I’ve always noticed this odd looking dead tree in a paddock close to our studio in the Dandenongs.  Friend and film maker Jeff Osman from Carpe Diem Films in passing one day mentioned this tree, so of course I claimed it to be mine and we started a SMS war of who’s tree it was.  All this in jest of course, but what it led to was Jeff making an approach to the owner of the land and soon we had a fashion shoot organised at the property.  There were delays on the day costing us valuable time and the weather had turned nasty by the mid to late afternoon, not allowing for the aerial video we so wanted to capture, as the winds had increased to 15~20 knots.

With the weather getting worse by the minute we concluded our outdoor shooting and moved onto our next location, a beautiful home 30 minutes further into the hills.  We were able to get a few more images at this location and several of those images are shown below.  The perils of shooting in the great outdoors.  Some days the weather works for you and on others it’s best to let mother nature win.

Well you asked for it… After reflecting back on a awesome day with a ton of laughs while shooting the music video, You Are Real with Nellie Bell we decided to dust off the behind the scence footage and put together a small glimpse of the fun day we had. Enjoy:

 

Also watch the final video:

A few months ago, while performer Nellie Bell was in country visiting from London, I had the opportunity to meet and work with her on her latest music video, Are You Real.  Jeff Osman from Carpe Diem Films was the director of photography (DOP) and myself as lighting Director, barman, waiter and comedian.  Our MUA was Mishel V.

 

 

Jeff also edited the majority of the clip with some of the post production completed in the UK before final release.  Nellie was a pleasure to work with, even an impromptu jam session that took place with her on piano and myself on drums.  You can watch her music video here – you might even see yourself in it:

 

Over the years we have photographed many male models, and filmed and photographed several male dance reviews.  It’s just not about the ladies, right?  Some of the guys have been discovered by talent scouts while working as tradies on building sites while others have made a more conscious decision to pursue a career in modelling / dance performance.  No matter how you got started the most important aspect is to enjoy the experience and give it your best.

It’s been a few years since our last shoot with Sheridan at the Bluestone. Well we are back and shooting a few more creations of Sheridan the owner of One Trick Pony Clothing.  Her sister Keishia, who models for One Trick Pony Clothing, joined us in the shoot.

 

Hair Stylist Annabelle Galjar organised a Vogue inspired shoot with two models Jessica Lee Deer and Erin Haverkamp.  Make up was by Jennilee Pettit and we shot the images at Sun Studios in Richmond.  It was a fast paced four hours of shooting to get in as many outfit changes and looks as we could with the time available.  The team worked well together ensuring downtime was minimised.  This was the first time I had worked with this team and our models, who were relatively inexperienced at photographic shoots, did a wonderful job bringing new and creative ideas to the shoot, as well as taking direction when call for.  After a preselected model cancelled at short notice, Erin came on board at 10pm the night before so a big thanks to her for helping out.  A few of the images from our shoot are below.

Update – Annabelle took out 2nd place in the Vogue Style section – congratulations team.

We have posted several boudoir posts over the years.  While boudoir is mainly for the ladies we have also photographed many couples.  We usually shoot these in our studio but occasionally on location.  Your own home is a great place to start.  It’s familiar and you’ll have all the outfits and props available at close hand not to mention you won’t need to travel.

There are a lot of well priced hotels, especially if your looking at off peak mid week rates that offer excellent rooms for doing these style of shoots.  Most hotels have web sites that allow you to see the style of room before booking it so you’ll know what your exactly getting. With air conditioning and block out blinds if needed it’s a great space to turn into our own personal studio for a few hours of shooting. While you’re at it also spend the night and take advantage of having the room by relaxing after the shoot.

 

 

 

 

 

Another Jeff Osman art film shot in a day.  Jeff enlisted a team of models, Hair and Makeup and Stylists for this project.  It was a compressed schedule which wasn’t helped by the hair stylists cancelling the night before.  A huge thanks to Zilla Stacey of Bride Zilla for offering to do all of the models’ hair.  Our makeup artist was Mishel and our Stylist / dress designer, Vicoola Fashionista.  Head pieces by Bride Zilla and Feathers by Faith.

A few BTS shots from Quintessence.

Play the film here as it’s been released since writting this blog piece.

Jeff shot 70% if the film indoors using a small constructed set as well as other parts of the building before venturing outdoors using the beach as a contrast.  The film and stills from Quintessence will be revealed at a gathering of the team and guests later this year.  Of course we can’t forget the talent.  Brittany Hunt provided by Amanda Pollard of Mint Management Australia, Evelyn Lewis and Stephania Madelaine Salmetti.  We had a fourth model,  the face of Bride Zilla who won’t appear in the art film shot by Jeff, but does appear in many of the still images show casing Zilla’s head peices.  All other credits at the end of the film.

 

 

 

A weekend off by any chance?  So we thought so.  Mid Saturday afternoon last weekend we received a call from artist Diana May Clark seeing our availability to film her latest album launch.  When asked when is it she said “tomorrow night”.  Diana was refered to us by a friend so we didn’t want to let her down.  With a 2nd camera operator needed at short notice Katie was forced from retirement by the promise of a show and a meal (maccers on the way home).   With the kids sent of to their relo’s for the evening it was off to the gig.

Now back in the studio we are currently in play back editing the final minutes of the album launch from the Ding Dong Lounge last Sunday night in Melbourne www.dingdonglounge.com.au  Diana’s new Album The other side of the girl features a very catchy tune called In love with love.  You can see the official video clip here Diana May Clark – In Love with Love (official)

Diana is a very well grounded and genuine artist who has a sweet voice to match.  The band plays tight and their professionalism to the cause was noted.  You can read more about Diana and her music here www.dianaclark.com.au or find her albums on iTunes.  Sending good vibes to Diana and the band launching the album in Adelaide tonight.

PS: A few of Diana’s fans and the Sasha Starr dancers learning the moves to In love with love.

 

Over the years Katie and I have gifted worthy charities and causes for projects and events were we feel we can make a difference.  When asked if we could help a fund raising night for a lady who is the friend of so many of our friends then how could you refuse.  Apart from filming the event we asked and received a positive yes to filming Linda, Matt and several of their friends the Sunday before the big event.  I enlisted the assistance of our friend Jeff Osman of Carpe Diem Films http://www.carpediemfilms.com.au who gladly gave his time to assist with the project.

The film that we produced hears from Linda, Matt as several of their close friends speaking intimately about Linda’s diagnosis combined with the celebration of 250 friends and family attending a “Special Night for a Special Lady” a celebration of Linda’s life while raising funds to support Linda and Matt.  For many while under going treatment their unable to work and this was the case for Linda.  We often forget that those bills from rent, car payments, food, insurance, utilities and the list goes on don’t go away.  Linda’s approach to the fight is not only inspirational but her ability to care for others while she is dealing with not one but three forms of cancer is truly moving.

Often in war warriors speak of their fellow warriors whom they would follow into any battle.   Personally if I was ever to fight the battle Linda is fighting all I could ever ask for is for fellow warriors like Tracey & Lily.  In addition behind these two are many others who have given their time to support their friend with their time in assisting organise this night and other find raisers.  There also part of Linda’s greater support network.

https://www.facebook.com/Aspecialnight?ref=ts&fref=ts

Linda’s story

Matt and Linda were married in October 2013 with Linda’s diagnosis in March 2014, one week before heading off on their honey moon.  Due to the immediate medical intervention of treatment Linda and Matt have been unable to have that honeymoon.  Having listened to Matt speak about his journey faced with the same situation I only wish I could have the same resilience and strength to not only support my wife but also his three wonderful daughters.  Matt’s words are both encouraging and comforting and we look forward to Matt and Linda being able to take that honeymoon very soon.

Update – Linda’s in in remishen and they enjoy a short but wonderful trip to the Australian outback several months ago.