January « 2010 « fionaandersenphotography.com

Helicopters and Dom

January 31, 2010

When she told me we would be taking a helicopter to the top of Mount Roy, “oh great, how cool” I squeaked. Getting off the telephone my heart was thumping… ohhh nooooo. Heights plus me is a bad combination. Whilst living in the caribbean Tonni decided to surprise me with a paragliding birthday treat. Little did he know that 3 mins into our maiden voyage he would be the proud new owner of a tooth bitten arm and permanent hearing loss in his left ear (my cries for help). So with prior history of fearful flights, I can quite frankly say I was DEATHLY afraid.

Forward a few months and some valium later (kidding) I was lifted into mid air with two amazing fabulous people who said I do over the weekend amongst family and friends. Lou and Mark, what a treat it was to watch and capture the love you have for one another. Mika is not only TOTALLY and UTTERLY gorgeous, she is also so lucky to have such amazing, vivacious parents to teach her the ways of the world.

And may I add whilst we were leaving Mount Roy, Lou asked Mr helicopter man to do a few stunts…. I think this may have been when I passed out!!

Enjoy your sneak peek xx

The Newly weds!!

lou-and-mark-21

louandmark

Lou’s smile never left her face once!!!

lou-and-mark-22

lou-and-mark-25

YES this was the view!!

lou-and-mark-17

lou-and-mark-15

YES this is where they dined and drank!!!

lou-and-mark-14

lou-and-mark-13

Had to sneak a helicopter shot in…

lou-and-mark-30

lou-and-mark-11

This was Lou in utter disbelief as to how perfect the day was. BRIGHT sun NO wind, just perfecto!!!

lou-and-mark-12

louandmark2

lou-and-mark-1

I think my favorite shot of the day. Total and utter bliss!!!

lou-and-mark-9

lou-and-mark-5

Posted in wedding | 20 Comments »

BEST wedding stationery in the world!!!

January 28, 2010

I can’t go on enough about how much I LOVE and ADORE details, perfect combinations, mismatched items that just scream together. I have websites that I stalk to get my daily fix of gorgeous bits. It makes me weak at the knees and I say silent prayers that god will perhaps grant me with detail talent and my house will then be transformed to look like its just walked out of a feature from Martha Stewart magazine!

A wee while ago I came across one of these perfect sites that made my heart leap with ohhh’s and ahhhh’s. I then think I screamed out loud when I saw that it belonged to a fellow kiwi and was right here on MY shores!!!

The beautiful Kate Holland creator and genius behind Ruby and Willow is not only a design god (self taught may I add) but also an amazing person who I am really excited to be collaborating with. Her ability to make things beautiful is astounding. She listens to her clients and loves making everything perfect. And not only does she cater to future bride and grooms, she also designs personal stationery, for anyone that wants that boutique gorgeous touch… ahem ahem.. that would be me!!!

Available for international orders, I advise you to pop over to her site and very perfect blog for a peek into her world.

If you are from the other part of the world she also has an etsy store where her boutique items can be purchased. http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubyandwillow

Kate and I have some fun things planned for the future so keep tuned for upcoming yumminess!!!

Here is a snippet of some of her masterpieces. May I add she is not a bad photographer either!!!!

rubywillowstationery

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

FAQ Part 1

January 27, 2010

So I have quite a strict routine in the morning. I get out of bed (vitally important) I am usually the first one awake… my children like their sleep… I turn the kettle on… yes I call it a kettle…. I slumber down to what was the playroom and is now my office/guest bedroom/playroom/junk room!!! Sit on my very comfortable computer chair and check my emails. Occasionally I get fabulous emails from fabulous people wanting some information about my techniques, camera, lenses etc. It makes me feel very loved!!! Just of late I have been getting lots of these emails and as mentioned I feel very humbled and unworthy. I DO NOT claim to be the best, heck I’m probably not even that good, so having people wanting to know how I create some of the things I create makes me feel very proud (however very humble… did I say that already??)

The first thing I will tell people is, its not me….. its the people in front of the camera. I can push the button, find the light, have the right gear, however its the faces that stand in front of my lens that creates a picture!!!

With that being said I do think to get the clarity and sharpness from my images my ‘gear’ helps significantly.

So what do I use???

My bag

50 1.2 - a lens that I love and until recently had it on my camera 24/7.

85 1.2 - my new best friend. This lens is at war with my 50mm they have been fighting for my attention and to be honest couldn’t tell you who the winner is!!

24 - 70 2.8 - I love this lens. Its my story telling lens that I will use to document a moment, bride getting makeup on, group shots etc.

50 1.8 - This was my first prime, I remember the feeling I had when I first took a shot… It had me at click!!! Sadly I don’t use this anymore as its been replaced by its big brother however will always have a special place in my soul.

85 1.8 - Another loved lens that has hung its hat up…. sniff

5D - I love you Canon

30D - Back up baby, back up!!!!

So that is it, my gear. I also have a couple of pocket wizards and a 580EX flash for those hard to see moments. I will definitely be posting more info on my techniques. If you have any questions please let me know and I will do my absolute best to answer… but don’t hate me if I get it wrong… I’m really very sweet!!!

And because I like to post photos, here is a couple from an upcoming session. Katy you are as beautiful inside as you are outside… Thank you, thank you, thank you.

xx

katy

Posted in FAQ | 16 Comments »

Adventures of SNAP AND SNIFF/ chapter 1

January 26, 2010

Like a good cup of tea (strong with a splash of milk), cheese on toast (when someone else makes it), red wine and dark chocolate, size 4 pants that fit perfectly…. cough, cough, splutter, splutter, the list could go on. These are my comforts, these are my oh oh oh GREATs!! She is the same, she is my special person who, no matter what, where or how, ALWAYS there for me and I am very proud and excited to announce to the world my bestest EVA best(ie) and assistant……. the one, the only, drum role please…. Holly (do I hear an amen) Tompkins - Tuller.

You people don’t know whatsa commin!!! Its wedding season, the birds are chirping, the sky is blue, love is in the air, cue the violins, Snap and Sniff are on the road (much to the horror of other road users!!)

Being as blessed as I am, I have some AMAZING brides who just happen to be delicately placed, around this fine country we call New Zealand. Were not a big place however we are very proud of our land and the surroundings. Holly (aka sniff) and I (aka snap) are on a journey, one that we will take every weekend until the end of March. And why not share our journey with everyone. There are going to be many adventures, perhaps a competition or two??? And of course some serious belly laughs!!!

SOOOO here my dear friends, is chapter one of the Snap and Sniff journals.

Just a few pictures of our roadie to Blenheim, yes we did have to travel in the car for 8 hours, yes we did eat pies along the way, yes I may not spend that much time in a car again.

BIG YO YO HOLLA to our friend and photographer, Mr self timer… he will be making sporadic appearances over the next few weeks!! Without him we would be lost!!

img_0970-edit

YES this is where we live… yes its pretty!!!

blen

A quick wee stop for some much loved Crayfish. Nin’s bin was a must do whilst traveling the Kaikoura passageway.

img_1018-edit

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments »

Vineyards and more

January 25, 2010

I apologize, a million times over. A few of you may be asking where my photo a day went too??? Well I did ask myself that question, however I think I may be forgiven due to my world being deemed chaotic at present. Photo a day may be placed to the back of the shelf for a wee while, however with that being said I do have another tidbit to wet everyone’s appetite… keep tuned over the next day or so for the start of a new series…. keep you guessing…???

So I wasn’t sitting on a beach sunning myself with a pina colada and OK magazine, I was a very busy lass, driving 8 hours to the top of the South Island. Blenheim is a little piece of Sauvignon heaven. Warm, green and surrounded by some of NZ’s best vineyards. Its a magical place and the PERFECT wedding destination.

Miranda and Duncan, I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to be part of your AMAZING day. It was everything and more. I truly truly wish you every happiness in the future. Emma, Barney and Angus, it was such a pleasure to have met you, thank you for welcoming us into your home. You are 3 fantastic little people and I know your going to make your Dad and Miranda very proud.

I can’t post pictures without shout outs to some amazing vendors.

Venue - Timara Lodge

Makeup - Deirdre Cowley, locks and lashes

Flowers and details - Pink Poppie

Enjoy your sneak peek xx

untitled-9

miranda-and-duncan-14

miranda8

miranda5

miranda7

miranda

miranda-and-duncan-18

miranda2

miranda-and-duncan-15

miranda-and-duncan-16

miranda-and-duncan-13

miranda-and-duncan-17

Posted in wedding | 11 Comments »

It IS supposed to be summer.

January 21, 2010

It is I swear it is… oh but wait where is the sun?? Precisely!!! Its unreal, our neighbor’s a yonder (land we call Oz) are having record breaking heat waves and us, well how does fog and misty rain sound??? BUT being the optimist that I am my arm hairs started to tingle when my photo a day challenge comes to the fore front of my mind. Ohhh lets chase the fog. Of course the girls are always up for an adventure. Jumping in our trusty station wagon (and proud) we hunted down the best foggy bit. We did get a little carried away and ended up in one of our favorite spots ‘Bells pond’. We were the only fools at the pond this foggy day. Its normally quiet, but today was just magical.

Everything was peaceful, even the swans were floating elegantly across the water. The girls were in heaven, literally.

I couldn’t decide on what shot I liked the best so I added my top 3. Ella has been staring a lot lately. I think mainly because she’s the only one that will sit still… tomorrow it will be Ava, then Quinn!!!

untitled-1

Posted in personal | 15 Comments »

Wednesday night club.

January 20, 2010

My inner beast, thats what I like to call it. The part of me that fights, like dukes up “wanna piece of me?” fight. Tonight I showed them all who was boss. Them would be 2 of my nearest and dearest. People that not only laugh at my bad jokes, but also my in ability to play backyard volley ball… hey who cares if I’m all fingers and toes??? I frigin ROCK at uniforms!!! Once a month we all get together for no reason but to sit and giggle. Tonight there was a challenge, boys against girls. The girls lost, but only just…. There is nothing better than belly laughing with friends, doesn’t matter if our house is a mess, the carpet is circa 1973 (no bull) the formica table is cracked at the sides and our kitchen chairs are bright orange…. (were waiting till it comes back in style) We have friends that don’t see what we don’t have and I think thats cool.

So I may not be able to walk tomorrow and my knees have grass stains however next month I WILL be the backyard volley ball champion without a doubt!!!!

Here again is my willing model.

Day 20, WOW already!!!!

Posted in personal | 13 Comments »

Lets share the love!

January 18, 2010

bohem

As some of you would have read a post or so ago, I wrote about how devastating the Haiti crisis is right now and my head was hurting with thoughts of what to do? Well this evening I received an email from Sonia who is the creator and master behind Bohemian Secret. On a regular basis I get emails from wonderful people asking me what actions/processes I use for my black and white shots. Well I can proudly say that I use Sonia’s AHmazing actions for a large majority of these. And tonight she is offering all her actions/presets 50% off with all earnings received going to the Haiti earthquake victims.

Not only is this an amazing opportunity to pick up some of the best black and whites known to me but to also give back to a country that really needs all the help they can get right now.

Posted in personal | 3 Comments »

Booo yaaaa

January 17, 2010

My new word!!! I don’t actually like saying it out loud, but I love the way it sounds in my head… is that weird?? I guess I am a little like that at times. I have been known to write peculiar emails written in the context of what I am thinking. I have had a few disasters from doing this. I will occasionally go back and read these (straight from my mind) emails and cringe with pain. Hey, but I tell it like it is… I have also been know to use these ‘Fe’isms in general conversation. I can probably blame it on my nervous brain not separating from its “shut up fiona, shut up fiona” brain (that shut up Fiona brain is yelling at me right now)

So if you also suffer from verbal blunders on a regular basis, raise your hand, (maybe not high, like pump the air hand raising) However be proud to make a fool of yourself. I am…. kinda…. just means I’m normal…. I hope?…. Anyone wanna back me up?….Please.

And because its day 17, not one but 5 shots of an angel straight from a baby gap commercial. Lordy lordy the eyes… oh my my!!! I truly believe that beauty emulates from the inside, Tara your spirit is beautiful and your darling wee guy posses the same beauty. I wish you best of luck for the future. Enjoy your sneak peek!

xx

tara-1

tara-6

tara-2

This shot makes my heart melt. Just a moment but a heart melting moment!

tara-4

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments »

Be thankful.

January 16, 2010

Normally our television is turned on at 6 oclock. This is when our ears and eyes are filled with the day’s top stories. Sometimes its heart warming, sometimes its heart breaking and sometimes its mindblowing. Tonight I watched some of the most horrific images that has made my mind hurt with thoughts of what can I do? I cannot believe how cruel our world can be sometimes. Haiti has been devastated, according to the reports over 200,000 people have been killed. This is all if not more of our closest town…. GONE…. everyone dead…. in the blink of an eye. There are hospitals where people have not had any medical care in more than 2 days.

Sometimes life is just not fair. But I can assure you I will be saying thanks tonight. Saying thanks that I have a house over my head and water in my taps.

Think of the people of Haiti tonight and pray that they get all the help they need.

Posted in personal | 7 Comments »

Archive for January, 2010