Clare Day:Photographic Design

New Blog

2010-10-27T08:59:00.000+08:00

Hi All...

Ive condensed my blog into my webpage - so its all in one place! This Blog will no longer be updated, so make your way over to our Website - www.clareday.com.au and reset your RSS and google reader feeds!

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Family Portrait Session

2010-10-10T14:20:00.001+08:00

I absolutely LOVE big family sessions. They are such fun! Especially when everyone gets along and you know there is massive amounts of love all around. This session was to celebrate Granddad's 70th Birthday and the whole family went to Busselton for the week, from all over Australia.

Seriously AWESOME bunch of kids. For the record all kiddies are awesome but these guys were all particularity fantastic.

We are having a Christmas Portrait Special during the month of October, all ready for awesome Christmas gifts and other such awesome things. Just give us a bell for further info!

Emma and Kris, Engagement Session

2010-10-08T14:14:00.001+08:00

Down to Busselton one afternoon to meet up with the lovley Kris and Emma. Kris was a past grooms man of mine, Shanae and Russel back in '08, so he kinda knew what he was in for!

I loved how they barely stopped laughing the whole time :D

Its Christmas Time again... Portrait Special!

2010-10-06T15:42:00.000+08:00

10 weeks till Christmas... AGH!! Seriously, it seem like it was only yesterday I was doing LAST year's Christmas Special!

This year we are holding a Portrait Special

At the time of booking, you choose one time for the session and another time to view your images and order your enlargements, albums and other products ready to put under the tree.

It can be with your family...

With your special someone...

The new addition...

Your Fur-Baby

or just yourself!!

We can do personalised Christmas Cards, Gift Tags, Framed Enlargements, Portrait Books and Albums galore!

Last date for all orders is Friday 12th November, so get in quick for your session!

Lauren and Brad, Engagement Session

2010-10-06T14:14:00.000+08:00

A Lovely Afternoon with Lauren and Brad - we went in search of spring wildflowers! didn't find many but had fun trying!

Friday Inspiration Interview on Some Pretty Things Blog

2010-10-02T08:47:00.000+08:00

I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal. People know me. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. (Ron Burgundy)

Or so Sharon from Some Pretty Things Photography says anyhow!! I was asked to do a little interview for her Blog, and I have to say I was very flattered :)

Here is a little excerpt...

How did you find your style? Do you find it’s constantly evolving or have you always had a certain style?
My style has evolved a fair bit in the past 5 years. I’ve put more of my personality into my images, so its all fun and happy and scrummy, as opposed to the more still and formal images of my past. I also don’t get much into trends like textures or desaturation much. I prefer bright happy sunshiny colours as they really show off the happy emotions of the big events in peoples lives. And they are eternal!

What do you think is the most important part of your business and why?
I think my personality plays a huge part of the success of my business. I really try to be myself at all times, so you will always get the happy bubbly 8yearold kid side of me during your shoots. I love my job and it shows in everything I do (except the boring bits like paperwork and tax!)

You can read the rest HERE!!!

and here is a pretty thing to do with photography...from the session I shot Thursday - the best bunch of Kidlets Ive ever met :)

Shantelle and Craig Engagement Session

2010-09-18T14:23:00.002+08:00

Shantelle and Craig met up with me one overcast afternoon to finalise their plans and do their pre wedding session. They didnt really have anywhere special in mind, so were happy to have me recommend somewhere for photos.

Id been driving past this field every day for the past 6 months, and every day id go...I should go take photos there" and finally i could!!! Its just a field of grass on the side of the road, but its pretty awesome if you ask me :)

Craig said to me "Hate having my photo taken...HATE IT" I reckon not only have i proved its not that bad, i think he kinda liked it :)

Laura and Nick, Engagement Session

2010-09-13T11:15:00.000+08:00

I love shooting in Fremantle - seriously one of my favorite spots. If we were ever to move back to the Big City, it would have to be close to here (or maybe in the hills...)

I hadnt met Laura and Nick yet, they booked me over the internet, so it was lovely to get together and get to know each other a little.

They told me a little of their Love Story, how they met in Freo when they were both working there, Laura as an engineer, and Nick with his Book Shop at the EShed Markets and studying at Notre Dame, so we incorporated all that into their shoot!

I have a THING for shoes at the moment....

Laura was a little nervous, but how GORGEOUS and AWESOME is she?? Model material for sure :D

Thanks for a really enjoyable afternoon wandering the streets of Freo - you guys are awesome :)

Office closed for a week.... because...We are off to BALI!!!

2010-09-11T11:09:00.001+08:00

Off on our yearly Holiday....BALI!

I must be one of the only Aussies not to have been yet, so im really looking forward to it :D

And just to make you ALL super jealous - this is where we are staying....

Will be back on the 20th, So answering all emails and messages then.

(some would think we are tempting Fate to be flying to Bali on September 11 - but blaaa to that I say!)

Chrystel and Nick, Engagement Session

2010-09-09T11:01:00.000+08:00

I met up with Chrystel and Nick in Collie, to do a location check for their upcoming wedding next month. I always like to check where im shooting if I haven't been there before. Im glad i followed them or id have gotten quite lost!!

Seriously, HOW cute are they???

These are taken at the most awesome property ever just east of Collie, in the locality of Cardiff. The owners of this property built it themselves out of reclaimed bricks and windows from an old church. And it really shows.

I am SO in love with this property!! Wonder if I can buy it with stamps....

Nick wanted a couple of photos with his 'other' girlfriend - his Car....sigh... ;)

Cant wait for the wedding guys, its going to be such fun :D

September Print and Canvas Sale!

2010-09-07T12:02:00.002+08:00

September is my favorite month of the year :)

Its Spring Time, the flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer (but its not crazy hot yet) Wedding Season is beginning, and its my Wedding Anniversary Month!!

So, to celebrate Spring and Weddings and Anniversary's, im holding a little Print and Canvas sale!

Pop us an email to order your Prints and Canvases, get further info or tell me im awesome :D

Prints and Canvases can take up to 6 weeks to be processed, Delivery or postage is extra, and all orders are to be paid on ordering. Sale prices only valid till 30th September 2010

Emma and Mike, 14th August 2010

2010-09-07T11:01:00.000+08:00

The Winter Wedding of Emma and Mike seriously couldn't have been much more beautiful. These are two of my most favorite clients ever, and I had been looking forward to this day for AGES.

Ceremony - St Georges Cathedral Perth
Transport - awesome old Jags - so fab!
Locations - Government House Gardens
Reception - Table 78 Restaurant, West Perth

We met up with the fellas in Peppie Grove, and thought they looked rather swishy :) Morning Suits and surprise watches and other awesome details followed...

Emma has such beautiful quirky style. She was brave enough to do her own makeup on the day and looked so so beautiful.

I love her special little touches - brought real personality to the day!

HOW awesome is this car!!!!!!!

This was my first wedding at St Georges (the most beautiful church in Perth by FAR) and i have to say I was quite nervous, but HELLO this church is seriously spectacular. I love my 5D2 for allowing such awesome shots in such a dark mysterious church.

Off over the road to the Governors Gardens, feeling a little like an English Country Manor, rather than being in the middle of the capital city!

Boys will be boys, even when they are supposed to be all posh!

Love the colours here

The reception was an awesome place in West Perth, Table 78 Restaurant. LOVED the wallpaper!

I cant thank you two enough for choosing us to be a part of your Wedding and your Love Story. There is even more to come soon so keep an eye out over the next few weeks!

WAPPA's! West Australian Professional Photography Awards - The Results....

2010-08-30T12:15:00.000+08:00

So, im back in the office after a really full on week up in Perth. Its great to spend so much quality time on networking, business seminars, checking out other art, and getting awesome feedback and tips from other professionals.

I did 'ok' at the awards, averaging a score of 81 for each of my folios. At the nationals that would be considered a Silver, but States are awarded a little differently and you need to get over 85 for a distinction. Just something to strive further for next year!

I think the one i was most disappointed in was the Wedding Album category, where you submit an entire album from a wedding. I LOVE this album. LOVE LOVE LOVE it and I really think it encompasses EVERYTHING about me as a photographer. It shows off my love for people, my love for colour, my love for JOY and HAPPINESS and LAUGHTER and the supreme awesomeness that is the weddings i get to be a part of every year.

So I thought id show it off here....

The 'award' albums were not quite so JOYOUS - still amazing images, but im going to keep showing off my fun, happy, colourful weddings - because i love them!

Check out all the winning images here

WAPPA's! West Australian Professional Photography Awards - The Entries!!

2010-08-26T13:55:00.002+08:00

So now they have been Judged, and we know who the winners are (even though at the moment its still 10 days to go, but im writing this in the past so you can read it in the future. I even have a Delorian to help!) I can show you what I entered! At the moment I dont know what the scores are, but that will be a later entry............

Wappa's are slightly different to the National Awards in June, as you deliver a folio of images in each category, 3 images that work, and are judged, as a group.

Wedding

All images must have been taken on a commissioned wedding day. These were from Tom and Brooke's, Lauren and James's and Nicole and Seth's weddings

Portrait - Family

A new category this year, different from the straight Portrait Category, its used to showcase the work we do with our awesome clients. I went with a Parent and Kids theme...

Landscape

These were taken on our Honeymoon in Tasmania Sept/Oct 2008. There is a 2 year limit for entries into APPA's so it was the last time i could showcase them

Illustrative

This is a category for pretty much anything that doesnt fit into the other categories. it can include self commissioned work and Fine Art. Ive been playing with Lomography lately so chose to enter some of those in this category as its totally different, and as far as I know no one has done it before! Im a trend setter hahaa.

And finally, The Wedding Album category, which is a full 40-60 page wedding album layout.

(this is a sample page - its from Lorinda and Warren's wedding)

Stay Tuned to hear the results...crossing every finger and toe i possess......

Tasmania!

2010-08-25T10:52:00.000+08:00

Its coming up on JB and mine 2nd Wedding Anniversary - awwwwww i hear you all say. Im so so blessed to have such an amazing fella in my life. He came into it at a time when i had firmly assigned myself the 'Old Maid' title and was about to get the first of the 500 cats I was to acquire in my lifetime. Just in time!! He snuck up on me like a stealth tiger and pounced when i wasn't looking, and then suddenly this guy, who was my best friend, became so much more.

So 27th September 2008, Grand Final Day, and one of the best day's of my life. Ignoring the fact i had a terrible case of the flu, I coughed all the way through our wedding video footage and it rained half the day :) JB had planned a secret Honeymoon getaway to a destination I didnt know until we got to the airport to pick up our boarding passes. TASMANIA!!!!

Its such an UNBELIEVABLY beautiful place. Its green, unspoilt for the most part, small enough to travel from Hobart to Launceston in an afternoon, and the scenery is to die for. Retirement plans unfolded as we travelled....

and the "we took it ourselves" pic :) Dont we look happy ;)

WAPPA's! West Australian Professional Photography Awards

2010-08-24T12:36:00.003+08:00

As you read this...im sitting in a little room in Perth, watching the judging of this years WAPPA's. Its a nerve wracking time of year for all the WA professional photogs. We spend weeks looking through the past year's images, hours apon hours perfecting them in photoshop, literally thousands of dollars getting them printed, mounted, and entered... all to be judged by a panel of peers to work out who is the best photographer, with the best images, of the year.

Ive entered in Wedding, Wedding Album, Portrait - Family, Landscape and Illustrative (which is basically anything that doesn't fit into any other category lol)

we have to enter our prints in a dull boring black case kinda like this....

(thankyou Google Images)

But i wish I could enter them in something more like THIS!!!

SO much cuter!

Im a little nervous, so send out sparkly happy thoughts!! Results out next week!

Ashlee and Kurt, Engagement Session

2010-08-23T10:09:00.001+08:00

Ashlee is TOO CUTE! She wanted some photos outside the Busselton CWA building, and she really suited it too! Such vintage gorgeousness and awesomeness...

And then we went for a little wander around the streets of Busso.... Its fun finding new places to shoot!

How cute is she?????

and Kurt is just a bit of a Stud :)

(although I have to start singing "Everything's Coming up Kurt" every time i see his name...)

Off down the beach...

I did a little more processing on some of these images than i usually do, just because i was going for a bit of a vintage style, which i think works!

So looking forward to your lovely Country Wedding coming up in November :)

Brooke and Tom, 31st July 2010

2010-08-22T09:48:00.001+08:00

Winter Weddings dont get much better than this one!!

Ceremony - Rockingham Foreshore
Locations - Point Peron, Park in Saftey Bay, various other points around Rockingham
Reception - Emma's on The Boardwalk, Rockingham

We arrived at Brooke and Tom's house in Saftey Bay to find everyone ready and waiting and looking FABULOUS!!! I had a few little heart flutters when i saw Brooke's veil and awesome shoes :)

and seriously - is this not the cutest Flower Baby EVER???

Off down the road in the most awesome Red Convertable for a few photos before the ceremony. Its fun doing it like this, means less stress and rushing, and more fun with you loved ones after the ceremony.

We stopped off...outside Liquorland!!!!

and then off to the beach for the ceremony, which was short and sweet and just lovley.

and just on sunset....

What a beautiful day :D

You can check out a few more on our Facebook Page, and while your at it become a Fan!

Zoe and Jarrad, Engagement Session

2010-08-21T09:41:00.001+08:00

Chilly Winter Afternoons.... Love them!! Probably a tad crazy to go to the beach, but hey the sun was shining and the weather was fine and the light was beautiful.

Zoe and Jarrad are getting married in December, so im sure it will be slightly warmer then! I just love the look in Jarrad's eyes when he looks at his Bride-to-Be. It just makes me go AWWWWWWWWWWWW

Winter days make the ocean such awesome colours.

Zoe has THE most gorgeous eyes....

oh and can you believe this woman has a 1 year old child?? Talk about unfair!!! hahaaa

Enquiry Feedback Survey

2010-08-21T08:07:00.000+08:00

Have you ever considered us for your Wedding Photography?

We would love it if you could fill out our Customer Feedback Survey... Warm Fuzzies will be winging their way to you soon!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Not Just Weddings......

2010-08-20T09:31:00.003+08:00

I do a little dabbling in other sorts of photography from time to time, just for fun really. I certainly dont publish myself as a Landscape or Wildlife Photographer, even though a secret dream ofmine is to one day be named BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year...shhhh dont tell anyone!

This one was taken waaaaay back in 2006...

I love the way the clouds line up with the jetty.

This one was last winter in....guess where...;)

and finally... one taken a couple of years back during a weekend down in Augusta. One of my favorite things about my job is going to places I wouldn't normally go on a weekend.

Rebecca and Alister, Engagement Session

2010-08-19T09:31:00.000+08:00

Bec and Al are getting married in October in the gardens of Al's parents place in Stratham (about 20 mins south of Bunbury) and i cant WAIT!! September/October is my favorite time for weddings, as its SPRING, and the flowers are out and its warm but not hot and its beautiful and lovely and just ripe for a bit of love in the air :D

They included their babies in the session, 3 adorable dogs who just wanted to be in the images SO BADLY

and the Horses, also beloved members of the extended family

Thanks guys, especially for the CHEESECAKE!!! They know how to get the best out of their photographer ;)

Perth Dates....

2010-07-19T11:06:00.002+08:00

I know its sometimes hard to fit in a trip down south to organise your wedding, or to get some awesome portraits of you and the munchikins...so...here are some dates we will be in The Big Smoke!

July - 21st, 22nd and 27th
August - 10th, 15th, 23rd, 25th and 27th!

Get in fast as there are only limited spots available....

Brooke and Tom Engagement Session

2010-06-21T14:57:00.002+08:00

I met up with the beautiful Brooke and her hunky fella Tom down in Rockingham for their engagement session. We headed out to Point Peron for a few shots. I stayed there for a school camp way back in year 8 (or 1989...geeze im old!)

Emma and Mike (and little William)

2010-06-21T14:51:00.003+08:00

Some of my very favorite engagement sessions! Im not a massive fan of 'props' in photo shoots, i like working with basic emotion and love, but William was so FREEKIN CUTE!

You can read little William's story here. Its a cute one!

Ally the Work Experience Queen!

2010-06-21T14:50:00.006+08:00

The gorgeous Ally came and did work experience with me for a week. She was so fabulous i considered kidnapping her, or possibly adoption. I got so much work done it was quite amazing.

I took her out one afternoon to show how the real stuff happens. Isn't she just divine? oh to be 15 again....

Baby Wade

2010-06-21T14:47:00.004+08:00

I absolutely LOVE photographing babies. They are just beyond divine and make me go all AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW and want to eat them up :D

Little Wade was only 2 weeks old....

Biggest Thrill Ever!

2010-06-08T12:07:00.003+08:00

The Australian Professional Photography Awards were held over the weekend and I was lucky enough to acheive a Silver award for my print from Yvette and Bens wedding in Kulin!

and an even bigger thrill this morning it was featured on 'The Circle' a morning news program on Channel 10!!

You can also see it behind Mike Langfords' head!! :D

QnA Day!!!

2010-06-02T08:56:00.003+08:00

So its my fist QnA day on Facebook and ive got some pretty awesome questions so far...

like...............

* Do you use two cameras on the go and if so how do you not get the straps tangled with each other?

* Have you done any formal photography training?

* Do you have a mentor or any photographers you look up to?

Id better come up with some intelligent answers.....

Check out our Facebook Page for more exciting questions and here for some of the answers!

Winter Season - a big relaxing sigh

2010-05-31T16:15:00.003+08:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh finally a little bit of a breather :)

Winter is a Wedding Photographers time to breathe a little slower and take time out to relax a bit. The months between October and May are so crazy you barely have time to scratch your nose, let alone work on your business or your personal life :)

Things that have been and will be going on here over the next few months.....

A bit of a revamp of our house, photos finally going up on the walls, fencing and back gardens being done and nasty letters sent to the land corp about our front landscaping which STILL isnt done.

A couple of little trips, off to Sydney for a few days for a conference, the family farm for a week to sit in front of the fire and do not much and a week in Bali to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary, sit by a pool and do not much!

APPA Awards being held next week - agh! cross fingers everyone!

Catching up on everyone's Wedding Albums...so if you haven't sent me back your amended plans yet I will be sending you friendly reminders, and if all else fails coming and lighting firecrackers under your chair (haha)

Exciting stuff like a Wedding of the Year on Facebook, QnA sessions where you can ask me my inner most secrets, and maybe even a July Sale!

oh and im launching a new side of the business soon - so exciting :D

So keep up with us here and on Facebook for all the fun stuff happening over winter.

This is a little image from last year's holiday -

Amanda and Chris 1st May 2010

2010-05-31T16:07:00.002+08:00

Last wedding of the season - totally gorgeous day :D Here are some of my favorite images, and a few more are here!

The ceremony was held at the Marsden Hill Lookout in Bunbury - What a view!

I love this image of Amanda and her 3 sisters :)

Weddings Galore - part 2!!!

2010-05-13T22:14:00.003+08:00

Yes im behind in blogging again :D

So here are the latest lot of awesome weddings ive been doing over the past month. Off to such far flung places as Albany, Kulin and...Bunbury... (well it is 5 km down the road!)

Yvette and Ben - Kulin

Shelley and Matt - Yallingup

Emma and Khye - Dunsborough/Bussleton

Lorinda and Warren - Albany

Kathryn and Stuart - Bunbury

and Lauren and James - Dunsborough

I also have Amanda and Chris coming up soon!

Check out a few more shots in the slideshow...and even more on Facebook!!!!!!!

Tips for Great Wedding Photography

2010-04-24T08:06:00.005+08:00

Found this awesome article written by Jen @ Anna Rose Photography on her supwer swishy inspiration blog Swoon.

Every photographer is different. Once you choose the artist who will be photographing your day, the number one thing you can do to get the best out of them is trust them.

But, here is one photographers personal guide to what helps create the right environment for FABULOUS wedding photos. It goes without saying that some wedding days are easier to shoot and achieve magnificent results than others. Some of those reasons are outlined below. It is the professionals job to create professional results, no matter what the shooting conditions but remember they can only shoot what is already there.
If you’re unsure ask *your* photographer. What you read here is opinion, not gospel truth.
Light is EVERYTHING when it comes to photography. Don’t get ready in a house with no natural light. Choose a spacious well lit room or better yet, a fabulous hotel room. It will make such a difference to your photos
Natural light coming from open windows or doorways creates pretty soft FLATTERING light. Thinks lots and lots of soft pretty natural light. Your skin will look better, your details will look better, *everything* looks better in soft pretty natural light.
Don’t hang your dress in some dark spare room with mess, boxes and crap everywhere. Before the photographer arrives, hang it somewhere dramatic with lots of natural light. Maybe hang it from a ceiling hook, ceiling fan or a light fitting or a pretty doorway. If you want to see your photographer pass out with excitement, be brave and hang it from a tree in the garden.
Have all your details — like perfume, earrings, garter, shoes, brooches etc etc somewhere so the photographer can find them easily without disturbing you each time for a new item. Most likely, the photographer will want to start the coverage by shooting details. make it easy for them to find everything
Your bridesmaids might be really protective of you and get frantic about getting your dress dirty. Tell them to trust the photographer. Fussing bridesmaids can be annoying. Yes, your long white dress will probably get a little dirty during the day. You only wear it ONCE, so make it count.
A co-operative bridal party makes the day flow SO much better than a bridal party who doesn’t want to co-operate with the photographer. Ask them to be courteous to the professional who is putting their heart and soul into creating beautiful images for you.
Reconsider having a fake tan. Orange, orange, orange.
Veils are wonderful “props.” Consider having a more daring veil for the photo session. Less traditional and more “out there.”
Think about props. They don’t have to be cheesy. Bocce, bow-ties, braces, wellington boots, a bike, basket of flowers, cupcakes, vintage books if you love reading, chairs in the middle of a field – anything that is really you and portrays your personal style.
Think about being unique. Don’t do what your friends did, or what people tell you to. It really is true when they say, “It’s your day!”
Your priest may hate photographers. Your photographer may not be able to choose where they can stand in a church.
Dappled light (uneven light coming through trees) can create some very dodgy looking photographs with a mottled effect. So can gazebos where the backdrop with be very backlit and the foreground very dark. There are ways of means of getting around this but do consider the lighting at your ceremony. Ask your celebrant to place you out of dappled / mottled light. If you are standing in full sun, squinting in real life, you will be squinting in your images. Remember the photographer can only shoot what is there already. The BEST light for shooting an outdoor ceremony is even shade.
Don’t feel you have to smile in every image as soon as you spot the photographer. You don’t! Be yourself. And pretty please don’t tell kids to “smile!”
Wear shoes or accessories in colours other than white!
Some photographers prefer a lot of time for the photo session. Other photographers (like me) like less time — it’s all about STYLE and APPROACH and every photographer is different and there is no right or wrong way. Ask your photographer how much time they prefer in order to achieve their photographic style.
Ask your photographer to recommend a videographer that matches their shooting style. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
If you are OUTSIDE your hair might be windblown. Not a bad thing, just be aware of it.
Think about having a pretty pair of flat shoes for the location session (or the whole day if it’s your style). Your feet will thank you.
In terms of locations think (in my opinion) quality over quantity. Do you really want to spend the majority of your wedding day in the back of a car?
Do your first dance as soon as you enter your reception. Don’t sit down, just start dancing! Guests love it and your photographer is usually still there to capture it.
Get your DJ to really get everyone in the party mood before you enter your reception. I have seen brilliant entrances and super quiet ones. The great ones are usually where the DJ has pumped up the audience.
Choose a dress that suits and flatters your body type. Not one that makes you feel self-conscious and shows off areas of your body that you feel embarrassed of. If it’s a strapless dress, consider a bolero or a shrug. Add a sash in a bold colour. Select a dress that flatters your figure and makes you feel comfortable inside yourself. Consider a gown in a colour other than white.
If you choose the beach as a location it might be windy / sandy / hot and uncomfortable. It might be beautiful but it might be “the worst location in the world.” Ask your photographer and go by the weather conditions and light on the day. Sounds obvious, but if it’s hot and windy and you’re uncomfortable, this will affect your images.

I DEFINITELY agree with #'s 7 and 12 - 2 of the worst things to do on your wedding day .

Exciting Venture!

2010-04-11T11:40:00.005+08:00

Margaret River Wedding Photography

We launched an exciting collaboration this month, a group venture between us, Pixel Magix and Envy Photography, a joint website featuring us (of course) and other fabulous southwest wedding vendors we love to work with! Its been set up to help those planning a 'destination' wedding in the beautiful South West to choose their photographer, and other vendors, from afar.

Margaret River Wedding Photography was established with one simple objective - to provide couples with an online resource to help select a wedding photographer from afar.

The Margaret River region, with it's breathtaking scenery and laid back attitude, is perfect for weddings, and many couples plan their entire event online. Margaret River Wedding Photography aims to take the uncertainty out of commissioning a wedding photographer over the internet.

Photographic artists promoted on this site are accredited members of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, operating well established studios in southwest WA. Margaret River Wedding Photography showcases photographers with a diverse range of photographic styles - appealing to different tastes and budgets.

Members are fresh, energetic and dedicated to creating wedding photographs that are modern yet perfectly timeless.

The other vendors featured, such as florists, transport, hair and makeup etc etc, didn't pay to be added on the site, we chose them because they ROCK...just like us! They are people we love to work with, so we know you guys will too!

Check it out HERE!! http://www.margaretriverweddingphotography.com

Its been a Busy Month.....

2010-04-11T11:28:00.003+08:00

Travel all over the countryside........ Lets all sing together!!! (ok that probably wont make sense to those not from Australia or under the age of 20.... check out this You Tube clip!)

So we've been a bit Leyland Brother (or sister) this month. Out to a place in the Wheetbelt, 4 hours inland, a little country town called Kulin, Up to Perth twice, down to Albany (6 hours south) for a weekend, and down to Margaret River 3 times!! Good thing we have our super dooper Dezi the Subaru and Tom O'Shannesy our trusty Tom Tom to navagate all those kilometers! well over 2,500km in one month!!!!

There will be some super smashingly fabulous weddings popping up this week, very exciting stuff :)

Weddings Galore!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-15T17:21:00.003+08:00

Wedding Season is in Full Swing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erin and Craig - 30th January 2010 - Abbey Beach Resort, Busselton

Hannah and Peter - 11th February 2010 - Margaret River

Jarrad and Sherene - 13th February 2010 - Saracen Winery, Margaret River

Kim and David - 19th February 2010 - Wise Winery, Dunsborough

Janelle and Shane - 20th February 2010 - Dardanup and Bunbury

Paige and Andrew - 27th February 2010 - Abbey Beach Resort, Busselton

Hopefully we shall now return to our regular scheduled shows!!!!!

Babies and Tunnels and Coffee Cups!!

2010-03-15T17:16:00.002+08:00

Just a few of the portrait sessions I've been doing lately :)

The Gorgeous Jess - who wanted some Headshots done for a new and exciting venture that is on its way.....

The Awesome Christides Clan, who wanted to get a few family shots after their new addition...

and The Magnificent Meads, who chose to have their session while they were on Holiday in Dunsborough!! Perfect time if you ask me :)

Latest Engagement Sessions

2010-03-15T17:08:00.002+08:00

Here is a quick update on all the engagement session Ive been doing lately!!

Yvette and Ben - who were married on Saturday!!

Love a good sunset :)

Emma and Khye - who are getting married next Sunday down in Dunsborough...

Lorinda and Warren - who we are heading down to Albany for the weekend after...

Lauren and James who are getting married on Anzac Day weekend

And last but not least....Amanda and Chris, who are getting hitched in May!!

Busy Little Bee

2010-03-15T09:17:00.002+08:00

That is me.......

Ive been terribly neglectful of my little Bloggy Blog, but only because I've been too busy to spend the time to make pretty posts!

So I'm going to summarise the past 6 weeks in 3 posts - Engagements, Weddings and Portraits!

Just remember all my new work gets uploaded to out Facebook Business Page, a few days after the session, so you are always going to see something new and exciting up there. Become a fan to get all the updates!

Kim and David Engagement Session

2010-02-18T17:29:00.002+11:00

Thought id better get this one up today as its The Wedding tomorrow!!!!

Kim and Dave met me in Bunbury for their session and again it was the first time we had a chance to catch up in person. Kim has been following my Blog and noticed the photos of Nicole and Seth back in August last year, and wanted the same gorgeous paperbark trees!

Your wish is my command ;)

I reckon Dave has awesome eyes.....

"just give her a tickle!!"

Cant wait for tomorrow Kim has the most awesomely wicked laugh :D

Graham Family

2010-02-17T15:07:00.002+11:00

I am SO in love with this view! I think I may have gushed a little during the session, but seriously it was freekin amazing. The family were pretty cool too ;)

Their eldest is off to Uni this year, so they wanted a family portrait to remind themselves of when they were all together, before the kids flew the nest. I think thats such an awesome reason to have a session!!

By Jingo there are good genetics in this family!

I do my Family session very similar tot he way I shoot my Weddings, relaxed and with ALLOT of laughter. Life is far too short to be serious all the time!

And we couldn't finish without taking a shot at Dad's favorite spot...

Seriously - if you guys ever sell.... RING ME! ;)

Benita and Luke, 20th January 2010

2010-02-17T14:43:00.002+11:00

Lovely Wednesday morning ceremony, on a day that was super special to these two - their 8 year anniversary! Real childhood sweethearts.

And you have to LOVE her shoes!!

Preparations, Ceremony, Locations and Reception - Evedon Park

Evedon Park is such a beautiful natural bush landscape. Its very rustic and gorgeous! The site they have designed for wedding ceremonies has a lovely ampitheatre feel overlooking the lake.

They held a Butterfly release during the ceremony, as Butterflies have very special meaning to Benita and Luke.

I loved the cake, specially designed by Benitas mum! So amazingly talented :)

Thanks so much for letting us spend the day with you both, it was a beautiful day!!!

Shelley and Matt, Engagement Session

2010-02-17T14:17:00.003+11:00

I met up with Shelley and Matt just before the mad rush of December in the gorgeous setting of Busselton Jetty. It was lovely to meet them as we had done all our correspondence up to this point via email! Ahhh the wonders of modern technology :)

Matt was a little nervous, But i think i cured him of that after a little bit.

I love the colours of this wall, hidden round the back of the Art Gallery.

and down the jetty for sunset :)

Only a couple of weeks to go till the big day!! WOOT!

Bloggin Backlog!

2010-02-15T19:26:00.002+11:00

I just made a list of everything Ive not blogged yet.....

OMG

Benita and Luke Wedding
Graham Family session
Kim and David Engagement Session
Lorinda and Warren Engagement Session
Erin and Craig Wedding
Emma and Khye Engagement Session
Jess's Portrait shoot
Tara and her boys
Lauren and James Engagement Session
Hannah and Peter Wedding
AND
Jarred and Sherene's Wedding!

sigh.

But fear not I will endeavour to catch up over the next few days.....

If you ever want to check out our current work Its always uploaded onto our Facebook Page first, usually within a day or two of the session, so its always being updated. If you become our fan you can comment on the photos, leave suggestions for new ideas, and generally tell me how much you love me....um..I meant my work ;)

I'm a bit of a Facebook-aholic, and tend to be on ALL the time - purely for work of course!

We have also been busily redecorating the client room and study.... We moved into our new house a little over 6 months ago and we have been living in a construction site for so long Ive forgotten what paint looks like on walls! My fabulous Hubby has spent the last 2 weeks painting the two main living areas (for the very first time I may add) and has done a fabulous job. There is a bit more organising to do, and some awesome wallpaper to hang, and photos will be taken soon to show it all off!

Im hoping we will get a front garden soon. Im tired of living in the 'Sahara' Nasty letters will soon be sent to the land corp!!

This was from last Thursday's wedding on a quiet beach in Margaret River.....Or is it our front 'garden'?

Sydney! Jasmine Star Workshop

2010-01-27T18:59:00.002+11:00

My trip to Sydney was awesome. The main reason for going was a workshop held by Jasmine Star - who is an amazing photographer and amazing person from the US who has been a phenomenal influence on the world of wedding photography over the past 3 years. Its hard to believe that this lady from Orange County has become world famous in less time that ive been in business - I just HAD to meet her and find out HOW she did it!!

It was an awesome day, spent hanging out with Jasmine and, what seems like half the population of Perth (haha)and other photographers from around Australia. We also got to do a photoshoot with some models and some pretty awesome dresses. I was more interested in the marketing side of things, but the photoshoot was fun too.

One of the 'models' was actually an old friend of mine from my Hamilton Island days! we worked together in the photo shop being Resort Photographers! She is now studying to be a doctor - Smart AND gorgeous!

Flowers - Daisy Chain Florist
Dresses - Catherine Colubriale
Hair and Makeup - Lyndal Quinn-Tuccarone
Accessories, Design, Setting, organisation and other awesomeness - Cathy Crawley Without her, this workshop wouldnt have been anywhere near as awesome.

Behind the Scenes....

and the Main Event...

Cassie and Dan, 2nd Jan 2010, 2nd Shooting with Vibrant Photography

2010-01-27T18:48:00.002+11:00

I was very lucky to tag along with Jonothon Dear from Vibrant Photography while I was over in Sydney last month. Ive been an admirer of his work for ages now, especially his awesome strobe lighting techniques he uses to get absolutely amazing images. I was hoping some of his awesomeness would rub off on me :)

It was a very interesting day. I got to experience a really fabulous Church service - we don't get to do many of those down here, as most people get married on the beach or at wineries, so it was great to experience something a little different.

The photosession was held on Manly beach, where everyone got a standing ovation from the crowds on the beach! I thought that was pretty awesome personally :)

I was totally IN LOVE with the flowers.....

Jon's post is here - check out his amazing work. Thank you so much for letting me tag along for the day!

Babies, Little Kiddies and Big Kids!

2010-01-27T18:29:00.003+11:00

One of the most enjoyable part of my job is when i get to hang out with people of the same mental age as me...ie KIDS! There is nothing more fun than playing on the swings in my opinion, so when i get a chance to do so for work I jump at the chance!!

Here are some of the little people Ive had the pleasure of spending time with lately :)

Beautiful 4 month old Tegan....

8 month old Oli ( and the cool dudes who produced him)....

Spunky little Kale and his mum.....

The gorgeous Latter Kids.....

My little mate Ethan, big sister Tayla, and the rest of the Fabulous Flynn's....

And the adorable 2 week old Harry - aww my ovaries hurt with this one :)

Kids are THE best :)

Tcharna and Sam, 12th December 2009

2010-01-27T14:39:00.000+11:00

A gorgeous day in Dunsborough! I loved the relaxed nature of their celebrations.

Ceremony - Shelley Beach, Bunker Bay

Locations - Shelley Beach, Caves House

Reception - Parents Property in Yallingup

Sam and Tcharna's little boy was an intricate part of the day - he even had ring bearing duties!

Shelley Beach always looks amazing

Caves House has the most awesome staircase.

love this one :)

Recent Engagament Sessions

2010-01-27T14:36:00.003+11:00

I did a couple of Engagement Sessions before i headed over to Sydney....

First off here in Bunbury with Janelle and Shane! We had AWESOME weather and the best lighting in the universe for the beach photos....

Then up in Perth for a session in Fremantle with Jarad and Sherene! Freo has the most amazing buildings, Old Architecture is the best :)

You can see more of both sessions on our Facebook page.....

Nicole and Seth, 5th December 2009

2010-01-27T14:13:00.003+11:00

Was an interesting day....but spectacularly beautiful!!

Preparations - Abbey Beach Resort

Ceremony - The Goose, Busselton

Celebrant - Lynn Mueller

Videography - Supernova

Locations - Abbey Beach Resort, Provence Estate, Busselton Jetty

Reception - The Goose, Busselton

So....Nicole and Seth planned their wedding day for a date in December, on the grass of their favorite spot in Busselton - but unbeknown to them at the time, it was also the date and place of the 2009 Ironman competition!! But not to be out shined by a few thousand extra guests they held it THEIR way anyhow! I reckon that's awesome :) Your Wedding - Your Way.

We did some of the bridal party photos at Provence, a beautiful new estate in Busselton that has a gorgeous lake and gardens. I got a little too excited at one stage and gave myself a concussion by bashing my head on said walkway...so hard i saw stars!!! The price we photogs pay to get THE shot :)

Back to The Jetty for some amazing shots - I do pretty good with a Brain Injury ;)

Tanya and Rory, 28th November 2009

2010-01-27T13:52:00.005+11:00

Fabulous day out!!! The day couldn't have been more beautiful if it tired.

Preparations - Horizon House Prevelly and Bayshore Resort Dunsborough

Ceremony - Eagle Bay, Dunsborough

Celebrant - Chris McGuire chrismcguire432@hotmail.com 0414 310 053

Transport - Central Park limosines

Locations - Meelup Beach, Shelley Beach, Wise Winery

Reception - Wise Winery

Some of my favorite spots down south were featured today! It may have been a bit hot down on the beach but i don't think that detracted form the amazing beauty and the love that oooooozed out of everywhere.

I loved the colour of the bridesmaid dresses. It so suited the landscape down here. and those shoes are to DIE for!

The guys were awesome. I love it when people relax in front of my camera and really let their personalities shine. You may think its silly, but it makes for awesome, and very REAL, photographs.

Wise Winery was amazing as always. It definitely my very favorite vineyards in this region.

Back in the Real World

2010-01-27T13:31:00.002+11:00

So it been like...forever...since i last posted, Ive been a busy girl!! Ive got so much to post I'm not quite sure how long it will take to get it all done. there are 4 weddings, 6 baby and family sessions, 2 engagement sessions, the Jasmine Star workshop and my trip to Sydney, including a 2nd shooting gig with Jon from Vibrant Photography.....wow that tired me out just writing all that!!!

You can always check out my Facebook page for the really REALLY recent stuff as I always put them up there first (takes less time than here!) And become a fan while your at it...I run competitions and specials there - got to be in it to win it!

There are quite a few things in the pipeline over the next 6 months, so drop in from time to time to check out whats happening.

right - get in to it!!

Merry Christmas! - Office Closing

2009-12-23T18:02:00.002+11:00

Its been a very hectic couple of weeks - hence the ignoring of my poor blog! But Christmas is finally apon us and we are closing our doors for a few weeks of rest, relaxation and festive cheer!!

Then Im off to Sydney on the 1st for two weeks - shooting 2 weddings with Cathy Crawley and Jonothon Dear, and attending a Jasmine Star workshop...and up to the Blue Mountains to say hi to my Dad too.

We will be all back to normal transmission on the 17th of January - all ready for the first 2010 wedding on the 20th!!! YAY!

Wishing you all a Fabulous Wonderful Spectacular and SAFE holiday season. Here's hoping there are many many engagements rings under the tree this year ;)

And a gorgeous Christmas Bundle of Joy - you will see more of him, along with all my other Christmas Sessions - next year!

Christmas Present Time!!!!

2009-12-05T11:21:00.003+11:00

Christmas is a time for Giving......

On Christmas Eve I will be drawing a Facebook Fan Name out of a Christmas Stocking - and they will receive a $150 Gift Voucher to use any way they so desire!!!
It could be used to go towards a Portrait Sitting, an extra Album Page or two or A Wall print.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Make sure you pop over to our Facebook Fan Page and sign up to be in the running!!!!

Clare Day:Photographic Design on Facebook

Voucher Valid from 1st January 2010 to 31st July 2010
Voucher can not be used for any base Wedding Package Payments - but may be used for an add-on, like a Guest Book or Enlargement
Voucher may be transferable to another person - contact us for further details
Voucher is NOT redeemable for Cash
Voucher is only redeemable at Clare Day Photographic Design

Its THAT time of year again!!!

2009-12-03T00:50:00.001+11:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Sara and Adam, 21st November 2009

2009-12-01T13:08:00.003+11:00

What a gorgeous day!!! It may have sprinkled a smidge during our photoshoot - but nothing could dampen the joy and love coming from these two!

Ceremony and Reception - Abbey Beach Resort
Reception Decorations - Wez Enterprises
Locations - The Jetty, Old Gaol, various spots around Busselton
Makeup - Envy Bridal and Beauty

I love shooting weddings at Abbey Beach Resort - it always looks amazing, the rooms are well big enough to work in, the ballroom always blows me away when all beautifully decorated and the people who work there and make your day so special are probably the best in the southwest.

We jumped between the girls and the boys (they were both getting ready at the resort)checking out all the fun of the preparations. Sara looked unbelievably beautiful

The ceremony was held on the grass just in front of the beach - perfect weather, not too hot, not windy, nicely overcast to get rid of unsightly shadows - LOVE IT!

After a tear inducing ceremony we headed off to the center of town for some photofun.

The light down the beach was amazing!! It was raining a tad, but our big umbrellas saved the day and made for a cool prop.

Back to Abbey Beach and Sara wanted to show off her new Birthday present from her new Hubby - NICE ONE!!

Going all artaaaaaaay!

The ballroom - beautifully decorated by Vicky at Wez - took everyone's breath away and the confetti entry set the scene for an awesome night.

Thanks for a fabulous day guys!! It was so much fun, and I cant wait to show you the rest!

To Change or Not To Change....

2009-11-30T11:05:00.003+11:00

As most of you know I got married last year to my AWESOME JB - who alot of you know as my 'carrier of Heavy Things" and general Jack of All Trades at our wedding shoots.

So technically this means im actually Clare Silvestro - not Clare Day anymore!! Ive been putting off changing my name because I thought it would be just too dang confusing with the business etc....but times they are a changin....I dont feel like I fit with Clare Day anymore as im not just ME anymore!

So I wanted to put it out to cyberland and facebookville, and see what the masses thought. Should I keep Clare Day Photographic Design, or change to something new and exciting and be Clare Silvestro from 'BLA BLA Studios' or 'BLA BLA Photography'?? And WHAT should the BLA BLA actually BE??????

Its a perfect time as be just bought an awesome new Subaru Forester that will soon be emblazoned with our studio name - but what should that BE?????

aww decisions decisions... far too hard for 8am.

Rebecca and Luke 14th November 2009

2009-11-25T18:59:00.005+11:00

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the most GLORIOUS venue I've yet to photograph at, with two absolutely gorgeous individuals, who were childhood sweethearts, and one super fun bridal party. Days like this make me go WOOHOO!

Ceremony - Alverstoke in Brunswick
Ceremony Decorations - Creations Unlimited
Locations - Alverstoke and Australind estury
Reception - Bunbury Golf Club
Hair and Makeup - Hair on Wellington
Florist - Australind Florist

We stated the day visiting Luke and his boys chilling out in front of the cricket! Then to the fast paced preperations of the ladies, all looking fab in their matching robes and being primpped and beautified byu the lovely ladies from Hair on Wellington. Bec's sparkles and jewels and shoes (oh my!) were all fabulous and I had much fun playing around with the Bridesmaid Boxes that were given to the girls.

Off to Alverstoke for the ceremony!! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Seriously Im going to be selling my first born to pay for it if it ever comes up for sale. Its an old turn of the century farm, all laid out with the old scholhouse, stables and farmstead, just as it was 100 years ago. The roses are to die for too!

We stayed for some photofun....

And then off to the Australind Estuary for some more!

Sunset found us at the golf club - Hole 10 has an AWESOME view!

The reception had been styles by Rebecca herself! It looked amazing :)

Thanks so much for a wonderful afternoon!!!!!!!!! Slideshowy goodness coming up!

Sam and Stuart, 13th November 2009

2009-11-20T17:05:00.006+11:00

This was an awesome wedding!! Seriously, what could be better than boys in KILTS!

Preparations - Bunker Bay Resort
Makeup - Jen Thomas 0412 442 439
Ceremony - Dunsborough Cottages
Celebrant - Bruce Eagles - Mission Australia
Locations - Meelup Beach and Wise Winery
Reception - Relish

I got to spend the day with the lovely Amanda from White Tulip Photography who tagged along for the day. Its fun shooting with another photographer as you get new ideas and check out how others do stuff. Its lucky that our styles work quite well together!

Bunker bay is an awesome spot for not only pre wedding preparations, but also just for a couple of days RnR. Its just so freekin nice there! (and has HUGE rooms - gotta love that)

Awesome photo by Amanda

We met up with Stu, looking incredibly dashing in his family tartan at Dunsborough Cottages.

The ceremony was beautiful and very heartfelt. Sam was walked down the aisle by her Mum and Brother, it was officiated by one of Sam's work colleges form Mission Australia, and they read their own vows. and once again...I cried....

We headed down to Meelup Beach for photos... Sam looked amazing! She could work that 'Frooping' with the best of them!

and Wise Winery...

Amanda's View

I love how Sam's bridesmaids had different coloured dresses. We kept calling them "The Wiggle Girls"

Seriously - HOW cool are these boys!! They all had their own individual family tartans.

The best thing about 2 shooters is you get 2 point of views!
Amanda's View

My View

and finally to Relish for the reception. - Check out all the fun in the slideshow.

Thanks guys so much! It was the first wedding I've been to where the boys showed more leg than the ladies!! ;)

Rowena and Bryce, 7th November 2009

2009-11-12T17:39:00.004+11:00

A little rain never hurts my spirits!! While it may have been a tad soggy last Saturday, it was a lovely day for a garden wedding!

Ceremony and Reception - Rowena's parents property, Australind
Hair and Makeup - For Weddings and a Party Kirstie Bower
Flowers - Florist Gump
Celebrant - Vanessa Pyett

We started the day visiting Bryce and Rowena at their respective getting ready spots - was all calm and serene! I like a Wedding Day that's laid back and casual :)

Rowena's mum had put so much effort into the gardens for the ceremony and a huge marquee was set up for the reception. It was a real family affair, with Rowena's sisters gracing the bridesmaids and her step dad was a groomsman. Pretty cool!

The rain was kind to us, only showering after the ceremony and before the bridal party session - even if it did make the grass a little damp...

Crazy bunch of people :) Love it!!

The light was so awesome down by the estuary we just had to stop for 5 mins on the way back....

What a fantastic wedding - thank you so much for having us share your day with you both!

Now for more fun in the slideshow!!!

Chantelle and Brad, 31st October 2009

2009-11-06T20:31:00.005+11:00

Happy Halloween!!! Not a Pumpkin in sight, but one VERY gorgeous Bride, one VERY spunky Groom and one VERY happy Wedding Day!

Ceremony, Reception and Locations - Wyndham Resort, Dunsborough
Hair and Makeup - Instyle Hair and Makeup
Flowers - Jessons
Celebrant - Kerry Grist
Bridal Wear - Tuscany
Groomswear - Ferrari Formal Wear

This was a pretty cruisy day really! Everything was held at Wyndham Resort and Spa in Dunsborough, a fabulous hotel resort that is fully self contained. They even have a chapel if you want!

I started the afternoon popping into the girls room, then the boys and back to the girls. It was easy as they were only 4 doors apart!

OMG..........

The ceremony was held just in front of the little chapel, GORGEOUS spot :)

We headed off to the other side of the resort for some quiet time and photos!!!

One of my all time FAVORITE photos Ever!

down the beach.....

up to the pool.....

and back to where we started!

What an AWESOME day - Chantelle couldn't keep the smile off her face. Thanks for pretty fantastico Halloween!

now for some slideshowy-goodness!

My Favorite Suppliers - Part 2!

2009-11-06T13:30:00.004+11:00

Reception Centers - Dunsborugh and Margaret River :)

Dunsborough -

My favorite 2 in Dunsborough are Wyndham Resort and Spa, and the ever fantabulous Wise Winery!

Wyndham is a fabulous self contained resort. You have accommodation, a chapel, awesome gardens, the beach AND an awesome ballroom! And to top it all off they have a spectacular Day Spa too! Seriously could It get any better ?????

Wise Winery has one of the VERY best views in the southwest. The wine is fabulous (of course) the food is amazing, and the venue - WOW. My favorite bit is the open courtyard outside where you have pre dinner drinks.

Now...Margaret River...Cant possibly go past the Wineries - and I couldnt pick only 2 as there are so many fabulous ones, so i narrowed it down to my top 4 ;) All have spectacular surroundings, awesome food, excellent setups and of course the wine aint too bad either!!

Cape Clairault

Watershed Wines

Vasse Felix

Leeuwin Estate

Next up - Further South!

My Favorite Suppliers :) Part One

2009-11-05T10:08:00.007+11:00

Ive been 'around the Block' for a while and when you have been to as many weddings as I have you see a few trends, hear a few readings more than once, shed a few too many tears at how GORGEOUS everyone looks, try and come up with something super cool to do with the rings this week....and every week I come across some AWESOME wedding suppliers that really need a few kudos sent their way for being so fabulous.

THIS WEEK..... Reception Centers!! The place where all the fun happens :)

Bunbury
My 2 favorites in Bunbury are The Sanctuary Golf Resort and Vat 2

Sanctuary has accomodation for everyone, the option of two areas, inside or outside in the marquee, an AWESOME buffett and Carly and Tim will do anything to make your day special.

Vat 2 has food to DIE for and an awesome view out on Koombana Bay

Busselton
the top two favorites down here are by far and away The Goose and Abbey Beach Resort

Donna and the crew at Abbey Beach Resort are just beyond fantastic. They go above and beyond at every single wedding, and the Ballroom always looks amazing (mostly up to the awesome decorators...more on them later)

The Goose is perfectly situated in the Busselton Foreshore, ALWAYS has amazing sunsets over the jetty, ALWAYS has amazing food and seriously - you cant go past that view.

Next - Dunsborough and Margaret River!

Erin and Craig - Engagement Session

2009-11-03T21:51:00.002+11:00

45 mins extra on the Freeway in traffic made for a late start - but also an AWESOME sunset. See everything happens for a reason!

The GORGEOUS Erin and SPUNKY Craig met me down here for their Pre Wedding session last Friday evening, all in preparation for their wedding next January.

I reckon Craig looks a little like that dude from Twilight. (not that i watch that stuff.....)

The sky was ammmmmmmmmmmmmmmazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much guys - so looking forward to January, its going to be an awesome day!!

Little Baby Ava

2009-11-03T17:47:00.003+11:00

She arrived!!!! And is unbelievably gorgeous. Not really difficult seeing her genes were pretty special.

only 12 days old...and already taking in the world around her like a pro.

I love little ones in the arms of their Big Daddies. It really brings the fragility and tininess into the front row.

and the world makes a resounding AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I feel so privileged to be able to share in the happiest times of people's lives. Its quite humbling really!

Peta, Ewan and Bump make 3!

2009-11-02T14:27:00.005+11:00

I headed down to the gorgeous Bunker Bay last week to see Peta and Ewan, who are expecting their first baby in a few weeks. What a great way to spend a few days break, but to record such a special time of your life!!

I just LOVE Tummies!!!

Peta and Ewan have already named their soon-to-be baby, which i thought was totally awesome. It really connects you to the new person before they are even here!

How amazing does Peta look??

We heading around the corner to Shelly Beach to showcase some of what Dunsborough is famous for.

Thank you so much for sharing this special time with me guys - it was amazing to witness your joy and love :)

Rowena and Bryce, Engagement Session

2009-10-29T12:21:00.003+11:00

I met up with Rowena and Bryce in Australind, down by the Collie River, to try out a spot or two for their wedding next weekend. I love checking out new places that I may not have even know was there, and engagement sessions are a perfect time to try out new stuff!

I dont think I want to know what was being whispered in Bryce's ear here!!

Then around the corner to the Scout Hall, which has the yummiest little shady green spot, just perfect for a very warm spring Sunday.

The river is banked by a grove of paperbark trees which look AMAZING...cant wait for next weekend guys!!!!

Benita and Luke, Engagement Session

2009-10-28T20:30:00.004+11:00

Beautiful Sunday morning!! Benita and Luke and getting married in January, so we met up last weekend to do their Pre Wedding session!

A litle Bushwalk.....

and off to the beach! I took us to the 'quiet' part of the beach only to discover the life saving crew doing their training :)

Looking forward to January!!!

Lotsa Lotsa Christmas Portraits!!!

2009-10-28T16:06:00.003+11:00

Im super busy at the moment editing all my Christmas Portraits! Its a shame I cant show any until January, as they are all for Christmas presents, and that would spoil the surprises!!

So here is MY baby....just to fill the gap :) He came and sat in place of the gorgeous young man I was shooting yesterday, so I used him as my lighting tester.....

Dont forget if you want a session, or wish to order prints for Christmas, get them in by the 15th of November!!

Jessica and Bradley - 17th October 2009 - Margaret River

2009-10-27T16:51:00.004+11:00

I seriously love these two :) they are the happiest, funnest, awesomeest people ever!!

Ceremony - Gnarabup Oval
Locations - Gnarabup Beach, Prevelly; Margaret River Picnic Area; Watershed Winery
Reception - Watershed Winery
Transport - Chevrolet Limousines South West
Hair - Lorna Marie Hair
Makeup - For Weddings and a Party

We met up with Jess and her family in a very action packed room at Margarets Beach Resort - Hair, Makeup and lunch were a-flow as we made our way for details and action shots.

Over the road to the oval where the ceremony was taking place, overlooking the amazing coastline of Prevelly Beach. It was a tad warm for Springtime, but we managed pretty well :)

Whisked off by the gorgeous Brad from Chev Limo's, we started our photoshoot among the shade next to Margaret River herself! Ducks and playground equiptment kept us all entertained

Back down to the beach (which was unbelievably packed!) for a frolic in the sand, and then a frolic among the Lilly's!!

Watershed Winery greeted us with an awesome pink-orange sunset courtesy of a local burnoff

Now, Jess and Brad have a pretty awesome sense of humour - their recessional music was from Star Wars (LOVED IT) and they had the best Bonbon's ever! Little tubs of Lego to have fun with during the reception - AND a little Lego Bride and Groom for the cake!!

Check out all the fun of the day in the slideshow :)

For those people who are my friends or fans on Facebook, you may also be a fan of our Toast Art page. JB (my hubby and fabulous Wedding assistant) is a bit of a legend when it comes to toast, and Jess and Brad are BIG fans, so just for them....SPECIAL WEDDING TOAST!!

New Headshots!

2009-10-23T13:32:00.002+11:00

I went and experienced what its like in front of the camera earlier this week. Roger and Kristy - the genius that is Envy Photography took my new headshot for a venture that will be revealed soon.

Its so hard being a model!! Roger kept saying "Stop Giggling!!!" now HOW am I supposed to do that???? :)

I reckon they did a damn fine job!

Cool camera hey! Its the showpiece of my antique camera collection - and it still works! Thats if I can remember how to shoot medium format film!

Sara and Adam Engagement Portrait

2009-10-19T13:32:00.003+11:00

It was 2nd time lucky for Sara and Adam and their Pre Wedding portrait session - the first one was not only rained out, but poor Adam had a touch of the flu, but today's session proved perfectly perfect!

We headed down to the beach, but stopped off at the grass area just above the sand.

Now, Sara had the BEST shoes ever, not only were they super awesome, but they were PURPLE!!!

CALM have been burning off down here for the past week, getting ready for summer (which BTW hit us with a vengeance on the weekend, but more about that later) so the sky was full of smoke! Made for an awesome sky though :)

Not long till your wedding in November guys!! WOOHOO!

Olivia and Hendy, 10th October 2009, Bridgetown

2009-10-16T16:14:00.005+08:00

Bohemian Chic! Gotta love a Boho Spring Country extraviganza :)

Ceremony and reception - Bridgetown Gardens Function Center
Celebrant - Patricia Steig
Preparations and Locations - Ford House, Bridgetown
Flowers - Olivia made her own from Rosebank Farm and Tulips with a Difference
Catering - Bridgetown Pottery Cafe and Family Members
Cake - Aunty Mags! - what a creative family!

Olivia told me her vision for their wedding was relaxed, casual, eclectic and bohemian. I think she hit the nail right on the head!!

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I love the antique nature of the rooms at Ford House. They are so beautiful!

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And the gardens are to DIE for, especially this time of the year its literally exploding in colour!

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Off to Bridgetown Gardens and the Wisteria covered walkway for the ceremony.

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The guests held a Rose petal Serenade on the way back down the aisle

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After the family photos and congratulations we headed down to the Blackwood River and back to Ford House for photos.

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Back to Bridgetown Gardens, and while there wasn't much of a sunset, the beautiful lanterns out on the veranda made for some awesome dusk colour - and a little dance practice!

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I loved the rustic bohemian nature of Olivia and Hendy's wedding. it was almost as if we were back in the 70's and it was AWESOME! Totally gorgeous.

Thankyou so much for allowing me to share your day with you both.

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Slideshow to come!!

Jenifer and Brad - 9th October 2009 - Dunsborough

2009-10-15T14:07:00.004+08:00

All I can say is WOW.

Ceremony and Reception - True North Ashore, Dunsborough
Celebrant - Jennifer Etherington
Hair and Makeup - Fiona and Jen from I Do Hair
Bridalwear - Jane Miller
Groomswear - Penguins
Florist - JVK Floral Designs
Cake - Tealicious House
DJ and Entertainment - Jamie Hook

This was SUCH an awesome wedding - so relaxed and so beautiful, full of friends and laughter, music and awesome views, and last but not least to exceptional people madly in love!

Jen and Brad broke from tradition and not only walked down the aisle together, but also got ready together!

The wedding was held at the incredible True North shore, a breathtaking design award winning house on Eagle Bay in Dunsborough. This place is truly spectacular and well worth looking into if your after an intimate setting for your wedding.

the ceremony was conducted by Jennifer Etherington (my personal favorite celebrant) overlooking Eagle Bay.

We headed to Wise Winery around the corner for some time playing in the vines, and then off to Meelup Beach to play around the rocks!

The light was spectacular!!!

could this girl be any more GORGEOUS?????

I swear these two could be movie stars

Back to the house to be entertained by the very talented Jamie Hook on the terrace, watching the sunset as they enjoyed cake and canapes!

Big thankyou to my assistant Alana who came with me and took some pretty awesome shots!

Check out more Weddingly Goodness on the slideshow!

Amanda and Don 19/9/09 - Donnybrook Wedding - The Slideshow!

2009-10-15T10:05:00.005+08:00

I thought id do something a little different this year, by showing my couples their slideshow first - keeping it special and exciting - and then release it on the unsuspecting public :) Amanda and Don came by yesterday to pick up their Wedding Photos and view their slideshow on our huge LCD screen. Worked pretty well!

so, without further ado.... here is their gorgeous Wedding Slideshow!!

Sydney January 1st - 14th Sessions Avaliable

2009-10-14T08:52:00.003+08:00

Im off to Sydney!!!

For two WHOLE WEEKS

WITHOUT MY HUSBAND!!!!!

Ok, I probably shouldn't be quite so excited about that part, But im HUGELY excited about my trip.

Im heading over primarily to attend a Jasmine Star Workshop on the 13th, but while I'm there I'm going to be 2nd shooting with none other than Cathy Crawley from Beautiful Moments Photography and Jonathon Dear from Vibrant Photography!! I'm also going to visit my Dad and Brother who both live over there and I never get to see, but the work stuff is far more exciting (sorry Dad!)

So if your interested in a Portrait Session while I'm there - I'm holding a little Sydney Special!! Just email or ring for further details!!!

Back to School - So what can I DO with my photos?

2009-10-12T13:45:00.007+08:00

OOOOOoooooo now This is the fun part!

All of our Wedding Packages contain a DVD of images. We believe that you deserve digital versions of your images, as we do live in a digital world and we like to show off our images on Facebook, or other social media, email them to Auntie Martha in the UK, or even make a funky Wedding Website for your guests.

The downside of this digital revolution is that your images are not treasured the way they were 10-20 years ago. Your images stay in digital form, sitting on your hard drive, hidden on a disk in a draw, or printed on substandard paper, with bad colour reproduction.

The work we do producing your Wedding Images is substantial, the time and talent taken to create this work of art needs to be treated kindly, and with reverence. Any image that is shown as an enlargement needs special care and attention, to show it off in the best possible way.

These is why we provide you with your images, but also encourage you to transform these images into stunning works of art in forms of Enlargements and Wedding Albums, so you can enjoy your precious memories the way they are intended to be viewed.

Our Image DVD's come in 3 versions

1) A Medium Resolution DVD
This is a restricted sized file, 1800x1200p, approximately 700kb Jpg files. They are excellent for online viewing, easily uploaded to Facebook and other social media sites, and can also be printed to 4x6" standard photo size. They are of Proof Editing standard, and This is the DVD that comes with our base Essentials Package.

2) High Resolution DVD
These files are of the same resolution that we use in the studio for 95% of our work. 3500x2300p approximately 2.5MB Jpgs files. These files will print up to an 8x12" photograph without loss of image quality. These DVD's are available in all Album packages and as a option upgrade. Again, these are at Proof Editing level.

3) Platinum Upgrade DVD
As explained in a previous 'Back to School' we have 2 levels of editing, Proof and Premium. A Platinum Upgrade DVD contains 100 of your favorite images, all with Premium Editing applied to them, at a High Resolution size. This DVD comes with our Enlargement Package, and as an optional extra.

So, once you have your DVD, what can you do with it?

Firstly, we recommend you back up your DVD onto your personal computer Hard Drive. This means you are far less likely to loose your precious images!

You’re entitled to print your images for personal use only. This means:

• You CAN print photos for family and friends, and of course for yourself
• You CAN show off your images on Facebook, Wedding Forums, The Sunday Times or enter Wedding Competitions. We welcome this, but do ask you credit the images to us when using them in this manner.
• You CAN give the images to your other wedding vendors, but please advise us first as we may provide images in another manner to vendors.

• You CAN NOT sell your images to 3rd parties, or use them for commercial ventures, advertising or anything that creates revenue from the images.
• You CAN NOT alter the images in any way other than standard cropping for enlargement purposes. This means you can’t change the colour, remove elements, create effects in Photoshop or extremely crop the images. - This one is very important as it completely changes the integrity of our artwork, and is in violation of Copyright laws.

We also prefer you didn’t create products from the images, such as Thankyou Cards, photo books and montages, as we do offer all these products, but this is simply a request. This is because we have strict quality standards on our products and items made by 3rd party companies can not be guaranteed.

And last but not least.....

We always recommend anything larger than 8x12 to be printed though the studio. This is because we have VERY strict quality control, and nothing goes to our clients without a thorough checking for colour, print quality, scratches etc etc - a service thats not always offered by your local print shop - AND you should only ever have the very best displayed on the walls of your home.

Next episode - Im going to run a little experiment to find out exactly what the local labs are producing, and recommend the very best place to get your reprints!

Amanda and Don, 19th September 2009

2009-10-05T18:41:00.003+08:00

YAY!! Wedding Season is officially on us and my very first was Amanda and Don's in gorgeous Donnybrook!

Ceremony - All Saints Church - Donnybrook
Bride and Bridesmaid's attire - Made by Amanda's super talented mum!
Transport - Amanda's Dad's totally gorgeous vintage MG
Reception - Memorial Hall Donnybrook, Catering by Coast to Coast
Flowers - Florawood Donnybrook
Cake - Another super cool creation by Amanda and her Mum - those two are way talented!
Locations - Don's family farm just outside Donnybrook

I love a wedding that has so much thought, love and special touches all the way though. Many of the special details of Amanda and Don's spring wedding were created by Amanda and her Mum. The ceremony was held in the gorgeous Donnybrook Stone clad All Saints Church.

We headed off to Don's family farm, that has been in his family for many generations. The weather threatened to rain us out, but it was kind to us all. This used to be the farmhouse!

Spring has to be the most glorious time of the year. Just check out the AMAZING colour! and HOW COOL is that car! I was most impressed he got it up the farm track.

And then back to Donnybrook and the Memorial Hall for a casual lunchtime reception, tat no doubt lasted well into the evening.

I hope your honeymoon in Borneo is going well guys, cant wait to show off the rest soon!

Sign up for our New Newsletter!

2009-10-02T11:52:00.002+08:00

Add yourself to our Email Newsletter mailing list!!

Keep informed about Specials, Promotions, Gossip, and other Exciting Tidbits!!

And don't worry, we wont be selling your info to anyone else...its just for us! You can also opt out at any point :)

Photographers vs Fauxtographers

2009-10-02T08:27:00.002+08:00

I read the most amazing blog post on fellow "downsouthers' Blog yesterday and felt it really said everything perfectly...so why rephrase whats already been said? I unfortunately didn't actually get to read the article in the Busselton Times, but I did see a terrible piece of 'journalism' on a so-called news program a few weeks ago that said something very similar, and another article here

So...to set the record straight, Direct from Kirsy @ Envy, via us, to you!!!!

Photographers vs Fauxtographers

Our local newspaper recently featured an article which I found very interesting, and a little sad. It was titled "Wedding photos not up to scratch" and the aim of the article was to warn couples that "WA Consumer Protection has had four complaints about wedding photographers in the South West in the last six months, primarily about the quality of the photos".

This is not news to us.

Roger and I often receive frantic calls from brides whose wedding photographers have handed over images or files which are poorly exposed, out of focus, or just plain awful, and they want to know if there's any way we can "fix" them.

It's always hard to tell them - No.

It doesn't matter how much photoshop you throw at a bad image, you can never turn it into a good one.

The article goes on to give tips on choosing a wedding photographer - get recommendations, get a written quote, ask to see a portfolio... all good ideas. Here are a few of my own tips on how to tell a photographer from a fauxtographer (I'm going to use the term he to make it easier, but I mean he or she!):

1. "He has a website and a big camera - he must be a good photographer"

Not necessarily! Type "photographers website templates" into Google and you'll see how easy it is to make yourself look like a great photographer on the web. What you really want to see is that he is able to take consistently good photos at a wedding from start to finish. The only way to do that is to look at complete wedding albums. It's easy to fake it with a handful of OK images from a wedding...but if a photographer isn't willing to display entire wedding albums, something's not right.

2. Experience vs Work experience

Make sure that your photographer is experienced! You will spend so much time, effort and expense planning your wedding - don't let a fauxtographer use you for "work experience"! One of the most important things a photographer needs to know is how to deal with different lighting situations. Outdoor Southwest weddings require particular skill as the lighting can vary from harsh sunlight, to dappled light, to low light. If he doesn't understand light, and doesn't have the experience under his belt to deal with it appropriately, it will show in his images.

3. Membership of the Austrailian Institute of Professional Photography.

Perhaps I should have put this as number one because it's fairly important. These days, cameras are so good that alot of the "skill" has gone out of photography - just take a thousand photos and you're sure to end up with at least one good one! Anyone can buy themselves an expensive camera, make a groovy website, hang up a sign and call themselves a photographer. It's easy...and scary. For a photographer to become a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography they must meet a set of criteria - have been working full time as a photographer for at least two years, have their images and finished albums appraised and approved by two accredited members of the AIPP, and they must agree to adhere to a professional code of conduct. It is possible to be a brilliant photographer and not be a member of the AIPP - I'm just advising that couples do their homework. If your photographer isn't an AIPP member, ask him why.

4. Awards. Everyone's got em!

Almost every photographer advertises themselves as an "award winning photographer" so these days awards don't really mean much...unless you educate yourself on how the awards are judged and by whom...and really, who has the time to do that?

Here's my explanation of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography Awards system (but if you really want to understand it fully take a look here):

Each state holds an annual print competition with various categories (wedding, portrait, commercial, landscape, illustrative) to which entrants can submit a portfoilio. Winners of each category earn a title such as "2009 WA Wedding Photographer of the Year" (hey, that's me!).

At the national level photographers submit just four images per year to win points (silvers and golds) which accumulate to earn honours (Associate, Master of Photography, etc). Some photographers earn one silver and call themselves "award winning photographers"...which is true...BUT...the real skill is to achieve consistently high standards every year - not just let one silver award be your claim to fame.

AIPP awards are not easy to win.

If your photographer is an "award winning" photographer ask him - what awards have you won?

5. Lastly, a piece of advice from my Dad...

Never trust a man with dirty shoes.

Hopefully that helps someone out there to stay away from those Southwest photographers that people are complaining about.

K x

an excellent piece of Journalism I think!! Now you can call yourself a Published Author Kirsty :)

Sam and Stuart Engagement Session

2009-09-30T16:23:00.004+08:00

I met up with Sam and Stuart on Saturday morning...no yawning to be found here for us early birds! It was finally a gorgeous blue sky, slight spring breeze in the air and beautiful sunshine! Id almost forgotten how to work with sunshine its been so long since ive seen any!

hello GORGEOUS!

Both Stuart and Sam have Scottish ancestry - and Stu still has the accent! Gotta love those cute cute accents. Im looking forward to their wedding in November as its going to have KILTS!!!

Off to the beach - Beaooootiful!

Stu looks so proud and happy here :)

I love finding stuff thats a little different, like shipping crates coloured for the lifesavers!

Thanks for an awesome morning guys! see you in a few weeks :)

A Rose by any other Name.....

2009-09-24T16:55:00.002+08:00

Would be ELLIE-Rose!

The gorgeous newborn of Nichole, only a few weeks old and just yummy.

Her Big Brother thinks she is a little alright!

Nichole is a very talented artist....and likes to knit! I have to commission her for some cute knitted hats and rugs for my baby sessions I think...