And when the plane landed I was greeted with this.

It was HOT, it was dusty and frankly I loved it.  I was completely fascinated by town, the mine being it’s focal point and wished I had more time.

However I was there for work and work I did.

My work allows me to meet some amazing people and some of the cutest souls around, oh and I also get to play, paint and skip (who could ask for anything more).

Right before the plane left, I was able to pop into see this awesome couple (its beautiful when brides become friends,  love it!)

When Angus was born I was lucky enough to meet and photograph him but he has grown so much in a couple of months that its amazing.

He’s gorgeous, he’s dreamy and frankly he’s a massive flirt..

Can’t wait to return in April!

Coming home after an amazing holiday in New Zealand, I planned on cleaning up the studio, filing and getting ready for the year.  What actually happened I was stepped off the plane and into a photo shoot so the year definitely started with a bang.

This weekend I was privileged enough to spend some time working with the talented Raewyn Hill whilst she was being filmed for a documentary.  For those of you who haven’t seen the images of Raewyn’s previous work they can be found here and here and here.

The amazing Sue Healey and Judd Overton flew into Townsville to complete their Virtuosi documentary. Virtuosi is designed as cine-portraits of 8 New Zealand contemporary dance artists and has been filmed in Berlin, London, New York, Brussels, Sydney, Melbourne and now Townsville.

We started with an intense afternoon in the studio, which looked particularly spectacular.

I haven’t seen Raewyn dance before.  I have seen her work phrases with dancers, I have seen her kick her heels up as she walks down the street and pirouette in front of her husband (when she thought no one was watching)  But I have never seen her dance dance.

What I saw this weekend was spellbinding.  The sheer grace of her arms, the physicality and the music, moved me to tears. (Through the lens and that never happens).

I finally understood why she strives for perfection in her dancers and her precise demand for technicality.

After a long day in the studio, we got up at dawn the next day and trotted up castle hill for some glorious photography.  Take after take, Raewyn moved with grace and professionalism whilst Sue and Judd asked for that phrase “one more time please”

If you have a chance to see Virtuosi, I highly recommend it, if the 7 other dancers perform as beautifully and as gracefully as Raewyn it will most certainly be a success.

To say mushy stuff like I have been blessed this year is corny, however facing the mortality of loved ones does make you feel grateful and I suppose it makes you appreciate all that you have.

I am blessed with amazing friends, all around the world, whom I love dearly and who I wish I could see daily.  I grateful for my crazy gorgeous family, so close some people find it strange, others look on in envy, I am just plain thankful.

So to all I say Merry Christmas.

Be Kind, Be Generous, Enjoy.

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I’m not sure if its the fact that she spends her life working with sick children or that both Carmen and Andrew are so in sync that this day was a natural progression.

They met diving in Melbourne three years ago.  Then followed adventures together in Thailand and a move to Port Headland.  It was clear, Carmie and Andrew didn’t care about things, they cared about each other, together.  As Andrew walked me around the island, showing locations and explaining minute details that others may overlook he explained; “We just want it, the way we like it”.  Obviously from the look of the island, they like it perfect.

Daydream island (aptly named as the feeling you having stepping on to the Jetty) is a plane and a ferry ride away for most. Set in the Whitsunday Islands, it can simply be described as paradise.  The weather was miraculous.  Having spent a lot of time in this part of the world, I knew when I awoke, the day was going to be magical.

Surrounded by their families and friends who had travelled from around the world, Carmie walked down the aisle (in a gown lovingly designed and made by her mother, Honey) towards her soon to be husband and the Great Barrier Reef.

Not a sound was heard, when vows spoken of Love, honour, pride  resonated throughout.  We photographed as the sunset, on a separate part of the island, and returned at dusk to Lovers Cove where another of Honey’s creations – the wedding cake – sat pride of place.  Honey had travelled from Melbourne, with the cake, on the plane.  Why?  Because Carmie had seen a picture of the perfect cake, Andrew had liked it, and Honey, well Honey can do anything. Perfectly.

Afterwards, as the champagne popped and the crowd mingled, I caught a look between them. And I suddenly recognised it.  They were two people, that just fit, perfectly, as one.  Together.

Carmie and Andrew, Thank you for inviting me to such a celebration. I am truly humbled and honoured to be part of your day.  I hope you enjoyed cruising Ricky’s secret local spots.  I look forward to venturing west to Port Headland some time soon.

A Ferry Photography double page spread in the latest Queensland Brides.

In August, fresh off the plane from the States, I was fortunate enough to photograph Terese and Lucas.

Thank you for being such awesome models and allowing me to be part of your special day.   I am truly honoured.

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