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my 2008

Is it just me or has this year flown by amazingly fast? I woke up (late) this morning and the realisation that it is New Year's Eve today made me feel...I don't know the word to use here. Startled? Some kind of mild panic perhaps. I just don't like getting older.

This year has been an interesting one for me. Several big changes that contribute to what truly is a "new chapter" in life.

I had quit my seven years long career in the corporate world, the only world I knew since I left uni, in search of a more creative alternative. It was a HUGE decision, considering all the uncertainties and not to mention a seriously massive pay cut. Some people called me "ballsy" but I've always wondered if they really meant "stupid".

I ventured into the world of graphic design for an extremely brief period of time. For me, that was middle ground. A career that is creative and still provided a steady income and an office I could go to everyday. I quit that job before my three months probation ended (I did say it was brief!). If I have to give up so much then happiness would be what I should gain and if I wasn't happy then surely it wasn't right.

I was discouraged and toyed with the idea of going back to that corporate life as a fall back or at least as a bridge until I got a better design job. Then I remembered how hard it was for me to make that decision to quit in the first place and I really didn't want to have to go through it again. Now was the time to try whatever I wanted. Even if I failed miserably, at least I would have given it a good go and I would never have to wonder again.

With all that sorted out in my mind, I set out to pursue my dream of becoming a wedding photographer. I've been pretty slow with the whole process and this is only the beginning for me but I'm so glad to be walking down this path. My friend said that I always have that mentality of "the grass is greener on the other side". I can see that now. This career path is NOT easy and it isn't fun all the time. It's a lot of hard work and looking back now, how easy was that corporate life - tapping on the computer everyday and having the money rolling in every month with no worries. No, I don't wanna go back. I love what I'm doing now and I have no regrets, I feel proud of myself for having the guts to try. Now I just gotta keep at it (hopefully not so slowly).

As for other aspects of life, I had a really difficult year and a bit prior to now. I won't go into details but I was going through the toughest time of my life and I'm not being dramatic. It was just awful but it did ease up and I am happy now.

I also bought an apartment with Eric this year. Having our very own place is just awesome!

Well that's the gist of my 2008 =)

Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2009 will bring many wonderful things to all of you.

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Happy New Year! (04 January 2009 19:15)  

twilight

It's been a very long time since I read a book. I do have a backlog of post processing to do but since it was xmas, I thought I deserved a couple of days break, take my eyes away from the screen, away from Lightroom and Photoshop and read the Twilight saga that I got for xmas. It was such a nice change, to not sit at my computer but on my comfy couch just reading.

I wish I had read the book before seeing the movie though as knowing what the characters look like etc robbed me of my imagination. The combination of supernatural theme and love story is exactly my favourite kind of genre. The last movie that I liked so much was probably the Lakehouse.

I just saw the film again for the 2nd time tonite (at the movies too, that's rare for me) and I'm on book three in the saga now. I'm not supposed to be until I finished all my work but I couldn't help it! The story is so addictive and I just love it. My friend asked if I'm into "that Edward guy" as well. What girl wouldn't be? I'm talking more about the character though not the actor since I'm well (very well) past my teen years!

Anyway, they really don't need anymore advertising, the books are littered everywhere at all the bookstores (and you'd have to be living under a rock if you haven't seen them around!) but seriously go read the books, go watch the movie. Go. Now! =)

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merry xmas!!

I thought about posting a photo but this is a lot more entertaining =)


Send your own ElfYourself eCards


Wishing everybody a wonderful xmas and a great 2009!

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mary & craig: wedding

Mary and Craig's wedding at Willow Glen was one of the nicest and most unique I have been to. It was an intimate, warm and heartfelt ceremony among family and friends. 

Willow Glen has completely changed from when we last visited for Mary and Craig's engagement shoot. The grey winter feel was gone and in its place was green grass, some with red tips, and trees. 

We stayed overnight in a lovely accommodation in Bathurst and when morning came,  Mary started her day with a trip to the local hairdresser.







After the curlers were taken out, Mary looked like this.





You should've seen Eric's face. It was written with shock and confusion. He was probably thinking "What the? I'm a guy and I know that is bad hair!" He was even more puzzled when the hairdresser pinned what looked like a bird nest into Mary's hair. It was for her neat looking bun of course. (Ok, not "of course" 'cos I didn't know either)







In the years that I've known Mary, I have never seen her with make up on. Now look at this gorgeous and elegant girl!





The wedding theme wass green.








Mary's simple and elegant Jo Durkin dress.









I really like this cool print hanging in one of the guest rooms.





Portrait of a lady.





At the farm, there were signs everywhere leading guests to the wedding.







Craig and the boys were hiding on a hill doing boy things i.e. having a beer. It looked like an invites only party but hey I'm the girl with a camera and camera equals all access right? =)







The ceremony was held on the hill over looking this beautiful view.





Tears were welling up in Craig's eyes as he watched the love of his life walk towards him.












I had picked out a couple of spots for their location shoot but the best spot was the one that I had only discovered right then and there. It was a hill that looked nothing out of the ordinary and I didn't care much for it at all the day before. But at that time, the sun was getting lower and it lit up the grass turning that hill into a field of gold. It was perfect. 

Mary's vintage parasol combined with the golden grass conjured up an image of the Out of Africa poster. It's weird all the random stuff that's tucked away in my mind. I've never seen that movie nor do I have any interest in it but I must've flicked past in on the shelf at the DVD store before and all I remember was a vague picture of two people sitting in an open field.

This is my single most favourite image from this wedding.











Another one of my fav from location shoot.






I had an accident at this next location.





I got Mary and Craig to sit on a log. Click, click, click. My finger got busy and my face was planted to the camera. I took a couple of steps closer to Craig, not watching where I was going, and felt my left foot sank. It sank in something squishy. Cow dung...*SCREAM* (literally!)  It was massive. Fresh and massive and thank goodness I wore my hightop Converse that day. It was horrible but I wiped my shoe on the grass and kept going. Lucky I wasn't trying to lie down to get a low angle or anything =p









The shed was creatively transformed into the reception area.














Bonfire by the shed.





I wish I had blogged this a lot sooner when everything was fresh in my goldfish memory. I know I had a lot to say but perhaps it's all for the best because this post is already way too long! (OMG, I just had a geek moment. I was thinking my memory is like RAM)

Congratulations Mary & Craig on their wonderful wedding day =)
Here's the slideshow (better with sound).





Big, huge, extra large thank you to Eric for being my chauffeur, caddy and second shooter. I couldn't have done it without your support. It's awesome to have discovered a hidden talent in you and gosh you're a gem, you only charged me a car wash =)

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Pure joy and love on the pictures! You did a very good job! (16 December 2008 20:47)  

Natt! These are gorgeous! I am such a softie for the country and farm and sweet vintage chic goodness and you've captured all that and more with the natural smiles and love they share. Beautiful work, keep it up!!! (17 December 2008 14:21)  

Yes Natt! These photos are so beautiful:)My favorites are image 12,25 to 29 and 33, stunning! (17 December 2008 16:32)  

These are gorgeous!! The theme was perfect for the setting. Everything just fits so well together. (20 December 2008 03:22)  

Nattie! Did well to capture the green wedding theme - my fav colour. The rustic colours are nice touches! :) (21 December 2008 05:43)  

Natt, you hit this one straight out of the park girlfriend! These are absolutely stunning, so stunning in fact that I think these are your best work to date. You go girl! (21 December 2008 15:27)  

These are just gorgeous, Natt, thanks for sharing! (29 December 2008 07:24)  

illustrative feel

I set up this shot today at a recommitment ceremony (it was a lot of fun) and recently I've been playing around with this illustrative kinda look. I know it's not for everyone and it rarely works with anything to do with a wedding but I thought it looks pretty good for this particular shot. All a bit of fun for myself really, don't think clients will ever want this sort of post processing =)


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Wow!Wow!Wow! Nice shot & great post processing, please show us more natt! (09 December 2008 18:35)  

Yeah. Great PP. Show us more. (10 December 2008 13:41)  

evil laptop

Remember how my laptop broke and I had to take it to the Apple store? Remember how I got a parking fine on the day I went to pick it up? Well well...I found out today that I also got fined for speeding on that morning I went to drop it off at the store. Can you believe it?!

I've never been fined EVER until now. Twice in one week for my evil laptop. It's so ridiculous I just had to laugh...but no, it's not funny at all. That's also four points gone *sigh*

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oh my goodness!! you might want to throw that laptop off a bridge or something. but then again, you'd probably get fined for THAT too!! :) (05 December 2008 02:04)  

Ouch! (08 December 2008 22:54)  

new website

Howdie all. Nattnee Photography finally has a proper website. Please check out www.nattnee.com and have a poke around.

It's fairly simple and I have yet to populate more images and write the "about"section.

Please let me know your feedback (good and bad) so that I can improve my site. All comments and suggestions welcome.

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Absolutely love it! (24 November 2008 11:39)  

simple yet elegant website. More photos please!!..Those travel photos are awesome!! (24 November 2008 13:21)  

Congrats Natt! (24 November 2008 15:58)  

Really nice and simple I like it!! The only thing I miss, "next" and "back" buttons. If I want to go through on all photos in a sectin, I always use those buttons. Clicking everytime on the small photo-icons is not the best way to do it. Hope this helps. Love your photos! (24 November 2008 20:03)  

ooh good feedback...thanks...i'll see if i can add those buttons in =) (24 November 2008 20:12)