portrait Archives - Dezire Studios

Anzac Day

By Brook Desmond Friday, April 24, 2015 0 Blog, Portraits anzac, Anzac day, black and white, black and white photography, family Permalink 0

Anzac day – from a Photographers viewpoint

Anzac day is one of those special occasions, you know the ones. The ones that bring a smile and a tear to your eye at the same time, where silence for a small moment feels like eternity and can help bring back countless memories and emotions in the blink of an eye.

The Dawn service scramble

For the past few years we have been getting up early in the morning to attend the dawn service at Blackboy hill. This site was once a training camp for the early Anzacs, and holds a special place in history. Our kids have ben eager although very tired to get up and go to the dawn service, and we see many of our family and friends there. There is also a fantastic group of volunteers that put on hot drinks, scones and Anzac cookies for the people braving the cold mornings.

Well this morning wasn’t that cold, but due to baby having a rough night, we had a bit of a sleep in. In fact Baby, Kembry and Mesha didn’t get up at all, While Cumoram and I scrambled for the door to get there before it finished. This year seemed to be even more packed than previous years, but it was great to see such wonderful support.

Marching with pride

After attending the Dawn Service, the family and I caught the train into the city to watch the Marching Parade. This was an event that we would attend regularly when we were younger, especially when my Grandpop was alive and would March with the other returned soldiers. We would march with him often, which was a great delight to us. Dad really got into it too and so Anzac day has always been a special day for us as a family.

One year I went to March and took my younger cousin Paddy out with me to be alongside our Grandpop. Well the West Australian newspaper thought that would be a great shot and so they snapped a picture of us to be published in the paper.

A portrait of my Grandparents

Another great memory is of a very early portrait I did of my Grandpop and my Grandma sitting together at Langley reserve after the march and while we waited for the main service to begin. I loved that moment and still have the photo I took of them those many years ago. I had given them a framed picture of it as a gift and it was the one thing I asked to have back from them when they passed away. It holds a very special meaning to me.

This year we found a spot to watch the parade down by the Bell tower. We met with friends Tim and Jess Batten and took in with us Jessy Fallon. Jessy and Cumoram road their scooters around most of the time, but Kembry and Jairom had great joy sitting and watching the soldiers and marching bands in full motion. I snapped a few pictures of the day and processed them as Black & White images. I love black and white photography especially on days like Anzac day. Its a great way to show expression without the colour distraction.

As I saw these men and women march, I saw many things in their faces. Many carried scarring of what they had been through or what they had seen. They also had a look of dignity and pride. As I looked at their expressions I wondered what they thought now. I hope they have a place in their heart of peace and joy, knowing that what they did those many years ago has been of great benefit to us and our kids. Because it has. We live in a land of peace and plenty, where we have liberty to choose. Our freedom is our greatest blessing. Sometimes we moan and groan of our circumstances, but we are so blessed and have so much. And we OWE so much to those who have fought for our freedom and prosperity. To all those ANZACS and all those affected by the sacrifices of their family in the past, I would like to say THANK YOU….. LEST WE FORGET.

I hope these black and white photographs tell a story and find meaning in your heart

Just a quick preview of some pics from Anzac day 2012. A full blog of images soon. LEST WE FORGET!!!

The good in closing remote communities?

By Brook Desmond Friday, March 20, 2015 0 Blog, Personal, Travel album, arnhem land, awards, exhibited, photograph Permalink 0

The good in closing remote communities?

What good is there in the West Australian government closing remote communities? Absolutely none!! Closing remote communities is wrong.

What I have come to believe, through my experiences, as a professional travel photographer is that culture is important and difference is ok. My journey through remote communities in outback Australia is no exception.

Photography in remote communities

I’ve got to admit, I have witnessed some wonderful things. I love photography, and I love documenting events and occasions. My lens and camera sensor are the tools that allow me to document and illustrate people’s life stories.

For the most part my camera is used to photograph couples getting married or families having portraits taken for their family history. But often I find myself telling the story of everyday people and their every day life.

Turtle hunters search for food in remote communites

Protesting the foreclosure

In light of this week’s protests against the foreclosure of remote communities, I have decided to share a series of experiences that have led me to personally believe that this is a terrible mistake.

I want to share more of my stories and experiences from my time living in remote communities. I was fortunate enough to document with my camera the lifestyles of these amazing people and this amazing culture that we are still privileged to see living here in Australia.

Photography Exhibition

The photographs I was able to produce from this exploration were exhibited as a body of work at the Australian Professional Photography awards. The reception for the exhibited portfolio was overwhelming. The series of images and photographs were judged and awarded national runner-up photographic album of the year.

Closing remote communities destroys the oldest living culture

Living off the land

For 9 weeks we lived in one of these remote communities in Arnhem Land Northern Territory, which is very similar to the remote communities being closed in Western Australia . Ramingining is about 8 hours from Darwin.

This was a rich and memorable experience for our family, one that we will treasure for many years to come. For me personally it was exposure to the oldest living culture.

My family and I arrived in this remote community with many life experiences. We had previously travelled to countries all over the world and had spent 7 months exploring outback Australia, living in our camper trailer.

Nothing could prepare us for the once in a lifetime experience of living with Yolngu people in East Arnhem Land.

Although we came as complete strangers to this community we were warmly welcomed. The first thing we noticed is that things were different. Remote communities operate completely differently from the mainstream living conditions we had ever lived in or visited.

Was this a bad thing? NO, certainly not! And yes, there were things that we were not prepared for at all.

Families living on remote communities have much to teach modern culture about resourcefulness and hard work

Cultural differences

My personal curiosity really set in and I became determined to discover more about this land and the people that dwelt here. One of the first things we noticed is that our languages were different. However, rather than me making efforts to communicate in their language while in their land, the people graciously made efforts to speak to me in English.

From this point on I made an effort to try to learn some of the basics of their language, and I wanted to experience living the way they did. Of course, I know I wouldn’t be able to fully accomplish this during my short stay, but I wanted to make an authentic and genuine effort towards it.

The more effort I made, the more receptive the people became to me. They were already so happy, friendly and kind, but now they viewed this as an effort to educate me on their culture and their way of living.

Nothing wasted, Nothing taken for granted.

Within the first few days I gained an appreciation for their culture and lifestyle. Here, I discovered a community that were truly grateful for every breath of life they had. Nothing was taken for granted.

Just like my city suburban community, there were problems, some similar and some different. But what was completely different was the people of these remote communities live for life, they all contributed in some way to their family, people and community. They were resourceful and showed gratitude. Gratitude for their land, for their food and for life in general.

Another stolen generation

Why is this radical step being taken in this day and age and with all these years of disastrous failed policies as evidence? What good do we think we are doing for these people in the remote communities? What other problems are we going to open ourselves up for in the future when hindsight proves these policies to be a failure again?

After all, isn’t it owed to the people of these remote communities that they can abide in their original lands according to their tradition, as their forefathers have?

If we refuse to call it an invasion over 200 years ago, what do we call this now?

One thing is for sure, I know that the people making these decisions have never set foot in these remote communities personally. And if they have, their eyes were blindfolded so they have yet to experience the rich and rewarding experience that can await them. No one who has experienced this would ever dream of closing these communities down.

family photo shoot locations

By Brook Desmond Friday, March 13, 2015 0 Blog, Portraits family, family portraits, locations, photo shoot, photograph Permalink 0

Family photo shoot locations

A Safe Location:

If you are planning a family photo shoot at an outdoors location, it pays to pick a good location that is safe and suitable. It is also very important that the location is friendly to the family in the portraits and that right lighting can be achieved for you photo shoot.

Backdrops that compliment:

Our family photo shoots are held in an outdoor environment. One that has a natural and pleasant background – a backdrop that compliments you as the subject but does not dominate the portrait. One that creates a happy and fun environment. A good location is important to the way your portrait is lit and how it looks overall.

Good light and no distractions:

Dezire Studios brings many years experience photographing in outdoor locations for family photo shoots. Our team will guide you to a suitable location for your family portrait. Beautiful locations are not always suitable for a family photo shoot or portrait session. Distractions such as crowds, bad light and working distance may impact the look and feel of you family photo shoot.

Follow these guideline when choosing a location for a family photo shoot.

Beachscape: A beach,lake or river location that usually offers a bank and water in the vicinity. Perfect for natural, playful portraits. Best time is late afternoons just before sunset or twilight sessions.
Bushscape: A location with natural rocks, logs, trees and scrubs. Great all-round location for playful, natural, and traditional portraits. Suitable for morning and afternoon sessions
Parkscape: Similar to Bushscape but generally has manicured grass, gardens and trees. As long as there is lots of shade, this can be good for early morning and late afternoon sessions. Preferably not with swings or playground equipment
Ruralscape: On a property that has old barns, sheds, horse stables,tractors, vineyards or long fields. For farming families its ideal to have it on your own property. The best times for these sessions are early morning, late afternoon or twilight.
Urbanscape: This location usually has architecturally strong buildings or structures, Can be modern or vintage and could include stairways, arches, graffiti walls or alleyways. For more creative, expressive and abstract portraits. Great for late afternoon and twilight sessions.

Click here to see some examples of these location types

Portrait style guide

By Brook Desmond Friday, March 13, 2015 0 Blog, Booking, Portraits family, family portraits, photographer, photography, portrait Permalink 0

Family portrait style guide – What to wear?

Many people booking a portrait session ask the very same question – What do we wear? These handy hints for a better portrait session should give you some ideas on how to get your portrait style guide right for your family portrait.

Rule Number 1 – The unbroken rule

The number 1 rule when preparing for a portrait is to ensure everyone is comfortable in what they are wearing, or they will not enjoy the session. Here are some handy hints on what to wear are below. (This portrait style guide has been prepared by a professional photographer who has photographed over 1000 portraits in a 15+year career behind the camera.)

Hint number 1. When choosing appropriate clothing for your portraits consider that clothing should compliment and not dominate the portrait. To prevent overpowering the people in the portrait bold patterns, stripes and distinctive logos should be avoided. Solid colours, subtle prints and classic casual clothing are always complimentary.

Hint number 2. For a visual balance for a family portrait it is better to have everyone dressed in the same tones or colour themes. For example having everyone dressed in light or all in dark or all neutral tones.This does not necessarily mean that everyone must have matching outfits, rather dressed in clothing that has similar tonal range. Following this as a guideline will provide more pleasing and visually balanced portrait, where no individual family member will stand out.

Hint number 3. The next steps are deciding on a colour theme either lights, darks or neutrals and whether everyone will dress formally, semi-formal or casually. Remembering again that everyone needs to feel comfortable.

Once you have booked a portrait session, we will send you out a comprehensive guide (or you can download it here) on what to wear including appropriate colour themes, styles, makeup, glasses and props.

Dressed to impress at the beach

Perth & regional family portrait locations

By Brook Desmond Thursday, March 12, 2015 0 Blog, Portraits family, family portraits, location, location portraits, on location portraits Permalink 0

A Guide for the best Portrait locations

Mothers day love is devotion

What is a Good family portrait location

One of the most common questions our professional family photography studio gets asked is “What are some good family portrait locations?”

As a family portrait photographer, offering family portrait sessions not only in Perth but in country regions of Western Australia, I spend many hours trying to find out what people would like their printed portraits to look like on their walls.

Natural Light

Apart from a discussion family portrait locations, our family portrait clients usually ask about clothing to wear during family photos, and how we can achieve the best natural light to give the best results for their family photographs.

Of course, lighting and timing for your family portrait session are ultimately important. In Western Australia, we have beautiful quality natural light. Choosing the right family portrait locations to become one of the key choices for successful family portraits.

Family portrait locations that are comfortable

The right family portrait locations will engage any couple, family or children being photographed during the portrait session. Good family portrait locations will help them feel natural and comfortable in the environment.

Here is a quick visual guide to finding the right family portrait locations for your next photographic session.

Another guide would be to make a Pinboard on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ and look for family portrait location ideas and share it with your professional photographer.

Brook Desmond the lead Family photographer at Perth based Dezire Studios, has been shooting professional outdoor location family portraits for over 15 years. The following visual portrait gallery has been mastered during that time as is a wonderful resource for families looking for professional outdoor family photographs.

On location portraits

By Brook Desmond Monday, March 2, 2015 0 Blog, Portraits beautiful. premier, family, landscape, location, location portraits Permalink 0

On location portraits – finding the right one

There are a couple of key factors to consider when having your next family portrait. There are all the usual, what should I wear? what style should we go for? are we dressing formally or are we going for a casual look?

As a premier leading portrait studio in Western Australia, we will guide you through those important decisions. All our clients who book a portrait session with us receive their complimentary and comprehensive guide on what to wear to your portrait session, how much makeup to apply, whether to wear glasses or not, and what props work. We have guidelines and suggestions for colour co-ordinating clothing, how to get the tones right, whether or not to wear all the same images, and how to dress so you can achieve the look you are after, all the while remaining comfortable and looking natural.

The other key factors to consider are timing and location. Our studios specializes in natural family on location portraits, images that appear candid and unposed and show you naturally having fun. Our motto is Life, Love, Laughter and it takes a little preparation to get it right.

Our studios specialty is on location portraits. The reason for this is simple. You and the family will feel more comfortable, especially young children who may normally feel cooped up in a studio. The session becomes an experience, a happy and joyful family moment, an event that you will always remember together.

The most important thing to remember is even with on location portraits the focus is still about the people and not the landscape. In saying this, yes the landscape is important, the background is essential, but it is merely a way of complimenting the people that are in it. A nice background will not over power the people in the portrait, but will add taste and flavour.

The essential key in on location portraits is most definitely lighting the scene right. In a studio, the strobes or flash become the key to lighting the subject and the background. On location portraits are controlled by the ambient light from the sun. The sun is a powerful beast and has the ability to dominate the portrait if not used correctly. You would have seen these images before or even taken them on your own camera. Things like harsh shows under the eyes, nose and chin or to one side of the face. Similarly splotchy light making unattractive patched on the face will do the same thing. With the right lighting not only will you get the most flattering portrait, but you will also have a splendid background to compliment and add flavour to the portrait and enhance your already glowing self. Get the light wrong and you merely add age to you.

Light is a Photographers trick and mastering outdoor light that you cannot dial down or amp up is a specialized art. It takes years of training and hands on experience to master this and be ready for whatever comes your way. But what on location portraits sessions allow, is for individuality and uniqueness. Shooting the same on location portraits at different times or on different days will give different looks. You will have your own unique portrait that is totally personal to you.

Much better than having the same pose, same backdrop, same lighting and same clothes as the last client that came through. And with a wealth of amazing locations here in Perth Western Australia and throughout the nation and world you will have a much more rewarding and natural experience. In the next part of this post I will go into the types of locations and show you some samples of how to get you personal portrait experience.

Below are a quick sample of some different types of locations and as we share more on how to select the right location for your on location portraits, we will add more sample to help you select the right type of location for your next family portrait.

An example of a on location portraits in the bush

An example of on location portraits in the Urban architectural location

A Twilight session

An example of on location portraits in a Rural location . This was the clients actual farm

An example of on location portraits in the Park location

An example of on location portraits in a Beach location

Photography journey

By Brook Desmond Tuesday, February 3, 2015 0 Blog, Travel advertising, bride, family portraits, groom, photograph Permalink 0

Travelling the long road in African on an amazing Journey

Let me take you on a Photography journey. I have promised on my facebook page that I will showcase some powerful images I have documented from my photography journey. This is part one of an ongoing series of images and stories that I will publish.

How can photography be so powerful? How can photographs take us on a journey? Why do images make us feel and do certain things? Professional Photographers and advertising companies have been studying this for so long and tried many techniques to portray a message to us, the viewer. For many years now I have worked as a Professional Photographer, capturing and creating images that illustrate stories and promote a message.

I have photographed the candid events of the bride and groom’s wedding day; the love and laughter from a family portrait session; followed the brief of the art designer for a magazine. Image-making with my camera has played many different roles and taken me on a wonderful journey. In my travels I have witnessed and captured many profound and amazing stories. Today I would like to start by sharing some of the things that my eye has beheld and my camera captured.

I recently presented a portfolio of images that I documented all over the world to a group of my peers and fellow professional photographers. I shared with them a group of powerful and personal images that have helped me put my life’s challenges into perspective. These images have helped me remain grateful for the wonderful blessings that I have in my life. I will be shortly sharing the first image from that series.

Family portrait album – Please watch & share

By Brook Desmond Saturday, November 1, 2014 0 Blog, Portraits design, families, family, family portraits, photograph Permalink 0

Love at Home

I have just finished off working on this portrait album design for a wonderful families portrait album. Please watch & share. I can’t wait to present it to them. I have loved the time I have had sitting down working on this portrait album design. The day of the Photo shoot, we spent the morning at their home preparing for the Photographic portrait session, and then we wondered down to Hyde Park to take some lovely family portraits. I cannot wait to share the entire blog and the story, miracle and journey of this beautiful family. You will be amazed at their courage, strength and love for each other, and the amazing friends around them who support them in their journey and challenges.

It is a joy working with wonderful families like this. A Mum and Dad that love each other and together work hard to give their kids the very best. I just love seeing families enjoy being together and it is the privilege of my job as a professional photographer to be with them and Photograph them celebrating the simple joys of life. This work sums up my style as a photographer, and to finish it up with a lovely portrait album design just completes it perfectly.

This amazing family has endured some serious pain and suffering and need your support and Love especially during this hard time. I made this album for them and presented it to them today, on what will be a day in their life that they will never forget.

Please Watch this clip it will break your heart – Such an amazing family. Biggest love and prayers to them now.

Happy Mothers day

By Brook Desmond Sunday, May 12, 2013 0 Blog, Portraits, Weddings baby, daughter, family, family portraits, natural Permalink 0

Mothers Day a time to celebrate:

This Mothers day we ran a photography competition , and asked you all to pick an image that best resembles motherhood. We also asked you to share in your own words your personal feelings about your mother or about motherhood, and what is special about mothers day. Well firstly, happy mothers day to all the others out there, and thank you for your wonderful and amazing contribution to life. Also thank you for touching our hearts with you kind, uplifting and inspiring words about mothers, we really have felt the spirit of this mothers day.

Mothers day giving what you have

Mothers day love is devotion

This mothers day, I am thankful to my mother, she is so wonderful and special and has given everything so that we can be who we are. She still continues to be this amazing person

Engagement portrait

By Brook Desmond Wednesday, May 8, 2013 0 Blog, Portraits, Weddings babies, baby, bridal party, bride, church Permalink 0

Engagement Portrait or family Portrait:

A family portrait and an engagement portrait in the same session. That’s right, the lovely couple preparing for their upcoming wedding, had us out with them on a lovely morning to get some pre wedding photographs or an engagement portrait.

engagement portrait & family portrait

The cool bit was having them bring their beautiful baby twins for the portrait session. Call it a engagement portrait or a family portrait, either way it was fantastic.

Bobby & Tash are getting married later this year and I am lucky enough to be given the job of being their photographer on their wedding day.

Beach Portraits

By Brook Desmond Monday, April 29, 2013 0 Blog, Portraits beach portraits, cottesloe, daughter, family, family portraits Permalink 0

Beach Portraits in the school holidays:

School holidays is a fantastic time to catch up with your family and spend some time together. For me school holidays is an extremely busy time. Kids and parents are often on holiday together and many families take the opportunity to get some family portraits done. For sister Kim and Samantha, this was an ideal time to catch up with each other and have there precious daughters spend some time together. Samantha was on a break from Melbourne and arranged with her sister to get some prints for their parent Christmas gift – we have such thoughtful clients. We decided on a session at the iconic Cottesloe beach, a favourite for Beach portraits

The afternoon session was planned with the light in mind. This is a crucial part of being a photographer and choosing to shoot on location portraits without a full entourage of lighting assistants. The best way to prepare for a Beach portraits session is to get the timing right. Because there is no shade and only the clouds (not that there is any in Perth) provide some relief from the burning sun.

New Year portraits – Joanne & Ryan have an urban portrait session

By Brook Desmond Monday, January 28, 2013 0 Blog, Booking, Portraits beautiful. premier, natural, personal, photograph, photographer Permalink 0

New year portraits:

Well its been a super flat out end of the year and beginning to the new year. So much has happened, so many stories to tell, so many images to share, and so many blogs to catch up on. After a couple of huge months, it time to have a break and I’m just about to take a break with my wife to Bali. Its not purely holiday though as I’m going to be checking out some locations for some upcoming photographic workshops. So stay tuned. But it is a great time to get some new year portraits. The weather is lovely, we have hardly had any rain (Which is a little sad for the Farmers, but really good if you are a professional photographer.)

new year portraits at an urban location

To finish off I’m just sharing a few pics from an album from a new year portraits special done for a lovely couple who have just become engaged. They also printed some beautiful canvas prints to put in their new home,

Precious family portrait

By Brook Desmond Sunday, November 11, 2012 0 Blog, Booking, Portraits beach portraits, beautiful. premier, family, family portraits, natural Permalink 0

Last night I had the honor of taking some precious family portraits on the Beach at Ocean reef. As the sun began to go down and the light became glorious and perfect for portraits, A couple of little princess’s got to run around and have some fun with the wind blowing back their hair and their grins from ear to ear. They had a magic little experience and of course Mum and dad were right there to enjoy the moment. Shooting family photographs down on the beach is a a wonderful thing, but the timing is the key. Come too early and the light is harsh and bright, making it hard for the family to look around without being blinded. Location and timing are super important to getting the right look and level of comfort during the experience. On our blog there is information to help you decide what is the best time and location for you, and a couple of samples to help you decide. Here is the link to that post. This little sneek preview from the portrait session, is just a little taste of some of the stunning and amazing natural portraits taken on the night. With the beautiful summer light coming into action, now is the time to book your own portrait. The best way to do that with us is to see where we are shooting and be first in best dressed with the dates, times and locations available. Here is the Link to our booking page.

Tag Archives

Anzac day – from a Photographers viewpoint

The Dawn service scramble

Marching with pride

A portrait of my Grandparents

The good in closing remote communities?

Photography in remote communities

Protesting the foreclosure

Photography Exhibition

Living off the land

Cultural differences

Nothing wasted, Nothing taken for granted.

Another stolen generation

Family photo shoot locations

A Safe Location:

Good light and no distractions:

Family portrait style guide – What to wear?

Rule Number 1 – The unbroken rule

A Guide for the best Portrait locations

What is a Good family portrait location

Family portrait locations that are comfortable

On location portraits – finding the right one

Love at Home

This amazing family has endured some serious pain and suffering and need your support and Love especially during this hard time. I made this album for them and presented it to them today, on what will be a day in their life that they will never forget.

Please Watch this clip it will break your heart – Such an amazing family. Biggest love and prayers to them now.

Mothers Day a time to celebrate:

Engagement Portrait or family Portrait:

Beach Portraits in the school holidays:

New year portraits: