Friday, June 17, 2011

The simple things...

Whoo hoo! I got my camera out again today. I decided to test out my lonely 50mm f1.8. It has been collecting dust lately so I thought I would test it out for something different.

Jackson needed to get outside, so outside we went! I love that Jackson is so interested in the small things in life. Eating bark, watching the washing machine spin, touching leaves and plants.

It is so amazing to be able to watch him grow and develop. I feel super grateful that I get to stay home and be a part of it! Although I must say that today was a big day and I am ready for bed now :)

 



Doing personal photography work is actually quite fun! I can do things at my own pace, try different editing, lighting and angles without any pressure!

Today I posted a bunch of CD's out to clients which was exciting. Still more to send tomorrow. Always so much to do. Note to self, improve editing workflow and general organisation. So much to learn still!

♥Shayla

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Who am I? {Building a brand for my photography business}

Is it just me, or do you hate this question too? Way too deep and philosophical for me! That was until today when I stumbled across an online "show" for photographers. The presenters were talking about 3 questions you need to ask yourself when building your brand. For those of you who don't know me, I am a stay-at-home mum who LOVES photography and this year officially decided to launch my business and really get serious about it.

So this was of course the first question they asked. Who are you? What are you passionate about? What excites you? What makes you do "the happy dance"? What things do you enjoy? What comes naturally to you?

I wasn't really sure how to answer many of these questions. I know I like photography, that's a given. I know that I love pretty things. But how do I summarise it. I see other photographers who have a strong brand/ theme and I LOVE it. I think it is so powerful. It makes me want to look at their work more and find out more about them as a person.

One of the presenters then shared this quote. It honestly made me feel giddy inside:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman



There are so many amazing and talented photographers around me it is easy to become discouraged. But this quote reminded me that it is about finding and hanging onto what you love and letting it explode.

While developing my business it has been so easy to get caught up in "how to price this package", "where should I advertise", "could I edit that photo better?" etc etc. I was reminded yesterday about the powerful impact photos can have. A photographer I admire in the USA posted images which reflected (as cliche as it sounds) true moments. Real, raw, beautiful, amazing moments. Her ability to make people feel comfortable and be themselves was so evident.

She photographed a beautiful family whose son had cancer. He has now passed on. How beautiful a memory will those photos be to that family?! They will have those to cherish forever. That is why I want to do what I do. Those photos reminded me about why this is so important to me.
It's time for me to stop putting so much energy into looking at what other photographers are doing and start really defining me and my business. Let 'who I am' shine through a little more. Give to others what this photographer gave to her clients. Beautiful, amazing, raw memories full of emotion. 

As soon as I finished watching this video I jumped up and grabbed my camera. I decided I am going to start using my camera to capture and communicate more about who I am and the things I love. These are my memories to capture, as well as a journey of (dare I say it) 'self-discovery'.



So, photo number one: I love tulips! Being a QLD girl, when I was on exchange in Germany, I got such a lovely surprise when Spring came around and there were tulips everywhere! I had never seen anything like it. Maybe in the shops in pots or bunches, but never growing in gardens.

I love the flower, and I LOVE these colours!

I'm excited to share more of this type of thing in the coming weeks. Hopefully I can find out a little more about "who I am" and help create a brand and an identity for my business. I think it might be a little bit of fun too :)

 
♥Shayla







Friday, April 22, 2011

The art of blogging

The last couple of weeks I have had blogging on the brain. I want to do it, I don't want to do it, everyone else is doing it, but how do I do it? I get self conscious doing it, I'm feeling brave today I want to write to the world! Wow...talk about a million thoughts. Back in the day that's what a journal was for. A personal journal. Just for my eyes. But now I have so many things I find I want to share. It's like a world of communication from my living room. I kind of like the idea. Tomorrow I may change my mind again.

And so I want to hear from everyone...to blog or not to blog. That is my question to you.

♥ shayla

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

CL Wedding and Event Stylists & Callie B Photography {Wedding inspiration...}

I love the details in this wedding, as found on CL Weddings and Events. The details are beautiful. The photography is awesome too. Callie B photography is located on the Sunshine Coast. Her work is quite lovely and she seems to cover some beautiful weddings!



How cute!
Beautiful use of flowers and greenery.

This is the cutest idea ever! Although I'm not sure how long it would take for all of your guests to use it.
Another simple, but cute idea for people to leave messages. I think it's a nice way to add a personal touch and have some special keepsakes from your day.


Loving these chairs.

For some reason I love this photo! Especially the candlesticks. I think the mood of the picture is lovely too.


ST xo

Beautiful Marquees and furniture hire

While reading the latest addition of the Wedding Style Guide I saw these beautiful marquees by Splendid Days.

 I love the chairs used here, and the chandelier. 


 This looks so relaxed, but still stylish and classy.

Tea party! I love the colours and the country feel.

They also hire out individual furniture pieces:





If I could do something like this it would have to have fairy lights! I'm on the search for a nice picture but so far they are all tacky. Will post one when I find it.
ST xo

Monday, September 6, 2010

Colour me Katie... {Inspire me}

This girl is crazy! Click here and scroll to the end of the post for a dance that made me smile. It has inspired me to make a video. Just need a camera :-) I love what she does with her art and her perspective on life. Make sure you check out her "about" me video. It's pretty awesome. What I take from Katie is to smile a little more, and let go of your inhibitions. Why are they even there? Life is for living!




Anyone who can make sky out of a sheet and paper is worth blog-stalking. Especially if it makes you smile :-)


Love ST xo