the thrill of it all - weddings ... people ... art

waiting ... 3.18pm friday at the prince, st kilda

2012-01-23T12:54:00.001+11:00

last days - MAP Group exhibition on Melbourne's laneway culture.

2012-01-22T21:42:00.001+11:00

Last days to see the MAP Group exhibition 'Sidestreets and Laneways: Revealing the Village Within Central Melbourne'. If you haven't seen it, get along now!

Sidestreets and Laneways:

Revealing the village within central Melbourne.

2nd December 2011 to 31st January 2012

Open Sunday to Friday (closed Saturday) 10am to 4pm

Old Treasury Building

Spring Street Melbourne

www.oldtreasurybuilding.org.au

Emily and Rohan's wedding - Mt Rael, Healesville in the Yarra Valley.

2012-01-19T14:18:00.001+11:00

I love it when a wedding feels like a unique party. This feeling is created by many elements - details, celebrant, locations, state of mind, guests and so on - but the number one factor is the venue. Moreover, it's usually a venue that is not a typical wedding location that manifests this feeling best.

When you combine a not-typical-wedding-venue with beautiful gardens, personal service, excellent food and astounding views you get Mt Rael in Healesville in the Yarra Valley - just add weather and people then KA BOOM! It's going to be a great day. Here's to Emily and Rohan's great wedding day.

saturday night at Sault in Daylesford

2012-01-16T15:18:00.002+11:00

A big shout out to the bridal party on Saturday in Daylesford, thanks for such great energy!

wooden heart, yarra valley

2012-01-16T10:06:00.002+11:00

Found this while walking the other day.

Friday 6.14pm Royal Melbourne Yacht Club, St Kilda.

2012-01-09T12:31:00.000+11:00

and a few minutes later:

that's a real one!

Lena and Luke's wedding - Newman College chapel and the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne.

2012-01-05T11:06:00.000+11:00

Partly sunny, very chilly, and then wind and a little rain, but none of this stopped us finding some fun, cuteness and a little whimsy in Luke and Lena's wedding day.

The Wilding - film stills

2012-01-02T13:20:00.006+11:00

Back in the 1990s I learned photography at film school with aspirations of being a filmmaker. Eventually (but not without some international short film success) I decided that outright work in the film world was not for me. However, I continue to shoot film stills. One highlight this year was working with Grant Scicluna and Jannine Barnes on the Screen Australia funded short film 'The Wilding'. A tough, and at times, violent love story set within a juvenile detention centre and stars - Reef Ireland, Luke Mullins, Frank Sweet and Shannon Glowacki. For more information go to the Happening Films website.

Frank Sweet, dark and menacing, in The Wilding.

Brooding and intense, Reef Ireland in The Wilding.

Grant Scicluna (director) giving last notes before a brutal scene.

Shannon Glowacki as Tye in The Wilding.

Don't mess with the bad dudes.

A little Hitchcock moment with Grant Scicluna (director).

Just kick him in the guts, like this.

Frank Sweet as Gav in The Wilding.

Close your fist and crack him like this, stunt co-ordinator Reg Roordink (foreground). The Wilding.

Don't hold back now boys.

I'll be back, Reef Ireland (foreground). The Wilding.

I'm sensing anger, Luke Mullins (background). The Wilding.

out of office - Sunday 18th to Monday 27th

2011-12-19T15:51:00.003+11:00

We are taking a short break prior to Christmas and will be back in the office from Tuesday 28th December 2011. Cheers!

Saturday afternoon 5.23pm Mt Rael, in the Yarra Valley.

2011-12-15T17:04:00.001+11:00

Rain everywhere except at Mt Rael in the Yarra Valley last Saturday.

Aimee and Daniel's wedding - The Prince Deck, St Kilda

2011-12-12T14:02:00.002+11:00

On a warm night in Melbourne there is no finer place for a party than The Deck at The Prince in St Kilda. Aimee and Daniel had a cocktail party wedding, the ceremony was conducted with verve by Jon von Goes, followed by champagne, cold beer and groovy tunes by Johnny Wonderpants (the band). Nice.

it's a wine, wine world - mandala estate, yarra valley

2011-12-10T11:46:00.002+11:00

I've been too busy the last few weeks to really blog much, but there are weddings to share that I'll post very soon. In the meantime here's a few shots from a recent shoot at Mandala Wines in the Yarra Valley. Mandala is a great place to visit, beautiful wines and super food. Head up on the weekend and check them out! Cheers.

Sidestreets and Laneways: Revealing the village within central Melbourne.

2011-12-02T10:58:00.002+11:00

Great opening last night for the 'Sidestreets and Laneways exhibition', a photography show that documents Melbourne's laneway culture. The work was shot by a number of MAP Group photographers (including myself) and runs for the next two months. It's interesting and free, so get along and see it.

Sidestreets and Laneways:

Revealing the village within central Melbourne.

2nd December 2011 to 31st January 2012

Open Sunday to Friday (closed Saturday) 10am to 4pm

Old Treasury Building

Spring Street Melbourne

www.oldtreasurybuilding.org.au

wedding fun at the prince - acland street, st kilda.

2011-11-26T12:54:00.001+11:00

National Geographic Photo Contest 2011

2011-11-24T09:58:00.004+11:00

Wow! I've been getting great press for an image that I entered into the National Geographic Photo Contest 2011. My photo of a joey kangaroo continues to get listed as one the best in the competition.

National Geographic Photo Contest - Editor's Picks - Week 5
Smashing Picture - "National Geographic: Crème de la Crème"
UK Mail online -"12 stunning photographs for National Geographic competition"

Suong and Robert's wedding - Stokehouse, St Kilda.

2011-11-21T14:29:00.001+11:00

I think that wedding venues that are not wedding venues are often the best places for a wedding. This goes for most other parts of the wedding as well - photographers, florists, cakes, cars and so forth. Why do I think this? Well people who specialise in weddings tend to do things the 'proper' (read 'cliche') wedding way, and tend to cookie cut your wedding into shape.

Well Suong and Robert had a wedding that was also not a wedding. They got ready together, then meet up with me for a short photography session in the city, before heading to the fabulous Stokehouse in St Kilda for the ceremony and reception. The ceremony was short and sincere, with some great work by celebrant Janet Hussey, followed by drinks and a memorable Stokehouse dinner with lots of photos of the guests.

tasmanian kelp bowl

2011-11-21T11:13:00.000+11:00

Photographed this incredibly beautiful kelp bowl last week. A rare handmade kelp water carrying bowl made by a Tasmanian/Bunurong Elder. If you are interested in buying one contact Sonia Murray at www.nanganahealingcentre.com.au

The Atlantic - In Focus - National Geographic Photo Contest 2011

2011-11-14T14:15:00.002+11:00

There's a bunch of great work to view here, including one of mine that made the list.
The Atlantic - In Focus - National Geographic Photo Contest 2011

a favourite shot from a current job

2011-11-13T10:30:00.003+11:00

Been editing pretty hard over the last week, all while listening to lots of music in the office. Mostly rock from the 1970s - KISS, ACDC and some more recent stuff such as Foo Fighters and Dave Graney. Music's a big part of my job, it keeps my mind in check and also gets me away from the screen from time to time - the kids love a dance.

I am fascinated by moments during a wedding that highlight connection and energy. Pressure times often allow opportunities for such moments, like the one below, where the bride has just entered the church and is preparing for her grand entrance. Pretty pleased about the picture of the pope just behind the minister too!

Trish and Dennis' wedding - The Brighton Sea Baths and The Press Club, Melbourne.

2011-11-07T13:58:00.004+11:00

On a recent Sunday around midday, family and friends climbed the stairs at the Brighton Sea Baths to be greeted by a stunningly decorated long table set for lunch. The food, the drinks and the setting were paramount, and incorporated into all this was, of course, a wedding. It was full of life. After lunch, as the evening approached, the party moved to the city and joined a smaller group for dinner at The Press Club. More fabulous food. It was great to photograph.

russian dolls - sunday at newman college, melbourne

2011-10-31T16:17:00.002+11:00

Wind, rain and zombies all played havoc with a gorgeous wedding on Sunday - tired and taking it easy today.

wedding albums and 1970s music

2011-10-28T13:18:00.007+11:00

Thursday, Friday wedding albums while listening to 1970s music ... yes I'm obsessed by 70s music at the moment - Cold Chisel, Fleetwood Mac, Roxy Music, The Police and on and on the list goes. Sad but true.

melbourne weddings - the couple #2

2011-10-24T11:26:00.000+11:00

Busy morning working away in Dreamweaver and updating my web folio at www.brentlukey.com.au. Now it's time to get on with wedding edits, think I'll add Willie Nelson, Kate Bush and Serge Gainsbourg to the playlist

children's portraits

2011-10-20T15:10:00.001+11:00

The retro look is all the rage these days. It's not really my thing, but to some degree you've got to keep with trends in the wedding and portrait game. Personally, I'd just make everything black and white, but that's me.

late saturday night at the stokehouse

2011-10-13T15:16:00.000+11:00

a very 'foodie' weekend of weddings

2011-10-10T13:57:00.052+11:00

I had the pleasure to shoot some great weddings on the weekend, helped by inspired couples with beautiful energy, who put so much thought into their wedding days. Though different, each was a very Melbourne affair, with lots of street photos and three gorgeous Melbourne restaurants - St Kilda's Stokehouse, the Middle Brighton Baths, Brighton and The Press Club in the city.

need great wedding songs?

2011-10-05T23:15:00.001+11:00

It's been a long time coming but my wedding songs web site www.greatweddingsongs.net has finally been re-designed. The site is a Celine-Dion-free-zone and offers a massive selection of songs that are far more interesting than the usual wedding guff. Check it out!

the people who speak for the trees # 3 - supreme court, victoria

2011-10-03T11:45:00.003+11:00

I continue to document the environmental battle for Sylvia Creek near Toolangi. So far, the logging has been temporarily stopped and the fight has moved into the courtroom.

New North Photography Prize 2011

2011-09-29T07:07:00.002+10:00

Melbourne's New North Photography Prize is fast approaching, a great competition for getting noticed plus a fabulous major prize. More details at the New North Gallery web site - newnorth.com.au

Young and Free #8

Gembrook Project - Nangana Healing Opening

2011-09-27T19:06:00.003+10:00

More work from my ongoing project on the town of Gembrook. The first two shots are from the opening of the Nangana Healing Centre and feature former Gembrook resident Randall "Blue Feather" White (on the flute).

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2012

2011-09-17T14:00:00.012+10:00

The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra is calling for entries to the The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2012. If you make the short list your work will be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery from 16 March to 20 May 2012 and tour to selected venues throughout 2012. If that's not enough the winner of the most outstanding photographic portrait receives $25,000. Pretty cool huh.

film stills

2011-09-15T10:30:00.000+10:00

Garry McDonald on the set of 'Marti's Party'.

Garry McDonald and Peter Moon on the set of 'Marti's Party'.

melbourne weddings - the couple #1

2011-09-12T13:37:00.000+10:00

Weather played havoc last week, two shoots postponed, mostly stayed in.

melbourne street photos - centre place

2011-09-05T15:09:00.000+10:00

Grabbed this while passing through town last week. If you would like a print or canvas for your wall please send me an email - info@brentlukey.com.au

melbourne weddings - the bride #1

2011-09-01T15:07:00.004+10:00

All weddings are different. This is rule number one in our approach to wedding photography. We follow this philosophy because a 'cookie cutter' look doesn't really respect the individuality of the couple. This is true of posing a bride, or not posing a bride - as what works for one person does not necessarily work for another. We take great care on the wedding day to keep the day moving, allowing the bride and groom to feel relaxed and not get caught up in poses. Here's a selection of bride shots that we love.

the people who speak for the trees # 2 - toolangi forest, victoria

2011-08-29T10:28:00.001+10:00

A couple more portraits from the Sylvia Creek action in the Toolangi forest.

Sophia and Alex's wedding - St John's church, Toorak and 9 Darling St, South Yarra

2011-08-25T12:33:00.000+10:00

Sophia and Alex were married on a dark and windy autumn day in 2009. It was a great wedding so shoot and everything was gorgeous - the cars, dresses, flowers, church, choir, and of course the bride. Some shots here are in my list of all time favourites, like the one of Alex and Sophia walking down the aisle after the ceremony, and the formal photo of Sophia and her parents - so untypical of my work, but I love it.

early mornings, film stills and thank you cards

2011-08-20T10:29:00.002+10:00

I've had an interesting week waking obscenely early and working long days shooting production stills for a film. It's a violent story set in a youth detention centre and has great realistic fight scenes. The location was a suitably creepy abandoned lunatic asylum complete with padded cells! In contrast I've also been talking weddings and working on new wedding thank you card layouts. I can't show any film stills just yet, but here's a few thank you card samples. Cheers.

Version one of our very popular 6x4 wedding thank you
card - available as a postcard or blank folding card.

A variation on our 6x4 wedding thank you card
- available as a postcard or blank folding card.

ballarat international foto biennale, mapping ballarat 2 - map group exhibition

2011-08-12T14:01:00.000+10:00

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale 2011 (BIFB) is fast approaching. For one month from August 20th the city of Ballarat in Victoria, Australia is transformed into a giant gallery, exhibiting photography in all its forms. This huge event includes exhibitions, seminars, workshops and so much more. I have work in three shows: 'Beyond Age' at the Ballarat Library, 'Mapping Ballarat 2' at Her Majesty's Theatre, and 'Ballarat and Beyond' at the Visitor Centre. So I recommend taking a trip up the Western freeway, getting a coffee at L'espresso then checking out the shows. Here's some of my Mapping Ballarat 2 work.

what I like about photographing weddings #1 - tears, smiles, looks and cheers

2011-08-04T13:05:00.000+10:00

It's connection and emotion that I love when photographing a wedding. Little looks between people that speak without words and grand expressions that show great love - tears, smiles, looks and cheers. To me, these are the images that transcend time and the cliche wedding or bridal look. Here's a few recent examples:

Photography Exhibition - 'Down South'

2011-08-04T10:05:00.002+10:00

My mate Susan Gordon-Brown has a wonderful show on right now called 'Down South' about Australian tradies in Antarctica. It's at the WTC Wharf Gallery in Melbourne until the 26th August. Go along!

film stills - Golden Girl

2011-07-29T16:37:00.005+10:00

My education is a mix of Anthropology and Cinema Studies, which for a time in the 1990s lead me into film-making. I don't make films any more, but I do shoot film stills. Here's a selection from a recent film called 'Golden Girl' - produced by Jannine Barnes (Happening Films) and directed by Grant Scicluna.

Golden Girl - Marny Kennedy and Jane Allsop.

The director Grant Scicluna sharing a smile between takes.

Jane Allsop holds first position, while crew members watch the video split prior to a take.

Special FX day. A chance for the pyromaniacs to have some fun.

Makeup supervisor Georgia James works her magic with Marny Kennedy.

Golden Girl - Marny Kennedy.

Cinematographer Franc Biffone (foreground) with 1st Asst Camera Kevin Campbell
and Director Grant Scicluna.

Just a little more makeup and we'll be ready.

Everyone behind the camera. 'Steady ... rolling and action'.

Director Grant Scicluna looking every bit like
he's working in the Côte d'Azur. Ciao Bella.

Hand acting.

The poster shot, Marny Kennedy.

Golden Girl - Marny Kennedy.

Cinematographer Franc Biffone takes a last look before the shot.

Director Grant Scicluna.

Inspired by the poster shot from Woody Allen's 'Hannah and Her Sisters',
here's Hanna Mangan-Lawrence, Marny Kennedy and
Nikita Leigh-Pritchard looking like best friends.

Golden Girl - Nikita Leigh-Pritchard.

Golden Girl - Hanna Mangan-Lawrence.

the people who speak for the trees # 1 - toolangi forest, victoria

2011-07-25T21:19:00.009+10:00

One day it's designer wedding dresses and award winning restaurants, next day it's leeches and thick mud in the forest. Here's some shots from a logging action I covered today.

back in the office

2011-07-18T12:19:00.002+10:00

We are back in the office. Apologies for people waiting on prints, quotes and albums - thanks for your patience. Here's a few shots from Byron Bay.

Cape Byron.

Wategos Beach.

Cape Byron.

Hannah at The Pass.

on holiday

2011-06-18T10:48:00.000+10:00

We are taking a break and won't be in the office between Saturday 18th June and Sunday 17th July 2012. During this time we will check email, respond to calls and take bookings while enjoying cocktails, long walks on the beach and chasing the kids around, but be patient as a response may be delayed.

Cheers,
Brent and Donna

melbourne above spring street

2011-06-16T11:33:00.006+10:00

a cracking week - wedding albums and documentary photography

2011-06-10T13:13:00.002+10:00

It's been a cracking week - creative and productive. I've been working on wedding albums, shooting in Ballarat for the MAP Group exhibition Mapping Ballarat 2 (Ballarat International Foto Biennale), and generally getting work in order so I can take a holiday next month.

Here's some select layouts from a recent album I've enjoyed designing. I don't use any templates for my albums, each one is designed from scratch, in blank documents with the couple. No two are ever the same, just like a wedding.

Belinda and Dustin's wedding - St Vincent Gardens, Albert Park and The Prince, St Kilda.

2011-06-03T09:03:00.000+10:00

No bridal party, no cars, no church, no cheesy smiles, and in the words of the bride when discussing the photography 'NO BRIDAL!' Belinda and Dustin where married on a fine Friday afternoon, close to home, in a place they love, surrounded by family and friends. A ukulele duo sang 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' as the bride walked through the gardens. After the ceremony everyone made their way to St Kilda for a private dinner at Circa.

young and free #1

2011-05-30T11:09:00.001+10:00

Young and Free #1 photo - Brent Lukey

wedding reception table details

2011-05-27T11:15:00.001+10:00

I'm big on shooting table details at weddings, partly because I love the food, lifestyle look but mostly because the bride and groom rarely see the room without people. Here's a few recent wedding table looks.

Loredana and Andrew's wedding - Star of the Sea Chapel, Brighton and The Baths, Brighton.

2011-05-26T11:16:00.000+10:00

I treat every wedding as a unique event and not just another day at work with different people in the same poses. For me, weddings are about emotion and story, that's what I want to capture - as they say in the film world 'keep it real'. I listen to the couple and their ideas for the day and integrate this into my photojournalism style. When people suggest that a wedding is a contrived event I disagree, in fact once it's stage managed the life and joy gets lost - so in addition to 'keep it real' I say 'keep it flowing' and 'keep it beautiful'.

Loredana and Andrew are experienced sailors, so their wedding day was centred around the beach. The ceremony was at the Star of the Sea College chapel followed by a reception at the Brighton Baths, close by, great views, great food and staff.

LIFE - a benefit for Andrew Chapman

2011-05-24T23:18:00.001+10:00

Get down to the New North Gallery in Fairfield (Melbourne) during June. On show is a collection of great photographs from many prominent Australian photographers who have donated the works in support of the photographer Andrew Chapman. Andrew is recovering from a life saving liver transplant operation. All prints are for sale. More details can be found at the New North Gallery web site.

Lauren and Will's wedding - The Prince of Wales hotel, St Kilda.

2011-05-14T22:52:00.010+10:00

I love to capture narrative in wedding photography, and good story comes from a combination of people, details, location, movement and most importantly ... moments. The filmmaker in me attempts to cover a wedding like a storyboard with emotion. However, ultimately it’s the connections between family and friends that inspire me most, that's where the life is - the groom’s parents shedding a tear during the ceremony, or a spontaneous laugh on the face of a guest during the speeches. These are the shots that keep giving over generations. Will and Lauren were married at The Prince of Wales in St Kilda, it was a great pleasure to photograph their wedding.

wedding thank you cards

2011-05-14T19:22:00.001+10:00

Here's my take on the wedding thank you card - they are hugely popular. Some people even have each photo individually printed, block mounted and then positioned on their wall as large three dimensional installations - without their name on the bottom of course.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Bendigo 2007

2011-05-06T11:35:00.003+10:00

I recently unearthed this photo for a forthcoming exhibition. It was shot back in 2007 as a film still for a documentary, I had exclusive access during the event. The photo can also be purchased here - Happening Films.

Katherine and Mark's wedding - St Peter's church, Brighton and The Baths, Brighton.

2011-04-30T13:05:00.014+10:00

If you look at bridal magazines or get caught up in the insanity of wedding expos you will notice that wedding photography has a look, you could call it the 'bridal look'. It's kind of soft and nice, and kind of weird and manufactured at the same time - having mentioned the wedding industry I just have to add, what is the 'trash the dress' thing all about! Who really is going to trash their Vera Wang? Come on! Anyway, where was I, oh yeah the bridal look, well I try to avoid this look and therefore don't read wedding magazines, preferring to find inspiration in editorial work - magazines like Country Style, Gourmet Traveller, Vogue or even National Geographic. I want to tell a story when I photograph a wedding, show the event, the details, the guests and the bride and groom. It's about the day not simply the couple.

So Katherine and Mark where married in a small church in Brighton, the reception followed at the close by Brighton Baths, a great place with excellent service, food and views.

Gembrook Project - ANZAC Day 2011

2011-04-30T10:37:00.001+10:00

Lauren and Jacques' wedding - The Prince, St Kilda.

2011-04-26T00:18:00.003+10:00

On a warm evening of St Kilda splendour Lauren and Jacques gathered family and friends to celebrate their relationship. The ceremony was conducted by Jon von Goes who charmed all with his unique ability to entertain, be inclusive and genuine. Following the madness of drinks, finger food and congratulations we made our way out to the busy streets of St Kilda for a few photos. The night kicked on with Johnny Wonderpants providing the tunes.

back from a short week away

2011-04-25T21:56:00.002+10:00

Hannah and Minka waiting for dad.

Hannah posing for her annual jumping at the beach shot.

Minka giving me a rare moment for a photo.

Hannah out in the morning with her camera at the beach.

on holiday from Sunday 17th to ANZAC Day, Monday 25th

2011-04-17T18:03:00.001+10:00

We'll be taking a short break this week from Sunday 17th to Monday 25th - responses to calls or email may be slow. Cheers, Brent

recent wedding work - Star of the Sea, Brighton.

2011-04-17T10:01:00.001+10:00

Had a busy weekend with weddings at The Prince on Saturday and Star of the Sea college/Brighton Baths on Sunday.

The Chapel at Star of the Sea College, Brighton.

Elizabeth and Joseph's wedding - a farm near Warragul

2011-04-09T17:32:00.004+10:00

Elizabeth and Joseph were married on a small island, at a farm near Warragul in Victoria. The property was beautiful, rural views, great fields, sheds and dirt roads – nice locations for photos, I was excited. However within minutes of the ceremony concluding the rain came down, in buckets, the party was drenched. All the guests made for shelter and then to the marquee where we stayed all afternoon and evening. Everyone made the most of it.

Treah and Scott's wedding - Mornington Peninsula.

2011-04-07T14:53:00.002+10:00

Treah and Scott were married in their home on the Mornington Peninsula. The space was transformed with paper lanterns, groovy tunes, cool barmen and cocktails. After the ceremony we made our way down to Gunnamatta ocean beach for some photos as the sunset. Deserted ocean beaches are superbly romantic locations for weddings, and we made the most of it.

recent wedding work - Brighton Baths

2011-04-01T11:04:00.001+11:00

With the very last light of day I managed to make this shot at the Brighton Baths a week or so ago.

Natalie and Greg's wedding - Transit Lounge, Federation Square, Melbourne.

2011-03-29T11:56:00.003+11:00

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, right in the heart of Melbourne and high above the Yarra, a crowd gathered on the top floor of the iconic Transport Hotel in Federation Square to celebrate the wedding of Natalie and Greg. The joint was hopping with a swinging band and a fun bunch of friends and family who showed great love and cheer. We kept the photos in context to the day and close by, to minimize the time the couple were away from the party - the best way, in my opinion, for wedding photography. Keep it real, and find the beauty.

recent wedding work - gunnamatta beach

2011-03-22T21:47:00.000+11:00

Okay, it's been a hectic month and I'm a little behind, but here's some work from a recent wedding on the Mornington Peninsula.

The first photo is pre-ceremony and I'm in a small room at the bride's house with the bride, two bridesmaids, a flower girl, the bride's mother, a baby and stuff, lots of stuff including a bed. We can't leave the room because the ceremony is right outside the door and the guests are waiting, oh and it's rather hot. But great photos are everywhere, you just have to look.

As you can see we found some space later at Gunnamatta ocean beach.

Moran Prize 2011 semi finals

2011-03-12T11:35:00.001+11:00

I made it into the semi finals of the prestigious Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize 2011 with this photo from my project on Gembrook. Pretty happy about it.

... out on the patio, we sit. photo: Brent Lukey

Melissa and Neil's wedding - Circa at The Prince, St Kilda.

2011-03-11T21:47:00.000+11:00

It's great to work at weddings that are big on style and emotion, and light on fairytale 'princess for a day' fantasy. Melissa and Neil had an intimate St Kilda wedding at Circa at The Prince with close friends and family - no cars, no bridal party, no stress. Beautiful.

Olive Cotton Award 2011

2011-03-11T14:46:00.001+11:00

A reminder to portrait photographers that the deadline for the Olive Cotton Award 2011 is fast approaching. For more information and entry details go to the Tweed River Art Gallery web site.

people, not postcards - a favourite wedding photo from last week

2011-03-08T15:06:00.001+11:00

It's people and moments that interest me as a wedding photographer. Those postcard like and weirdly-awkward-romantic-gestures with old cars on the beach is not really my scene, but give me a grandmother with a cocktail and I start taking pictures. Cheers!

Nicole and Dean's wedding - St Peter and Paul's church, South Melbourne and The Prince, St Kilda.

2011-03-04T16:07:00.004+11:00

Nicole and Dean flew in from London for their wedding in Melbourne. We started the coverage in a crowded, champagne fuelled hotel room at The Prince and then headed to St Peter and Paul's in South Melbourne where Father Bob worked his charm on all. After the ceremony it was back to The Prince for a few photos and a reception on The Deck. It was fun, I had a good time.

weekend work - wedding at Transit Lounge, Federation Square

2011-03-01T11:00:00.000+11:00

I photographed a joyous wedding on Sunday evening at the Transit Lounge in Melbourne. Later into the night I walked around the venue and made these few location shots. They were quickly shot, but I like them.

Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize 2011

2011-03-01T09:19:00.000+11:00

A reminder that the 2011 Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize 2011 closes today at 5pm.

Mise en place - The Prince, St Kilda.

2011-02-25T13:36:00.000+11:00

I noticed this moment at The Prince in St Kilda while dashing from Circa up to a hotel room to photograph the bride. Some photographs happen so quickly, others seem to take forever.

film stills - Bangalore Queer Film Fest 2011

2011-02-22T10:19:00.001+11:00

Received an email today from a producer mate of mine and attached was the program for the forthcoming Bangalore Queer Film Festival. What's cool is that her film 'Neon Skin' is in the festival, but also that my still from that film is the festival poster shot. If you are in Bangalore at the end of February go and check out the films.

THE 3RD BANGALORE QUEER FILM FEST
25, 26 AND 27 FEBRUARY 2011

MAP Group Project - Little Big Town

2011-02-21T13:48:00.007+11:00

The Many Australian Photographers Group (MAP Group) are a mix of Australian photographers dedicated to photojournalism and documentary. Our largest project was called 'Beyond Reasonable Drought' an exhibition and book that looked at the drought throughout Australia. Currently we are photographing several diverse projects, including - the volcanic regions of Victoria, the city of Ballarat, asbestos and its legacy, and Melbourne's lane ways. Here's some recent lane way work.

Moya and Stephen's wedding - St Peter and Paul's church in South Melbourne and Rippon Lea Estate.

2011-02-17T21:31:00.009+11:00

Moya and Stephen walked out of the church to 'Here Comes the Sun' by The Beatles and into a fabulously hot Melbourne summer day. Father Bob conducted the ceremony at St Peter and Paul's in South Melbourne with his usual mix of humour, sincerity, wit, and inclusiveness. The wedding party and guests (many from Ireland) were then treated to an afternoon of cocktails, Guinness, and fine tunes by the pool, with a little frisbee on the lawn at Rippon Lea Estate. As the sun went down the party moved into the ballroom for a formal dinner then dancing well into the night.

The Last Roll of Kodachrome—Frame by Frame! A celebrated photographer makes a passage to India—and marks the end of an era.

2011-02-15T10:09:00.001+11:00

Worth a look. The fact that photography was limited to 36 frames and was invisible until processed is and always will be fascinating. Great shots also. http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2011/02/last-kodachrome-slide-show-201102#intr

photo by Steve McCurry

Suzanne and Jarrod's wedding - the Yarra Valley, Healesville.

2011-02-07T16:21:00.005+11:00

A hot day in January set the tone for Sue and Jarrod’s midsummer garden wedding in the Yarra Valley at Healesville. After many years together, this busy hospitality couple finally found a moment to celebrate their relationship with family, friends, fine wine and great food. If you are near Smith Street in Melbourne check our their restaurant called ‘Easy Tiger’. Très cool.

Alice in Weddingland at The Prince

2011-02-07T10:44:00.001+11:00

Shot a fun and wild wedding on Saturday at The Prince in St Kilda. Nicole and Dean came all the way from snowy London to be greeted by a wet Melbourne summer for their wedding. Ultimately the rain held off and the day was a blast. On the street we met and encouraged a group of people from Alice in Wonderland to join in some photos.