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Should You Do A Before-And-After Weight Loss Photoshoot?

Behind-the-scenes look at a fashion photoshoot with vibrant pink backdrop and dynamic lighting.

Should You Do A Before-And-After Weight Loss Photoshoot?

A majority of Australians remain keen on losing weight, with a national survey counting 60% with this sentiment out of 18,300 people. However, research by the University Hospital of Cardiff shows that of 1,850 participants, less than one in three succeeded in shedding kilos over the past year. Various factors have made it more difficult for everyone to maintain a healthy weight, from the high availability of delicious (but nutrient-lacking) foods to increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Carrying extra weight may result in less self-confidence in photos and real life.

This is why those who are determined to lose weight need comprehensive support that goes beyond mere dietary changes. In this case, pursuing a weight loss program that espouses a holistic approach – not only at what you eat but other lifestyle factors such as physical activity, sleep quality, and your mindset towards weight loss and your body in general – could be the key to achieving results. While fad diets provide short-term effects, these superficial gains could lead to adverse health outcomes. A science-backed weight loss strategy will help struggling Aussies learn healthy habits that promote sustained success. One way to celebrate this success is by immortalizing your progress through a weight loss photoshoot.

Romantic Beach Pier Kiss

Benefits of tracking your progress

A picture is worth a thousand words and possibly several kilos. Unhealthy diet culture places an absurd focus on numbers, from obsessive calorie-counting to daily weigh-ins – and it’s often ineffective. 72% of Australians said they had tried calorie-controlled diets, but only one in five found success. Plus, the number on the scale doesn’t always reflect your true progress, especially as increased physical activity may result in more muscle mass.

One benefit of setting up a before-and-after photoshoot is the ability to notice bodily changes over fixed periods. It allows you to focus on visible, rather than numerical, results. And because reaching a healthy body weight can take months or even years, having photos to mark every milestone motivates you to stay the course. Photos are also a great way to share your progress with your loved ones and community. If you’re comfortable uploading your pictures online, you’ll likely receive positive encouragement from others on the same journey. Best of all, you might inspire someone else to work on their health goals. Ready to snap those progress pics? Here are a few tips for the best results.

West Beach Engagement shoot

Before and after weight loss photoshoot tips

Before-and-after weight loss photos are all about your body, so avoid loose-fitting clothing that makes it hard to see changes. For example, women focused on losing abdominal fat may want to wear a sports bra. Over time, you’ll compare these photos side-by-side, so wear similar apparel for each photo shoot to create a sense of continuity. Previously, we talked about including symbolic elements for a more impactful photo. You could make it a point to wear the same clothes from Day 1 of your journey – think of a favorite pair of jeans that progressively gets looser – for more dramatic results.

Be sure to take photos from all angles: front, back, full-side, and a 45-degree angle. This helps you spot subtle but essential changes in areas like the chin or hips. For consistency, maintain the same posture and pose in all photos. Ask your photographer to use the same background color every time. And finally, don’t forget to schedule photoshoots during set dates in the year so you can make solid quarterly or annual comparisons. This way, if you see fewer changes or notice visible weight gain, you can adjust your health plan accordingly to get back on track.

When it comes to weight loss, the journey is perhaps more important than the destination. Having great photos is a beautiful way to document your commitment to yourself and your health.

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Sunset Wedding Photography – What to Consider at Your Venue

Bride and groom dance at sunset

Sunset Wedding Photography – What to Consider at Your Venue

Hello, lovely brides-to-be! Are you dreaming of a breathtaking sunset wedding with golden hues illuminating your special day? If so, you’re in for a treat! Sunset wedding photography can add an enchanting touch to your album, capturing the romance and magic of the moment. But before you say “I do” to a venue, there are a few key considerations you should keep in mind. After all, finding the perfect location for your sunset nuptials will make all the difference in creating those picture-perfect memories you’ll treasure forever.

What is Golden Hour?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of selecting a wedding venue that complements sunset photography, let’s talk about the concept of “golden hour.” Golden hour is that magical time shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, soft, and golden glow over everything it touches. The lighting during this time is simply dreamy, flattering, and perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Now that you have a grasp of what golden hour actually is, let’s explore what to consider at your wedding venue to maximize your sunset photography experience. Thankfully as a wedding photographer based in Adelaide – one of only a few capital cities in Australia with a coastline that faces west for sunsets we have plenty of wedding venues perfectly suited for perfect sunset wedding photography!

Bride and groom perched on rocks

Sunset Wedding Photography – Things to consider

1. Outdoor Spaces

When scouting for a wedding venue, focus on outdoor spaces that provide unobstructed views of the horizon. A location with panoramic vistas will allow the sun’s rays to cast their captivating colors across your wedding ceremony and reception. Look for gardens, terraces, rooftops, or waterfront areas that offer a clear line of sight to the setting sun. These spaces will create a breathtaking backdrop for your photos and add a touch of ethereal beauty to your wedding day.

Imagine sharing an intimate moment, surrounded by lush greenery, as the sun sets in the distance, painting the sky with a myriad of captivating shades. Your photographer will be able to capture those magical moments as you bask in the warm, romantic ambiance of golden hour.

Don’t forget about the foreground though too – while a magnificent sunset is beautiful in it’s own right, a nice photo also has to take the foreground into account – have a think about what will ‘frame’ the scene within the camera. Hopefully this example below illustrates what i mean better.

Darwin’s Pride rock

2. Natural Elements

To truly make your sunset wedding photography shine, consider venues that boast natural elements such as rolling hills, majestic trees, or serene bodies of water. These elements not only add depth and texture to your photos but also enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Picture yourself strolling hand-in-hand with your beloved through a meadow, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The warm, golden light filtering through the trees as you exchange loving glances will create an enchanting atmosphere. These natural features provide an incredible opportunity for your photographer to capture your love story in a way that feels timeless and utterly captivating.

Sunset photo of bridal couple in trees

3. Backdrops and Landscapes

The backdrop of your sunset wedding photos can make a world of difference in creating a visual masterpiece. Look for venues with diverse landscapes that offer an array of options for your pictures. Whether it’s a breathtaking mountain range, a serene lake, or a sandy beach, a varied backdrop will add depth and visual interest to your wedding album.

Imagine being framed by a stunning seascape as the sun sets behind you, casting a warm, golden glow across the water. Your photographer will capture the magic of the moment, highlighting the love between you and your partner against this captivating backdrop. The combination of a striking landscape and the romantic lighting of golden hour will result in awe-inspiring photographs you’ll treasure forever.

Queenstown Wedding Photoshoot Photo

4. Venue Policies and Timing

Before falling head over heels for a wedding venue, it’s essential to inquire about their policies regarding sunset photography and the timing of your event. Some venues may have restrictions on outdoor photography or specific areas that are off-limits during golden hour.

Ensure that you have a clear understanding of any limitations or guidelines to avoid any disappointments on your special day. Discuss with your venue coordinator and photographer to ensure they are aligned on capturing those precious moments during sunset. With everyone on the same page, you can rest assured that your photos will be nothing short of magical.

Bride leading groom through long grass

5. Collaborate with Your Photographer

Lastly, remember that your photographer is your ultimate guide to capturing stunning sunset wedding photography. They are experts in understanding lighting, angles, and composition, and they will know how to make the most of your chosen venue. Collaborate with your photographer to discuss your vision, share your preferences, and ask for their professional advice on how to maximize the beauty of golden hour at your venue.

Trust in their expertise and allow them to work their magic. Their passion for their craft combined with your love story and the breathtaking backdrop of your venue will result in photos that reflect the essence of your special day.

Bride and groom in the grass

When it comes to sunset wedding photography, selecting the perfect venue is key. Look for outdoor spaces with unobstructed views, natural elements that add beauty and depth, diverse backdrops for visual interest, and clarify venue policies and timing. Collaborate closely with your photographer to capture the magic of golden hour and create memories that will last a lifetime. With these considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to an enchanting sunset wedding filled with love, beauty, and timeless photographs. Happy planning!

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What makes wedding photography special?

Bride looking stunning in white bay window

What makes wedding photography special?

 

Throughout our lives, there will be many moments that we’ll want to capture on camera. One of the most special of those is the day that we get married, the memories of which most of us hope to treasure forever. It goes without saying that this makes our wedding photography extra special – ahead, we delve into some of the reasons why.

Having been in the wedding photography business for 17-odd years, we have amassed a wealth of experience that enables us to capture these moments in the most special way possible. We know a thing or two about what makes wedding photography special!

Candid moments

Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life, so of course, there’s going to be plenty of fun, candid moments to capture – from romantic glances exchanged across the aisle, to frivolous dancing at the reception.

Rarely in life do we find that someone constantly has their eyes on us in order to take these sorts of unplanned photos. This is different on your wedding day, with a professional there each step of the way ensuring that not a moment is missed. The best part about this is everybody looks and feels good at a wedding, so the photos are guaranteed to meet expectations – unlike many of the candid photos we’re used to capturing ourselves.

Laughing bridesmaids

Generational photography

It’s not often that you get every member of your family in one place – and it’s less often still that it happens in the presence of a professional photographer. Most couples find that with this opportunity to capture the eldest and youngest generations together, their wedding photos become extra meaningful – and make for the kind of stills that multiple generations will look back on with fondness for years to come.

Your wedding photographer will likely be able to capture sweet moments between your loved ones even when you’re not present – perhaps when you’re freshening up, or making your rounds at the reception. Because of this, you can relax as the day progresses knowing that your photographer will be around to capture any moments that you happen to miss.

Bridal approach with parents

Capturing the finer details

There’s a whole lot that goes into making your wedding day perfect, and that includes plenty of small details – from place settings, to aisle decorations, to invitations. None of these details are any less important than the other, and many of them will be ones that you want to remember through your wedding photos – particularly if they’ve taken a lot of time, money or creativity to get just right.

Professional photographers are used to documenting these sorts of small but important details. In fact, they know that such photos look stunning paired next to your wedding portraits, and always help to paint the overall picture of your day.

Engagement ring propped up in autumn colours

Photos treasured for a lifetime

Wedding photos are meaningful, and as such, we want them to last forever. Usually, they’ll make it into a special album, or take the front and centre spot on our mantlepiece – just one way that we tend to demonstrate our love for wedding photos over other kinds of photography. We want to be able to look at these photos when we’re old, as well as at other key moments throughout our lives – perhaps the birth of a child, or a special anniversary.

Groom leading bride on clifftop

When you recognise what makes wedding photography special, you make plenty of time to plan and prepare the perfect shots with your photographer – so that you can relieve such significant moments for years to come.

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The Science Behind “Happy Wife, Happy Life” Is it true?

Wedding rings perched in tree

The Science Behind “Happy Wife, Happy Life”

As an experienced wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless moments of joy, love, and celebration. I’ve also heard more best man speeches and parental advice than I can count. One phrase that seems to pop up time and again is “happy wife, happy life”. It’s often delivered with a knowing nod and a chuckle, as if it’s the secret key to a successful marriage.

But it got me thinking – is there any truth to this saying? Is a happy wife really the magic ingredient to a happy life? Intrigued, I decided to delve a little deeper and find out what science has to say about it.

Bride and groom in autumn leaves

Unraveling the Saying “Happy Wife, Happy Life”

“Happy wife, happy life” – a phrase we’ve all heard, and some of us may have even used. But what does it really mean? Is there any truth to it? And what does science have to say about it? Let’s dive in and explore these questions.

The saying “happy wife, happy life” is often used to express the idea that if the wife in a family is happy, it leads to an overall happier life for everyone involved, including the husband. It’s a phrase that’s been around for a while, with its origins somewhat unclear. Some believe it first appeared in a rhyme by the United States Political group “The Work and Wages Party” in 1903, while others suggest it was used in a real estate ad in Abilene, Texas in 1958.

The idea behind it being the somewhat outdated gender norm of when it comes to gender roles in a family, the woman rules the home, and the husband brings money to be used. The woman’s moods need to be good to enable the family’s happiness.

Regardless of its origins, it has become a widely accepted idiom in our society.

Laughing bridal couple under veil

The Science of Happiness in Marriage

A study from the University of Alberta, which analyzed over 50,000 relationship satisfaction reports, challenges the stereotype of “happy wife, happy life”. The research found that both men’s and women’s satisfaction levels were strong predictors of short- and long-term happiness for themselves and their partners. This suggests that the happiness of both partners is equally important in predicting their future happiness together.

The study drew on data from 10 Canadian, American, and German studies involving 901 mixed-gender couples daily for up to 21 days and 3,405 mixed-gender couples assessed annually for five years. It is the first comprehensive study to rigorously test a general theory from the 1970s about gender differences in relationship communication.

The results dispel the notion that women have unique diagnostic abilities in relationships and highlight the equal ability and shared responsibility of both partners in directing the course of their relationship.

Happy groom

The Dangers of the Saying

While the saying may seem harmless, it can have negative implications. It can lead to a dynamic where the wife’s happiness becomes the sole responsibility of the husband, which can put undue pressure on both parties. It can also perpetuate gender stereotypes, suggesting that the woman’s mood dictates the family’s happiness and that the man’s role is primarily to keep his wife happy.

Moreover, the saying can be detrimental to a marriage if it’s used as an excuse for selfish behavior or if it leads to resentment or unhappiness. It’s important for individuals to take responsibility for their own happiness instead of relying solely on their spouse. A successful partnership is built on respect, communication, equality, and shared responsibility.

bride and groom in middle of Grenfell St

Building a Strong Marriage

So, what does it take to build a strong marriage? Healthy communication, gratitude, trust-building, acceptance of disagreements, and forgiveness are all crucial elements. When things are going well in a relationship, it’s important to capitalize on it; when things aren’t good, taking action is crucial. Being reflective and intentional about directing the relationship can lead to more success and less heartache.

Bride lifting groom under full moon

“Happy spouse, Happy house”

While the saying may be catchy, and can evoke a bit of a cheap cackle from the crowd at a wedding, it’s not entirely accurate. A happy life is not solely dependent on a happy wife. Both partners play an equal role in creating a happy and fulfilling life together. So perhaps it’s time we updated the saying to “happy spouse, happy house”.

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From Savings to ‘I Do’: A Guide on Growing and Investing for Your Dream Wedding

Mum with the money

From Savings to ‘I Do’: A Guide on Growing and Investing for Your Dream Wedding

For nearly two decades, we’ve captured countless weddings as wedding photographers, and it’s evident that today’s economic challenges have made luxury events like weddings a tough decision for many couples.

However, your dream wedding doesn’t need to drain your finances. With the right financial planning and astute investments, you can bring your dream wedding to life without skimping on its grandeur. In this guide, we’ll outline some crucial steps to help nurture your wedding fund and make savvy investment decisions.

Hopefully these tips help you understand what’s needed to afford a large wedding, but keep in mind that saving a large amount of money is a task that’s not easy and can be done in many different ways. This isn’t financial advice, so don’t take it to heart – it’s just something we’ve noticed over the years that have helped our couples in the past.

bride and groom in front of Bonython hall

Start Savings

Getting married is an exciting time, but it is also a big financial commitment. To ensure you are ready to handle the expenses, start saving early and systematically.

Start by making a list of all the costs associated with your wedding. Determine which items are non-negotiable and which can be cut. This exercise will help you prioritize what is most important and show you how much you need to save to achieve your dream wedding.

Set aside a portion of each paycheck into a dedicated savings account specifically for wedding-related expenses or how to save for a house. This separate account simplifies expense tracking and helps you stick to your budget for your home savings. Consider opening a high-yield savings account to earn interest, which can accelerate your progress toward your financial goals.

Darwin Surf Life Saving Club Wedding Ceremony

Make a Budget

A dream wedding can seem like a pipe dream if you don’t have the funds to pay for it. However, planning and financing your dream wedding is possible if you work together as a couple and are disciplined with your savings strategies.

Start with a realistic budget for your wedding and allocate funds to different categories such as venue, attire, catering, and photography. If your savings goals are not feasible with just two incomes, consider getting a part-time job to speed up your goal or delaying the wedding date to give yourself more time to save.

Keep track of all expenses by creating a spreadsheet or using a budgeting app to see where you’re spending your money and how much you have left for your wedding. Even small purchases like a daily candy bar or cappuccino can add up to a significant amount at the end of the month!

spiral engagement ring in red rose

Set a Goal

Creating a vision board is one of the most important first steps when planning your dream wedding. This visual tool can help you narrow your vision while ensuring that you only focus on elements that fit your budget.

Start by listing your top three priorities for your big day. These can be anything from your dress to your honeymoon plans. Once you have your priority list, research how much each item may cost. Once you know how much each item will cost, divide the total by the number of items on your priority list to determine a per-item budget.

Consider opening a separate savings account to help reach your wedding savings goal. A high-yield money market or certificate account can be an effective way to grow your wedding savings. You can also open a personal loan to increase your wedding savings.

Early morning sunrise engagement photo

Consult Financial Advisors

Seek advice from experienced professionals who can provide expert insights and help you create a comprehensive investment strategy tailored to your wedding goals and unique financial situation. These advisors possess the knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of investment options, risk assessment, and market trends, ensuring that your investments align with your short-term wedding plans and long-term financial aspirations. Their expertise can be instrumental in maximizing the growth potential of your funds, so you can confidently march towards a memorable wedding and a secure financial future.

Bride with her engagement ring

Start Investing

Weddings are enchanting moments that create memories but also come at a high cost. However, if you have a clear vision of how much your dream wedding will cost and start saving early, you can have that special day without going into debt.

One way to save for your wedding is to open an online savings account earmarked specifically for your special day. It could be a regular savings account, a money market, or a certificate of deposit that earns a higher interest rate. Consider setting up a second job to bring in extra income for your wedding that can be invested or spent as needed.

Alternatively, consider looking at tax-saving instruments like ELSS that reduce your liability and help increase your savings. Consider these options with the help of a financial planner.

bride and groom in middle of Grenfell St

Growing and investing for your dream wedding is an empowering journey that requires patience and commitment. By following these steps and staying financially savvy, you can make your wedding day memorable and financially sound. Remember, the key is to start early, stay disciplined, and let your investments contribute to your happily ever after.