bounce! Photography

2 becomes 3

2011-07-06T15:54:00.000+10:00

I love sharing a small part in the special moments of people's life!

I first met this couple when they asked me to photograph their wedding.

Now I have the special privilege of sharing their journey into parenthood.

We recently met up again to create some wonderful memories and I'm really excited because "bub" has just arrived and I get to photograph her over the next 12 months.

Thank you so much "J" and "G" for letting me share a small part of your journey.

Jodie

3 in a teepee!

2011-07-06T11:04:00.002+10:00

Colourful new teepee, balloons, and crazy string! Put them together with a fun family and its the perfect recipe for a wonderful colourful session.

Cutie Patooties!

2011-07-06T10:56:00.002+10:00

I recently spent a gorgeous afternoon with this lovely family. Little Mr. "L" had the deeest brown eyes you could get lost in and little Miss "E" was the cutest little girl with such a fabulous personality. I could seriously have taken them both home - ADORABLE!!

Busy, Busy, so gratefully busy!

2011-07-05T12:06:00.001+10:00

We have been really busy again and as always our poor blog is the first to get neglected....so we are going to share a few posts today and we promise to try and keep the posts coming regularly from now on. Please feel free to leave us some blog love, and we'd love you to click +1 to recommend our blog to others.
Thanks
Jodie & Erin

Free session AND a Free 8x12' Print!!

2011-06-08T12:34:00.000+10:00

Call us before the end of June to book your session, complete your session by the end of August and your session is FREE plus you get a FREE 8x12' print.

bounce! it BACK

2011-05-17T14:00:00.000+10:00

As most of you will know, twice a year we open nominations for people to "bounce" it BACK (it's all explained in the below image).
We asked this family to share their story with us, what a journey they are on! Joy, Stewart, Kaden, and Kai - THANKYOU - for letting us bounce! it BACK to you.

Hi, my name is Kai and I am 3 years old.

Recently my mum took me to the Gold Coast Hospital for blood tests in relation to a high fever that I had been experiencing over several days. Within hours I was transferred by Ambulance to the Oncology Ward of the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane as my Platelet, Red Blood cells and White Blood cells (immune cells) were all dangerously low.

A Bone Marrow Biopsy and blood tests eventually revealed that I had a rare and life threatening blood disorder called Severe Aplastic Anaemia (SAA). SAA is a blood disorder that affects only 2-4 people per million worldwide, and is most common in adults and in Asian countries where it is thought to primarily be caused by exposure to chemicals used in farming.

SAA is a disease that can be hereditary or acquired and is quite similar in symptoms and treatment to Leukaemia. The main difference between the two is that with Leukaemia, cancer cells kill off the bone marrow that produces the three different blood cell types in the body, whereas with SAA, the body’s own immune system kills off the bone marrow. My SAA is acquired, meaning that I was not born with the disease but it has been triggered by an event such as a viral infection which has caused my immune system to start attacking my bone marrow as if it were ‘foreign’ to my body. If patients with SAA are left untreated, mortality after one year is more than 80%.

In my case, I only have about 20% of my bone marrow left which is not enough to produce the blood cells my body needs to keep me alive. This means that I also have little or no immune system to fight off infections. As a result, any virus like a common cold or a bacterial infection is potentially life threatening. My best chance of a cure is a bone marrow transplant but unfortunately my brother and parents are not a match for my bone marrow tissue.

My treatment has involved having a central venous line inserted directly into my chest to enable easy access for transfusions, blood tests and to give me drugs and antibiotics when I get an infection. Once my central line was inserted, I was then given a treatment called ‘Atgam’ which involved the transfusion of a drug for 4 hours a day over five days, the aim being that the drug would literally wipe out my immune system. I was then put onto daily doses of antibiotics to ward off bacterial and fungal infections and, most importantly, Immunosuppressive Drugs to keep my immune system suppressed in the hope that this will give my bone marrow a chance to regenerate on its own. If this treatment proves successful, and the bone marrow regenerates, allowing my blood counts to increase to normal levels, I will be gradually weaned off the Immunosuppression drugs. It is then hoped that my immune system will ‘kick-start,’ like rebooting a computer, and as my immune system is allowed to regenerate, that it will no longer see my bone marrow as being ‘foreign tissue’ and will cease attacking and destroying it.

Whilst waiting to see if this immunosuppressive drug treatment could potentially cure my disease, my life revolves around constant platelet and blood transfusions which are literally keeping me alive. In the past eight months I have had 20 platelet transfusions 9 red blood cell (haemoglobin) transfusions and at least 70 blood tests to monitor my condition and have spent around 32 days in hospital as a result of infections, requiring some of the strongest intravenous antibiotics available to prevent such simple infections becoming life threatening.

If this therapy doesn’t work, my last chance of a cure is an unrelated bone marrow transplant. This treatment, although offering the best chance of a complete cure, is very high risk as there is a 30% chance of mortality as a result of ‘Graft Versus Host Disease’, where immune cells in the donor bone marrow recognise the transplant recipients’ body tissues as being ‘foreign’, setting up infections throughout the patient’s body which can result in death. For this reason it is necessary to find the closest tissue match possible to prevent the severity of this disease. However, I am fortunate enough to have a common bone marrow tissue type and several well matched potential bone marrow donors have been identified in Australia and around the world so I still have another chance of a cure should my drug treatment not be successful.

I will need to continue to have blood and platelet transfusions regularly until either the Immunosuppressive Drug Therapy works, or I receive a successful unrelated bone marrow transplant that enables me to be transfusion independent. If neither of these treatments work, I will spend the rest of my life dependent upon blood transfusions.

I am certainly far from being cured of my disease yet, but in the last few months my blood counts have begun to slowly improve, meaning that my platelet and blood transfusions have been less frequent. This has given me and my family hope that I will be one of the 23% of SAA patients on this immunosuppressive drug treatment who are completely cured of SAA with no relapses or side effects that could potentially lead to Leukaemia in the future.

Family Fun

2011-05-10T14:02:00.000+10:00

One of the many things I love about being a photographer is the privilege I get meeting so many wonderful people who kindly let me into their homes, and lives. I met this gorgeous family while shooting a wedding of their friends. "S" saw me photographing some of the children at the wedding and asked me if I could create some memories for their family. Of course I said yes, and a week later we were having fun capturing some gorgeous images on the bank of the Brisbane river where they live. Such gorgeous children, and those cute little boys were FAST!

E-Shoot!

2011-04-13T11:52:00.001+10:00

What a beautiful couple! So much LOVE....... had a great time photographing these two for their engagement shoot, so natural together. I also had the pleasure of photographing their recent Wedding and cant wait to share those photos as well.

Gorgeous Girls!

2011-04-13T10:35:00.000+10:00

I love the images captured at this recent photo shoot of a mother and her three gorgeous girls. The Photos show the strong loving bond this mother has with her daughters and they will be an everlasting reminder of the special relationship they share. Although the afternoon was interupted by some "pesky" boys taking off with some props and a grumpy old man telling us to "move on", the final result was all worth it. These girls were stunning! (Some future models in the making i'm sure...)

A quick little post to share with you....

2011-03-21T14:24:00.000+10:00

I just wanted to share a really quick little post of two beautiful little girls of a wonderful friend of mine.
The weather wasn't playing nice with us the day of our session, and rather than fight it we thought we would go with it, and get some FUN playful shots in the rain....well even that didn't work, and all we were left with was overcast, flat light....so instead of the session planned we found a gorgeous little 'pocket' in my yard and had a quick 10 min shoot. We still got some gorgeous shots but not the ones we planned...hehehehe
I hope you enjoy.
Jodie xoxox

Aren't they just GORGEOUS. LOVE these girls. xoxoxo

Welcoming a beautiful little Princess

2011-03-16T12:56:00.000+10:00

Recently I had the pleasure of observing Jodie edit the photo shoot of the Gorgeous "B" family.
Jodie was so excited with the images she had captured she couldn't wait to share.
This beautiful family had just welcomed a little princess into their lives to add to the fun loving and spirited little boys and who make up the "B" family.
Mum looked stunning on the day of the shoot and you would never have known that she had recently given birth and you could tell Dad was so proud of his gorgeous little family.
After the shoot Mum was a little worried that Jodie may not have captured the images she was hoping for although she need not have worried as she was moved to tears when she saw the beautiful images Jodie had captured of her family.

Awesome Urban Shoot!!!

2011-03-11T09:44:00.000+10:00

My FAVE seesions are urban sessions!
I love the colours and textures you can bring out and what a FABULOUS session I enjoyed with this fun family!
I had so much trouble keeping my edits down in this session, I got SOOOOOO many great images!!!
How gorgeous and funky is this family!
Thank you so much for a great, great, GREAT afternoon guys.
I can't wait to shoot you again! hehehe

The story isn't complete without YOU..

2011-03-06T12:27:00.002+10:00

On the 29th of this month I am getting my own family portraits taken of me and my 'babies' - although at 6 & 7 they're not really babies anymore...
This is the 3rd year in a row that I am making the effort to get a professional session done with my children (and me!)

Unfortunately in my case, my marriage broke down and it was this tragedy that showed me just how many memories (because that's what your photos are) I had missed out on.
We had so many photos of the kids from newborn, thru to toddlers and on but I was in so FEW of them. How sad.

When the kids and I started our new chapter in life, I vowed to myself that this would change! And every year since, we have had our own family portraits taken..with ME IN THEM.

So now I ask YOU... when was the last time you were in a professional photo with your children, your family?
How many memories have you missed out on?

Don't wait! If the last few months of mother natures' fury has shown us anything, it is the irreplaceable importance of your photos!
We all have boxes, or albums or cupboards filled with our snapshots but your professional images are just as important.

Most of us women, even more and more men these days think - "I'll just wait till I lose a bit of weight" - "now isn't the right time" - "We can't afford to"....
.You can't afford NOT to!
Now IS the right time, forget the weight (that's what photoshop is for, and why we are the professionals)
Plan your sessions into your budget, just as you do with your car registration, your rates, your important insurances...your regular photgraphy session should be in your list too. It doesn't have to be every year like me, plan for every two years.

Don't wait for a tragedy in your life to wake you up to the invaluable importance of professional imagery. Don't have your children look back one day and ask...."mum/dad why aren't you in any photos?"
This is your story, live it, love it and be part of it.
Jodie xoxo

(thank you to Whitewish Photography and Danielle Hamilton Photography for being a part of our story. xoxoxoxoxoxoxox )

I love a family who loves each other this much!

2011-03-02T19:51:00.000+10:00

I met this gorgeous family for their photo session and had the most fabulous time. I just ADORE being around truly LOVING families, and to me this family just oozed natural, easy, uncomplicated love!
We had a great session, and even got asked by a passer by if they were part of a myer catalogue shoot or something because there they were on the beach with their 'wardrobe' of clothing! hahahaha
Thank you so much 'H' family, for allowing me the privilege of photographing you, and I cannot wait till our next time.
Jodie xoxxox

Beth Jansen workshop - LOTS of images...

2011-02-14T15:51:00.002+10:00

Back in November I was privileged to fill a last minute spot that became available at the Beth Jansen workshop. I was worrying that I might have made too much of an impulsive decision, having to find the fee to cover the workshop immediately and not having really thought it through....WELL, I couldn't have been more wrong!
What a truly AMAZING workshop. Beth is a truly AMAZING inspiration...and she helped me to bring even MORE colour into my work (and my life)...I now look forward to bringing MORE colour into my clients lives and YOURS!
I'm sharing a selection of images from that workshop today, and in here you'll find my first attempt at boudoir imagery. I have never shot this style before so it took me way out of my comfort zone! But what fun it was!!
A BIG thank you to Ainslie Bernoth from Wild Spirit Photography for organising yet another fabulous workshop, and another BIG thank you to all the models who gave their time to us (Ihope you enjoy your images) and lastly the BIGGEST thank you to Beth for all you gave to me, not only in my work but in my life!!!! Thank you!

The wonderful Beth Jansen. xxx

One of the Boudoir images - such wonderfully brave models - I am full of admiration. xx

These little girls with their gorgeous mum, aunty and Grandmother were just wonderful to photograph...you will see more of them as the post goes on. xxx

This beautiful little girl (and her cheeky little brother) were a ton of fun!!!

This is one of my most recent faves!!!

Don't you just LOVE the van - Thanks again Ainslie (and Mark)

Could she BE any more stunning!

One of Beths' funky little boys - such adorable kids!!!

More boudoir...

You saw this little guys' sister earlier in the post...I LOVED him - SO full of cheek and mischief...F.U.N

Look at this adorable little munchkin. She was the most easy going bub ever.

I didn't take many images on the newborn day, but here is one I love with all the colour.

And just had to finish the post with these DIVINE shoes..... :-))))

Fun at the beach with an extended family...

2011-02-04T13:14:00.001+10:00

I absolutely ADORED photographing this family!!! I can't say enough how much of a pleasure it was. So easygoing and relaxed. Often doing such a large gathering of family members can be exhausting (and sometimes stressful) as the photographer, trying to get everybody to co-operate and get into the fun of things, but this family was AWESOME!!!! Did I mention just how much I ADORED photographing them! hehehe
Due to the Christmas break and then my getting very sick, this poor (patient) family has had to wait longer than usual for their images, but my fingers are crossed that they will LOVE their images so much they might just forgive me...
.;-)))
This is just a few of MANY images from their session, but I hope you enjoy seeing them.
Jodie xxx

Colour, Colour Colour..

2011-01-28T20:05:00.000+10:00

Here is another recent session to share with you. 'E' is my cousins' beautiful daughter who I have had the pleasure of watching grow into a gorgeous young woman.
This young woman is a truly generous and soft soul, and I am proud to say I am related to such a beautiful person both inside and out!
I love you 'E'!!
I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do.. such a gorgeous colour everywhere!
Jodie xoxox

F.U.N.K.Y = what a great session!

2011-01-24T13:42:00.000+10:00

This is one rockin' family!
The gorgeous L family, were FULL of character. LOVED them!
We met up in Brisbane City for our session on a Saturday afternoon. I was late and flustered after getting lost THEN parking in a city carpark MILES away, lugging all our props and lighting equipment AND my two kids along 3 city blocks!!! So you can imagine I was not calm and collected when we finally arrived....
All I can say is THANK GOODNESS I was shooting this family that day. They were so easygoing, fun and those boys....full of cheekiness!
For such a frazzled start to the session, it ended up being GREAT FUN!
Thanks so much guys, I CANNOT wait to 'shoot' you again! :-)
Jodie xoxox

Don't you LOVE the boys' shoes...

A truly beautiful family....

2011-01-24T10:33:00.003+10:00

I meet some wonderful people in my line of work, and this family is one of them. I first met J & D when D was expecting their little girl. I had the pleasure of photographing baby G when she was newborn and now nearly 2 years has passed!
It brings me such great joy to have my clients return as their family grows. I love watching their little ones change from a sweet little newborn to a little person all of their own. What a privilege this is to me.
Little G is a bundle of pure energy, sweetness, and love...such love radiates from these beautiful clients.
J & D, Thank you for allowing me to create your memories with you, I look forward to many years of watching your beautiful daughter grow.
Jodie xoxoxox

The STUNNING Mollie......

2010-11-22T17:24:00.000+10:00

This is the 2nd time I have had the extreme pleasure of photographing Mollie, and HOW much I enjoy it!!!!
Mollie is a young model who needed her portfolio updated with some new images....she wanted them a bit edgier (did I spell that right???) and I was in HEAVEN shooting her!
She is such a professional for someone so young and up for just about ANYTHING....
Off we went to the city a couple of weeks ago with all our equipment, some other photographers that were keen to come along and learn and Mollie's BIG suitcase of clothes, shoes, accessories....WHAT a sight we were! hahahaha
'Strolling' around Chinatown and The Valley we just stopped whenever I found a little 'pocket' I liked...and did I mention I was in HEAVEN!!
Mollie (and the girls who accompanied us) were so much fun, even agreeing with me when I told them to bring all the gear into the Unisex public toilet where Mollie was getting changed - because I just "had" to shoot in there....Oh so stinky, but so much amusement for the poor unsuspecting souls who just needed to 'go' hehehehehe
The images I am sharing with you today are sooooooooooo me!!!! I love them and I hope you enjoy seeing them too.
Jodie xoxoxox

As a CONSUMER what should I look for when choosing a photographer?

2010-11-02T17:31:00.001+10:00

As a CONSUMER what should I be looking for?
Photography, as with all forms of art is a very subjective medium. Technically there are certain ‘rules’ to follow (or sometimes break) but as a consumer there are a few things you can consider when choosing a photographer to create your memories....

What appeals to your taste?
When looking through photographers’ websites, blogs or facebook don’t just look at one or two images, take your time to look through a range of their work. All photographers – aspiring or professional – have a style. This might be something you can recognise easily or it might be more subtle but regardless, there is always a style, and that style needs to appeal to you. Your images are a valuable part of your history. You need to be proud to display them, whether it’s on your wall, in a portrait album, on your digital frame or even in your wallet. Remember FIRST ask yourself – Do I like this photographers’ style?

What is your house decor?
This may or may not be important to you but it is something you might like to give thought to. It can help you when choosing clothing for your session, or deciding what ‘look’ you would like out of your images. It can also help with your decision making at your ordering appointment, because you will also have an idea of what walls you will display your images in your home.

Who are you as a family?
This question goes a long way again towards the ‘look’ you want out of your images, and also helps your photographer gently direct your session to suit your personalities.
Are you an outgoing family? Are you adventurous and willing to go wherever your photographer requests and try anything they suggest (within reason of course) or is your family more reserved, more comfortable keeping your session low key, less ‘set up’, more natural?
Think about the IMPORTANCE of this question.....
How comfortable or uncomfortable would you feel if your session was in the middle of the city with people all around watching?
Communicate with your photographer; don’t be afraid to speak up. There is nothing more disappointing for you OR your photographer than creating images you are less than thrilled with.

Do we feel comfortable with this photographer?
Being comfortable with your photographer is a crucial component to consider before making any bookings. Why is it so important? Because if you don’t feel comfortable..... with your photographer, your surrounds, what you’re wearing then this is going to show in your images and the last thing you want to do is look back with any regret.
You need to feel relaxed with the person who is helping to create your memories with you, you will probably be nervous enough being in front of the camera. You need to hire someone you feel CONFIDENT will be able to get the ‘best’ out of you and your family.

Value for money vs. cheap....
The investment you outlay for your images is obviously something that must be factored in to your decision making when choosing a photographer. However it is very easy to get caught in the ‘trap’ of saving a ‘few bucks’.
I am not here to say that you absolutely MUST spend more to receive more but there ARE a few points to consider before making up your mind.....
Are you choosing a photographer based on price alone? If you are, that’s ok but based on price alone do you get to ‘tick’ all of your other boxes?
- Can this photographer deliver the quality of service and product that my family deserves?
- Will my images be what I want for my family?
- Can this photographer capture the style of image I am looking for?
- Is this photographer willing to travel to a location I want?
- Am I getting VALUE for my money?
- Can I relate to this photographer?
- Does this photographer have the knowledge and experience to get the best images of us?
- Does this photographer have the necessary skills to create our portrait art or am I hiring someone to take nice snapshots of my family?
- How important are these images to me?

Whether you are looking for a photographer for the first time or are looking for someone new to capture your family memories, I hope this information helps you to sort through the many many choices out there, and hopefully you will find a photographer to meet all your needs and who you will entrust your memories to time and time again.

copyright Jodie Towell bounce! Photography 2010

Why invest in custom photography?

2010-11-02T10:14:00.000+10:00

Why invest in custom photography? Because as the age old saying goes...’you get what you pay for’. This seems especially true in the world of photography.
With digital technology so readily available, everywhere you turn these days you will find a ‘photographer’ or someone aspiring to be, but this does not guarantee quality in either imagery or product.
Many ‘photographers’ are using inferior equipment, offering inferior product, shoot in mass production style or quite frankly even if they have ‘all the gadgets’, have no photographic training but own a DSLR so they must be’ professional.’
A reputable custom photographer will offer you superior quality both in imagery and product. The experience is not only more personal, but the quality is evident from the equipment being used at its intended capability, to the experience and skill of the photographer and MOST IMPORTANTLY – your final product, your precious memories.
You will find that nearly all custom photographers work for themselves or in small carefully and creatively formed partnerships, so they will take extra care to ensure you walk away with pleasant memories of your dealings with them as they rely fondly on your word of mouth referrals and care deeply about their reputability. You won’t be dealing with a ‘hired’ photographer. You will be dealing directly with them. (in some communications with their carefully appointed assistants.)
I am a very proud member of the A.C.O.C.P. (Australian community of child photographers) www.acocp.org.au The ACOCP is a not for profit organisation of professional photographers who donate their time, services and products to families of stillborns, sick or deceased babies and ill children. This has humbled me greatly and taught me to truly value the importance of not only living life to the full but the SIGNIFICANCE of creating your memories with care.
Even if you only do it once, honour your memories and use a reputable photographer. DON’T do your memories an injustice by using a chain store/ mass production photographer.
Your images are not something you grow out of as your children and family grow. Your images become MORE precious, MORE valuable as the years pass, not only taking you back to those wonderful moments in your life but becoming an invaluable part of your story, your history to pass on to the next generations.
Doesn’t your family deserve quality?

copyright Jodie Towell bounce! photography 2010

What is professional custom photography?

2010-11-01T22:03:00.001+10:00

What is professional custom photography?
True professional custom photography is exactly that........customised photography in a fun, relaxed session focused solely on YOU, YOUR family, YOUR personalities & natural interactions, NOT cheesy forced poses and smiles.
There is no mass production format to be followed, no franchise rules to be obeyed, and no rushing through your session to get to the ‘next’ in line.
Custom photography is not about using the same props, or even settings for each client, it isn’t taking a ‘nice photo’. It is about creating beautiful imagery unique to YOU.
True professional custom photographers understand their craft; have experience, and thrive on working WITH you to create YOUR personalised work of portrait art.
copyright Jodie Towell bounce! photography 2010

The following excerpts are published with permission from Marianne Drenthe – www.professionalchildphotographer.com

“There is a great deal of time and care involved in creating high end custom photography. The artists’ time invested at the session is only a small portion of time involved in the custom process.”

“Custom photography is about an experienced photographer devoted to your family, your memories, giving you 1:1 undivided attention.”

“Custom photography is the ‘Lexus’ of the photography world. It is where the intangibles make the experience truly wonderful and the images themselves make the investment of money and time truly worthwhile.”

“Clients who enjoy a more active role in the creation of their families’ memories have the desire to have portrait art that is truly personalised.”

bounce! it back.....

2010-10-26T22:58:00.000+10:00

For those of you who might not follow bounce! on Facebook, twice yearly I open nominations for people to recommend someone they know who deserves to be recognised, thanked, or acknowledged publicly by giving away a FREE session, 10 FREE full resolution digital files, 10 FREE low resolution digital files for personal web or email use, plus 1 FREE 16x24' blockmounted image, ready to hang.....
I finally met this deserving family recently, and what a true pleasure it was for me to meet them. Two VERY busy little people made for a fun, session with lots of running around by me, mum & dad...hehehehe

I would like to share with you a segment of the email I received while considering this first round of nominations.
♥ "Hi Jodie,I would love to nominate my best friend to receive this photography package.She has been a rock of support through my recent (and still ongoing) cancer battle.A few words about Cathy and why she deserves this privilege...

Cathy Moss has been my best friend since grade 7 (for 17 years) and I count her as a huge blessing in my life each and every day.

Cathy has 2 young children (Clay 3 and Cami 2) whom she devotes all her time and energy too. Her hubby needs to take their car to work and leaves her at home with the kids all day long.
She is never one to complain and is always busy playing with the kids, doing the housework or baking something for her church meetings.
Cathy is always looking for ways to make the family's budget stretch to meet their needs.
I was recently diagnosed with Cancer and Cathy was available to help me when needed. She has put together a few fundraising events to raise money to help me with medical costs and recently shaved her head, on stage, at her church - raising over $350. This was a big step for Cathy as she struggled with the decision knowing her kids might be funny having a mummy with no hair. [however she looks amazing beautiful...
I would love to be able to bless her in return for all her support and friendship.
Please consider Cathy for this valuable prize.
Thanks, Sheree Brown"♥
Here's a look at a few loving images from their session....as always thanks for taking the time to pop in to have a look. I always appreciate the support. :-)
Jodie xoxoxox

The coolest kids on the block!

2010-10-11T12:15:00.000+10:00

A couple of weeks ago I photographed these gorgeous kids....What three AWESOME little people they were. I really enjoyed this session. Don't you love it when you have the most agreeable subjects, these guys did everything I asked of them and had such a gorgeous connection with each other. fun, FuN, FUN!!!
Thanks for a lovely, enjoyable session and mum and dad you must be SO proud of your beautiful children. xxxxxxxxx
Jodie