Deborah

Photo-a-day Week 9

2012-01-26T15:23:00.000+10:00

I'm not sure how many weeks I'm going to keep this up. I've completed the 8 weeks I set for my students. Plus this is a week of bonus words that was on the list. Next week I start a new 8 week challenge, ie. same idea, new list, but i'll keep adding to my weeks until it gets too much or I stop having fun. The next page of words looks a lot more challenging. I guess because i make the lists I could change them, but where's the fun in that.
Other than this project, I'm working on another one that I'm taking a bit more seriously. It has its own dedicated blog here.

I've decided to add the camera settings to the captions for the hell of it. All the photos in the Photo-a-day project are taken with the 50mm 1.8 lens and all settings on manual (except for the odd occasion when I cheat).

blur | pencil | orange | abstract | flare | water | soft

blur (camera around my neck, self-timer on, click shutter and ride bike)
ISO 200 f/22 @ 1/25

pencil (I dropped the pencil as I was walking back from the kitchen
with my cup of tea. I saw the light shining on the floor from the window
and thought, 'that'll do'
ISO 400 f5.6@ 1/640sec

orange (i ate the orange, put a piece of yellow card
on my desk in front of the window, held the peel
up with one hand and tried to get the distance right
for focus. I may have cheated and used auto focus)
ISO 200 f2.5 @ 1/250sec

abstract (this isn't really what I'd call abstract
but it'll do. i need to get on to next weeks photos)
ISO 400 f4 @ 1/50sec

water (of all the thousand things you could do
with water, this was all I came up with.
In the park across the road from my house.)
ISO 200 f2.8 @1/500sec

flare
ISO 200 f2.8 @ 1/1250sec

soft (i thought of my daughters cat, a feather and a few other random ideas,
but when i really thought about soft I thought of my pillow)
ISO 200 f2.8 @ 1/1250

Photo-a-day Week 8

2012-01-18T13:15:00.001+10:00

I'm pretty sure I've skipped a week, or one week has stretched into two, or something like that. I've also realised I'm overthinking things ('how unusual', anyone who knows me will say with a roll of their eyes), and that's why I'm getting behind. I'm trying to think of ideas and plan my shots to get something i think will be better instead of just seeing what I can get at the time. Not only does this take more time, it hasn't really paid off anyway. It's the quick spontaneous, 'found' shots that i end up liking the most. So, back to keeping it simple and trying to keep up!
See you next week.

Deb

PS. I love hearing which one's you like the best.

walk

bike

vegetable

sit

animal

white

sharp

Next week's words

Photo-a-Day Week 7

2012-01-12T02:13:00.000+10:00

I'm slipping behind but I'm still working on it.

slow

time

favourite

book

flower

clouds

place

Photo-a-Day Week 6

2011-12-28T09:04:00.000+10:00

week 6

ok. this week has been a bit of a push (what with Christmas getting in the way and all) and i've cheated just to get it completed. I'm in qld and i think i left my inspiration in melbourne so I went back through the photos I've taken since starting the project searching for images that match the words for this week to fill in the gaps. I'll try harder for next week ;-)

sparkly

repeat

triangle

self

more than

keys

week 7

Photo-a-Day Week 5

2011-12-21T20:54:00.000+10:00

week 5

straight | curve | friends | mess | heart | a letter | almost black

It's been a crazy week and it's a few days late, but here is week 5. I found a few of these tough to come up with ideas and it would have been easy to give up or skip a couple but I persevered. I have to keep reminding myself, they don't have to be award winning shots, just get it done and move on.

straight

curve

friends

mess

heart

a letter

almost black

Photo-a-Day Week 4

2011-12-09T10:22:00.001+10:00

Growing

Wood

Metal

Candle

Ball

Circle

Photo-a-Day Week 3

2011-11-27T20:53:00.001+10:00

week 3

wet: waiting to go home from work on the tram on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

wet

a memory

a memory. so many possibilities. I had thought to head to Fitzroy Gardens to photograph Cook's Cottage which I visited with my family when I was about 8. Before I could get there I noticed the Jacaranda's were flowering. Now there are some solid memories. My childhood home until I was 7. Climbing the two massive Jacaranda's down the backyard, past the chook pen and Curly the cow. I wonder if they really were massive or if that's just my young girls perception? I still miss those trees. And the swing in the backyard. None of it is there anymore. Long since redeveloped with an ant's nest new suburb built over the top of the 7 or so acres we lived on. I did snap a couple of photos of Jacarandas on the walk home from the tram stop. And then I got home and as I was staring out the glass doors at the back of the house, mesmerised by the Fuscia being tossed about by the swirling wind, I thought of my grandmother. She always had the dancing ladies growing in the shady bit around the back of the house. They were plumper dancers than these comparatively anorexic (or should that be dainty?) ladies. So, in ode to my granny, the Fuscias trumped the Jacarandas for photo-of-the-day.

loud

I was wandering through the mall when I heard a ruckus coming from the corner. 'That's loud' I thought. 'Ah ha' was my next thought as I headed in that direction and disentangled my camera from my bag.

pink

wind

action

action: The swaggering Johnny Depp, Pirate of the Air, defends the Caribbean fighter plane with a plastic sword and a bottle of rum, against marauding Star Wars characters, a ninja, and some kind of Lancelot figure on a flying horse. You're my kinda guy Johnny. *sigh*

PS. Thanks to Steven and Dimity for their invaluable assistance in styling and lighting this shoot and for the hysterics involved. Special thanks to Zach for providing the action figures.

nature

week 4

Photo-a-Day Week 2

2011-11-24T14:53:00.001+10:00

week two

music

sing

money

strawberry

laughter

weather

shiny

I'm having a lot of fun with this project. Some ideas are a bit more challenging than others. Sometimes I'll take a shot early in the week and then find something I like better later in the week. Like the first one here of music. I went to the Johnston St Spanish Festival to try and get a photograph of someone singing but I always seemed to be at the wrong end of the very crowded street at the wrong time. The best I came up with was a shot of two dj's (well, it is music) working their stuff while I was waiting for the band to come on to get someone singing. But somehow, while I was learning how to Salsa in the street, I pressed the video button on the camera and managed to flatten the battery. So that was the end of that idea.

Thursday was an interesting day. I had to take my daughter to the airport so she could go to Qld to take her big brother to his awards night on Saturday night (I couldn't go as I was working all that day). I was expecting a girlfriend to fly in from Tasmania that day so thought we were off to a real good start as I can do a drop off and pick up at the same time ( I don't have a car in Melbourne so it was a bonus to borrow Bekky's boyfriends car. Thanks Sean!). Well, my friend missed her flight so I thought I'd go to DFO and wait for her but I missed the turn off, so I went home and waited. Turns out she couldn't get another flight, then Sean rang and needed his car, so I quickly returned that and jumped on a tram, only to discover i'd left my wallet with all my money and my myki card at home. So i nervously waited for the ticket inspector guys to expose my fraudulent behaviour. I made it to the city and thought beauty, I'll get some photos while I'm here. Wandered up the mall and discovered the Myer Christmas windows full of little puppets singing. There's my photo! Get the camera ready - no memory card. What a dufus!

Being the rebel that I am, and having gotten away with it once, I then defiantly rode the tram home without a ticket. Having thought it was then a bonus of a day as I'd saved $3, I walked in, turned the kettle on for a cuppa, only for it to go 'BZZZT' with smoke wafting out from its nether regions. I'm sure there were other things that happened that afternoon but I've blocked them from my memory.

Music

Sing

Money

I managed to get back to the mall on Friday to get my photo of the singing puppet and I spotted the busker on the piano. This guy used to play at the Caloundra market years ago. I think he's good value so I dropped a dollar in his bucket and snapped away. I ditched the photo of the dj's for this one.

Strawberry

Laughter was a tough one to photograph. This was the last day of the week and I was out of ideas. It's hard to walk up to a stranger and ask to take a photo of them laughing. Bekky was out of town. I didn't have any social events scheduled where I might know people well enough to photograph them laughing. I was counting on my girlfriend visiting as I knew I'd get a shot of her laughing, but her stand-by flights were so mixed up she didn't get here at all. I went for a bike ride on Sunday (to McDonalds to photograph the Strawberry Sundae) and there was a notice on a pole about a community bbq in the park at Brunswick and the Melbourne Ukelele Kollective (MUK) were playing. I'd seen them once before at the Cornish Arms Pub and I figured they'd be good for a laugh, and I was right. It was hard to get close enough with the 50mm lens but there was lots of laughter. They put on a good show and have a great time doing it. Go and see them if you get the chance. Or maybe grab a Ukelele and join them!

Laughter

Weather

Shiny

I was a bit stumped with shiny, until I was sitting at a tram stop and noticed a whole window of mag wheels glinting in the sun across the road. I jumped up and got my shot but missed my tram. Oh well, there's always another one. And as for the weather? Well, it is Melbourne.

See you next week. I'm off to take more photos.
Deb

PS. Would love to hear a comment or two about which is your favourite photo or if you've done a similar project or if you want to try this one. Or just to say Hi so I know I'm not talking to myself. Go on, I dare you. I'm hoping I'll get a better response than to my postcard request!

week 3

wet

a memory

loud

pink

wind

action

nature

The first (and only) postcard.

2011-11-21T14:37:00.001+10:00

Thank you to the one lovely friend who responded to my postcard plea by sending me a beautiful card. ;-)

Even my Mum didn't send me one from her new town of Hervey Bay. (Guilt trip Mum!!!)
And my cousin who went on a cruise who promised to send me one and didn't.

All those grinding slogs eagerly jogging to the Post Office just to face a dark, empty box staring back at me. How discouraging. (is the guilt trip working? lol)

Well, I guess one is better than none.
The address again, in case you get overcome with an urge to send me a postcard ;-)
PO Box 103
Carlton North
Vic, 3054

Cheers
Deb

Photo a day

2011-11-21T13:44:00.001+10:00

Every once in a while, your creativity takes a dive, inspiration goes a wandering, and your artistic endeavours turn sour. Either that or you're just too plain ol' busy taking photos for everyone else that you stop taking them for the fun of it. And when I say you, I mean me.
I'm teaching Introduction to Photography courses and I set my students a Photo-a-Day challenge. And not just any ol' photo that takes their fancy; they have a list to follow. I've now commenced the same challenge but with a few extra limitations just to make it more interesting. And by interesting I mean harder. I've limited myself to one lens. The 50mm f1.8. And everything manual. Including focus. And I'm aiming for a high percentage of black and white images.
So here is Week One. They're not perfect or award winning. The idea is just to get out there and do it. I'm now taking the camera with me just about everywhere I go (part of the reason for restricting myself to the 50mm is so I can't use 'it's too big and heavy to lug everywhere' as an excuse.
It's certainly a challenge sticking to the list. I have more than one that I like of some subjects and others I'm not happy with at all. But I'm doing it and I'm enjoying it immensely.

week one

love
sweet
lonely
three
blue
square
hot

Love

Sweet

Lonely

Three

Blue

Square

Hot

So if you're stuck for ideas feel free to join in and follow the list. Or share your ideas for breaking out of a rut.

week two (so I can't cheat)

sing

music

money

strawberry

laughter

weather

shiny

See you next week.

Send me a Post Card!

2011-08-29T12:44:00.003+10:00

PLEASE!
I've set myself a fitness goal (for Melbourne) to be able to jog to the post office and back. It's not far. Only about 3 blocks, but it's a good start point. So, I'm asking for your help to make sure I don't pike out. To provide a little extra motivation to get me there (at least 3 times a week), I'm asking for everyone and anyone to send me a postcard so I have a reason to check the mail! I promise I will send one back (that will force me to go back to the PO again!). It shouldn't take long to achieve my goal and then I'll either have to move or get a postbox in the next suburb. Or maybe I'll just take the long way.
The address is
PO Box 103
Carlton Nth
Melbourne 3054
Victoria.
Australia

Hope to hear from you soon. I'll let you know who/where the first post card is from.
And because a post without photos is boring, here's some piccies I took last week of some of the gorgeous Spring flowers poking over the fences along one of the streets I'll be jogging.

Ok. so it's not a flower. I just liked it.

And would you look at that - Blue Skies in Melbourne and it's not even Spring yet!!!
Cheers
Deb
PS. It doesn't HAVE to be a postcard. It can just be a scribbled note on the back of some scrap paper in a crappy envelope. I'm not fussy, really.

On this day...

2011-07-16T10:30:00.002+10:00

21 years ago, my amazing daughter entered the world. She arrived about half past midnight and has been a night owl ever since. At about this time (10am) on the day she was born (a monday) I left her in the Nambour hospital nursery while I walked across the road for a specialist paediatrician appointment with my almost 2 year old son. The one thing I remember from that appointment was as I was walking out, the last comment the specialist made was "this is one little boy who's going to need a lot of help in life'. I looked back quizzically. I had no idea at the time what lay ahead. I then took him to meet his sister. When she cried he tried to hit her. Only much later did we realise her high pitched crying was incredibly painful for him and he just wanted the sound to stop. It's been a hell of a roller coast ride since then, and she's often been overshadowed by her big brother's special needs. I'm amazed, grateful and blessed to have such a wonderful daughter and to have such a special relationship with her. Today is all about her though and I have to start blowing up 100 helium balloons and getting ready for the party at Byron Bay tonight.
Cheerio
Deb

A rock a day

2011-06-19T22:00:00.004+10:00

I'm taking some time out from processing photos to put up a quick post. And of all the photos to choose from, right at this point in time, these are the ones that appeal to me. Jo Tito was one of the many artists contributing to the Floating Land line up at Boreen Point and I caught her in a quiet moment painting a rock (or stone). If I have the story correct, I believe she is endeavouring to paint a rock every day for the year. I've heard of lots of photographers taking a photo a day, but taking time out to paint a rock strikes me as a form of meditation and just looking at the photos made me feel peaceful.

PS. Can anyone tell me the difference between a rock and a stone?

Photo Challenge: Your neighbourhood

2011-05-17T20:38:00.003+10:00

You have two weeks. 10-15 photos. Share the photos on your blog or facebook. Leave a comment + link here so we can have a look and see where you live. Copy and paste this so others share their neighbourhood.
The photos can all be taken in one walk around the block if you like, or over a two week period. They don't have to be professional photos, you can take them on your iPhone. Just do it and get them online.

Who's in?

Here's my neighbourhood. I took a walk around the block this afternoon and this is what I came up with. I cheated by doubling up photos 'cos i couldn't get it down to 15. (I suck at editing). Apparently this could be the last time i see the sun until spring.

Carlton North

And something a little different.

New Town - New Name

2011-05-17T20:08:00.001+10:00

Deborah Dorman. Back to my maiden name for Melbourne. Seems appropriate. New blog and branding coming soon (or coming eventually, more like it)

New Blog Address & Disaster Relief

2011-02-05T16:30:00.001+10:00

Welcome to wild, wet and windy 2011.
Wild Honey Photography now has a new blog address.
wildhoneyphotography.blogspot.com
We wish Queenslanders all the best as they clean up, dry out, rebuild and get on with life. With family and friends in both flood and cyclone areas our hearts go out to those affected. To do our bit, we're offering to donate $50 from every lifestyle portrait session we book on the Sunshine Coast in February to go to the Disaster Relief Appeal. Lifestyle Portrait Sessions are $150 and include a $60 credit towards any prints you choose. Please call Sarah if you'd like to book a session. P 0417 768 800.

slade - merry christmas everybody

2010-12-24T13:38:00.000+10:00

Christmas cuteness

2010-12-24T13:34:00.000+10:00

From all of us here at Wild Honey Photography, we wish you a joyous, peaceful, healthy and safe Christmas.
Deborah, Sarah, Lyndell & Rupert x

Wild Honey now has Eftpos

2010-12-24T13:03:00.000+10:00

Our Christmas present at Wild Honey Photography was installed today. Making it easier for everyone to process payments, we now accept credit card and debit card payments. We're excited and can't wait to start playing with our new 'toy'.

See you soon,

Cheerio

Deb & Sarah

Taya in a tu tu.

2010-12-17T16:02:00.000+10:00

A sweet little munchkin we photographed recently, Taya was more than happy to model in our tu tu. So, so cute!

Devin's Formal

2010-12-05T10:19:00.001+10:00

Be A Little Bit Swashbuckling.....

2010-12-05T08:37:00.004+10:00

by Jeff Bezos, CEO, Amazon.com

Tomorrow, in a very real sense, your life – the life you author from scratch on your own - begins...

How will you use your gifts? What choices will you make?

Will inertia be your guide? Or will you follow your passions?

Will you follow dogma? Or will you be original?

Will you choose a life of ease? Or a life of service and adventure?

Will you wilt under criticism? Or will you follow your convictions?

Will you bluff it out when you’re wrong? Or will you apologize?

Will you guard your heart against rejection? Or will you act when you fall in love?

Will you play it safe? Or will you be a little bit swashbuckling?

When it’s tough will you give up? Or will you be relentless?

Will you be a cynic? Or will you be a builder?

Will you be clever at the expense of others’? Or will you be kind?

I will hazard a prediction…

When you are 80-years-old, and in a quiet moment of reflection, narrating for only yourself the most personal version of your life story – the telling that will be most compact and meaningful will be the series of choices you have made.

In the end we are our choices.

Build yourself a good story....

Amazing Melbourne

2010-12-04T08:36:00.005+10:00

My friends are finding it a little hard to keep up with whether i'm in melbourne or the sunshine coast lately, and rightly so. i've been back and forwards so many times it's ridiculous. as i write this, i'm on the (not so sunny) sunshine coast.
i'm loving melbourne and am working towards spending more time down there and leaving sarah (and mum) in charge of the coast side of things. Rebekah and i have a groovy warehouse office space in kensington which we share with a bunch of other amazing creative people. (and while i'm at it, i'll apologise now for the 'creative' lack of capitals in my typing.)

On the 5 minute walk from macaulay train station to the office i'm treated with this wonderful array of roses and adorable architecture, both of which are pretty rare on the sunny coast so it's a real novelty to me! once again, these are snapped on the trusty iphone but i'm tempted to break out the pro camera and get some 'real' shots because it's all so beautiful.

This year has been one of growth and learning, both personally and in business (as are most years i suppose, but this one a designated year). i've done as many workshops and seminars as i could find the time and money for, such as the Nikon AIPP Event. earlier in the year i agonised a little too long over one i really wanted to go to at the end of the year because i was concerned about the cost. i finally made the decision and went to book it, only to find out i'd missed out as it was booked out. :( but then, a couple of weeks ago, i received an email saying someone was unable to go and i could buy their spot. this created quite a dilemma because firstly, i hadn't budgeted for it by then, secondly, the workshop was in melbourne and i was booked to be in qld at that time. should i go or not? well, anyone who's been to a jesh de rox workshop will understand that trusting what your heart is telling you is the right way to go, so i emptied my piggy bank, split my time in qld and spent an amazing week at the 'life {as an artform}' workshop. this workshop so closely fits in with the direction i'll be taking with my work in melbourne that i now have no reservations that i'm on the right path. you'll have to wait til next year to find out more about what i'll be doing, but i'm excited about it! oh, and i ended up saving money on the workshop because of the exchange rate. bonus!

also in the week of the workshop, i moved into this groovy house in carlton north which will be my melbourne home. then i flew back to the coast, as i'd scheduled work around going to joey's end of year gala awards night which was so awesome last year and so important for joey, i wouldn't have missed it for the world. unfortunately, joey was with his father that weekend and he chose for joey not to go. but that's a whole other story!!!

Cheerio

Deb

Movember - Steven

2010-12-04T07:42:00.000+10:00

(oops. i just found this post in my drafts and now I've missed November altogether! It's not too late to donate though!)

I have to say, I prefer the clean shaven look. This hairy creature scares me! To make it all worthwhile, please click HERE to donate to Movember. Every little bit helps. Money raised is shared between programs targeting prostate cancer and male depression. Movember funds support a range of programs in research, education, support, and awareness.

Oh, and just to side track for a little bit of history, click here. I'd say we've past the transition stage. lol

Factory Black

2010-11-15T06:50:00.000+10:00

FACTORY BLACK was a fashion shoot inspired by Rebekah, who sourced model, hair and fashion stylists, make up artist and the awesome location. As is so often the case on a photography shoot, the need to improvise and overcome any obstacles presented itself fairly early in proceedings when the model pulled out 30minutes before she was due to arrive. The remaining team voted Rebekah to step up and replace the model so the shoot could continue. I got pushed from advisory role to main photographer, trying to follow Rebekah's vision for the shoot. Here's just a small selection from the day.

Artistic Director & Post Production: Rebekah Halls
Make Up Artist: Jacinta
Hair Stylist: Danica Daley
Wardrobe stylist: Ricky James Flynn
Photographers: Deborah Halls & Tom Donoghoe
Model: Rebekah

Revolt Melbourne Artspace

2010-11-13T16:59:00.013+10:00

The website is now live for Melbourne's Revolt Productions as is the venue itself as well as the coffee shop. Be sure to check it out. The Grand Opening was on November 6 with a Neo-Victorian/Steam Punk theme and Rebekah and I were in charge of the studio and offering portraits on the night. Along with the photo studio and coffee shop, Revolt also houses an art gallery, theatrette, cinema room and the main stage area. Get on the mailing list so you don't miss out on the action.

iPhone fun

2010-10-09T00:40:00.000+10:00

a little bit of iPhone fun on the way to and from a job in Noosa this evening.

Revolt Productions - Melbourne's newest performing arts space.

2010-10-05T20:00:00.003+10:00

About to hit Melbourne like a meteorite, Revolt Productions is out of this stratosphere! The space, the atmosphere, the planning and foresight, will simply blow your mind. With large function areas and intimate ball rooms; theatrettes and galleries, Revolt is the venue Melbourne didn't even know it needed until it had it. The vision and brainchild of Lighting Designer Ryan Hodge, Revolt is housed in an iconic old warehouse in Kensington. Its vibrant and moody ambiance will seduce you and you'll be hooked before you know it and hanging out for the next big event. Grand opening coming soon. I'll keep you posted.
Cheers
Deborah

Pattemore House - Mulberries and May bushes

2010-10-03T22:51:00.000+10:00

Some days are diamonds. And winding my way through the Maleny hinterland to historic Pattemore House (you know, rolling hills, endless fields of green, that type of beautiful country side if you're not familiar with the area) turned out to be a diamond day. Stepping back into my early childhood of old wood stoves, floral patterned faded lino, dodging thistles and eating mulberries, I photographed the Friends of Pattemore house as they brainstormed their way through an Ideas and Planning Workshop in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. I marveled at the enthusiasm of the members at what looks to me like a daunting task of restoration. I'm grateful for people with such foresight and energy to recognise the value, and put in the effort, to keep our cultural heritage alive for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

Spring Goodness

2010-09-24T00:10:00.001+10:00

I took a 10 minute break today and wandered around the garden to see what Spring had sprung. I even broke out the real camera instead of the iPhone so I could share some flowery goodness. In various nooks and corners I discovered new inhabitants in my garden, a santa clad gnome in the back garden, a duck peaking through some shrubbery, a naked lady basking in the front garden, a Dachshund lurking in the succulents (oh wait, the Dachsy is the only one living!). These ornaments arrived earlier this year along with my mother, Lyndell, who I realise I have not introduced as the other new face of Wild Honey Photography. She fills in the gaps between Sarah and I by answering phones, running errands and being here when orders are collected and generally keeping the place looking spic and span. So our little hive is buzzing with activity, inside the studio and out.

Speaking of flowers and family, if you want to see a flower a day from Toowoomba's lovely gardens, check out my brother's blog .

PS. At least three of the flower photos below were photographed last week on the iPhone. Can you guess which ones?

Melbourne - Technology - Revolt Productions

2010-09-22T20:45:00.002+10:00

Gotta love technology! 6 days in Melbourne (mostly work, carefully balanced with pleasure) and after much hand wringing and swearing, phone calls and visits to telstra shops, I finally got the pre-paid mobile broadband to work an hour before I flew back to the sunny coast. Also in that time both email addresses had technical issues which meant some emails bounced back to the sender and some were deleted never to be seen again. So if you haven't heard back from me, please try again.

Other than that, there were no technical difficulties evident at Melbourne's snazziest new performing arts centre's first live gig. Rebekah and I were there to document history in the making.

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression and Revolt wowed its first-time patrons with its stylish, spacious and moody interior. Powerful performances by The Nymphs, Tim Cannon and The Twoks matched the vibrant ambience and left the audience adding Revolt to their Twitter feed, ready to return for more sensory goodness.

The Nymphs

Tim Cannon

Tim Cannon & friends?

Xani from the Twoks

Xani again. (Love the lighting Ryan! Powerfully moody.)

Boogie with Stew

The Twoks

I'll be back with some stunning interior photos and more information about Revolt Productions asap.

Cheers
Deborah

Stew's Beanie! (Modeled by baby Jayden)

2010-08-25T19:04:00.004+10:00

Jayden was the perfect model to show my brother Stewart's knitting talent. This is his first baby beanie!
Doesn't it look gorgeous!

It's the simple things ...

2010-08-25T12:19:00.001+10:00

not to mention the free things, that help you stop and appreciate the moment.

Gratitude: walking through the park at the end of my street with my dog of a morning. Admiring the myriad Grevilleas and Callistemons bursting with blooms, and the rainbow lorikeets noisily feasting on their colourful smorgasbord.

(Straight from iPhone to you. No editing, cropping, processing, adjusting, tweaking or fiddling. How very liberating it is to shoot and show. Although I may have to break out the good gear to get a shot of the rainbow lorikeets.)

Spot the departing Lorikeet

Sarah's babies

2010-08-24T06:46:00.001+10:00

So, no sooner did I get back from New Zealand and Sarah jets off to the UK for 6 1/2 weeks. She has an action packed itinerary, meeting her triplet nephews for the first time (can't wait to see those photos!) and bridesmaid at a lifelong friends wedding, and the general catching up of family and friends.
In the meantime, here's a few of the babies she photographed while I was away.

You can see why I was able to relax and rejuvenate while I was away, knowing the business was in very capable hands.

Rebekah's Blog

2010-08-23T18:40:00.001+10:00

Finally, she's gotten around to showing some of her work. Check it out. And if you're looking for a photographer in Melbourne, she's your gal. Bekky's Blog

Part Two - Queenstown, New Zealand

2010-08-23T14:47:00.002+10:00

I must be the only photographer around who goes to one of the most picturesque places on earth and doesn't take her camera out of the bag once. All these photos are taken on the trusty iPhone. Epitome of laziness, or just completely burnt out and needing a break from the technical stuff?

The view from my friends B&B. Not bad hey.

It's not every day you get to sit and eat your fish and chips with a view like this. Well, I guess it is every day if you live in Queenstown.

Views front and back. Taken on the road to Glenorchy.

Christmas in July, except it was August by the time we got around to it.

Photo by Sarah. Sitting in the basket sculpture on top of Queenstown hill.

The sunrise(taken from the B&B) the morning I went snowboarding on the other side of the mountains on the right of the photo. The Remarkables.

Champion Snowboarder. Not! But I had a blast.

I loved snowboarding and was so keen to spend my last week mastering it, then I got the flu and could hardly leave the house. :( Oh well, I caught up on lots of reading and dvds.

Fresh snowfall.

Queenstown Gardens

And back home to my puppy and to warm, sunny beaches.

Queenstown is the action packed capital of the world and the prettiest little place as well. For a place about the size of Caloundra there are about 100 clubs and pubs with a style to suit everyone. And plenty of single guys there for the snow season!
If you're not going for the ski season, Autumn would be the best time to go to see it at its best. If you want the contact details for the B&B my friend owns, just contact me.
Cheers
Deborah

P.S I gotta say formatting blogger is a tedious, painful process. It just wouldn't cooperate so I did the best I could.

a bit of an update ... Part one

2010-08-23T08:47:00.003+10:00

... or the post with the most pics.
... or the iPhone exposé.
After a pretty hectic and full-on first half of 2010, I hit the wall and burnt out. So I took myself off for 4 weeks rest and recuperation and left the very capable Sarah in charge of running the show. The day before I left, my brother Stewart and I took a little stroll up Mt Tibrogargan. (Note: all photos taken on an iPhone unless otherwise stated)

The next morning we went to Dickey Beach and I gave Stew a few photography hints and tips. I was flying out at 1pm and hadn't started packing yet.

I spent 10 days in Melbourne for my birthday and my baby's girl's 20th birthday. Dinner at Longrain, a restaurant recommended by my friend Jenny, was the perfect spot to celebrate being alive and well for another year. Good friends, good food and good atmosphere. Can't get much better than that. (photos thanks to Sandra. The iPhone doesn't cope too well in low light)

Me & Bekky (or Bekky and I)

Sandra, Albert & Jill. Cheers!

Me and the red curried blue fish, grinning at me ominously.

For someone who grew up in a big country town where public transport was unheard of, I overcame my phobia of public transport and mastered the trains, trams and buses of the big city. I didn't actually try the horse and buggy though.

And just for the hell of it, here's some random pics from my wanderings. All iPhone masterpieces, of course.

Bekky & I playing in the mirrors at her work

Bekky & Sean in a trendy cafe

The sun does occasionally shine in Melbourne

And then I went to Queenstown, New Zealand. I was tempted to continue and post a gazillion more photos in the one post but I think I'll start a Part 2.

Beautiful bunnies

2010-08-22T11:43:00.001+10:00

Until I get around to resizing the zillion other photos I want to post, here's one from Sarah that is sooooo cute.

Sarah - All in a days work

2010-08-22T10:57:00.003+10:00

Back to blogging. Finally!And so much to catch up on. Here's Sarah (Wild Honey's new photographer!) tackling the vagaries of every day photography work. First up, no she's not pregnant! We were doing a couple of test shots for a later maternity shoot and she thought it best to get into the swing of things as the stand in.

Then tackling the great outdoors. She braved the threat of deadly spiders and snakes in the bush (remember she's a Pommie!) to get the best shot.

She did well until I pointed out the spider she was just about to walk into.

Later that same afternoon for a portrait shoot, she didn't let the spiders stop her getting the best angle for the shot. And she survived to finish the shoot. I'll follow up with some favourites from the days shooting soon.

Test

2010-08-22T08:23:00.007+10:00

Checking out a new template for the blog and also trying to get the photos BIGGER. But with no success. :(
Sarah took this photo of me at a recent opening at Noosa Art Gallery. She must be doing a good job if I'm actually prepared to post it!

By golly, I think I've done it. Big picture?

Amanda & Warren - Gold Coast Hinterland Wedding

2010-07-09T08:20:00.000+10:00

A beautiful afternoon at a beautiful location with beautiful people.
Just beautiful!

Ceremony and reception for Amanda and Warren's wedding was held at Albert River Winery .

Introducing ...

2010-07-08T15:08:00.000+10:00

After a topsy turvy roller coaster ride for the first half of 2010, things are now starting to buzz along smoothly at Wild Honey Photography. I'm excited to announce a new Honey Bee, Sarah Jane Smith, has joined me in the hive and is helping to spread the sweetness around. Sarah is a graphic designer and photographer and her bright smile and cheery voice (you'll recognise her by the pommie accent) are like a fresh spring blossom bursting with pollen. Ok, enough of the Honey and Bee references, but you get the picture. It's great having her as part of the team.
Over the coming months we will be working together to make some exciting changes and introduce a fresh new range of products. Here we are, photographed on the latest Polaroid instant camera, at the biggest photography tradeshow around. We came away with our heads spinning with new ideas.

We'll be back soon to show you what else we've been working on. And the very next post will be to share some highlights of Amanda and Warren's wedding.
(there should be a photo here but blogger is being difficult and it won't let me post it. I'll try again later)

Cheerio
Deborah

Samantha & Elton's Caloundra Wedding

2010-06-11T13:15:00.005+10:00

Finally! Some more from Sam & Elton's Wedding

2010-06-10T22:51:00.012+10:00

A Golden Beach Wedding with dicey weather resulted in a very intimate ceremony with everyone huddled under the tree at TS Onlsow park to escape the sudden downpour. It made it tricky to get photos but I think it resulted in an even more memorable ceremony to have all family and friends so close. It was a wonderful atmosphere of love and sharing under the tree. And the sun did make a reappearance a bit later in the day and we got some gorgeous photos on the pathway amongst the mangroves before heading over to Happy Valley and then out to the Caloundra Racecourse for some fun shots and the reception. If you were there it would be great to hear your thoughts on the day in the comments below. Congratulations Sam & Elton!

Coming soon! Sam & Elton's big day. Plus a big announcement from me.

2010-05-10T14:12:00.005+10:00

More beautiful Bubs

2010-04-16T18:35:00.000+10:00

I'm still catching up from before Christmas!
Here's Ruby among the frangipani's

Michael the archangel

Martin the magnificent

Lahela with amazing lashes

Koko the cutie

Brothers

The wild one (or at least the wild hair do!)

I have two big brothers too.

Ellie

and Ella

Bubs!

2010-04-16T10:25:00.000+10:00

I had no idea I was so far behind in blogging my babies. It's gonna take me ages to catch up!
So lets get started.

Here's Cooper

Ciara

Baylen

Amelia

Alexander

Elijah

Alana

Amber

Sasha

and Joshua. With lots more to come soon.

Last Days!

2010-04-15T21:34:00.006+10:00

Rush on down to the Caloundra Art Gallery this weekend to see my fabulous exhibition before it closes! (open 10 - 4 Sat & Sun) It all gets pulled down and packed away on Monday so don't miss out.

You can see I had a splendid time at the opening.
Twirling with relief, adrenalin, excitement, gratitude, love from family and friends and maybe a little bit of red wine.

In the meantime, I've been busy photographing weddings and lots of babies and generally trying to catch up on things. I've had to defer Uni studies as life just got a tad too busy there for a while.

My (19-year-old) baby girl has now moved to Melbourne and my Mum has also had a life change and moved house so its all been happening. I have full intentions of resuming regular blogging from now on, and also weaning myself off facebook! Sounds a bit like a late new years resolution so we'll see how well I stick to it!

Cheerio for now
Deborah

M.I.A

2010-03-06T12:28:00.002+10:00

I'm still alive and kicking but things have been just a little bit chaotic since Christmas time. One of the reasons is below. I've photographed the goings on at the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery since it opened 10 years ago. So the whole gallery will be full of my photos next week for about 5 weeks, as part of the 10 year celebrations. So if you're in town, call in and have a look. You might be surprised at what goes on in and around an art gallery.

Once the official opening is over and life gets back to normal (whatever normal is!) I'll be doing my darndest to get back to regular blogging.

Cheers
Debbie

Louise King - The cello guru

2009-12-22T10:00:00.011+10:00

I confess to being more than a little in awe of my lovely friend Louise's talent. As well as being a brilliant performer, Louise has amazing organisational skills as was evident recently when I photographed the end of year concert with her students and special guests performing at the Eudlo Hall. With students ranging in age from the very young to the not quite so young, solo performances to an en masse of cellists for the Christmas Carol finale, Louise's energy and smile shone throughout. Here are a few of my favourites from the day.

If you'd like more info on Louise, here are a couple of links.
Cello Dreaming
Sista Music
Carisma

PS. Please let me know if the links are working or not. I'm link illiterate. Ta

Oh, by the way ...

2009-12-21T10:47:00.002+10:00

Results for my first semester at Uni.

Creative Writing - DISTINCTION
Intro to Design - DISTINCTION
Communication and Thought - DISTINCTION

I'm feeling just a little bit clever at the moment. lol

Michael & Amy - Caloundra Wedding

2009-12-19T18:38:00.009+10:00

Michael and Amy braved gale force winds to get married at Dickey Beach recently. Ok, that might be a slight exaggeration but it was bloody windy. A beautiful day though and a bit of wind didn't stop us getting some awesome photos in a sheltered little area just around the corner. A great day, a great couple, fun people, nice and relaxed with lots of love to go around. Perfect!

It's getting tough to stay in business.

2009-12-01T19:24:00.005+10:00

The competition's getting younger and younger!

Sacha & Adam - Maleny Manor Wedding

2009-12-01T18:43:00.011+10:00

Hats off to Sacha for handling a myriad of hiccups on her wedding day and still smiling radiantly. Hair & make-up company didn't show, button holes for the guys weren't delivered, the bridesmaids dress needed last minute alterations, the cake stand was about to collapse, but Sacha took it all in her stride and got on with enjoying her day. The first photo sums up the philosophy of the day - if you focus on the LOVE, everything else will be alright. In the end, all the glitches were sorted out and the rest of the day sailed along smoothly. Adam was a wee bit nervous until the ceremony was over, then broke out the smiles and relaxed. Congratulations guys!

Jane & Kent - Caloundra Wedding

2009-11-30T23:58:00.014+10:00

Jane & Kent's wedding was a smorgasbord of delight from beginning to end. From the richly adorned gown that included details from Jane's mum's wedding dress and a ton of beading, to the awesome rendition of 'We're going to Jackson' sung by the bride and groom at the reception. So much detail, personal touches, laughter, love, family, friends and fun went into making this day a stand out occasion.

I'd love to have a video clip of Jane & Kent's version but you'll just have to put up with Johnny and June.

Coming Soon!

2009-11-16T23:43:00.003+10:00

Juliet Louise & Lorelei Rose (and their big sister)

2009-10-22T06:00:00.000+10:00

Hayley

2009-10-20T18:00:00.000+10:00

Lachlan Dean

2009-10-19T22:07:00.000+10:00

Isabella

2009-10-18T21:29:00.000+10:00

Lisa & Mitchell - Beach Wedding

2009-10-17T21:26:00.000+10:00

Lauren & Alexander

2009-10-17T21:08:00.000+10:00

I'm still catching up on my baby photos. I posted a quick one of Lauren a while back with the bubbles. Here's a couple more or her and her baby brother who was clearly bored with proceedings and happy to let his big sister steal the limelight.

Blog Neglect

2009-10-16T19:56:00.007+10:00

Let me explain. It all started back in July when I had this crazy idea to go to University. Off I sent my late application, only to end up on a roller coaster that hasn't quite slowed down yet. So now I'm a Uni student. Add to that finding out about six weeks after the event that I had actually broken my elbow when I fell off my bike, throw in a quick trip to Melbourne, all sorts of other ups and downs, and becoming slightly hooked on facebook and that's just a few reasons for my blog neglect. So, here are a few gorgeous babies from the last couple of months. I'll have more weddings for you as soon as I catch up and I promise to try and keep things up to date a bit more!

Lily

Hayley

Jareth (gotta love a pic with such character. It was mum's favourite!)

Xavier

Micah & Giacomo.

Nate

Cayden

Maddison

Zeke

William

Izabellah

Jenae

And Alison

Katherine & Paul

2009-10-01T22:21:00.007+10:00

Tamborine Gardens was the venue for Katherine & Paul's wedding and it was so nice to get amongst some greenery for a change. Or, in this case, it was more red leaves than green! Rain clouds loomed threateningly at the crucial moment so the ceremony was moved from the garden into the gorgeous little chapel (how awesome to have such a great wet weather back up). The rain didn't hang around though and we were able to get back outside amongst the gardens for some great shots before heading back to the reception room on the same grounds.

[Congratulations Katherine & Paul and good luck in Darwin!]

Do you know what infinity means?

2009-09-19T23:41:00.002+10:00

Conversation at today's wedding between young boy and my second photographer.

"Do you know what infinity means?"
"What does it mean?"
"It means that Santa never dies"

Bubbles

2009-09-06T22:10:00.004+10:00

So much to do. Busy, busy, busy. So many great photos to share and only time for one favourite at the moment. I just love it.

Sunshine Coast Art Prize

2009-09-02T19:40:00.003+10:00

And the winner is ...

Maleny artist, Peter Hudson.

I bet you can't guess the colour theme for this years SCAP?

OK. maybe you can. There was orange everywhere! It looked great.

Free flowing food and drink, skilled entertainers, great art, interesting characters and a warm balmy night made for yet another successful opening of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize at the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery.

Elope to Caloundra

2009-08-31T23:25:00.004+10:00

Deb & Paul ran away from Tassie to get married on the Sunshine Coast. Shelly Beach to be precise. Now they have to go home and tell friends and family what they got up to on their 'holiday'.

It was a lovely, relaxed afternoon with the bubbly Karen Faa doing the ceremony and just four of Deb and Paul's friends in attendance.

[All the best for the future guys and thanks for inviting me to be one of the very few to witness your special day.]

My baby girl - Style Photography

2009-08-21T21:10:00.004+10:00

Studio photography is not my specialty. I'm much more at home with natural light. But lately I've been trying to broaden my repertoire and Rebekah had a few ideas she wanted to try out so we had a fun evening setting up the lights and experimenting. This is one of the many images we came away with from the night. I've been playing with it in photoshop and was kinda happy with the result so thought I'd share it. What do you think?

Bare Foot Bowls

2009-08-16T16:43:00.005+10:00

Joey was so excited at his Bare Foot bowls Birthday he couldn't keep still long enough to play! He had a great time and thank you to all family and friends who made it along to help him celebrate.

Joey's turning 21

2009-08-14T12:37:00.004+10:00

This time 21 years ago, I was sitting at my brother's place in Southport thinking I had food poisoning from the dodgy b.b.q he had cooked on for lunch. Many hours later and after much convincing, turns out I was in labour. Many more hours later my baby boy made his grand appearance. What a journey it has been since then. Having kids brings with it the most joy, the most agony, the biggest delights, the greatest anxieties, the best rewards and the most sacrifice. I love my kids more than anything in the world.

Re Coil - Art Exhibition

2009-08-10T18:19:00.004+10:00

You have until Sunday August 16 to pop into the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery to see the fascinating and diverse Re Coil exhibition from the Northern Territory. If you get the chance, it's worth the look.

Something a little more traditional - Sunshine Coast Family Portraits

2009-08-04T08:05:00.000+10:00

It's getting harder and harder to get all the family together these days so when an occasion like Mum's 60th Birthday brings everyone together it's time to book a photographer, which is exactly what Jenny's family did. Mum, Dad, five offspring, two partners and two Grandchildren all came together to update the family portrait collection.

On a side note, this was booked for two days after I fell off my bike. Bekky shot for me as I couldn't hold a camera. Not her usual free style as she was following my directions and I was hovering over her shoulder the whole time, which must have frustrated her no end but she did a brilliant job.

Bekky's stuff - Brisbane Fashion Photographer

2009-08-02T18:26:00.006+10:00

My fabulous daughter Rebekah has been branching out with her own style of photography since she moved to Brisbane. She has an edgy, arty, unique vision which I love and envy! Her post-processing has a bit of a retro feel to it. She breaks all the rules and makes it work. I'm so proud of her.

You know she's dedicated when she gets up before dawn for a fashion shoot at Point Cartwright. Anyone that knows Bekky will know that you don't even bother to try and get in touch with her before midday on the weekends because sleeping in is compulsory for her.

If you want something a little edgy, stylish and different, Bekky's the photographer for you.

NABTS - Siem Reap

2009-07-27T11:18:00.001+10:00

'Not another bloody temple syndrome' will be familiar to anyone who has visited the Angkor Wat temple only to realise there are dozens of other temples in the area and by the time you've gone through a few of them you are templed out. The temples are magnificent but I mostly enjoyed just watching the locals go about their day as we were going to and fro. I did also enjoy the water lilies outside this, our last temple of the trip.

Natural Glamour Photography

2009-07-26T20:31:00.007+10:00

Long grass, wildflowers, trees and a pretty girl.

Ok, so the wildflowers are probably weeds but hey, they're still effective. Devin and I have been discussing where we'd do this shoot for a while now and we finally grabbed an available date and went for it, and ended up not even 5 minutes from home. Gotta be happy with that. And thrilled with the results. Looking Good Devin! And the smiley one is for Mum. Can't wait to show you the rest guys.

Cheers
Deb

On the way to see a temple. Part 2

2009-07-26T10:55:00.001+10:00

These shots were taken from a speeding tuk-tuk on the way out of town to visit some far-flung temple. As we zoomed past I enjoyed the brief glimpse of everyday Cambodian life. We passed through little villages with caneware and grass brooms strung along the street for sale, and rugged country-side with the locals going about their morning routine. Groups of people sharing breakfast, huddled onto one of the palm-leaf covered platforms that seems to be the family eating area. Grubby kids with charismatic smiles, chatting amongst themselves as they walked or rode bikes to school.

On the way to see a temple. Part 1

2009-07-26T09:50:00.001+10:00

Quite a disparity evident in the housing sector. And it's not like we're talking wealthy suburbs and poor suburbs, these dwellings were right next door to each other.

Random Siem Reap Shots

2009-07-25T08:00:00.000+10:00

I've just had a quick flick through my Vietnam/Cambodia file of photos and I have so many more I want to share. I'll never get through them at this rate! Here a few random shots that don't fit anywhere else. The first one is a bottle shop where we stopped off to get a carton of local beer to share with the tuk-tuk driver who had invited us to dinner with his family and some other drivers. I was the only female at the table - there was no table, it was a timber platform that everyone sat on. I tried to find out why the women didn't join us and got an evasive answer about them not speaking any english. It was fascinating listening to the stories the men told and their dreams for the future.

I snapped this in passing just because I thought it was cute. It looks like a toy police car.

I'd read somewhere about the cruelty to the elephants doing the rides so I erred on the side of not supporting them. I guess it's like boycotting the circus because of the way the animals are treated. I'm a bit wishy-washy with where I stand on these issues. I really haven't researched it enough to make an informed decision.

The fish foot massage at the Night Markets in Siem Reap was by far the most bizarre thing I've seen. The fish nibble at your feet, eating the dead skin. And no, I didn't try it.

It's been such a long time . . .

2009-07-23T22:24:00.003+10:00

. . . since I added a 'Word of the Day', but after recent events dealing with someone who severely lacks this quality, it seemed appropriate to share its meaning.

So here it is, according to Answers.com

Perspicacious

n.

Acuteness of perception, discernment, or understanding.

Harry & Georgia

2009-07-20T21:07:00.000+10:00

Ok, so I got a little bit carried away with blogging this gorgeous family and I could have chosen heaps of just Georgia, she was such a terrific little model. And that mop of hair on Harry is adorable.

Mace

2009-07-20T09:34:00.001+10:00

I'm nearly caught up on my baby blog blitz. Smiley Mace popped into the studio in June to have his photo taken for his Impressionable Kids hands and feet frame.

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby

2009-07-19T20:41:00.000+10:00

I love the name Ruby but I can't say it now without that song by the Kaiser Chiefs running through my head.

Harrison

2009-07-18T20:17:00.001+10:00

I think if I'd had another boy I would have named him Harrison. I said this to my daughter the other day and then had the thought that if she ever had a baby boy she might name him Harrison. She said, forget it Mum, you're not naming my babies. lol

Shelby

2009-07-17T20:23:00.001+10:00

I'm cheating with this one and instead of choosing three separate images like I usually do I'm sharing a storyboard I put together of Shelby. It's a bit small to really appreciate it on the blog but the full size image looks great.

Family Photography

2009-07-16T19:43:00.000+10:00

I get such lovely results using the natural light coming in the studio doors that I rarely use the studio flash at all anymore. These guys were great to photograph. I love the last one, such a classic look for a teenage boy.

Slowly catching up

2009-07-15T19:30:00.002+10:00

I'm up to the month of May and here we have Montana and Landon.

As cute as puppies

2009-07-14T19:14:00.000+10:00

I love this little series of Tyler and his plush toy dog. They remind me so much of wrastling puppies.

Xavier

2009-07-14T07:00:00.000+10:00

From memory (I'm still blogging my April babies!) Xavier wasn't overly happy for much of his photo shoot so patience was the order of the day. He had the cutest range of hats to model and I just love his angelic little pose in the last one. Certainly worth the wait!

Still catching up!

2009-07-13T17:12:00.001+10:00

Here's Jack from back in April.

It's hard work being a model

2009-07-13T05:53:00.001+10:00

Just ask Nate, who was clearly worn out and in need of a nap at the end of his photo session.

(I just love, love, love sleeping babies. So beautiful and peaceful.)

Sisters

2009-07-12T16:41:00.000+10:00

I'm playing catch-up on the blog. Here are sweet sisters, Chelsea and Brianna from back in April.