22 From ’22 | A Snapshot of 2022 {Avon Valley, Wheatbelt & Perth Wedding, Family, Event & Commercial Photographer}

As 2022 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on another successful year as both a photographer and a business owner, with 22 randomly chosen images featuring some of my favourite shoots, places, people and experiences from the last 12 months.

It’s always hard to choose such a small number of images from the wide variety of genres that I shoot, and there are honestly too many highlights to list, but the one that definately rates a mention is being awarded as a Finalist in the Owner/Operator category at the annual Wheatbelt Business Excellence Awards in October - hence why the last shot below made the cut! But there have been so many other special moments too, dotted in amongst the 50+ weddings, family, event and commercial gigs I’ve had the privilege of shooting in 2022. And because I can’t possibly list them all, I’m just going to give it to you in pictures instead!

So here they are, 22 memorable moments from 2022, in no particular order.  An eclectic mix of both client and personal images, which I feel best reflect both my style and the amazing people and subjects I regularly work with.

And a huge thank you to all of you who have made 2022 so rewarding for me.  Because without you, my fabulous clients, friends and family, I wouldn't have been witness to these moments, or had the opportunity to create these beautiful images.

Have a fabulous Christmas and New Year, and I'll see you all again in 2023!

20 From '20 | A Snapshot of 2020 {Avon Valley, Wheatbelt & Perth Wedding, Family, Event & Commercial Photographer}

It goes without saying that 2020 has been different for most of us, but just how different will depend on where you are based. Those of us in WA were lucky enough to continue working after an initial shutdown back in March, and as a result, I finished the year on par with 2019.

But I had to implement some changes, and do things a little differently to get there. On the day the first image below was shot, I had 40K worth of bookings either postponed indefinately or cancelled outright. Most of these bookings were weddings and large events, which are core business for me, and for the first time in 25 years I was facing a year of neither.

So I spent the time at home restoring our ‘78 caravan and revamping my website with the help of Jo from Joanne Tapodi Creative. And I had a new computer built by Colin at Avon Computech, to give me greater storage capacity and allow me to work faster, and to introduce videography to my services. I also learnt the basics of filmmaking (mostly by shooting little clips of my family as we worked on the caravan!), and I started offering Mini Clips to those I was shooting commercial and event work for. All of these things had been on my ‘to do’ list for the last 5 years or so, but I just hadn’t been able to find the time for them while working fulltime.

Then as WA began to open up again, the bookings started coming in - cautiously. Not for weddings or big events, but for family, commercial and business based shoots. The time at home had inspired a shift in thinking. The importance of family became more apparent, and many businesses had more time on their hands to spend ‘on’ the business, instead of ‘in’ the business. In addition, an online presence had become increasingly important for business owners, which saw many updating websites and social media pages, and in turn, their imagery. At the same time, the Shire of Northam introduced a Small Business Support Grant Scheme to assist those who had suffered a downturn due to Covid-19, and much of it was spent on doing the above.

And so I found myself filling the gaps with families and businesses, rather than couples and events. I worked closely with Anna from Creative IQ to produce images for her website builds, and I partnered with the Northam Race Club to cover their social evenings throughout Spring. At the same time, I was out and about in the Wheatbelt shooting my usual array of agricultural work for growers, plant breeders and researchers. The result was that Spring 2020 was both busier and more profitable than it has ever been for me, and I am truly thankful for that, when I know it hasn’t been the case for so many.

So following are 20 images that I love, and which I feel are reflective of 2020 for me. It’s mostly a mix of family, commercial and agricultural work, with a bit of travel thrown in - mainly because I feel so lucky to have been able to squeeze both trips in while the borders were open and it was considered safe to do so! My shooting and editing style remain similar to last year, with a rich warm vibe, and golden, brown and green tones throughout, which I don’t see changing in 2021 - it is, after all, a big part of what my clients love about my work!

So thanks 2020, you can go now - bring on 2021!

19 From '19 | A Snapshot of 2019 {Avon Valley, Wheatbelt & Perth Wedding, Family, Event & Commercial Photographer}

It’s hard to believe 2019 is coming to an end, but as it does, it’s time to reflect on the amazing couples and families that I’ve met, and the awesome events and commercial projects that I’ve been asked to capture over the last 12 months.

As a photographer, it’s always interesting to look back over your work, and to take a moment to reflect on how you’ve evolved, and what you love (or don’t love!) about it. Then if you go one step further, and narrow it down to just a handful of your favourite images, selected from the thousands produced over the course of a year, you start to get a feel for what you truly love shooting, and for how you like to shoot it. Plus it’s a great way for clients and prospective clients to get a quick feel for your current work, without trawling through your website or socials. So yeah, writing a ‘best of’ blog and choosing the images for it is time consuming, but it’s oh so worth it!

For me, the past year has seen a slight shift towards shooting later in the day, on sunset and at twilight. I’m loving those darker, moodier tones, and enjoying not doing battle with the sun at every shoot! I’ve also been swinging my subjects back towards the sun, instead of back-lighting every shot. But if you’re a lover of my use of mid afternoon light and sun flare, don’t fret, there’s still plenty of it to be found - it’s my signature look, after all!

My editing process remains much the same. It’s no secret, I’m a VSCO preset user (namely Fuji 800Z), and have been since presets became a thing. I love the warm golden tones, and the slightly matte, or film quality appearance it gives to my work. So given all the images I’ve selected below have been processed with it, I see no editing changes for 2020.

Finally, and perhaps the most obvious thing about this set of images, is their rural feel. Clearly, I like shooting rural subjects in a rural setting! And come to think of it, when faced with a city based venue or location, I will still try to find a grassy paddock or rusty tin fence to shoot against. But don’t let this deceive you into thinking I’m ‘just a country photographer’, as a third of my work actually takes place in the city, and I’m just as comfortable shooting at Frasers Restaurant or the QV1 building, as I am in a shearing shed on-farm. In fact, it makes a lovely change, and a nice break from the dust and flies!

So there you have it, a summary of my work for 2019, and a hint of what’s to come, complete with supporting pictures! Have a fabulous Christmas and New Year, and I'll see you all again in 2020!

Scott + Rebecca | Laurelville Manor, York WA | 26 October 2019 {Perth, Avon Valley & Wheatbelt Photographer}

Scott and Bec were blessed with a glorious Summer day for their stunning wedding, held at historic Laurelville Manor in York, Western Australia recently.

This wedding was packed with all the elements that get me excited, from the location, just 20 minutes down the road from me in the beautiful Avon Valley region, to the venue (one of our best loved local properties) and the couples families, a bunch of lovely farming folk, some of whom I know from my days in the agricultural industry. Not to mention the dusty paddocks on the outskirts of town that Scott and Bec chose for their bridal portraits - what more could a country based photographer with a background in agriculture ask for?!

A huge thanks to the following vendors for helping create such a stunningly elegant day for this gorgeous young couple. Laurelville Manor (venue), Kay hair & Co (hair), Mint Makeup Artist (makeup), Flowers By Elli Paige (florals), Ryan Clune (celebrant), Heyder & Shears Catering (catering), Audrey Davies (cake), Madi Lane Bridal (gown) and Joondalup Marquees (marquee).

And of course, a big thankyou to Scott and Bec for inviting me to cover your special day for you - it was such a delight to be there with you all!

Tim + Zoe | Avon Valley Country Wedding | Beverley WA | 30 March 2019 {Perth, Avon Valley & Wheatbelt Wedding Photographer}

As many of you will know, I love a good Avon Valley or Wheatbelt wedding, and Tim and Zoe’s beautiful day held out in Beverley, just over 100 kilometres from Perth, certainly didn’t disappoint.

From the leafy surrounds of the Station Gallery for the ceremony, to the paddocks on the outskirts of town as a backdrop for bridal portraits, and the romance of one of our treasured Art Deco buildings for their reception, the town of Beverley really was the perfect wedding location for this local farming family. As was the weather - a glorious Autumn day full of light and colour (and the usual sprinkling of dust we get at this time of year!).

Add to that a team of awesome vendors and hard working, creative locals, and you have the recipe for an event to rival anything currently being produced in the city. All credit to the following people for making Tim and Zoe’s day so completely fabulous - you guys really know how to nail a country wedding! Carissa Shaw (P&C event co-ordinator), Beverley Electrical Services (festoon lighting), Love Ashleigh Perth Marriage Celebrant (celebrant), Foliage Bespoke Floral Design (flowers), Grandscene Wedding & Event Hire (furniture hire), Simple & Beautiful Catering (catering), Three Shucker (oysters), Say Cheese Towers & Blue Cow Cheese Company (cheese platters & cake), Hair By Sonora & Naomi Payne Hair (hair), Freelance Make-up Artist (make-up), The Wedding DJ (music), and Mr Potplants (plant hire).

Congratulations Tim and Zoe, and thank you for having me along to document your special day for you…

5 Tips to Help You Prepare For Your Family Photo Shoot {Perth, Avon Valley & Wheatbelt Family Photographer}

We've all heard the stories, from that friend whose child screamed all the way through their session, or whose husband got badly sunburnt whilst out fishing the day of the shoot (except where his sunglasses sat!). But having the family photographed doesn't need to be a harrowing experience, if you just keep the following five things in mind, as you prepare!

1. Rest Up And Feed The Tribe!

Kids can be cranky and unpredictable at the best of times, but the risk of a tantrum is considerably reduced with an early night (or an afternoon nap, for the littlies), a relaxing day, and a full tummy at the start of the shoot.  

So avoid partying with the cousins the night before, or doing a day trip to Rotto on the same day as the shoot.  Kick back at home, potter around, rest up, and generally relax – you can burn off that energy while we shoot!

Have some afternoon tea, pack some snacks, or even a little picnic to bring along with you. Family picnics make great lifestyle based shots, and can provide a little break from the rigours of being a supermodel!

2. Prepare The Kids!

Kids (and sometimes husbands!) can feel shy, and find it hard to relax if they haven’t been told what’s going on, or briefed on the process.  Tell them what we’ll be doing, a couple of days before, and then again on the day of the shoot.

Tell them it will be fun, with no prior acting or modelling experience required!  We’ll be walking and talking, playing, and generally hanging out together. I’ll only ask them to smile a few times, and the rest of the time I’ll just be capturing candid moments while you all enjoy your time together – the smiles will come naturally.

And feel free to bring any comfort items that might help them relax during the session. I’m all for including Mr Squiggly Poo (the battered but much loved teddy bear), or a couple of cans of Dads’ favourite beer – whatever gets you through!

3. Provide Some Props!

Mentioned briefly on the previous page, but yes, props!  They help break the ice, distract and relax the kids (and in turn the parents!), and they add variety to your images.  They help me tell the ‘story’ of your family, because in most cases, they will have some meaning to you or your children.

So consider adding things like pets, favourite toys, comfort items, hobbies and interests, farm machinery, quad bikes, crops, livestock, picnics and interesting locations (eg hay bale stacks, rivers, beaches, abandoned sheds or houses) to your shoot – I will be forever grateful, because it’s hard work doing stock standard portraits!

4. Consider Your Wardrobe!

This is the big one, the question everyone asks (or should ask!). What do we wear?  Generally speaking, something comfortable, which you feel good in, and will be happy to be seen in when the Grandies pull out the family photos in 30 years time. Ha! Not an easy task!

Neutral colours work best.  Denim, linen, leather boots, soft greys, beige, ochre, pastels, small floral prints and subtle checkered shirts.

Avoid spots and stripes, and bright solid colours, like black, red, green and purple. Logos and brands are also best avoided, and most definately no High Vis or Dora The Explorer t-shirts please!  Besides being too bright for my eyes, they will date quickly.  Still sitting on the fence with flannel shirts – if hubby insists, then we’ll let it slide.

And remember, things can get dirty, so even though they might be your fave item, it’s best to leave the white pants in the cupboard. Dust will get kicked around, and bums will get damp and muddy if we sit on the ground, so choose items which wash and wear well.

And one last thing, if it’s windy, tie your hair back ladies, and bring the hairspray – flyaway hair is pretty much impossible to edit out in Photoshop!

5. Relax And Have Fun!

And finally, be prepared to relax and have fun on the day! There’s no need to tell the kids to ‘smile’ every 5 seconds - I have my own sneaky ways of making that happen. Just help them have fun, and we’ll get lots of lovely natural smiles without even thinking about it.

And if we need to stop because Bub has to be fed, or little Johnnie needs some time out, that’s OK – we’ll just take a break, or I’ll work with other members of your family until everyone is good to go again. It’s your shoot, and I can work around you.

Your family shoot is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, away from the daily distractions of life (leave that ipad at home!).  You’ll be able to wander, explore, and generally enjoy yourselves, and before you know it, we’ll be done, and you’ll be saying ‘Geez, that went quick!’

So there you go, my five tips to help you make the most of your family photo shoot, and to ensure you have a fab time, and enjoy your family photos for many years to come!

Glenn + Jess | Rustic Farm Wedding | Northam WA | 22 September 2018 {Perth, Avon Valley & Wheatbelt Wedding Photographer}

I love a good farm wedding, and this one was certainly no exception! Held on the family farm at Southern Brook just east of Northam, surrounded by their family and friends, and blessed with a superb Spring day, Glenn and Jess really did have the makings of a perfect wedding day.

But farm weddings can be hard work too, with much of the labor required the day before, and on the morning of the wedding. Everything has to be accounted for, and set up without the help of a venue or experienced staff to share the load. Furniture, seating, flowers and decorations need to be brought in, drinks, food, and portaloos sorted, and the ever present flies and mozzies dealt with.

So early in the planning stages, Glenn and Jess decided to engage the help of local wedding planners and stylists Holly and Sarah from Confetti & Co Events. These girls rock at what they do - seriously, they take all the stress out of the day! They organise the hire of furniture and equipment, which they collect, set up, and then drop back to the suppliers when it’s all over. They help plan the schedule and timetable for the day, then keep vendors updated and running on time as everything unfolds, and they deal with the little problems that can arise on a wedding day. Plus they’re super creative too, adding the finishing touches to everything from ceremony areas to table settings, to take your wedding to the next level.

So I was stoked when they announced that Glenn and Jess wanted me on board as their photographer, along with Sarah from Petallica Flower Co on flowers, making it a Wheatbelt Collective collaboration. Formed just over 18 months ago by myself, Confetti & Co Events and Petallica Flower Co, The Wheatbelt Collective encompasses a group of local wedding and event suppliers who aim to provide a high level of service and quality to people who wish to host their wedding or event in the country. Our goal is to encourage people to ‘keep it local’ by providing the kind of service previously perceived to only be found in the city.

But our ability to provide great service relies to an extent on the fabulous suppliers we work alongside on the day. And we were blessed to have the following team on board for Glenn and Jess’s wedding. Julie Chesson A Love Story (celebrant), Jasmine Fowler (hair & makeup), Yvette’s Cakes (cake), Lala Design (stationary), Little Miss Vintage, Grandscene Wedding & Event Hire and HA Hire Events & Weddings (furniture & tableware hire), Complete DJ (DJ), Avon Valley Hospitality (catering) and The Northam Country Club (reception venue).

A huge thanks to all of you for creating such a beautiful and well run wedding for our couple, and for showcasing the possibilities for events held out here in the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt. I think the results below speak for themselves. Seriously, why would you want to get married anywhere else, people?

Congrats Glenn and Jess, and thank you so much for having me share your day with you, it really was fabulous!

The Wheatbelt Collective | Rustic Boho Styled Shoot | Faversham House & Mt Brown, York WA | 17 January 2018 {Perth, Avon Valley & Wheatbelt Wedding Photographer}

The Wheatbelt Collective has now been established for just over 6 months, with the aim of seeking out the best of our local Avon Valley and Wheatbelt talent, in order to provide both city and country folk with a host of quality suppliers to choose from, when planning a wedding or event in a rural area. 

Founded by myself and the lovely ladies from Confetti & Co and Petallica Flower Co, the Wheatbelt Collective is a collaboration between like minded wedding and event specialists, based in the Avon Valley, just east of Perth in WA.  

The Avon Valley and Wheatbelt offer a stunning backdrop to any style of wedding or event, and being local to these regions, we have an intimate knowledge of rural venues and suppliers, which means that together, we can help you plan a unique and exciting day that runs smoothly, is loaded with personality, and most importantly, reflects you and your event.

We are not a directory of suppliers as such, but rather, a bunch of creatives who love to work together, and who take our recommendations seriously, which is where our styled shoots come in.  The aim of these shoots is to not only have fun creating something awesome, but to allow us the opportunity to work with local suppliers we may not have worked with before, and in turn, showcase both them, and what we can offer you in the country, should you choose to keep it local.  

So in preparation for our summer shoot, we put our heads together to brainstorm something uniquely suited to our region, and invited an amazing bunch of both new and old businesses to contribute. And not only did they all do an incredible job, but they were also totally lovely to work with, which means we'll definitely be recommending them in the future! 

So a huge thanks to Nola at Faversham House for providing such a perfect backdrop (and a beautiful cool room to get ready in, on a very hot, sticky day!).  And to Jasmine Fowler for her incredible hair and makeup work with our fabulous model, Ash, to create a natural, summery boho look.  And to Kimberley from Blue Silk Design Studio for not only providing a stunning gown, but for tailoring it to Ash on the day. Also to Sue from Birdsnest Gallery of Old and New Things for all her gorgeous rustic knick knacks for our table styling, and to Angela from The Knotty Kiwi for her stunning macrame backdrop, flower wrap, table runner and chair pieces.  

And of course, to Sarah and Holly of Confetti & Co for providing the brief for a rustic, summery, vintage boho look, full of natural tones and pops of pink, peach and copper, and for their fabulous table and arbour styling on the day.  And to Sarah from Petallica Flower Co for all the beautiful blooms you see, and finally, to Lauren and Ben from Swift Hound Films for their incredible film footage, which I really can't begin to describe, so seriously, just watch it, people! 

And following is the result. Which I have no words for.  Except to say that I feel immensely proud (and lucky) to be surrounded by so many wonderful personalities, and such talent, right here where I live.  This is what we are capable of out here, and I think you'll agree, there's really no need to go to Perth, or to source your suppliers from the city, when planning a wedding or event in the Avon Valley or Wheatbelt!    

Nic + Tenielle | Rustic Farm Wedding, Merredin | 16 December 2017 {Perth, Avon Valley & Wheatbelt Photographer}

It was a typically warm and windy summers day for Nic and Tenielle's rustic farm wedding, held on the family property in Korbel (between Kellerberrin and Merredin), in Western Australia, a week before Christmas. 

With the ceremony held in a paddock surrounding historic Massingham's Rock, and a machinery shed converted into a stunning reception venue, this wedding had all the elements one could hope for at a rural Australian wedding.

A host of gorgeous details, including eucalyptus table runners, blackboards, wine barrels, hay bales, packing crates, vintage suitcases and crockery, hessian bunting and festoon lights, all came together to create a rustic, DIY vibe, perfectly suited to Nic and Tenielle's big day.   Add to that a full selection of drinks from the bar in the corner of the shed, some amazing food by the clever folk at Supper Road (all the way from Margaret River in the southwest!), and a close circle of family and friends, and you have everything you need for a totally awesome day.

A huge thanks to vendors Leanne Meldrum (celebrant), Bloom Tribe (flowers), Tenielle's sister Emma Growden (cake), Lush Hair & Makeup (makeup), Nicola Richards Hair Studio (hair), Tuscany Bridal (gown), MJ Bale (suits), and Supper Road (catering), who all helped make the day so memorable. 

Congratulations Nic and Tenielle, and thankyou so much for choosing me to cover your beautiful wedding for you, it was such a fabulous way for me to end the year!