My first timelapse

Glorious weather this past weekend! We spent the weekend washing and spring cleaning.

What I've been up to

This year is flying! We celebrated book week last month and I had the pleasure of doing another photo shoot. I hope I can do this every year; these kids are a wonderful inspiration :).

Last weekend was Father's day. I made this little stop motion which I'm really proud of :). Will definitely make more!

Rejoice, Spring is here!

Having fun

Wherever I go, I take any opportunity to capture something special.
I have been having a lot of fun playing around with video and stop motion.

 

I've also been watching a lot of Casey Neistat's work. His Vlog is amazing, inspires me every time.

It is simple, entertaining and real. Attempting to use some of his ideas makes me realise how much effort and work he puts into his videos; this in addition to running a business.

Dream a little portrait

My first business card!
I wanted it simple; as in my view it is just a method for people to contact me. It has my Facebook page URL (https://www.facebook.com/dreamalittleportrait) on the back with my phone number and email address. Currently, Facebook is my online gallery.

I've been very busy doing family portraits and a bit of commercial/ graphic design work.
It is amazing how life turns out. Back in high school I wanted to be a graphic designer. To get into the course I needed a portfolio, but I didn't have one, so I chose my second preference which was Information Management (Information Technology as a study path was in its infancy back then).
They offered photography at my school, but I was scared. I wasn't confident speaking English and I thought it would be an extra study burden I didn't need. My goal was to pass, and excel if I could and go to University. And so I did.
I set out, almost 3 years ago now, to master the craft of photography, and it is getting done. I am going out there, fear and all, and making good stuff.

+Sue Bryce is now presenting 'Portrait Startup' and I continue to learn so much. It is helping me find the value of what I do; what I create for families, businesses, people.

Think it, make it, show it

As an introvert/ creative it is sometimes difficult to surpass my own blocks, so I'm constantly getting in my own way.
But time and time again, when I do get out of my way; things happened. Stuff has been made. The 'stuff' may not be perfect, but it is crucial for it to be out there. If nothing else, you feel a great sense of accomplishment.

Below is the result of an idea I started pondering on over a year ago: show 'behind the scenes' and showcase local businesses work through photography and video.
It is always nerve wracking to walk into a new situation, start a new project; but it is all part of the work, the process.
Special thanks to Marden Continental for being part of this idea :).

Documenting home rituals

This week we were able to take some time off and I took advantage of this to execute an idea that has been tickling my brain for the last year or so.
In my attempt to capture as many memories as I can for our family, I've been wanting to document some family rituals or traditions, such as those that happen in the kitchen.

In our new home we have an 'open plan' space, and the kitchen is at the heart of this space. This is also true for past generations, and in our families, our mothers have been at the centre of these spaces.
So this week I documented the ritual of making gnocchi!. I filmed and photographed the making of this wonderful dish.

Our daughter (who gave me this idea) joined in and it was great to see her connecting with her grandmother and doing what she could around the kitchen. The end-result was a beautiful slideshow piece with photos and video, oh, and beautiful home-made gnocchi :).
Here are some of the images of the event.

Creating virtual identities

Head-shot photography is something that's been at the back of my mind; an interest I've wanted to explore. In the last couple of weeks I've been experimenting with some head-shot photography, and I've enjoyed the experience :).

In this digital age we all seem to need a digital 'shop-front'; every time I look for someone to come a do a job at my house, a product or a shop, I google. I also google the business names, etc to see if they have a website, to see examples of their work.
So I think it's becoming important to present a good image of yourself; to along with the body of work we do.

My setup is quite simple: large glass double-doors let the light in, and I use polystyrene sheets that act as v-flats. One side is white, the other beige. I'd like to get black ones in the future as I think they would look great. I am making notes on the things I need to work/ improve on.
Here are some of my favourite shots so far :).