LOVELINESS - Summer 2012

LOV ELINE S S FOR THE STYLISH BRIDE WHO WANTS MORE FROM LIFE

BY ANGELA HIGGINS

REAL WEDDINGS

A FINE ROMANCE ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE EAST MEETS WEST

EXCLUSIVE! BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FOX & RABBIT

BEST NEW TRENDS STATEMENT JEWELLERY NAUTICAL DREAMS COOL METALLICS

TALKING POINTS THE DIGITAL FILES GETTING READY A BOUTIQUE APPROACH

PLUS

SUMMER BOOKCLUB AND MORE

SUMMER 2012/13 angelahiggins.com

“Birds do it, bees do it Even educated fleas do it Letsbothered do it.

Bewitched, and bewildered, am I Lets fall in love.� ~ Ella Fitzgerald ~

~Cole Porter~

PHOTO BY LEO PATRONE

Angela Higgins is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Perth, Western Australia and is available for commissions internationally.

Angela lives with her husband, two teenage step children and their two dogs Lily and Lulu. When she is not photographing weddings she can be found in the kitchen trying to perfect vanilla bean ice cream to satisfy her husbands sweet tooth or labouring over paint swatches in search of the perfect off-white paint.

This magazine is dedicated to all of the Brides and Grooms who have generously welcomed Angela into their lives and allowed her to follow her heart and pursue her dreams of bringing just a little more beauty into the world. angelahiggins.com facebook.com/angelahigginsphotography twitter.com/angela_higgins

CONTENTS

Loveliness by Angela Higgins

IN THIS ISSUE 78 COVER STORY Jessica & Ryan

Photographed on location in Fremantle, Western Australia after Jessica and Ryan’s ceremony in Kings Park. Jessica wears Eileen Kirby (www. eileenkirby.com.au), makeup by Grace Buckley (www.gracebuckley.com.au) and hair by Cheveux, Applecross.

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FEATURE ARTIST 36 Fox & Rabbit

CHRISTINA & RYAN 117

94 A Fine Romance

ANDREW & BHAVIA 117 East meets West

SUMMER 2012/13 28

INSPIRATION 26 Editors Picks 28 Make a Statement 30 Nautical Style 32 Cool Metallics 34 Summer Bookclub

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TALKING POINTS 48 A boutique approach 52 Getting ready 60 The digital negatives 68 Engagements

REGULARS 14 From the Editor 17 On the web 19 Letters

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FROM THE EDITOR

Ready to make 2013 your year? Check out Lara Casey’s 10 step goal setting tips to get you off to the right start. laracasey.com/blog

A NOTE FROM ANGELA Summer in Australia. Each day blends into the next in a haze of aeroguard, sunscreen and salt water with plenty of fresh fruit and seafood and a Christmas ham that often feels like it will never end.

I love this time of year also because of the promise it brings. Not only is it a new year but there are many new engagements from Grooms who chose Christmas and New Year to pop the question. As a bride who was proposed to on Christmas Day, I know how it feels first hand and I am so excited for all those girls, who’s guys had something extra special under the tree this Christmas. Congratulations!

The response from the premier issue of Loveliness in October was overwhelming with feedback from all over the world and I can’t thank you all enough for your support. In this issue I talk a little about how I run my business in a boutique manner to allow myself freedom as well as giving my clients a high end service and product. I also share some of my must read books in the Summer Bookclub along with amazing real brides and grooms and lots of inspiration in colour and texture.

I hope you all enjoy this issue and find something inspirational for your home, your wedding and your life.

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ON THE WEB

ON THE WEB Just in case you missed it, here are some of the top stories on the blog over the past few months

ENGAGEMENTS Jessica and Ryan Engagement Photographs in Review - 2012

IN MY LIFE The Bumble Bee and The Taco The perfect pony tail

THE 411 Videographers and Photographers Backing up your photos

PHOTOGRAPHY Looking back and moving forward

WEDDINGS Natalie and Gavin Allison and Brandon Wedding Photography in Review - 2012

WANT MORE? READ THE BLOG angelahiggins.com/blog FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER twitter.com/angela_higgins FIND ME ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/angelahigginsphotography EMAIL ANGELA angela@angelahiggins.com

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LETTERS Choosing an excellent photographer was a must for Dan and I when planning our wedding day. We needed to be sure that all the effort we had put into this one momentous occasion would be captured in a way that reflected our personal style and nature. Ange was our first and only choice. I had worked with Angela in a professional setting prior to being engaged and was blown away by the love and dedication she shares toward her craft. She is undoubtebly the ‘whole package’. Not only are her images amongst the best, but she is truly a delight to be around and above all, she is passionate about people in love.

Ange never let on to have us feel like our wedding was just another ‘job’. The whole experience was very personal and intimate.

When we booked Angela as our photographer we gained a life long friend.

Rebecca and Daniel, 5th May 2012 In the lead up to our wedding we had conducted quite a lot of online and word of mouth research in order to select a photographer who suited our style. We wanted someone who had a knack of capturing very personal moments in a non-convention style and someone who could capture the joy of our big day in a subtle way without being too much of an imposing feature in proceedings.

Reading Ange’s description of her work on her website and viewing her beautiful pics, we realised immediately that she was offering just the style and service we were after – personalised service taking beautiful, artistic photos to capture all of the amazing moments of our wedding day, without taking away from the event itself.

We found a package to suit our requirements and immediately booked Ange in via email. Her ‘finder of loveliness’ description summed it all up for us!

Honor and Craig, 10th December 2011

Knowing the style of photos Aaron and I wanted for our wedding day it didn’t take too long to come across Angela. We instantly loved her work and only after a few emails, knew we were on to a good thing. The way she conducts her business is so pleasant and professional.

Angela’s system is very innovative and it was so great having everything online. It was such a relief that once we booked Ange we had no other worries as everything was set out and we knew exactly what we were getting.

On our actual day we did not even know Ange was there she just blended in with all the other guests. One of the groomsmen’s commented “your photographer is pretty cool” which was very funny considering boys generally dislike getting their photos taken.

We knew we were going to have amazing photos but we were totally blown away when we received them. They were simply stunning and bought the same tingly feelings from the day back.

Cherie and Aaron, 5th April 2012

FROM THE WEB These photos are so beautiful it made me cry!! I am Kylie’s mother & I know know her Dad would be so proud & happy too!

Julie, via the blog We just saw your pictures from Dani and Scott’s wedding.. amazing!! Thanks for making our flowers look so good!

Alexander House of Flowers, via Facebook Oh wow Angela! I’ve been a fan of your work for quite some time so I’m looking forward to devouring each and every page of Loveliness! Congratulations! x With Love Weddings, via the blog

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to leave comments, feedback or smiley face. It means the world to me!!

Follow Angela Higgins on Facebook for the latest news, Instagram pictures and more! https://www.facebook.com/angelahigginsphotography

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For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow. ~ Rosemonde Gerard ~

LOV ELINE S S

BY ANGELA HIGGINS

Inspiration

Summer Days

Poolside living, the season’s hottest trends full of colour and texture and a glimpse into the home studio of Fox & Rabbit

WISH LIST

Editor’s Picks

BEACH TOWEL Finding a good beach towel is a bit like finally sleeping on 1000 thread sheets. Once you experience it, there is no going back. These towels from Country Road were under our Christmas tree again this year and are always a hit. (Country Road, $59.95)

Summer is all about beach and poolside living and these picks are just perfect for warm days and balmy nights.

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE With Australia Day just around the corner, these Aussie flag Havaianas are perfect. Perhaps with a hot red pedicure just to show your pride with a little bit of style. (Havaianas, $24.95)

BAKING A Christmas present to myself, this stand mixer makes baking a breeze (something my husband loves). I’ve been mixing up a storm with pizza dough, merigne, cakes, choc chip and gingerbread cookies.

(Kitchenaid Stand Mixer, $799)

CARED FOR TRESSES LANA DEL REY

One of the single best decisions I made last year was changing to a salon shampoo and conditioner. It lasts surprisingly long and my hair seems to grow even faster. Try the hair masks for a special pick me up. (Kerastase)

I am not sure if it’s her homage to 50’s and 60’s Americana or her emotive lyrics or her smoky voice but I am captivated by Lana Del Rey. Her music is almost cinematic and is transporting and I seem to have it on constant repeat.

SUNSMART My skin and the sun don’t often go together as much as I’d like. While I don’t mind getting a little colour on my body during summer, I try to protect my face as much as I can and a big wide brim hat is just perfect for either lounging by the pool with a book or being more active with a little gardening. (Country Road, $22.46)

MOULES Best invention ever and one I hope to use more than once this summer. A pot you can cook your mussels in and then serve in without scrounging for another dish for the shells. As if that wasn’t enough, its exterior is written in French, which seals the deal - for me anyway. (Domayne, $29.99)

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TRENDS

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Make a STATEMENT Making a statement was never easier than with jewellery but don’t be mistaken to thinking that a statement piece means wearing heavy, uncomfortable and expensive pieces of jewellery.

My favourite statements are the ones that look as though they stepped right out of Harry Winston but are reasonably priced and are enamelled, bejewelled and just begging to adorn a bridesmaid or bride. Even hotter are pieces of jewellery incorporating animals such as the leopard bangle (6) and the frog bracelet (2).

I can imagine the Marni earrings (9) setting off a black lace dress and fell in love with the Oscar de la Renta earrings (7) when I saw them on Serena in the Gossip Girl finale. Be daring and be bold and you won’t need to break the bank to make your statement. n

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1. Twist necklace, (Mimco, $269), 2. Enamelled frog bracelet, (J.Crew, $133), 3. LA Lights bracelet set, (Samantha Wills, $115), 4. Faceted turquoise chain link necklace, (Lovisa, $16.99), 5. Crystal colour necklace, (J.Crew, $187), 6. Enamelled leopard bangle, (J.Crew, $129), 7. Swarkovski crystal clip earrings, (Oscar de la Renta, $372), 8. Safari nights ring in Black, (Samantha Wills, $159), 9. Leitmotif Swarkovski crystal earrings, (Shourouk, $334), 10. Nile nymph crystal earrings, (Isharya, $270) angelahiggins.com | 31

TRENDS

A-HOY THERE! It looks like we are going to be sailing away for some good times this summer. Anchors, ropes, crustaceans and more evoke the feeling of a nautical lifestyle on the coast of Maine.

Stick to whites, navy’s and reds and choose one statement piece such as an anchor motif or striped shirt and throw in a little texture such as a woven rope bracelet. n

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1. Anchor earrings (J.Crew, $54.60) 2. Men’s espadrille (Country Road, $59.95), 3. Pier rope table lamp (Freedom, $149), 4. Thick strip tote (Country Road, $59.95), 5. Lobster cushion (Freedom, $39.95), 6. Rope tie bikini (Witchery, $39.95), 7. Teresa shell top (Sportscraft, $139.95), 8. Bamboo servers (Freedom, $19.95), 9. iPhone case (J.Crew, $23), 10. Starfish (Freedom, $8.95)

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TRENDS 1 2

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1. Jacquard skirt dress, (Forever New, $99.99), 2. Faceted mirror side table, (West Elm, $241), 3. Mirrored Aviators, (Marc Jacobs, $120), 4. Metallic tank, (Witchery, $79.95), 5. High shine wide cuff, (J.Crew, $88), 6. Hammered plate belt, (Forever New, $34.99), 7.

Crystal tassel earrings, (Lanvin, $507), 8. Metallic leather sandals, (Jimmy Choo, $617), 9. Pearce metal and perspex clutch, (Kotur, $572), 10. LOVE candy print in Gold, (Made By Girl, $35)

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COOL METALLICS

The future is here! Cool metallic’s and mirrored finishes bring a sense of a futuristic world. After all it is 2013. How futuristic you want to go is up to you, but mixing separates of high shine metallic’s is an easy way to integrate this trend into day and night without looking like 3CPO or Lady Gaga.

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I love the idea of metallic clutch or gold plate belt with a floral dress. Bring metallic’s into your home with a gold foil print or metallic photo frame for a chic update. n

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SUMMER BOOKCLUB Nothing gives you the feeling that you are officially on holidays than a pile of books waiting to be devoured. These are just some books next to my towel this summer including a few classics, a killer mystery and an Australian icon.

THE MYSTERY GONE GIRL

THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Amy Dunne goes missing on her 5th wedding anniversary and predictably her husband Nick is the prime suspect. That however is where the predictability ends. This is a story of a marriage that has gone horribly wrong and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I managed to finish it in 10 hours!

I’m trying to blend a mix of classics and new fiction into my library and what better time to read A Christmas Carol than over the Christmas break.

The story is well known of cruel Ebenezer Scrooge as he takes a journey to find the spirit of Christmas through kindness, charity and goodwill. The true meaning of Christmas.

THE AUSTRALIAN ICON THE SHIRALEE

THE TEAR-JERKER THE END OF YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB

A quintessential Australian classic! A story of the swaggie Mccauley and his daughter Buster, the Shiralee, who against the backdrop of a barren Australian outback begin to build a relationship with each other. I am sure I will smell the heat and the gum leaves as I read this one and fall in love with Australia even more.

Maryanne Schwabbe and her son, Will, begin sharing books and forming an informal bookclub to not only share in their passion for books but to take Maryanne’s mind away from her chemotherapy treatments for pancreatic cancer. I have no doubt that this book will remind me of those in my life that are important to me and the power of books.

THE CLASSIC THE GREAT GATSBY

THE COMING OF AGE STORY THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

“A portrait of the Jazz age in all its decadence and excess...” Jay Gatsby is the American Dream.

A self-made millionaire in a time when money, greed and ambition were the obsessions of F.Scott Fitzgerald’s generation. Definitely one of the books I wanted to read before I see the movie and I can’t wait to get lost in the Great American Novel.

A coming of age story of Charlie who is a freshman who while not the biggest geek in school, is certainly under the radar. He is a wallflower. But as in all teenage lives, there comes a time when you have to move away from the wall and experience life rather than observe.

A story of life, love and friendship and while I’ve heard mixed reviews, I hope will be as inspirational as I have heard and I am sure I will be transported back to my own childhood.

BY GILLIAN FLYNN

BY D’ARCY NILAND

BY F.SCOTT FITZGERALD

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BY CHARLES DICKENS

BY WILL SCHWABBE

BY STEPHEN CHBOSKY

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FEATURE ARTIST

A

FULL BLOOM Rebecca from FOX & RABBIT invites us into her home studio and creates a summer bouquet just for LOVELINESS readers.

Images and words by ANGELA HIGGINS

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s she pulled into the driveway I saw her frantically waving to me. While we hadn’t seen each other in a while, Bec jumped from the van and pulled me into a warm hug that smelt of earth and sweetly scented flowers. With her hair pulled loosely back in a low pony tail she hurriedly unloaded her van of a large delivery from the flower market in preparation for another busy weekend crafting bouquets, boutonnières, table settings and more for Perth’s brides and grooms.

I have known Bec now for over 2 years and no matter the day she seems to exude a feeling of happiness and hope that is infectious to be around. You can’t help but feel like a better person after being around her for just a little while. A month or two ago I asked Bec if she’d be interested in creating a bouquet for my readers that was a representation of summer and just a little bit different to something she had done before.

Bec fell into being a florist specializing in weddings by accident and officially began her company Fox and Rabbit in 2010. Or perhaps it was simply always her calling to be able to create a representation of her brides through flowers, “So much can be said through flowers and a perfect bouquet will always reflect the character of the bride. Elegant, chic or a little bit quirky.”

“A perfect bouquet will always reflect the personality of the bride”

We started with Bec first choosing all the flowers that she wanted to include (see the ingredients on page 38). After this, Bec cleaned each stem of thorns and leaves on the lower third of each flower.

The next step was the compilation and she thoughtfully and carefully constructed the bouquet starting with a few larger flowers such as the roses and peony’s and then followed by greenery and smaller flowers, all the while stopping to ensure there was balance and each side of the bouquet is appealing. It was a privilege to see her passion and her focused devotion to creating not just a bouquet but a work of art that stands alone as one element to a wedding day. n To contact Rebecca and enquire for your own wedding, visit her website at www.foxandrabbit. com.au

5 x white Delphinium

3-4 x greenery and berry filler

3 x peach roses

5 x variegated pink and white garden roses 4 x burgundy hanging Amaranthus

The Ingredients 5 x soft yellow roses

3 x white Carnations 6 x light blue Delphinium

6 x small white Hydrangeas

5 x deep pink Peony roses

“I prefer to trust my instincts when designing a bouquet.�

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The final result! A gold bow and a brooch from Lovisa are the finishing touches for this summer bouquet.

From Rebecca, “Trust your florist’s judgement on flowers that will last a full day in the heat. Select locally grown flowers that are in season. Flowers with strong petals, full heads and thick leaves will retain moisture and last the entire day.”

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But to see her was to love her, love but her, and love her forever. ~ Robert Burns ~

This is true love. Do you think this happens every day? ~ The Princess Bride ~

LOV ELINE S S

BY ANGELA HIGGINS

Talking Points

HOT TOPICS

All about digital files, what a boutique service means and how to get gorgeous preparation photos

A BOUTIQUE APPROACH How running a boutique photography allows me to nurture relationships with my clients and offer them something unique while also allowing me to live a life I only dreamed of.

Images and words by ANGELA HIGGINS

THE 411

W

hen I began to form a business plan in my mind as early as 2008, I always knew that I would offer a boutique photography services. Perhaps it is a glimpse into my own desires as a consumer in general and wanting a unique experience that focused on me individually and understood the importance of investment purchases rather than cookie cutter production. While I was tempted take as many bookings as 365 days in the year would allow, deep down I knew I never wanted to be the photographer booking 50 weddings each year. I set the benchmark of 20-25 weddings per year and chose to take the approach of quality over quantity in all aspects of my business as I do in my life.

This “quality” approach isn’t a reflection of budget but rather my quality of work. Whether a client books my first collection or my fourth collection I will still perform the best job I can at 100% and be genuinely interested in them as a couple and individually. This business plan of being a boutique business defined what I offer my clients as a high end wedding photography service and how I conduct my business in the public and private eye. These reasons come down to life, love and longevity.

Just a few of the reasons that being a photographer appealed to me was freedom and creativity. However after I began working 80 hour weeks just through practicing and researching and blogging, I began to realize that I would need to set

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boundaries for myself and the business or my career would not be sustainable.

In addition to having a life I loved, I wanted to ensure I didn’t burn out from an overloaded schedule. My love for photography and weddings is a burning desire that I wanted to nurture rather than be smothered by.

This meant moderating the amount of weddings booked to be able to give 100% of myself to each client and be completely invested in them and their wedding photography. While I accept only 25 weddings per year, most of those clients also have an engagement session so moderation was important. My Clients know when they book me that I have the

“I never wanted to be the photographer shooting 50 weddings a year” time to get to know them and what it is that makes their relationship unique. By the time their wedding comes we feel like old friends which makes their wedding photography so much more relaxed and honest.

My investment in them and their relationship is in return for their investment and trust in me.

Customer service is a something that I value highly and I want every Bride and Groom to feel as though they are my only Client. I try to listen and advise when needed in the planning stages and to give them the tools they need and how they choose to use them is up to them.

What was right for my clients that

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booked me last week may not be right for the other Clients that book me this week.

In addition to listening to my clients during the planning stages with an open mind, I also made a conscious decision to be the one factor on their wedding day that I could control.

While I may not be able to control my Bride’s great aunt voicing her opinions, I can do everything I can to help them enjoy their day and be an element of calm and predictability on a rather unpredictable day. One particular bride will never know about the time I was bitten by a dog on her wedding day. Another won’t know that my battery died just as they were having their first kiss and another bride will never know that I battled the worst migraine of my life on her wedding day. It is my job to ensure that I capture the happiest day of their life as honestly and beautifully as possible and not add to their stress with my own demands and this approach is something my clients have told me they appreciate and value after the fact.

In my mind, running a boutique business is not only about conducting yourself and your business in a way that is personal and unique but also about investing emotionally in them and their needs. Having been through the process of planning a wedding, I know that it can consume you but knowing that I had chosen vendors that were as invested in my vision and goals as a Bride as I was in them was a weight lifted off my shoulders.

The benefits for my clients when they choose me as their wedding photographer is that I have the time to invest in them and their relationship and to craft a unique experience based on those relationships. n

YOUR WEDDING DAY The few hours before a wedding as you spend time with your closest friends, are some of the most intimate and my favourite moments to photograph. Here we discuss how to get the most out of your coverage during the preparation stages.

Words and images by ANGELA HIGGINS

YOUR WEDDING DAY

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o matter how traditional or alternative your wedding is, the day can generally broken down into categories of : preparation, ceremony, congratulations, family formals, on location portraits and reception.

While it’s hard to choose a particular favourite component of a wedding day, there is something about the preparation stages that has a different kind of intimacy that I love to photograph. These moments are rituals and can be iconic and in my opinion, is a prelude to the wedding and not just a necessity.

I usually arrive at a Bride’s getting ready location to the sound of beautiful background music as the she is having her makeup applied. Her bridesmaids watch on in silent awe as they watch their friend transform before their very eyes. They ensure she is fed and watered and wants for nothing so she can enjoy the moments of the morning quietly and contemplate what will come later in the day.

Photography during this time plays an incredibly important role because this is traditionally the only time of the day that you and your fiancé will experience something different to the other.

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I love that when my couples receive their photographs they can share with each what it was that they were doing just hours before saying, “I do,” through their photographs.

Before the wedding day I ask my couples to allow 90 minutes of their wedding coverage to preparation for the Bride and 30 minutes for the Groom (if they choose to have the Groom preparation covered). When I first arrive I will introduce myself to everyone and have a quick look

“These moments are rituals ... a prelude to the wedding” around the location to get a general idea of what is available to me by way of furniture and lighting situations when photographing details and then later, the Bride getting dressed and some family portraits. Then usually one of the bridesmaids directs me to where the Bride has centralized her details for me to photograph which is where I will take out my camera and start shooting.

For our wedding I managed to buy 3 pairs of shoes before deciding

on the ones I’d wear so I completely understand the time and effort that goes into choosing all the details including the bouquet, the perfume and the dress. Then there are other personal touches such as having your initials embroidered into your veil or perhaps gifts given to one another on the morning of the wedding. In the planning stages I ask questions to ensure I know what those personally significant details are to ensure I take the time to photograph them. These “portraits” are great elements that help tell the story, especially when in an album.

While moving through the house photographing the details I will also capture candids of the Bride and her bridesmaids and family as they finish with their hair and makeup and share a glass of champagne. The final 20 minutes or so is dedicated to photographing the Bride getting dressed and seeing the final transformation take place.

If you are thinking of forgoing your preparation coverage I encourage you to think again. These are moments in time that pass quickly and those moments of anticipation are exciting to watch and be a part of.

These are some of the most beautiful and intimate moments of a wedding that I always enjoy photographing. n

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Priya and Scott’s wedding in January 2012 began at the Pan Pacific in Perth City. They deliberately chose this location because of the light and bright rooms and to allow them the convenience of them getting ready nearby to each other. This then allowed me to photograph them both individually without spending any time travelling, meaning more coverage for them. These candid moments and details are some of the reasons I love the preparation time so much and show how details aren’t exclusively materials.

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FINAL TIPS • Ask your bridesmaids (and anyone else getting ready in the same location as you) to be ready before you start to get dressed. If anyone jumps in to help, they will look their best rather than being in their yummy sushi pyjamas.

• Before you start to get dressed, put the air conditioner on to maximum. The room will warm up considerably once you start putting on your dress.

• Hold off putting on your jewellery, veil, perfume and shoes until after you are in your dress. These quiet moments as your bridesmaids help you are some of the loveliest.

• Aim to be dressed 20 minutes before your photographer is due to leave.

This will allow some time for beautiful portraits of you and your family before you leave.

• The night before or the morning of the wedding put all of your elements in one location. Your dress, jewellery, veil/hairpiece, purse, perfume, shoes, and any other personal effects that you want photographed. This will help you avoid forgetting something and will allow your photographer to do what they need to without interrupting you for each item.

• If your home is lacking in natural light or perhaps not as easy on the eye as you’d like, choose another location to get ready. Ask a bridesmaid or your parents if you can use their house or if your budget will allow it, consider getting ready in rental accommodation near to where you are having your ceremony. You won’t have to worry about sweeping up the cat hair or doing the dishes in the sink (which can be reason enough). If you’re stuck, try asking a friend if you can use their house.

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What are the

DIGITAL NEGATIVES? Everyone wants them but few actually know what they are or what to do with them. Here we give an explanation of what files you want and the work that goes into them behind the scenes.

Words and images by ANGELA HIGGINS

L

iving in a digital age has changed the way we do many things. From how we run our homes and businesses to how we educate ourselves to how we communicate with each other. Being able to see my family on the other side of the world through photos on Facebook and the ease of being able to share my clients wedding photos are just a couple of reasons I love living in this era and I am not alone.

So it should come as no surprise that when couples begin short listing photographers and what it is that they want from their investment, the majority want their photographs digitally. However, even with this now being the norm, I feel that many couples don’t actually know what the digital negatives are and what they should be looking for as an end result from their wedding photography when in digital form.

In terms of wedding photography, a digital negative is “An untouched, unedited, uncompressed image file, which is the result of pressing the shutter on a digital camera.” Many photographers, as I do, will create this digital negative by shooting in a Raw file format as it allows greater creative control in the digital darkroom.

The digital negative is just the starting point in the whole creative process and it helps to think of evolution of a digital negative to a professional photograph like the process of a couture dressmaker.

At first they drape muslin fabric over a

dress form to bring a concept to life in the bones and structure of the dress (the digital negative). This is purely a creative process and may not always work in practice. Next a pattern and sample garment is created from the muslin concept (the proof image) for review and only then is the dress pattern then made into a high fashion garment with careful stitching, luxurious fabric and a custom fit (the custom print). I am sure Valentino wouldn’t consider a dress form or sample garment as a final product for his Client and I don’t consider a digital negative a final product either.

The digital files that my Clients do receive are in JPEG form and are generally called Proof Images or High Resolution Files.

These images have been edited individually for warmth, exposure, contrast and saturation as needed in Adobe Lightroom. It’s a light touch as I try to get the photograph as close to perfect in camera, but one that results in a proof image more than adequate for sharing online or printing at home.

After I have edited the proof images, I make a selection of those that will be blogged and put in my client’s slideshow and they become Custom Prints. These images are taken through Photoshop and given a little extra TLC to become print perfect for publications, albums, folios and enlargements that my client orders through my studio. The editing is specific and consistent but not heavy handed, as I want the photographs to look like photographs and have a timeless quality about them.

THE 411

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THE 411

“Valentino wouldn’t consider a dress form or sample garment as a final product for his Client and I don’t consider a digital negative a final product either.”

The final step in the process of the digital files is the delivery to my clients.

Many photographers use CD’s, flash drives or external hard drives and I recently moved to a new method using PASS (www. gallery.passpremier.com) My clients are able to view all their edited proof images online, share them with family and friends and download them in high resolution to their hard drive. I feel that with technology moving so fast there will shortly be a time when we are sharing all information via the Internet for instantaneous gratification rather than burning a CD or copying to an external drive and this method of sharing my client’s images has longevity.

The digital files I provide my clients are high-resolution, not watermarked and are for my Bride and Groom’s personal use. My clients have the rights to print, share online and archive their images indefinitely but copyright restricts them from selling the images, significantly altering them from the form they have been given or using them commercially.

In early 2012, I took a different approach to other photographers where I included the cost of the high resolution files in each hour of coverage. This means that every, single client will receive their high resolution files in their gallery within 3 weeks of their wedding without having to worry about adding it on at a later date - its all inclusive.

It is a digital age where people want the security of having their photos digitally.

Who knows where we’ll be in 10 years from now. n To see how my clients receive their images to download and share online, feel free to read this blog post on PASS galleries HERE

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Custom Print Digital Negative

Proof Image

Digital Negative

With more controlled lighting such as this photograph of Natalie’s bouquet on a very overcast day, the differences are a little more subtle.

Firstly I warmed the image up and slightly increased the saturation of the colours of the purples, greens and yellows in the bouquet.

The difference between the proof image and the custom print is very minimal with an overall brightening but my goal is to get the proof as close to perfect as possible.

EXIF DATA f/2.0, 1/125th, ISO400

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THE 411

From Digital Negative to Custom Print For this candid photograph of the beautiful Jess, I felt that the final image was better in black and white. It allows the eye of the viewer to go right to Jess and her beaming smile rather than be distracted by the colours around her.

However the colour proof is just fine and when possible I like to give my client the flexibility of a colour image that I can convert to black and white later if needed.

Custom Print

Proof Image

EXIF DATA f/2.2, 1/640th, ISO250

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DEFINITIONS Not all Photographers speak the same language. Some call proof images the digital negatives and others call flush mount albums, magazine style albums. It is important you know their definition as it may differ from yours or from another photographers. Here are some comparisons and definitions that I often speak of with my Clients. Other photographer definitions may vary so it is important to ask rather than assume.

High Resolution Files

Low Resolution Files

Not all photographers sell high resolution files and there is often a difference in how high a high-resolution file is.

These files are the ones large enough to be used for printing for your personal use. They should also be unwatermarked.

The high-resolution files I give to me clients are intended for printing up to 8x12� and are 3600px on the longest side and 300dpi resolution.

Low resolution files are compressed and usually no larger than 600px. Some photographers only give these files and they are often watermarked. They are perfect for using for uploading to your wedding website, Facebook or just emailing to Aunt June. Do not print these files as they are too small.

Proof Image

Custom Print

A Proof Image has been adjusted for colour, warmth and tone and may be converted to black and white. They are perfect for printing for scrapbooks or small albums or using in your digital slideshows at home. They are not a final professional product as proof prints generally are not Photoshopped.

A Proof Image has been adjusted for colour, warmth and tone and may be converted to black and white. They are perfect for printing for scrapbooks or small albums or using in your digital slideshows at home. They are not a final professional product as proof prints generally are not Photoshopped.

Copyright When you book your photographer you will sign a contract confirming that you understand that all Copyright of the work (photographs) produced remains exclusively with your photographer. This is normal practice and means your photographer is able to use the photographs in portfolios and publications amongst other things.

In the contract that my clients sign, they acknowledge that the photographs given either in digital or hard copy form are for personal use only. To use them commercially requires a different copyright agreement and a higher premium is placed on the images. In signing this contract, my clients are able to share their images on Facebook, print them at home or at a kiosk and make their own albums or displays. They are only prevented from using them commercially, selling them for a profit and changing them in any way.

Make sure you have your contract with you when you take your photos to be printed at a lab as they may not allow you to print them without knowing of the copyright restrictions.

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Engagements

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here is something about engagement sessions that is close to my heart.

Firstly as many of my clients book me over the internet, their engagement session is the first chance we get to meet in person.

Secondly, I feel that while your wedding is about your two families coming together, your engagement session is more intimate and a celebration of your love. Its just the two of you, in everyday life.

Laughing and joking and sharing small moments together.

My husband and I had our own engagement session the day before our wedding. It wasn’t ideal but as we were getting married overseas it was the only option. That week

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leading up to the wedding was one of the most high stress times of my life and being able to stop and breathe and spend time with my soon-to-be husband is one of my favourite memories of our wedding.

I hear so many of my clients reflect on their engagement session during their portraits on their wedding day in such a positive way, as I did too on my wedding day. They often tell me how much easier the day is going than they thought because they aren’t worried about the camera or me as they know what to expect.

I truly think that engagement sessions are an important part of wedding photography that they are now included in all collections.

Having an engagement session allows you to get some very different, but complimentary photographs for your wedding collection.

You will also find they are great to display around your home. Unfortunately, there are only so many wedding photos that you can have displayed around your home before your friends start to think you are a little loopy.

When shooting an engagement session I tend to approach it similarly to the on location portion of a wedding day. Its a little more relaxed as you’re in clothes that you are comfortable in and there are no schedules looming over your head.

You can expect approximately 65 images in a variety of details and portraits.

This selection is great for prints for yourself but also if you decide to create an album or guest book for at your reception.

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These images are a great example of what you can expect from your session. Cecily and Lucas chose to have their engagement session at UWA and then in Kings Park.

They both attended UWA and loved the architecture and Kings Park added a little more variety with a more rustic landscape (my favourite type of location!)

I always encourage my brides to have their hair and makeup professionally done for the session. It just gives a little extra boost of confidence that as girls we often lack when in front of the camera. Many makeup artists will help you arrange your trial run for the engagement session so you can also see how you look on camera.

If you are thinking that an engagement session is not worth your time, think again.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised and your wedding day will be so much more relaxed because of it. n

Bring one change of clothes for variety. Its also a great excuse to update your wardrobe with a new outfit!

Where there is love there is life. ~ Ghandi ~

LOV ELINE S S

BY ANGELA HIGGINS

Real Weddings

REAL WEDDINGS

All you need is

LOVE

A summer’s day is the perfect backdrop for these two graphic designers with all the elements either made by the couple or their friends. This was a celebration of their style, their friends and most of all love.

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he day that Ryan collected the engagement ring for his proposal to Jessica, she coincidentally reminded him of the first piece of jewellery that he had bought her when they started dating. It was a necklace that while lovely, Ryan conceded that it didn’t suit Jess or her style at all. Something she reminded him of occasionally. Her engagement ring however was much more Jess’s style. He had a ring custom made as a tension set diamond that came from a bracelet of his grandmother.

Simple, beautiful and meaningful, and much more Jess’s style.

When it came to planning their wedding, it was always going to be a casual affair that was a direct reflection of Jess and Ryan individually and as a couple. They weren’t concerned with a sit down formal meal or limousines or a large bridal party and chose to focus on small details that they would treasure later in life and that either they or their friends had a hand in creating.

Being graphic designers meant that creativity was going to be a big part

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of their wedding but I found that they had a restrained touch to allow each element to shine through without being overwhelmed.

Jess and Ryan screen-printed their wedding invitations themselves on tea towels and asked their guests to create their guests book with a Polaroid camera and scrapbook.

A close friend, Erin, designed their wedding cake and another, Nicole designed Jess’s headpiece and also supplied and designed their flowers.

Every wedding that I am fortunate to witness is unique in some way and from Jess and Ryan I felt an overwhelming sense of family and love. Their love and respect for each other and those around them is at first quiet and unassuming but as you spend time with them and watching them, it is apparent how much in love they are.

Marriage was the next logical step for them and a number of times through the day they spoke of their dream for the day when every person in love can marry the one they love regardless of creed or sexual orientation. Because, sometimes all you need is love. n

This Kate Spade compact was a gift from Ryan to Jess on their wedding day

Jess and Ryan screen-printed their wedding invitations themselves on tea towels with colours later duplicated in Jess’s bouquet that was created by Jess’s friend

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Grooms may not have as many accessories as their Brides but Ryan’s tie clip and custom cuff links were the perfect touch to his attire to reflect his personality and style

SOURCES BRIDE’S GOWN Eileen Kirby (www.eileenkirby.com.au), HEADPIECE Friend (Nicole Parks), HAIR DESIGN Cheveux, Applecross, MAKEUP ARTIST Grace Buckley (www.gracebuckley.com.au), FLORAL DESIGN Friend (Nicole Parks), CEREMONY Marlee Pavillion Kings Park, RECEPTION Little Creatures Brewery (www.littlecreatures.com), CELEBRANT Danicia Dutry (www.daniciadutry.com.au), CAKE ARTIST Friend (Erin Steenson), PHOTOGRAPHER Angela Higgins (www.angelahiggins.com)

REAL WEDDINGS

A Fine Romance A New York engagement straight from a movie is just the beginning for Christina and Ryan.

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yan’s caring nature, his romantic touch and his intelligence are just a few qualities that Christina admires about Ryan. Not long after they started dating, work would separate them for a week or two and Christina found herself missing him terribly. It was in these moments that she realised Ryan was her love and her life and she began to dream of their future together.

Ryan and Christina’s engagement is what fairy tales are made of. While in New York City after a busy day of retail therapy, Ryan convinced a very tired Christina to join him for dinner and to take in the city at night. Afterwards, instead of heading back to their hotel, Ryan veered Christina to a horse and carriage that he had arranged to ride through Central Park.

As they snuggled and enjoyed the slower pace in the city that never sleeps, all of a sudden a saxophonist came into earshot playing Van Morrison at Cherry

Hill. Ryan fell to one knee and told Christina how much she meant to him and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. Her reply were tears falling as she absorbed everything that was happening. He asked her again to which she replied through tears, “Of course.”

Perhaps inspired by the romance of their engagement, Christina and Ryan chose soft colours and classic details with restraint to turn their wedding into a romantic and dreamy day. Christina says, “My tip for Brides-to-be is to create the vision before you plan...Pinterest was a great starting point. After a while you start to see a trend from where we chose colours, the theme and everything else.”

They chose to marry by the water in Peppermint Grove and carried on their reception at the elite Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club with a feature dessert and candy bar being a major hit with their guests.

“Our most favourite memory has to be the anticipation of getting to the alter or as I like to call it, The Unveiling!”. n

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Unsure of what to do with your engagement ring on your wedding day? Wear it on your right hand and after you’ve signed the register, transfer it back over to your left hand. Or ask a bridesmaid to wear it until after the ceremony.

Choose a special scent for your wedding day.

Something similar to your signature scent but one that is special enough to wear occasionally.

Each time you put it on you’ll be transported to that moment in your gown, as you got ready.

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Christina says, “Choosing the right photographer was just as crucial for me as finding the right dress. Sharing ideas [with your fiancé] of what style and lighting you have in-mind will lead to a fabulous photo’s of your day. Also, having enough time for photo’s! Don’t try and shave off a couple of hours because ultimately these images are the memories of your day that will last forever.”

“Create the vision before you plan...

Pinterest was a great starting point.�

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SOURCES BRIDE’S GOWN Maggie Sottero (www.abbeybridal.com.au), BRIDE’S SHOES Lisa Ho (www.lisaho.com.au), MAKEUP ARTIST Kinga Markovic (www.facebook.com/pages/Kinga-Markovic-Make-Up-Artist), HAIR Krystal Beautifies (www.facebook.com/krystal.beautifies), BRIDESMAIDS GOWNS Spoil Yourself (www.spoilyourself. net.au), OFFICIANT Dru Soltys (www.facebook.com/dru.celebrant), FLORAL DESIGN Lush Floral Designs (www.lushfloraldesigns.com.au), CAKE ARTIST Ruby’s Patisserie (www.rubyspatisserie.com.au), DESSERT BAR STYLING The Butcher, The Baker, The Stylist and Creator (www.butcherbakerstylist.com), EVENT DESIGN & RENTALS Orielle and Villa Kula (www.orielle.com.au, www.villakula.com.au), CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (www.rfbyc.asn.au), VIDEOGRAPHER Inception Video (www.inceptionvideo.com.au), MUSICIAN Roadshow DJ’s (www.roadshowdjs.com.au), STATIONERY Picasso Print (www.picassoprint.com.au), PHOTOGRAPHER Angela Higgins (www.angelahiggins.com)

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REAL WEDDINGS

EAST meets WEST

Set amongst the lush green hills of Denmark, Andrew and Bhavia brought together not only two families, but two cultures on their wedding day.

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reoccurring conversation on Andrew and Bhavia’s wedding day was about Andrew’s persistence.

From the moment he laid eyes on Bhavia at a friends party, he was intrigued with the girl who to his amusement teased him and shared his love of roast pumpkin.

After many false starts of dates arranged and then cancelled, as luck would have it they once again ended up in the same place one evening with friends and were inseparable.

Eventually Andrew lured Bhavia on a date with the promise of a box of chocolates he had brought back from Denmark. Bhavia relented and agreed to meet for a coffee date that ended up lasting 4 hours as they discovered more things in common.

Andrew clearly treasures Bhavia as much as he did on that first day he met her. His perseverance never wavered as he pursued her and their eventual happiness. And likewise I can see the respect and love that Bhavia has for Andrew, perhaps knowing how much he fought for her.

In late September 2012, Andrew and Bhavia were married firstly in a traditional Indian ceremony in Perth and in a civil ceremony the following weekend at Andrew’s parent’s winery, Poachers Ridge, outside Denmark. Their wedding at Poachers Ridge even though it was a western ceremony had many elements of Bhavia’s heritage reflected in bright colours in her bouquet and bridesmaid’s dresses and reception decorations. It was a celebration of family with Andrew’s brother Marcus who has his own design company taking the graphic design under his wing. Their wedding brought together not only two families but two cultures and both were respected equally and I was incredibly honoured to have been a part of their day. n To see Andrew and Bhavia's Indian ceremony, click here

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The ceremony was held opposite Andrew’s parents house in a grove of gum trees and decorated with strings of hanging carnations.

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SOURCES BRIDE’S GOWN Dion for Brides (www.dionforbrides.com.au), BRIDE’S SHOES Witchery (www.witchery. com.au), BRIDESMAIDS GOWNS Ae’lkemi (www.aelkemi.com.au), MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST Michelle van Buerle, FLORAL DESIGNS Lush Floral Designs (www.lushfloraldesigns.com.au), CELEBRANT Jillian Bennett, CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Poachers Ridge Winery (www.poachersridge.com.au), STATIONERY & LETTERPRESS Studio Papa and Mitchell & Dent (www.studiopapa.com.au, www.mitchellanddent.com.au), VIDEOGRAPHER Urban Light Films (www.urbanlight.com.au), EVENT STYLING AND DESIGN Eclectic Events (www.eclecticevents.com.au), CAKE ARTIST Mrs Jones (www.mrsjonescafe.com), DJ/ENTERTAINMENT Set Apart DJ Services (www.setapartdjservices.com), PHOTOGRAPHER Angela Higgins (www.angelahiggins.com)

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“Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering� ~ The History of Love ~

Copyright Š 2013 All rights reserved For more please visit the website www.angelahiggins.com