Nina Beilby Photography - Sydney, Australia

Nelson Bay - Peaceful Paradise

2012-02-13T13:26:00.000+11:00

You can read the full post here but in the meantime, here are a couple of the peaceful moments I captured this weekend at Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, NSW.

Extended Family of 11 Portrait Session

2012-01-27T20:01:00.000+11:00

Christmastime brings family together, sometimes from different States, even different countries so it is an ideal opportunity to capture the togetherness with a portrait.

This past Boxing Day, we did just that. Mother Nature threatened a dreadful storm with softball sized hail stones but we went ahead with the shoot in any case because who knows when this opportunity may arise again as part of the family had travelled from Adelaide to be here for the shoot...

A fabulous location, chosen by the family. We were actually at a point where we could see back toward the city skyline.

Tween Boy Photo Session - Brothers and Best Friends

2011-12-22T20:19:00.000+11:00

I had a great shoot with two lovely, polite boys who clearly enjoyed each other's company which makes my job entirely easy! The portrait session was in my home studio and as it was a lovely day, we were able to photograph outside as well as inside, giving us a large variety of shots!

Business Headshots and Profile Images

2011-12-05T14:08:00.001+11:00

This week, saw a number of executives stop by for business photographs.

Some were for professional profile images such as LinkedIn, others were for printed sales material and others, websites.

No matter which, your profile image is your link to the outside professional world and should look amazing.

Without a profile image, you look as though you are hiding something. Without a recent, professional looking image, you are failing to make that vital good first impression.

With proper lighting and some editing, it is possible to produce such an image...

These images can be created in our Chatswood studio or at your own office.

and don't worry about the odd scar or blemish....we take care of that too...

Before and After editing...

Business Headshot - Portrait of a Celebrant..

2011-11-28T08:27:00.001+11:00

Today I had the lucky pleasure of meeting Mr Ross Wellings. A Chatswood resident for at least 40 years, it turns out that The Wellings had been neighbors of The Beilbys way back in 1971.

A Civil Marriage Celebrant, Mr Wellings was in need of updated business portraits for his website and profile on celebrant.com.au. I was happy to oblige.

An endearing man, I couldn't think of anyone better to reside over a wedding.

Tween Portrait Session

2011-11-24T09:52:00.001+11:00

What to do with a Tween boy? Not too much actually. Little James was brilliant at having his own fun. His mother had prepared him well and he was relaxed and completely comfortable in front of the camera - the perfect subject!

Rather, it was I who experienced difficulties. Of the technical kind, that is. I had tested my lights the day before and they had worked well. A tricky setup where I am sending my USA lights through a converter and battery pack but apparently I had blown a fuse and didn't realise it. However, we managed to make it work.

Swim Action Photography - SMNE Nov 2011

2011-11-20T07:32:00.000+11:00

Another successful meet for the Lane Cove Swim Club. We really enjoy these SMNE meets as they are well organized, they combine the little and big swimmers and they are generally on time...it also was great that we won the door prize - a money tree full of scratch-it tickets.

Here are some of the highlights:

Sydney Harbour from Luna Park

2011-10-12T09:46:00.000+11:00

Whilst the kids had a ton of fun on the rides at Luna Park, I spent a short while taking some images of Sydney Harbour. It was kind of an icky day but nonetheless, a pretty aspect of the harbour.

Location Portrait Session

2011-09-27T12:35:00.000+10:00

I love outdoor shoots. Pile a bunch of camera, lighting gear and paraphernalia into the boot and head to a complimentary location. Just have to remember the all important - memory card (had to make a quick trip home...doh!)

Today we are at a wild strip of land just above Chatswood Golf Club. I loved the look of the long feral grass which was the perfect backdrop to my very own uninhibited child. Despite my clothing suggestions, we went with her diamond studded pajamas. Therefore I had to crop in pretty tight.

The sun was in and out of the clouds which makes for a challenging shoot, but with reflectors and flashes, we were able to cope pretty well with it. Other than these usual challenges, I am pretty happy with the results for this outdoor portrait session.

Portraits of a Wild Child

2011-09-15T14:01:00.000+10:00

If you think you've worked for the most demanding Art Director on the planet, think again...Little Miss Emily produced, directed and styled this 20 minute shoot. I love it..so much fun with Emily.

Sydney Harbour Snap

2011-09-07T05:02:00.000+10:00

What a perfect Spring day to meet with my primary school friend, Jo. The Harbour was gleaming. Right before our coffee on the boardwalk at Circular Quay, I had a little chance to try out my new filter..

This is the view from Pier 6 looking northbound.

Swim Meet Action Photography

2011-08-22T10:37:00.000+10:00

There is something about following a swimmer with you zoom lens that gives you a an intimate insight to the swimmer's nuances. The way they focus before their race, which side they breath on, whether they breath at all as was the case in some of the 50 meter races.

I love photographing swim meets and this particular weekend was action packed with a Sydney Metro North East (SMNE) meet at SOPAC in Homebush on the Saturday and an Aquaburn at Normanhust on the Sunday. Here are some of the highlights.

SOPAC...

Aquaburn...

SWIM SQUAD PHOTOGRAPHY & INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITS

2011-07-25T10:23:00.000+10:00

The Team Photograph...
Clubs large and small like the team image for their websites and to display at their pool because it demonstrates professionalism, unity and team spirit as in this example of the Oregon City Swim Team, USA.

When you swim 6 to 9 times a week, 2 hours each time, your teammates become like family and that's why the kids love to get a print of the team as well.

The Swim Portrait...
Swim portraits are great because the kids get a chance to look dry and glamorous poolside instead of dripping wet for a change!

Action Shots...
...then they can also do some cool action shots as well.

Memory Mate Prints...
...or combine the two onto a memory mate print...

You can view more images on my website. For more information, or to schedule your team shoot, you are welcome to call or email me anytime!

Business Portraits - Who Said Photo Shoots Aren't Fun!

2011-07-22T18:58:00.000+10:00

We setup the backdrop and lighting right there in the BPM Northwest office. Suit jackets were donned, hair was coiffed, ties were straightened and best expressions practiced.

Typically, the last thing corporate executives want to do it have their photograph taken.

It was all business here until one of the guys started making muppet faces. Then it was on.

After this it is was difficult for them to keep a straight face but the mood was light and soon enough, we got some quality corporate images.

The space was limited so instead of a backlight, I had the guys sit close to the backdrop. The main and fill lights on either side of the camera provided a natural vignette on the backdrop.

All in all, it was a fun morning and we got some great images. You can check them out on my website.

Jumping Shoot

2011-05-07T05:52:00.000+10:00

I shot a similar idea for a school project and it was so popular that I have decided to offer the shoot as a Father's Day gift idea - for one day only - May 15th, just in time to get your prints back for the holiday. I am only taking 5 families so let me know as soon as possible. It will be a blast!

East of Portland

2011-03-10T14:26:00.000+11:00

What a fabulous time with fellow photographer, Bruce MacGregor. A trip down Highway 97 was also a trip into the past and afforded us many photographic opportunities. We were both interested in buildings or scenery with character and we found a few indeed. In fact, we got so carried away, we missed lunch. (oh and the fact that all the towns were practically deserted and there weren't any restaurants contributed to this).

Looking into the church

Inside the church

Old Gas Station

Baby Deer visit after dinner!

Portraits for Habitat

2011-02-24T10:37:00.000+11:00

I had the wonderful pleasure of being able to photograph the families who have been accepted into the Habitat For Humanity Program for this year. These low income families will contribute 500 hours toward building their new, interest free homes.

If you would also like to volunteer for Habitat, just visit their website. If you are a "creative" (photographer or graphic designer etc) and would like to volunteer with this or other organizations, you can register with Creative Cares . They will fit you to the right nonprofit, as they did with me. It always feels good to give back to the community in a way that makes best use of your skills. For me, it feels as though I have really made a difference.

On that note, I would like to send out a huge thank you to Matt Kallio who assisted me with the shoot. He not only helped haul gear and set up but he went a little out of his comfort zone by using puppets and funny faces to help make the set a happy and fun place for the families.

Just a few of those happy families...

Canon 35mm - Will it stand the test?

2010-12-19T04:42:00.000+11:00

Thanks to Rob at Pro Photo Supply, I have a Canon EF f/1.4L USM 35mm lens to try out for the weekend. Primarily, I would like it for food shots and maybe an interior or two but I could justify it much easier if I could also use it for portraits.

I took some shots at the pool ISO 100, f1.4 @ 1/500th second. I love the natural window light. It's one of my favorite pools to shoot at.

The wide shot is lovely as is the medium one.

The close-up is a little distorted but could be kind of cool.

Off to do some more testing!

Fellow Photographers Make the Best Subjects

2010-12-17T03:55:00.000+11:00

You get an idea for lighting but who are you going to try it out on. My experience is that most people do not have the patience to sit whilst you fuss with this light or that reflector so I was very pleased that fellow photographer, Bruce MacGregor agreed to sit for me. (oh and if you check out his website, you might recognize me under portraits!).

Here is the relatively simple lighting setup except the strip lights were vertical and the reflector laying flat on Bruce's lap but you get the idea!

Although it was relatively easy to take, this image was much more of a challenge to print.

I tried several labs who were unable to get the tones I needed or enough definition in the shadows. I finally went back to WHCC who did a pretty nice job.

You can see the final print in reality as it is on display at Newspace Gallery as part of the ASMP show until the end of the month.

Kids Jump...Children's Portraits

2010-12-10T03:40:00.000+11:00

This project was a lot of fun. 4th and 5th Graders at Willamette all jump for their school Auction project. You will have to go to the auction to see the final product.

High School Senior Packages

2010-09-24T01:56:00.000+10:00

There is still time to get your senior portraits taken....or book for next year and beat the rush! The fall colors will be beautiful and make a terrific backdrop for portraits. I am booking for the end of October and early November right now.

Charity Photo Session for Children's Cancer - Lovely Riley and her Family

2010-09-03T05:02:00.000+10:00

This July, I had the pleasure of photographing young Riley and her family on behalf of the Children's Cancer Assocation. Riley has terminal cancer and was granted her wish of spending the weekend in Portland where she got to have her nails painted and ride in a limousine amongst other wonderful adventures.

Riley and her brother. She got a little tired so for this picture, she sat in her chair.

Unfortunately, the family have just learned of some bad news and they are now officially signed up with hospice.

I could not begin to imagine the pain the family are suffering right now.

Apparently, her mom has been crying so much that Riley told her she needed to put band aids on her eyes!

FYI: If you would like to support CCA, they are raffling a Honda Fit. You can purchase tickets here.
The drawing is September 12th, 2010.

Newborn Portraits - Baby Wake Arrives

2010-07-02T07:41:00.000+10:00

Baby Wake is the greatly anticipated newborn of Oregon City Swim Team Head Coach, Matt Crum and his wife, Macy. It was wonderful to share in the couple's first week with their new baby. During the shoot, Baby Wake had lots of "surprises" for us all but we were able to capture some precious moments with him awake and asleep and all the laundry and mopping was worth it in the end!

And of course, being the coach's son, we had to get the goggle shot!

3 month old Girl Portrait - Baby Doll

2010-05-02T10:25:00.000+10:00

Maybe it's because I never had a doll of my own that I just love to dress up little girls! Miss Kate was fun to work with. Although she is not sitting as yet, we improvised. The expressions that she makes put a huge smile on my face. What a pleasure.

Doll Series

2010-03-10T06:38:00.000+11:00

Inspired by the innocent look dolls, I have started this new series in which my models take on the appearance of a doll. It's just new so look for more to come here!