Category: <span>Guest Speaking</span>

Camp Common Folk, Perth WA | Guest Speaker

A few months ago I had the immense pleasure of speaking at Camp Common Folk in the Donnelly River, Western Australia. Alastair and I were invited along for four days of photo walks, campfires, crash courses and guest talks with dozens of passionate, friendly and rad artists from around Australia… as well as a few hundred kangaroos and emus (I’ve never felt so ‘Strayan).

My talk – Composing (and selling) Using Bold Photographic Design – focussed on the various compositional techniques that can help to create a more impactful photograph. I explored the many areas I draw inspiration from – cinema, fine arts, animation, record album covers – breaking down the imagery to determine why it effects me, and how these powerful visual elements can translate into my own work.

In the lead up to the camp, I was so focussed on preparing my talk that I didn’t even consider how much we would get out of attending; not only from my fellow speakers Dan O’Day, Jessica Tremp, Andrea Murrow, Jai Long and Natasja Kremers, but from every single person we encountered on the camp. The electric enthusiasm around the room (or forrest) was palpable, and we left the retreat feeling rejuvenated and inspired, just in time for the next wedding season to hit. Plus – most importantly – we’d made a shitload of wonderful new friends.

Sending massive love thanks to Glenn, Lauren and Jenna for inviting us along and for running such a rad getaway; and to everyone who attended and made us feel so welcome. And thanks to all for the epic flash party at the end.

Alastair made a little film about our time there, check it out below. Thanks to our friends The Pink Tiles for the cracking soundtrack.

Photos by Amanda Alessi

Photos by Anna Taylor

Photos by Amanda Alessi

Photos by Amanda Alessi, last photo by Julia Rau

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Guest Speaker | Camp Common Folk, 2016

I’m stoked to have been invited to speak (and hang) at this year’s Camp Common Folk in WA’s Donnelly River, alongside some of my ridiculously talented peers.

Three days in the stunning WA woods; bonfires, bush walks, photo sessions and inspiration galore. My filmmaker partner Alastair Innes (the other half of She Takes Pictures He Makes Films) will be there too, making a film about the adventure.

September 5th – 8th; grab your spot now! I’d love to see you there.

Posted in Guest Speaking + She Takes Pictures He Makes Films + Wedding

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New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography ‘Infocus’ Conference – Guest Speaker

I am honoured to have been invited to speak at this year’s NZIPP Infocus Conference, being held 9th and 10th of August, at the Ridges Lakeland Resort in Queenstown. I’m so excited to meet all of the wonderful speakers, members and guests, and to have the opportunity to learn from so many unique talents, all within the breathtaking setting of New Zealand’s South Island.

My talk ‘Finding the Light and the Love – Framework for a Modern Wedding Photographer’ will cover the following topics:

Creating a business structure you believe in
Working with (and against) trends
Interpreting the light
Sourcing inspiration from outside the industry
The importance of a supportive network
Helping the big day flow with ease
Branding and online presence – Making your voice heard

If you’ll be in New Zealand around those dates, and would like to hear from me and a range of incredibly talented and diverse photographers, visit the Infocus website and grab yourself a seat.