I’ve now finished editing so it’s time to close up shop and go vote…

I’ve got a wedding I’m 2nd shooting at this weekend so I’ve got to get back in the zone and what better way then to have some music playing and to finish up the final series from Justin & Katrina’s wedding!  They’re back from their honeymoon in Malta & Italy now and getting stuck into living Melbourne. I will have to ask my next couple to bring back a nice BIG SUITCASE of fine weather!

My dad passed on today surrounded with love from close family.  I know you did what you wanted to do and I know you had no regrets Dad.  I’m just glad to see that you’re no longer suffering.  Say hello to your folks and say hello to Bob.

I would have loved to have you walk with me through this new journey I’ve undertaken but I’ve a feeling you’ll be watching over us Gardners for long to come.

Thanks for everything Dad.

Love always.

This image was taken in late 2009 during a wedding I was shooting as a 2nd photographer.

In photographic terms it really isn’t a special photo, it’s more a snap than anything else. The line through the top of her head is regarded as a no-no (It’s the corner of the entrance to a hallway on a boat). It’s lit with bounced flash and even then not that creatively, just straight up and letting it softly decend onto this great couple.

I couldn’t tell you their names however what I do remember is they have been married over 30 years and I had just asked them for their portrait.

“What? Really? Are you sur…” *CLICK* He had just turned back with a look in his eye that says, “Woman, you’re gorgeous, I love you.”  It really does speak volumes more about how he sees and holds her and it’s the look I would love all my wedding couples to have 30 years down the track.

I started this post a couple of weeks ago and the look that my mum gives my dad is certainly much the same.  There’s a few more tears at times as is with all of us as he lies in hospital unable to really form words, breath and do alot of things we all take for granted.

I think for words, “Noi, stop touching my feet!” comes to mind as mum caters to anyway she can maintain contact with him.  We all want contact.  We all want him to know we are here.

Cancer got him here and complications make it harder for him to leave.  He’s got an infection in one lung and fluid in the other which leaves him one step further away….well he just seems so far away from getting better.

Everyone in the Gardner clan will drop by this week.  We’ve always been around for each other.

This week go and see or make a call to the people you love the most and tell them you love them.

The input I’ve also had from numerous photographers, clients, designers, friends….well you know who you are so thank you for QC and all the tips!

This is my presence on the web, this is my storefront and it was one

of the goals I’ve had getting this business a professional face. Another two things also happened and that was my Facebook group clocking over 150 “likes” and my new business cards rocking up all in time to bring in the new year.

It’s all here now and here to stay so keep coming back to enjoy my new work and to watch this little business grow.

I was lucky, really lucky to be able to spent my morning and early afternoon with Justin & Katrina at Overnewton Castle.  A big ceremony was spent with family and friends followed by an intimate lunch with a dozen of their closest relatives and the people that have meaning in their lives.

This is just a sneak peak from their day and a great moment when we arrived from church and had the grounds all to ourselves.  Justin’s eyes lit up as he asked, “Before we go anywhere. Can we please get a shot with this tree?  I love it.”

Sneak peak at Justin & Katrina's wedding day.

…and I can’t argue with that.

WTFOMGLMAOBBQ.

I haven’t blogged much to either my old blogspot blog or anywhere else and the loyal fans, y’all, need something so while I work on Bianca’s family photos I’ll leave you with a day at the Brighton Doggie Beach.  All dogs great and small were out in force today and I may as well blog about something I love….mutts.

They came in all sizes, and all ages.  Some ran fast and kept on running all the time they were there whilst others plodded along because they were older.  The younger plodders were just trying to find their feet.

Regardless of how they spent their time, every dog there was happy to have free reign in the sun, on their own little beach in Brighton.

The Dogs on Brighton Beach from Alexander Gardner on Vimeo.