Celina’s Christening at St Charbel’s Maronite Catholic Church Sydney
A journey of spirit and emotion Celina’s christening took place in beautiful St Charbel’s Maronite Catholic Church at Punchbowl with the function at Zaitoune Mezza and Grill, Putney.
The Big Picture – a review of the Nikon Z7
To focus solely on individual components of a camera is very like not being able to see the wood for the trees. In the numerous Nikon Z7 reviews that I have read, no one seems to have appreciated the camera’s Gestalt. Individual components of the camera are compared with the Nikon D850 and the Sony A7 series with Nikon inevitably being criticised for being late to the party. However, I think the camera is groundbreaking because it feels so complete and intuitive. If the Nikon D850 is a Range Rover (it can go anywhere in comfort but everyone knows that...
This is not what you think
Wedding photography this is not! Too often, my christening clients say that my christening photos are better than their wedding photos. I am not sure why this is – there is certainly less stress at christenings and it may be that forcing wedding couples to endure posed shots in an unfamiliar public place is an uncomfortable experience. These photos, on the other hand, were taken for Caroline and Merv at their home before Luke’s christening. I’d photographed for Caroline before; the christening of Christian two years ago. So when Caroline asked me to photograph again, I was delighted. ...
A review of Balmoral Bathers Pavilion
A review of Balmoral Bathers Pavilion from a photographer’s perspective Candid photos of a christening Candid and natural photos are wonderful, like this one taken of a little girl at Balmoral Bathers Pavilion during a christening function. But naturally beautiful photos are elusive. I recently photographed a christening function at Balmoral Bathers Pavilion where a brother flew in in from America and the godmother flew up from Melbourne. So this was a really special occasion unlikely to be repeated for a while. The photos were really important. However, when you want to photograph four or more people, it simply isn’t...
A review of St George Motor Boat Club
A review of St George Motor Boat Club, Sans Souci Two years ago I photographed Justin’s christening for Maria and Buddy. Almost to the day, two years later I photographed the christening of Jade, Justin’s younger sister. The christening venue was St George Motor Boat Club in Sans Souci. Often Christening venues have dingy light. St George Motor Club was the opposite, it has great indoor light and even better, a multitude of photographic options – four in total. Photographic backdrop No 1 – the neighbouring park Photographic backdrop No 2 – the marina of St George Motor Bloat club A two-minute stroll from the club,...
A baptism at St Xavier Church, Lavendar Bay
I was engaged to photograph Monte’s baptism at St Francis Xavier Church, Lavendar Bay. But what to photograph? All my christening packages include an album because as I photograph, I fill in the pages of the book in my head with wonderful shots. So initially I need a welcoming shot that also identifies the location. For me this shot is great – proud parents and importantly both of them, an infant looking at the camera and a background of stained glass providing the cue that they are in a church. But Monte had two siblings and I wanted to...
Going back to give
In 2009 I went to Suchana, a charity based in West Bengal, India. Suchana enriches the lives of school children who come from disadvantaged tribal villages with very few resources. When I was there in 2009 there were basic teaching elements such as a blackboard and sports equipment comprising simple soccer goals and not much else. At this time Suchana needed images to help raise money for these kids and I was honoured to use my skills for this charity and privileged to be able to enter this world and capture it. As a photographer you are often met with caution when...
Mother and son
I wanted to photograph George and his mum but how? Two faces staring at the camera didn’t appeal. Below is my solution. But I also wanted to photograph George’s mum. I could have taken one shot like this. But why not capture her love of life? Inspiration for this came from Philippe Halsman.
A christening book
The christening book I designed for Theo and Penny has arrived, just six weeks after the christening of their twins, Paige and Dean.