Trish: Just Because

It was a glorious winter afternoon. After days of grey veiling across the sky, and the chill biting into one's skin, this particular part of the week grew warm while it basked under the gentle rays of winter's sun at it's very best.

For those that don't know, winter is THE most awesome time of the year to do outdoor photos, reason being is because you can shoot almost ANY time of the day, and the sun is still soft, warm, and full of contrast. I remember driving long the streets of Sydney with my watch reading 12pm... then 1pm... and it was STILL as if it was 5pm/sun-going-to-set kind of light. As a photographer, I was in pure bliss. People say winter weddings are hard, but I beg to differ. Sure, you may freeze your butt off, but come on, great light ALL DAY?? You can't ask for any better.

Anyhow, Trish and I had been wanting to swap headshots (photographers often get alot of photos of other people, but rarely any of themselves) so this fine afternoon we visited what Trish likes to deem as 'borrowed ground' and snapped away. It was awesome shooting at an 'abandoned' mansion that seemed to be peeling and cracking away, but still leaving the most beautiful textures, colours, and lines to play with. We had a mere hour, but here are some of my favourite shots of Trish from that day in what I call a 'Just Because' session... you know, because sometimes you don't need a reason or a special occasion to take pictures. Sometimes, its fun to take photos, just because :) Thanks for lending me your face Trish! You were brilliant in front of the camera, and as you can tell, my camera really loved your sass and confidence :)

I love backlit light of ALL sorts :)












Check out that awesome blue door!






And just a little bit of that old school look :)


This below shot is one of my faves. I mean, I had lots of faves, but the eyes speak alot in this pic.






I purposely wanted this below photo to look washed out. It reminds me of something I've seen in editorial fashion shots before.






This last one is just cute :)

Trish says she didn't dress up, but little does she know that she is naturally trendy so I consider this kinda dressing up :) Girls, if you love dressing up and putting your best outfit on, and love the idea of getting your shots taken in a fun, fresh, fashion-forward and natural way, outdoors, let me know! I'd love to get your face in front of my camera. It's almost like a 'fashion' shoot but definitely more laid back in nature, and more fun and relaxing :)

On that note! I have filled up ALL spots for the free shoots I put up yesterday. My inbox is flooded! haha... I'll let the ones who got it early next week :)

Take care and have an awesome weekend!

Giving Back

This has been something that has left its mark, sitting heavily at the back of my mind over the last few months.

Over the course of the last 12 months, I have realized more and more that the phenomenal growth that we've been so blessed to enjoy (and which has often just floored plus at the same time humbled me in this line of work) is not a result of me.

Alot of people may think - yeah, but aren't you the person taking the pictures? Aren't you the one calling all the shots? True, but little do most of you know that a myriad of different people have contributed, adding their little midas touch of gold, so that this girl could realize what seemed at the time a few years ago, a silly pipeline dream.

I could never claim all the glory. In fact, I sit uncomfortably in my skin, gawking sheepishly with my eyes darting across to all different directions, when praise is smothered on face to face. I'm a bit shy that way :p But really, I am like that because I know deep down, alot of what I get to do (and love to do!), is because of others.

For one, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Without you, I am nothing. You have given me my eyes, and I know it is you with me not just at every shoot, but everyday, guiding my thoughts, speech, and actions. I know without you, I would merely be a girl holding a camera, uncertain of what to see, what to sense, what to feel. I only hope I can please you in my walk with you, and with these gifts you have given me. Thank you for the amazing gift to enjoy the work you continue to provide. I will always need you more than life itself.

Then, there is my husband. Who has seen me through it all from the beginning to now. He has watched me fall, cry, shrink in doubt and pain when others laughed at me, then pick up the pieces and rise back up again, who has graciously added to my gear bag at the expense of things he has wanted, and who has given me unbiased advice and criticism in all facets of my business and life. I am better because of it.

To my family... you are like a constant anchor in a tidal wave of change. I know I can always depend on you no matter what is going on. Thank you for putting up with my running in and out of the house from shoot to shoot, to shower, recharge my batteries, preparing my breakfasts, and leaving me dinner when you know I have to come home late. These may be small things to eyes out there, but like a backbone, it helps hold up the body so that it is able to do the rest of the things it is meant to do.

Then there are all the photographers I've been so fortunate to meet and chat to, either in person or via my blog, and my 2nd shooters. You guys have been so encouraging, and I am so glad to have crossed paths. You have shown in an industry that can sometimes been awfully selfish, that there are individuals out there who care about others in the industry.... who share information, who support and encourage one another, who love shooting not for fame or money (those that do have it though, have shown that your passion is your work and the people you work for - I love and am so encouraged by your humility), who give back, and inspite of everything, are so humble. You people are the real inspiration.

And then to my friends/clients who trust me with your most precious memories. Know that I take that to heart, and I treat them like my own. I love witnessing the joy you share with others on the day, and to be allowed that honor is so special. I say that alot, running the risk of sounding like a completely broken record, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I just don't know where I would be without you and your utmost confidence. Know it when I say I love you guys as people, not just names in my client book.

And lastly, to those who have written in to me (old friends and new friends from all around the world!) with your down right awesome words of encouragement. It always surprises me where people come from, and how warm they are with their messages. I save all your hellos, thank yous, and the like! They are such day brighteners when I am feeling a bit 'blehh' ;)

When I was contemplating all these people who have sprinkled their seeds along my path, I was compelled to give back. As a sign of the generosity others have extended to me, I want to extend one out to all of you reading this. I'll be honest when I say, I have no idea how this will turn out, but I am putting it out there anyway because I've always believed that if you are given much in life, you are to also give much in life.

So, in that spirit, I'm offering my services for free. Gratis. No strings attached :)

While I would LOVE to do all kinds of sessions for free, due to the insanely packed out year, I'm going to have to do this in stages. First up...

If any of you out there fall in the below categories, or know anyone in the following categories, please drop me an email at info@jennysunphotography.com
(1) Children's portraiture - calling all mums or dads (ESPECIALLY parents who have to stay home during the week - you deserve extra love!) who have been wanting their kids portraits taken in a casual, fun, and natural outdoor setting, this is for you :D
Dates: Sometime between September 29th - October 4th :)
Location: For now, Kuala Lumpur or Sydney (but send in your location anyway for consideration if you live outside of these areas).

(2) Girls Dress up!! - ever wanted an excuse to just dress up in your best frock, do your hair and put on a little bit of make up as if you are going out for a night out on the town?? Well, pay attention because I'd love to have you in front of my camera :) You don't have to do it alone, bring your besties along with you! Its WAY more fun when you and all your girlfriends get together and do the session as one group ;) So bring your sass, your confidence, and your smiles!
Dates: Sometime between November 2nd - November 9th :)
Location: For now, Kuala Lumpur or Sydney (but send in your location anyway for consideration if you live outside of these areas).

I'll be giving this to the first 2-3 in each category who write to me :) And YES, you can nominate friends/family - it would be a lovely surprise for them! So drop me an email to find out more details !

For those who are waiting for me to shoot a wedding for free? It's coming! Yes, that right! a FREEEEEE wedding. While I can't share now, when I do, the announcement and details will be right here on this blog space :)

Adios!

ps: Just so this post is not without a photo, here's a random one from my ever more random wanderings around :)

First Signature Photographers Workshop - Rolled out!

We did it :) It's done. Finished. Wrapped up. The first Signature Photographers Event has been rolled out with a stamp of approval.

The months of hard work, the hundreds of emails circulated, and all the organization has paid off for what was deemed as a very successful event on many levels.

Thank you to everyone who came, and generously gave us your time to let us talk - we truly appreciated you for that!! I mean that from the botton of my heart :D Thank you to all the organizers and planners! And definitely not forgetting to thank the 6 guys I worked with last week (Jim, Patrick, Louis, Zung, Jason, and Edmund) - they all gave great talks, and we all agreed in the end that all of us learned from each other...were encouraged by each other...and are inspired by each other - which was a very awesome thing. Thanks guys for all the words of encouragement! You rock!

On a personal note, I have to admit, I hadn't been this nervous in quite sometime! I don't know what it was because those that know me personally will know that I've done my fair share of teaching, presenting, debating.... but this was a whole new ball game entirely! That being said, I'm sharing this so I can bookmark and file it away for next time... so that in the future, I can look back and say - yes, I've learnt from this. I have grown. And I am so glad because of it. Because the most important lesson I learnt while my nerves wrapped its stubborn little fingers around my usual talkative and energetic persona yesterday on stage, was that I walked away reminded and even more determined the next time to just BE myself. To just keep in REAL. And most importantly - to just let me, be ME..... That is, to just speak straight from the heart.

You'll be hearing more of me next time. Promise :)

Regardless, I had fun :) The day turned out so well!! And I do mean that in every way! Thanks for all the support and encouragement again everyone. It meant alot, really. It seriously was a fantastic day and a great event filled with laughter, surprises, inspiration, and wisdom, and I so super stoked and excited for the next one coming!! :D We'll be back, just you wait!!

To read more about the event, and see photos, download our official newsletter [HERE].

The entire planning team with the 7 of us!!


ps: Guess who's who! ;) I'm the one on the very far right, red streaks in hair and all!

Where in the world??

I admit, I do love the feel and smell, and sights of a new place. There is an intangible buzz about being somewhere, where everything is foreign to the senses that is incredibly exciting.

I've been so fortunate over the last few years to have travelled to places like: Australia, Malaysia, China (Beijing), Indonesia (Jakarta, Bali), Thailand (Phuket, bangkok), Vietnam (HCM), Singapore, USA (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Fransisco, Hawaii), France (Paris), and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville). The sights captured on camera are way too many to even post on this space of the web, but its been awesome to even be able to have the opportunity to see such new places.

Anyway, the reason why I brought this up was because I was sitting down this evening, with my MAC on my lap, unable to sleep and the floating thoughts of where I wish I could shoot weddings or pre-wedding/engagement sessions in the near future surfaced to the top of my mind... Places such as:

- Italy (anywhere!!)
- Greece (Santorini)
- Paris/French countryside (I know I've been, but I'd LOVE to do a wedding there someday!!)
- England (I LOVE the gorgeous countryside/english cottage areas especially!!)
- UK (especially scotland - I hear its really pretty!!)
- Hong Kong
- USA (anywhere really, but I do love cities such as Boston, Seattle, New York, Chicago, Detroit, and ANYWHERE in the So-Cal region!!)

So, if any of you out there read this little wish of mine, and don't mind flying an Aussie photographer all the way to wherever you are, I promise to work my butt off for you and shoot some kick-ass photos for your big day, and love you forever in return! :D

I am hoping to plan another big trip overseas next year sometime... destination to be determined! I am very open to suggestions! :) Any suggestions? Or anyone living overseas who is getting married who would like to throw out your location on the table? ;)

Anyway, G'nite for now!

Bob and Sally: Wedding

High school sweethearts.

That's what they were.

Starting from the slice of their lives where they led their school as school captains, little did they know they were inevitably going to lead each other towards a love story that would span 10 years, to the day they pledged the rest of their lives together....intertwining their souls first as youthful 18 year old sweethearts, then as husband and wife in a love that shone with respect, maturity, and canyons full of love. The tears in Bob's eyes that day when he saw his bride walk down that aisle, and his loss of words as she was gently wrapping her fingers with his just moments before they were pronounced husband and wife, melted that joker exterior of his and just spoke volumes of how much these two meant to each other.

As a romantic, and as a girl, I was truly touched.

I first met Bob and Sally, one frosty summer evening. Just a little under 2 months before they walked down that aisle together, and just as rare as that frost living in between the sheets of the summer air that night, so was the fact that I was actually available on their wedding day... less than 2 months before the special date itself!!

Looking back, after shooting their wedding, and spending time with their family and friends, I am so glad that fate's hand allowed us to cross paths :) Their wedding was an absolute pleasure (apart from the swaying of the boat - haha! Bob! I think you can attest to that! You were by far the trooper of the night, battling the sea sickness that the waves brought forth upon us) and so much fun!! All I remember during their location shoot and their reception was me laughing the entire way through!!

I remember speaking to Bob and Sally after their wedding was over, when they were thanking me for being part of their wedding. I was compelled to say I should be thanking THEM, because it was THEIR love for one another, and THEIR awesome friends and family that made the job so beautiful to witness and document. Thank you Bob and Sally... it is couples like you that make my job a real and true joy. Nothing less :) Much love and all my warmest wishes for a long and blessed marriage ahead of you!

Here are my favourite images from the day (lots of extra photos for all of you whom have been patiently waiting for this post!!):

The adorable flower girl :)


There were two awesome bouquets that day! I couldn't pick a fave!










Sometimes, I just loiter around when there isn't much happening. This is what I saw in one of my wanderings around Sally's house! :) I don't know why, but I think this photo has a quirkiness which I really like in it :)


Sally's dad, asking her to help him pick a tie. Cute!


Waiting... waiting...




St Patrick's Church, Sydney




The boys just moments before Sally arrives.


You know, I always love shots of the bride walking down the aisle. I can, and have taken it from several other angles before, but there is just something priceless about that expression from the front which is seriously glowing, and I am honored to be the one to get it on MY camera :)






It was the AWESOME orange background in this shot, that made me pick it as one of my faves.


Stealing a kiss while the witnesses were signing the marriage certificate. Remember people, the photographers sees everything! haha :p








Serious KUDOS to Bailie for snapping these next two shots. He borrowed my 50 1.2 lens to get them! haha... you owe me man! :p


The boys were seriously goofing around. I couldn't stop laughing at these guys!!



haha, this may be deemed as not a very 'perfect' shot, but sometimes funny/irreplaceable emotions make it perfect. I love the expression on Bob's face. Its so funny!


This has to be one of my fave shots of the day. I am normally a person who LOVES closeup shots of my brides and grooms (its indicative of how I like my photographer/client relationship, and how much I love getting to know my clients as PEOPLE, not just clients) so I normally don't LOVE or do alot of wide portraits, but there is a natural candidness (almost as if it was unintentional) to this shot which I just adore.




Bob and Sally had their reception on the Sydney Glass Island. The boys in this photo below were just hanging on the top deck.


The speeches were so funny, and VERY entertaining. Bob's brother, hats off to him, for one of the best speeches I've heard in awhile! :)


Here are some of the reactions we got on camera as a result!!






The first dance :)


Then, when others joined in! How cute!


Getting ready for the bouquet toss!


The lucky girl!






Getting ready to throw the garter!




Saying goodbye to guests.


Bob and Sally are awesome! They went for extra portraits after the reception! We got some cool night shots as a result - no flash involved in any of the below photos. (extra time for pictures is always fabulous! If you don't have the energy after the wedding, I always try and encourage my brides to have a quick 15 to 30 minute session somewhere BEFORE the ceremony - we make the groom wait at the location, and then get shots of the groom seeing his bride for the first time there. There is no one else, the moment is all theirs, private, and the time is very special :) Highly recommend it for those who have late ceremonies!)








Turn up your speakers and watch the slideshow below for a tonne of extra photos, and Bob & Sally's awesome pick of a song to go with their pictures. Its a classic, which I just LOVE. It suits their photos perfectly! :D




Lastly, just a MASSIVE thank you to Vincy and Bailie, who were helping me out on the day. Its ALWAYS ALWAYS so fun working with the both of you, and I cannot wait til the next time ;)