Emma is studying in her final year in acting at the Victorian College of the Arts.  When she first started there a couple of years ago, we went out and created this body of work. It’s a great exercise for her to go through, performing something out and having it photographed. She can look objectively at herself and can see how her performance can come together visually.

The Race was written and performed by Emma. She had the audio playing loudly while she carried out the movement. How amazing is her voice? Given the elements I had – minimal set design, plain black clothing and clean, easy lighting – I decided it had a montage potential. The result has come up really well!

I loved doing this – it was fun, creative and also helping Emma. Bring on more of it I say!

B

Conquering Your Camera Workshops are a brilliant way to get on top of all those niggling questions you have about your digital SLR camera. The content is concise and beautifully tailored from my first hand experiences. It addresses all the same questions that everybody inevitably asks as soon as they take their pretty new puppy out of the box and switch it to M for Manual.

Melbourne has been scheduled for Saturday 10 March starting at 10:00am at a studio in Oakleigh.

Places are limited to six so the group sticks together and more content can be covered off.
To book your spot for Melbourne for $345 for a full day of comprehensive content and a yummy lunch, click here.

Terri, and the two Michaels took the one day, fully catered workshop just before Christmas.

They had differing levels of knowledge and ability.

They tested the theories of  shutter ISO, aperture and shutter speed.

They went home equipped with the essential knowledge they needed.

I’m always liable for having a bit of fun myself in these workshops!

Lisa is one courageous gal. In April 2011, aged 23, she was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC). It’s a rare cancer that for Lisa presented in her salivary gland behind her right ear. Further tests showed it had advanced to bones nearby and down in her lungs.  She’s had 15 surgeries and 30 radiotherapy treatments. She was hospitalised with pneumonia last year and has recently returned from a trip to China to try an alternative therapy option. Lisa’s full and courageous story can be read here.

Lisa is a model and so a plan was hatched to bring together some awesome Hot Rods and Harleys, models, make up artists and photographers.  Everyone had all day to photograph some stunning models with the cars. Great fun was had, Lisa came and did a great job modeling with lots of the cars for several hours. They raised $1900 for Lisa which was brilliant.  Every bit helps, so if you would like to donate, please follow the link at the bottom of Lisa’s website.

She was interviewed on the day, the interview is called Lisa-Maree O’Hara – Her Cancer Story.

The lovely Lisa.

The setting was Churchill National Park, just outside of Melbourne.

Alicia was super…what a vixon!

Loved the cars.
They were total works of art in every respect. 

Creative collaborations ensued.

Patient car owners standing by watching all the madness.

Daniela is Lisa’s good friend.
What a honey. 

Gary the poser.
Gary was one of the main organisers.
You can check him out over here. 

Awww.
Girls, they just wanna have fun. 

Lisa says ‘happiness, smiling and love are the most important things in the world’.
To view her full interview click here. 

Is Marilyn in the house?!

There’s Gary again.

Tired and ready to go home, Lisa still found some energy to do an interview.

Really, truly, a brilliant effort all round. Lots of money raised and the more activities that can be held like this, the better.

Lisa you’re an amazing and very courageous woman! Keep going.

B

watching a sunset at Port Phillip Bay,

 a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria,

 fantasizing about a setting up a gallery style shop front,

 my sister, niece and nephew visiting from Canberra,

pylons as far as the eye can see at Station Pier in Port Melbourne,

catching sight of Little Audrey, Melbourne’s icon Vinegar Skipping Girl,

 spotting some beach boxes at Mornington Peninsula, another Melbourne icon,

a little indulgence,

 flying high at Portsea Back Beach,

London Bridge beach – perfect for a hot summer’s day,

 Abbotsford Convent, an artist’s haven,

a day out at the Australian Open Tennis,

Lots to do and so many places to discover. Each time I go out I experience something new.  The last time I was here I was a student with no money, no car, and lots of classes to attend.  A lot happens in thirteen years and I’m seeing this city with a totally new pair of eyes.  Anything is possible here!  It’s really cool! Looks like I might stay awhile – till I head off to Berlin in May.

B

Where did Your Family Story begin?  With a little girl called Lauren, and a little boy called Angus. They are my cherubs, my little treasures…OK they’re technically not mine, they belong to my sister Heather and brother-in-law Darren. But when these gems came into my family, Your Family Story was born. This year we captured their family story in October, celebrating that Heather and Darren were both turning forty.  Back in April at Easter, before I went to Germany, I captured the little ones in action with Granny Lois and Grandpa (my parents) in the garden.

It’s time that we can’t get back but the images we created stop time.  I love that I can do this!

Lauren said to me, that’s easy, what you do, it’s just clicking! OK well she’s five and quite handy with her Mum’s iphone. I said one day, I’ll explain to you what I really do.  One day, when the children turn 21, their whole Family Story will be presented to them.  A treasure trove of beautiful imagery from their childhood.

So, given that Christmas is all about family and it is fitting to end the year with the work I create that is closest to my heart, I proudly introduce to you:

My Family 

Part 1
Easter Saturday in the Garden

Leaves need to be swept.

A quick cuddle with Grandpa.

Granny, what are we having?

Little fingers.

A milk moustache.

Angus! Up here!

Can you lift Grandpa’s leg up, Lauren?

Gloves are funny.

Angus has a special bond with my Mum.
It just started right from the very beginning. 

Work begins.

Some chocolate treasures are appearing in the garden.

My Mum in her element.
I think this is the best picture I’ve ever taken of her. 

Angus hunts for more chocolate bugs in the back garden.

Chocolate heaven.

Lauren’s been called back to the front garden.

Grandpa being Grandpa.

More hunting.

Found one!

Angus tries to pull off the foil wrapper.

“No Angie! This is how you do it!”
Lauren calls Angus ‘An-gie’ for short sometimes. 

Beautiful girl.

I’m proud of what my Mum and Dad have achieved together over the years.
The garden was just a patch of grass when we came here in 1987. 

Lovely cuddles.
I love the shoe-less foot. 

Angus loves Granny’s lap.
Lauren’s got a good possie too. 

Group hug.

He still makes her laugh.

Home time.

Part 2
Celebrating Heather and Darren Turning 40

The scene is set.

Simon says…

…whisper a secret.

Beautiful Mum.

A hint of Darren creeps into the scene.

Lauren rubs her hands together.
She has a plan. 

Keep low!
How cute is that little knee? 

Angus has had his 3 year old testosterone growth spurt, he’s becoming a little boy.
 He’s often up for some Dad-action these days.

I just love this.

The children had been at the school fete the day before.
They had their hands henna-tattooed. 

I love putting the kids in charge.

Lauren’s imagination runs wild these days.
This is her thinking face. 

How beautiful is Heather in this capture?
This is what being a parent is all about. 

The scale of things – Angus is wrapped up in Darren’s arm.

Darren probably sees this expression a lot.
It’s fleeting and wonderful to have in a photograph. 

Lauren’s got the giggles on.
Ang is tired. 

A family discussion follows.

Time for a group cuddle.

Oh, scrummy.

Lauren has their attention.

Angus goes to Mum when he’s tired.

And sometimes Dad.

I am in love with Lauren’s hair.

Darren can turn his hand to just about anything.
The veggie patch is no exception. 

Lots to learn.

Heather didn’t know I was there.

Oh lordy, those knees again.

Hold it…

Is it raining, Mum?

Fruits of their labour.

Merry Christmas, from a very proud daughter, sister, sister-in-law and auntie.

B

Teena and Stephen live in Sydney with their little man Noah. He was always going to be called Noah, when they knew they were having a boy at twelve weeks. Stephen spent the subsequent six months talking to Noah. When he finally arrived, Teena initially needed specialist care.  Stephen paced back and forth with a crying Noah while Teena was tended to. These combined events meant that Noah and Stephen now have a very close connection.   Teena said she wanted photographs that captured the way they feel about each other as a family. Stephen said he wanted images of Teena because she’s always taking the pictures of the family.

It’s a beautiful and touching collection.  Teena and Stephen loved it, and decided on wall art and a gift set. With Christmas coming, and Stephen about to head back to the UK for a wedding, the timing couldn’t be better.

Introducing…Teena, Stephen and Noah in some of their favourite places, on a Saturday in Sydney.

Teena loves Gerberas.
They take pride of place on their mantle.

Noah’s obsessed with the broom at the moment.

He’s always inspecting his belly button.

A fleeting moment of them preparing to head out for the afternoon.

Stephen’s off and running!
Hi Noah! 

Teena looks for Noah’s little car.
The men quietly watch.

The grass is scratchy.
Stephen and Teena often laugh when Noah’s crocodile tears appear. 

But not for long as concern crosses Teena’s face.

Awwwww.

Kiss sandwich!

Noah loves it when Stephen and Teena are affectionate.
This is their one of their wall art selections.

Big strong Dad arms.

Looking to the future together.

Again, Noah?! The grass?

Up, up and away!

Over here!

Just gorgeous.
Strong and gentle at the same time.

Teena and Stephen didn’t get images that expressed how they feel about each other on their wedding day.
I’m so pleased for them that they have this.
A single capture that says it all.

Snuggly and happy.

Certainly a loved woman.

Hi Noooooah!
(Noah has just learned to say his name this week.) 

A beautiful moment captured from Teena’s perspective.

They could be anywhere.
In fact they’re in Centennial Park where they were married.
This park is now the special place where they regularly go as a family. 

A sweet gaze for Noah.

Liddle fingers!
Too cute. 

Noah explores the park with a watchful Mum and Dad nearby.

Dreamy.

Come here, you rascal.

Teena nibbles on Noah’s sausage arm.

A beautifully connected family moment.
Noah is a very lucky little boy.

How beautiful is Teena?
And I love Noah’s little neck. 

Lots of cuddles for this little treasure.

A tired little fellow.
 Noah plays with Teena’s hair. 

Mother’s comfort.

The late sun at Parsley Bay and a world away from the UK.
What a place to raise a family. 

Everybody in…weeeeee! 

Beautiful boy.

One of many afternoons they will probably spend here together in the summer.

Thank you so much Teena and Stephen, for choosing me to capture the feelings and special moments in your family life.  I loved creating this with you and for you.  I’m proud to know that as your family grows these beautiful images will go with you into the future.

B

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This is their 2011 Family Story.

Our Slice of Heaven
2 November 2011

 Some final adjustments.

A lovely, gentle kiss for Archer.

Darling boy.

Motherhood agrees with Alissa.

As David says, ‘we’re very lucky.’

A special Father’s Day gift this year.

Breathing in that beautiful baby smell.

The constantly evolving backyard.

Harry loves the soft chickens.

A quiet feed outside on a Spring day … perfection.

So tiny, so precious.

In loving, safe hands.

A special look for Mumma.

Alissa distinctly remembers the drive to the hospital.
The morning was just gorgeous, the sun was breaking through the clouds.
Archer was born in the bath, and David caught him! 

Hurricane Harry just blew in!

Gorgeous cheeks.

Harry loves to explore and discover.

David can see the man in Harry … for now, a little cutie.

Harry is completely absorbed in his discovery.

Coriander leaves …

… for Mum!

The neighbour’s lemon tree.

One of about twenty lemons that Harry picked.

Harry continually surprises and intrigues David.

An armful of baby and lemons!

Archer’s eye is like an artist’s paint stroke.

Busy and beautiful in the veggie patch.

Alissa’s soft hair as it moves in the breeze.

The sneaky thief.

Family time in the kitchen.

That’s Archer before we met him.
When you start seeing a head, body and legs, it really does bring it home. 

Peek-a-boo!

 A single curl.

Dad’s got dinner covered.

Somebody’s hungry.

Ohhh bubba.

Archer wears the outfit that he wore home from the hospital.
Alissa wanted him to have something just for him, not a hand-me-down. 

While Alissa comforts Archer, Harry plays.

Special time with Mumma.

Shall we go for a walk, Harry?
Special hats are on. 

Harry will fall asleep on our walk. 

It’s a beautiful day today.

Alissa appreciates the present moment.

A special baby and a special pendant, both close to Alissa’s heart.

After a big morning Harry sleeps.

A beautiful, sensitive collection that captures many special moments of this lucky family in photographs.  It will showcase in their gorgeous book and be accompanied by two stunning wall art pieces.  Thank you Alissa, David, Harry and Archer for sharing this very special time in your lives with me.

B

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I couldn’t wait to see this amazing home and garden that they have, and still are, creating.  It is a sanctuary in which they are raising their beautiful boy Oliver and their lovely girl Phoebe.

Without further ado, I introduce to you with pleasure, Mia, Terry, Oliver and Phoebe.

Our Haven Home

Feral Beryl, as Phoebe is affectionately known.

The trampoline makes a safe place for the children to play together.

Childhood is freedom.

When we met Terry said that Oliver didn’t know how lucky he was.
Now I know why.
How amazing is their backyard!? 

Rubber boy.

The swing provides many hours of kiddie fun.

Gentle swinging back and forth, back and forth.
That little neck is too scrummy. 

Oliver starts to feel a tad left out of the swinging fun.
His amazing eyelashes! 

He holds a freshly plucked flower in front of the camera to show.

Terry places it carefully in Phoebe’s hair.
I love that little face and the hands…gorgeous. 

Beautiful Mia with flowers, a gentle breeze and soft light – the perfect picture. 

Little chortler!

This is priceless!!
How gorgeous are those toes. 

Phoebe is at a very cute age, learning to walk and super cuddly.

Hey Oliver! Over here!

Action man.

Lightning fast.

The Silverback Gorilla.

Joy.

A book to ignite the imagination, given by a friendly neighbour.

How’s the intensity!?

The consummate artist describing his living passion – the back yard.

Terry and Mia provide a very special place to raise their children.
A little bit of dirt never hurt anyone. 

An earnest discussion takes place.

Oh no! Tragedy has struck.

A change of pace, time for a swim.
Terry and Oliver lovingly lower Phoebe into the cool water. 

Big strong arms.

A caring older brother and watchful father nearby as Phoebe splashes the water.

How about those beautiful ringlets and soft skin.

A big belly laugh from Oliver.

Mia takes over watching Phoebe in the late afternoon sun.

Such a simple activity but it delights everyone.

The Silverback Gorilla makes a return.

A cuddly warm body to snuggle up to.

One of many treasured family moments in the pool.

Phoebe’s shorts are about to burst!

Peace, quiet, togetherness.

Oliver reaches for a group hug.

A glorious sunset and a stunning gum tree to say good bye to the day.

Thank you Mia, Terry, Oliver and Phoebe for sharing your haven with me.  It was a lovely afternoon in your beautiful home and garden with your special family.  These treasured family moments will live forever on the pages of your beautiful story book and on the walls of your home.

B

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Thank you for reading.  It means a lot that you’ve stopped by. Please leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Or, friend me up on Facebook, I’ll see you there!

Saturday 15th October 2011

Prices are per person, per workshop.
Completing Workshop 1 before Workshop 2 is recommended.
Book Workshops 1&2 together, join us for lunch and save $40.

Canberra, Australia

Beth Jennings Photography studio, Yarralumla

Off street parking and serviced by weekend bus #932

Conquering the Camera Workshops have returned to Canberra.  We had a great workshop on Saturday.  We had four people in Workshop 1 (ISO, aperture, shutter speed – what they are and how they work together) and two stayed on for the afternoon Workshop 2 (understanding and achieving correct exposure every time). An awesome day! Of course I’m flat out speaking through the whole day, so not much time for me to take pictures, but scroll down to see a few.

When I was in Berlin I started a photography group, it’s running strong now at 93 members.  Canberra’s little sister is just finding her legs, you can check it out here.  Some of Saturday’s participants found me through this group.  Our next event is on this Saturday, we’re meeting at Tosolini’s Cafe at 11:00.  Bring your memory stick with photos, I’ll bring my lappie and we can have a chat about what you’ve been shooting, questions etc.

Red Ted, the object of our curiosity for the purposes of understanding ISO.

The jonquils in the bathroom looked amazing in the late afternoon light…in the bathroom!
Well spotted Kathryn. 

Kathryn said…

‘Professional but friendly, organised but flexible, filled with useful relevant information.
These are how I would describe the course today.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to feel more confident about how to get more from their camera and take control of your own creativity.
Beth is a wonderful host and the course has changed forever how I think about taking a photograph for the better.
Thank you Beth.’

Shucks, thank you Kathryn!!

Closeups and textures.
Mmnn how to make a pile of wood interesting?!

Daniel said,

‘Thank you for the course.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and have gained a lot out of it.
All I need to do is to put everything into practice and enhance the techniques that you have taught me’.

Wahoo!! Another camera conquered!  Cool.

Spring is close…ish.

If you would like to conquer your digital SLR camera, then Conquering the Camera Workshops are a great way to do it.  The full day is recommended but you do have the option to take Workshop 1 in the morning, then Workshop 2 at a later date.  Click through to find out about one on one mentoring sessions if that’s more to your liking.

I have not yet scheduled the next workshop dates but write to me if you are keen and we’ll look at October.

B

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Thank you for reading, it means a lot to me that you’ve stopped by. Please leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Or, friend me up on Facebook, I’ll see you there!