Hi, I am Belinda Fettke.
I am a wife and mother of 3 grown children.
I was a registered nurse in a past life.
After 13 years as a stay at home Mum, I ventured back into the workforce as the PR Marketing photographer for Scotch Oakburn College for 8½ years. This involved covering every aspect of school life, in which I immersed myself and loved that I could capture kids being kids in a state of the art educational facility. I could celebrate their achievements, their friendships and their growth to mature young adults. It was a very precious time and I learned so much about photography and ventured into Social Media.
I began my own photography business BPhotography over 7 years now.
I consider myself a storyteller and am drawn to passionate, creative people … hence my bi-line “the Art of Storytelling”. I want to capture memories and share stories through the visual medium of photography. I especially love photographing people and consider myself lucky to do something I love as ‘work’.
I find inspiration in the simple things around me, in love, in family and in amazing literature. To convey an emotion and feel something real from an image or written words is incredible to me.
I look for light to see where it falls and the shadows it creates. I find textures intriguing.
I love to laugh and I sing whenever I feel like singing. I sing to my steering wheel regularly on long drives – it makes me happy!
I am humbled by the wonderful people I have met through my work, my photography, my association with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and allied resources. Humbled that I have permission to capture the deep essence of true emotions and precious moments in time. Often these moments can’t be repeated. I am honoured to capture people’s stories and thankful that I can share them.
While I specialize in wedding photography, family and children’s portraiture I also photograph pregnancies, newborns and pets. I am happy to go to special places for my client portraiture, somewhere that has true meaning for them.
I take time to perfect my craft, to know what I love and to be inspired and inspire others.
I am proud of the work I produce.
I am an Artisan.
Dog on a balcony in Venice
Justin Paul – a touch of Europe in George Street
A touch of Europe in George Street.
Centrally located in Launceston, Tasmania, Justin Paul makes a big impression from the start. Situated in the heart of George Street, its ever changing seasonal window displays highlight the latest fashions from around the world and grab the passerby’s attention juxtaposing colour and modern styling with the building’s elegant Victorian façade, dating back to 1865.
Passionate fashionista’s will be in their element stepping into the luxuriously appointed women’s boutique, opened in 2009, with its signature green lampshades hung from the ceiling and single racks of International and Australian designer labels, including Kenzo, Jaeger and Marc Cain lining each wall. 
Experience the fashion trends for each season and then compliment your designer outfit with matching accessories.
I believe the charm of Justin Paul lies in its unmistakably luxurious fitout, with a down to earth and inviting feel, much like Annette Wyvell who now runs the business.
88a George Street, Launceston
+61(3) 6331 5095
http://www.justinpaul.com.au
Chelsea & Marc’s Wedding Celebrations at Josef Chromy Wines
“Life is short & if you ever come across a beautiful, exciting crazy moment in it, you got to seize it while you can before the moment’s gone.” Ted Moseby
Chelsea and Marc set out to create a romantic themed wedding with a modern edge in Tasmania and they succeeded. As most of their family and friends were coming from interstate for the celebrations, they felt it was important to not only showcase the incredible local produce, both food and wine, but share their celebrations in a stunning local venue.
Award winning Josef Chromy Wines in Relbia did not disappoint. Guests witnessed Chelsea and Marc make their nuptuals to each other in one of the most beautiful settings in Northern Tasmania.
It was the very first wedding in the recently constructed Lakeside Wedding Pavilion at Josef Chromy. Nestled on the water’s edge, the white painted wooden pavilion created a romantic atmosphere with ducks and geese swimming by and an incredible backdrop of vineyards.
The light rain that fell at the start of the service did not dampen any spirits, and in fact, made for beautiful light for our photography and added a little quirkiness with all the umbrella’s on display for a few minutes.
The rain cleared and the sun even glimpsed through the clouds for a few moments as if sending a small blessing down on Chelsea and Marc. It was just perfect!
Starting at Chelsea’s parents house in Trevallyn with the girls getting ready in the morning became a sign of how the day would develop. Laughter and stories of friendships were shared while nail polish was applied, Katrina Lockhart from Convict Cutters created the hair styling and Krista McCrimmon did the makeup. Two incredibly talented women who transformed the bridal party in a few short hours. And, what a gorgeous setting for photos with lots of childhood memories around. So much fun!
Bron, my second shooter and best friend, captured the boy’s story while I photographed the girls. Marc wore a Hugo Boss pale blue striped suit with a navy blue bow tie and the guys were dressed in navy blue Oxford suits with tan shoes.
Chelsea’s dress was created by Andrea Gorrie Bridal Couturier in Melbourne along the design concept the two of them came up with; to incorporate white Ostrich feathers into the voluminous skirting and French lace in the delicate fitted bodice with shoestring straps. The bouquets were made with love by Emma Bird of ‘Life as Little Bird’ and were stunning with pale pink roses and soft blue grey foliage complimenting the velvety pale skin of the bride. The bridesmaids were wearing navy blue Alannah Hill dresses.
The weather all morning was wild and there was almost constant rain on the hills in the distance, but very little in Launceston. When Chelsea walked down the white carpeted aisle on her father’s arm, it brought a tear to Marc’s eyes and he looked at her like his world had new purpose. It was such a powerful affirmation of his deep love for her and she glowed with happiness.
Chelsea’s Godfather, Kelvin Todd, married the pair who had close friends Winnie, Stephanie, Glen and Tim standing beside them in their Bridal Party.
The wonderful food and wines of the region topped off the reception with a 10 course degustation sampling and lots of great music to dance along to. The attention to detail in the food displays with small autumn touches created the feeling that you were outside in the vineyard, especially with all the natural light flooding in. It was a perfect wedding and celebration of two very special people.
I was honoured to be a part of Chelsea and Marc’s day. Thank you xx
Family Portraiture on the East Coast of Tasmania_BPhotography
I was excited when Rebecca contacted me about photographing their growing family again. It will be my third venture down to Scamander to do their family portraiture on the east coast of Tasmania.
My first visit was to photograph Amelia when she was just a baby, and then I went back down when Fletcher was a year old. We decided to do more of a documentary style shoot this time when Henry turned one, starting the session at a nearby, favourite watering hole where the kids skimmed rocks and paddled at the waters edge, building dams and just having fun! While rain threatened and we were sprinkled on now and then, this spot was calm and free of the cold winds that hit us when we got to the beach.
But, what a view!! The east coast of Tasmania is one of my favourite places in the world. The bright aqua/turquoise waters were sparkling in the intermittent sunshine with white frothy caps, contrasting starkly with the grey clouds and soft shapes of the blue haze mountains as a backdrop. There wasn’t another person around … pure magic. Small shells were dotted along the white sandy beach. The kids and Fergus, their dog, were in heaven running along the waters edge, splashing, jumping the waves and playing with with their Mum and Dad, Rebecca and Scott.
Thank you so much for asking me to come and photograph your gorgeous family. It was so much fun! I know you said no more kids, Scott … we will have to think of another reason to photograph you again.
Belinda x
With Keys & Locks, Hearts Become One _ BPhotography
Wild weather didn’t stop the excitement, nor could it dampen the heartfelt emotion and love overflowing from family and friends at Olivia & Richard’s wedding celebrations on Friday 16th January, 2015.
Olivia and Richard set out to create a Downton Abbey themed wedding with a modern edge and they succeeded. The garden party moved inside, but the attention to detail and the stunning glass walls created the feeling that you were outside and natural light flooded the venue. It was a perfect wedding and celebration of two very special people.
Starting at Heritage Hair Gallery, St Leonards, with the girls getting ready in the morning was a sign of how the day would become. Laughter and stories of friendships were shared while Sam Swierc created hair styling and Brianna Schipper did makeup. Two incredibly talented women who transformed the bridal party in a few short hours. And what a gorgeous setting for photos with gold gilded mirrors, black and white wallpapers and hundreds of antique pieces displayed in the salon. So much fun!
We went back to Olivia’s family home to finish getting ready and the boys dressed at the couple’s home.
Bron, my second shooter and best friend, captured the boy’s story while I photographed the girls. Louise Scott from Timeless Elegance came to help Liv get into her dress and it became a real family affair. The bouquets made with love by Emily Titmus, Apple Blossom Weddings, were stunning as always, with latte roses complimenting the soft belt Olivia wore around her waist.
The guys, looked handsome in grey suits with tan shoes and buttonholes with a key attached. Richard’s suit was from Routley’s and the guys found theirs at Roger David. I loved the simple grey edging on Richard’s shirt giving small detail with no need for a tie.
The wind was wild and increasing all the time, but the only change that was needed for the service was a slight relocation to be moved inside. Richard worked with the staff at Quamby Estate, the groomsmen and florist, Emily Titmus, to set up helium filled Silver and White balloons, and decorate the inside of Quamby instead of the gardens and it truly looked stunning.
When Olivia walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, it brought a tear to Richard’s eyes and he looked at her like his world had new purpose. It was such a powerful affirmation of his deep love for her and she glowed with happiness.
Victoria Simon, as the marriage celebrant, started the ceremony by introducing the Bridal Party; Teresa, Tali, Kurt, Mitch and Sean and the ring bearer, Tali’s young son, Will. She then asked everyone to raise their right hand and repeat after her, the guests’ vows with everyone promising to have a great time and enjoy their special day. All the guests promised to eat all the food, drink all the wine and introduce themselves to others throughout the evening. They promised to bust-a-move on the dance floor and celebrate!
Another really special part of the service was the Love-Lock Ceremony which originated in Eastern Europe … a very fitting ritual as the couple have Lithuanian & Polish heritage. Using a padlock and tiny keys, Olivia and Richard locked together their enduring love, closing the padlocks so they can never be pulled apart. In this ritual, their love is fastened in absolute, eternal unity. The keys were then tied to a helium balloon and released later in the afternoon. The padlocks were put into a small glass box with their names etched onto it.
Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote: “Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness” So, I guess you could say that the motif of ‘key to my heart’ became a thing that took and became a life of its own.
Olivia spent hours and hours with family and friends helping to make intricate and meaningful table decorations. Some of the details included vintage key boxes. The image on the rear of the boxes was photoshopped by their friend Tom Wilson, then the purple stencil work on the images was hand painted by Richard and Olivia. Keys inside the boxes were all threaded and tied as part of the ‘Sweat Shop Team’ including Olivia’s parents and some extra support from Kurt’s girlfriend, Emily.
Lizzie Benstead helped create the menus along with Bruno & Debbie Jankus. Lizzie hand glued over 700 pearls to the menus and the gift bags, which had iron on transfers and custom embossed stamping as well. Every single menu at the reception was unique, each having different embellishments. Chinese paper fans lay in a basket with vintage lace lining and were given out to the girls during the speeches.
The candlesticks and metal buckets were hand painted and distressed by Olivia, and she had so much fun doing them! Lots of the tiered cake stands were borrowed from friends and sat on the lolly buffet which had a floral two tiered painted cake stand from Italy, which belonged to Olivia’s grandparents, who had received it for their wedding as a gift, and now has been passed on to the newly weds. The kiss biscuits were an old family recipe, from Liv’s Grandmamma which were baked by her mum, Debbie and her bestie, Tracey, with help from Grandmamma and Kurt.
The Cake was made from purple and green macaroons from Delicious Little Things with a chocolate mud cake on top. 
Kurt, Liv’s ‘bridesman’, stood in for their sister Reanna as maid of honour, and was also the DJ for the night, bringing in his sound gear from home. Hard to believe that all normally lives in his bedroom! Kurt has a healthy respect for classics and the Midnight Special from cars certainly got the people moving!
I was honoured to be a part of Olivia and Richard’s day. Thank you xx
‘Trash the Dress’ Photoshoot on Flinders Island _ BPhotography
I am smiling writing this post!
When I met up with Rachael and Brendan a year ago to discuss their wedding plans, they mentioned their dogs and how they wished we could include them in their wedding photos, but it all seemed a bit too difficult at the time. As we chatted more and I heard their Honeymoon plans for a 2 week holiday, just a short plane trip off the North East tip of Tasmania, we began to think about a doing a Honeymoon photoshoot with the dogs instead of an engagement photoshoot. 
Over the last year our plan has evolved.
Rachael and Brendan were married on the 16th December at Brickendon, Longford. Such a beautiful ceremony, perfect weather and much love. Their wedding can be seen here http://bphotography.net.au/wedding-vows-with-peonys-roses-and-lace-at-brickendon_bphotography/
They left for Flinders Island on a private charter flight on Monday afternoon with Brendan’s groomsman Jason, his partner Ashley and her son Kobi. Kate, the close family friend they were going to stay with on the Island, flew home with them from the wedding. They had ‘Bear’ their dog and a wedding dress/suit on board as well.
Gary and I joined them on Tuesday the 19th. It was such a fun and relaxing two days. Kate was so welcoming and we all pitched in helping to cook meals and clean up. We got to play with the young orphan wombats she raises and explore the Island. It was stunning and each place we stopped just so beautiful.
We all jumped into the four wheel drive and did some touring on the Tuesday morning and planned for our photoshoot. The sun was shining and it was beautiful and warm, but winds and rain were predicted later in the day, so we brought the timing forward from an evening shoot to a lunch time one.
We started at Lady Barron Beach with old pier posts jutting out at low tide. The sand was white and the water sparklingly clear. The boulders had orange markings and were striking backdrops to the photos. Rachael wore her rose tinged wedding dress, hair loose and walked the beaches barefoot. Brendan wore his pale blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up and his light tan suit pants and vest. ‘Bear’ was in heaven and ran around in circles and up and down the beach, just wanting to play. It was very romantic. 
Then, as the tide came in and the wind began to rise, we moved to Trousers Point nestled below Mount Strzelecki in the National Park. It was a secluded and deserted stretch of sand. We could have been on a tropical island, not one stuck in the cold rugged Bass Strait! The water was blue green and warm, seriously warm! Rachael and Brendan and Bear played in the waters edge, then we climbed up onto the rocks and took photos with Mount Strzelecki covered in light low cloud as the backdrop.
You forget how heavy a wet wedding dress can be, even if it is just a few inches of the bottom when it is so full and has so many layers. Climbing the rocks was a little tricky to maintain Rachael’s balance and at one stage the two of us nearly slipped. Luckily we could laugh about it. And the photos were so worth it.
Thanks for an amazing time, a wonderful opportunity and such fun company Rachael and Brendan. We loved gatecrashing your honeymoon and adored our ‘Trash the Dress’ Photoshoot on Flinders Island in a celebratory, romantic way. Thanks also for sharing your best friends, Jase and Ashley and for your wonderful hospitality dear Kate. We hope to visit again one day.
I would love to do more destination photoshoots. They are fun and I love ‘creating the moment’ in amazing surroundings and thinking on the spot. Watch this space …
Wedding Vows with Peony’s, Roses and Lace at Brickendon_Bphotography
Congratulations to Rachael & Brendan on their beautiful wedding celebrations at Brickendon on Saturday, 13th December 2014.
Brickendon is such a gorgeous setting at this time of year. Green pastures, baby farm animals and love in the air.
Rachael and the girls; Rebecca, Megan, Paige, Cassie, Danielle and Jenna, had their hair and makeup done at the Hair Parlour in Georgetown, before heading into Longford to get ready at the historic Brickendon Cottage. The bride wore a Maggie Sottero dress from Timeless Elegance and Brendan and the guys; Jason, Scott, Ryan and Toby wore light brown suits with vests from Routleys. The Bouquets were filled with pink & peach coloured Peony’s and Roses with touches of mint from Appleblossom Weddings and these flowers were also used to decorate Brickendon barn in mint green vases, old family wedding photographs lined one wall, with touches of antique lace bunting around the room. 
So looking forward to our ‘celebrate the dress’ photoshoot at the beach with Rachael & Brendan’s dogs, Ted & Marley, on Flinders Island tomorrow evening. xx
Congratulations on your Wedding Katrina & Kevin_Bphotography
Katrina & Kevin got married on the 2nd last day of Spring on a gorgeous property called ‘The Moat’ near Carrick in Northern Tasmania. It was a stunning setting for the family celebration which saw their children and grandchildren in their Bridal party.
There was a carpet of rose petals edged with purple and black golf balls and Katrina’s dog, Mandy, walked her down the decorated aisle. After the wedding vows there was a Rose Ceremony and the official part of the day finished with a surprise guard of honour made by family and friends holding golf sticks above their heads.
The reception was held at JJ’s Bakery in Longford.
Such a lovely afternoon, thank you xx
Commercial Photography at Woodridge Farm_Bphotography
What a treat for me! To photograph the newly established “at Woodbridge Farm” boutique accommodation in Relbia, just outside of Launceston last week.
At Woodridge Farm is a lifestyle accommodation which can accommodate up to 10 guests. Set amongst 8 acres of rolling pasture and 200 year old peppermint gums on the ridge, we offer a unique and tranquil stay where you can relax and enjoy the setting ; feed the black face Suffolk sheep ; feed the chickens and collect their eggs and pick your own vegetables and fruit . The interior has been decorated in a vintage industrial farmhouse style to compliment the home , with some feature key antique pieces. We hope when people visit our property they can enjoy all the features that a small hobby farm has to offer and visit many of the amazing other wineries and great sites available in and around the Launceston area. A full Website will be available soon ; but in the meantime all inquires can be made at thevintagerose8@bigpond.com or by phoning 0409172438.
I Love Weddings _ Congratulations Mr & Mrs Rice _ BPhotography
I Love Weddings and this one was pretty special to me.
I met Josh and Jenelle through photographing Cameron & Jess’s wedding and we clicked straight away. I loved their sense of humour and love for each other and both the engagement shoot and wedding photography was easy. How could I have any trouble capturing true love?
I photographed Josh and his mates, Lachie, Bradley, Jason, Brett, Trev and Blackie up at his Grandparents farm Mathinna on the Friday night before the wedding. Josh’s Dad, Dean, his brother, Dan, and Grandparents were excited to join in the fun and it was made extra special being in a place Josh had spent so much time at when he was growing up. Bold Hawaiian shirts juxtaposed with the long yellow-green grasses in the paddocks and the soft colour palette of the farm. The chickens and cows were intrigued by the visitors and the whole session was relaxed and fun. We visited the Mathinna Pub before heading home through low cloud. Tassie is just so beautiful. 
The girls got ready at The Loft Salon in Launceston. I have always wanted to photograph there. Such beautiful light, large open plan salon and awesome hair stylists. Debbie, Jenelle’s Mum watched on while Jenelle, Tegan, Lucy, Dominique and Jadis were pampered and looked so gorgeous in their white singlets and jeans with hair and makeup. I suggested a quick photoshoot nearby before heading out to Strathmore to finish getting ready. 
Strathmore is just past Evandale, an historic home with stunning gardens, just perfect for a wedding ceremony. Josh’s Grandparents had made an archway for the young couple to stand beneath and cute signs were dotted around the grounds to give them a ‘Jenelle & Josh’ feel.
Did I mention “i love weddings”?
The ceremony was led by Dee Potter in front of family and friends on a perfect Saturday afternoon.
We stopped for photos at a couple of places on our way back to the reception at the Cataract on Paterson, including a private house with a huge swing in the backyard. It was very romantic!
Congratulations Jenelle & Josh. Wishing you every happiness in your future lives together and looking forward to continuing to be a part of your adventures.
Belinda xx
A Sparkling Saffire Wedding for Jakki & Ben _ BPhotography
It was all the little things that came together to make Jakki & Ben’s Saffire Wedding so special.
Arriving by helicopter on their own, Jakki and Ben had a few moments of peace and quiet before their guests and children arrived at Saffire by car.
Their 3 children; Amelie, Billie and Cash played an integral part in the ceremony and the celebrations afterwards. Every little detail was thought of, in creating Jakki & Ben’s Saffire Wedding on the East Coast of Tasmania and it was even more beautiful than I could have imagined. The luxury setting, delectable Tasmanian produce, and impeccable service and attention to detail by the staff at Saffire ensured a magical day. Sheree Larsen, Civil Celebrant, married Jakki & Ben in front of close family on the 12th November 2014, with the magestic Hazards as backdrop for their nuptuals. The weather was perfect and the water sparkled.
The children were on their best behaviour and watched with excitement as Jakki & Ben said “I Do”. Amelie was intrigued with the romance of it all and held her flowers proudly, standing and watching, with a real feeling of importance. The smile barely left her face. Billie was intrigued with the flowers, and the confetti and her very pretty dress and happily amused herself and others with her cheeky smile, while Cash slept in his pram through most of the ceremony, but woke in time for family photos and smiled for the rest of the afternoon, especially when the cake was cut.
The children were on their best behaviour and watched with excitement as Jakki & Ben said “I Do”. Amelie was intrigued with the romance of it all and held her flowers proudly, standing and watching, with a real feeling of importance. The smile barely left her face. Billie was intrigued with the flowers, and the confetti and her very pretty dress and happily amused herself and others with her cheeky smile, while Cash slept in his pram through most of the ceremony, but woke in time for family photos and smiled for the rest of the afternoon, especially when the cake was cut.
Thank you for inviting me to be part of such a special day, Jakki & Ben. It was such a pleasure for me xx
