It’s not too often that the best time for an engagement photo-shoot is at 10am on a Monday morning, but it’s certainly more fun than sitting at a desk and wishing the weekend wasn’t over.

I’m not that familiar with the eastern shore of Lake Macquarie, so we wound up at Balcolyn at a lovely little park on the point, with water on three sides. These guys totally relaxed and had a good time, and I hope you enjoy their photos.

Well the year certainly started off with a bang for James and Kate, getting married on the second of January. And despite the drizzle that occasionally turned into a downpour, there were smiles all round to brighten up the day.

The ceremony was held at All Saints Chapel, Woodville out past Morpeth, where Victoria Langham married them!

Due to the rain we needed cover for photos. Morpeth was crowded, so the courthouse at Maitland was a great spot for both staying dry and as a classic setting. From there it was back into Newcastle, to Bicentennial Park (Kate and Jame’s ‘local’) and finally off to the reception at Madison Inn

I had shot James’ sister’s wedding too, up in Gunnedah. While this time we were staying local, it’s always great fun seeing many of the same faces and families again.

I think a belated Happy New Year is in order.

It’s been a bit crazy around here, as we’re getting ready for the Summer at City Hall bridal expo this Sunday the 17th. You’ll find us by heading in the front door and down the stairs to the Banquet Room on the ground floor. There’ll be 108 other exhibitors there, so it’s a BIG day and great opportunity for wedding planning.

After Sunday we’ll get back into the regular routine of looking after you. You’ll get to see James and Kate’s wedding by the end of next week.

You’ll also maybe notice a bit of a change in our logo. It’s the first step towards a whole new website which will be rolled out over the next few months.

Thanks for checking in on us.

With summer most definitely having arrived, and the day starting so early, the best time for a family portrait with kids is definitely first thing in the morning.

That’s how we found ourselves at 7:30 out at Newcastle Beach for this shoot. There was much chasing of seagulls, but eventually things calmed down and a few photos were taken. I liked the tasteful grafitti in the second picture too…

It’s been a bit of an unusual Friday for me, and with a lack of personal posts on this blog, I thought I might fill you in on my day.

Our little boy turned one this week, so here’s a cute photo of him answering his phone to start off. Hello?

The morning kicked off with #NewcastleCoffee at Sprocket, a meetup of locals on Friday morning for coffee and a chat. When you work for yourself, it’s great to get out of the home office and meet some real people. Who says Twitter & Facebook lead to less social interaction?

Here’s a photo of some of those attending. The toes are mine. Topics of discussion included politics (spill anyone?), kids, small business, HR, cameras, networking and much more. Anybody’s welcome.

After coffee, I went for a bit of a walk and got started on a personal photography project of mine. Here’s just a little taste: what if the world was just Nobby’s Beach? (I’d probably have to claim dibs on the lifesaver building.)

From there I checked out the Hunter Street Mall. It’s now open to one-way traffic, which means there’s a few lines painted in and the odd carpark. Apparently $300,000 of our rates went to fund that.

Anyway, what’s walking down the mall without being accosted by a charity or two? I turned the tables, and got Narelle and Colin from Plan International, a children’s sponsorship organisation, to pose for a photo.

Then it was time to finish up, and head back home to get some ‘real’ work done. I’ll leave you with where you’d like to be this afternoon.

And a bit more of a traditional view of Nobby’s. Lovely day for the beach.

Have a tops weekend.