This is another in a series of posts, where we will spotlight our gorgeous professional photo products, so that you can get to know what we have to offer at our studio.  We offer a variety of products that suit all needs and preferences.

We specialise in delivering a complete professional product to our clients.  Our clients expect to receive top quality products that are locally made, and products that give their professional photos the ultimate in finish and presentation.  Our clients are also looking for something that gives a WOW factor and makes their photos pop!  These Statement Tiles are certainly one of those products, and promise to deliver what the name suggests – They definitely make a Statement!

Imagine having these tiles sitting on your lounge room table or in your bedroom, and having the window light bouncing through these tiles, making your photos pop with colour and depth.  These Statement Tiles virtually make your photos ‘sing’ and are one of the best ways to display our images!  You can either purchase either of the sizes individually, or the entire Statement Tile Collection is available to order.

My clients have purchased this particular product to display their boudoir photos, family photos and wedding images!  It is such a versatile product and really suits the style of images I create for my clients.

These are a custom designed product, and therefore I strongly recommend that you allow at least 3 weeks for production and delivery.  This is why we always suggest to our boudoir and portrait clients that they allow at least 2.5 months for the whole process of their shoot, from planning through to the delivery of your order.

If this or any of our other products interest you, then why not come into the studio and view the products personally!

For a no-obligation consultation, contact Louise on 0402283219 or email louise@emotiveimages.com.au.

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.  After all of the presents are opened, and the food is eaten, the one thing that truly matters is the coming together of family.  Thinking of all of the many variations of families out there, who are getting to spend time today appreciating one another and reflecting on their lives together.  Whether you are a couple, have furbabies (like us here at Emotive Images), or a family with little ones, or even big kids, today is your day to relax together and enjoy each other’s love and support.

Both of our families are long distances from where we live, so we spent the day enjoying some quiet quality time together.  Some good food, thoughtful presents, a movie or two and some time to reflect on our lives this year.  I have heard so many people say that 2011 has been such a difficult time for them on a personal level, with misfortune felt in many forms.  No matter what your beliefs are, believe in something greater than yourself, and muster all the positive thoughts that you can to focus on an AWESOME and amazing 2012!

With inspiration from the “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” movie that is currently playing on television tonight, remember to appreciate whatever you receive this Christmas season, even if it is just a 1 year membership to a Jelly of the Month Club!  :)  Such a classic movie, and perfectly sums up what Christmas can be like when you forget what the true spirit of Christmas is meant to be about!  Whether you had a “National Lampoons” kind of Christmas, or an absolutely perfect day, all the best from Phil and myself for a safe and relaxing Christmas and New Years!

This gorgeous cake was made by the ever so talented Taya from Deliciously Decadent Cake Design!

Carolina’s Top Glamour tips for Summer

Hidden treasures under $50: The perfect gift for your best friend, mother, sister or someone special- candles are a great way to light up old and new memories…fragrances bring out the best in people and there are just so many to choose from.  Electric burners are  new, great and safe way to burn candle melts and fragrance the whole house (extremely affordable)

also: jewellery and makeup is affordable and makes women feel really special that you chose something personal just for them

Tips for summer parties/new years: Spray Tans, I always suggest exfoliating with a Techno Tan glove mitt the day of your spray tan remembering to avoid moisturiser and deodorant. Once you chose your perfect colour and have it sprayed..moisturising is key to keeping your tan hydrated long lasting and natural.  There are now great tan extender moisturiser products that I sell often.

Last but not least: makeup is the perfect party secret!! Napoleon perdis is sure to impress! everything from primer to gel eye liner and lets not forget water resistent foundation for hot days and dancing the night away!! remember foundation should blend in perfectly on your neckline not leave a line. Also stick on lashes are AMAZING every girl needs a perfect pair, remember you can use them several times so they are great value.

Visit Pink Blush Boutique and Beauty for so many gorgeous products and services to choose from!

Looking for the ideal Christmas gift for her? Here’s an idea: Buy her a relaxing pamper party from Brisbane’s Hens Heaven!

Attention guys of Brisbane – if you’re stuck thinking of the perfect Christmas gift idea for her, whether she’s your girlfriend, your wife, your sister or your mum, let us help you by taking the guesswork out of gifts-giving. Instead, give her something she’s bound to enjoy – a Hens Heaven pamper party. Soon the Brisbane shops will be positively abuzz with activity and a guy without a gift idea in a Brisbane shopping centre at Christmas time can be like a headless chook – clueless. Who needs to make multiple gift trips when a pamper party ticks every box in one go?

That goes for you too, girls! If you’re trying to think of that perfect Christmas gift idea that’s suitable for mum, grandma, sister, aunty and friend, we’ve got you covered. For those of us who have ever caught ourselves wishing we could cross off all our Christmas gifts at once, a pamper party idea is ideal. A Hens Heaven pamper party can be tailored to any group of six or more and is appropriate (and great fun!) for women of all ages. What’s more, the angels at Hens Heaven are mobile and can transform any Brisbane living room into a veritable oasis so you’re free to kick back and submit yourself (and your group!) to the follies of festivity. Getting your gift shopping out of the way has never been quicker, easier – or more perfect!

And for guys out there unsure what kind of pamper party his girl might want, we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing. You can either purchase the pamper party package as a gift idea for your wife, girlfriend, mum or sister and they can choose others to invite, or – if you’d rather show just how well you know the women in your life – you can book a pamper party for her and choose from our tailor-made pamper package ideas to suit her tastes.

With Hens Heaven pamper party in mind, thinking of the perfect Christmas gift idea for her has never been so easy – especially when the lovely Hens Heaven Christmas elves are on hand to spread festive cheer and ensure that the utmost attention is paid to her comfort and luxurious relaxation.

So, show your love and appreciation this Christmas and throw her a Brisbane pamper party she’s unlikely to forget. Give your loved ones something every girl regardless of age needs at this time of year – a perfect, pamper break. Now, that’s an idea!

Forget the hassles that come along with the festive season at Brisbane shopping centres! Avoid the headache of Brisbane Christmas parking and the scramble for last-minute Christmas presents! Bypass the exasperated cashiers and screaming toddlers and instead consider the ultimate in Christmas gift ideas that ticks every box – a Hens Heaven pamper party for her.

Do yourself a favour and give her the gift that she’ll love to receive. After all, nothing says “I love you” more this Christmas season than the gift of blissful relaxing indulgence.

http://www.hensheaven.com.au/

Mrs R approached me earlier in the year to have photos taken for a wedding gift to her new hubby!  She had given herself plenty of time for planning the shoot, and being able to order products that she really wanted!  I always strongly recommend that my clients give at least 2 months for the entire process.  Allowing a few weeks for planning really gives you time to think about the types of outfits that you will wear, time to purchase items for the shoot, and time to think about accessories and props.  We also spend a certain amount of time talking about the theme of your shoot, what backdrops you have in your home and what lighting is available.  I absolutely love photographing in a client’s home.  I do not use a studio, so there is no ‘cookie-cutter’ experiences with me!  Everything is unique.  The location can be unpredictable, as I have never been there before.  But I absolutely adore the simplicity and individuality of a client’s home.  You would be surprised what you can achieve with only a limited space.  In the past, I have had to work within a 2mx2m space with just a blank white wall.  The customised nature of a professional photo shoot with Emotive Images means that I embrace everything that your home has to offer with regards to backdrops and props.  I bring together everything that is present on the day and produce something that is personalised and exclusive to you, your personality and your curves.

Louise Brown was the makeup artist and hair stylist for this shoot.  It was pretty cool having 2 Louise’s on site.  Lots of giggles and chats, helped calm Mrs R’s initial nerves.  By the end of the shoot it was noticeable how relaxed she then was with the process.

A few weeks ago, Mrs R collected her gorgeous Keepsake Collection box with 20 images inside, all matted and protected, as well as her large wall print!  From what I heard, her husband was thrilled with his present!  I know that this photo shoot was initially intended for Mrs R to give a present to her husband, but it ended up being much more than that for herself!  I absolutely love what these sessions do for my female clients!  Now that Mrs R is married and her hubby has his gorgeous present, I am finally able to show you some images from the photo shoot!

Louise xx

This is the first in a series of posts, where we will spotlight our gorgeous professional photo products, so that you can get an idea of what we have to offer at our studio.  We offer a variety of products that suit all needs and preferences.

We specialise in delivering a complete professional product to our clients.  Our clients expect to receive top quality products that are locally made, and products that give their professional photos the ultimate in finish and presentation.  The Luxury Bold Photo Collection is certainly one of those products, and is one of our most popular products in the studio.

Imagine opening up this delicious red and black boxed collection, with lace and silk finishes, and seeing your gorgeous images inside!  It comes with a beautiful album of your images, as well as a few loose matted images that you can display on the easel that comes with it.  It is positively dreamy and has the right amount of ‘bling’ and class to make this one of our most favourite products!

My clients have purchased this particular product to display their boudoir photos (both as a gift to their partner as well as to themselves), family photos and even wedding images!  It is such a versatile product and really suits the style of images I create for my clients.

I can imagine my clients opening these boxes in 10 years, 30 years, 50 years into the future, and remembering how special that moment was in their lives.  It is like opening a box of chocolates and discovering all of the delight and enjoyment felt in exploring the different parts of these boxes.  And when you are finished, these boxes close up beautifully and compact, finished off with a simple ribbon bow.

These are a custom designed product, and therefore we strongly recommend that you allow at least 6 weeks for production and delivery.  This is why we always suggest to our boudoir and portrait clients that they allow at least 2.5 months for the whole process of their shoot, from planning through to the delivery of your order.

This Luxury Bold Photo Collection is a perfect gift for your partner on Valentine’s Day.  It is mysterious, bold and sexy as anything!  That is even before we include your gorgeous photos in the collection!

If this or any of our other products interest you, then why not come into the studio and view the products personally!

For a no-obligation consultation, contact Louise on 0402283219 or email louise@emotiveimages.com.au.

Here at Emotive Images we aim to feature on a regular basis local businesses who we work with and who we strongly recommend to our clients and readers!

We want you to see first hand the amazing businesses who are out there in your community and support them whenever possible!  We choose these businesses to feature based on a number of factors.

 These businesses offer quality customer service, they listen to their customers and value giving their customers the best experience possible.

They also offer something unique and a little different for their customers, and they are creative in their thinking and approach to business in general.

These businesses possess the qualities that Emotive Images also aims to uphold in our business, and we are excited about the idea of highlighting similar local businesses who you can rely on and trust.

This month we are shining the spotlight on a wonderful business that I came across recently, called Hens’ Heaven.  I recently photographed one of Hens’ Heaven’s gorgeous pamper parties, and I asked the owner Miranda Bodman a few questions about her business.

Hens’ Heaven website

Call Hens’ Heaven on 1300 700 601

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS?

After organising numerous hens night parties in Brisbane, I began wondering why no one was offering a classy or luxury alternative for the brides to be with an aversion to wild hens nights out and embarrassing gimmicks.

I also recognise that people are getting married older now, and often the bride wants her mother and grandmother as well as some younger people invited, but the current options of strippers, nightclubs, pole dancing ect did not include them.

It was then that I began to imagine the wonderful alternative….a luxurious Hens Pamper Party with relaxing massages, heavenly facials, professional makeup artists and handsome wait staff all provided in the comfort of your own home.

And so, I gathered an elite team of beauty therapists, relaxation therapists and luxury service providers and my mobile pamper company – Hens’ Heaven was born.

WHAT DOES HENS HEAVEN OFFER IN TERMS OF PACKAGES AND SERVICES?

We offer a variety of luxury pamper packages to suit all ages, tastes and budgets.

Our luxury beauty services include massage, facials, makeup, eye lash extensions, manicures and pedicures.

We are also very excited about our new complimentary services which include handsome topless waiters, professional makeup and photography packages, fortune telling and even a luxury limo service.

We realise that every party is different which is why we have a special service where you can design your own pamper party package. It enables the organiser to tailor our services to suit all of their guests needs.

DO I HAVE TO BE A ‘HEN’ IN ORDER TO USE YOUR SERVICES?

Hens Heaven is available for any occasion. We attend girl’s nights in, high teas, birthdays, baby showers and corporate events like staff appreciation days, product launches and Christmas parties.

DO YOU GO TO YOUR CLIENT’S HOME, OR DO THEY GO TO YOU?

We are a completely mobile day spa. Whether your party is at your home, hotel suite or corporate office we come to you!

Hens Heaven is available across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich regions.

OK, WHICH HENS HEAVEN PACKAGE INCLUDES THE “HOT” WAITER?  

Ahhh yes, this is one of our most popular packages, lol.  Our clients love our topless waiter package because our topless waiters are not only handsome but they are also super helpful.

Whether you want them to help you in the kitchen, make cocktails, greet your guests of pass food and champagne around our waiters are there to make hosting a party relaxing and more enjoyable.

And did I mention they are super sexy?

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN IN 2012 FOR HENS HEAVEN?

We are just focussed on building our reputation as one of the best party services in Qld. We having a growing list of customer testimonials that we are very proud of.

We really value word of mouth and believe by listening to our clients and working with them that we will spread the word far and wide.

DO YOU HAVE ANY COMPETITIONS RUNNING AT THIS TIME THAT OUR READERS CAN ENTER?

YES, we are currently on the hunt for one lucky group of Brisbane Ladies to share our Pamper Powers with for free!

The winner receive a FREE PAMPER PARTY for themselves and 3 of their FRIENDS.

The prize includes:

4 x Relaxing Massages

4 x Manicures/Pedicures

Our mobile day spa brought to you.

Here is a link to the competition entry form.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING UP, CAN I PURCHASE A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER?

Yes no problems, our gift vouchers come in various denominations. Shoppers can choose to purchase one package that the receiver can then use towards a party.  Or an entire pamper party can be purchased which can make Christmas shopping super fast if your have daughters, mothers, sisters and a wife to pamper.

WHAT DO YOU WANT EVERY PERSON TO EXPERIENCE FROM THEIR ENCOUNTER WITH HENS HEAVEN?

Absolute Bliss!

We want to take the weight from every hosts shoulders.

We want every guest to feel truly pampered, relaxed and special.

And most importantly we want to provide a luxury pamper party that bride to be’s and birthday girls will never forget.

A huge thank you to the beautiful bride and her hens’ party for allowing me to take photos of your gorgeous day!  Another huge thank you to Miranda for giving us some insight into your business!

If you know of a local business who offers exceptional customer service and provides something unique and creative for the customers, please send me a recommendation!

I would love to feature them here sometime!

I asked one of my most recent boudoir clients some questions about her boudoir photography experience with Emotive Images.  I love her answers, as they sum up what most women experience from the shoot!

WHERE WAS YOUR SHOOT DONE?

The shoot was held in our home. I think it made it a lot more personal and we were able to pick out different parts of the house on the spot. The trouble was getting my husband out for the day!

WHAT WAS THE OVERALL THEME OR STYLE?

I wanted to have a bit of variety, which I think Louise captured brilliantly. We had a mixture of romantic, sexy and fun shots.

WHAT OUTFITS, SHOES AND JEWELLERY/ACCESSORIES DID YOU WEAR?  ANY SUPPLIERS YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

I used a variety of lingerie, outfits, shoes and jewelry that I have collected over the years. Hubby thought it was great cause he recognised most of them.

ANY PROPS AND WHERE DID YOU GET THEM?

We used lots of items just from around the house, Louise was great at picking out different items that we could use.

WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REASON FOR DOING THE SHOOT?

I wanted a special gift to give to my Hubby as a wedding surprise, my Maid of Honor dropped it off to him the night before the wedding. I also recently lost 17kg, it’s the best I have felt about myself in a very long time, so what better way to celebrate than getting glammed up and showing it off!

HOW DID THE SHOOT MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

It was so much fun and the end results were amazing. It was everything I wanted and more.

WHAT DID YOUR PARTNER THINK ABOUT THE PHOTOS?

He loved them!

WOULD YOU DO A SIMILAR TYPE OF SHOOT LIKE THIS AGAIN IN THE FUTURE WITH EMOTIVE IMAGES?

Absolutely! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Hopefully Louise is going to do my trash the dress shoot soon!

WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA DOING THIS TYPE OF SHOOT?

A very unique experience. It takes a little bit to warm up but once you get into the swing of things and relax it is so much fun.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST FAVOURITE PRODUCT THAT YOU PURCHASED FROM EMOTIVE IMAGES DURING YOUR ORDERING SESSION?

The beautiful box set with the album and individual photos.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT YOU WILL SAY ABOUT THESE PHOTOS IN 5 OR 10 YEARS TIME?

I wish I still looked like that!

WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT THIS PHOTO SHOOT?

How different angles made me look so different.

If you are interested in this type of photo shoot for yourself, then give me a call on 0402 283 219 or email me on louise@emotiveimages.com.au to find out more about these types of photo shoots!

37 days until Christmas!

37 days until……

…christmas carols fill the air…

…christmas paper covers the lounge room floor and tinsel sprinkles from the tree…

…children young and old awake to the anticipation of a day filled with family, spirit and joy…

…families celebrate their time together and reflect on a year that has flown by…

By the time the Christmas tree is put away again for another year, the Christmas carols are switched off, all of the leftovers from Christmas day are eaten, and family and friends return to their busy lives – the holiday season of Christmas has ended and we move into yet another year.  How busy do we all get each and every year?  It seems to move quicker as each year passes.  So very quickly children grow up, people move on, and life changes.

We are living in an society where time and personal connection are probably THE most desired and elusive lifestyle qualities that people yearn for the most.  In my former life as a registered psychologist I would 99% of the time have people coming to see me about either “time poor” issues or concerns about personal connections with those around them.  We as a society have demanded more convenience in our lives, which has ultimately led to more online shopping, iphones, ipads, smart phones, the expectation of communication virtually instantaneously!  Ironically we are even more disconnected than we used to be.  There is like an overload of information, both helpful and unimportant, that is clouding our days and our experiences.  Never moreso than now have we wanted more personal connection, more understanding and to be heard.  How many times have you rung a service provider and been speaking to a machine, or even worse listening to that ‘on hold’ music for the 10th time?  How many times have you struggled for time along with your partner, away from all the distractions of life?  How many times have you give yourself ANY time for yourself in the past month, time that is enriching and reinvigorates you?  On one hand we want services and products immediately and on the other hand we would ‘cut off our right arm’ just to have the world slow down and for us to be able to relax and enjoy our time with one another.

Christmas Day is a great example of the latter option (without the need for cutting off a limb lol).  Everything gets to slow down and there is nothing else to focus on other than family and friends around you.  No shops are open, people on social media sites are away from their computers (for the most part ) enjoying time with their own families, and there is something really comforting about having the ‘permission’ to just stop for that day and really take in everything that is happening.  Appreciation and reflection is what Christmas Day is all about.

No matter what combination makes up your family, it is important to take stock and celebrate your time together.  I know how important it is to listen to people, to understand their needs and to hear their ideas.  The many clients I have had the pleasure to photograph over the years have exhibited the same desires that I have mentioned above.  The need to be heard, the need to take time out for themselves and their families, and the need to build on those personal connections with those they love.  I like to think that I have helped them with that, even for a fleeting moment through a photo shoot.  Just think that if each of my clients had not taken the time to celebrate their personal connections in front of the camera, then the photos below would never have existed.  When you really slow it down and think about what matters the most, it is these memories that you can hang onto for generations.  The joy of a moment….how tiny your newborn baby’s hands were compared to yours….that ‘look’ that your partner gave you when they are in love and feeling loved….how feminine you felt when feeling pampered….

There is something really comforting and grounding about knowing that a person took the time out to stand in front of a camera.  By doing so they have stood up, been counted, and announced to the world that they were here!  That they love, that they are loved, they cry, they feel joy, they play and they share their time with others.  I know that most people do that haphazardly every day through interactions with people at work, at home and on the internet.  But how often do we do this and record the moment properly?  How often is one person left out of a photo because ‘someone’ has to hold the camera?  Our time on this earth is limited, and through the rush and bustle of life, we can forget that we are living the moments of a generation who those after us will reflect back upon.  Those old, hazy photos that you look back on now of generations past, will be us one day.  Those photos that you peer at, of great great aunts and grandmothers, create a sense of us being part of something that is much much bigger than just ourselves.  Those photos have substance, have an energy to them that you can’t replace.  They say something about the people who once walked this earth, they say that they were here, that they loved, that they were loved, they cried, they felt joy, they played and they shared their time with others.

The philosophy behind Emotive Images is to encourage my clients to be connected with someone……….and my clients and I do this through the story of photos.  Their story.  Their connections.  Their memories.  What an honour to be a part of!  It is my passion!

I love collaborating alongside my clients to help them express through photographs…

 that they are here…

that they love…

that they are loved…

that they cry…

that they feel joy…

that they play…

and that they share their time with others!

As my friends, family and my clients would know, this year has been a tough one for my family.  Floods, close family passing away, family going through some major health struggles, and then finally 3 weeks ago my parents were in a serious car accident.  They are alive…..injured….but alive.  It brought home a lot for me in terms of what is important.  Hence, why this blog post is so long and detailed  I promise that we are near the end of my post

To sum up what I have said, I encourage you all to hugs your kids or your partner or your pet just a little bit more this weekend!  Spend just a little more time playing rather than working.  Give time to yourself and your family, away from distractions.  You never know what life is going to bring next.

If what I have said above strikes a cord for you, then I would love to hear from you!  I would love to hear your ideas of ways to reconnect with your family or even with who you are as a person (minus the distractions).

Let’s create something in a photo that tells the world that you were here!

To say that you love, that you are loved, that you cry, that you feel joy,

that you play and that you share your time with others!

Cheers,

Louise

Mobile:  0402 283 219

Email:  louise@emotiveimages.com.au