Photography

Aaron Thomas you’re a legend

When I was asked if all the cars, light post and wires could be removed from the front of this building, I flinched….. Our amazing retoucher Aaron Thomas did not - http://aahthom.wordpress.com/

Aaron, you’re amazing!  Thanks for your commitment and patience on all our projects.

 

Kicking off 2012

Happy New Year to all our clients and friends.  2012 has kicked off at an almighty pace.  We are currently under the pump shooting a variety of amazing projects for the awards.  Keep your eyes posted, we’ll share some of these projects over the coming months.  It seems it was a relaxing Christmas for all and sundry.  Melbourne put on a great display with outstanding holiday weather.

I used my time off to do some amazing walks as I am currently training for the Oxfam walk in April.  What started out at as some jovial walks and a motivation to try to raise some money for a good cause, has turned into a gruelling training regime.  I don’t think any of us really understood the intensity of walking 100km in 48 hours.  To date our longest walk is 30km. Yikes, we have a bit further to go. If you’re interested you can check out our team blog.  All donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. - http://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/melbourne/teams/team/?team_id=11831

The training has turned out to be a wonderful visual journey throughout some of Melbourne’s most stunning national parks.  Here are some of the wonderful moments captured when up early and on the track.

Marysville is well and truly on the mend.  We had the good fortune to meander through Bruno’s sculpture garden while waiting for light on a recent job in Marysville.  What a treasure this place is.  It’s a must if you’re passing through – http://www.brunosart.com/

And last but not least… Ted’s new professional showroom has opened in South Melbourne, headed up by Craig Robinson. Craig has provided great service to the photographic industry over the years in his various roles with good old fashioned service.  He has been a great support to myself and other photographers in our studio.  Craig has always provided personalised service for any equipment we have purchased.  He really does go above and beyond, and apart from his professionalism he’s a great guy. Let’s get our there and support Craig and Ted’s, they sell pretty much everything you need.

 

 

 

Merry Christmas

To all our valued clients, wishing you a very Merry Christmas and thank you for your support and encouragement throughout 2011.  It’s been an amazing year and we’ve had the good fortune to shoot some awesome projects.

Getting the cover of Artichoke Magazine for the great Rialto Vue de monde fit out by Elenberg Fraser was a fine way to finish off the year.  It’s been wonderful working with Anna Augustine, a consummate professional in helping to coordinate and manage all the various shoots.  Thank you Anna for your support and help.

All our achievements wouldn’t have been possible this year without the dedication, support and commitment of my awesome assistant Jason.  I speak for myself and my clients in thanking you for your tireless efforts and 100% commitment to perfecting our craft, both on the job and with your amazing post production skills. Aside from the work, you are fabulous company and a valued friend.  I look forward to great things in 2012.

Here’s a collection of our work from 2011:

Health, happiness and tranquility to all in 2012

My Holiday – Part 3 (Dubai)

Since I was flying Emirates (best airline ever apart from the overbooking of flights) and passing through Dubai on 3 occasions throughout my travels, I thought it was a must see…

Here’s a dedication to my “Lost in translation – Life in a shopping mall”.

in search of some culture…

Burj Khalifa – tallest building in the world

My Holiday – Part 2 (Kilimanjaro)

“Life is brought down to the basics: if you are warm, regular, healthy, not thirsty or hungry, then you are not on a mountain… Climbing at altitude is like hitting your head against a brick wall– it’s great when you stop.” — Chris Darwin.

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain at 5895m.  Despite it’s melting glaciers, it maintains a majestic presence that brings most who reach the summit to tears.  Something profoundly overwhelming encapsulates you and at various moments on the final ascent you are overcome by inexplicable emotion.

I would have to say without a doubt this is the most difficult and rewarding thing I have ever done.  My sister suggested I try childbirth, but I think for the sake of society I’ll stick to mountains.

We went as a group of 7 after committed training for the past 9 months at Mt Donna Buang in Warburton and the 1000 steps in the Dandenongs.  It is not so much that Kilimanjaro is the most difficult of physical climbs, it is more the combination of all of the elements and most particularly the altitude that makes this a challenging experience.  The breathable oxygen at the top is less than half the amount than is common at sea level. It is a battle of willpower and one of the most powerful natural landscapes you will ever experience.  It is soul enriching and life changing. We all summited with exhilaration and joy after 6 days trekking the Lemosho route.

The 33 team crew from Duma Explorer (www.dumaexplorer.com) that took us up this mountain are a true inspiration. These are men of pride, strength, gentleness and resilience.  The difficulties they endure and the disposition that they maintain is truly commendable. I learnt a great deal from them. They are the most supportive, selfless and joyous spirited people I have met.

If this is something you have ever considered, you simply must do it.

I should however warn that it’s not for everyone, I came across a man slumped on a rock on the descent who said – “I think I’d rather die in Guantanamo Bay”!