer and the rest, at best, mediocre. So key here is Consistency. Consistency. Consistency.

# 3 -- Ask Questions

Ask. Ask. Ask. As much as you can - Even if you sound like a broken record or re-ask questions you are unsure about. You should know what you are buying into, front to back. You should be able to quote the same sales pitch the Photographer gave you, back to your friends and family. In short, you should be able to know, without looking at a contract, what you are getting out of your Photographer. Not the other way around.

Yep, you heard me say it. Ever have an interview with me? Interrogate me. Give me the 6th (Mhmm, one degree hotter than usual) degree. Extra strong light bulb in a dodgy swivel lamp and all. Some Photographers hide behind contracts and industry jargon. Pump your brakes, though. I'm not saying all do this. That would be like saying, "Everyone who drives a Volvo is going to run you over.", or something to that affect. I'm saying, don't be caught out by that odd Photographer looking to milk the metaphorical cash cow.

If the Package or Photographer you are hiring or buying isn't described plainly or understood in simple terms, or worse still, you cannot understand what they are saying, again, run. Purse? Fiancé? Reeboks? Check. Check. Check. Then run like Forrest Gump.

This step ties in perfectly with my first step - You should be able to click (never-mind the pun) with your Photographer and understand him. You should be able to ask him questions until you are blue in the face ... And not have to apologise for asking them. They should be able to smile, laugh about it with you and then explain it, in simple, straight-forward terms. Easy-peasy step this one - Ask questions.

Otherwise, you may regret it. "What? Did you accidentally overlook the fine-print that says reprints cost $60.00 per 4x6 inch? Oh, sorry. Anyway, that'll be $6000 for 100 tiny 4x6 inch prints that only costed me $60, thanks!". Not much you can do either, sadly. If you signed the contract, you are obligated to pay it, if you want the product. Even if you take them to court over the matter. It is a legally binding contract. So, be sure about what you are signing into from the get-go! Ask, Ask, Ask!

# 4 -- The Contract

Contract's are fast becoming second nature with Photographers. I have one. They're great. They say all sorts of things and cover my butt from a legal and business standpoint -- But they shouldn't be scary.

This step ties in with my last step: Ask Questions! If there is something you do not 110% comprehend about anything outlined in your contract or there is a spelling mistake or two sections that do not coincide with each other (This happened to me recently, I changed one clause and forgot to amend another section stating the same and a Bride called me on it -- THANKYOU!!) -- Ask the Photographer.

It'll save the Photographer and yourself confusion and most probably, a headache. We're Human, after all, we make mistakes just like anyone else in Business - Some without even realising it. You wont get your head chewed off, simply for wanting clarification. And if you do, then it'll tie back into Step # 1 of this Check-List and perhaps you shouldn't be hiring that Photographer.

So get this part out of the way, long before you sign it. I even encourage amendments to sections of my contract - For instance, I have a Model Release saying I can use the Photo's anywhere. Billboards, Blogs, Websites, you name it. But not everyone wants their faces plastered around the world... I understand that and in most cases, will respectfully add a clause adhering to whatever circumstances are desired. Your Photographer should, too. It is a two way street, after all.

But whatever happens, don't be scared of contracts. And if the Photographer you are hiring doesn't have one -- Ask for one. They obligate him to show up on the day and obligate you to pay him. Win-win, right? They're a necessity and really, are great for both parties.

Step # 5 -- Trust

This step is relatively straight forward. If you can't smile, laugh, kiss, make fun of yourself, dream, scheme and wonder at the beauty of the day with your Photographer, then how on Earth do you expect to come out of it happy? The Photographer / Client relationship is one of trust. You need to trust that they are going to get the shots you love and want. You need to trust they aren't going to make your chin look fat. You need to trust that they aren't going to take a photo of you from a bad angle, then blow it up 20 sizes and have it as their Business Billboard on the Motorway.

You need to be able to let yourself go on the day and not feel like you are being stalked by a Camera, but instead, documented by an acquaintance you know, like and trust.

Forget whether or not they will do the job right, trust that they will and enjoy the day, instead. If you can't, you have the wrong Photographer and the chances of you getting great Photograph's from them, is slim to none - Not because of the Photographer. But because you can't be comfortable in front of them. So, find a Photographer you can trust and be yourself around!

Most importantly, have fun on the day.

Printable CD's | Personal

2010-02-20T01:05:00.001+10:00

After much deliberation, I've decided on my DVD faces. Rather than trying to design a pre-set "sticker" that I'll add a couples name to in some cheesy font every single shoot, I'm going to simply print a different Black & White ('Cause for some reason, it just looks uber cool.... And kind of timeless!) close-up portrait onto every DVD face.

Kind of a pointless post this -- But I'll throw some pictures up for the hell of it. You can see a few of the hideous original ideas and then finally, in the middle, the Black & White portrait that made me decide on the final idea. Jacinta was kind enough to model them for me, again. And with different nail polish this time, o0ooo! :)

New DVD Boxes Part Deux | Personal

2010-02-18T19:56:00.008+10:00

This is just a follow-up to my last Martha Stewart post. I don't just shoot Wedding's, so I also got some ribbon for my Lifestyle / Family shots. Same boxes, same tissue paper; just different, uber cute, ribbon.

Jacinta was kind enough to model it for me this time -- After screaming, "But I have Emo nail-polish on! I don't want people thinking you're Emo, too!" ... Neither of us are, but I guess you could call her paranoid. But as I told her, no one cares, baby. No one cares.... Or do they? Haha! Enjoy,

Deborah & Paul Follow-Up | Family Session

2010-02-17T01:22:00.003+10:00

Here is the amazing follow up post to Deborah & Paul's adorable little family. It was great fun shooting this lot, I really had a blast! The two little ones, Milly & James, as I mentioned in the last post -- Stole my lens, truthfully. So thanks to a fun afternoon, guys!

Now, onto my personal favourites from the session:

New DVD Boxes | Personal

2010-02-13T18:38:00.004+10:00

I'm like a Bride myself, sometimes ... Hang on, what? Err.... Well, I am, in the sense I get excited over all the "little details" that have to do with Weddings and more importantly so, my Photography. And that extends all the way to even the Business and Personal side of it.

I recently decided to "Jazz Up" my packaging. There was just something unnerving about sending out a DVD to Bride's & Groom's after the Wedding Day was all said and done. I mean, we all know it's just a DVD with images on it. But it was just too cold and impersonal for me. I wanted the joy and cuteness to still be present for the Bride and Groom, even after the day was long over. It's also a way of me saying, "I appreciate your business beyond a typical cash for service transaction" or a simple, extra, "Thank you" for letting me be a part of their day.

Rather than just a soft-case from the Post Office, with a cold, clear-case DVD enclosed, saying who it was for.

So I went out and sourced boxes. Ribbon. I even had the Background of my Website / Blog done in the form of tissue paper. Just so when the Bride & Groom finally got their DVD -- They would feel like it was opening a extra special present... A bit more personal, in my opinion. And lets face it, we all love dressing up... Why can't it be the same for a DVD?

Enjoy my new packaging, future Brides & Grooms;

Woot Woot | Personal

2010-02-13T12:22:00.001+10:00

You may be thinking... "Is he really doing a Blog post about a Blog post?"

Yep, I am! I've followed Rock N Roll Bride since it's early beginnings, to now, when it's one of the UK's biggest and coolest Blog's. There was just something about Photographer's (And more importantly, Brides) stepping out of the realm of "normal" and doing something completely daring, courageous and DIFFERENT. It is what I have strived for in every shoot. I may not have done it to the full extent of what Rock N Roll Bride's do, as I never really had a "Rock N Roll Bride" before then, but I tried.

Then Bonnie & Rod came along. As soon as I had the pictures on my screen after the amazing day, I knew I had to at least try and submit them to Kat (She is the brains behind the whole Blog) -- I mean, how often in Australia am I going to get to photograph such a couple?

So I did. And guess what? She was "over the moon" to Feature the Wedding (Silent girlie scream inside my head at this point!!). I never thought the one Blog I followed religiously would some day have me on it. Amazing.

So, here it is -- The amazing Rock N Roll Bride Blog and my kick-ass couple, Bonnie and Rod, rocking it! Click the image below to follow it over to the blog;

Family Session | Photography

2010-02-12T22:43:00.003+10:00

I'll admit.. I am not that great with kids. I think it has something to do with my generation, we just don't bridge the gap very well -- We're too caught up in the fast-pace of Blogs, Facebook, iPhone's, and Techno Beats... Well, some of us are, I can't say I'm too fussed on that Techno stuff.

These two little kids were the cutest things I've ever seen, though. Most Photographers stand by the old adage -- Never shoot Kids ... Or Animals. I have to beg to differ. While it was a bit different to my totally chic and outlandish Wedding sessions, these two little Cuties (Milly and James) stole my lens. Well, kind of. I still had a hold of it, of course.

Here is a Sneak-Peak of Deborah & Paul's adorable family -- Grandma, Grandad & Grandma # 2 (Ida) tagged along, also, before Ida had to jet back to Manchester, which is tomorrow. Have an awesome flight, by the by!

Enough talk, here is my favourite from the session. Total cuties, these two were!

I couldn't resist | Personal

2010-02-12T03:19:00.005+10:00

This comic strip series has to be one of the funniest thing's I've ever seen. I wont bore you with 100 of them, but here is one I particularly loved... and cackled at for a few minutes. Yes, I cackle.

Cube Love | Wedding

2010-02-10T12:56:00.003+10:00

There is something so very cool about Cubes -- I'm not sure if it is because they remind me of Polaroids or because they are perfectly symmetrical in every single way.... No idea. But I love them. And I never show them on here -- So today, I thought I'd put up my latest Fave'.

Short post today, so enjoy the cube-goodness!

New Layout & Jump Links | General

2010-02-10T00:14:00.002+10:00

Okay, for my regular readers out there (Who am I kidding? You are all stalkers, who-ever you are, never commenting and what-not!!! Haha) I've done some changes to the Blog. I've added "Jump Links" -- I browsed my Blog for the first time the other day and didn't realise how long it took for most of it to load. This being due to how many images I add to one post, obviously. So you unfortunately have to wait through it all before ANYTHING really loads -- Unless you stole NASA's Internet or something.

So I simplified. From now on I'll only be having one picture at the start of each Post -- Then a jump link with more Photo's and any extra details I feel are needed. This way it saves on load time over-all and saves people having to scroll through a heap of images they may not even care to see.

So, enjoy! It took a bit, but the first 6 on this page have been converted, also.

So, to see the remainder of any future posts, simply follow the link that looks a little something like......

..... I've really got nothing else to post here, but you get the jist of it.

Enjoy Bloggerites!

Vanessa Paris | Photographer

2010-02-06T00:42:00.004+10:00

What can I say about this person? Yes, I said person; not Photographer. Because Vanessa is so much more than some adjective, profession or hobby that folds, creases and finally shoves us into a pre-ordained pigeon-hole, forever to be stuck in a box and category; leaving the imagination dry of anything else provocative or thought-provoking, beyond the usual blatant connotations of what come with a big lens, flash and boring "Say Cheeeeseee!" catch-phrase.

Vanessa Paris Tuau is a Wife, Mother, Photographer and to top it all, a genuinely amazing person. That may sound over the top or like I'm "caking it on" -- But it is true. From simply reading her Blog you can tell she is all about her wonderful family, friends and her number one passion, Photography. She considers me as "one major rocking" Photographer and speaks of me helping her... But honestly, it is the other way around. It is people like Vanessa who give Photographers like myself the drive, energy and confidence to continue doing what I am doing -- From an entirely different perspective. Beyond the clients and the praise, it is comforting to know that I am enjoyed by who I consider to be, my peers.

And for that, I have to thank her.

If you genuinely want a good read, a good laugh and a good feeling, along with some great Photography, I not only recommend, I beg you to go read her new Blog -- www.Vanessa-Paris.com

Totally Rad's "Dirty Pictures" | Photography

2010-02-01T20:03:00.009+10:00

I know, I know, I'm a tad late.... Well, by "tad" late, I actually mean months late. But come on, I've been preoccupied with too much other cool stuff to catch up to the rest of the world.

I recently bought Doug Boutwell's newest Photoshop addition, "Dirty Pictures". To sum it up, it is a plug-in for Photoshop (CS3 and up, I believe) that incorporates a whole new interface for applying textures. You can preview them before applying, seamlessly change how you want it to be over-laid, change opacity, etc, etc. Then once applied you can easily make it a layer mask, to make it even more precise.... Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Long story short, it rocks. Seriously. I'm trying to keep my trigger finger (Mouse finger, but you know....) -- From going to the Filter menu and choosing this cool little program, because I really do not want to over do it on every single photo.

But anyhow! This is the first one I pulled the trigger on.... Seriously, so cool. I recommend it. Big time.

Before,

After,

Jordan & Sara | SurfAir, Coolum

2010-01-31T19:56:00.010+10:00

Jordan & Sara got married at SurfAir today, out on Marcoola Beach, with bikini on-lookers and all. It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful, moving ceremony, despite the wind and heat. They even wrote their own vow's - Gotta love it.

We went for a drive up to the "Boardwalk" in Coolum, literally 5 minutes down the road from where they had their Ceremony and then later held their Reception. It's a gorgeous spot and great for any shoot, really, so I couldn't resist taking them to get some of Mt Coolum in the background, not to mention everything in-between it and the beach.

Just a sneak-peak for now, just to tease my gorgeous Bride & Groom -- Don't worry guys, it wont be long until you've got all the shots hanging over your wall's, I promise! :)

Enjoy,

Bonnie & Rod | Maleny Wedding

2010-01-24T22:24:00.021+10:00

From Mississippi to the Sunshine Coast, this gorgeous couple bridged the ocean not only to meet, but to get married, too. Both Rod & Bonnie are Musicians (Bonnie, from what I gather, a singer. And Rod, a Guitarist) -- So they're definitely my kind of people.

From the start of the day to the very end (Regardless of the weather), this Wedding was style. When Bonnie and I first spoke over the phone, she let slip that she was wearing, "Like, an old 1920's-ish dress and Rod is wearing a Trilby" -- My heart jumped. I love old stuff, clearly; just look at my Photo's.

So, to turn up to Lavender House in Maleny (For the getting ready shots) and then the beautiful, moving Ceremony at Malcolm's Of Maleny, I was in Photographer Heaven.

Thanks to them both for not only an awesome shooting experience on their amazing day, but for letting me steal them again, a few weeks later, for a "Bridal Shoot" up on Mountain View Rd, just in time for the nicest Sunset this year.

Without much further ado, I bring to you, Bonnie & Rod....

Ps. No idea how I forgot to mention the great Steve Elmer. He got some amazing shots too and in typical Steve Elmer fashion, had to up-stage me :P

Be sure to check out his awesome shot (And probably shot's, in a few days, once more are edited) over on his blog @ www.StevenElmer.SquareSpace.com

Life, Love & Laughter | Photography

2010-01-15T19:20:00.005+10:00

I have an amazing life. An amazing girlfriend, great friends and an even more amazing family. So when I wake up to something like this, I really have to stop and take a picture, because moments like these come by so rarely these days, you really do have to cherish them. I'm sure she is sick of the lens being prodded in her direction by now, but I don't care... I want.. No, need photo's. And I'll keep taking em' until the day I run out of Gigabytes!

New Header | Boredom

2010-01-13T02:19:00.004+10:00

Tonight I got very, very bored and decided it was time for a new header. I kind of stole my beautiful girlfriend Jacinta's idea, though. She was bugging me all day yesterday about making a new one and how she wanted Polaroids in it, so I guess it got stuck in my head.

Sorry baby, I had to use you as my muse, as I always do. But trust me, when we do your new header, it is going to look 1000 times better!
('Cause you know it always happens!)

Ps. Be sure to go over to her brand new Blog and check it out -- She has some gorgeous work and a brand new header, too, of course :P

The Photo Booth | Fun Fun Fun

2010-01-10T23:58:00.011+10:00

My good mate (And Photographer, obviously) Steve Elmer popped around today to test out a setup of a "Photo Booth" or "Crazy Booth", as they're more commonly known. They rock receptions all across America and are simply great fun if you have the props and the sense of humour to take the mickey out of yourself. But surprisingly, they aren't all that popular here in Australia (As far as we know, anyhow!).

Wondering how it works, exactly? Thought you'd never ask! A booth is setup with a backdrop (Same as those old-school ones you saw as kids in the shopping-malls, some still have em'!!) and you jump in, with the camera on a Timer that focuses, re-focuses then shoots every 10 seconds and you practically go nuts for the 100 frames (Or how-ever many you like) it is set to take. Whatever comes out, comes out. Funny faces, mess-ups, the works. It is great, great fun!

So Steve (And secretly, I) want to hit as many Receptions as possible with this setup and simply, have some fun!! -- So we did a quick test run today with Steve, Jacinta and myself. I think we all just wanted some silly photos, but no one is 'fessing up just yet.

Here was the result (Enjoy the random-ness!!!):

Josh & Kayla | Lifestyle

2010-01-08T10:59:00.003+10:00

Just a quick snap of Josh & Kayla,

Rebekah & Felise | Lifestyle Shoot

2010-01-05T01:10:00.006+10:00

I tagged along to a Lifestyle Session that Jacinta was shooting, with the wonderful couple Rebekah & Felise -- And I honestly couldn't resist picking up the camera and stealing some shots, of course with my own poses -- I'm not that much of a thief.

Enjoy, I only snapped a few.

Jeremy & Michelle | Lifestyle

2009-12-20T20:37:00.007+10:00

A cute Lifestyle shoot with Jeremy & Michelle -- I did some quirky poses in this one and threw some props in, just to mix it up. Just goes to show, you don't have to be getting engaged or married to have nice photo's done, it's always just fun to shoot, shoot, shoot!

Enjoy,

"Can We Keep It?" | Photography

2009-12-11T19:08:00.003+10:00

It is seriously hard to say no to Jacinta sometimes, especially when it has to do with cute little birds.

This poor thing flew 100 miles an hour into our Lounge room window this morning and made a giant thud with a puff of feathers to follow. So we ran out to see if it was okay -- I could tell it'd hurt itself, as it's head was rolling around, while trying to fly off, scared stupid of the two giant things running towards it (Jacinta and I).

After picking it up though, this thing calmed right down. I held on to it until it's head stopped rolling around, because I knew if I let it go straight away, in the shocked state it was in, he probably would have died from it. After a while, his little eyes unclouded and you could tell he was back on full alert and not doey anymore.

So I let Jacinta hold it while I took some pictures. It was hot as all hell here today, 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, at least. So I even got a little eye dropper with water to help the poor thing out.

Eventually, Jacinta opened her hand to let it fly off. But it didn't. It just sat there, checking us out, looking at us both ever so intently. It sat, content, on Jacinta's hand for a decent 20-30 minutes while I walked around them both snapping pictures.

Here are a few of my favorites:

And yes, the little thing did eventually take off, at 1000 miles an hour up into a tree.... as if nothing had ever even happened. Hopefully we wont be hearing any more loud thuds in the Lounge room.

New Website | Photography

2009-12-09T22:14:00.003+10:00

I get bored with things very, very quickly. It's seriously a curse. But it has it's pluses in ways, I guess. I'm currently re-designing / re-making my Official Photography Website -- Kariz-Matik.com

The current one isn't all that bad, or different. But like I said, I get bored.The new one is hopefully going to be a little.... Erm.. Cooler? Yeah, let's say that. I got the idea from my Twitter page -- Since day one I've had the same background on there and I'm yet to get sick of that... So I figured, why not incoporate that into my actual Website, too? So I have.

Here are some screenshots to tie you over until I've coded and finished the rest of it:

The New Hammock | General

2009-12-04T20:59:00.011+10:00

This is my beautiful girlfriend, Jacinta. We bought a Hammock the other day, for no particular reason other than we simply could, ha. So this afternoon we spent some time putting it up and sweeping the deck it looks over, so we could enjoy the view, too.

We chilled for a hour or so and I couldn't resist but get some snaps of her enjoying our new hammock, while playing with the leaves I had swept up, of course.

Check out the photos,

Steve-O | Photographer

2009-11-28T18:02:00.007+10:00

Today was a scouting day. A hot scouting day. Seriously, I think it was 32 degrees (Celsius) or something. And what'd we do? We went for a walk at high noon, through some burnt bush-land near a high-way.

Photographers..... We're freaking crazy.

It's all worth while, though. Especially when you find somewhere you really, really, really want to set up a proper Engagement or Bridal shoot. This particular stretch of land I wanted to scout was devastated by fires a few months back and in only a short period of time, has already started to re-grow. It's quite a cool scene -- Dead trees from the sky down, then a bed of beautiful green grass and a heap of forest ferns. I can just imagine how cool it will look once I find a willing Bride & Groom to stomp through there with me at dusk and sunset.

Today, I had to settle for Steve though. We had my gorgeous girlfriend Jacinta standing right next to us, but do you think she'd want her photo taken? Goodluck with that one. So Steve and I spent a half hour shooting each other. I do not envy him, the poor guy. But then again, I'm sure he feels the same about me shooting his ugly mug! I kid, I kid.

Thanks for the scout Steve-O. Here is one from the brief 30 minutes we walked around.... I guess he scrubs up alright:

Dust Storm | General

2009-11-20T19:27:00.001+10:00

This is how late I am on posts. Seriously.

I'm only just now getting around to have enough time to post Sunshine Coasts infamous "Dust Storm" -- It was quite a cool thing. This is the view from the look-out at Point Cartwright.

Australia Zoo | General

2009-11-18T01:27:00.004+10:00

Despite living literally 10 minutes from Australia Zoo, I haven't been there in about 10 years. Albeit the "Australian Wildlife" for Australians, is kind of pointless, being that you can see 9/10 of the animals in Australia on a day to day basis, the Foreign animals are worth the watch. Tigers, Elephants, etc. Great for tourists though, such as the Canadian who was dying to go (Even though she has been a few times before!) -- I decided to tag along to play Photographer anyway and it turned out to be a decent day!

Enjoy,

I'm Not Lazy | Update

2009-11-08T15:40:00.003+10:00

I swear, I'm not. I'm just busy as all hell at the moment -- So for the people following me, just to let you know, I'm a little behind on posts at the moment, but never fear I have many more Weddings to post, soon as I dig myself out of RAW Processing hell, which is about Dante's Fifth Level, I think.

I'll be doing some more Lifestyle Sessions in the weeks to come, too. Thanks to Steve Elmer for the inspiration on that one! In the meantime, if you want to know what exactly I am up to, feel free to jump over to my Twitter.

Samer & Melissa | Wedding

2009-10-24T00:55:00.015+10:00

Okay, here is the full "Sneak Peak" of Samer & Melissa's Wedding. They flew me down to Sydney for the weekend to capture their cute little Wedding in Blacktown / Parramatta. Samer was all for some "Different" stuff, so I grinned and threw all my ideas into affect at this one.

Enjoy!

Sydney | Travel

2009-10-22T11:06:00.004+10:00

I had a Wedding to shoot down in Sydney this past weekend and figured, why not stay down there for a little longer? So I spent an extra 3 days down there catching up with some friends, my cousin Luke and also spent some time checking out the gorgeous scenery with him getting some shots! The only photography-worthy place we found was Great Ocean Road from The Shire side, so we stopped along the way and got some snaps.

Enjoy! And I'll have some of the Wedding shots up soon!

Debbie & Phil | Kenilworth

2009-10-15T09:38:00.004+10:00

I've been major busy lately, but I finally got around to finishing up this cute little country Wedding. It was held at the Kenilworth "Homestead", a nice bit of camping property with some great scenery and old stables / houses. They rented out the entire property so all their guests could bunk in the dorms overnight and be with them until the morning... How cool huh? I had plenty of cool props to play with and I have another favourite "Dress Shot", 'cause I'm such a sucker for em'.

Anyway, without much further ado, I bring to you.... Debbie & Phil:

A Day In The Life | General

2009-10-13T20:28:00.004+10:00

I love my life. I really couldn't ask for much more, or anyone else. And days like the last few amplify those feelings... Here are some photographs from the last 2 or 3 days - It really has been quite a surreal week, not to mention absolutely gorgeous. Sunsets and sunrises galore.

More | Photography

2009-10-07T23:09:00.005+10:00

I've been pestering my girlfriend a lot lately, it seems. I think she secretly loves it, though. It means more Facebook photos and me staring at her for hours on end, too, I guess... But I digress. This is a lapse from my last post in ways -- Just shooting ANY and EVERY thing possible, I'm still doing it and loving it more than ever! I might have to retire the professional game just to have time to edit my personal stuff ... Ha, maybe not.

And here are a few shots of my "vintage" cameras -- There is a Minolta, a Yashica, a Brownie Six-16, a USA-Made Kodak 35, a German-Made 355 X Instamatic Kodak and a few Polaroid Land Camera's, a 330 and a 440. They're my babies and I somehow decided to part with the 330 to a friend.. It'll be missed, but the 440 will be loved even more.

Any & Everything | Pictures

2009-09-20T19:53:00.006+10:00

You know, when I first started Photographing things, I used an old Fuji Finepix S5600, a sad little excuse for a "Compact Digital Camera", 5MP, 10x Zoom, all the typical traits of that "First Camera", but I took photo's of everything ... I seriously mean everything. To this day, some of my favourite photos came from that camera. Whether I was at home or 1000's of miles across an ocean in a totally different country, I'd have that camera on my neck and I would be finding something to snap -- Flowers in the garden, mailboxes, kittens, fish tanks at my parents shop, lights, people driving, highways, sneakers, coal miners, dark alleys in 3rd world countries, the mess on my desk, the empty seats next to me on the air-planes, my dog, ants on a fence.... Everything. And then I would print these images off, no matter how good or bad they were and I'd stick them on my photo-wall. I still look at that photo-wall, no matter how horrible the shots are, it makes me warm inside to know I have those memories.

Somewhere along the way I stopped doing that and I do not know why. I can't remember the last time I printed off a print for myself (Not exaggerating in the slightest). I guess I reason quietly to myself, "If I print off 10 prints for my clients vs. 100 for me, I make 10x more!" I guess lately I'm sick of how sad that reasoning has been.... I mean, c'mon.

I do take the odd personal photo at events or catch-ups with friends.. but they pile up in folders labelled by years and months instead of days and weeks. I hardly ever even find time to edit them. And GOD FORBID I print something that is unedited!!!!! What if someone saw it?! The mentality of a Professional Photographer is quite sad. We must at all times only display our best work. Even if we snap a photo of our girlfriend or best friend doing the most hilarious thing in the world, that makes us smile when we see it... If it's out of focus, blurred or compositionally isn't sound, then it goes to the Recycle Bin.

I hate that side of me. I really, really do. I wish I could keep every photo that made me smile, no matter how horribly unedited it was and just be able to print it and stick it on my wall. So today, I said screw it.. Time to change. The reason I started Photography was because I wanted to capture life and all it's fun, sad, hysterically painful and great times, no matter the Photographic qualities or lack there of. So I'm now taking photos for myself again, for my girlfriend, for my parents, my future life... Whatever the excuse be, I'm doing it. No if's, but's or maybe's.

So be prepared to see random photos on here, of everything. Edited or Unedited. Horrible or Great. Glorious or Ruinous. They'll be here -- But please, remember, my professional work ALWAYS gets edited and I only show the best work.... For my personal stash though? I say to hell with it!

I'm going to try to make this thing a weekly adventure... Here is the first instalment:

Lisa | Wedding

2009-09-09T22:26:00.002+10:00

This is the last one, yup. I can hear Lisa saying screaming "No!" right now - But it's okay Lisa, they're completely finished now and ready for you to pick up :) 200+ FULL edits ... Damn, I think this is the first time I've done 200 in one hit, I usually do Proofs, which saves some time.. But I digress. I thought it only fitting that I post one of my favourite shots from the entire Wedding. And you may see it and think, "I've seen that one already!" but no, no you haven't. This is a fully-edited version, the last was just a proof ;)

So, here it is, my favourite shot from the entire Wedding.. Enjoy!

See you soon, Lisa :)

Nights & Strobist Fun | Photography

2009-09-08T21:13:00.001+10:00

Had a small meet-up the other night with Steve, Robert and Dennis for a few beers, chips and Strobist fun. So I thought I may as-well throw some shots from the night up here. Thanks go to Robert MacDonald for the first shot (Which is of yours truly!) and also for providing the Triggers / Strobes. Thanks Rob!

Clockwise it goes,
Yours truly(Me!), Steve, Steve & Rob and of course, the "Photog Table".

Gotta love the shot of the Photog' table from Steve's iPhone. Thanks Steve, haha.

New Watermark & Border | Design

2009-09-05T17:21:00.000+10:00

Just like every other male in my species, I have a massive "To Do List" that, like all guys, I constantly tip-toe around and procrastinate by saying, "... I'll get around to it." Well, today, I said no more! So, I have a few things crossed off my list, which, for now, I think is enough... I'll get around to the rest later ;) Today though, I finally made a new header for this damn blog! You like? Cheesy, yes? That's me. And I finally punched in settings to Lightroom to apply a Border and Watermark to all my images, so no matter who posts my stuff, they'll know who the genius behind the pictures are and where it came from. HOORAH!

Check it out (I used a few new Lisa&Reece images for guinea pig's)

Woop, woop, what-what!

Lisa & Reece | Wedding

2009-09-01T18:19:00.000+10:00

ANOTHER THREE! AHHH!

With KILLER sun-flare, again!
(Okay, well, maybe not sun-flare on the third one... But strobe-flare, nonetheless!)

I loved that barn too damn much!

There are shots without flare coming soon, I promise :)

Wicked shot of "The Toss" -- AKA; Throwing the bouquet!

Lisa & Reece | Country Wedding

2009-08-16T00:04:00.000+10:00

What an amazing day! I know, I know ... Every Wedding Photographer says the exact same thing about ALL their Weddings, but it doesn't make it any less truer each Wedding I do!

Lisa & Reece got married on their beautiful property in Stony Creek, QLD on Saturday the 15th of August under their favorite tree with family, friends and their new little bub. It was a perfect day for a Wedding - Blue skies, orange sunsets, crisp night. And they deserve nothing less on such a day! Country and 'true to the bone' in every way plausible, possible and imaginable(Don't believe me? Reece wore a Drizza Bone shirt on the day! Har, har, I'm funny). Anyway! It was such a cool day .. and I can't stress the "Country" part enough. They even rode in and down the aisle on horses!

They also had a naming ceremony for their new little baby boy after the ceremony, but we'll talk about that another time, with pictures to come.

After the ceremony and naming ceremony, we proceeded to go up to the neighbors place, where they had an old Clydesdale ready to be photographed complete with a set of blinkers, a buggy and a old wooden stable. I really wish more of my clients had cool props like these two did!

So, enough talk! Here is a sneak peak of a whole lot more to come!
(Well actually, it's been about a week of posting extra little snippets, so, there are quite a few now!)

Enjoy! :)

Congratulations again Lisa & Reece!

Music Playlist | Love Love Love

2009-08-08T01:57:00.000+10:00

As I'm sure everyone who knows me knows; I'm a music freak. Yes sir, no doubt about it. No ma'am, not kidding at all. Bona fide, down-right crazy. I haven't put up a playlist in some time so I figured I would. And as usual, I'm a sucker for Folk / Indie / Acoustic / Slow / Feel-Good-But-Sad music. If you only want to download one song to sum up my love of music and this playlist, I recommend Alexi Murdoch - Orange Sky ... It really is the epitome of greatness.

Playlistastic!

Picturesssss | Travel

2009-07-29T19:06:00.000+10:00

I'm Home! Home! Home! Hooray, I say!

Well, I was supposed to be getting all my client stuff out the way this week, in preperation for a trip to Melbourne, but you know, life happens. Anyway! Due to this unfortunate turn of events, I have had a bucketload of time to go through the few pictures I got while O/S and sort through em'. While I only got 65 (How pathetic, I know) shots of Tokyo and the likes for my own personal-ish, it's still fun to show the best I think.

So here we go,

(This'll be a add-as-I-edit thing, by the by. So keep refreshing, they'll keep coming over the next few days.)

To kick it off, a shot of yours truly being oh-so-sexy (Har, Har) before take-off on the 10-20mm @ ISO 1600.

This was at the Temple in Asakusa, where you donate some Yen for a prayer and then shake the metal-can until a Stick comes out with writing on it. You then proceed to match the Kanji to the specific draw -- And in that draw, you get a piece of paper with your "Fortune" and "Wish" -- I got "Good Fortune" -- No idea why, though, considering my luck lately haha.

This was at a Temple somewhere -- I can't remember exactly where, but somewhere in Tokyo. Helpful, eh? Anyway, just your typical wooden prayer thangs.

More to come!

Sleepy Eyed | Travel

2009-07-22T15:34:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I got up at the break of dawn; 4.30am -- Well, when I say I 'got up' I mean I stayed up all night until then, with the alarm still set, for some odd reason -- I then ran 10 minutes to the Subway and caught the first train out to Tsukiji (Pronounced Skee-jee) for the Fish Markets and Tuna Auctions. New friend Nobu-chan offered to show me around and I must say it was well worth the early morning embarkment. After the Tuna Auctions we walked through the rest of the markets and saw live Octypus, Snow Crabs, Squid, Pippys, Oysters, Snapper and God only knows what the rest of the stuff was.

We then hit a Sushi 'Bar', I guess you could call it. Where they make fresh Sushi right in front of you -- And damn, was it good! I don't think I will be able to eat Sushi at home anymore - It has ruined me. When you have Sushi that good and that fresh, you really do not want to try the half-baked attempts back home! I even tried Broiled Octypus, Sea Scallop and some other equally disturbing but delicious Sushi mixes.

We then hit Ginza for a look. Got on a random bus. Ended up in a random part of Ginza. And got out to a Camera store right opposite the random stop. Fate? I think so! We then walked along the Imperial Palace mote and through the massive (I really do mean MASSIVE!) carpark and up to the gates. Unfortunately, though, it was closed for the day. Shattered! We still got to see the cool trees and gardens in front though! Well worth it.

After that, we hit the Hibiya Park. Absolutely gorgeous place with a fountain, pond, tennis courts and of course, gardens. Think your normal park and ponds ... Then super, super-size it; that is Hibiya Park.

We then walked to a ... I have no idea how to explain it or what it is called.. but in short, it is a 'Lounge' / 'Cafe' where they have seperated rooms and leather couches with TV's / DVD's and desks for private viewings of whatever Magna / Anime / Movies you want to watch or read, along with Tea, Coffee and I think, some food. Unfortunately though, it was still under construction, ha. So we settled for Starbucks two shops away.

Being so early in the morning there wasn't a whole heap open and Nobu-chan had to work at 11am so we just walked around for the rest of the time we had, looking for something to do. We tried the Theatre -- No luck. And some other places. Then settled for buying some famous Caramel and walking along Fifth Street in Ginza before I jumped back on the rail and headed for home to some sleep and Nobu-chan to work! Ha.

Easily the most exciting day I have spent in Japan thus far, I saw so much. Thanks Nobu-chan!

(Again, no pictures just yet. I will upload them as soon as I get home though, I promise.)

Ueno Park | Travel

2009-07-18T19:37:00.000+10:00

Well, I went to Ueno Park yesterday. Quite a nice place -- I ended up walking around the entire thing, including the massive 'Pond' they have, that is brimming with carp and turtles. I never knew it was a World Heritage site -- At least, I think it is. There were signs indicating that it was, or was in the 'running' to be, I think, my Kangi / Japanese isn't that good. But I digress - It was well worth the train ride and the walk, even with the heat. I walked down the backstreets behind the park too, which I believe is the Suburbs - Quite cute and quaint. I even found a little second hand store where a merchant was selling old Cameras and Nikon Flashes for 500 Yen a pop. I bargained him down to 250 for an old Minolta, because, as he put it, it was 'Junko' anyway -- But I managed to get the shutter to work. The flash needs a new bulb though, I think. Nonetheless, quite the bargain.

On the walk back I even got the chance to sit and watch a game of Baseball that the local University students were playing, outside the Museum of Fine Art. While they weren't the best players in the world, it was entertaining watching how excited they all got when someone hit a ball decently or got an out, a run to base or the like.

The parks and streets around Old Tokyo are just great. After living in Canada, I kind of miss the Maple trees and the lush, thick, green look. And somehow amazingly the streets here are lined with Maple trees -- Unfortunately, it is summer, so no orange tinge, but I will settle for the lushness of green!

It is currently past curfew here -- 2am. I am supposed to be in bed, off the computer and definitely off the TV, but I cannot sleep to save myself some nights! I just got finished watching 'The Mummy' and 'The Mummy Returns' on Japan Movie Plus! Gotta love the old Brendan Fraser standbys.

Anyway, I am off for now! I am considering shooting JPEG over the next few days to see what the results are when it comes to editing when I get home. If I cant see a difference, I am sticking to JPEG. Forget this RAW ish in a different country!

Late.

Boredom | Travel

2009-07-14T16:00:00.000+10:00

I have just about had it with not being able to post new images on here, so I am considering buying a little compact digital camera to tie me over -- a G9 or something of the sort, perhaps. I mean, dont get me wrong, I love my dSLRS - But for travel and little day trips where they stand out like dogs-balls, I think I would prefer something I can simply slide into my inside coat pocket. I was at Coffee Club on the Gold Coast the other day before I left and one of the waiters, who wasnt even waiting on our table motioned to the camera and commented on it.

I know I could always just simply shoot JPEG or even JPEG and RAW to suffice my blog-posting habits, but again, I wouldnt mind something with a bit more discretion then a few Kilo camera -- Not to mention the JPEG shooting on a dSLR warying me in itself.

Ahh, I will add it to my `To Do List` when I get home I guess.

Time for some Asahi, a Bento Box and Japanese FOX.

Taito, Old Tokyo | Travel

2009-07-11T16:09:00.000+10:00

Well, I guess I told a bit of a fib. So much for the posts coming to a screeching halt, eh? It turns out I have a bit more time on my hands then I had anticipated -- It is summer here and it is extremely muggy, humid, sweaty and hot, so I have resigned myself to airconditioned Hotel room goodness a little more then I would like, but I know if I dont do it once a day just to recoop, I would be buggered for the nights and would miss oh, so much. So here I am, watching FOX with Japanese subtitles, wearing Japanese Slippers, typing on a Japanese keyboard and drinking .. You guessed it, Japanese Green Tea.

I was up at 5am this morning, missing my beautiful lady - So I broke Curfew, came down stairs, checked my emails and then headed over to the Sodanaya Supermarket for a pre-made box of Sushi some Soy-Bean treats and a 4L Bottle of I swear, the best water ever. Then once 10am rolled around and everything was open and brimming with life, decided to step out.

I went to a Temple in Asakusa, one of the larger ones -- It was quite nice, although it was packed to the street walls with tourists and locals paying their respects. I kind of disdain what Western culture has done to beautiful, local, traditional places like Old Tokyo, but at the same time think.... Would this place really be any different without Western Civilization branding its mark? I mean, surely, eventually this City would have been covered in Coca Cola machines, Neon Lights and more Souvenier stores then you could poke a Chop-Stick at... but still, it makes you wonder, is it Tourism that turns places like this into what feels like whored-out-sites... Or is it just, simply, progression?

Anyway. So I did all the typical things at the temple that the locals do -- Rubbed the incense smoke on myself, made a prayer and a wish --- I got good fortune according to my scroll, too. Tied it to the wire and wished, then rubbed the Buddhas belly and said another prayer and hit the streets again. Just walking around this place for me is site-seeing enough, even if it is through the backstreets of Taito. Gotta love it.

But, after my 2nd or 3rd blister I think it was, I decided to call it a day and caught the bus and train back to my hotel room. So here I am. I am quite certain the rest of my trip, when I have time off from shooting, will consist of practically the same things, although with more Parks, Temples, Shopping and other typical, I hate to say, Tourist things.

Farewell for now!

(Sorry, no images people. I shoot RAW and this computer unfortunately is set so I cant install Photoshop to convert them to JPEG -- I tried an online one, but 22 MB files seem to jam the site up, ha. All in due time though, promise.)

Sayonara!

Japan | Travel

2009-07-08T06:32:00.000+10:00

Just a quick heads up to the few Bloggerites who follow my posts -- I'll be disappearing for a few weeks to Japan, so if you are wondering why the posts come to a screeching halt, now you know! I promise I'll be back with a few 1000 images to post from the trip though! Ha.

Check the fare-well I got from the beautiful Gold Coast:

See you soon.

Swiiiinnggg | Photography

2009-06-08T14:39:00.000+10:00

I don't often put up my client work, or I at least try to refrain to. Even though I have model releases for all my shoots, I still don't like putting shots up to the world unless the couple expresses the desire for them to be.

But, this couple... I can't help it. You'll be getting a full gallery worth once I've done all the editing. They were amazing -- Megan should be a model, I swear.. And not just because of her looks - She has the poses and fierceness in her eyes to pull it off.. Not to mention two different colored eyes. And Adam along side her? Again, woo! Just worked so well, in so many ways. It was a beautiful Wedding and an even more beautiful day. I could not have asked for better conditions or a more amazing couple to shoot.

Just a few for now, but I will be back!

I love film. I love blur. I love old-school ish, so here we go:
I love how care-free these guys were. Such a beautiful, amazing, laid back day, I really couldn't have asked for any better.

I'll be back in 2 weeks with a final showing.

Blue Dragonfly | Palmview

2009-03-31T19:51:00.000+10:00

I caught this guy today - My first ever Dragonfly *Pats self on back* - Had my tele on the body hunting for birds, thankfully had my little 50mm F1.8 (Nifty Fifty, Fantastic Plastic, Whatever other degrading names you can come up with: $90 lens) -- in my pocket. Figured I'd try and get this guy, and did! It was down at the creek at the new place - Man was there mozzies about!

Manual Focused as always with the Nifty, for anyone wondering why my copy is so sharp - It's 'cause the AF sucks - Manual focus always!

I can't wait until I get a proper designated macro lens :(

(As always, click for a larger view.)

7.2x Life Size Magnification | Macrolicious!

2009-03-27T20:51:00.000+10:00

Uhm... Yeah.

At this level of magnification you can begin to see Cell life, supposedly - I thought it was quite cool, so I gave it a.. try? This proved difficult. The way it was achieved was an absolute #$&*#$&*#!(*$*(_)#+ !!!! -- The focusing was the same as that of an MPE-65 - No, not USM/AutoFocus (I wish!) - I had about 1 to 2mm of DOF/Focusing plane where I had to manually move my lenses in and out of(While holding another lens, with reversed polarity on the other end, making sure I didn't get any stray flare/light inbetween), until it became what I 'thought' was in focus, and then snapped.... kind of.

Due to it being fully manual, picking the correct aperture so the diopter blades weren't showing was a complete challenge in itself - Then throw in ISO and Shutter Speed, while keeping my DOF as wide as possible.... and worrying about that pain in the ass focusing.... Well, headache. Very, very big headache... Enough said.

Enjoy, though.... I think?

The original flowers stamens:

NOW! Magnified 7.2x (Actually, I think it was more like 6:1 ratio, but anyway)

Crazy, right? I think I can see some cell life going on.

New House | Palmview

2009-03-24T15:31:00.000+10:00

Well, just moved to Palmview - Quite a cool place. The backyard is &#$@!%ing awesome - I can't wait to get out there with a camera - The bird and wildlife certainly doesn't seem to be very limited at all.

Anyway, check the giant deck and a bit of the backyard(My apologies for the crappy photo):

Engagement Session | Mooloolaba

2009-03-20T11:09:00.000+10:00

I had a great engagement session with Camille and Leslie this past Sunday - The two are set to get married in Novemeber, if memory serves me and they wanted a nice shot of them both for their engagement party which they're holding next month - So this is where I came into it.

They're from Manly, Brisbane and drove up for the day to the beach where Leslie proposed, which in itself is beautiful. I think they were both a little nervous at first, but after the first few clicks, they both really eased into it and the pair worked so well together on camera, as natural as could be, it was incredibly cute.

So, long story short, these are probably some of my favorite E-Session shots to date, so I uploaded a heap for you to enjoy!

(As always, you can click the images for a larger view)

HDR | Mooloolaba Beach Sunrise

2009-03-05T09:44:00.000+10:00

(As always, click the images for a larger view)

A few more shots from this morning down at Mooloolaba beach ~ 4.30am

Enjoy!