Collings Property Services Web & Brochure Redesign _ BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Sep 12, 2014 in Blog Post, Commercial | 2 comments

I was contacted by Gary Jeffreys from Collings Property Services www.collingspropertyservices.com.au to do a commercial photoshoot for them to update their web page and brochures.

Speaking with Gary and Matthew Collings, I understood they were after images that showed staff working in a professional manner in a ‘real environment’, a workplace they commercially cleaned; using upright and backpack vacuums, a fully equipped cleaning trolley and their commercial truck/van which houses a water heating pump and dirty water storage for carpet cleaning. They wanted me to photograph their new uniforms and the cleaning products they use. Matthew also wanted an updated profile picture for use on his business social media platform, LinkedIn.

After discussions, we agreed to photograph at the Eskleigh Home, Perth, Northern Tasmania where they have a contract to clean commercially. This sort of cleaning service is Collings Property Services specialty. A place where the cleaning staff have to be professional and respectful of the disabled residents needs and cleanliness is paramount to the health of the patients. I was so impressed on my short visit watching the cleaning staff interact with the Eskleigh residents and how spotlessly clean the home was.

Collings Property Services have been a family run business since 1982 and pride themselves on quality service and value to their customers. They have 3rd party accreditation for cleaning office complexes, educational institutions, industrial sites, health and medical establishments, retail/commercial premises and government buildings.

Thank you for such a great opportunity to share your business and I am very much looking forward to our next photoshoot, Matthew.

You may also like to read about my Jetstar Inflight Magazine Commission http://bphotography.net.au/jetstar-inflight-magazine_local-businesses-in-george-street-launceston_bphotography/

Music is the Gift of Love_ BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Sep 11, 2014 in Blog Post, Engagement | 2 comments

I believe that music is a gift and that the ‘gift of music’ is shared on this earth more than any other gift I know. To create music is to breathe magic. Music has the capacity to express emotion, it assuages our loneliness and incites our passion. Music truly is an artform of the purest sense.

When I met Sonia and Jonny and listened to their wedding plans and heard about ‘their story’ I knew that we would have to involve music somehow. Jonny not only plays the violin and piano, but writes his own music and has written a piece for Sonia to walk down the aisle to. Sonia sings and teaches others her skill. How could we not make the engagement session about ‘music being the gift of love’?

I found a gorgeous disused driveway overgrown with weeds to put an antique piano into. The bare wintery trees lining the drive created a whimsical backdrop and the sunlight was diffused by my trusty piece of white fabric hung up in the branches. I just have to say a huge thank you to Sonia and Jonny’s dear friends – Mike and Karen – for helping us move the piano from my home to the shoot and back home again. Even with the metal removed it is incredibly heavy! Thanks also to Bron Matthews for holding reflectors and being amazing and patient as always.

When two like-minded souls meet and they find music together, their love has the ability to transcend into something very special. A beautifully spiritual connection of heart, mind and soul. What a gorgeous engagement photoshoot with a piano, a violin and music – the gift of love!

I feel honoured and blessed to have captured their love, their gift of music and can’t wait for Sonia and Jonny’s wedding in two weeks xx

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/

Winter Wedding Details at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery _ BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Sep 11, 2014 in Blog Post, Wedding | 0 comments

Despite it being the weekend most likely to snow (if you go by the stats for the last twenty years), the lack of snow and the ‘flattened’ groomsman (a cardboard cutout after the aforementioned groomsman was deployed on Naval Duty), added to the uniqueness of this incredible celebration of love between Bec and Brad in the Heritage Listed; Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park .

Bron and I drove up to the Cradle Mountain Chateau http://www.cradlemountainchateau.com.au/on Friday afternoon and went exploring after unpacking our things. It was incredibly mild compared to the weather we had been experiencing recently and my Bride’s hopes of a white wedding became less and less likely as the afternoon wore on. I set out to have a look around the area to get some ideas for photography, knowing the Bride and Groom were seeing each other for a “First Look” before the wedding ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

The wedding and reception were to be held in the Wilderness Gallery, a purpose built showcase for environmental photography. Most of the images on display in the ten room gallery are taken by Australian photographers including a room devoted to Peter Dombrovskis Tasmanian Landscape work. There was an abundance of natural light flooding the spaces and a warmth that invited you to linger and enjoy.

Well, you can imagine my excitement at finding a tiny bit of unmelted snow in a protected spot on the south side of the Wilderness Gallery! I quickly found the ‘groom to be’ and asked him for the rings, knowing the snow would be all melted by the next morning. I photographed the bouquets by Janita Preshaw from www.beautifulflowersnadgifts.com.au  in the same spot. The flowers looked absolutely stunning laying on a log we found nestled in amongst the moss and lichen.

Bron and I had an early start on Saturday morning, photographing the bride and her bridesmaids in their room enjoying breakfast and getting excited about the day ahead. We checked on the groom and his friends in the dining area and made plans for the day.

I started photographing the details in amongst mossy branches and little nooks and crannies, which became far more challenging than I originally thought it would be. An unpredictable gusty breeze and intermittent rain adding to the challenges of setting up the props and keeping them safe. The wildlife kept me company with potaroos, pademelons, Bennets wallabies, currawongs and ravens, all most intrigued with the soft white fabric I used as a tent structure, pegged to the nearby branches. My attempt to protect shoes, ties, jewellery and their printed vows from the elements and create diffused lighting paid off.

The ‘First Look’ was achieved on the start of the hiking track that fringes the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The weather had improved and the sun shone through light cloud. I placed Brad just below their accommodation, with Bec’s Mum, her hairdresser and all the bridal party watching on. It was so romantic. Myrtle, tree ferns, celery top & King Billy pines and the palm-like Pandani and Button Grasses lined the track. Brad had his back turned and I encouraged Bec to get closer and closer. To whisper in his ear, but wouldn’t let Brad turn around … not yet. It is always a very special moment … The first time the groom lays his eyes on his beautiful bride. Emotions ran high and the Groom’s response was perfect. Utter delight, a tear in his eye and an involuntary soft expletive, Brad was totally mesmerised by the radiance of his Bride-to-be. Bec glowed and bursting with happiness, twirled in her dress before they finally embraced, unaware of anyone else in their world for that brief moment.

We all jumped onto a bus to be taken into the National Park, rich with geological heritage carved out by glacial activity over the last 2 million years. The delicate ecosystem is protected and as a result, there is an abundance of wildlife, too. Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park is a very special place. It is one of the 28 sites of the 936 listed that comes under the Natural AND Culturally significant properties of the world.

Bridal Party photos were taken around Dove Lake with a light veil of cloud covering the Cradle. The light was beautiful …

Waldheim Chalet and nature track, just a minute away from the carpark, was our next stop. The ancient temperate rainforest was filled with all the elements Bec and Brad love and created a magical backdrop for their wedding photos. A highlight was when a wombat casually crossed our path and allowed a brief moment to be photographed with the Bride and Groom ‘to-be’.

Relieved smiles and excited chatter filled the bus on the drive back to the Chateau. One hour to refresh before the ceremony was perfect.

Bron and I went up to the Wilderness Gallery and were so impressed with the setup. White chairs with pink ties, white tablecloths with fragile handcut rectangles of slate to protect the tables from the beeswax candles in all different sizes. The cardboard cutout of Ben, the absent groomsman, so lifelike in the corner at the end of the bridal table.

Two flower girls in white with matching pink ribbons around their waist, excitedly showed me their flowers and shoes. Everyone was seated and we made our way into the Gallery where Brad was waiting, hands crossed nervously, but the happiest smile on his face. Vows exchanged, family and friend photographed together and then the party started!

Congratulations Bec and Brad, your wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and Bron and I were honoured to share in it with you both. Such an incredible part of the world to start your life together.

Thank you xxx You may also like to read about a wedding I styled in and apple orchard  http://bphotography.net.au/congratulations-to-emma-scott-on-their-wedding-at-grindelwald-tasmania_bphotography/

Jetstar InFlight Magazine_Local Businesses in George Street, Launceston_BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Sep 2, 2014 in Blog Post | 0 comments

Don’t underestimate the power of having your own blog and sharing posts on Social Media!

I was asked to contribute to the Jetstar Inflight Magazine (September Issue) with a two page spread (pages 26 – 28) highlighting a few of the wonderful local businesses in George Street, Launceston. http://www.ink-live.com/emagazines/jetstar-australia-magazine/1720/september-2014/#26

The editor contacted me saying she had seen my photos and knew of my writing through my blog on my website bphotography.net.au.

Unfortunately, not all the businesses were included in the published article, but I will blog each and every one over the coming weeks.

I want to thank each of the business owners I approached for being so generous with your time and for sharing so many wonderful stories. I can’t wait to share and inspire others to visit Launceston. Thanks also to Tim Deavin and Lane Edwards for their Vox Pops!

As Henry Roth quoted recently to me “Life doesn’t just come to you. You have to shake it, seize the moment and make it happen” … blog, blog, blog

Henry Roth Presents with Megan Rose @ the Australian Teenage Expo 2014 _ BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Sep 1, 2014 in Blog Post | 0 comments

“Life doesn’t just come to you. You have to shake it, seize the moment and make it happen – Megan, you did just that! Awesome job” Henry Roth, 2014.

Such profound words of wisdom from a man who knows that life isn’t always handed to you on a platter. Opportunities and hard work pay off. The message Henry delivered summed up his thoughts about life and opportunity perfectly, to a captivated audience of young teenagers at the Australian Teenage Expo, held at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds last Thursday, 28th August 2014. (btw, please excuse the quality of some of the images. They were taken with my mobile phone. Perfect for uploading to social media at an event, but not so great in my blog.)My association with Henry came about after my daughter, Megan Rose Fettke, was asked to intern for him at the event. As a first year fashion student, studying at the White House Institute of Design, Megan had touched Henry’s life through a series of ‘degrees of separation’ over the years. He had judged her fashion designs at the National Apex Fashion awards in Sydney and Melbourne from New York when she was in Year 10 and 11 and she had listened to every word of his critique. She watched him work on ‘Project Runway’ and ‘Beauty and the Geek’, and caught up with him recently through the White House. When Henry asked Megan if she would like to be his intern for the austeenexpo as part of #teamroth, Megan jumped at the chance. Somehow, an offer to photograph them both working together, saw me on a plane and there I was in Melbourne at the Expo, too.

        The event, Australian Teenage Expo, is now in its fourth year. The three day event is organised by two incredibly motivated and passionate women Sonya Karras and Sacha Kaluri, both leading professional speakers in the youth market. Their expo encompasses advice on careers, resilience training, education options, the latest products, entertainment and celebrities. There were motivational guest speakers and performers from Big Brother, The Voice and X-Factor. Vivica and Tyler Wilford did an amazing job co-hosting the event. Vivica, as a 15 year old singer/songwriter signed by David Caprice to a Global Management contract and coached by Venetta Fields, showed a maturity beyond her age and kept the momentum going with Tyler, also a singer songwriter and an ambassador for Teenage Expo and Bully Zero Australia Foundation. What a powerhouse combination! Henry worked his magic from 11.30 – 12pm, following musical performances, student challenges on stage and a guest cook-off between Masterchef Alice Zaslavsky (2012 season) and the Hon. Ryan Smith, Minister for Youth Affairs. Tough acts to follow, but from the minute Henry was introduced, entering the space by walking through the centre of the two seated areas, chatting naturally to the audience either side with stories and humour, he had them completely engaged. His energy and enthusiasm never dampened and I loved photographing him interacting with the students. I am still smiling remembering how he jumped onto the stage, landing firmly on his butt, legs crossed, vans shoes on display. He was exactly how he needed to be. He spoke with the young people in the audience, not at them and it won them over. Henry carried out a “makeover” on Brooke Cairns (reigning Miss Teen Galaxy Australia) and Alexander Bourgazas, explaining the reasons why he wanted them to take care with their appearance and presentation and encouraging questions from the crowd.     Alexander has an account on LOOKBOOK The #1 Source of Fashion Inspiration from real people around the world, with great images of fashion styles that inspire him on his Hype Boards and was a lovely young man.
Brooke impressed me with her maturity and convictions. As Miss Teen Galaxy she wants to lead by example and be the best role model she can be to other teenagers. She is committed to youth and charity events and is well suited to become a beautiful mentor and secondary school teacher through her studies.
We moved from the booths to the stage hall and watched an amazing multimedia presentation. We got to see and hear Thando perform, which was such a treat. She has been dubbed the “soul sista” of Melbourne, following on from her appearance on The Voice. She honestly blew me away with her talent and the depth of her vocal range, singing from a place ‘deep within’ that held the audience captivated.
Rachel Costanzo performed with back up dancers. Sonya and Sacha both talked about the reasons that had led them to develop the Australian teen expo and the importance it held in giving young people strength and belief in themselves. The Expo went way beyond my expectations and I would love to congratulate the organisers, volunteers, booth holders and performers for such an amazing event full of diversity. I believe healthy food choices also help to make healthy minds. Hopefully bottled water will be an option next year.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and to say it was an absolute pleasure for Megan and I to work with Henry Roth as part of his image and branding consultancy, Henry Roth Presents, at the Australian Teenage Expo 2014. As Australia’s “go to” Lifestyle and Fashion authority and THE “Makeover King”, Henry was a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm that captivated his teen audience.
What an amazing experience for Megan to be a part of.
#teamrothrocks

Welcome Chloe Claire_Such a Precious Little Bundle_BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Aug 22, 2014 in Blog Post, New Born | 0 comments

Chloe has been born into a home full of love. From the minute I arrived at Mel & Josh’s I could feel the gentle love they have for their third daughter. A precious gift to their family.I have photographed each of their daughters as newborns in the last couple of years and we are creating a canvas montage on a red wall in the children’s play area full of family photos. Now that Chloe is here we can complete their story. We wanted the images I took to compliment others we have taken, and also give each girl a unique perspective within the family. There was one special one we had to have! We wanted to create a third image to match two they already have of Josh with Isla and Bonnie, where he is wearing a checked shirt, jeans and black hat. He is holding each as tiny babes in his arms. With Isla, Josh is looking to the left, with Bonnie they are both central and now, to complete the set Josh is facing the right with Chloe. The series will look so gorgeous as canvases on their loungeroom wall. 

Chloe was the softest, most relaxed and posable newborn I have ever photographed. I didn’t want to give her back! Maybe I am getting a little clucky for grandchildren after all?

Thanks Mel and Josh! I love that I have shared so much with your beautiful family over the years and look forward to more. xxx

Jenelle & Josh ‘In Love’ @ Hollybank, Tasmania _ BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Aug 21, 2014 in Blog Post, Engagement | 0 comments

I just love capturing young love.

It fills me with happiness and I smile the whole time!

I am photographing Jenelle and Josh’s wedding soon and they loved the idea of visiting Hollybank in Northern Tasmania, in winter, for a fun engagement photoshoot. The forest there is amazing and diversified so we had lots of backgrounds and settings to choose from. There were no cold winds, just warm sun peaking through the foliage so the light was ‘perfect’ that afternoon. With hardly another soul around, we virtually had it all to ourselves and relished in the moment.  For lots of people, preserving the memories of their wedding day is a very close second to actually creating them. And real, meaningful memories come about from having a photographer who truly understands and cares about you. On your wedding day, you don’t want the pressure of not knowing what to expect from your photographer or the worry of not knowing how you have to ‘act’ in front of the camera. You need someone who has made the time to get to know you as a couple and that is where I think an engagement photoshoot comes into its own. I believe that this session should reflect the couple’s personality and be relaxed. It should have special meaning and I always discuss options with my couples, placing them in beautiful, meaningful settings (which is very easy in Tasmania). I look for ‘the light’ and just allow them to be themselves.

As a photographer I like to take the opportunity with my couples during the engagement session to pass on things I have learnt over the years. I tell them tips and hints on posing, kissing and walking that flatter and are simple to remember on the day. No complicated explanations, just quick easy directions that come naturally when you know how.

It is important to know the most flattering way to stand as a bride. I tell them about easy relaxed poses for both the bride and groom to achieve which ultimately makes the wedding day far less complicated. A big thing for me is to give some tips on ‘kissing for the camera’ so the couple don’t end up with squashed noses and I encourage them to practice which I am regularly told later was ‘fun homework’. It always makes for some laughs as we practice the concepts I share and it creates a connection between us where my couples know that I care about them and truly want them to feel comfortable with me.

I personally believe that an Engagement Shoot is very important and more important than you probably realise during your wedding planning. Going through the process will help you end up with pictures on your wedding day that best reflect both of you as a couple and your love for one another. If you have enjoyed yourselves and are relaxed from the engagement shoot, if you have been given permission to be yourselves in front of the camera already, I can assure you, you will have all the skills necessary to completely enjoy your wedding day and end up with the best memories.

I can’t wait for Jenelle and Josh’s wedding day. So excited xx

Changing The Way We Eat _ Primal Living & thegaryscience

Updated by Belinda on Aug 20, 2014 in Blog Post | 2 comments

August the 16th 2014 … what an amazing day!

400 people with a similar desire to learn more about nutrition and toxic free sustainable living, sat in the auditorium at Wrest Point Casino and immersed themselves in personal stories, inspirational messages and the science behind nutrition and disease.

Over the course of the day we became immersed in the Health and Wellness Conference Jo Smith from Primal Living had organised. Key presenters included; Dr Gary Fettke sharing ‘thegaryscience’; Dr Zeeshan Arain (the current Melbourne Demons AFL doctor and General Practitioner) discussing the role of nutrition in exercise and sports performance; Dr Rod Taylor, anaesthesiologist in Melbourne, spreading the word about healthy low carb living and the obesity epidemic in Australia.

Christine Cronau, best-selling author and public speaker exposes the “fat revolution”, David Gillespie, author of Sweet Poison discusses toxic oils and our health, and Alexx Stuart gently reminded us to about the art of ‘Mindful Eating’. I also loved her message about “Dropping the guilt, learn what you need to learn and MOVE FORWARD, excited about what will change today!”  Crystal Fieldhouse, a certified food coach makes her own skincare line using organic ingredients that are 100 % natural and perfect for sensitive skin. Guy Lawrence, 180 Nutrition, talked about his “amazing journey to better health” and Jenna Lovell, writer, speaker and health advocate explained how nutrition awareness and eating low carb/high fat had improved her life dramatically, by lessening the effects of her haemophilia.

Then we met Rohan Anderson, truly a man ‘larger than life’! After sharing his journey from childhood on a small rustic farm in Victoria to adulthood in the corporate world, we learned about how sick he became from eating and preparing ‘the wrong foods’. Obesity, high blood pressure and depression had him looking down the barrel with an early death imminent. Something had to change … He gave up the corporate world and moved back to the country with his family. He now grows, gathers and hunts most of his food and has learnt to live healthily again. 

Last, but certainly not least, we heard from Gerard Crochon, a passionate farmer who was once a French Cook and decided he wanted to raise cattle for prime beef. He wanted to do it ‘his way’, believing the quality, texture and flavour of beef comes from healthy soil and mindful farming. Treating the animals with respect and nuturing them without stress in their environment or daily life. ‘Paddock to plate’ vision …

It is all about changing the way we eat. Eliminating toxic polyunsaturated fats and processed foods, reducing carbohydrates, not ingesting chemically manufactured ‘numbers’ and being mindful about waste.

And it isn’t hard to do.

The biggest investment we can make is for our health and wellbeing, and after being part of this conference on Saturday, I know we aren’t on this journey alone which makes me very excited about the future!

Nutrition for Life, the Diabetes and Health Research Centre, founded by my amazing husband, Gary Fettke, will open its doors on the 1st day of Spring 2014. We have a passionate, inspiring team assisting us and look forward to working with people in a truly sustainable approach where reaching your full ‘health’ potential is our number one focus.

Lower Carbohydrate, Higher natural Fat (LCHF) is scientifically proven to be the most effective option in the management of diabetes, obesity and an increasing number of inflammation based conditions.

Our Diabetes and Health Research Centre provides you with a fully qualified and supportive service that will provide personalised nutrition care for your most valuable asset – your health.

Take control of your health, feel the best you have ever felt and start a journey you won’t want to leave.

info@DiabetesHealthCentre.com.au

Introducing Milla, Newborn Portrait Photography _ BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Jul 22, 2014 in Blog Post, New Born | 2 comments

Nadia and Richard were so excited to introduce me to their gorgeous young daughter last Sunday. We had decided to wait till Milla was 11 weeks old to photograph her first portrait session. Still tiny enough to be a newborn babe, but developing her own personality and lots of smiles when she was ready to share them! I photographed her in a gorgeous pink matinee jacket her grandmother, Beris, had knitted for her and all rugged up we ventured outside for some shots.

Back inside I photographed softer moments between this young family, some detail shots including her engraved bracelet and also some individual portraits when Milla was smiling and ‘talking’ away. Very precious …

Thank you for such a lovely opportunity to photograph Milla, Nadia and Richard and allowing me to provide you with her very first portraits. Looking forward to the next photoshoot already! xx

Winter Family Portrait with the Green’s _ BPhotography

Updated by Belinda on Jul 17, 2014 in Blog Post, Family Portrait | 0 comments

I loved meeting up with Natasha and Ben recently and thoroughly enjoyed seeing how much Audrey had grown and cuddling little Charlie for the first time. 

I get a real connection to my portrait and wedding clients with repeat photography sessions over the years. This connection is made even stronger when we have known each other for so long and worked together in the past.

Ben and Natasha both worked at Scotch Oakburn College when I was there as the School Publicity and Marketing Photographer for 8.5 years. I first met Ben on the senior campus where he had the role of physical education teacher and coach of the first’s football team. Over the years I watched Ben’s development and transition from a PE teacher on the senior campus to deputy head of the junior campus with a passion and aptitude for teaching in the classroom environment. In both roles I saw that he was loved and admired by students and staff.

Natasha joined Scotch Oakburn College as a dance teacher in my last couple of years there when my daughter Kate was in year 10. I remember how much she enjoyed having more formal choreography from Natasha with gentle direction for someone who didn’t have any past training for the musicals Grease and Cabaret. Natasha worked with so many students on the senior campus in many different genres and the result was always outstanding.

Natasha now has her own dance school in Launceston, the Dance Academy 34 specializing in Ballet, Contemporary and Highland Dancing. Natasha represented Tasmania in the Highland Dancing Championships in Scotland in 1999 and is also passionate about her love of dancing and teaching dance!

I can’t wait to see Audrey performing on the dance stage in years to come.      

So, you can understand that I was very excited to be asked to photograph both their engagement and wedding many years ago, capturing the essence of who they were both as individuals and as a couple. And now I get to see them become a family and that makes me so very happy!!

What an honour to see this beautiful family grow. Thank you Ben and Natasha xx