Personal Journey and Adventures of Nina

Already excited about the location, I was also pleased that this family was one of the most obliging, happy families that I have ever photographed. Not only were they happy to sit or stand wherever I asked them to, they smiled happily for the entire two hours. It was a super sunny Sunday day so we had to do our best to dodge the radiant autumn sun as well as the many walkers, kayakers and general picnickers to this lovely location. As I had my armory of equipment in addition to my trusty assistant whom we happily had climbing into bushes and hanging out of trees, we did ok. I really enjoy the texture and colour of the sandstone and want to do more here. It really epitomizes Sydney and I just plain like it! I'm used to Sydney being dry then dryer with lots of browns, some green and occasional red but I wasn't prepared for the spectacular yellows that we had today. Makes me want to plant an entire field of American Oak or Maple trees.

Sharon is the owner of the highly successful maternity wear business, QueenBee . Based here in Sydney with over 10 staff, Australian Businesswomen's Network  (ABN) set out writing an article on her successes and needed a photo to go with it, so Sharon sought my services. Sharon opted for the Premium Business Shoot which included a makeup and hair artist, several clothing, hairstyle and background changes. Firstly, we shot inside the studio with my strobe lights where I opted for my double diffused Octabox. For the more casual requirement made by the ABN, we shot with window light in the studio's viewing area and then outside with diffused natural lighting. It was a terrific session and now Sharon has a great mix of images that will not only suit the requirements of the ABN but a wealth of images for her own websites, blogs and professional sites such as LinkedIn.

We spend so much time at the pool, it was finally good to be in the studio again, even if it was for a swim portrait! These photos are for Brandon's athlete Facebook page which will one day soon be used to help gain swim sponsorship's. For me, it's good practice for when the big guys, Speedo or Engine come knocking on my door...wish me luck!

I love it when a shoot comes together. I think preparation was the key. The mum and I chatted about ideas beforehand so the family came fully prepared and most importantly, relaxed on the day.  Even George, the puppy was pleasantly co-operative. We started out with the most important on our list - family shots for grandma... ...then we broke out and had some fun!

Normally beside the pool, I decided that with James Magnussen, Andrew Abood and Matt Abood among other fine swimmers in such a short and close race, there was no chance of catching an action shot in the water so I decided to rest this one out taking a seat on the dias directly behind to watch. What caught my attention was the incredible focus of the swimmers...so I shot it. Here is the story. Planning the swim. When I watch younger swimmers behind the blocks. They fuss with their goggles, their caps, their suits and every other distraction you can imagine. No such agitations  for these professionals. You can see in their expressions, staring down the length of the pool, that they are running the race through in their heads...such focus! Matt Lane 3, James Lane 4, Andrew Lane 5 Bet you are wondering what happened next? James and Matt tied for second with 22.56 and Andrew made State Open Champion with an awesome 22.38. You can see more highlights from the State

It was an honor for me to photograph Danny. I really respect his artistic skill and he is such a nice guy as well! We first met at the Marist College production of Copacabana. I photographed the show and Danny was first trumpet! My son played second trumpet next to Danny which was an amazing experience for him. He was actually introduced to me as "Australia's Best Trumpeter!! You can see some of the images from the show here . Danny is out and about playing  Jazz in Sydney .  You can also see some of his mean jazz skills on this youtube clip! The quality isn't great so you will just have to buy a ticket and go see him perform!!

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