Your Questions | My Answers

You asked.
I listened!

A few months ago I said I'd write a blog post with any questions you may have - at the time the 'conditions' weren't met so it was never written!  Now, as a recognition of 1001 likers I thought I'd go ahead with answering your questions :-)

I would like to start though with a disclaimer!!  With letting you all know that I'm not particularly knowledgeable with the technical side of photography.  I learn/shoot mostly through practise, trial and error (lots of errors!) and based on whether I (not others) like how something looks.  This last point is a work in progress - because it is flattering to shoot for the recognition and accolades of others.  But I have found that if I shoot emotionally I end up falling in love with those images so much more.

Something very important to remember: photography is subjective!

So any tips I share on settings, editing and the likes are often not the best nor the right way to do things.  I, myself, am constantly learning - and have a long way to go before I am comfortable with my own abilities or knowledge.

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q) Which is better...Nikon or Canon?  
a) Honestly - both are equal!  I know, I know...this might mean I'm not siding with 'Team Canon' like I should be, but I'd have a kit of each if it were viable :-)  Many many years ago I actually started with a Nikon D100 which I adored.  I decided to upgrade to a D200 and had issues with my particular camera.  At that stage I just loved taking photos, but was not serious about becoming a photographer, so with a heart laden with guilt for 'betraying' Nikon I downsized and switched sides -  to a Canon 450D with kit lenses.  I still have this camera (which you may recall seeing my daughter now using!).  From there I've progressed to a 7D, then a 5Dmkii & just a few months ago upgraded to a 5Dmkiii.  All of these upgrades were because of features I required as a professional photographer!

q) What's my favourite lens?  
a) I currently have two:-)  My 50mm f1.2 & my 135mm f2.0.  That being said, my most versatile lens hands down is my 24-70mm.  It was on my camera for 95% of our holiday in Canada, and I also used it for my piano shoot! 

q) Shoot mode?  AV, TV or manual - what do I prefer?  
a) I shoot solely on manual.  I have tried AV a few times and just couldn't co-ordinate my  brain & fingers ;-)  It still requires manual adjustments, so there's no right or wrong answer here!

q) Favourite quick point and shoot settings in manual when there's not time and you only have a second to capture the shot?
a)  This is where I probably do things very wrong!  
I like to shoot wide open, so my aperture is 'normally' set to the widest f stop of the lens (so f2.8 on my 24-70).  
My ISO is generally on 200.
White balance is on auto (because I shoot RAW this is quick to adjust when editing).
Then it's just a matter of reading the light meter and quickly adjusting the shutter speed to suit!
May I add that this certainly doesn't always work - I still take a LOT of dud images!!!

q) How do I decide on the correct settings for different lighting situations (bright sunlight, overcast etc)?
a) Like I said in the previous question, I like to shoot wide open.  So that is normally my starting point.  Of course, it depends WHAT you are shooting that will alter that.  One person is great at f2.8.  A few people not so much (at least, if you want them all in focus!).  A landscape (which I make NO claims to being a landscape photographer), you normally want the whole scene in focus, so you need a higher f stop.  If it is overcast and there is not enough light, increase your ISO. 

q)  Tips on taking candid family shots?
a)  Family photos are not my strong point, which is why I no longer offer them.  So I can't really offer any great insight!  My style though, leans more towards the candid moments rather than posed portraits, so it is just a matter of encouraging family interactions.  Get them to chat about things that make them laugh - something funny someone said.  The silliest thing someone has done etc.  Get them to bring favourite toys.  Be prepared to be silly yourself to get them to laugh naturally!  

q)  How do you photograph 5 kids?
a)  When it's my own - with a LOT of moments of frustration, hair pulling (my own out, that is) & a touch too much yelling!  If it's family photos of us, I am 'that' mother - trying to get the kids to stop being silly, look at the photographer, smile nicely, stop annoying your brother...and then in every photo I am the one talking or not looking :-D
So, if I'm photographing someone else's children, it's easiest to send mum & dad away for a break and spend time interacting with the children on their own!

q)  Editing techniques?
a)  My editing is constantly evolving as I learn new skills. And I still struggle with consistency - something I am continually working on!
Again - how I edit is not the best or often the correct way.
I currently edit in PS6 and use a combination of actions & actions I have created myself.  Skin tones are the most important part of image processing for me - I like clear, creamy tones...not green or too yellow & not underexposed.  The biggest part of this though, is exposing correctly in camera! 

q)  My photography journey.  Where did it begin?  Did I do a course, or am I self taught?
a)  I have always loved taking photos, but I don't have a wonderful, inspiring story of shooting since I was 3.  Or growing up surrounded by parents developing their film in the bathroom!  I just loved taking photos!  And they weren't particularly good ones!  
About 3 years ago I did a workshop.  I was embarrassed - by my equipment, by my lack of knowledge.  I still shot on auto, and all these scary terms they kept throwing at me - shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance....you mean I have to adjust all of these things every time I took a photo...that's impossible!  Then and there I decided to just learn one thing at a time.  To understand it as best as I could before tackling the next 'thing'.  At the same time I did a beginner's photoshop course and I decided to apply the same tactic (in fact, with the volumes of things to learn with PS I still use the same tactic!).  

That year I had actually returned to university to complete my primary teaching degree.  I mean am I a glutton for punishment? Teaching?  I have 5 kids of my own...why would I want another 20?!!!  Anyway, at the same time did a handful of photography workshops throughout the year.  At the end of the year I was completely torn - photography or teaching.  I decided to do as many shoots as I could throughout the uni break...and decide at the end which I loved more.  As disappointed as I was in myself for not completing my degree (I felt like a quitter), photography won hands down!  

The following year I then decided to absorb as much as I could - workshops, google, research, practice, practice, practice.

q)  What has been the most helpful website for me as far as learning about photography and/or interaction with other photographers?
a)  Google.  And youTube.  And Facebook groups. 

q)  Why do I love workshops and which have been my favourite?
a)  Workshops are a fantastic hands on experience that helps visual learners such as myself.  I would have loved to have studied photography through a photography school, but where I live it sadly isn't an option.  So workshops it was!   And I honestly can say that I have met some wonderful photographer friends through them.

I have a few favourites:
Creative Photo Workshops - still the workshops I'll say taught me the basics (and more the more I went to) the best...in a fun way!
Little Pieces Photography - one of the best newborn photographers I know, but more importantly Kelly is a genuine, kind and lovely person.  I haven't done as much newborn work as I would have liked though...perhaps I need to go again!
JinkyArt - an amazing children's photographer, but again, it was more of her down-to-earth personality that has touched me and helped me to keep perspective in this industry.

q)  Proudest moment in your journey so far?  
a)  Delving into film - I love that it pushes me to think beyond digital.  And I love that I have SO much more to learn & improve.

q)  Favourite picture you've taken?
a)  This is a hard one!  I have lots...but I would have to say any from my piano shoot.  Just because it took me months of planning and it all paid off, so was worth the effort.

q)  Best advice I've been given?
a)  Unplug!  I spent a lot of time being discouraged thinking I'd never be as good as a lot of the photographers I followed. - sometimes not looking at all their work helps me on my own journey.  It also gives me a chance to be more creative as opposed to copying or recreating something someone else has done.

q)  Best advice you think would be good for budding photographers?
a)  Do personal work!  Hands down, it is my personal projects that have pushed me, challenged me & taught me the most.  Forcing me to pick up my camera every day.  To try and make everyday things look more interesting/creative.  
Challenge yourself!  

q)  What do I dislike most about photography?  
a)  The competitive nature of the industry - which causes me personally, to just climb back in my cozy bubble & do my own thing at my own pace!

q)  What do I love the most?  
a)  The feeling of evoking emotions.
The feeling of taking an amazing photo.  
And of knowing how.  
It really just makes me feel warm and fuzzy :-)

q)  Most valuable lesson?  
a)  Mistakes are okay.  They are inevitable so that you can look back and see your growth!

q)  How has photography changed the way I look at and see the world around me?
a)  I LOVE this question...because it HAS changed how I see the world.  I feel like I constantly walk around with photography goggles on.  Assessing in my mind how something would look through my viewfinder.  Imagining an awesome photo.  And I watch movies, see billboards, read books etc with a different perspective now - seeing how the light changes the moods and picturing it as a still image.

Sweet, sweet baby...

I was so excited to have another birth booked in for the beginning of November.
Preparing myself for 'the' call at any time of the day or night!

But Laura simply wasn't well enough to continue on with the pregnancy.
So at 34 weeks sweet, tiny, little Lily was born.
Into an unknown world.
Where the likelihood of her getting whisked straight to the humidicrib was high.

But Lily had other plans!
She was healthy enough to sneak in 10 minutes of cuddles with Dad, and then she was put into the humidicrib just to monitor her.

So I stayed until Grandma and Grandad got to see Lily for the first time.
Then the next day I went back to capture some mummy cuddles:-)

Three weeks later, Lily had put on enough weight and was allowed to go home :-)  So yesterday I visited them at home for one last lot of photos!




Lily's Birth Story from Bellakee J Photography on Vimeo.

The innocence of youth...

I had the privilege of photographing of a beautiful 12 year old a few weeks ago.

I don't need to say much - the photos say it all :-)

Beautiful life within...

When Tearah first asked me if I'd be interested in photographing her birth...I was excited.
WAY excited!

When we met up a few weeks prior to her birth, Tearah, a fellow photographer, was planning on doing some self pregnancy shots, but then asked if I'd mind.
Did I mind?
Ummmm, yes!
I really have only done a couple of maternity shoots, and in no way consider myself a pregnancy photographer.
I'd actually say I'm scared of doing belly shots.
Weird when you consider I've been pregnant five times ;-)

But what I can say (plenty I'm sure!) - I think the photos speak for themselves really!
We had a great day bouncing ideas of each other.
Laughing lots.
Trying different things.
Some worked.
Lots didn't!

And wow - was she up for anything...even suggesting hopping in the pool, despite it not being the warmest of days!  And her sweet third child joined in for some of the photos too :-)

The fact that Tearah is one of the most beautiful pregnant (and even not pregnant) women I have had the pleasure of photographing certainly makes for some gorgeous images.
I'd be happy to look this good even when I'm NOT pregnant :-)

As for the birth...well I was blessed enough to witness and photograph that last week!  Stay tuned for that blog post!!

It's all in a name...

I have had a lot of people asking, 'Where does the name Bellakee J come from?'.

So a quick rundown :-)

B is for son #2
Bell is from son #4's middle name
A is for me (and hubby!)
K is for son #1
Kee is for our daughter
J is for son #3

That Bella means beautiful is an added bonus :-)

The adorable little Reef...

Where to start...I am almost at a loss for words.  Yes!  ME at a loss for words!

Every now and then you meet someone (or several someone's!) who you feel blessed to have spent time with.  This gorgeous family is the several someones.  Pedro, Bec & Reef are an amazing, inspiring, strong, warm, friendly, caring, understanding (I could go on and on) people whom I was lucky enough to photograph and hear their story.  A story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

I will rewind a little and start at the beginning.  Bec was nominated by her gorgeous friend for my 'Spirit of Giving' christmas giveaway.  When I read the nomination about Pedro and Bec's story I knew I wanted to do something special for them.  What I absolutely love about these photo shoots, is not only do I get to take photos and create memories, I get to listen to the most moving stories and see just how inspiring some people are.

A little of their story...
After years of difficulties they had in falling pregnant Reef was eventually conceived via IVF.  However, when Reef was only 2 days old when he was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome.  If that wasn't enough of a shock and adjustment, at just 8.5 months old they were then given another devastating blow...Reef has AML Leukaemia.  He was given an 80% chance of survival.  For the next 8 months Bec & Reef had to relocate to Brisbane for intensive chemotherapy whilst Pedro commuted back and forth to work.  After returning home, Reef then had to spend the next 4 months in isolation until his immune system recovered enough to venture out.

Enough to make us all look at our own children and feel incredibly blessed, isn't it?

But instead of just curling up and doing what was needed to survive, these a.m.a.z.i.n.g parents threw themselves into charity work and helping others.
I could see that Pedro is Bec's rock - supporting her and spending every moment possible with Reef.
And Bec...wow.  She is an incredible lady - someone I would certainly look up to admire.  Her office is an array of information:
*  for her own charity
*  for the events she organises through the Mackay support group she has established
*  with phone numbers to call to bring more awareness to downs syndrome and other disabilities in the region

The bond Pedro and Bec have with Reef was so clearly evident that it made me almost tear up.  And the love they have for each other was equally special to witness.  I absolutely adore these photos...and I hope they do too :-)

Oh boy...I have a lump in my throat just writing this. xo

For more information on Reef, you can like their facebook page here.

A new beginning...

This could be quite lengthy...I'm not very good at being short (except in stature!) or succinct.
Or particularly eloquent!

"The only journey is the journey within"

Rainer Maria Rilke

I am so glad we are never too old to learn.
To learn from our parents.
To learn from our family.
To learn from our friends.
To learn from our mistakes.

Sometimes learning is just. plain. hard.  But we don't grow if we're not willing to learn.  And to change.

And that is what my new direction is all about.
Change.
The change I have had within my life.  Within my heart.  Within my soul.

And the change for my photography.


I'll rewind a little here...
For the past 2 years I have spent a lot of time doing photography courses, meeting wonderful, sharing, kind photographers.  In December 2010 I decided to get a bit more serious about my photography.  It was time for a logo, a facebook page...and some clients!


Mistake #1:  I designed a logo/business card that I thought I 'should' have.  Not one that really represented me.
Mistake #2:  Every client that contacted me for a shoot, I took on.  Don't get me wrong...all my clients are wonderful!  But I realised that I had to learn to say no.  Taking photos quickly became a chore, and I lost my absolute love of photography.
Mistake #3:  I stressed every time I heard that I have to 'find my own style'.  You don't.  You don't have to find something you already have.  I know what sort of photos I like...so that's my style!  It certainly doesn't mean I can't appreciate another photographer's work though.  Two of my favourite photographers have a style that is nothing like mine.


But perhaps I really shouldn't call any of these mistakes.  
They should be called experiences that helped me learn.

Fast forward 9 months, and with the unexpected passing of my dad, I took some time off.
To grieve.
To remember what is important to me.
And to re-focus.

The biggest lesson I learnt:  Memories are all you are left with.  Treasure them.

Around this time I met an amazing photographer, who's inner calm and peace moved me equally as much as what I learnt from her about photography.  She wisely shared that she has realised that, 'This is my journey, no-one else's'.
And then I began the wonderful Jinky Art's 'photographing your children inspiration', that inspired me to not only take photos of my own children, but to spend more time with them.
Add to this I was inspired to start a 365 Days of Grateful project.  It is amazing when you spend the time each day just looking for that day's moment of gratefulness just how many moments there truly are.

All of these moments combined caused a bucketload of ideas and inspiration to float around in my head.  Until one day I just knew.  I knew what I wanted to do.

THIS.

Create a business that MEANS something to me.
And will create treasured memories.

First step was a new name.  One that I could connect with.  That meant something to me.  That is me.
Bellakee J Photography is it.

Then I wanted to create a brand that best represented me...I like earthy, natural, textures.  And I cannot thank Krystal from Orphan Design enough for her creativity and her patience with getting my logo just right!

Next step.  Work out who I want to photograph.  And I did.
* Births 
* Newborns 
* Cancer/Leukaemia
* Elderly 

Moments where I can share in the emotion and love that we all have.  Heartwarming moments.  And sometimes sad moments.

Don't get me wrong...I LOVE pretty pictures.  And I will still take some of my children.  But it's the moments that bring tears of joy, love and sorrow through the journey of life that I want to be capturing.

This is the beginning of my new journey.
Join me:-)