Kelly & Don's Wedding - Roma - Sat 7th Mar 09

Last Friday we saddled up the Landrover and headed off for one of our roadtrips out west to Roma for Kelly & Don's wedding. We love heading out on these trips, not only because we enjoy country wedding but also because it gives us the chance to see a bit more of country Queensland. The weather was spot on for an autumn wedding, not too hot but plenty of blue sky and we were set for a picture perfect day. Kelly looked wonderful and the boys had chosen slightly more relaxed outfits which meant they were really comfortable. The venue was Kelly's parents' farm and it was a fantastic location for the ceremony, under an beautifully shaded awning overlooking a stunning rural backdrop. After some great photos around the farm, it was into the local outback pub for more photos (Kelly's Dad has created a simply brilliant little "pub" on their property which has to be seen to be believed - I reckon Outback should do an article on it, it's that impressive!!). Then it was on to the reception, under a huge permanent marquee at Roma Turf club for much partying which we are sure was enjoyed by everyone. Cheers Kelly & Don.

Ruby Joins the Team

The newest member of the Masterpieces family is Ruby the Dog (pictured here with her new best friend, Zoe). Whilst we can't be entirely certain of her parentage (Ruby that is, not Zoe - Zoe has an impeccable pedigree!!), she is quite small (think Fox Terrier crossed with a Chihuahua!!), very cute and has a wonderful nature. Just like Zoe, she will probably find her way into some of our photo shoots - Paris Hilton's handbag dog better watch out - there's a new star in town and her name is Ruby!!

Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy 28th Feb 09

The Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy is held annually to remember those Queensland truckies who have lost their lives on the job over the years. This year, with over 700 trucks taking part the normal destination of Lake Apex Park at Gatton (where the memorial is located) was simply not big enough and the event was held at the Gatton Showgrounds. I covered it for the LVRC as part of our contract with them, and although big trucks aren't really my thing (whispered quietly because my Father-in-Law has driven trucks his whole life!!) it was amazing to see them all in one place, not to mention them stretching off into the distance down the Warrego Highway.

Ideal Bride Expo - RNA Fri 20-Sun 22nd Feb 09

If it's February it must be Wedding Expo season and if we had made a movie about this weekend, the title would have to be "Two Weddings, Two Expo's and No Babysitters!"
They say things come in three's but this weekend we had four!! Not only did we have two Weddings to video (basically at opposite ends of South-East Queensland!) but we also had the big Ideal Bride Expo at the RNA for three days and another Expo at the City Golf Club in Toowoomba on the Sunday. Oh, and Nadine's parents, who normally look after Zoe on our busy days, were in NZ at a family function!!
Yes, it was busy, yes Nadine and I only saw each other for about 30 minutes before falling asleep each evening, but yes, everything got done and got done well. The Ideal Bride Expo was great as always with the majority of brides thankfully asking about 2010 dates (2009 ones are SO limited now), Nadine did a fabulous job with Nat & Josh and then Dragana & Josef's Wedding videos and Kirra & Kristy, who looked after Toowoomba for us, did a great job giving out information.
Oh yes, we did take the day off on the Monday, but Zoe needed some time with Mum & Dad and I think we deserved it too!!
Below are a couple of photos Nadine shot whilst doing the video's
Dragana & Josef:
Nat & Josh:

Tiffany & Lance's Wedding 14th Feb 2009

Tiffany and Lance chose Valentines Day to celebrate their Wedding which means it will always be an extra special day and Lance will have NO excuse for forgetting their anniversary!! We had had a great time photographing Amanda, one of Tiffany's bridesmaids', wedding last year at Woodlands of Marburg and knew that Tiffany and Lance would really get into the day and enjoy themselves and we were not disappointed. Early morning cloud gave way to some beautifully sunny skies and eveyone was smiling and enjoying the day. Tiffany chose a stunning dress and looked fabulous and the boys were very relaxed - I'll get shot if I don't mention that the cars, which matched the bridesmaids colours, looked superb too. The great weather and a Bridal party who wanted to have fun made for a really fantastic shoot out and around Gatton. Nadine was doing video too, and there were some great out-takes - especially when the petrol pump "leaked" - you can see the highlights on her blog. This was another of the weddings we didn't really want to leave and we'd like to thank Tiffany and Lance for inviting us to be part of their special day.

Branell Homestead 3rd Feb 2009

Branell Homestead is a really stunning Bed and Breakfast tucked away in the Liverpool Ranges near Laidley and we've been working on marketing with the owners Troy and Kathy for about 18 months now. They've enlarged the facilities recently and offer more activities and they wanted to get some updated imagery for a new run of brochures and to add to their website. We decided on a late afternoon/early evening shoot to make the most of the beautiful vistas they have and the weather played ball (mostly!!). The "models" all had a great time feeding the pony, picking mangoes and fishing before toasting some marsmallows around the campfire.

Australia Day 09

We always normally try and do something fun on Australia Day, and this year, depsite having to work, was no exception. As part of our ongoing contract with Lockyer Valley Regional Council we were comissioned to get stills and video of their Family Fun Festival held at Plainland, next to the famous Porter's Hotel. LVRC put on a great day with events and attractions for young and old and which included cooking demonstrations from some of Australia's top celebrity chefs, Peter Howard, Fenton Keogh and Bob Retallick. The chef's were fantastic (and the food even better!!) and we had a really good day and captured some really great imagery for the council to use in their promotional material and advertising.

Burnie Family Portraits 13 Jan 09

Well, once again, I'm well behind with my blogging but I'll try and get up to date this week.
The first one is the Burnie Family who came to the studio for some studio portraits early in the New Year. They have probably travelled the furthest of any of our clients so far this year because they are normally based in Russia!! We had a great shoot in the studio and outside in the gardens, making great use of some of the props and the beautiful country backdrops which is really different to when we shoot in the city.