we're moving!

Thursday, 31 July 2008

Eric and I are finally moving into our very own apartment. Lots to do! The removalist is coming at 7:30am tomorrow! No phone and internet for me for a little while. I'm so tired from packing and moving boxes right now =(

Labels: life

I hope the moving process goes smoothly and that no rogue drivers out there crash into your car ;) (06 August 2008 11:16)

you've gotta be kidding me!!!

Wednesday, 30 July 2008

The door bell rang but it was too early for someone to come home. Delivery perhaps? I opened the door and nobody was there. I heard a voice and soon a blonde lady appeared. She was talking on her mobile phone as she walked up the steps to my front door. She put her phone away and asked "Is that your car?". Yes, why? She just wanted to tell me she smashed into it.

OMG! Tell me it isn't so!!! Last week somebody ripped the side mirror off the car. A few months ago, somebody also smashed into the car and took off. Today it happened again! You've gotta be kidding =(

I asked for her drivers license and she didn't have it with her. She said she has parked the car up the road and her kids are there playing and has to get them back. I was in shock and I just said ok you go get them and come back.

I went to grab the house keys, came out and couldn't find her. I called Eric to deliver the bad news. "Are you serious?!" - unfortunately, yes. I couldn't see the lady and thought I may have done something stupid here and let her run off. However, she did return.

I saw her kids in the car and waved. Why am I waving?! This woman just crashed into our car! Anyway I got all her details and I'm sad this happened but I'm not pissed off. Maybe I'm so used to this car getting wrecked!

Nobody likes accidents but I am thankful that the lady was so honest. Good on her.

I just can't believe the amount of bad luck we've had with this car. My bro gets into a lot of car accidents as well. I am wondering if our house is cursed or something =(

Labels: life

Same thing happened to my husband 2 weeks ago, but no one fessed up to it. You are luck that lady contacted you because now you won't loose your no-claim bonus. Look on the bright side, she could have fled the scene and you'd be out of pocket! Cheer up.

p.s Is your car green? Green cars are bad luck! Ours is green, wish I knew that before ;) (31 July 2008 00:09)

Oh...that kinda suck!
But it's good that the lady came and confessed that be wrecked your car. (31 July 2008 06:14)

Maybe after all the accident stuff is sorted you can offer to take photos for her kids?

HK (12 August 2008 04:48)

julia & piotr: wedding

Thursday, 24 July 2008

The groom is getting ready in a hotel? Yes! After one too many weddings with groom/bride prep in low light conditions, I was excited to be shooting in a hotel for a change. Hotel usually means big window, natural light and no clutter.

I wasn't schedule to show until 11:30am and the hotel wasn't far from my place which meant there was time for me to grab a very healthy brunch. A quarter pounder meal at Maccas. Think about it, it's got protein, dairy, carbs, vegetables (do pickels count?) right? =p

As usual, I was early so I sat in the lobby of the Stamford Grand Hotel at Ryde waiting for Gordon to arrive. Yep, Gordon Jovic was the man for this wedding and I had the pleasure of tagging along with him again.

Before I continue, I just wanted to make a note that all images in this post were taken for Gordon Jovic Photography and all rights are reseved for the studio.

Once Gordon and his lovely assistant Georgia arrived, we trekked down the long corridor to find the groom's room. Piotr's father showed us into the room and a few minutes later, Piotr and his groomsmen entered the room. Boy are they a good looking bunch!

The flower girl was cute as a button. We asked her to give Piotr a kiss.

But she had other ideas in mind =)

After that last shot, we headed over to the bride's house. Gordon was parking the car when I spotted one of the bridesmaid coming out. She had a nice red dress and a pretty bouquet and I thought to myself, the photos were going to look really good. That was until I went inside and saw the bride. Uh uh, the photos weren't going to look good. They were goign to look great!

Julia really blew me away. She was just stunning. Her face, her fair, her gown, her bouquet and her jewelery. Everything was just beautiful. She was perfect. I really wanted to say "Gosh you look gorgeous" but I feared looking like an idiot so instead I asked her where she got her dress from. I did, however, told Piotr that she looked gorgeous when I saw him at the church. Piotr is one lucky man indeed.

The time we had for the bridal prep was unfortunately way too short. I really wished we could've done a full bridal prep from makeup to hair and all the details.

The ceremony was held at St Peter Chanel of Futuna in Woolwich. I have shot here before with some friends around the ground but never went inside. It's a nice little church actually.

This shot of Julia peering out the car window is my best and most favourite image from this wedding. She looked like a princess.

As photographers, our eyes work a little differently. They wander and search. Often they are attracted to and see potential in things normal people don't. I think that was the case with the location shoot. For a Sydney wedding, you'd think the Rocks or Martin Place for location but Gordon took us to a very ordinary place full of cool graffiti. Awesome for photos but I wonder if the bridal party thought what the heck are we doing here. All I can say is, trust your photographer =)

This one is of course not in the streets =p

The second location was Balmain. I personally think Balmain has lots of cool spots. I should go and scout around the area some day. If only all the streets were twice the size and ain't packed with people and cars all the time =)

We spotted this cool wall just driving along the street. I guess that's where the traffic comes in handy then. It gave us time to sweep our eyes from side to side hehe.

That's the bestman that has stolen the bride for the shot. Did I say they're all very photogenic already?

Unfortunately I didn't stay for the reception but here is the last few shots.

Big thanks to Gordon Jovic for everything and especially for having faith in me.
I can see my drems slowly unfolding =)

Labels: weddings

beautiful work, these images are stunning. I can see your dreams coming to life too...keep it up it will be an amazing journey! (24 July 2008 18:48)

yay! the images are up :)

you're right, the couple is gorgeous! I can totally tell that they will have beautiful children! :) (24 July 2008 18:51)

I love it! The images are crisp and absolutely fantastic! Keep up the great work. They looked stunning and you did a great job capturing it! (24 July 2008 23:57)

I love that one of her peeking out of the car too - it's a classic shot! The last one is pretty special too ;) (31 July 2008 00:11)

update for today

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

I haven't blogged for a while and someone mailed me wondering if I'm still alive so I thought I'd do a quick update. Very original title I know but titles are hard for random updates like this.

So here's what been happening:

Right now I'm eating coco pops for lunch
Last Saturday I had a wedding shoot with Gordon
I've spent the last two days processing those shots while watching One Tree Hill (so I love teen series, sue me. I've been watching from series 1 to series 4 straight in the past few weeks and I have totally killed our download quota)
I'm meeting clients today at Gordon's studio hooray! Wish me luck!
We've been notified that we can check out our apartment this Saturday! Double hoorays!
I didn't win Lotto (again)
I was going to wake up at 5:50am yesterday to line up for an iphone. However, I valued my sleep more so I am still iphone-less
I've listed my very first ebay item and it's for selling off my gym membership

That's all I can think of for the moment. I shall be posting some photos from last Sat's wedding tomorrow.

Labels: life

Yay! LOL.. Glad to know that I pushed you to post an entry.

I'm so excited to see the photographs from last Saturday.

All the best for the meeting at Gordon's studio.

I really want a iPhone, but meh!

LOL @ selling gym membership...

Which gym is the membership for? (23 July 2008 14:28)

from the pros

Thursday, 10 July 2008

I caught up with Gordon Jovic yesterday to show him some of my latest work. I got some really good feedback and I've asked to tag along to shoot with him again next Saturday. After this one I think I'm ready to try shooting as the main photographer. Just gotta get out there and have the confidence to go for it.

Picked up Capture magazine today (wedding special issue) and as I was reading "best & worst business decisions" from the top photographers, some stuff struck a chord with me.

Marcus Bell: Believing in myself was the catalyst for helping make my business a success. It gave me confidence to be the photographer and business person that I wanted to be. I believe that the decision to be more confident underlies everything.

Graham Monro: Don't try to formulate what the client wants, but rather always stick to the style you shoot.

Rocco Ancora: As you grow, understand that establishing a style is not a destination, but a journey. Understand what sorts of imges you want to create and be very open-minded.

The article also mentioned "shoot and burn" photographers. They are the ones that shoot a lot of weddings just to make a bit of cash and just give RAW files out to clients. I didn't eve know people do that. Give RAW files and straight out of the camera shots to clients???

Back to reading...

Labels: photography

Hey Natnee, dropped by your blog linked from Jenny and love your work. I too can't believe the one you shot with Jenny was just your third wedding, and having scrolled through the posts below this, I can see your heart is well and truly in the realm of this amazing photo world. Keep up the lovely work and have an awesome time shooting with Gordon Jovic - his work is awesome :) (15 July 2008 19:25)

nathaniel & sally-ann: wedding

Tuesday, 8 July 2008

Before I get to the details of this wedding I must say I'm feeling a little bit stupid about the last post but you know, that kind of emotions only come with something you're really passionate about. I'm thinking I should make it a policy to come home after a wedding and sleep it off before looking at any of the photos!

Nathaniel & Sally-Ann's wedding last Saturday is the third that I have shot. I was the second shooter for Jenny Sun and this time she put me in charge of the groom prep and group shots.

Jenny asked me to do the groom prep the day before while we were having lunch. This was unexpected and when she asked me to do it (and do it alone) I was nervous and part of me wanted to say no but heck I can't be scared all the time so I accepted the challenge anyway.

The ceremony was in the city and finding parking there is a real pain in the butt. Eric, the best hubbie in the universe, was worried for me and so he drove me to the groom's house, slept in the car while I did my thing and then dropped me off at the ceremony. I'm so grateful and to tell you the truth, it's nothing to do with the driving or parking but it's the emotional support. I just felt better having him with me while I mentally prepare myself.

Nat and groomsmen only just got up and were taking turn showering. The house was very dark as it was a winter morning so I opened up all the curtains in the living room to try and get more light in. I asked the guys to come and finish dressing in the living room once they have put their shirts and pants on (and I hope I didn't sound bossy!) and while I waited I took some shots of the rings.

The ceremony was held in the hall of Sydney Grammar School. After my previous experiences in dark churches, I was glad to see a well lit hall for a change. There was an upstairs where I could photograph the procession from the top. I always feel a little privileged as nobody else is allowed there but me hehe.

Like most ceremonies, there were speeches and singing. Everyone sang with such joy, especially the bride. Sally-Ann just looked so passionate. She would hold on to Nat's arm and while singing she would look up at him or rest her head on his shoulder with an expression that showed how deeply she loves him. At one stage, her eyes got teary and as I was standing in front of her, clicking away, I wished she didn't hold those tears in.

All the singing must've taken a lot out of Nat. Looks like he's checking if he's still got a pulse =)

After the ceremony was over. We did some family formals outside the hall and then headed to Hyde Park and the Rocks for location photos.

The reception was a cocktail held at Sydney Park Pavillion in Alexandria. Looking at the photos now, I totally regret not trying one of those gorgeous looking cupcakes. Check out the Cupcake Gallery (novelty cakes by Jo) for truly amazing cupcake decorations - a must see!

That was quite a few photos in one post. I really should look into doing one of those slideshow things. I hope you've enjoyed the photos and please let me know if you have any comments or critiques.

Labels: weddings

These are fantastic! It's hard to believe this is only your third wedding. Absolutely beautiful work! I'm sure the primary photographer and the clients will be thrilled with this. (08 July 2008 22:34)

Beautiful work, Natt! :D It's great having a man in your life who will do anything to help out, aye? :P I totally understand! Kudos to Eric!

Awesome work, Natt... Really... You did such an amazing job! I love it! (08 July 2008 23:42)

These are so fantastic! YAY! (10 July 2008 06:57)

well done Natt! I'm so proud of you!!

As much as I love having you on board, I really don't think you need anymore experience from me (although don't take that as me not wanting you around! You are always welcome - but I think you do wonderfully on your own!).

I'll be replying your email soon :) I'm finally getting down to them today :)

Thanks for all your hard work at this wedding! (15 July 2008 22:12)

emotional

Sunday, 6 July 2008

I woke up with puffy eyes this morning. It was unexpected but some time while lying in bed talking to Eric about wedding photography stuff, I broke down. It was probably a combination of not getting enough sleep the day before (I always have trouble getting to sleep before a wedding shoot), getting up early for the groom prep, little things that bothered me during the day, frustrations and what not. It just felt like a long day.

I had a quick browse of the photos before I went to bed. They didn't look any better than the first one. I was in charge of shooting the groom prep by myself. It was an excellent opportunity to do this on my own. I wasn't happy with the results. Why aren't I progressing?

I can't believe I cried. I remember crying about family, friends, relationships. Those are the normal stuff you cry about (for me anyway) but I don't recall crying about something like this. I totally surprised myself with the emotions that poured out.

Eric comforted me. He said that it's only my third wedding, how can I expect to master it already. He said I was impatient and just want this to happen quickly. I do. I gave up a well paid job so that I can make a living from something I love to do. Eric said "Take your time hon. I'm sorry if I gave you pressure about getting a job but I will take care of you. I will take care of us." I was so touched and grateful and cried again.

What if I don't make it? I'm not even asking to be the world's greatest photographer or anything like that. I just want to be a wedding photographer. Just a regular one for now. But yeah...what if I just don't make it? What if it's not my destiny and I didn't know it? Eric said "I believe in you and I don't ever want to hear you use the word defeated". He started telling me all sorts of story about people falling over and getting up again and not giving up. He comforted me til we both got too tired and fell asleep.

Labels: life

Heya Natt!!

Don't be too hard on yourself :) You should have seen the stuff I was shooting when I first started. I should send it to you - hopefully it may give you some encouragement. I think your starting point is alot higher than mine and I believe you will get far. Don't worry k? :) Keep the faith, and persevere. I honestly you are definitely one of the stronger starters that I've met in this industry, and I have met ALOT k? :)

It took me about 2 years to get into the groove and style that you see from me today, so don't feel the pressure. My stuff from even just last year is not the same as it is now. We change and progress steadily so don't stress :)

See you soon, and talk to you then :)

*hugs* (06 July 2008 17:52)

Great encouragement Jenny. Anyways, Natt.. Just know that you aren't alone. We all start somewhere. I must say there are times where I feel like I can just give this up, and pursue a more "stable" 9-5 job.. But man, that wouldn't be me... I wouldn't be happy...
Do what you love doing, because that is where you'll progress.. Just keep at it!
You are your own toughest critic... (07 July 2008 15:26)

It must have been the sleep deprivation and hormones, because the photos you took that day are beautiful. I applaud you for putting your feelings and insecurities out there for the world to see, very brave my dear. :) (19 July 2008 17:18)