Award winning portrait, music, editorial and wedding photographer based in Melbourne, Australia.

Amanda + Cam in Wonderland | Cactus Country Wedding

Wait…

Let’s backtrack.

Amanda and Cam planned their elopement style wedding – with only eight close family members and friends to be present – at Cactus Country, an otherworldly garden of Eden on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. They dreamt of saying their vows amongst vivid colours and glorious sunshine; but does nature always play along? No. Nature’s kind of a dick sometimes.

For a couple like this, however, no amount of torrential downpours were going to get in their way. What followed was an epic adventure – battles with storms and millions of thorns; dances in clouds of coloured smoke; cross-country rides in classic cars… all culminating in a sumptuous feast at Junction Moama, with stunning styling by the bride herself.

I haven’t found the time to blog a full wedding in over a year (!), but I just couldn’t wait to share this one with you all.

Captured by Alastair and me as She Takes Pictures He Makes Films. Big love to Alex Stevens for her assistance on the day.

UPDATE: See Alastair’s film at the bottom of the post, featuring a soundtrack by Sal Kimber and a title illustration by Caro Facelli.

♦ Featured on Hello May

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“Luce, where do we begin? The photos have turned out absolutely amazing. Of course the whole time we were planning we had our fingers crossed for sunny days, but even though that wasn’t the case we had full confidence with your ability. Given the horrendous weather forecast for that single day of the week, we must say the end result exceeded all expectations… we wouldn’t have changed a thing if we were to do it all again.” – Amanda + Cam

Film by Alastair Innes:

“Alastair… We cannot begin to thank you both enough for how you guys have both captured our day. We are so glad we found you after an extensive social media stalk… You have captured such a unique and magical day for us and it is something that will be timeless and we will always hold close to our hearts and remember fondly. Your work has exceeded all the high expectations we had, and was well worth the wait. You guys rock!!!” – Amanda + Cam

Venue: Cactus Country
Flowers: Emily Bloom Florist + Cobram Flowers
Smoke Bombs: Coloured Smoke.com.au
Ceremony Styling: Gather Vintage Hire
Make Up: Sublime Mobile Hair and Makeup
Dress: The Bride’s aunt – Lis Jones
Bridal Shoes: Mystique Sandals
Groom’s Ensemble: Politix
Groom’s Shoes: Aquila
Suspenders: King of Sole
Reception Dinner: Junction Moama
Reception Prop Hire: Mack and Mills
Cake: Paper Cake
Limo: Classic Classic Cruzin Limosines
Accomodation: Adelphi Apartments
Celebrant: Anita Heard

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Camp Common Folk, Perth WA | Guest Speaker

Photo by Anna Taylor

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

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

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2015-2016 | Some Highlights

I haven’t posted any new work on here in a really long time (eek); there’s so much gold to share. Until I find the time, here’s a small selection of favourite moments, portraits and places from the last year and a bit.

(For more regular updates on new work and adventures, follow me on Instagram via our She Takes Pictures He Makes Films feed or my Lucy Spartalis feed).