Nostalgia for Old Buenos Aires

In the first few decades of the twentieth century, Argentina’s capital city was celebrated for its affluence, elegance and movie-style glamour, the ‘Paris of South America’. Buenos Aires has been the subject of months of research and writing for this photographer, as well as the inspiration for street photographs in Argentina and a fashion shoot in Australia.

Of course, there is a lot more to the turbulent history of this place, evident in some of the journalistic-style shots I took on my travels. However, for the Perth-studio and Melbourne-location fashion shoots, I wanted to remain ‘nostalgic’ for the classic beauty I saw in Buenos Aires… even if it’s somewhat faded in the 21^st century.

Thanks to my beautiful models Rhyannin and Andy for their hours of work with me on these and other shoots, and to talented artist Laura, who assisted in the Melbourne shoot.

See more of our art photography

Karma at High Tea

Giving generously (but wisely) can be a lot of fun… and a boost for business too as this experience a couple of years back taught me.

I zoomed down Stirling Highway towards the city, on my way to the high tea I was photographing at. My assistant would be with me, representing my business at the expo table and exhibition space I was getting in exchange for my event photography services. She was meeting me at the Hilton in half an hour and we’d have an hour to set up before guests started arriving, to drink tea, eat little cakes and sandwiches and listen to doctors talk about problems down below, all to raise money for a charity funding cancer research.  I was doing this ‘freebie’ quite happily, because it was fashion season and the events were on a whole different level of glamour and fun, but mostly because in this case, I’d volunteered, as it was in aid of a cause I cared about.

As I drove I wolfed down a hotdog and coke I’d obtained from a fundraiser stand for senior citizens’ surfing, set up outside Bunnings. I wiped away as much sausage sizzle smell as I could, touched up my lipstick… and suddenly remembered I was wearing flip flops and my red shoes were in the boot. I couldn’t turn up to valet parking at the Hilton like this, so I stopped on the side of the road for the swap. A teenage boy hanging around outside his house looked on with interest.

I had to laugh at the absurdity of pulling into the Hilton’s sweeping driveway in my beat up old red car, stepping out in my stripy little dress and red shoes and handing the keys haughtily to the valet. I find the trick to saving yourself the embarrassment of looking like a phoney playing dress-ups is to act 100% like you are VIP: look decisive and walk briskly; stand straight; look like you know where you are going and have been here a thousand times before; and most importantly assume you are always going to get your way. Playing this game has become a lot of fun and it works a treat!

I had even more fun than usual snapping this event. I was kept busy the whole time, in a room of over 200 guests, lots of VIPs, and a full event agenda. I didn’t even mind my most hated job of going from table to table asking if I can take a group photo – it helps when people aren’t drunk and you can organise the group quickly – and I discovered that turning up the wattage on the smile seems to convince people instantly that I’m not a media hound and that a photo might actually be fun. Best of all, I got to exhibit fashion and art prints for the second time. It was such a thrill to see people going up close to take a look and Elle, my assistant, who was standing close by to take questions, said there were lots of positive comments on the work. A few people took brochures or cards and looked at the information folder on the display table… it wasn’t a stampede but it was something. Oh, and my favourite Perth lady, the Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi was there – the second time I was working at an event she was attending.

As Elle and I waited for the car to be brought round, art prints and equipment in hand, we shared a feeling of elation at a good day’s work and a little good karma for doing something for ‘free’.

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Our clients’ photo stories

Here are some of the true stories of our shoots, and some comments straight from our clients!

Studio snapshots

Lila’s breathless voice on the phone told me she was lost. Rushing from work, she’d hopped off the bus a stop early and now found herself walking through a suburban park in the growing darkness. The studio booking was only for two hours and the first hour was almost up, so I suggested we make it another day. ‘No, no, I’ll get there,’ said Lila, so I wandered out to find her, trying to direct her over the phone while standing on the street corner.

By the time we were settled in the studio we had 40 minutes to work. Lila had changed into basic blacks as directed, and now I handed her a long piece of stretchy blue fabric, which revealed a slight sheen as it moved. ‘Hold it over your head,’ I said, ‘and stretch it slowly in different directions.’

I snapped away and it wasn’t long before Lila had the idea and was making up her own shapes using her body and the fabric. She looked like a dancer as she played, tilting her head this way, stretching her arms wide. The contrast of the shimmering fabric and the black clothing created clean outlines against the white backdrop.

In 40 minutes we had some great shots and I was keen to get Lila to model again, impressed with her ability to relax on her very first photo shoot! Since then Lila has featured in some stunning art and fashion shoots at various locations.

Partying like a VIP

I pulled out the camera with its heavy flash to a chorus of oohs and aahs by the girls at Katie’s party. As I set up the first shot, a simple group gathering, everyone smiling and drinks in hand, other people in the bar started to look in our direction. They didn’t mind moving aside as I circled the group, getting party shots in groups of two or three. ‘Move aside people! I feel like a VIP!’ said one of Katie’s mates as she posed, hand on her hip.

The bar had a gorgeous lounge area that was perfect for more stylish photographs. I directed some of the guests to the lounge, where they posed amid chandeliers, antique furniture and satin wallpaper, looking like fashion models in their cocktail dresses and heels.

‘This was such a fun party, Katie!’ I heard one girl say as she was leaving, later that night. It certainly stood out and I had a lot of fun photographing it.

Bubbles, sequins and satin heels on the beach

I popped the champagne as I saw the girls arriving. I’d promised them a bit of bubbly before their shoot on the beach, to calm jittery nerves. They’d been instructed to bring a couple of favourite dresses and their shiniest bling for my art shoot, which centred on the idea of daydreams. It was going to be full of sparkle and fun.

‘What do we have to do?’ asked Alison and Fiona, as they dumped the ten dresses they’d each brought and reached for a glass of champagne. ‘Just splash about in pretty dresses while I take pictures!’ I replied.

We started with some shots on the sand, close-ups of their glittery make-up and jewellery. I then asked them to move a little way into the water, and I followed with the tripod, its legs stuck in wet sand, to get some beautiful blurred shots of the girls twirling and jumping. I’d brought a couple of back up dresses and even some satin heels from my trusty costume box, so the girls wouldn’t ruin their own pieces, but they were soon enjoying themselves so much that they didn’t much care if their clothes got wet!

People walking by on the beach casually stopped to do up a shoelace, but really they wanted to sneak a peek at the photo shoot. This always makes my models laugh! Two little girls moved in for a closer look at the costume pieces, no doubt wishing they could play too. It sure was a little girl’s daydream!

Is she going to a ball?

As Natalie sheltered from the wind in the shadows of the Indiana Teahouse on Cottesloe Beach, I set up my equipment and sought the perfect spot. Once I had it, I coaxed Natalie out into the sun, directing her to stand against a sand-coloured wall. The sun picked up the brilliant colours in her dress, an old ball gown she’d picked out for the portrait shoot. Simple gold jewellery and softly tangled hair completed the look.

As I clicked, struggling to keep the equipment upright in the wind, a family walked past and stopped briefly for a look. ‘It’s a wedding!’ said one child. ‘No, she’s going to a ball,’ said her sibling.

We made our way down to the sand, where the sea curves into a pocket at the end of the beach. After a few fun shots running up and down the steps to the jetty and posing on the rocks, we tried some quieter shots underneath the row of gazebos. But I soon had competition: I turned around to find a tourist happily snapping away at my model!

After braving the elements – and the public – fish and chips were definitely in order and we sat at one of Cottesloe’s cafes to look at the photos as we merrily munched away.

What clients have said after their New Work shoot…

“I hate having my photograph taken and hardly ever take a good photo. New Work changed all that, and made the experience pleasurable and fun. And on top of this I ended up with some great photos for my business promotional material. I can recommend New Work for your photographic needs.” – Wayne

“Julissa is a complete professional and able to relate and put her clients/subjects at ease to get the best possible photos. I highly recommend her services.” – Fleur

“I was so impressed by how professional it was. Everything was coordinated perfectly and the photographer really cared about other people’s input into what the shoot would look like.” – Cara

“I signed up for a photo shoot and even though the nerves were incredible, the photographer made me feel so relaxed, and really helped to guide me through the entire process.” – Janine

Make the most of fashion season and save 15% on fashion-inspired shoots for individuals and groups of friends when you book during September. More examples and information here.

Adventures in the city

One photographer’s wanderings in Melbourne

My Melbourne holiday was a chance to switch off, hang out with family and friends, spend time wandering alone and going on little creative adventures! While there I did a lot of journal writing in cafes, research at the beautiful State Library and the Immigration Museum, sipping wine at tapas bars and reading or just daydreaming, visiting art exhibitions and of course… a lot of walking and photographing!

Here are some street shots, as well as shots from visual artist Laura Delaney’s Post-Grad exhibition opening, taken during my Melbourne trip.

At the NW Fashion & Photo Night

Everyone dressed to impress at the NW Fashion & Photo Night on 10th March 2011, an evening of glamour, creative expression and networking organised by New Work Photography.

Canton Lounge Bar was the perfect setting, with a stylish lounge, exceptional service and food and drinks flowing. The red carpet was rolled out to greet guests and later doubled as the runway for the Caldi Design fashion show.

The show featured classic and new garments from up-and-coming Mt Lawley designer Caldi Design, looking to Australia’s Autumn, with both muted and bold colours in a range of edgy styles. The garments were complemented by jewellery by local designer HM Sass, and suede ankle boots by Betts. Hair and make-up styling was by Changing Faces Makeup, and among the models were those from WA’s own Cantik Models.

Guests also enjoyed an exhibition of art and fashion photographs by New Work Photography’s director Julissa Shrewsbury, with proceeds of sales going to the Global Good Foundation, a local charity empowering women from backgrounds of domestic violence. The guests were also treated to New Work Photography’s signature Style Shoots, a glamorous form of entertainment using photography. To top it off, some lucky guests received beauty prizes from Eve Organics.

Check out some behind the scenes, runway and Style Shoot photos below. If you had your Style photo taken on the night, for a limited time you can view the gallery and choose images to purchase here. You will need the password emailed to you!

Exploring the dark side

We recently completed an art photography shoot with the lovely model Rhyannin. This shoot was the first in a series of a black and white study inspired by watching crows in the suburban landscape. The shoot was a combination of fashion and art photographs.

Shot in black and white in bright sunlight and often purposely under- or over-exposed, these images hold an elusive quality hinting at darkness or displacement.

Limited-edition prints of art photographs not available online will be sold at the NW Fashion & Photo Night to raise money for the Global Good Foundation, empowering women from backgrounds of domestic violence.