Tag Archive for: Photoshoot

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What You Should Do Before Picking Your Wedding Photographer

  • Bride and groom under gum tree

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
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List of Different Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Concepts

  • kiesses for baby

 

Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Concepts

Keeping photos of your baby and viewing them will never fail to pull on your heartstrings. Whether they’re a newborn or a toddler, capturing early moments of their lives and keeping them close is always a good idea and wonderful to look back at as they get older.

What’s great about photographers today is that they have numerous toddler and newborn photoshoot concepts available to capture the best moments of your baby’s life. If you’re still unsure about what kind photoshoot you want to have for your child, then here is a compilation of different photoshoot ideas in the market based on your child’s age.

List of Different Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Concepts

Posed Newborn Photoshoots

If you see those cute baby photos showcasing them in adorable costumes in equally cute poses, then you’ve unknowingly experienced the products of posed newborn photoshoots. These types of newborn photography shoots happen in the studio, to make use of the lights and heating system to make sure your baby is comfortable throughout it. Some photographers may also opt to go to a client’s home so that it’s even more convenient for the family.

This type of photoshoot is often suggested to parents if you have a less than two-week-old baby. This is because the baby is often asleep and more settled in, thus making it easier for the photographer to pose the baby in different positions.

Newborn Photography

 

Lifestyle Baby Photoshoots

In lifestyle baby photoshoots, the whole family gets involved. With family photography shoots, the location of the photoshoot can be in your home or even outdoors! The idea of this photoshoot is to show the connection of each family member with the baby. In these shoots, the photographer will usually give artistic direction with regards to how you’ll pose, what you’ll wear, and where to look—all to streamline the process of granting you beautiful photos to remember your family by.

The age range for this photoshoot concept is not fixed, therefore, you can even have this type of photoshoot even when your child is already a toddler. For baby photoshoot purposes, however, it’s best when the baby is aa little older and used to being outdoors.

I have a cake!

Documentary-Style Photoshoots

This is the most natural type of baby photoshoot concept you can choose. The photographer won’t give you any direction and would just take photographs of your baby in their most natural state. This approach is excellent for capturing candid moments and is among the top newborn photoshoot ideas when you want to look back on your baby’s early days.

With this type of concept, the photographer usually does not have a fixed age range. This photography concept is meant to be more natural than the previous types, mainly because it is created to capture your baby’s precious “organic” moments.

Mummy cuddles

Sitter Session Photoshoots

Sitter Session photoshoots are best for children who can already sit up—but not crawl! This photoshoot is usually catered towards children who are between six to ten months of age. The photographer will have your child sit in an upright position with costumes and props and start taking pictures from there.

Usually, at this age, your child will be able to clap their hands or even laugh—making these photos even more adorable!

In a basket
In a basket

First Birthday Photoshoots

One of the most monumental periods of your child’s life is their first birthdays, and what better way to commemorate this special event than to have a cake smash photoshoot! With this type of photoshoot, your baby can be positioned in front of a cake that they can devour and play with, or with a balloon or toy.

Usually dressed in cute costumes and flashy props, this is a common go-to concept for parents who want a fun first birthday photo for their child.

Happy bub in the grass

Remembering the special moments of your child’s life is important. While you can always capture these moments with your own phone, having a professional photographer do it for you will help make it more special and memorable.

All you have to do is enjoy watching your baby in their newborn photography shoot and receive the finished product! Hopefully just looking through these newborn photoshoot concepts sparks some sort of idea of what can come out of your own photoshoot!

We offer quality newborn photography, family photography, wedding photography, and other photography services in Adelaide as well. Book a photography session with us today!

 

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St Helens Park Wedding – Nikki & Toby

  • Nikki & Toby

    St Helen’s Park Wedding

    Bride and groom holding one another in St Helens Park

I was so happy to cover Nikki and Toby’s lovely St Helens Park wedding in Prospect, North Adelaide. Their original plan when they asked me to photograph their wedding was to hold a small, breakfast wedding later in the year, only to have it change to the beginning of the year, but then COVID hit. So their little St Helens Park wedding, or rather elopement at the end of July ended up being their big day, and I was super happy for them 🙂

St Helens Park Wedding Ceremony

The plan was to meet at the gazebo at the center of the St Helens Park and sort out where the hold the wedding ceremony. One option was the gazebo itself, while I actually suggested the rather neat old tree nearby to stand in front of. It was a pretty neat spot as the sun was shining through the foliage quite nicely while Nikki and Toby shared their vows.

Nikki and Toby’s congregation was as tiny as possible, consisting only of themselves, their celebrant and a family of friends who acted as their witnesses. They opted to hold their tiny wedding due to the complexity of holding a slightly larger wedding during the height of COVID-19 restirctions. I often think these tiny weddings are much more intimate anyway!

Wedding ceremony at St Helens park
Sun through the tree
Happy bride in Prospect
Smiling bride looking at her groom
Smiling groom looking at his bride
Wedding ceremony under the tree
Wedding ceremony bathed in sunlight
Exchanging wedding bands under the tree
St Helens Park wedding ceremony
First kiss under the tree at St Helens Park
Looking at her bouquet

St Helens Park Wedding Photoshoot

In the early days of Prospect city, the area was a private subdivision of Yatala, which intersected at the village centre, which is now st Helens Park. The center piece of this historic park is a very neat old tree which is perfect for climbing and using as a framing device for wedding photos!

After the wedding ceremony, we went for a little walk around the Park, starting at the awesome tree right behind where they held their ceremony, and did a big lap of the area. We made use of the nice trees and nearby playground before finishing up back on top of the tree where they were married next to the gazebo.

Bride and groom holding one another in St Helens Park
Bride and groom together amongst the green
In amongst the trees at St Helens park
Wedding bands on the tree
Bride and grrom on their St Helens Park wedding day
Bride and groom together in the tree at St Helens Park
Walking together on the grass
Bride and grrom holding one another 2
St Helens Park wedding 2
Bride and groom looking at camera 2
Bride and groom having fun under a tree
St Helens Park wedding photo
St Helens Park wedding photo of the bride and groom
On top of the tree at St Helens Park

Thanks so much Nikki and Toby for having me as your Adelaide based wedding photographer! I had a blast and I hope you enjoy your photos.

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Hadley’s First birthday shoot

  • Hadley sitting pretty

 

Hadley’s First birthday shoot

I got to meet up with little Hadley for her first birthday shoot after having shot her newborn photos a year ago! She’s all grown up and as cute as ever!

Even though the weather wasn’t fantastic early in the morning, Hadley and her Mum and Dad were still keen to head out to a small forrested area nearby my house for some family photos in amongst the beautiful greenery that’s about at this time of year.

I was keen on heading back here after bringing my own little one out for a walk this way to make use of the nifty reflective duck pond, the wonderfully thick gum trees and swatches of clover and thin grass that makes for a lovely backdrop for family shots like these!

It’s sometimes hard to get people out on days like this one to take photos as generally little knees get muddy and everyone gets home wet, but the fact is that this kind of weather really brings out some lively, and intimate colour tones which suit timeless family photogrpahy like this!

Now Baby Hadley and her Mum and Dad will have a proper heirloom of amazing photos of this special moment in time! 🙂

Happy baby in grass
Hadley in the grass
Hadley with Mum and Dad
Family portrait
Hadley and her family
First birthday photoshoot
Hadleys first birthday shoot
Hadley sitting pretty
Thumbs up!
Look
Family photography
Looking over Mum and Dad’s shoulder
Above the duck pond
Walking together as a family
Family shot
Happy bub in the grass
Mummy cuddles
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The Best Wedding Photo Locations 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 or even an out-and-out Darwin Wedding Venue. 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.