Surfer girls... {editorial}

Back in September I took a series of pics for The Sunday Times newspaper but gave up looking out for them in the paper after a few weeks. Finally, the story was in the paper on the weekend. Here's some other images of the gorgeous Denmark surfer gals.

My hero... {editorial}

Last week, I was asked to photography 5 year-old Jarman, who is going to be receiving a bravery award after his traumatic dog attack earlier this year.

As a mum, it cut me to the core hearing Jarman's mum, Sheryl, recount seeing her baby go through such an horrific nightmare. You can read about it on page 6 in today's Sunday Times or here .

I am in complete awe of Sheryl who managed to hold it together until her son was safely in the hands of the doctors, before she collapsed from the shock.

What a brave boy!  And what a brave mum!

Scoop Magazine, Winter 2011 {commercial}

Make sure you get your hands on the latest Scoop Magazine for all low-down on foodie news in the Great Southern written by our very own Megan Anderson (plus my pictures!)

Bremer Bay bonding {corporate portrait}

I get to meet some great people in this job.  Last week I met some of Bremer Bay's finest!

The Bremer Bay Volunteer Services Unit was named Outstanding Volunteer Emergency Service Unit in the 2010 annual Volunteer Emergency Service Awards.   The awards recognised the 900 Volunteer Emergency Service (VES) and Volunteer Fire Service (VFS) volunteers who played a key role in keeping the community safe.

And what worthy winners! They are a bunch of locals whose combined efforts to protect their community are genuine and committed - and they have a lot of fun while they do it!  I felt honoured to have been asked to do this shoot  Meet some of the winners...

The Natural Gloss Boss {media}

In case you missed the news, Kylie Apostoles, founder of Morgan Annie All-Natural Beauty,  recently won honours in Nature and Health magazine’s recent annual beauty awards.  And The Sunday Times covered the story both in the paper, and on Perth Now.

Before I put away the files of the photos used in the stories, I thought I'd post this last one because its the one I thought they'd use, but they didn't.  You never can tell...

Businesses I Adore ... Sharp Infusion

Meet Daniel.  

He's destined for big things - so remember, when he's famous, you read it here first!  

Daniel has a talent for creating mind-blowing-top-notch-nosh.  I caught up with him just before he kicked off an Italian Infusion cooking class last week (hence the roma tomatoes - thanks Nilla!) & this is what he had to say about wedding catering.

So, Daniel, tell us a little bit about Sharp Infusion fine catering.

 Sharp Infusion fine catering began just over two years ago. I started the business with the aim in mind of bringing together passion, local produce and creativity into the homes of my clients, specialising in fine dining dinner and cocktail parties.

The demand that shortly followed, was for weddings etc, so now, I cater pretty much anything that involves food.

Custom menus for every event, ensure that the Host/Hostess/Bride, whoever it may be, is given exactly what they want, every-time. Sharp Infusion wedding catering has become a huge success, and its just so much fun being involved in creating an experience that will be raved about!

What inspires your creations?

I’m a creative person. Dishes and ideas about food just pop into my head while I’m doing the shopping. Stumbling across a fantastic ingredient at the market place, fresh crab or fresh raspberries for example, really gets me excited, and before you know it, a new dish is born! It all comes from experience I guess.

What 5 words best describe your style?

 imaginative – creative – fresh – vibrant - local

What one tip would you give any bride planning the catering for the big day?

This is YOUR day. I mean, really, it’s not about anyone else, its about a celebration of your new future.  So make it YOUR wedding.  Get the colours you want, get the candles you want, have the food you want, create the atmosphere that YOU want.

Any dreams for the future of Sharp Infusion that you can share? 

There will be a TV show eventually.  Watch this business expand Australia wide over the next few years!

How can our readers find out more about Sharp infusion?

We are expanding our online business rapidly, as this provides everyone with access to any information they require. Sharp Infusion fine catering also has a facebook page, which is linked in with my Blog and online shopping centre. For the latest updates and events, information is posted to my website blog, www.sharpinfusion.com.au/blog

PS 

Sharp Infusion is a major sponsor of the Midsummer Nights Ball to be held at the new Albany Entertainment Centre!  The Albany Community has joined forces to hold a most regal affair  - a black tie benefit for those Australian’s affected by the WA, Queensland and Victorian Floods. Come along & take part in bidding for a  Sharp Infusion private 6 course dinner for 4 people, valued at $700.00! 

Itsy bitsy album...

This little a 3.5x5" album comes in a very cute box & is the prefect size for a hand-bag.  We call it the
Brag Book but maybe it should be called the Bag Book?

Sock it...

If you're not from Albany, you may not see the humour in this photo I took at this year's  City of Albany Christmas Pageant on Saturday.

I don't normally get political on this blog, but let me quickly fill you in on the story so far...

For almost fours years, our precious Middleton Beach had become the home of a very big & very ugly vacant block because The Esplanade Hotel (home of many summer Sunday Sessions) was bowled down by developers of a new 5 star resort.  One problem - they forgot to build the  news resort.  

Albany's Urban Sock Bombers had successfully created a loud but  peaceful protest on the ugly fence surrounding the sad, neglected site by stringing socks along the perimeter.  It was quite impressive & had even become a tourist attraction in itself - I've seen many a hire-car parked alongside with cameras out.  

However, recently, surprisingly, the City of Albany removed the socks & vowed to remove any new socks placed on the fence. Read the full story on Jon Doust's blog, Sock It.

This pageant entry was a fabulous reaction to the sock-removal, and the City of Albany named this entry joint winner in this year's parade.  I love this town!  Where else in the world is politics so much fun?

If you'd like to see more of the City of Albany's  Christmas Pageant, watch this video.

Happy Birthday Blog...

My blog is 12 months old today!

Is it too early in the day to open this bottle that a very generous client gave me last week?

"If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life."

Gift vouchers...

With Christmas fast approaching, I'm starting to get a few enquiries about gift vouchers.  

I must say, I am very impressed that you are all so organised. 

Yes! I do have gift vouchers read to go.  And won't find a more personal gift to give than a family portrait session!

Chook...

This is Kate Minter, otherwise know as "Chook".  She's hot-on-the-tail of Adrian Nicoll who ran fast because of it!  And that is what Kate does - she makes people run faster and further, and do more push-ups and climb more stairs! And as a result, there are far less kilos in Albany these days!

Kate won the women's 10k yesterday's Port to Point & her friend/client/training buddy, Marnie came in second.  I think the look on their faces says it all!

But the great thing about Kate is her selflessness, encouragement and enthusiasm - how she involves everyone! She's pretty special!   That's why "Chook's Chix" won the group part of the event too - there were so many little ones in the race wearing their blue t-shirts.  Here are a few...

 

My very first billboard...

I nearly drove off the road!  It is my very first billboard photo so when it was there, without warning, on my main route to town, it was a lovely surprise. I had to go back later to get a photo of my photo. 

Voila...

Yesterday was my last day of work before taking a few weeks holiday... but some people may think that I'd be hard stretched to call it work!? I was slaving away taking photos at the Literary Lunch featuring chef, writer and TV personality (recently seen on Masterchef and ABC's Poh's Kitchen) Emmanuel Mollois, who runs the exquisite "Choux Patisserie" in Swanbourne.  It was a long lunch as part of Albany's 2010 Sprung Writers Fest, held at Oranje Tractor.  Here's a glimpse of my hard day at work.  See you in three weeks.

 

 

Safety in numbers...

We had a lot of fun with this shoot.  Its for a "famous" local choir, Safety in Numbers, who are all about fun and encouragement.  It was very inspirational to be serenaded whilst working!

Cutest kid... officially!

Very excited!

Jez was picked as the cutest baby by the Albany Advertiser newspaper judges in their photo competition! I snapped this shot of Jez while doing a commercial shoot at Cruize Inn - I couldn't resist those blue eyes ... and nor could the judges!

Slobbing around in the bay...

Whales are lounging about in the sun down at Middleton Beach this morning... wanted to stay down there with them. Popped down there before starting work today. They were so close to shore, you could smell them!

g

Office closed...

I'm on leave until 5th July.  And I'll be back all refreshed and inspired ready for many more posts!

Welcome to Albany...

These gorgeous ladies are responsible for the warm welcome that visitors to Albany get when they hit town, and head to our Visitor Centre.