Bushturkey News

Gold Coast Wedding Magazine - Spring ad

2010-09-22T12:59:00.000+10:00

Haven`t advertised in this wedding magazine, since 2007.

Thought it was about time we reached out to some new people getting married and so we are in the Spring edition of the magazine - (p62 / 63 to be precise). What do you think?

We really appreciate people we know and have photographed over the past 8 years recommending us to friends and family. Much of our photography is based on referrals and tells us that we are offering a good service.

However, we would also like some new blood!

mali

2010-08-09T11:32:00.000+10:00

A weekend free to hang out with my family and my acrobatic daughter! I love shooting weddings but when I have a weekend free I cherish it. I have 2 more weekend free before December!

happy birthday dad

2010-06-11T13:17:00.001+10:00

i`m hopeless at finding good presents - when you look for an idea it`s never right, if you browse for an idea everything is wrong. so, I decided to just spend time with my dad on his birthday yesterday and take him out for brekkie. we went for an early morning motorbike ride as i`ve just passed my test - the back way to mullumbimby, through the pocket and out to main arm. by the time we arrived for breakfast and coffee i could not stop shivering, not having the advantage of heated hand grips and seat that the bmw has. we took our time and returned home 3 1/2 hours later and stopped for a portrait just before the end. happy birthday!

back from Melbourne inspired

2010-06-10T15:43:00.001+10:00

There`s nothing like going to the city when you live in the bush - stuff to look at, stuff to hear, stuff to smell - not all good, not all bad - joking tram drivers, nothing too serious. I loved it and I`m back from Melbourne inspired.

I judged at the APPA`s for the Wedding, Landscape & Documentary category and learnt a lot - some amazing photography! My prints ranged in the professional photography category with one award print - I`m a little disappointed that I didn`t put a little more effort in the print preparation. Too busy working? I`m determined to invest more time, it will only benefit myself and my clients - and I hope to be invited to judge again.

have a look at the link below to see some shots I took over the weekend

back from Melbourne inspired

The 2010 Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards

2010-06-02T09:54:00.005+10:00

It`s always hard to pick just 4 photographs that I love from the last year to put up to be judged. A mixed bag this time round and as usual even though I vowed and tried to be more organised, it came down to the last minute to finalise decisions, print and matt and send down to Melboune. Why is it always like that! The judging is open to the public and held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition centre - Jeff`s shed - this weekend (4-6 June) at the Digital Life Expo. For the first year I am also going to judge, just for a little bit, a newbie tryout for the AIPP.

So, here are my 4.

The first is a portrait of my father-in-law who insists that swimming in diving goggles is the way forward, but has so far pursuaded no other regular to take it up. This was taken on his way in to Murwillumbah swimming pool - our local.

The second is a landscape - after a fire had gone through a casuarina forest. I was in shorts, ankle deep in ash, still warm, thanking myself for leaving my bike boots (old blunnies) in the boot so I didn`t have to wade in havaiianas (or whatever the spelling is).

The third entry is a wedding photograph (photojournalistic). Flower girls midway through a flower dance. I love these unplanned moments.

My last shot I took while on holiday in Paris last year with my 9 year old son. We stayed in La Pigalle, next door to the Sex-O-Drome complete with animatronic scenes in the windows - 4 or 5 storeys. A great part of Paris though - just walk up the hill, you`re in Montmatre with the Sacre-Coeur church at the top and the best view over Paris (which is flat everywhere else). I had one of those toy lenses (Lensbaby) and could only shoot as I moved to avoid Jarrah saying "C'mon Dad!" I pressed my luck with this scene for a few minutes to wait for the right time - it looks like the artist is drawing a self portrait.

Our photographer Elize

2010-05-18T11:28:00.004+10:00

Our beautiful and talented photographer, Elize Strydom, who has been shooting weddings for us for the last couple of years is moving to Sydney to work as a breakfast news presenter on a popular radio station. We are really excited for her and know she will be a big hit.
For the present we will no longer be taking any more bookings for her whilst she settles in - but for those who have booked her in, don`t worry - she will still be at your wedding and photographing your story for us.
Thanks for all your enthusiasm, your eye for photography and your loyalty.

Wedding at Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast - Ryan & Cherie / April 2010 / Justin

2010-04-20T22:58:00.004+10:00

click through to see a slideshow of a selection of shots from the day

Elize`s first wedding of 2010 - Brisbane

2010-03-22T21:42:00.006+11:00

click through to Elize to see Matt & Anna`s wedding selection slideshow

Ralph joins Bushturkey family

2010-02-15T15:07:00.002+11:00

We`ve been very lucky to have met Ralph who has decided to live with us and be a part of our family. We need to massively thank Ben & Jodie from Blue Tulip Imaging who were foster parents to Ralph and saved him from the end of his time at Lismore pound when no one wanted him. You can see in Ben`s photography what amazing people these guys are.

Ralph is between 1 and 2 years old and a mix of irish wolfhound and probably poodle. We`ve had him 4 days, we`ve never had a dog before, its all new, but he doesn`t seem to mind our amateurism. Here`s to Ralph!

Photographs we take when we`re not at weddings

2010-02-07T21:50:00.000+11:00

We`ve just started a blog site to show some of our other photography that we haven`t shared before. We would love you to join in, follow, comment, request, be a part of, shape, share. Please be more honest than polite - let us know your thoughts and feelings. The name of the site comes from a book I am still reading which has had me thinking and has helped me start 2010.

The Smokey Mirror.

Master Of Photography achieved in 2009

2010-02-05T22:36:00.000+11:00

It`s taken me a while to say (over 6 months) but I was awarded the title of Master of Photography by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography in the middle of last year - 2009. I`m very happy to have got it, its no mean feat! It reflects the years of consistency won at the national Australian Professional Photography Awards, highlighted with a Gold and Silver distinction in 2008. I still find it hard to tell people without sounding arrogant but it`s important for the studio to have reached this recognised level. I`ve given myself a pat on the back and am keeping on moving forward.

European Trip - July 2009!

2009-06-18T12:12:00.001+10:00

After a hectic but very productive first half of 2009, I am really looking forward to July! I`m off to Europe for a well earned photographic journey with my son Jarrah.

We`ll mostly be based in the UK, where I`m booked in to see wedding co-ordinators etc., (we`d love to make this an annual event - every July in the UK shooting weddings in their short but glorious summer) and gallery owners to line up an exhibition (as we`ll also do some travelling around and exploring, meeting up with old friends and new friends for Jarrah). We`ll also try to have some chill time together, bonding!

We`re also heading to Paris and Amsterdam, where apart from doing some touristy things together (been there, seen that - those kind of things) we`ll head to some galleries and exhibitions for inspiration! I`ll try to post a blog or two so look out for them.

Apologies that the studio is closed for a month but we`ll still be in contact via e-mail and we`ll be back on board and raring to go, rested and enthused in August and ready for the 2nd half of the year!

Here are some self-portraits that Jarrah took using Apple`s photobooth.

Australian Professional Photography Awards 2009

2009-06-17T13:32:00.000+10:00

Every year, as a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP), I have the chance to choose and present 4 photographs to be judged by a panel of 5 master photographers. Good shots get scored over 70. Very good, over 75. Silver awards are scored over 80 (Silver Distinction 85-89) and golds over 90 (Gold Distinction 95+) Awarded shots show something more than just a professionalism and great craft - 'x' factor - slightly nebulous but the judges know it when they see it, or can argue if they see it and a fellow judge can`t - hence 5 judges and an average score of the 5. It`s not foolproof but it is good. Awards are not given lightly and give you points to achieve the status of Master of Photography. I have a chance this year (and therefore I am more nervous than usual) as I need 3 more points to become an MPhotog. (humbleness included) - (you need 5 points to become an Associate of the AIPP and a further 10 points in 5 years to become a Master Photographer of the AIPP. You get 1 point for a silver and 2 for a gold.)

It`s always very hard to choose what to do and last year I used the opportunity to show some personal work that I use to keep myself passionate about photography. This year I have done the same and photographed a storm that came through the Tweed Valley late last year. It was a behemoth of a storm, very windy and moving very quickly to cover everything in pure turbulent darkness. My 4 shots were all over in less than 15 minutes. I wanted an overall landscape view of the whole supercell and then close in on the front edge to capture its look and mood as it swept overhead. It bought down powerlines and cleared streets in fear of hail. I loved it!

What do you think?

Deux Belettes weddings, near Byron Bay

2009-06-17T10:48:00.009+10:00

I just wanted to share one of my favourite places to photograph weddings; not just because it is quiet, peaceful and just outside Byron Bay, not just because the architecture of the buildings hark to French Provincial and Italian Renaissance villas, not just because the gardens have a wonderful fecundity and wildness, not just because the sculpture and textures and materials and details excite the senses, not just because the owners Ross and Sharon have created all this with a knowledge and energy that inspires, not just because they are generous enough to share and open this for married couples and guests to enjoy, but because it all comes together to create a relaxed stylishness, an ambient infusion, a freedom. Check out Deux Belettes and I hope you get a sense of what it is like to get married there from this selection of photos.

This was the first wedding I shot there in 2007 for Gilli & Paul. Stunning! Sharon let me stay the night before and I even helped hoover the carpet in preparation for the day.

This next wedding was one of my favourites of 2008 - a Russian and Scottish mix with plenty of vodka, caviar and fish n` chips!

Photography Trip

2009-03-19T09:14:00.000+11:00

We finally made a trip together - myself and Andrew Thurtell and Alberto Sanchez. A chance to talk, drink Peroni and photograph anything that took our fancy. The weather was kind enough to build up to a storm as we headed west to Boonah from the Gold Coast, bringing some wind and darkness for our first shoot. After a downpour it cleared and sparkled until last light. The next morning, misty and still, was followed by coffee and driving and siesta. Here are some shots - I`m looking forward to our next trip!

Elize - Bushturkey chick`s recent wedding photos

2008-09-30T14:57:00.000+10:00

I just wanted to share a few of the great photographs Elize has been taking as the 2nd photographer at the weddings I have been shooting in the last month. Well done - they`re fantastic! She will be shooting on her own very soon for dates when I am already booked.

Bushturkey Chick - 2nd photographer joins the studio!

2008-09-30T14:19:00.000+10:00

Myself, Kirsten and Beth, the team at Bushturkey Studio, have all been looking for a second photographer to join us as we seem to be constantly turning people away from using our wedding services because we are so booked up. We have no Saturdays free from the end of August until the Christmas break and we have a lot of Fridays, Sundays and even Wednesdays booked too. We are already half booked for the first half of next year!

After searching all around and interviewing almost 10 people, a lot of whom were fantastic, we have now found a truly amazing person and someone with a unique eye for photography - a Bushturkey chick! Her name is Elize, her photographs will definitely please and at the moment she is helping me as a second photographer / assistant until Christmas.

Here are just a few of her photographs that sold me when I met her!

Welcome to Bushturkey Studio Elize!

Lior and Loren Concert

2008-08-01T14:57:00.000+10:00

If you've been looking for some soulful music and have yet to find it, check these guys out!
Bushturkey had the privilege of being at the Lior concert and Loren, a Tweed valley local got to play there.

See their websites www.loren.com.au
www.lior.com.au

Bushturkey Studio Scoops Gold

2008-07-03T14:34:00.000+10:00

Yippeee!!! Justin has won his first gold in the Australian Professional Photography Awards held in Brisbane recently.

It was in the landscape category for a photograph that was taken on a road trip from Murwillumbah to Tenterfield (see pic above). Out of hundreds of entries in this category only 4 got a gold, so we're pretty happy!!!!

He also won a silver distinction and another silver.

FYI - What are the APPAS?

Professional photographers from Australia and New Zealand compete for a number of industry awards by submitting four images, which are judged by a panel of their peers. The Canon APPA attracts over 2600 entries.

The Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards represent the very best in Australian Professional Photography.

All gold award winning images tour nationally in the Canon APPA travelling collection. The high standard of these images each year highlights the outstanding skill, imagination and innovation that is alive in Australian professional photography.

We're Back!

2008-07-03T13:22:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone! Finally were doing an update on our news! Sorry we've taken so long to write another post.
It's been an extremely busy year with weddings, expos and winning awards with our first gold in the Australian Professional Photography Awards.But we do like to keep you all updated on what's going on.

We just want to send out a big thank you to all of the great couples we photographed this year. We'd also like to thank the people that have been recommending us. We have our busiest ever 6 months coming up and a lot of our business (busyness!) has come from your referrals. So thanks again.

Cheers, Beth and Kirsten

The Festival of Speed on Tweed 2007

2007-09-11T13:32:00.000+10:00

Justin has been the official photographer for this yearly event since its inception in 2001. This is the only weekend of the year Justin doesnt photograph weddings.

This year we were celebrating the Australian Grand Prix with over 33 cars on display that were involved in this second oldest race event of this calibre in the world, including the famous Brabham he designed with Ron Tauranac and raced with great success. See Justins panoramic of all these cars below.

Justin had fun photographing the slides, the fastest driver of the weekend, Ty Hanger and some of the worlds most beautiful cars, like this 1926 type 37 Grand Prix Bugatti.

Justin gets Commended in the Olive Cotton Award

2007-09-11T12:50:00.000+10:00

Justin Ealand was one of the five photographers out of 400 entries who received a judges award in the national Olive Cotton Award at Tweed River Art Gallery.

The Olive Cotton is an annual award for excellence in photographic portraiture.

The 2007 exhibition has been selected from entrants across Australia and is a significant opportunity for both emerging and established photographers.

From almost 400 entrants only 120 were selected and just being chosen for the exhibition is an achievement.

So for Justin to get a Commended in the Judges Awards, from a strong national field, was a great recognition for a local photographer.

As a professional wedding photographer working from Brisbane to Byron, Justin is privileged to be a part of the moments and emotions of each unique wedding day.

The awarded photograph captures a bride with her father and the intensity of their feelings just moments after he walked in and saw her in her wedding dress for the first time.

Capturing this moment highlights Justin's ability to let the moments happen and imbue them with his warm style without dominating them.

The Olive Cotton Award Exhibition will be finishing on the 7th of Oct 07, So make sure you get in there to check it out before its over!

Gold Coast Wedding Expo

2007-07-20T10:13:00.000+10:00

Bushturkey was at the Gold Coast Arts Centre wedding expo Sunday 15th of July. Justin and I had a great day meeting all you newly engaged couples looking for your wedding photographer, Hopefully we'll get to see you soon in our studio for some tea, coffee and chats about what would make your wedding day almost perfect!

Bushturkey wins print awards

2007-06-12T12:52:00.000+10:00

Bushturkey Studio won 2 silver awards at the prestigious Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards (AIPP) in May 2007.

We are very excited to have been recognised with awards in the Wedding Traditional category (see above) and the Wedding Photojournalistic category (see below). This is the 3rd year in succession that we have won awards in this competition and for us it is about not only being recognised by other professional photographers but more importantly about challenging our photography and being the best that we can be. For Bushturkey Studio this is about capturing the natural beauty in people and in their relationships and finding those moments that express lots of emotion.

Introducting Bushturkeys new assistant!

2007-06-12T11:30:00.000+10:00

Hey guys!

It's Bethany here, I've just started working for the wonderful Bushturkey photography studio as the new............. hmmm what would you call it?.. marketing manager, yes sounds fancy huh? What we're trying to do is create more of an awareness of what we are about and what we do.

I first met Justin when I happened to be planning my own wedding. I was doing my research like a good "bride to be" should and came across his website (which has now been re-vamped) and thought.."hey this guy could be worth checking out". So I sent one of many emails to Justin about dates, prices etc then got the feeling that I might have found the one! The one photographer that could capture all I wanted for my big once in a lifetime wedding day!

As soon as I got to his gorgeous studio up in the rainforest and felt "the vibe" that I can't even explain, I immediately felt relaxed amidst all the hussle and bussle of the wedding plans. This was the one thing I knew I didnt have to worry about because I just knew Justin had it all under control. I don't say this just because I now happen to be working with him, I say this with complete honesty......................... So there it is! The rest is history.

I'm now looking forward to the future in working at this amazing place and can`t wait to see what's around the corner!

If you happen to be looking for "that perfect one photographer" I would definitely recommend Bushturkey studio as one of the places on your list to see.