Photoartology - The Art of Photography

Reka&David's Special Day - The Sydney Harbour Wedding

2012-01-02T15:16:00.043+11:00

When you travel 16,000km to explore a new country, a new life, and only plan to stay for 6 months; there are a lot of things on your to-do list - well, falling in love is probably not one of them.

Sometimes however you need to travel far to find love. And as unexpected as it was that is exactly what's happened to Reka who is originally from Hungary. Even after meeting David at a party in Sydney she didn't think it will end up saying "I do" in the Italian Village ;) After a lot of travelling and challanges, these two people realized that tieing the knot is what would make their love a whole.

Then my phone rang. Reka casually asked how I'm doing and if I'm still doing photography - me still not expecting what came next. Yes, she asked me if I'd photographed her special day... As much of an honour as it is for me when someone trust me enough to give me this important task; I said no. I don't claim to be a wedding photographer - and that's exactly what I told her too. (When you are a fan of Jasmine Star's as much as I am then you can understand why I wasn't sure if I am capable of shooting this wedding.) Shortly after the phone call I felt guilty because one of the reasons she wanted me to shoot the day was our mutual background - we are both Hungarians - and she felt she'd be more comfortable front of my camera than anyone elses. So I took the job.

And I couldn't be happier that I did, because as nerve wrecking as it was (eventho this wasn't my first wedding I photographed as a main photographer) it was just as exciting too because I knew that I'll be shooting in some gorgeous spots, mid-week, and the couple is gorgeous - it felt like first day in school, when you are so hungry for knowledge but still don't know how you'll perform.

Shooting in a hotel suite was a dream. It was big enough for the bride and groom to get ready seperately yet at the same place so I could shoot them both at the same time.

And the details... Oh those details and the fantastic light..

My favourite part of every wedding is the preparation - the very beginning of the day no guests see or be part of. I always feel honoured for being part of such a unique time with the couple. Oh, and cheering with champagne, laughing at silly jokes and seeing the beautiful bride glow.

Shooting in the Quay at The Rocks was a dream come true! So many pretty backdrops, and fantastic view of the Sydney Opera House incorporeted with the city skysrapers.

Thanks to Reka and David going aganist all traditions and wanting to have part of the location shoot before the ceremony, on the beach (on the other side of town) they happily agreed to the "First Look". This may be something that makes most people roll their eyes but I saw a lot of images from this kind of shoot from Jasmine Star and wanted to try it badly. To be honest if I'll ever get married, I will definitely request this option from my photographer. Seeing your partner the first time, all glammed up for you, on your Special Day, without distractions of all the guests... It is a magical moment to witness.

When we first discussed the wedding timeline I explained Reka that shooting in midday sun, on the beach would be the worst situation and we were both praying for an overcast day. Well, our prayers must have been lost in translation because the day turned out to be a gorgeous, clear sunny day. Life would be boring without challanges so after asking for advice from photographers who I believe to be much much better than me we went for it - afterall you can't just change the wedding timeline in last minute..

Then a few quick ones at The Rocks and in the gorgeous Sydney Harbour. (Love that location!!!)

And because David is Italian where else they would have had their ceremony if not in the Italian Village in the Rocks :) Great rustic setting for photos!

After all the formal photos, the reception kicked off in the restaurant upstairs - Oh, and the food... If anything could make me love Italian food any more than I already do, then it's this restaurant!

Ok, this blog post is way too long already so I will finish off with these. I left the best bit to the last because it was our 3rd location and as much as I was dreaming of photographing the couple at night front of the lit Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge; I knew I can't really do it without an assistant holding a video light. My prayer might have been unheard regarding the weather during the day but I was getting something so much more awesome: the video crew and their video light! My absolute favourite shots are definitely these ones :) A giant thank you to Louis Freris and his team!

No tricks - just YOU.

2011-12-07T22:21:00.004+11:00

Today I did what I never thought possible: kept cool from the outside when I was pretty much having a heart attack on the inside.

When I was a kid I reacted with attacking everything I didn't agree with or if something went wrong. Stress control or anger management was unknown in my World. I was also rather shy who tried to look cool at the same time - badbadbad combo. Kids, do not try this at home!
Somehow I haven't developed much self-confidence and felt uncomfortable when I had to speak front of others who I didn't know. I just had this blank nothing taking over my brain and I could only smile, say "don't know", or said something un-cool to ease the situation ( never worked of course). This never really worked.

I started my role with Top Snap over a year ago. Before I started I refreshed my sales knowledge with the National Sales Academy ( um. Ok, so I always worked in sales but has never been shown techniques to actually make it effective and successful, I was rather just hoping that my smile will help.) I can't stress it enough how much these trainings help! And just because you've been working in sales since Ice Age it doesn't mean that you can't learn anything new, in fact you are probably in the biggest need to do one. Why? Because we are lazy humans and once we settle in, get comfortable, it's all too easy to just do it the way we know it. NEWSFLASH! The only permanent thing in life is change. This is one sentence I've heard over and over again in my last sales role. And oh were those managers right? No doubt.

Today I had to do a sales presentation front of 5 senior real estate agents. May I please just repeat myself? REAL ESTATE AGENTS! Seniors. I was as excited as nervous. Weird feeling. As I entered the meeting room my excitement took over more and the chat just started flowing naturally while I was able to control the conversation, ask questions, build rapport... They were specifically interested in one of our products and I made sure I have some great examples selected and ready to showcase at the right time. Only problem was; I could not see the folder anywhere on the desktop of my laptop. Now this is the point where a few years ago I would go white and faint, forget how to speak English or something like that.
I don't know if it was the team's welcoming attitude or my confidence in my product I was presenting about but there were no signs of the above at all. I just made sure I carry the conversation and talk about all and everything so they do not notice me stressing a bit.
The meeting couldn't have been better. I've never left a meeting so pumped and positive and feeling sure about their satisfaction too. This is the point where you wanna get to as a sales person. For some it comes naturally (I have a few friends who are just rocking it without failure ever since they've started) but for the rest of us; we just need to make sure we know what we are doing and one other super-important point: MAKE THE PRESENTATION YOURS. Be you. Not just a person who's reading the slides or who says the exact same things each and every meeting. Be open, be interested, be relaxed. You'll connect with your audience much quicker if you accept who you are and not playing an act - the person who knows his/her product in and out but never seem interested in what the prospective client wants to really know will never close as many times as you will! ;)

Happy Hump Day!

Travel, Goodbyes and Mum.

2011-11-16T17:48:00.006+11:00

I grew up in a family where travel was part of life. Not me or my brother or my Mum traveling, but my Dad. All. The. Time.
When my brother was old enough to choose what he wants to be as a grown up; sure enough that he chose the same path. And my Mum had another man in the family to worry about. All. The. Time.
I just thought it's normal. This is what we got used to and not seeing my Dad every day just made the time he spent with us more special - and of course my Mum's life harder as she had to cope with us when we were naughty or sick.
One day I decided too to travel - and ended up living on the other side of the World. I often wonder how my Mum does it. How can she live with the feeling always missing us? She is definitely one of the strongest and most incredible woman I know and couoldn't be more proud of being her daughter.

Today I saw a short clip about a story of someone and his Mum. And because not getting the chance to say goodbye to someone close is not unknown by me; I decided to share it here.

It's a beautifully executed video - just something to remember before it's too late. Because sometimes we don't get the chance to say goodbye.

My Friend Jason. from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

Bar Fun - Honey Rider Bar

2011-08-08T18:49:00.022+10:00

Let's make something clear: I never wanted to work in a bar. As much as it seemed like those kids have fun it seemed hard work and dealing with intoxicated patrons was not my dream job. Until...

I arrived to Australia. And thought it will be all great because I have a bachelor degree and heaps of sales experience and worked for a big pharmaceutical company; sure it will be easy-beezy to get a good job. I just forgot to factor in some key elements;

1. My not-so-fluent English
2. My foreign passport
3. There's no Genie who will make all my wish come true.

This lead to a bar. And then another one, and another... And I tell you what: I had the best fun in my life for those years I belonged to the beer tap and spirit shelves! It was exactly what it seemed like from the outside: heaps of fun and hard work. BUT it gave me some awesome friends and an experience that I can only be grateful for.

As I got busier chasing my dreams to become a photographer I eventually stopped serving drinks on the weekends and as we all move on, my old boss did too; opened a brand new bar, Honey Rider (just on my doorstep). And you guessed it: he needed some photos taken of it. Well, you be the judge and see my favourites below. As much as I don't miss the drunk patrons and cleaning the mess after a big night, I loved this shoot and made me sad that those days are over.

If you are ever in Neutral Bay, I recommend you to pop in to Phil's bar and try one of the cocktails, enjoy the athmosphare and chat with the cool bar staff. It's a funky small bar without any of the bad stuff you've ever heard about the North side. You'll be looked after and they may even remember your name when you return. Because you will. I can garantee that!

Invitation To Hang - another brilliant project by Chase Jarvis

2011-07-16T21:48:00.003+10:00

Thanks to Chase Jarvis and his team, the photography World got a bit shaken up again a few weeks ago. However this project is now over, the site of Invitation To Hang is still up, open for anyone to see all submitted and chosen images.
The project was simple but definitely something that tickled all participating photoagrapher's creative mind: The snap shot. Capturing a moment, there and then, wherever you are, take a shot that no one else can or would but has the power to make the audiance stop and stare. (Well, this was my translation of the project description. Being part of such a fun and exciting project, have my picture hung in New York City's Ace Hotel was a pretty cool feeling - to say the least.
If you have a camera of any kind, take photos with it. Don't worry about the technicality, just follow your creative insticts and capture the moment. When you're done, check out Chase Jarvis' blog for more inspiration. Enjoy!

Sweet reminder of the week

2011-07-14T21:06:00.006+10:00

We all have bad days. You know, the ones when your car breaks down when you are already late and your phone goes flat at the same time, oh and by the way you are in middle of a highway... These days happen to us because we let life pass by without noticing the fun and sweet side of it. We have to fall at times to be able to rise up again, dust ourselves off and see things in a new light.

Today's photo shoot reminded me of just that. The sweetness of life. It came in a box of chocholate. A very special one from Coco Chocholate to be exact. Thank you Rebecca! :)

Note: If you don't try this one, you will miss out on something very special!

Keep smiling!

Published in Sydney Pool+Outdoor Design

2011-07-14T11:02:00.012+10:00

As a property photographer for Top Snap, I am lucky to see my work in print and on websites on a daily basis. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside still.

Occasionally I am approached by designers, newspaper editors or business owners who are in the process of updating their marketing materials. This is how I got in touch with Stevie Newbegin from United Media Grooup, publishers of the Sydney Pool+Outdoor Design magazine. If you are looking at finding the right pool, you must check out this magazine, it's got all and every style you can imagine!

So Stevie needed some images for their editorial of Southern Cross Pools which lead me to a meeting with the lovely Cathy from the company - who was by the way amazing to make the shoot smooth with helping me setting up.

And now, the wait is over. My images are in this thick and glossy magazine! Yes. Feeling warm and fuzzy inside. :)

Thank you Stevie and Cathy!

Me & Melbourne

2011-06-12T14:56:00.019+10:00

It was my 28th birthday and a trip I planned as a present to myself. My one and only Simon (the guy who loves me most after my brother) was waiting for me there, organized a place to stay, a place to hang out and time to show me around in the fabulous Melbourne. He made sure that he is close by while I'm catching up with a guy who I had a date with that night.
(Note: All girls should have their very own "One&Only Simon" in their lives if you ask me!)

This was my very first affair with Melbourne. I didn't see Europe in it (like some say it is like) but I had a magical weekend, which I spent with some great people.

Life happened to make me visit Melbourne a several more times in the coming 2 years and what I love about this place is; it shows a different side of its face each and every time.

My latest visit was the first one which was planned with some my close Sydney friends. It was a new - a very new - feeling to be there. And as I was walking around with people who truly are part of my Australian family, with my camera in the hand, a 50mm and I had a creative outburst and I started seeing things I've never seen in this city before. Some of my favourites from a short weekend below:

Times like this, moments filled with laughter, tears and love for people who mean the World to me; worth living for.

I've had a little bit of time to wander around in art galleries, which is a must to do in Melbourne. You can see some um... out of the ordinary pieces :)

Walking around in the city, I see why some people think it has got a European feel. The cafes, the architecture, the atmosphare... I must admit; similar. ;)

Melbourne will always have a special place in my heart. It gave me feelings I've never known, it created memories I will never forget, it made me laugh and made me cry... It once meant so much to me that it's impossible to erase it from my life.

So, if you have a chance to visit Melbourne, please do it. And get lost in it. Let it make you feel like you've never felt before. Let it make you laugh. And take some photographs. :)

Have a great weekend, World!

5 Years in the World of Oz

2011-04-27T20:55:00.005+10:00

Exactly 5 years ago I woke up in the very early hours, after very little sleep and my Mum and my boyfriend drove me to the airport in Budapest. I was so excited that I don't think I realized how long it will be until the next time I will see them again. After re-packing my suitcases (because where can you find a girl who is able to pack less than 20kg for a year? Duh!), checking-in, making sure my Mum see; I do have my passport and insurance and all the important stuff on me; I was ready to say goodbye. I think my Mum cried, but she didn't want me to see it, she didn't want to ruin my excitement perhaps. She wanted to be happy for me eventho her heart was breaking inside.

I walked through the metal detector, sat down in the almost empty hall (because if you go anywhere with my Mum, she will make sure you'll rather be there an hour early than a minute late :)), I pulled out a cigarette, my phone rang - it was one of my best friends, she just woke up, I think it was only 7am, her voice was so sleepy still, but she called... To say goodbye. That's when it all sank in. I burst into tears and couldn't stop. I have never felt so alone in my entire life.

It was my decision, right? I was ready to get on that plane and fly 13,000 kms, leave family and love behind, get on with something new... But all of a sudden it was terrifying. Eventually I stopped crying of course - I think I just needed it so much that it couldn't stay inside :) - and 2 planes, 13,000kms and 24 hours later I arrived to where it all began... Sydney, Australia, The World of Oz, the Land of kangoroos and koalas and convicts and sunshine and the ozone hole... Oh it was a feeling like no others!

5 years, plenty of challanges, a few heartbreaks, some tears, lots of laughs and even more experience later; I am still here.
In the World of Oz. Where miracles do happen - I believe.

If I wouldn't have come here I wouldn't be the person who I am today (and you would probably not read this blog), so today (because it's been 5 years after all!) I'd like to thank Australia for all and everything - good&bad - it has given me because it truly was the best thing in my life so far!

Here to make more mistakes to learn from, more experiences to grow from and more friends to enjoy it with!

Thank you for everything, Australia. x

P.s.: My Mum's heart recovered since :)

My Amazing Mum - Maintaining Love from the Distance

2011-04-23T14:19:00.008+10:00

This morning I woke up and realised that I haven't been in touch with my Mum in a good few days. I moved to the other side of the World 5 years ago therefore we usually chat online or email each other or talk on Skype but somehow we haven't done it for a few days now. I've also had a missed call on my phone from a blocked number which usually means an o/s call. This always makes me nervous and worried so I wanted to make sure it's all ok at home.

I started a long email to her because I felt guilty that I haven't made contact with her in the longest time. (Such a bad child.. I know!) I wanted to tell her how much I love her and miss her and that I think of her every day and feel bad that I got slack and only replied to her emails/chats instead of me starting one.

People who know me know that my lack of communication with home doesn't mean my lack of love for them. For a fact; my family is veryvery important to me. We went though a lot together and everytime something important happen to them over in Hungary and I can't be part of it, it makes me sad.
BUT! I'm coming from a familiy where I didn't see my Dad for weeks sometimes, but usually never more often than once a week. He was traveling all the time, so I grew up with his constant absence and learnt that love can be maintained without psyically being close to the person. I made a decision 5 years ago and my family knows how happy I am here. As hard as it is for all of us, they do understand (well I believe they do) why it's better for me here in Sydney than Budapest.

I wrote the longest email to my Mum about all and everything that has happened with me since we last spoke, how much i love her and my thoughts on visiting home this year. She is an awesome woman and honestly; I have no idea how she can cope with the void I left. Not that I'm that fantastic, but i'm her daughter. The only daughter. And however she's got my brother, his kiddies and the rest of the family there for her - I can't even start to imagine how hard it must be for a parent when they can only see their child once in every couple of years... And please don't think that it gets any easier with time passing. To tell you the truth it gets harder with every week and month. But we have to sacrifice whatever decision we make in life. Yes, I miss out on birthdays, weddings, baby births and a whole lot of other important occasions, but I try my best to make up for it everytime I visit home - at the end of the day I have to make more effort as I moved away from them not the other way around. And yes, it's so veryvery hard not to be able to go home to my Mum for some home made soup or a big hug when I'm upset or hurt, and it is even harder not to be there for my Mum when she's sad and she needs my hug. Of course it is hard to hear my brother telling me how sad he is that I don't see his kids grow up, but in his children's eyes I sure am the coolest aunty, who lives where the kangaroos live and send cool stuff occasionally (not to mention that I will reach a whole new level of coolness in those kids eyes when they can holiday in Australia in the school holidays!)... (At least this thought always makes me smile. I can't wait to have them here for a visit!)

All in all; I love my family.
And love means that you understand or at least accept your loved ones decisions in life. It is never easy, but whatever makes them happy, we have to let them go for it. And if you are in the same shoes as me, live far away from home by choice because you followed your dreams, but can't see your family whenever you want to; just think of all the happiness you've got from your furtunate situation to live somewhere amazing! I promise you, it will make them happy too!

Enjoy life! You've only got one to live!
Love passionately! You never know when it's going to end.
Be positive! Life if too short for spending it upset.

Have a Happy Easter!

Talking photography & what really matters

2011-03-27T18:57:00.010+11:00

When I started my freelancing career as a photographer I've been told that in Sydney it is not easy to network with other photographers, they've got their own circles and they rather stay there than be open towards the newbies. Hm.

This thought comes back each and every time I come across a photographer who I get the chance to have a chat with. From my experience as long as I am open and not afraid to talk about what I do, how I do it - even if I know that some of it might not sound or be cool and fancy - the other photographer will be just as open and honest and friendly as I am. (And then we laugh together about how we battle between 2-3 jobs to make sure there's enough $ on the table to fund our businesses)

I went out with the girls last night. At the bar we've been directed to sit in an area which must have been reserved for someone before because there were only a few people sitting there. It also seemed to be the chilling spot for the photographer too who I happened to start chatting with. We ended up talking for a long time, it was probably more than what a noisy bar is designed for, but if you let me talk about photography then good luck to you; it will be a long one so you better get comfy and get yourself another drink before I start! :)

I really hope I didn't dominate the conversation too much or bore him. I think I let him talk too because however I really don't remember how long we were sitting there chatting, but I got this really sweet text message from this same photographer a little later:

"It was nice talking photography with you, it's great to see the passion you have, I'm sure you will be very successful."

I believe that if you leave the smoke and mirrors at home, keep your focus on what you love and talk about the bumps and holes too on that road you are on towards becoming a successful artist; people will be more interested in you and your work and encourage you much more. They might even look up to you and start to believe that only talking about the flash equipment or the next big thing on the market are not the things that will make anyone a bigger and better artist/business person.

What you really need in whatever business you are in is passion for what you do. It really is that simple.

Keep this in mind and thank me later. ;)

Daydreaming & learning to slow down

2011-03-04T18:41:00.005+11:00

I often find myself daydreaming. The kind when you suddenly start thinking where you are at in life, what you do and what you are heading towards. (Yes. All the heavy stuff :))
Recently, I found myself in the office in the late hours of the night way too many times sorting images, uploading files, catching up on emails and so on. And then I go home, I realize what time it is - but first time in my life it doesn't bother me to live this way. That's what assure me that I'm at the right place. At the right time. And I shouldn't complain. Ever really.

I often find myself in a place where I am just happy for no particular reason. That's when I smile and feel that something tickly inside that I have no words for. (Mind you it might be just because English is not my first language.)

This afternoon I was shooting an apartment at Milsons Point, facing Luna Park. My client asked me to take some lifestyle/location shots so I wandered around the peer and found this:

I walk too fast. I keep myself busy all the time. And I mean; ALL the time! I get home at midnight and I still have things to do on my mind. And I must admit; I love it this way. However, shots like the above always remind me to stop and just take in the moment. (Sometimes I force myself to count to 10 if there's no other way to stop my head spinning...)

Remember: life is too good to miss out on the beautiful things. Stop. Take it in. And smile. :)

Have a great weekend World!

x

That special place in my heart - Bondi, Sydney, Australia

2011-02-20T13:43:00.003+11:00

If you've ever been to Sydney, you probably came to check out this iconic beach. You may have been amazed by it or - like me back 5 years ago - a bit dissapointed that it's not like how you imagined. Bondi has got its reputation good or bad, but one thing is true: when you live in this area you definitely get introduced to a new face of it sooner or later.
I love my lazy Sundays. I love the walk along the coast to Coogee. I love the coffee from Gusto. And because it is one of those Sundays today, I'll get my bikinis on and head down to the beach and remind myself how great life is. Down Under. :)

Adorable baby session - Miss Sophie

2011-01-24T22:37:00.008+11:00

One of my big love in photography is shooting babies (as you probably have seen it from previous posts) and last Saturday I thought I will try the "baby posing" (is there such a thing or did I just make that up in my head? How all those super-cute sleeping baby photos are made??). Well, Miss Sophie who was only 7 days old then thought she will be awake the whole time I'm there... Not to mention that she doesn't like to be naked, so my big plans on the cute sleeping baby photo didn't quiet work out as I planned..
At the end I still managed to come up with some lovely images and this session has reminded me again: photographing babies can't really be planned... :)

And while Miss Sophie had a break between shoots her big brother kept me company.. :)

Second shooting - and why you should go for it!

2011-01-07T13:08:00.009+11:00

This blog post goes out as a massive thank you to the fab American photographer, Mike Larson.
I can't post photos from this wedding as it was Mike's gig (and his photos are sure way better than mine would ever be), however I definitely wanted to dedicate this post to him because the experience of the day I was assisting him provided me with more to learn than any books could ever do!

Firstly: when you hear you should do second shooting/assisting at a wedding even if you don't get paid for it, you should do it without hesitation! If you get the chance to work with someone like Mike, you will take more with you than the dollars you could make!

Secondly: I am not a wedding photographer and don't think I will ever be. But I truly believe that all photographers should gain experience shooting weddings, learn what works and what's not - from photographers who specialized in weddings.

And last: It was a long, wet day but I enjoyed every minute of it regardless of the amount of sand in my shoes or getting wet holding up the reflector, above the couple's head :)

Thanks Mike for being patient and cool even when my battery died..

Who's Mike? Check out his website...

When a fairy tale comes true...

2010-08-28T17:03:00.007+10:00

My friends got married last week. Yes; it was one of those fairy tale dreams to come true. Even since I've known them they were planning when and where to get married (and I've known them for a few years now :)). These 2 people are truly like pea and a pot and if you'd known them you'd understand why it took them sooo long to finally tie the knot. They are one of the most awesome couple I know and I feel super lucky to have them in my life.
Their wedding perfectly reflected what they are like; there were candies, lots of beer and champagne, one of the best views in Sydney, delicious food and many, many fun people. Probably one of the longest celebrations also, but like I mentioned before: if you'd known them you'd understand it why :)

I wasn't their wedding photographer, but volunteered to do the pre-wedding shots of the bride and some others along the way.. Here are some of my favorites :

Sarah&Chris Rhoads are coming Down Under! - The VOICE Workshop

2010-07-19T09:08:00.001+10:00

And again; thanks to Twitter I just discovered a something amazing! When I saw that there is a contest for a Sarah Rhodes workshop in AUSTRALIA and there are no entries yet however there was only a day to go till the end of it I though: it would be crazy for me not to go for it!
It's pretty rare to have anything organised to Down Under by American photographers who are wanting to share the love for photography and support emerging fellow photographers - well, not that I know of many anyway - so I felt it is my chance to go for the spot in this sold out workshop which will be held in Canberra soon. In a nutshell: the workshop is called VOICE which stands for Vision, Openess, Inspiration, Creativity and Experience. The concept behind VOICE centers around finding your unique voice as an artist, developing a market niche, staying inspired, being remarkable for your clients, and building a brand experience.

Getting creative help from my dear friend Elena in a form of a crazy fun brainstorming session at her house on a Thursday night, we recorded all the footage for the project. (Massive thanks to her and her flatmate, Helen for their input!) Now I just had to put the plan in my head into the tricky World of video.. I'm not all that good with making these things and having absolutely no spare time in my hands I needed help. And there was Matt!! (Who I am extremely grateful for giving me a helping hand and get the finished product together for me, so I didn't run out of time with my submission. :)

And there it is. Sticked on the www.GetTotallyRad.com/blog, for everyone who wish to see what me and the other contestants come up with..
In less than 24hrs, Sarah Rhoads and her husband Chris will choose the winner... I am crossing my fingers that it will be mine - however there are some other great entries there.

BUT! Even if I don't win; this contest just got me and my 2 friends to do something together that we've never done before! I loved every second of discovering how our creative minds can work together! It was awesome guys!

Much love to all who has been part of my creative journey!

You can see my entry here:

Before&After - TRA in action!

2010-04-29T08:46:00.003+10:00

This image has been taken on one of the islands in the Phi Phi Islands group in Thailand last December.
Gorgeous place, great hospitality, fantastic trip with my Cyber Buddy!

As she was just sitting there on the bench, soaking in the sun, I was snapping around - taking this picture too.

Because of the light situation it was impossible to correctly expose both her and the view, so I reached for the awesome TRA actions... And the recipe is as follows:

First I fixed levels with "auto levels" in Photoshop then started playing with the actions:
Oh Snap! (for some color boost and more contrast)- brought down to around 50%, separately both saturation and contrast)
Ying Yang (for lightening and darkening different areas) - I had to lighten Elena's back so it is brought out of the shade which also gave her skin a bit of a glow - used on close to 100% as you can see it was pretty dark before
Pro Retouch - to smoothen her skin and give it that slight kick of extra glow - I used it on about 70%

Finally I reduced noise on the overall image to make it look even more smoother and get rid of any graininess that would have left after the lightening.

If you haven't tried the TRA actions yet then you should head over to www.gettotallyrad.com RIGHT NOW and download the trial pack of actions! YOu'll love'em!!!

Enjoy!!!

Because you are BEAUTIFUL!

2010-04-15T15:36:00.012+10:00

Since I've joined to the Twitter World, I came across with heaps of fantastic photographers and saw some amazing work! The greatest thing in this social site is that you can learn soooo much from those fellow photographers who are willing to share their knowledge, their stories, their passion; simply because they love the craft and want you to be a better photographer too! :)
This is how I came across with The Boudoir Divas (@TheBoudoirDivas on Twitter), the ladies who are running their extremely successful studio in San Diego where they make all and every lady to believe no matter what age or shape you are: you are truly BEAUTIFUL! As a girl myself I love making all women love their photos taken by me and see that wide smile on their face when they see my images of them the first time.
I gave myself plenty of time to find which direction I'd like to take my photography, tried several different types of shoots, sometimes just for my own development or for commission, but finally I believe that I arrived to the destination where I am happy and focused and see myself succeed. I do know that it will not happen overnight and that's why I'm planning to take the Divas boudoir photography workshop (more info on www.theboudoirdivas.com) in the U.S. and while I am getting ready for this exciting trip; I'm practicing and learning and making mistakes, then try again... And I love it so much that it makes me truly believe that it is the path I need to take my photography business on.

I'd like to thank the Boudoir Divas for all that they share with other photographers, you ladies are truly amazing!
And a big thank you to my gorgeous friend Jax, who let me photograph her and stick it on my blog :) Thanks for being part of my journey. :)

Celebrating LOVE

2010-02-24T12:13:00.001+11:00

Celebrating LOVE is a new project in my photography which started with images of these 2 beautiful people, Jax&Ryan. The aim of this project is creating a series of images showing affection, capturing intimate moments between 2 people who are furtunate to be in LOVE.
When I asked Jax&Ryan if they'd let me to photograph them - even in intimate situations - I was very excited to see them love the idea. Of course we all like when someone takes pretty pictures of us with our partner or on our own, but it is not all that easy when you find yourself in a room where the camera is constantly pointing at you..
I am not good at posing people - definitely something I am willing to work on -, so I tried not to direct Jax&Ryan during the shoot, or at least tried to keep it to the bare minimum. I wanted to create a bunch of photographs which are reflecting THEM, their feelings, their everydays. The following sets of photographs are showing this best I think and I hope you will enjoy them.
Extra special thanks to Kenny Kim, who is a fantastic photographer and without his help I wouldn't have got my hands on the brilliant Totally Rad Photoshop Actions which helped me make these photographs look their best!

Some of the images I shot for the Photo5 Challenge.. :)

2009-12-03T10:43:00.009+11:00

Thanks to my beautiful friend, Elena I was able to create some images that i was happy enough to send to the Canon Photo5 competition this year. The brief I was shooting these images for was the portrait category where all photogs were required to use the spectaculars which has been sent by Canon. However I was not one of the finalists (Boooo! Would have loved the 5D MkII...), I enjoyed it so much to get the result through my camera that I had in my imagination.. :) Only 1 of these images fit into the requirements and has been entered for the portrait brief, but I because I really like them I thought I'll show them anyways... :)

Competitions are great challenges for all of us, photographers as it gives us a brief to work on, come up with something different and creative, in other words: stretch our boundaries.
Canon's Photo5 competition is great fun, and I can recommend to all photographers (beginner or professional) to enter, or at least play with the props Canon send out in the box. You can fin out more about the competition here:www1.canon.com.au/worldofeos/photo5

I am working on my pretty website.. :)

2009-12-01T11:52:00.003+11:00

Slowly but surely - even though i am still lacking a computer at home - my website design is coming together.. :)
Here's a screenshot of the opening page :)
What do you guys think?

I'm back! :)

2009-09-14T10:12:00.002+10:00

Oh Gosh! What a slack I am? I haven't posted anything in sooooo long!
I'm back!

Yesterday I photographed a gorgeous Christening and can't wait to show you some of the images! :)

Til then, have a look at this blog: www.leloveimage.blogspot.com (my new favourite :))

My current 2 fav websites.. :)

2009-08-05T17:11:00.003+10:00

www.stacyreeves.com
www.theboudoirdivas.com

These girls has some amazing images on their websites, not to mention all the very useful info they share about their techniques and knowledge of photography.
If you are a sponge (like myeself) when it comes to photography and want to learn all what makes you a better photographer then these 2 websites are a MUST to visit!

Thank you Stacy, Marissa&Kimberlee!

Bars and Pubs..

2009-07-31T16:58:00.005+10:00

Finally! As I mentioned in my earlier posts, I planned to photograph a couple of venues to extend my portfolio. My lovely friends let me snap around in their bars and pubs (Score Bar, Star City Casino, Pyrmont, Sydney & PJ O'brien's Irish Pub, Sydney CBD) they let me do whatever I wanted even if it involved to climb up to the top of the bar or whatever I could to get what I thought would look interesting.
Funnily after the post-work on the photos I didn't choose any of those shots to showcase.. :)
There's still 1 more bar I'd love to photograph but as a little baby boy was born on the day of the shoot was planned for, it had to be postponed.. :) Soon to come the Marly Bar in Newtown too! :)

There's no boring subject, just bored photographer

2009-07-24T15:50:00.003+10:00

A couple of days ago my (very smart&talented - www.scaffad.com) friend, Lach called me as he needed a photographer for one of his project his working on. Who doesn't like to work with friends, who are fun and creative??
So I woke up at 6am today and drove out to far far away to photograph a school. :)
Well.. I'm sure every photographer's nightmare to photograph big subjects in shade..
And there was no way to photograph the building any other time of the day as the light conditions were best early morning. So I tried to make the most out of it and even if my fav shots are not of the building itself, there were some other fun stuff to photograph :)
How easy to shot something beautiful, something pretty, something well lit?
But where's the fun, the challange in it?
If anybody can do what you do, there's nothing special about your work.
And yes, I stuffed up a lot of shots, but how else I could have got the ones I am happy with? Pushing your limits takes you closer to your goals, so never think that your subject is boring when you get commissioned for a job! Just try to find that angle, those colours, something in the background/foreground, that you can grab and use to create something you are satisfied with. :)
Above my favs from today..

Something special, something amazing...

2009-07-13T21:54:00.005+10:00

When I went to see Lolly&Nick to the hospital where they introduced their little boy to me, I knew I will be taking photos, but getting the chance to capture such special moments... Wow! I'm so lucky! I am so grateful for it..
Moving around the little man with my Amy and the 50mm was great experience.
Thank you, Lolly&Nick to let me be there and do my thing. :)

RAWFire - Corporate Portrait Shoot

2009-07-13T20:21:00.005+10:00

First corporate portrait session I've ever done. First comissioned work I've done interstate. No wonder that I was a bit nervous. :)
Asked fellow photographers and their techniques, was thinking of purchasing studio lights, then hiring, then borrowing.. I ended up doing it all with a 50mm lens, using available light only, setting up tripodonly for the sake of getting the shots from the same spot to create some sort of consistancy.
The client was actually my boss who I work for 2 days a week in Sydney, which meant I wanted to do an even more exceptional job than ever before... :)
I'm quiet happy with the result :)
Now, you are the one who has the chance to judge it.
Please do. :)

Maternity shoot No.3

2009-07-13T20:13:00.008+10:00

Photographing such beautiful people like Lolly&Nick, is not that hard. Giving them something amazing by my photographs is something very, very special to me.

While waiting for Amy..

2009-06-10T23:13:00.003+10:00

I'm admiring old beauties..
Yes.. I'd love one.. One day!

Shooting Venues-cont.

2009-06-10T00:11:00.001+10:00

2 venues are confirmed already! :)
Now, I just need to get my Amy back from the service...

Shooting venues

2009-06-09T18:57:00.003+10:00

Today I decided that I'll take advantage on my contacts in hospitality and to refresh my portfolio I'll organize some appointments to shoot bars and clubs. Venue photography might not be the best aim to focus on, but definately a different sort of interior photography than other segments of real estate.
The best part that there are so many different options of lighting that can make one frame look absolutely different from the other just with a switch...
I'm actually quiet excited about it!:)

The Present

2009-06-08T21:34:00.005+10:00

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present. ~Babatunde Olatunji

Life

2009-06-08T20:21:00.000+10:00

"Life is not perfect,
never will be,
you just have to make the very best of it.

And you have to open your heart to what the World can show you.

And sometimes it is terrifying.
And sometimes it is incredably beautiful.
And I'll take both. Thanks."

This is a quote from The Wisdom Film directed by Andrew Zuckerman.
Some wise people talking about wisdom, work and love.
I thought it's a perfect tune to start the Photoartology blog.
:)