Working Together

Contact me  –  Let’s chat in person, email or phone about a session tailored for you – I’ll send your a written quote to confirm your session requirements - Pay your booking fee to secure your date  –  We’ll create beautiful stories at your session  –  Pay session balance - Receive your digital images – I’ll follow up with you for a post-session review

 FAQs

 
  • This is a really important question because a photographers innate aesthetic preferences equates to their visual stylistic signature. In almost all cases it will be the reason you choose me instead of another photographer, or not. The work shown on this website reflects my preferred aesthetic and tastes.

    I would best describe my personal aesthetic and professional style as “classic, colourful and dramatic” with a strong emphasis on contrast.

    I’m crazy about photographing people living with passion and ‘doing their thing’. I also love working with couples and families because I feel how and who we love defines who we are. I feel photo’s are like mini-time capsules. It’s really satisfying knowing we are making photos that will become important historical documents for future generations!

    In terms of light, I usually search for or like to create lighting to provide a little drama, atmosphere and mood. I am a bit ‘backlight’ mad. It’s also fun creating fresh, clean aesthetics. Regardless, I work to make the most of any given situation.

    I love nature and natural spaces. Nature grounds me and feeds my soul, so naturally I love to shoot outdoors. I love working at the beach, especially when it’s windy, because it creates a sense of adventure and wildness in the images. I feel really fortunate to live in an amazing part of the world, surrounded by beautiful light and landscapes, providing endless inspiration and ideas.

    I recognise I am privileged by my tertiary studies in photography. This training has allowed me to learn to shoot in styles outside of my own preferred aesthetic. I feel this skill is vital when it comes to shooting for clients.

    Significantly, my studies have enabled me to study the great masters of both photography and painting. My personal favourites include photographers Nadar, Julia Margaret Cameron, Henry Cartier-Bresson, Horst P Horst, Richard Avedon, David Bailey, Solve Sundsbo and painters Michelangelo da Caravaggio, Leonardo DaVinci, Gustav Klimt, Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock. The aesthetics of these great artists serve as ongoing personal inspiration and reflect my preferred style.

  • I feel clothing is an important consideration because, ultimately, we will work together to create a piece of art to represent what is special and unique about your family for generations to come.

    So, in order to decide of what to wear, the first question that you should ask yourself is this. “Who am I/are we? What do I/we feel is special and unique about me/us? Once you have your answer about what to wear then your decisions become much easier and it’s a great starting point for our conversations about your session.

    Each session is unique, however generally neutral and/or complimentary colours are often the best choice and easiest to co-ordinate between family members taking into account all sorts of constraints (e.g. time, budget, access).

    I feel it’s best not to look ‘matching’. Rather, co-ordinating a common colour theme or design (e.g., white shirts and denim bottoms) looks great and allows everyone to express their own style whilst creating cohesion.

    Also, coordinating your colours in a casual way is also a great strategy. For example, complimentary tonal ranges of a particular colour is also a great way to go (e.g. different shades of blues or complimentary pastels).

    Ultimately, I find co-ordinating, rather than matching, shifts the focus onto connections between family and not simply their clothes.

    It’s also a good idea to check your garments, especially if new, for loose threads, unwanted creases or fluff. Little details can make a big difference to your final photos … yep I’m probably going to get up close with you … so keeping this in mind helps!

    When choosing jewellery and/or accessories (e.g. hats, scarves) ask yourself if you feel they enhance your wardrobe and tie in with the mood and location?

    If this sounds at all overwhelming or confusing just ask me for guidance… It’s part of my job to help you look and feel amazing and enjoy your session!

  • Most of us are not always super comfortable in front of a camera because we really don’t ‘pose’ for professional portraits all that often. Unless you are a model, nerves about moving, smiling and expressing yourself can get in the way of ‘being yourself’.

    To help you relax we will discuss what we are going to do, while we are there and I will gently assist, direct and guide you in front of the camera. This frees up your mind, enabling you to relax, enjoy the experience create authentic moments of love, laughter and connection.

    An analogy I like to use with clients when thinking about photo sessions is that they are like a sporting performance … At first we warm up together (e.g. the first few minutes). As the ‘coach’ I provide positive verbal instructions (e.g. how to pose/relax/interact) and meaningful feedback (e.g. show you the back of the camera). Then, once you see how amazing you look it’s game on and we are away!

    My intent is to work closely with you to create beautiful, meaningful images that capture authentic connections in a way that makes your heart sing.

  • Location can be really important for many reasons. For example, natural spaces like beaches and forests can be used to create a flowing, natural and easygoing mood.

    Cityscapes and/or indoor spaces introduce a range of man-made elements into the story. This decision can change the story and mood entirely.

    Given photography is essentially drawing with light the time of day your session is booked for can be super important. Early’ish mornings and afternoons are generally best but, in saying that, if there is a little shade around good things are also possible in the middle of the day!

    Ultimately our decisions will be based on what your would like to portray and the desired mood/aesthetic. I’ll offer suggestions and direction to create your story.

    Additionally, don’t get so caught up in co-ordinating outfits with each other that you forget to dress appropriately for the location and time of year you we shoot your session. For example, it’s generally a good idea not to wear heavy winter jackets in the middle of summer at the beach.

    Your comfort during your session is really important to me!

  • Whilst I work with some great Hair & Makeup Artists (MHUA) that I am happy to recommend the decision rests solely with you.

    If you feel confident to do your own styling go for it! If not, ask for help.

    Remember keep it simple, stick to a style you are comfortable with and compliments your wardrobe.

    Avoid foundations, highlighters and eyeshadows that will create unwanted shine and/or flashback under strobes.

    Attention to detail is really important. For example, ask ourself are your brows camera ready? Is your manicure fresh?

    When choosing jewellery and/or accessories (e.g. hats, scarves) ask yourself if you feel they enhance your wardrobe and tie in with the mood and location?

    If this sounds at all overwhelming or confusing just ask … It’s part of my job to help you look and feel amazing!

  • Just ask me! It’s my job to guide you through the entire process. Your session is all about creating beautiful images that will become a part of the fabric of your life.

    Whilst spontaneity during the shoot is great, in my experience planning for your session is really important. It’s ideal if we can have a good chat, face-to-face, by phone or email, well before your session about your requirements and all of the elements that we will utilise to build, create and capture your story.

    I can provide you with suggestions for locations, styling and posing.

    I may also have garments and accessories that we can incorporate into your shoot (if that’s what you would like).

    Let’s begin by talking about what you would like and we’ll take it from there.

  • My pricing is positioned to be affordable quality. See Pricing section for full details.

  • ‘People, Family & Wedding’ session packages include the session fee and final images delivered as professionally edited high-resolution digital files and your preferred social media format.

    Commercial sessions are billed at an hourly rate listed in Pricing section.

    Images are provided in a selection of colour and B&W in high resolution and preferred social media formats.

    Images are delivered via Dropbox and/or USB.

    2023 Pricing is quoted within the Cairns area.

    High-level photoshop manipulation and editing (e.g. removing/changing backgrounds, people, objects) is not included in the price but is available as an additional service on request.

  • Yes, I love to capture the beauty, emotion, joy and atmosphere of one of the most significant events in a couples life together.

  • The non-refundable booking fee is required to secure your session date and time.

    Once you have paid your booking fee your date and time is locked in for you.

    The non-refundable booking fee is $100.00 and is deducted from your overall package price.

    Payment can be made by Direct Debit or via Credit Card/Eftpos* face-to-face using Square app. *Note: payments made via Square will attract a 1.9% surcharge.

  • When booking a ‘People’ session you will be required to pay a $100.00 non-refundable booking fee. The balance is due and payable at the time your photo’s are ready. Photo’s will not be provided until balance is paid in full.

    ‘Commercial or Event’ photography terms are balance due in full 7 days from invoice.

    Payment can be made by Direct Debit or via Credit Card/Eftpos* face-to-face using Square app. *Note: payments made via Square will attract a 1.9% surcharge.

  • People based sessions will generally take about an hour, sometimes a bit more, sometimes a bit less. Your images are important to me, I don’t like to rush your shoot.

    In saying that, there are a number of factors that may effect the length of your session including:

    • number of images in the package you book. More images take more time.

    • location and prevailing light. I generally prefer to use a mix of natural light, reflectors and speed lights to ensure you shine.

    • how complicated/ elaborate you would like the image staging/posing to be.

    • how many different ideas/moods you would like to explore during your shoot.

    • your own time constraints.

  • We do live in the tropics! If it’s raining we will postpone your outdoor session and we will decide on a new time that suits both of us asap.

  • Sure thing! I love working ‘in-the-studio’.

    I have several great, suitable spaces that I can access for a small fee. This fee is passed on ‘at cost’ to the client.

    Booking dates are subject to the availability of the space/s.

  • If you feel you would like to shoot ‘on location’ in own your home, or at a friends place, because the location will best tell your story then sure, it’s all systems go.

    Please note that we would definitely need to meet at your home prior to the session time.

    Meeting beforehand on location ensures we can agree that the location is suitable to achieve the aesthetic you are looking for.

  • Generally within 21-28 days.

    Exceptional circumstances: If you are working to a deadline please let me know in advance and we can discuss options.

  • Yep, sure do!

    Having owned by own franchise business in the beauty industry for almost 20 years I understand the value and importance of good marketing to engage customers and stakeholders. I also understand the process of ‘doing business’.

    I particularly enjoy working with like minded people who are passionate about what they do. I love helping them bring their creative vision to life!

  • It’s pretty amazing to learn that when we agree to do a photo shoot together, under Australian Law, we enter into a legally binding contract. I know I was amazed when I learnt this!

    So, in order to protect both of us and ensure that the business side of our transaction is completely transparent to you the Terms of Service section of this website outlines what you need to understand in plain English (not legalese). I hate legalese because it’s so confusing!

    If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to ask.

  • I shoot with 1 industry standard Canon 5D MIV and 2 industry standard Canon 5D Miii’s.

    In terms of light, in addition to ambient light, I use Canon 600EX Speedlites and an STE-3 transmitter. I have 2 Elinchrom ELC500’s and various light shapers and reflectors.

    I have a variety of Canon and Sigma lenses to create the best quality images for you including:

    • 24-70mm f2.8

    • 70-200mm f4.0

    • 105mm macro f2.8

    • 50mm f1.4

    • 24-105mm f4.0

  • Blue Muse Art Wear is available for purchase at:

    • Northsite Contemporary Arts, Cairns.

    • Cairns Botanical Gardens Visitor Information Centre, Cairns.

    • Wagga Wagga Regional Gallery, Wagga.

    Custom fabric designs and works on paper are available directly on request.

  • They say there’s ‘horses for courses’ and this certainly holds true for printing photos. Your photos deserve to be beautiful in both the digital realm and the real world!

    Printing photos from your session and hanging them on the walls of your home is a great way to celebrate treasured moments everyday.

    I calibrate my editing device, in terms of luminance and colour rendition, so your photos can be taken straight to a professional printer to achieve great results.

    However, all printers, technicians and print labs are not created equal. I have learnt that quality prints, with correct colour rendition and colourfastness, is indeed a specialist area.

    If you would like to create a canvas or have your photo’s printed on beautiful, quality papers that your children and grandchildren will treasure please ask me. I would love to recommend the right people to help you.

    In my personal experience, I guarantee they will understand which paper selection would best suit your photos and use the right materials, including archival inks, to do the job to professional gallery standards.

    I am happy to professionally resize your digital photos to suit your printing size requirements for $10.00 AUD per photo. I can also send the digital files directly to your professional printer as hi-res .jpg or .tiff.

  • I understand that photo sessions are not an everyday occurrence for most people. I’m more than happy to help you understand the process so it doesn’t feel daunting.

    So, any questions not covered here in FAQ just ask!

    The easiest way to reach out is via the ‘Contact me” button at the bottom of this page.