I was recently reminded of these portraits I took a couple of years ago on residency in the wheatbelt town of Mingenew in Western Australia.

They never got the chance to see the light of day (or LCD) but yay for my blog being a place to give them a showing.

The idea was centered around the fact that people in country towns take on so many roles in contributing to their community. One person might be a school principal, coaching the local footy team, on ambo call and father to three.

[current mood] No coffee & Mad Men

This was a most stunning wedding at the Packing Shed in the Perth hills.
A photographer's dream... featuring rustic country decor, garden games and a hazy sky from a far off fire.

And those hot red shoes...

Now I'm scouring the Queensland Sunshine Coast for wedding photography locations, planners and celebrants so that I can do the same over here.

[current mood] $2 bags of Local Avocados & Sqwarking Black Cockatoos

After drinking a total of one beer each after four hours, Mik and I realised how much Saturday nights had changed, since the last time we can remember going clubbing in Northbridge...

Tonight I wanted to do some studio lighting practice and there is no better way to do it than to experiment with your mate and be each others model. No one else will put up with the technical natter and longevity.

Here are my favourite shots.

And no, Mik, that's not drool on my chin, it's a awkwardly placed mole.

Superman meets Super Ted?

We pondered have permanent air hair and how you would get into a car door.

Now all he needs to do is write a book so we can use this on the inside back cover.

I'm starting to think that a model with makeup can look hot no matter what the lighting. But the normal folks, like us, need more help. It's an intricate process of which I am determined to become a master. (I'm giving myself the next decade to work it out).

[current mood] Orange Truffles & *flash*

I love how each wedding I shoot has it's own definite look. Combine the couple, their style, the location, weather and decor, and you end up with a look that is so distinct, beyond what is planned to be so. I know that a couple may decide on a colour scheme, flowers and their bridal party look, however it's all the little things that create the 'package' look which is best seen through the collection of photographs afterwards.

Yasmin & Tommy's style was further defined by the curving limbs of the Morton Bay Fig tree and its golden back lit leaves. Even the crunchy brown leaves on the ground and stone of the church complete it.

Glen & Ali's gently overcast day gives their wedding a soft look, no harsh shadows. The colour is muted with the subdued green hues of the vineyard. The simplicity of their black and white scheme and paired back style looks very classic against the winery textures.I enhanced this by pulling back the magenta tones and creating a set of old style photo frames.

Then I took my favourite black and white shots and placed them together as a group. I toned them to enhance the established scheme.

[current mood] Burt Bacharach & Pills glorious Pills (ie health supplements)

I'm working on the branding for a new contemporary Australian opera titled 'Into The Shimmer Heat'. The stage designer inspired me to shoot the crew in a way that is suggestive of the show's visuals. In particular the use of texture, materials, interplay of light and shadows.

Each person interacted with the piece of gauze to subtly infer what their role is.

Musical Director & Director

Puppeteer & Choreographer

Manager & Composer

Publicity & Lighting Designer

Branding/Marketing & Stage Designer

It was fun bringing the whole team together for this purpose alone. I appreciated being part of the team photo too!

[current mood] Pavlova & Humming to myself on the streets of Melbourne

At Glenn and Ali's wedding I brought along a chalkboard for a 'roaming photobooth'. I encouraged guests to write secret messages for the newlyweds. They don't even know I've done it. So they'll see them first here...

It's an idea you can only do once really... as from now on, my couples will know of this idea beforehand.

Finishing with one from me!

I enjoyed how the whole process was a form of entertainment for guests. I like adding more to the night than just the taking of photographs. Gotta bring my community artsworking skills into it!

The board brought out varying responses. From their initial verbal reaction, to how they think with a piece of chalk and a blank board (and a few wines) when you leave them with it. The biggest challenge is how you can encourage some people to participate even if their initial reaction isn't so keen. Just a few people in a group will always have that instant 'no' reaction because they have a 'i can't draw' or 'i'm not creative' mentality. Their habit is to shy away from such creative exercises. It's rewarding to see these people find a voice, laugh at a pose concept and be a part of the messages. (Almost as much as those that run away with the board and draw up detailed illustrations beyond your own imagination!)

[current mood] Pear and Chocolate Muffins & I need some new music