I never thought I would be someone who would enter the Photography Industry Awards. I have entered ‘open to the public’ awards and won ‘People’s Choice’ but to be judged by my peers and those with so many accolades in the industry scared me. I was a wedding photographer that liked to produce images that made my clients smile, it wasn’t about being an artist winning awards.

I thought the images that won were always those that didn’t represent my style. To me they were a bit over the top with regards to their editing so it didn’t resemble a photo any more. Then the tide turned and an awesome photojournalistic photographer I know showed me his Gold Award winning image. It gave me faith in my ability to also produce Award quality images with my relaxed, candid, sometimes quirky and fun style!

This year I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and enter the AIPP NSW/ACT Professional Photography Awards. It seems my leap paid off as I received 4 awards out of the 7 images I entered! I scored 85, 84 and two 80s. My highest scoring print was of a Bridal Party at the Mint and received a Silver with Distinction Award. One of the judges said it reminded him of the Annie Leibovitz Vanity Fair shoots with celebrities – this is exactly the look I was going for so I was super excited to hear my vision was shared.

What did I get out of entering the awards other than some pretty certificates to hang on the walls?

1. Recognition from my colleagues and industry that I am producing professional quality work.

2. I have the ability to produce Award Winning images = bonus confidence boost.

2. A thirst for learning more about fine art printing and producing images that look like pieces of art to hang on the wall.

3. A renewed energy for working on personal photo projects to continually stretch my creative vision.

4. A greater appreciation for people who have a different style to me and how that can benefit how I approach my photography.

5. A stronger network with great photographers and opportunities to work on joint projects in the future.

For those photographers who are questioning whether you should enter, I say take that leap of faith and learn along the way!

 

I am so excited to announce that Leah and Tim’s Shoalhaven River wedding has been featured on the top Wedding Blog, Green Wedding Shoes. You can check out the feature here

 

2012 was certainly a big year for me – I photographed weddings in Germany, Finland, Melbourne, Mudgee, Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands, the South Coast and Newcastle. I think I had more weddings outside of Sydney than in! One thing that did stand out this year was the feedback I was receiving from my clients and also prospective clients – “Gemma, there is something more to your photos, you don’t just document the day you actually capture the moments filled with joy, laughter and real emotion. We also see that it is your passion that helps you to do this.” I would like to show you some of my favourite moments that I experienced from behind the camera, I want you to understand why these are so special.

Let’s play catch!

Three sisters huddled together in the freezing cold – they were so cute!

Tim is very close to his grandparents and these were such wonderful moments to see.

So in love and not a care in the world!

Bridal party with character!

Best congrats crash tackle ever!

The skateboarder with no tricks created the biggest laugh of all!

Ladies and diamonds, we can’t help ourselves!

Edward’s dad welcoming Brooke into the family after his speech. So much love here

I love that we get a little sneak peek into their quiet moment together

First look…..

I think they stayed like this for five minutes….absolutely beautiful!

The anticipation…ready to get married…

We saw a Willy Wagtail whilst doing the location photos and Luke told me that they believe his late father is watching over them as a Willy Wagtail. As the bird got closer and closer to them it was a breathtaking moment.

Bridesmaid fun – getting the dress on!

Emily and Mark are just a lot of fun!!

The anticipation was so nerve wracking for Richard that he let it out in a KISS type of way!

Tears from a groom, my favourite kind of moment!

The book was there. The couple are quirky. They made it awesome.

Look at everyone’s faces, lots going on here in a wedding in Germany

I was lucky enough to be asking to be the second photographer to Melanie Schönemann for this German wedding and when Melanie was taking a nice shot of the groom, the bride was having a good laugh at him trying to look like a model!

“Woah Baby”! I am one lucky man!

Kidlets enjoying the view.

I think they love each other..just a little

It is time to pass over their daughter…

Mother and Mother in Law – everyone is so proud of the bride

Giggling girls in pretty dresses

I love everyone watching and taking photos in the background!

Tie pulling is always a good thing

Classic looks on the kids faces!

So much joy for a super lovely couple!

This girl is sassy!

Very much in love on a super rainy day – nothing will dampen their love

A relative with character during the tea ceremony.

It took a while to get the handing over of the bride right but everyone had a good laugh!

This is included because it is awesome hehe

The kids she used to Nanny for – so cute!

Her mother in law..so much joy!

An emotional speech for his dad – the whole room was in tears, including me!

In the rain anything is possible, look how awesome this bridal party is!

Oooops blew the joint candle out!

Congrats on both sides.

Dee’s daughters looking on proudly as they hear Paul speak about how awesome their mother is

Sometimes there are random things that just pop up on your wedding day so you just go with it!

I think this really captures the excitement and energy!

Getting emotional during the ceremony for Scott and Sally.

Thank you boys for throwing the petals, they loved it!

It is the wife’s turn to make a speech. Groom must be muzzled.

All these bridesmaids were so close, they all look so lovely too!

Grandma loves kisses!

A bridal party who knows how to have loads of fun!

An interested party.

The moment I saw these cakes was just…..well look at them! How cool are they!?

Just before the ceremony..

Crazy Jewish party – the best kind!!

Mama <3

So many proud moments and joy during the speeches.

The News Headlines: “Tough Finnish man turns to softy grandfather for toddler.”

The exact same spot where her mother had some wedding photos taken many years before.

He adores her sooooo much!

I think she might love him…just a little bit

This man is happy to do crazy things for his woman.

A lot of my clients tell me it is the guest photos that make them really appreciate moments. Like this one where everyone is looking adoringly on as they make their viws during a candlelit ceremony