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
Sonia and Jonny Got Married _ BPhotography
Sonia and Jonny Got Married.
On a perfect Spring Day in Tasmania, wedding bells rang for Sonia and Jonny, as they said their vows to each other in St John’s Church, Launceston, in a service led by Andrew Corbett from the Legana Christian Church.
The handmade order of service fitted with the theme of the day. Family and friends had spent hours making decorations for the church and reception venue; Velo Wines, Legana. Musical notes and love hearts were placed at the end of pews in the church and tied with organza bows, while thousands of glittery and shiny dots had been punched and strung as a curtain backdrop for the bridal table and around the front of it to sit like a skirt. Tables were brimming with romantic quotes, floral displays and candles. It all had a very intimate and happy feel.
As it was Grand Final Day and none of the bridal party were particularly interested in football. The service was held 1.30pm and reception not till 6, which gave guests the opportunity to go and watch the football and meant the bridal party could relax and have lots of photos taken.
What an amazing day! I just have to mention a few of the people behind the scenes. Firstly, a huge thank you to Bron Matthews for her amazing photography skills in capturing the boys beforehand and assisting me photographing the service. Two perspectives make for a wonderful record of the ceremony and capture the story of the day. The brides hair was done by Stephanie Brinkman owner of Lush Hair at the Seaport, Makeup by Natalie Stone. The dress was from Little White Boutique in Launceston and flowers from Kings Meadows Florist. It was such a pleasure to find that Juliane Di Sisto had flown in especially to sing with a great band and everyone was up dancing. Celebrating the fact that Sonia and Jonny Got Married!
I love weddings xx
Styled for Success _ BPhotography
It was amazing to witness the transformations of 5 slightly ‘self conscious’ women on Tuesday morning, just wearing their regular streetwear clothing and very little makeup, to confident business women with hair, makeup and clothing makeovers, playing up for the camera by lunchtime!
The Empowered Mums Business Network has partnered with Launceston’s style icons and high powered business women to host an evening filled with style, bubbles and silent auctions to raise awareness and funds for the Ovarian Cancer Association on Thursday, October 30th. Images from the photoshoot showing ‘befores and afters’ will be projected on the evening and discussed by compares Sue Rees, Sue Rees Modelling and deportment Agency and Christine Hepburn from the Defining Edge, explaining the importance of developing a personal style to reflect who you are and where you are going in your businesses. They will be discussing how to dress for personal branding as well as for your body shape and personality.
The Styled for Success makeover was a collaboration with Mary Kay cosmetic consultant Ari Powell, Nadine Hawkins – Jewellery from Park Lane and Amali Jewellery, Hair styling by Nita Baker and clothing from local Launceston businesses; Mi Lili, Postie fashions, Pretty Woman and Intimo.
Each woman, all busy Mum’s; running their own small businesses from home, were photographed on arrival without any direction and with very little introduction to me. I wanted to photograph them as they were … both headshot and full body photographs. You can see from how they are standing in these images that it wasn’t a comfortable experience, because they haven’t yet connected with me as a photographer. I photographed them again after being Styled for Success with hair, makeup and flattering clothes. When they were feeling more confident. I gave advice and tips on their presentation and how to stand to flatter the feminine figure. I relaxed them to enjoy their photoshoot. We battled wind with lots of laughs and amazing results.
I truly believe this makeover improved the confidence of every woman and now she has a profile picture to use across all social media business platforms. I have written a blog ‘ 9 tips to profile picture perfection ‘ http://bphotography.net.au/9-tips-for-profile-picture-perfection-_-bphotography/ if you would like to read more about this.
Thank you to our wonderful models for being involved and for trusting me to relax you in front of the camera and bring out your personality. I loved the opportunity to be a part of this important fundraiser.
Sarah Jordon-Ross (Owner of Asporea Wellness) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Mi Lili. Necklace by Park Lane
Julie Jones (Owner of Dine like Kings) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Mi Lili. Necklace by Park Lane
Liz Bowen (Owner of Tradigital with Liz) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Postie Fashions. Necklace by Park Lane
Nadine Hawkins (Juice Plus and Park Lane) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Pretty Woman. Necklace, bracelet and earrings by Park Lane
Nita Baker (Top Fashions Online) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Intimo. Bracelet and earrings by Park Lane.
Do you enjoy a night out with like-minded business women? Do you love keeping up with the latest fashions and professional styling? Perhaps you’ve been affected by Ovarian Cancer in some way?
Come and spend a Thursday night out with the girls, supporting a great cause, and empowering yourself with great advice from the fashion experts of Launceston.
Tickets available at http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=102222
Kochie’s Business Builders’ $100K Rescue My Site_BPhotography nominated!
Kochie’s Business Builders’ $100K Rescue My Site_BPhotography nominated!
Thank you to the very kind person who considered that my website BPhotography should be nominated in this competition as a Local Legend (in the Local Legend category). I am truly honoured 🙂
It would be so exciting to win as I have just been attending the online Social Media Success Summit #SMSS2014 and am a little overwhelmed by all the incredible resources I could use to take my small business website even further.
Thank you in advance for considering my nomination. Please help me get a makeover by clicking the link http://www.rescuemysite.com.au/nomination/bphotography-net-au/
David Koch, Kochie’s Business Builders, “believes when it comes to an online presence, Australian small businesses are lagging way behind. Less than 50% have any website at all, even though having a website makes you twice as likely to be growing. That number drops to 35% for businesses with less than 5 employees”.
KBB Digital is on a mission to transform the way Aussie businesses do business online. We’re here to ensure every shop and office, garage and kitchen, van and farm, salon and practice, is reaching their potential with a digital presence like no other. Small business is the engine of the economy, let’s keep that engine oiled and powering ahead. For more about Kochie’s Rescue My Website Competition, head here.
Sponsored by Renault, Driving small business and KBB, the Digital, web and search marketing experts for Australian small business.
Please share the details of this competition on your social media platforms and with your Facebook friends. For more information watch Kochie’s Business Builders, Australia’s top rating TV program for small business expertise, 11am Sunday mornings on Channel 7.
You may know a business that needs their website nominated, too 🙂
Thank you.
If you would like to read more about BPhotography, see my commission for Jetstar’s Inflight Magazine @ http://bphotography.net.au/?p=4105
A Very Special Portrait Shoot _ BPhotography
This was a very special portrait shoot for me.
I have known Zakk for years. He was just a teenager when he first assisted me, photographing the Launceston Cup a couple of times, many years ago. We have continued to mentor each other as time has gone on. Zakk has encouraged me to write and publish my thoughts and articles on Social Media, and I have given him tips and advice on photography and more recently, we have been brainstorming marketing ideas. I love that our friendship continues despite the big age gap, and I look forward to meeting up with him again soon to discuss a project we are working on together. Watch this space …
I was honoured when Zakk asked me to photograph him, with his gorgeous girlfriend Charlotte, in Hobart earlier this year. What a perfectly matched pair! They are so in love and I had the nicest afternoon as we walked along the Hobart Rivulet, just down from the Cascade Brewery, towards the city. We stopped when I found interesting spots for us to use for backdrops. Everything from confined alleyways to open grassy places. We chatted and laughed as Zakk and Charlotte relaxed and enjoyed themselves, often forgetting about me and my camera pointed in their direction. It is exactly what I love doing. Putting people into the perfect light and letting them be themselves.
Thanks Zakk and Charlotte. It was such a lovely afternoon xx
You may also like to read my most popular post this month
Mother of the Bride http://bphotography.net.au/mother-of-the-bride/
Two Little Girls and Their Kitten _ Family Portraiture Fun _ BPhotography
Who was it that said “Never Work with Children or Animals?”
They obviously didn’t know Stella & Zara or their new kitten!
I photographed the girls two years ago and it was so exciting to see how much they have grown. It was lovely chatting to Stella and hearing all her news. I was fascinated that she remembered my ladybug squeaky toy that I put on the front of my camera lens to make little people look and laugh. Zara was most intrigued with it this time 🙂 I met the newest addition to the family, a gorgeous inquisitive grey and white kitten and just had to take some photos of her playing with her toys, too!
The girls showed me their craft, their favourite dolls and Zara showed me how clever she is riding a ‘grown up’ bike. I loved that she read me a story. Stella has matured and the conversations were just gorgeous.
Family’s are so precious and I am always honoured when I am asked to capture the next stages in their children’s lives. Thank you Lauren and Ben. You have the most beautiful family. xx
Mother of the Bride
After photographing weddings for over 15 years now, it was very special to be able to take a step back on Saturday and simply enjoy being ‘Mother of the Bride’ at the marriage of my beautiful, first born daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth Fettke.
I did take some photos of the ‘girls getting ready’ before Jon Jarvela, our official photographer arrived, but then I happily put my camera down … I photographed the guests while the bridal party had their photographs taken and Bron, my dear sister, took some photos in the church and Cyn Lockhart allowed me to use some of hers in this blog 🙂 I didn’t take any photos of the bride and groom together, so I will have to wait for the official ones before I can share any! Jon is an amazing photographer and one of the nicest gentlemen you could ever meet. I highly recommend him as a wedding photographer. 
Kate married Edward Dowling on Saturday 11th October 2014, at St John’s Church in Launceston, Tasmania, on the most perfect spring day.
I simply can’t explain the emotions of happiness, excitement and overwhelming love that filled me on Saturday and in the lead up to this day. Theirs truly is a match made in heaven.
Megan, our youngest daughter, was home on holidays from university in Melbourne, when Kate arrived on the Sunday before the wedding. To have two excited girls in the house made Gary and I so happy.
Kate and Edward wanted ‘elegant simplicity’ and to incorporate personal touches and meaningful moments and that is exactly what their wedding became. They personalised their wedding with handmade invitations and gifts for their guests, using my Mum’s artwork. The generations of girls brought all their talents together. Designing, printing, cutting (literally thousands of fine art pieces), assembling and adding beautiful calligraphy to create the Save the Date’s, the Invitations, Order of Service, Menus and place cards to match the theme of palest pinks, whites and the lime greens of the flowers in Kate’s Bouquet.
Weddings are all about celebrating love and it draws together, family and friends, from the furthest corners of the world. What a beautiful way to reconnect and meet the most important people in Kate and Edwards lives. After a week of laughter and excited chatter in our house; with the girls getting ready here on Saturday; 56 people for breakfast/brunch and lunch on Sunday; and saying goodbye to the last of our interstate visitors last night … the house seems so quiet today … So glad I still have Tanja, our gorgeous cousin from Germany with me for a little longer.
The peace and quiet gives me time to reflect.
I have the deepest respect for Kate and Edward. These two young people are the most thoughtful, generous and kind beings whose hearts overflow with love. Love for each other and for their family and friends. The humble declaration of their love and commitment to each other, spoken simply through their vows in the presence of God, and in front of their closest family and friends, brought tears to my eyes. I looked across the aisle to Edwards parents, Sue and John, and knew in my heart that they felt the same love Gary and I have for Kate and Edward. We will cherish them in our family as I cherish Megan, William and his beautiful wife, Heidi. I am the luckiest Mum.
I truly have to thank some extraordinary people who have helped us in so many ways in the last year. But firstly, and very importantly, I have to thank my Mum, Rosemary Matthews. How lucky are we to have a Mum/grandmother who is such a talented artist! Kate and Edward have used one of her watercolour images throughout the printed details of their wedding. Huge thanks too, to Bron and Megan for laying out designs and cutting all the stunning Fine Art prints printed for us.
I would like to thank the following people for the time, thoughtfulness and wonderful help;-
Firstly, my husband Gary. Darling, you never complained, just gave unconditional love and support to Kate and I as we came up with ideas and smiled. Your letter to Kate was so beautiful and I watched you both with pride as you led her down the aisle to be married. I am so lucky to have you in my life xxx
Bron Matthews. You are my rock and the most thoughtful, giving person. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Love you xxx
Sue and John Dowling for being the parents of a truly wonderful young man. I couldn’t ask for anyone better suited, more loved nor more loving than your son Edward. He has been raised with the same family values we hold so highly. It is both Gary’s and my pleasure to call him our Son in Law and welcome Edward with open arms into our family xx
Heidi Sands you are so kind and helped Megan and I enormously! x
Bek Burrows, thank you for brainstorming with me and providing us with so many bits and pieces for the tables. They looked perfect x
Simon Olding, ICC Imagetec printed everything from the invitations to table placings. So, so beautiful.
Priscilla Hume, Newstead Hair … what would I ever do without you? Love, love, love! I felt so pretty 🙂
Grant Collins, Cachet Florist, you are an artisite … the flowers were absolutely gorgeous and exactly what Kate wanted. The bouquets, flowers in the church and on the tables at Josef Chromy (and now sitting at home dotted all around the house) are amazing x
Special thank you to Mary-Anne & Steve Klimeck your Premier Roses. You are the most incredible rose growers. I love that that your roses have featured so highly in both my children’s weddings. They are divine!!
Brianna Schipper, your attention to detail and beautiful care of the girls during their makeup session made them shine all day. What a star x
Kirby Manion, Loft Hair Salon, creator of beautiful hair styling 🙂 Thank you for being so gorgeous and talented!
Jon Jarvela for travelling up from Hobart to Photograph Kate and Edwards wedding. Kate and Edward were full of praise for your work. Can’t wait to see the photos!
Reverend Matias Socorro for your prayers and service in marrying Kate and Edward. St John’s is such a beautiful church.
Thanks to Thomas Heggaton and Dylan Browning for being Ushers at the Church.
William Fettke, Thank you for all your help with the music and running errands on Saturday and especially for doing the reading for Edward and Kate. It was perfect. I loved seeing all my children up on the alter at the same time xx
Nicole McLoughlin and the incredible team at Josef Chromy’s. WOW! Amazing setting, amazing service and the food was out of this world. Thank you!
Ben Thorpe, you were such a wonderful MC. You had me from the start when you ‘crumpled Kate’s organised list’ and tossed it away. Thanks for loving them both and keeping everything on track.
Jemma Frankhouser TV Cakes – the prettiest wedding cake I have ever seen.
Lyn Brook for making 2 extra cakes for serving at the reception … even Gary broke his no fructose/low carb diet to taste your cake. Simply out of this world. YUM
Richard Price, a beautiful friend who donned a cap to drive Gary and Kate to the church, then Edward and Kate to the reception venue, held balloons and loved unconditionally. PS – what a party animal haha! Carving up the dance floor!
Well Strung – Jeano, Damien and Jai, thank you for the most awesome music. You had everyone up dancing. So much fun! What a band.
Cyn Lockhart, thank you kindly for allowing me to use your photographs. So very much appreciated.
Thanks also to Kelly and staff at the Xerox Shop 186 Charles St, Launceston for all the other things we had printed. Amazing quality and service!
I have to thank all the bridal party, Megan Fettke, Hamish Dowling, Emma Brook, James Cordner, Sarah Pill and Jonathon Grigg. What a great team, especially Megan and Hamish for being the ‘best people’. Maid of Honour and Best Man to Kate and Edward. They couldn’t have asked for anyone more dedicated to them, more loving or more supportive on their wedding day. So proud of you both and your speeches rocked!!
Lastly, but not least, I want to thank all our family and friends for helping us to celebrate Kate and Edward’s wedding. What a truly magical day xxx
You may also like to read about a wedding I styled in an apple orchard http://bphotography.net.au/congratulations-to-emma-scott-on-their-wedding-at-grindelwald-tasmania_bphotography/
My ABC Radio Interview with BJ King _ BPhotography
League of Extraordinary Women
I am honoured to have been invited to speak to the League of Extraordinary Women on Tuesday the 7th October, at their Launceston luncheon at the Cataract on Paterson. I will be sharing my story about turning my passion into a dream job; discussing how I started my business; and the best ways I have found to market myself and my business, BPhotography, using Social Media.
Joanna Hewson, the League Crusader for the Launceston Chapter of the League of Extraordinary Women has been a great support in the past few weeks and I am excited to become a part of this inspiring group of like-minded women.
I was interviewed about the luncheon and ‘my story’ on Tuesday morning by a wonderful lady I have known and photographed for a very long time. Belinda J King hosts the Breakfast Programme at 6.55am for ABC Radio Northern Tasmania 91.7, but I have known her from our mutual association with local theatre 14 years ago.
BJ King interview with Belinda Fettke ABC Radio Tasmania
I have had the most incredible opportunities to photograph people and places in the last 14 years and with the amazing support and encouragement from family, friends and my gorgeous clients, I have gone from a hobby “scrapbooker” to a fully accredited AIPP photographer with a bit of a flair for storytelling.
It didn’t happen overnight, but the journey has been incredible and I am looking forward to what the future may hold.
You may also like to read my most popular post this month
Mother of the Bride http://bphotography.net.au/mother-of-the-bride/
CMK Distributors Environ® Tasmania Launch at Josef Chromy Wines _ BPhotography
I was honoured to be a part of this amazing event at Josef Chromy’s Function Centre in Launceston last Friday night, where 80 people gathered for the launch of Monique Kode’s new website; CMK Distributors for Environ® Skin Care Range, Tasmania. http://cmkdistributors.com.au
The evening, aptly titled, ‘The Beauty of Ageing’ introduced Jo Palmer as the Brand Ambassador and Face of Environ® Tasmania. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful person to take this role. In her words … “In my crazy life as an anchor news presenter, mother of four, wife and daughter, I have finally found a simple product that does what is says it will do with no fuss and no effort. Environ® is not just a product, it’s a way of life. A reminder that taking the time to look after ourselves as women, both inside and out, is how we flourish. Everything about Environ® makes sense. No fancy packaging or artificially scented gimmicks are needed when the product is so good. Sometimes there is only one moment in a day that is actually ‘about me’ and that’s the moment I can clean my face and put nourishment back into my skin. I am not going to waste that one precious moment on just any product and that is why I use Environ®“.
The Environ® philosophy is ‘a beautiful skin for a lifetime’ which aligns perfectly with Monique’s passion for long term skin health care, including nutrition. The table centre pieces were terracotta pots with a mix of lettuces growing in them. 
The evening would not have been the success it was, without the care and attention to detail by the staff at Josef Chromy’s. Not only did we enjoy some of the finest wines in the world, but we also ate the most delicious meal. A meal based on a Low Carbohydrate option with local, seasonal, Tasmanian produce to nourish our bodies, including our skin.
Thank you to Monique Kode for organising such a wonderful evening. xx
Christine Hepburn, The Defining Edge http://www.the-defining-edge.com hosted the evening and ‘spoke on the couch’ with Monique Kode about her vision for the company.
Mr Gary Fettke www.diabeteshealthcentre.com.au spoke about the nutritional basis of health and the effects poor diet has on the skin, while Mr Gary Kode http://www.lpsu.com.au shared the importance of topical vitamins to keep your skin healthy and his passion for Environ. 
You may also like to read my post about Jo Palmer – The Face of Environ is up on the blog now http://bphotography.net.au/?p=1761
A Celebration of Family _ Bphotography
I love photographing young families and seeing how excited big sisters’ are with a new baby brother in the house. Whilst Tom was almost 4 months old at the time of our session, he was still very little and adored by his sister, Amelia. Cuddles on the couch, reading books together, and lots of laughs.
After photographing the young family at home, Seb, Mel and the kids ventured off with me to Tamar Island. The weather was warm and Amelia loved modelling for me with her family. She twirled and danced on the boardwalk and chattered away happily. Tom smiled and watched everything going on. He is such a happy contented baby.
Lovely family!
Thank you for asking me to photograph you all, Seb. x
Jo Palmer _ The Face of Environ® Tasmania _ BPhotography
The Environ® Skin Care philosophy is to ‘maintain a beautiful skin for a life time’, no matter what your age, skin tone or gender may be and Jo Palmer is living proof of that. She is a beautiful woman inside and out, and I felt very privileged to photograph her as the Face of Environ® Skin Care Products for CMK Distributors, Tasmania. Monique Kode launched her business with a passion for long term skin care and is committed to partnering with clients and stockists. http://cmkdistributors.com.au/cmk-founder
Monique Kode_CMK Distributors
Environ believes that when a woman reaches her 30’s, the fun had in the 20s – parties, sunbathing, drinking (and smoking) – starts to show on her skin. It changes and begins to thin, making it more vulnerable to the environment. This is also the career-building, child-rearing decade so skin may suffer the ravages of too-little sleep and added stresses.
The first wrinkles start developing; skin cells begin gradually losing elasticity, moisture lessens and the surface of the skin becomes drier. Cell turnover slows down and the complexion becomes less toned and uneven. Light wrinkles on the forehead, laughter lines, crow’s feet and under-eye puffiness may start to show. In order to put off these ageing effects, you should step up your skincare routine by using richer moisturisers containing stronger doses of vitamin A and antioxidants. It is also best to focus on protective skincare during the day, by using a broad spectrum sunscreen as well as day and night moisturisers containing vitamin A.
Jo Palmer, as the face of Environ® Tasmania, is used to being in the public eye. Formerly Miss Tasmania, Jo went on to receive the Miss Australia Title in 1993, and became the first Tasmanian to win the award since 1927. She is a past recipient of the “Tasmanian of the Year” for her charity and community work, which she continues today. She is a prominent speaker at a number of Tasmanian charity and community functions and presents the half-hour program “Southern Cross Nightly News” in Tasmania.
Currently residing in Launceston, Jo is married to Professional Latin American Dancer Andrew Palmer and has four children, Henry, Lily, Charlie and Alfie. “In my crazy life as an anchor news presenter, mother of four, wife and daughter, I have finally found a simple product that does what is says it will do with no fuss and no effort. Environ® is not just a product, it’s a way of life. A reminder that taking the time to look after ourselves as women, both inside and out, is how we flourish. Everything about Environ® makes sense. No fancy packaging or artificially scented gimmicks are needed when the product is so good.
Sometimes there is only one moment in a day that is actually ‘about me’ and that’s the moment I can clean my face and put nourishment back into my skin. I am not going to waste that one precious moment on just any product and that is why I use Environ®“.
Sometimes there is only one moment in a day that is actually about me and that’s the moment I can clean my face and put back into my skin. I am not going to waste that one precious moment on just any product and that is why I use Environ®“.
You may also like to read my most popular post this month ‘Mother of the Bride’
