Nelson Bay - Peaceful Paradise

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You can read the full post here but in the meantime, here are a couple of the peaceful moments I captured this weekend at Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, NSW.



Location: Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia

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Cambodian kids bring tears of joy! - Our visit to a remote school in Thailand

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Steps With Hope Desperately in need of funds to continue their support of this little school in Thailand, Founder of  Steps With Hope , Jen Spoor, hosted a Mother's Day High Tea. After her presentation, I said to Jen, "if you want to make a bigger impact, you need better photos".   So that was that and I committed to visiting the school on their next trip.   Meet The Kids If you're like us, you will want to meet the kids right away. There are about 70 children currently attending the school with three classes starting at Kindergarten age.  These children come from poor Khmer families, remnants of a recovering population that has endured one of the darkest times times in its history.  Around 3 million people slaughtered and many more terrorized by the Khmer Rouge has left a devastated people still clawing its way back to normality.  Families reside in makeshift huts just over the border in Cambodia. The children walk across...
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Clown Doctors -The Children's Hospital, Westmead

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  My son was a patient at The Children's Hospital  at Westmead. First at 8 months of age when his kidney failed and then at 10 months when they removed it. It was a difficult time for us all.  Visiting again, this time as a volunteer photographer, I had to confront the crockpot of intense anxiety and other emotions that envelop you as a parent. But more revealing was having to face the children. The head hanging to their chest and pain glazed eyes, head tilted with a curious expression. "Why does this hurt mummy?" On this visit, however, the intensity was quickly dissolved by the pure joy brought to the faces of these young patients by the highly skilled and very funny clown doctors. What a wonderful gift! Whether finishing a round of chemotherapy or waiting for a kidney transplant, every child was able to find a smile for the clown doctors. Each bedside visit was pure delight. In addition, I witnessed momentary relief among the visitin...
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Vivid Chatswood 2015

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A few people have asked what Chatswood Vivid is like seeing that I live here so i thought I'd walk you through. The story begins at The Interchange. The Jellyfish Chandeliers and light display definitely make this the prettiest train station I have ever seen.  Look all around, even at your feet. There is a great light story happening as you walk. There are three levels you can get to, so try viewing from different angles.  If you get hungry, stop by The District on the top level. An upmarket food court serving wine as well as great food. Although the light displays are wonderful, it's the atmosphere that is vibrant!  Walk through The Mall and you will mix with a bustle of people meeting, mingling and having a great time. You will meet Norbert, The Nautilus and see The Aquarium on your way to The Concourse. Norbert The Concourse Head down to Chatswood Chase for a quick look at Lieutenant Angler.   You can get a bite her...
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Engagement Photos - Brad and Tatum

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  Threatened by one of Sydney's ominous summer thunderstorms, we had to work hastily on this engagement shoot.  As it was overcast, the neutral coloured clothing was perfect for the natural tone look that I wanted for the beach shots and a terrific contrast for the greenery shots. Especially seeing that we didn't have time for clothing changes. The little beach was lovely and there was just enough light to catch a sparkle in the eyes. When it started to drizzle, the forest provided us with protection as well as a gorgeous backdrop! You can view the entire short shoot on my website .
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Sydney Metro Championships 2013 - Highlights

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Kenneth To Kenneth To Normally racing around the pool getting portraits of little swimmers, this time I had a little more time to photograph the big guys! A good practice run for the Open Champs which begin March 15th this year, where we expect 80% of The Australian Olympic Team . One such big guy was  Kenneth To . An amazing IM racer, who has many swimming accolades and achievements in addition to famously finishing right behind the legendary Ryan Lochte at the FINA World Championships in 2010. Matt Abood I am also a big fan of Australian and Commonwealth record holder and all around nice guy, Matt Abood.  My son commented that he is also "very funny", as he was photographed here by him receiving his award for the 50m Freestyle along with his other Sydney University Team Mates. There were also loads of aspiring "little swimmers" in top form. Making PB's and breaking records. Witnessing the kids having fun and the sportsmanship d...
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Swim Action Photography - SMNE Winter Champs

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The start of the short course season brings groups of swimmers from around the area aiming to make personal best times for State and Metro which are only weeks away. For me it meant the first time using my Canon Mark IV. I had a few adjustments to make but then got the hang of the amazing rapid fire...a far sight quicker than the Mark II. In addition to the 10 fps, I liked the extra zoom. The 300mm lens is just too bulky for me so it's a nice compromise to stick the 70-200mm on the 1.3x sensor. The lighting at SOPAC is all but non existent. At one stage I was feeling ready to sleep it was that dark. Around 12800 ISO dark. These challenges are sent to try us!
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Business Portrait Session - LinkedIn Profile

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Simon needed a variety of images for business purposes including his LinkedIn profile, some articles he is writing, public relations, press releases and use on a website. So in order to provide him with a range of images, we shot both casual and more formal images. We used a couple of different backgrounds, lighting setups and changes of outfit. I think we did ok!  See for yourself on Simon's LinkedIn profile. 
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The Love Story Part 6 - The Sydney Arrival

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As diffused morning rays filter through my bedroom window, I stretch luxuriously, prise my eyes open and swipe my phone awake. I smile contentedly as I am greeted with a cheery, "Good morning, Nina. Sleep well? He will arrive today. I caress the space beside me. The time zone difference has been excruciating. It will be a relief to have him here waking up by my side. Sleep has evaded me often over the past seven months. I was restless thinking about what he was up to and only truly relaxed when I knew he was asleep. I caught myself glancing at my watch, calculating the time difference, pondering his whereabouts. Right now, he should be on the train into London to meet his daughter for breakfast at Dishoom or, this afternoon he'll be with his brothers bellowing expletives at a Charlton game. It's a tribal thing. The author of my anxiety was the disbelief that this love at first sight fairytale was actually playing out. This fantastical adventure was indeed happening to me. ...
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