Tag Archive for: Photoshoot

Baby Cooper’s Newborn Photoshoot

June 1, 2023/in PhotoShoot, New Born

Baby Cooper’s Newborn Photoshoot

Cooper and his parents recently came by for a photoshoot in my newly developed newborn photo studio, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! Skye and Brandon, Cooper’s parents, were a past bridal couple I had the pleasure of photographing at their wedding about 18 months ago. It was such a joy to see them again, this time with their little bundle of joy in tow.

Cooper is one of those babies who instantly melts your heart. From the moment we saw him, I knew we were going to have a fantastic session. His adorable button nose, tiny fingers, and his tiny frame just made his so adoreable! I couldn’t wait to capture his precious moments on camera and create memories that his parents would cherish forever.

Cooper was such a champ during the photoshoot, going along with all the little poses we had planned for him. He was calm, content, and absolutely stole the show with his cuteness. It’s moments like these that remind me why I adore working with newborns so much.

Cooper’s Newborn Photoshoot

During the session, we focused on creating a variety of setups and themes to showcase Cooper’s unique personality and bring out his irresistible charm. As he arrived fast asleep, we started with some cozy and intimate shots of him snuggled up in soft blankets, capturing his peaceful slumber. We then moved on to some playful setups, introducing a basket prop that added a touch of whimsy to the photos.

Cooper did not enjoy having his nice warm clothes taken off for a few shots, but once he was wrapped up again in the soft blankets he calmed down again and was very happy to sit there being cute.

As the session progressed, it was heartwarming to see Skye and Brandon’s eyes light up with every shot. Their love for baby Cooper was palpable, and their excitement was contagious. The bond between parents and their newborn is something truly magical, and I consider it an honor to capture those raw emotions and freeze them in time.

Sleeping baby in fox onesie

baby feet in parents hands

Sleeping baby with hands raised

Baby Cooper’s Newborn Photoshoot

Dad holding baby

Baby saying hello

Cute baby in white cloth

baby wrapped up in white

Smiling baby in white cloth

baby wrapped up in blue

Baby in blue looking at camera

After Cooper’s newborn photoshoot, Skye and Brandon couldn’t stop expressing their gratitude. They were overjoyed to have these beautiful photographs as a reminder of this special phase in their lives. Knowing that I played a part in creating cherished memories for a family fills me with immense satisfaction and drives my passion for newborn photography even further.

Cooper’s newborn photoshoot was an incredible experience filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of adorable moments. I’m grateful to Skye and Brandon for choosing me to capture their precious memories and for allowing me to witness their journey as parents. Cooper is undeniably a lucky little boy to have such amazing parents, and I have no doubt that their love will continue to fill his life with endless joy.

Barbershop gazebo Wedding, Botanic Gardens – Helen & John

May 20, 2023/in Wedding preview, Wedding

bride and groom portrait with sunlight

Barbershop gazebo Wedding, Botanic Gardens – Helen & John

Helen and John’s Barbershop Gazebo Wedding in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens was wonderful to be a part of! Despite the rain, the couple tied the knot in front of family and friends, with bagpipes filling the air as Helen made her entrance.

As the sounds of the haunting bagpipes echoed through the gardens, it was hard not to feel transported to Scotland. We were thrilled to be asked to cover their special day as both their wedding photographer and videographer, capturing every moment of their memorable celebration.

Barbershop gazebo Wedding Ceremony

The Barbershop Gazebo is one of only two of the nine wedding ceremony locations in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens that is completely undercover, providing much-needed protection from the elements. Given the current unpredictable weather in Adelaide, it was certainly a stroke of luck that Helen and John had chosen this spot for their wedding ceremony.

Not only did it provide a stunning and unique backdrop for their special day, but it also ensured that the rain didn’t put a damper on their celebrations. The Barbershop Gazebo is a truly special and versatile location that is perfect for any couple looking for a unique and intimate wedding ceremony venue in Adelaide.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was their celebrant, who kept everyone laughing with jokes about being compared to the Bagginses from Lord of the Rings. The couple also wrote their own vows in what’s known as “ninja vows,” which had everyone in stitches. Before their first kiss, they held a traditional tying the knot ceremony, which was a beautiful and meaningful addition to their wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a small pop-up bar on the nearby lawns while the couple, along with us, headed off for some glamour shots around the gardens. Even with the rain, the gardens were a stunning backdrop for their wedding photos.

Groom chatting to the celebrant

Bride being escorted by bagpiper

Bride spotting camera on walk in

Groom’s first look at Barbershop Gazebo wedding

Celebrant beginning cermeony

Bride laughing during vows

Groom listening to vows

Groom hugging bride during vows

Laughing bridal couple exchanging rings

Tying the knot

First kiss at Barbershop gazebo wedding

Bagpiper walking around Adelaide Botanic Gardens

bagpiper in bushes

Bridal couple being led by bagpiper

Glamour Photos

As their guests departed, Helen, John, and I had about an hour to take photos around the gardens. We made use of the Murdoch Avenue, the old buildings, and the beautiful scenery to capture some truly special moments. Helen’s one request was a shot where she was being twirled, and we made sure to deliver on that request!

The Barbershop Gazebo was not the only thing that made Helen and John’s wedding day special. Right next to their wedding venue was a dinosaur show called Dinofest, which added an unexpected and playful touch to their celebration. We were able to take some fun and quirky photos of the couple being photobombed or even “attacked” by the dinosaurs, which was a hilarious addition to their wedding album.

The staff at Dinofest were incredibly friendly and even picked up one of the baby dinosaurs for Helen to kiss, creating a truly unique and unforgettable moment that the couple will cherish for years to come. The playful and lighthearted atmosphere of Dinofest perfectly complemented the joy and love of Helen and John’s wedding day, making it even more special and memorable.

The Adelaide Botanic Gardens provided the perfect setting for their special day, and we were thrilled to capture all the love and joy of their wedding celebration. From the bagpipes to the “ninja vows” to the tying the knot ceremony, Helen and John’s wedding was filled with unique and personal touches that made it truly one-of-a-kind.

knot after tying the knot

Cheers in front of group

Bride and groom under big tree

Groom witht he boys in kilts

Bride excited by rising kilts

bride and gromo under the wisteria arch

Bride and groom having fun in the Wisteria archway

bride and groom running from dinosaurs

Dinosaur photobomb

Bride and groom portrait in front of dinosaur

Bridal kiss with sunlight

Bride kissing dinosaur

Bride twirling under autumnal colours

Bride and groom in front of black doorway

bride and groom walking in front of sunlight

Kisses under a tree

Bride and groom standing on riverbank

bride and groom dip under sunlight

Bride and groom twirling in Murdoch Avenue

Bride and groom walking down Murdoch Avenue

Bride and groom sitting in Botanic Park

bride and groom portrait with sunlight

helen and John’s Barbershop Gazebo Wedding was an unforgettable celebration of love and commitment. Despite the rain, Helen and John’s spirits were high, and their love for each other was evident in every moment of their special day. We are honored to have been a part of their wedding and wish them all the happiness in the world as they start their new life together.

What You Should Do Before Picking Your Wedding Photographer

August 31, 2020/in Wedding, ideas

Picking Your Wedding Photographer

Weddings are incredible events. You’ll put on a carefully selected dress or suit. You’ll be surrounded by close family and friends. You’ll be in a place or venue that holds some special meaning for you. Everyone will enjoy the evening partying and toasting your love for you and your partner. The entire occasion will be filled with memories that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your married life.

For a day that requires so much careful planning and preparation, you definitely don’t want to forget how special it is. That’s why it’s so important to pick a capable wedding photographer as you’ll be entrusting them to immortalise your memories.

Wedding planning can be extremely stressful. You might be tempted to book someone just to check this item off your to-do list. However, your photographer will have such an intimate role in your wedding day that it pays to do some research before settling on one.

Wedding cake

What You Should Do Before Picking Your Wedding Photographer

Here are five crucial things you should do before picking your wedding photographer:

1. Figure out your expectations

If you’ve never worked with a photographer before, you should know that one photographer does not equate to another. Everyone approaches their work in a different way and using their own personal styles. Do you prefer more candid photos? Do you want to achieve a certain look? If you’re not clear about what you want, it’ll be hard task picking your wedding photographer.

Try and find a photographer that utilises a style and has demonstrated the ability to form your vision of your wedding photography, and try to stay away from ‘directing’ them too much with requests that may not be a part of the photographer’s usual way of doing things. If you do their work will probably not what you’d expect.

Paxton winery wedding from the air

2. Ask for a referral or two

A good photographer will have many happy clients. Some may have worked at your family or friend’s wedding. A trusted contact will give you an honest review about how they felt about a photographer’s services and if they were able to meet or exceed their expectations.

Reading reviews online help too – but make sure you know what you are reading. Reviews on Google and Facebook can be faked (but not always) and other reviews like those collected by ABIA tend to be more accurate as each review is vetted by a committee.

laughing

3. Review albums and portfolios

Photographers will publish their portfolio and recent work online. If they haven’t, you can definitely ask for one. Each photographer has their own style and technique. Check if their previous work aligns with your taste.

When you meet, try and make a point of viewing an entire wedding album – one they have presented to previous clients as completed work. That way you get a better understanding of the quality of their work, and not just the ‘hero’ shots they might publish online.

They are the ones behind the lens, and they’ll be interpreting the event through their own eyes. If you aren’t a fan a photographer’s work style, it’s best to take them off your shortlist.

Digital Deluxe Album

4. Meet with your shortlist in person

Photography is a highly personal and creative undertaking. You’ll be able to tell more about the person by meeting them face to face. Ask about their work ethic and how they can work discreetly but efficiently. A friendly, approachable, and—most of all—professional photographer will put you and your guests at ease and create a good atmosphere for making memories.

grooms first look

5. Evaluate packages

Ultimately, you’ll need to find someone who falls within your budget. Give yourself time to find options. Some wedding photographers offer engagement shoots and additional services like video montages.

The wedding will only last a day, but the photos will last a lifetime. If you don’t set about picking your wedding photographer carefully, you won’t be able to do a do-over. However, if you’ve done your homework well, you’ll be able to find someone who will help you capture the day’s moments as authentically as possible and give you photos that you’ll be happy to look back on for years to come.

We offer professional wedding photography services in Adelaide and all over Australia. Get in contact, and let us know how we can help you capture your special day!

Semaphore Beach Sunset

The Best Wedding Photo Locations in Darwin

June 6, 2020/in Wedding, ideas, Travel

Darwin’s Pride rock

Wedding Photo Locations in Darwin

Despite being based in Adelaide, possibly my favourite place in Australia to cover a wedding is in Darwin. From the weather, the people, and the incredible sunsets, shooting a wedding in Darwin has always been an incredible experience for me and I’d like to share some of my favourite wedding photo locations in Darwin.

My goal here is to provide a simple list of locations in and around the Darwin general area, without having to force bridal couples to travel too far. I’ve also restricted this list to free to enter locations – that is photo locations that do not require a permit in order to be allowed ot have photos taken there. An example of an otherwise obvious addition to this list would be the Darwin Botanic Gardens which do require a permit.

A list of my favourite Wedding Photo Locations in Darwin

Nightcliff Jetty and Surrounds

The Nightcliff Jetty and surrounding parks is a popular spot for locals and tourists a like to bask in the glow of the famous Darwin sunsets that light up the sky in a glorious orange glow during the Darwin wedding season. It’s not uncommon to see multiple weddings having their sunset photos done here in the evening.

It’s the uninterrupted view of the sunset and the wonderful rocks that emerge from the ocean that draw people here to have their photography done!

Darwin wedding sunset

East Point Reserve

Similar to the Nightcliff rocks, the East Point reserve has some incredible rock formations you can have an adventurous bridal couple climb over for some epic scenes – particularly at sunset. Also if you’re able to time it right, at low tide you can walk down from nearby Pee Wees on the Point to the beach with some incredible rocks, mango trees and coloured cliffs that make for some great backdrops! Just takes a bit of planning from the bridal couple to get down there. You can also use some of the World War 2 historical buildings nearby.

Darwin’s Pride rock

Out on pride rock

Darwin wedding photo

SunSet Beach / Fannie Bay Foreshore

Just down the road from the East Point reserve is SunSet Beach which is one of my favourite wedding photo locations in Darwin largely due to it’s so easy to get to. Both Nightcliff and East Point rocks require your bridal couple to be ok with traipsing over rocks – where as its the same with Sunset beach, but it’s a lot easier to get to, and less dangerous.

Out on the water

Lake Alexander

Right across the road from SunSet Beach is Lake Alexander. If you’re looking for a little more greenery in your Darwin wedding photography, then heading to the Lake Alexander park would be your best bet. With curated lawns and green trees bordering the lake itself, it makes for a nice change in pace from the dark greens, and yellows you would get from shooting in front of cliffs, beaches and rocks all day.

Walking together

Holding one another

Gardens Park Trees

When covering a wedding in Darwin I always try to visit the incredible trees located on Gardens rd, just outside the entrance to the Darwin Botanic Gardens. The unique trees that are growing in Gardens Park make for an incredible backdrop for wedding photography. And it’s not just one or two of thetrees here, it’s pretty much all of them! They are climbable, huge, always green and would not look out of place in any Harry Potter movie.

Under a tree

Bridal Party under a tree

Darwin wedding trees

Vestey’s Beach Rocks

If you’re looking for a relatively quiet sandy beach, and a few rocks, then Vestey’s beach is a good bet. It’s a beach that’s closed off from the famous Mindil beach next door, but usually without the crowds that usually go along with Mindil beach during the dry season due to the Mindil beach markets. The rocks a short walk from the boat ramp make a nice frame to any shot too.

Vesteys beach rocks

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

If you’re after a more industrial feel to your wedding photography, the Darwin waterfront precinct would be one of my favourite wedding photo locations in Darwin. Away from the restaurants and tourists, there are some fun walkways and industrial looking walls lining walkways with the bay in the background.

There is also the Bicentennial park nearby, which I have not made one of my favourite wedding photo locations due to the fact that it’s nearly impossible to go there without getting others in the background which is usually the aim win wedding photography.

Bride and Groom walking together near Wharf One

Bridal Party

Rock formations on Casurina drive

It’s really hard to get a bridal couple to head out here for photos, but when they do it always pays off. The famed ‘fingers’ rock formation is difficult to get to, due to the long walk, or jumping over a fence to get to, it’s also a fair way away from any other photo spots – so to get here it can eat up a bit of time which is usually at a premium on a wedding day. But just look at this place!

Darwin Fingers Rock Formation

Darwin Surf Club Beach

It’s not so much the Darwin Surf club, but rather the beach out the front of the wedding venue. The beach not only goes on for miles in both directions, but also boasts hundreds of meters of sand between the land and the water at low tide. The reflections you can get in water pools at sunset are absolutely awesome.

Darwin Surf Club

There are so many other gems of wedding photo locations around Darwin, but these are a few of my favourite wedding photo locations in Darwin to get you started exploring the wonderful photo opportunities that this city offers.

Botanic Park Wedding – Naz & Peter

April 20, 2021/in Wedding preview, Wedding

Bride and groom walking under the trees after their Botanic Park Wedding

Botanic Park Wedding – Naz & Peter

Peter and Naziera opted to hold a very small, intimate Adelaide Botanic Park wedding in front of their 3 sons, their celebrant and myself which made for a cozy little atmosphere under the stunning moreton bay fig trees on a stunningly sunny day!

Although their Botanic Park wedding ceremony was flanked by no fewer than 3 engagement celebrations and other users of the public space, their wedding ceremony felt beautifully personal regardless!

Adelaide Botanic Park Wedding Ceremony

Peter and Naz’s tiny little ceremony – which could also be called an elopement took place on one of the larger moreton bay fig trees on parade along the Botanic Park, just north of the Adelaide Botanic Garden‘s Friendship gates.

We attempted to have as little as possible behind Peter and Naziera during their cermeony so that their photos did not have anything but the stunning beauty of the park in the background. Wasn’t always possible of course, but we tried our best!

Their ceremony was short and sweet, with two of their three sons acting as witnesses on their marriage certificate.

Three sons standing under stree

hugs before the wedding ceremony

bride looking pretty before her Botanic Park Wedding

bride and groom using the lovely tree before their wedding ceremony

Smiling groom before his Botanic Park Wedding Ceremony

Wedding celebrant arrives

Smiling bride ready to start wedding ceremony

bride and groom standing under tree during their wedding ceremony

Celebrant talking during ceremony

Botanic Park Wedding Ceremony

Smiling groom during his wedding ceremony

Adelaide Botanic Park Wedding Ceremony

Wedding cceremony under Moreton Bay Fig Tree

Shot of bride though shoulders of Sons

Sun gleaming through the foliage

Wedding ceremony in the Adelaide Botanic Park

Exchanging wedding rings on bent arm

Groom kissing hand of his bride

Married now!

Glamour Photos

For glamour photos, we made good use of the Botanic park’s trees, going for a little walk and trying to get the midday sun to shine through the foliage before heading into the Botanic Gardens to make use of some different backdrops.

The Moreton bay fig trees in Botanic park make for some stunning backdrops for wedding photography – I just love walking through them – particularly on sunny days such as this, the atmosphere is one of such joy and happiness when the sun plays nice!

The Adelaide Botanic Gardens as always turned it on for us, walking through we managed to make use of quite a few little spots I had grwon fond of after my many weddings I have shot through here. That being said though, the middle of the day is possibly the wost time of day to take photos through here – so I attempted to head to shadier spots to make use of the shade rather than direct sunlight.