Businesses I Adore... Amanda Porritt Make-Up Artist

Here's the second in my series of profiles of businesses I've worked with on weddings.  Meet the gorgeous Amanda.  She's everything a make-up artist should be in my opinion!  Aside from being totally stunning herself, Amanda is as lovely as she looks! I asked her a few questions about her work with weddings...

What drew you to the beauty industry? 

I was always the one making up my girlfriends before we went out, always the one obsessed with nail polish & makeup as a child so it just seemed to be the way to go, after doing my training I knew that it would always remain my true love and that it would be a profession that I would enjoy and succeed at.

Noticed any make-up trends from your recent weddings? 

I've definitely seen a real increase in the request for a "glamorous" look including false eyelash pieces & winged liquid eyeliner to increase the look of the eye area and really bump up the glamour!

What 5 words best describe your make-up style? 

versatile - flattering - long-wearing -  comfortable - complimentary

You're currently planning your own wedding. What one tip would you give our readers? 

Get yourself a good skin care routine ASAP!  Make up can only take you so far, but good skin shines through any makeup, and will make you FEEL confident too!

Any dreams for the future of your business that you can share? 

My business has a small clientele which suits my current lifestyle, but I will be focusing solely on beauty therapy in years to come, to fit in with the patter of little feet!

What is the memorable "wedding make-up moment"? 

Watching brides or mother-of-the-bride look at themselves/the bride after the makeup, hair dress is on - the expressions, and emotions of feeling so beautiful and feeling like a real princess  - it's fantastic for me knowing that I played a part in one of life's unforgettable moments. 

How can our readers find out more about Amanda Porritt? 

Contact me on 0439 983 513 for information and price-lists.

Emma + Ray In Love...

You can imagine how excited I was when Emma + Ray told me they had two props to bring along on their engagement session - the first being "Gilbert", the Golden Retriever, and the second, Ray's brother's recent acquisition - a very cool vintage ute. Don't you just LOVE the colour?

That's about as Australian as it gets - a man, his ute, his dog &the love-of-his-life. (I thongs are a nice touch too!)

We had the most prefect evening for this shoot on Tuesday - here's hoping their wedding evening will be just as still & warm!

It was still divine at six so we headed from the bush to the beach to escape the mozzies.  Everyone else in Albany must have been finishing off the race-day champagne, because we had the place to ourselves - just the way we wanted it!

What a stunning bride and groom you two will be in February - I look forward to seeing you then!

Friday’s Family Photo Tip No. 2

Today’s quick tip - focus on the eyes

We humans are drawn to each other's eyes. This is especially the case when we look at children, whose eyes are usually big, bright, shiny and oh so expressive! They reveal character. 

Most good photographs of people and animals have one thing in common: the eyes are in focus. If the child’s eyes are not in focus, the picture tends not be as strong or captivating.

Now, of course, with kids, this will mean getting down to their level so be prepared to be down on your knees!

Smiley Gilbert...

I'm just back from an evening engagement photo session and wouldn't help myself having a peek at this one. You might be aware I'm nuts about dogs so I was thrilled when "Gilbert" the Golden Retriever was invited to this shoot.

And he was the perfect model - he even smiled for this one!

Businesses I Adore... Wignalls Wines

Today, since its the beginning of a new month, I’m starting a new weekly series - every Monday I'll be introducing you to the people behind some of the wedding + events services around Albany.  First cab-off the-rank is Wignalls Winery, as I am still on a high from Saturday’s wedding.

On the weekend, my brother and I shot a gorgeous, very classy wedding. I’d never taken photos at Wignalls before (aside from snapshots at Wingall’s renown summer events), and so I was completely blown away by the variety of stunning photo opportunities there, especially at the “Golden Hour”. This is what we “photogs” call the magical light we only get for the last hour before the sun disappears. Can't wait to share the photos from Stephen + Flick's wedding!

We were literally running from one location to another (complete with a very obliging bride in high-heels). Avenues of eucalypts, rows of vines, fresh round hay-bales, a glowing granite-walled cellar, clumps of tall pines with dappled light… you name it, we had it!  I had a chat with Claire and Rob Wignall, the hard-working duo behind it all..

What makes Wignall’s weddings venue unique?

Its a surreal venue with manicured gardens, and sheltered from all weather.

Describe a typical wedding at Wignalls?
They range from fully formal right through to cocktail parties. We can cater for up to 400 guest in a marquee within a beautiful outdoor setting.

Noticed any wedding trends at your weddings?

Cocktail parties are very much the current trend in 2010

What was your most memorable "wedding moment" at Wignalls?
Our own in 1998! A casual setting with close family and friends

What one tip would you give any readers who are planning a wedding?
Enjoy your special day the way you want it to be, and throw the rules book out the window!

Any dreams for the future of Wignalls that you can share?
Our dream - a dedicated function room is our long term aim!

How can our readers find out more about Wignalls Weddings?
The best way to see what we can offer is to attend a summer concert so the "feel" of the venue allows you what you can expect, then to make an appointment to discuss details further. Our website is http://www.wignallswines.com.au/

Friday's Family Photo Tip No.1

This week is the beginning of a series of quick photography tips for those of you who love photographing your families as much as I do.  I hope to get your creative juices flowing.

Kids would have to be one of the most interesting subjects in the world ... laughing and smiling one minute, and having a total melt down the next.  I only wish adults could show even HALF as much emotion!

Today's quick tip is "don't forget the down time".  Providing you're not neglecting them in their time of need, don't forget to capture those quiet moments when perhaps they're not at their peak (like my gorgeous little friend who had a nasty cold).  Don't forget to catch those bumps, and sibling wrestles, tears.  After all, its all part of family life.

Cindy + Paul

Cindy and Paul are obviously much loved by their friends.  

They were given a pre-wedding portrait session as an engagement gift, which I thought was a truly lovely idea, especially as this gorgeous couple told me they have very few photos of themselves.  And given that they are both so natural in front of the camera, that is wrong wrong wrong!  Here's a sneak peek from their shoot on the weekend.

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...

 

Creative People.... Meet Lorraine

Meet Lorraine Harrison, our final "Creative Person, and a dedicated potter of over 30 years.  Being a leading member of Viewpoint Inc (promoting 3D artists within the Great Southern Region of WA) Lorraine devoted much time and energy encouraging artists working in form and design to showcase their fine craft in Viewpoint biennial exhibitions.  I  asked Lorriane a few questions about her craft...

 

What materials do you work with?
Working with clay is a two way effort - clay and me.

What's the first artwork you can remember making? 
In 1979 I joined a country pottery club, but my enthusiasm to produce large pieces were far too big for their kilns so graduated to a back yard potter.

What inspires you?
The last stage of a long journey through many processes of producing ceramics - the 'cracking open the kiln door'. Revelation - excitement or another challenge!

What has been your proudest artistic achievement so far?
Works purchased for the City of Perth collection. Life member of Viewpoint Inc.

What five words describe your creative philosophy? 
Enthusiasm-experimentation-capturing the essence!

Where can we see more of your work? 
My major galleries have recently closed - however in Exhibitions and biannual Kaleidoscope also Vancouver Cafe, Albany and my Studio in Wollaston Road, Middleton Beach.

Creative People.... Meet Raphael

And now for something completely different. Meet Raphael van der Waag.

I had such fun taking this photo - I felt like I was on the set of "Myth Busters" trying to make the most sparks fly for the camera! If you're not familiar with Raph's name, you'll definitly know some of his works of art. In particular, it is Raph's handy-work (with addition of Mark Hewson's glass - see Thursday's post) on display in the foyer at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.  Raph took off his welding helmet to answer some questions for me.

What materials do you work with?

Predominantly metals

What's the first artwork you can remember making?

It was in high school and was titled "Wind in the Reeds".  It had slender metal reed then half way up there was limestone carved to give the effect of the wind. I sold it to a local lady.

What inspires you?

Mainly the natural elements of the landscape, with the public artworks, architecture is also important – I try to make the artwork integrate with the environment.

What has been your proudest artistic achievement so far?

Probably actually being able to make a living from my art.

How would you describe your creative philosophy?

I try and pare things back to the absolute minimum – try to say all the important things without embellishments.

Where can we see more of your work?

The Albany Leisure Centre, the Deptartment of Main Roads' new building on Chester Pass Road, plus public art at Mt Barker and Borden. And very shortly, a new scupture along the Indian Ocean Drive. Then later in the year, more pieces at Perth College and the new Path West lab in the QE2 Medical Complex.