Emerald Eye Photography

New Blog Address

2008-04-03T10:06:00.003+11:00

If you have come across this blog, please note, this is my old blog and the new site is found here:
WORDPRESS EMERALDEYE BLOG

Please redirect your browser there now. Thanks so much.

Terri and James

2008-03-18T13:18:00.008+11:00

We photographed Terri and James last Saturday. Their ceremony held at the "Holy Spirit Church" in Ringwood North was beautiful.

It was an extremely hot day, and after the ceremony and family photos, Terri and James were happy to escape to the vines (at Elmswood Estate Winery) and relax with a glass of wine and some shade. It is in this natural state that we were able to capture some beautiful shots of the two of them.

This little usher, Roman, couldn't get enough of the grapes, and kept disappearing during the photo sessions to eat a few more...

Stockade 08

2008-03-12T12:05:00.003+11:00

You may have wondered why it's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged... Well my energies had been focused on preparing this State wide Ranger camp that was held over the long weekend at Hillcrest.

The camp was fantastic, and well worth the effort. We have placed a number of images in our gallery (events) and all purchase profits will go towards Rangers Victoria for the purpose of equipping the outposts. More images will be added soon as Jane Sheppard kindly visited the camp to take some photographs for us too.

Here are just a few of my favorites.

The Gift

2008-02-25T17:42:00.004+11:00

Just shot some promo images for "The Gift" a production that will be featured at Impact 08. The Gift was written by the extremely talented and "gifted" Luke Anderson.

How cool is that light?!

Rochelle and Christophe

2008-02-25T14:35:00.010+11:00

What a beautiful day this turned out to be. With the usual Melbourne forcast suggesting rain and wind, we were prepared with umbrellas and indoor backup plans. But as usual, the weather man is not to be trusted and the sun broke through the clouds and created some beautiful diffused lighting during the location shots.

I want to thank "A Nostalgic Collection". This company was one of the best to work along side when it comes to cars. Also, Twisted Ivy in Emerald did a wonderful job with the flowers and decorations.

Rochelle was just gorgeous. This is one of my favorite soft, natural shots of her.

Rochelle's sister's were also stunning. I love the eyes in this shot.

And one full of emotion...

This lane way was just fantastic!

Thanks to the driver who pointed us in the direction of this wall being painted.

Light and Shade

2008-02-04T17:40:00.000+11:00

I had some creative moments with the light and locations at the wedding we photographed on the weekend. Here are some of my favorites of Karyn and Trev.

Caroline's Photo Shoot

2008-01-31T13:15:00.000+11:00

I was honored to photograph the beautiful Caroline McNeil last night. We went to Emerald Lake Park for this special photo session. The air was humid, the sun hiding beneath the clouds, perfect actually for beautiful soft lighting to capture the real "Caroline".

Fido Promo Shoot

2008-01-30T12:18:00.000+11:00

Spent some time with Fido on Monday night - shooting promo images for their upcoming album release.
We had some fun. The police pulled over to question us at one stage, I think the large flash device going off on main street had them a bit spooked. But it was all fine when they realised we where just photographing the band.

Fido always know how to pose. It's a lot of fun photographing them.

Heads together?

2008-01-21T13:19:00.000+11:00

Perhaps "Heads Together" wasn't the best advice in this circumstance??

For more pics click here

Engagement Session

2008-01-12T16:11:00.000+11:00

Just photographed a very cool family for their engagement session. These guys are getting married in just three weeks at Marybrooke and we look forward to photographing their wedding. Their little boy, Patrick is such a cutie!

Well off to photograph another family at Emerald Lake, I'll leave you with a few favorites from todays engagement session!

Wall Prints

2008-01-10T12:58:00.000+11:00

We are refreshing our displays and are currently getting the following images enlarged to the max, they will be in the studio over the next week. If you feature in these wall prints, make sure you come by some time and check out the enlargements!

A retreat elopement...

2008-01-03T13:11:00.000+11:00

What a beautiful retreat! Spectacular Balinese gardens. This couple had a wonderful, private wedding at this unmatched venue.
For privacy purposes I have not posted any images revealing their identities :) It was an elopement after all...

Carols by Twilight

2007-12-19T21:08:00.000+11:00

Don't miss this years Carols by Twilight at Max Pawsey Reserve. Through Infusion Nites (Casey City Church) I am looking after the stage management/artist liaison side of the event, and can tell you that this year is going to be the best ever in terms of quality and artists. You will find us on Christmas Eve at Fountain Gate, outside the shopping centre at the Reserve. Starts at 6:30pm. See the poster below designed by us (Emerald Eye) featuring several of our photos.

Santa at Emerald Eye!

2007-12-17T17:17:00.001+11:00

Santa and Elfie visited Emerald Eye for photographs with the children. Santa is here twice more before Christmas so don't miss out!

Gillies family

2007-12-17T14:00:00.001+11:00

What a fun family photo shoot! The Gillies were a blast! Here are some favorites.

Fiona and Paul

2007-12-10T15:09:00.001+11:00

Fiona and Paul were married at Xavier Chapel in Kew, followed by a reception at the fantastic Royce Hotel.

Artist Promo shots

2007-11-26T19:00:00.000+11:00

Not only do we specialise in Wedding Photography, we absolutely love shooting artists and bands.
As we are involved in the music industry through band management and music event management under Infusion Nites (www.infusionnites.com) we have the industry knowledge to produce perfect promotional shots for you as an independent artist or a band.

Photographing Jesus

2007-11-24T18:31:00.000+11:00

Yes that's write, Jesus was in the studio today! Along with his wife, Gina and daughters, Hazel, Jessica and Amy.

By the way, it's pronounced "hey suse"...

Chris Sebastian promo shoot

2007-11-16T20:02:00.001+11:00

Chris Sebastian is an amazing and talented artist, who is in the process of launching his music career. I had a great time photographing Chris for his promo images, some in studio and some on location. Got so many amazing shots that there is no way I can post all my favorites here, but I'll post some!

STUDIO SERIES

LOCATION SERIES

Chris Sebastian will soon be bringing out his first EP. Also check out his Myspace: Chris Sebastian

Carlene and Jared

2007-11-12T12:17:00.000+11:00

Jared and Carlene were married November 2nd, 2007 at Carlene's families church in Ringwood. Their reception at the beautiful Potter's Receptions in Warrandyte followed. Below are some of our favorite pics capturing the moments.

I didn't realise that Stuart had captured the photo above until the editing process. I think this photo of Grandma looking up at Carlene and Jared kissing is an absoloute classic!

Kathy and Gary

2007-11-08T11:36:00.000+11:00

Kathy and Gary were married at Wild Cattle Creek, Seville, on Monday of the Long Weekend - 5th November. The light was just spectacular, and Kathy and Gary were beautiful.

I just love this one of Kathy and her daugher, Emma.

Sebastian Family

2007-10-29T21:45:00.000+11:00

We loved photographing the Sebastian family. Always a lot of fun! We had a bit of a shine issue which was fixed with some trusty powder...

Hilarious!
And the the family pics were so much fun.

The boys were looking good...

And Olivia was beautiful.

What a fantastic family!

Nathaniel and Melissa

2007-10-27T09:19:00.000+10:00

The other day I had a ball photographing Melissa and her 6month old, Nathaniel. He is such a cutie, and has a beautiful smile (just like Melissa). Here are some of the gorgeous pics we captured.

Jasper

2007-10-22T12:42:00.000+10:00

Jess and Luke gave birth to a beautiful Baby Boy yesterday at 10:30am. They named him Jasper. Here are some pictures of the family.

The Hope Gen Girls

2007-10-18T15:50:00.000+10:00

Wow, what a fun session we had this morning. Those Hope Gen girls are certainly photogenic!
We started off the session in the portrait studio and had some fun with some individual shots and some group shots.

We then ventured outside (despite the heels and hairdos) to take some lifestyle shots down at the Puffing Billy Station. I love the tracks as a location.

Gorgeous!

What a model!

Great models girls! The shoot for the "magazine" was smashing :)

Roche Family

2007-10-14T22:27:00.000+10:00

Took the first "Fundraising" family portrait session. The Roche family had a lovely time having their photographs taken in our studio this afternoon.

Tarkyn and the Sander's Family

2007-10-13T10:21:00.000+10:00

The Sanders family were beautiful models. On Thursday evening we were privaledged to shoot Jess, Luke and little Tarkyn on the actual day that Jess was due to give birth. The baby hasn't yet come, but she is hoping soon!

Tarkyn is a little performer, and loved dressing up in his Cowboy outfit and Tiger outfit!

Just wanted to post this picture

2007-10-08T22:00:00.000+10:00

I'm loving this one the more I look at it...

Pamper Package - Ultimate pampering!

2007-10-08T12:20:00.001+10:00

Emerald Eye Photography are teaming up with other local Emerald business to provide the ultimate, exclusive, pamper experience!

A whole day of pampering! What you might expect...

Start the day with breakfast at a beautiful cafe located in the heart of Emerald. Relax, take time out.
Move on through to pamper heaven. Experience a selection of your choice, from a solarium session, to a foot massage, a facial or more.
Have your hair styled for your pamper photo shoot. Professional hair specialists will create the ultimate look.
Experience the complete makeover and have a look created for your professional photo shoot.
Move on through to Emerald's state of the art portrait studio and have a full session, designed to bring out your best look in a relaxed environment.
Relax over lunch, once again experience the best in Emerald cuisine.
Take time out with a relaxation massage.
Return, fully rested to view your photographs in Emerald Eye's comfortable viewing studio. Choose your enlargements then and there, or take time to view your gallery online and order at your leisure.
Choose your framing options with your $100 framing credit at Fine Art and Framing (within the same complex as Emerald Eye Photography).

Now that is the ultimate treat! Nothing else like it available in the Dandenongs.

Contact us for details!

Our family outing...

2007-10-08T10:27:00.000+10:00

Emerald is a beautiful place. We are so blessed to be living just on the edge of Emerald Lake Park. Our dog, Gemma, loves going to the park... We took her down there yesterday afternoon for an adventure. It was beautiful light, so I took the camera with me.

Stuey with Gemma, how cute!

Gemma is the best dog in the world!

Kookaburra sits on the swing...

Perfect timing.

Pics of the new Studio

2007-09-25T16:46:00.000+10:00

Hi all, I wanted to post some pictures of the new studio. We still haven't got the portrait studio section up and running, but it will be over coming weeks. At the moment we are set up to meet with clients and to work from this new shop front studio.

Below is the area that will soon become our portrait studio:

Please come and visit. We'd love to have you!

In the new Studio!

2007-09-25T09:01:00.000+10:00

We are now in our new studio. As I write the electricians are installing the power points for the 42 inch LCD. We just need to make our new promo DVD (I love Gary Fong's) to put up on the screen.

I'll post pics soon. I will take the pics once everything is installed.

Bye for now.

Lauren and Gary

2007-09-21T20:43:00.001+10:00

We just returned from photographing a beautiful Wedding. Lauren and Gary were so photogenic, I just couldn't wait to post a couple of pictures up of the happy couple.

The above pic was of Lauren in her family's garden. Her mum had spent a lot of time in the garden in weeks leading up to the wedding to get it just perfect. The work certainly paid off!

I just really love this shot! Lauren's sister was helping Lauren to put her shoes on. It's a classic angle.

Lauren arriving at the Ceremony Location (Tatra Receptions)

The Kiss...

This Kiss outside the Ceremony was so cute!

The lighting was perfect.

Spring flowers were beautiful.

Though it rained in the end, it created beauty, light and refreshment.

New Studio

2007-09-17T17:08:00.000+10:00

Emerald Eye Photography will be moving into a new studio next week! The studio is situated in the main street of Emerald, near cafes, gift shops and art galleries.
The studio will be situated in the same building as Fine Art & Framing and will enable clients to view and order from a vast assortment of beautiful frames. Large prints and canvas prints are also on offer.
We will be setting up a Portrait Studio over coming months as well, and soon our wedding packages will include engagement portrait sittings.
Our address will be 362 Main Street, Emerald Vic 3782

See you there soon!

Wedding Planner Calendar... Out now!

2007-09-06T09:01:00.001+10:00

The Wedding Planner Calendar, created by Emerald Eye Photography, is now published and released! We will be giving each couple that meets with us their very own copy of this beautiful planner calendar, filled with images and designs by Emerald Eye Photography.

This Calendar is being sold throughout all Word Bookstore stores across Australia. To order your very own copy you may visit their online store: http://www.word.com.au/details.aspx?ProductID=559782

I am so excited about this new calendar!

Stay tuned, as it looks like Emerald Eye are moving to a new Studio, right in the heart of Emerald...

Online Galleries with Print Orders

2007-09-01T20:45:00.001+10:00

We have now introduced an online gallery system that enables you and your family to order prints, canvases and more. These items will be printed at the highest quality and sent directly to you. We are pleased to bring you this revolutionary new product that we know will make your Wedding Photography experience even more enjoyable. To view examples of this new gallery system visit www.emeraldeye.smugmug.com

Upon completion of your beautiful wedding photographs, they will be uploaded to your very own online gallery. The direct link will then be emailed for you to view. You can even view the photographs as a slideshow. From there you can order high res files of your favourite images, prints of any size and other items such as canvas prints and merchandise.

Viva La Paris

2007-07-03T02:59:00.000+10:00

We hit all the sites in Paris. I thoroughly enjoyed the night cruise down the river. The buildings are amazing, and the food... divine, especially the frogs legs, snails and crepes! We kept going back for crepes, and more crepes!

London Photography

2007-07-03T01:15:00.001+10:00

Red, the red double deckers, post boxes, telephone booths. Is London, is Red. When I return home to the large screen I look forward to working on some of these images and doing some black and white versions with only the red items showing.

God's Princess Calendar - New Photos

2007-06-18T20:56:00.001+10:00

The God's Princess Calendar was completed today after a photoshoot with Taylah at Emerald Lake Park.

The Calendar features pictures of Taylah, a beautiful 5 year old girl, dressed up as a princess, flittering around the park.

It was freezing! Absoloutly freezing. But Taylah stuck it out, in and out of the dressing gown for various shots. We nearly got lost in the woods as it was getting quite dark by the time we finished. And in Emerald at night, it's cold! But Taylah didn't complain once, a perfect little model. Thanks to her mum Danielle and her little 2 year old brother too, you guys were great. Stuart, my husband helped too, especially at the end when we were so far from the cars, he ran back down the track to fetch the cars and pick us up on the side of the road!

I finished this just in time, as it will be printed while we are away on our trip.

The Wedding Planner Calendar

2007-06-11T16:00:00.001+10:00

Emerald Eye Photography is pleased to announce the upcoming release of "The Wedding Planner Calendar".

This Calendar includes beautiful Wedding Imagery by Emerald Eye
Photography, along with planning tips (like a Brides Diary), Months
without days (can be used regardless of the year) and more information
on the services we offer. With every booking we will provide clients
with a copy of this beautifully handcrafted calendar. These will also
be distributed widely across Australia. You can find an example of the pages of this calendar here:

This Calendar will also be released through Word Bookstore, Australia, along with our other Calendars:

How Great Thou Art 2008

Peaceful Garden 2008

All Creatures Great and Small 2008

Overseas Trip

2007-06-09T10:21:00.001+10:00

In a couple of weeks we will be heading off to London, Paris and Malaysia. I plan to take many photos and pop back into this blog to post some of them.

The Fido tour to Malaysia is going to be fantastic. I manage Fido under Infusion Nites. This amazing band will be touring Malaysia between 6 - 16th July. I'll be sure to take many photos of this and share with you all the excitement!

Following our Trip I am event managing "Out of Africa" with Guy Sebastian and the Watoto Choir. This event is free and you can get more information here www.infusionnites.com

NB: All images are taken by Karen and Stuart Alsop and are Copyright.

Interest Free Payments! Wow!

2007-06-08T22:09:00.003+10:00

I am so excited to offer this system!

I know that I like to use interest free cards such as GE Finance when paying off large items such as furniture. So I thought, why can't a similar system be adopted for my Wedding Photography Business?

Brides and Grooms are forking out some of the largest amounts of money they ever have in a short period of time, and it is stressful, I know, we were married 6 years ago. As we offer what I term "mid-range" photography, high quality, at a mid-range price, the amount is still considerable when combined with all the other expenses a couple will face.

So I have introduced a new system that enables the Bride and Groom to have regular installments deducted from their nominated credit card or bank account leading up to the wedding. The full amount will be payed off by the wedding date, and because the payments are broken up into small amounts, the hip pocket is not as heavily hit. If you have a reasonable lead up to your wedding date, this will make life so much easier. And the fact you don't have to think about it, it is done automatically by a reputable company, that is all the more comforting.

I wish this was available when we were paying for our wedding!

I don't know of any other photographers that offer this. Most only offer the payments in bulk sums. We still of course accept the regular system of 50% deposit at booking and 50% at pick up, but we think that 30% deposit and easy payments fortnightly or monthly leading up the wedding will be an attractive option for many wedding couples.

We are now linked!

2007-06-08T21:04:00.001+10:00

I have now linked our official website with this new Wedding Photography blog. So clients now have a direct link between the two. I really like the idea of keeping a blog as it assists clients in really "getting to know me" even before meeting me, as this is a more casual forum. It also encourages interactivity with comments. I hope you all continue to enjoy my blog.

I love this article...

2007-06-06T22:09:00.001+10:00

This really captures something special that we, Emerald Eye have been doing naturally. On reading this it helps clarify how important those Sideline Shots are. (From WPJA)

AWAY FROM THE MAIN WEDDING STORY: SIDELINE SHOTS

Some wedding photographers may feel the need to include the bride or groom in every picture, but those photos convey only part of the day’s record. With so many little stories and moments surrounding the main event, most WPJA members will probably tell you that you’re not fully documenting the day unless you get out there on the periphery and record the subplots of the wedding day—the unique and intersecting stories of the guests as they enjoy the festivities.

We call these types of pictures “sideline shots,” and they are distinct from the standard reaction shots that you or your second shooter may capture during the walk down the aisle, the vows or the cake cutting. Sideline shots tend to be further away from the primary wedding day rituals, both geographically and thematically.

Sideline shots broaden and deepen the story of the day, and are in fact an essential part of the record. Grab some good sideline shots, and your clients will thank you.

Photojournalism

2007-06-06T22:03:00.001+10:00

We love to capture the moments as they happen. It's not enough to stage events, it just doesn't capture the feeling of the day. We place great importance on capturing those beautiful moments as they happen without staging them.

Fotomagico

2007-06-06T20:01:00.001+10:00

I found this program recently http://www.boinx.com/fotomagico/overview/ and am quite impressed with it's features. I just produced this wedding slideshow with this software which you may view here. I am very pleased with mainly the ease of the program and it's flexibility. One thing I'd love to see is the ability to put multiple images on one screen at a time during the slide show which some software does. I'd request that in a future version.
Check out the Slideshow made by this program.