samantha rowe photography

Kate & Tobi - Shorncliffe Pier - 3rd Dec 2011

2011-12-07T22:32:00.001-08:00

Kate & Tobi had a very small and intimate wedding, which was simply perfect for them. They are both wonderful down to earth people, who simply wanted to get married without all the fuss!

We had a fun afternoon at Shorncliffe pier and the playground. (The kids were all enraptured by the beautiful bride going down the slippery slide!)

Sarah & Kyle - Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens

2011-12-07T22:16:00.001-08:00

Sarah & Kyle are a beautiful couple! They are so very generous and caring people, that it radiates from them.

We had the weather from XXXX, (pouring rain, hail, lightning etc....) but they just said "don't worry about it, we'll be fine". So even though our location shot time was cut short, we made up for it with lots of bare feet moments......

It was a simple, emotional and very moving ceremony. Sarah & Kyle's family and friends were an absolute blast, which makes my job just about the best in the world! (And Sarah's cheeky granddad was the icing on the cake!)

Nicole & Shane's Family Photos

2011-09-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

Japanese Gardens - Queens Park - Ipswich

I have know Nicole for many years. She is my framing guru. Her son Levi is the same age as my youngest son. I photographed them when Levi was 2 - we was very cute and shy then. Now, he is the most cuddle loving boy, who seemed to think that I was the best person to latch onto (I didn't mind one bit - it was so much fun!)

Henri Cartier-Bresson Exhibition

2011-09-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to go and visit the Henri Cariter-Bresson Exhibition at the Brisbane Art Gallery yesterday.

Before I get going with my thoughts on the exhibit, I would firstly like to say that I did like it. I was inspired to break out of my wedding mould that I have found myself in and to go out and be the photographer that I would like to be. It even gave me inspiration to be a photography curator - how amazing would that be - to work with the most amazing photographers work....... Well, not much call for that in Brisbane...... Oh well.....

So, what I would like to comment on is that at Uni, when we were all told about the amazing photographers in the world and what they were known best for etc... Cartier-Bresson's work (from my memory) was most known for his amazing use of light and dark (chiaroscuro), his use of seeing all around him and using it to the images best possibility (eg reflections in water), and his composure of his subject - whether it be a portrait, street scene or landscape.

I found that many of his work definitely fit into some or all of these categories together. Some of his images made me think of Ansel Adams' amazing ability with exposure and getting details out of the darkest of darks and lightest of lights - in the one image.

For those who do not know much about the technical side of photography, black and white film is able to capture the darks and lights much better than a digital camera. However, to capture the extremes of light and dark, on film, in the 1930's was something not very people were capable of doing, especially within a single frame. Obviously the dark room probably came into it as well, but the initial framework needed to already be in that single negative to be able to give up any detail at all.

The thing that is bugging me however, is that the main all important, DO NOT of photography that we were taught is that if you are photographing people, especially if they are going to be the main focus of your image, then the person at the front MUST be in focus. If they are off to the side and not really that noticable, you can get away with them not being in focus. But for the main focus subject who takes up 2/3rds of the image, they need to be in focus.

I can think of 2 or 3 images at the exhibition that defied this rule. (And it bugs me). They were not especially awe inspiring images, that you go away thinking about the emotional impact that they have. I don't think they were of any important historical figures. They were just normal people - who are framed in an exhibit for one of the most influential photographers in the last 100 years, and they are out of focus.

This is what I have taken away with me as my main thought from an exhibition that I was so excited to go and see.

So I am disappointed. I think it is in myself. I think that it is a few factors - the huge excitment of seeing something that you cannot wait to see and being let down with your too high expectations. I also think that we see so many amazing photographs over the years, that we forget that the photojournalistic style started with Cartier-Bresson, Capa, W.Eugune Smith (my personal favourite!) etc. Also we see all their best work, from over their entire life. As a photographer, I can take 1000 photos of a wedding (I know - there is absolutely nothing in comparison - but I'm looking at the idea - I can take 1000 image and only 10 will be up to my standards of being good enough. With this day of the digital - we are not as careful as we were with film. I used to get 20 to 30 good images from 8 rolls of film. Now, we take so many more images and have less quality...... Well, that's a story for another day.

So what I'm trying to say is that we usually see 10 to 20 of the best images of a photgrapher. There were 250 of his images! So I'm giving myself a mental kick up the bum and saying, stop being so critical and enjoy the start of the evolution of photojournalism, right before my eyes - a sight that I may not get to see again in my lifetime.

The image that I have posted for you, is one of my many favourites. His use of the reflection was drilled into us at Uni. The idea that you don't need to have the main subject in focus, if there is another just as important focal point.

I will leave my ramblings with one of Cartier-Bresson's quotes, that is written on the wall of the exhibition.

"To take photographs means to recognize - simultaneously and within a fraction of a second - both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one's head, one's eye and one's heart on the same axis. "
Henri Cartier-Bresson

The image that I have posted for you, is one of my many favourites. His use of the reflection was drilled into us at Uni. The idea that you don't need to have the main subject in focus, if there is another just as important focal point.

Katie & Mitchell - Marist College Ashgrove

2011-08-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

Katie and Mitchell's wedding was simple, elegant and very special. They are so in love that they were almost bursting at the seems with excitement to just get married. Katie was so serene and confident, that she calmed everyone around her. Mitchell was a little bit nervous, but his groomsmen got him laughing.

The ceremony was a lovely service at the Marist College in Ashgrove.

The small and intimate group of family and friends were so excited for Katie and Mitchell and some tears sneaked out here and there.

After some fantastic location shots at the Marist College afterwards, we quickly dashed back to the reception to warm up. Overall, it was simply a lovely, cosy wedding and I was made to feel very welcome by Katie and Mitchell's family.

Courtney & Adam - but wait there's more.....

2011-05-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

Courtney & Adam - more pics

2011-05-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

Courtney .... Those gorgeous turquoise eyes.....

Courtney & Adam - Marriott, Diana Plaza, Roma St Parklands

2011-05-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

Courtney at the Brisbane Marriott

Facebook "LIKE" button

2011-05-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

I've finally figured out (well, been given the step by step instructions from my guru.....) how to put on the facebook "like" button!

So it's now up and running on the front page.

I've "liked" myself to see if it works - which is does! However, it does make me look a bit like nigel no friends!

Sooooo, pretty please, someone like me????

Have fun!!!!!!

Raves!

2011-03-22T18:09:00.001-07:00

Here are some wonderful and kind words from some of my most excellent clients.....

"We read your blog and it's beautiful, we had such an amazing day with you and the photos are amazing!!"  Courtney & Adam

"Sam, thank you so very much for such a wonderful job!  Well done and we are so happy with the photos.  Thank you so much for everything you did for us.  You are a very patient person and an awesome photographer.  We really enjoyed the time with you.  Thank you again and best wishes to you!"  Missy & Richard

"Our parents LOVED the albums we gave them...  Mum's been showing her's off to all her family & friends!  Our album looks wonderful!  We're so happy with it.  Thank you so much for everything on our wedding day and for all your hard work...  It's the perfect way to keep such happy memories."  Megan & Matt

"Awesome wedding photos! Thank you so much. It may take us a while to
choose... there are so many beautiful (and fun) ones."  Genevieve & Marty

"You were wonderful at our Wedding and the photo's are so fantastic....we cannot wait to see the album.  My family thought you were a real hoot and they loved you!"  Crystal & John

"The photos are fantastic! We are trying to summarise the ones we want in the album, they are all so beautiful.  You did a great job!"  Jade & Chris

Sonja & James - Topiaries at Beaumont, Samford - More Photos!

2011-03-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

I've been asked by a few people now to put up more photos of each wedding. That way you can get a feel of what the day was like ....

This is Sonja & James at Topiaries at Beaumont - Samford

Recommendations

2011-03-21T20:33:00.001-07:00

I've finally got around to putting up a recommendations page in my weddings section. These are all people who I have met along the winding road of wedding photography.

All of them are BEAUTIFUL people (I would not recommend anyone that I did not think worthy!)

Courtney & Adam, Jan 2011 - Brisbane City / Roma St Parklands

2011-02-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Courtney can give lessons on being prepared and coming to the rescue.

Courtney and Adam were supposed to get married at Customs House on the 15th of Jan, 2011. However the Brisbane Floods had a bit of a say in the matter and there went the electricity in the city. No power, no food, no venue......

With only 24 hrs notice from Customs House, Courtney pulled up her socks and got to work finding another venue in the city that had power, access to food trucks etc. She pulled it all off with no hitches at all! And it was simply beautiful!

The girls and I had a tonne of fun at the Marriott. The boys had a few hair raising moments walking down the middle of a slightly busy Eagle St. But they did great!

The ceremony was very touching and heartfelt.

And we were the only wedding party in Roma St Parklands! I nearly fell over in shock! But hey, all the more for us.......

Courtney and Adam had so much fun (I hope!) - she was laughing and happy all the time, so I'm guessing all was good. The whole bridal party were wonderful and very welcoming. It really makes a difference when people welcome you into their lives so easily. It is only for a brief time, but I value it and keep it in my heart for ever.

Gen & Marty - Wedding at Moreton Island

2011-02-09T20:01:00.001-08:00

Gen and Marty are two of the most wonderful people you will ever meet! Luckily they are friends of mine, so I am totally justified in saying this!

Gen helped me in my long ago uni days with some fashion assignments and she simply could not live without me taking her wedding photos....... (Well, it wasn't quite so over the top as that, but I felt very priviledged).

Gen is one of those exquisite beauties that don't really see it themselves. So Gen is very down to earth, a prankster and the kind of girl who will have your back when you need some back up!

Marty is her perfect match (except for being hairier......(he has a beard!) He gives the best bear hugs (and is quite proud of the fact) and he is so very caring, honest and he pulls the most amazing facial expressions..... I was basically laughing all day long (which can be a slight problem when it comes to focus, but hey, what's a bit of action movement now and again!)

We had the most perfect weather, the gods must have been smiling! Beach weddings can be a wee bit hazardous to the health and wealth of photographic equipment, but all was fine and dandy! This was, hands down, my favourite wedding that I have ever had the honour to photograph.

Sonja & James - Topiaries at Beaumont, Samford

2011-02-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

Sonja is the perfect bride! She is tall and elegant, serene, composed and very organised and she looked amazing to boot! James........ tall, dark and handsome, with a quirky smile! Topiaries at Beaumont at Samford is just lovely. It would have been even better if it hadn't up and bucketed down on us...... But the show must go on! Sonja eventually hiked up the skirts and did a very elegant dash. They were just a wonderful couple. Very easy going and happy to go along with whatever I felt like making them do. (I'm not really that bad!) We had a tonne of fun! That's the main thing!

John & Crystal - 2nd October 2010

2010-10-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

John and Crystal's wedding was just a fairy tale.

Crystal wore Italian lace and was just glowing. John, the strong, silent type, looked so very suave.

The ceremony was held on the family farm, under a huge old tree, with atmospheric grey clouds and rainbows in the sky. It was very emotional and heartwarming. The love between them was felt by everyone. And the pouring rain after the register was signed and the muddy ground didn't stop us from getting some lovely shots.

Amazing photographer - John Mueller

2010-10-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this simply amazing photographer.

I found his work on flickr (which inspired me to create my own page, which I realise is pitiful compared to his, but hey, he has been doing it for a lot longer than me...... I'll get there in time!)

www.flickr.com/photos/johnmueller/

or

www.johnbmueller.com/

Samantha Rowe - now on Flickr

2010-10-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I've gone and done it!

I'm now on flickr.

I saw some amazing shots and thought, that's a good idea to get out there a bit.

I'm not sure if anyone reads my blog, but I know it's a pain to leave a comment, but it's so much easier on Flickr.

So go and check it out! www.flickr.com/photos/samantharowe

I post a photo and have a chat about the image, where it was taken etc.... I hope you like it.

Below is an example.

Love is like walking down the road....

This wedding was very relaxing and serene ( except when it began to rain just when the bride arrived, so all the guests had to grab a chair and run for cover!).

The bride and groom were so very joyful and happy to do everything I asked of them.

I love this shot as I think it embodies love, life and relationships. Love is like walking down the road. It has it's ups and down, rough patches and smooth and those horrible sharp bends that sneek up on you too quickly. But they always keep going.........

Gen & Marty's Guest Book

2010-09-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is the front cover of Genevieve and Martin's Guest Book.

We go and do an engagement sitting in a location of your choice.

You choose about 25 photos, which I then re-touch and design into a guest book for your wedding.

This also includes signing pages for your guests and romantic quotes.

The finished product is an A4 size photo book with a gloss photo cover.

It is really wonderful the resonse that these guests book have at wedding receptions. Family and friends simply love them.

Which is a lovely and humbling feeling on my behalf.

Megan and Matt - September 2010

2010-09-25T23:24:00.001-07:00

Megan and Matthew - 18th September 2010

Megan and Matt were married last saturday, with a forecast of heavy rain in the afternoon.

I think all of us did whatever rituals we could that day for the rain to either come a bit early or a bit late! And we were in luck!

Megan has one of the most infectious and beautiful smiles that I have ever seen. When she isn't smiling (which is very rare) then she is pulling a funny face. She will probably hate the funny face photos that I took of her, but I'm sure that Matt will agree with me that those photos are just simply her!

She looked exquisite and was so relaxed it was a joy to spend the day with her. Matt was the typical nervous groom, but he did great and his love for her just shone out of him during the ceremony. The bridesmaids were wonderful, the groomsmen rascals..... Just the way they should be!

Chris and Jade - August 2010

2010-09-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

Chris and Jade - 22 August 2010

I photographed Chris and Jade's wedding in late August. It was a daytime wedding, held at Guyatt Park in St Lucia. Followed by some photos at UQ.

It was a very lovely, casual and intimate wedding. They are so very much in love and it's Chris who got all emotional on the day. I just love it when the groom shows how much it all means to him.

Wedding at St Bridids & at Roma St Parklands

2010-05-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent wedding, on 15th May, 2010.

Art Prints

2010-04-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

NEW!!!! I am now selling Art Prints.

These prints can be on either photographic paper, art paper (like watercolour paper), Art Bloc (which is a photographic print mounted onto think, hard foamcore - ready to hang), Canvas or Acrylic Mount (which is a photographic print specially mounted onto the back of a piece of acrylic - ready to hang).

My price list and images to choose from are in my "Personal" section of my website.

I have listed down different sizes, but if you wanted another size or even something square, that is no problem!

I hope you like them.

Photos on Canvas

2009-09-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Photos on Canvas look brilliant!

It can be anything! A moody portrait, a holiday photo, a portrait of your kids.

Your portraits of your kids can also be fun art - colourful spots or lines with the photos of your kids.

Ikea Frames and RA-4 prints

2009-08-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ikea Frames are great!

They are a good price, solid and look nice. What you can do is get a frame that is a bit bigger than your photo, then take it to a framer (you may need to phone them first to see if they will do a matt up for you etc - some will only do their own frames).

But if you find a framer, get them to cut a new archival matt to fit the frame and image (Triple check with them that it is acid free and PH-Neutral). Also get them to tape up the back and put on some new D-rings and wire. That way, you have a sealed, framed image that will last hopefully 25 years or longer. It (hopefully) shouldn't cost more than $40 to $50, depending on the size of your frame.

(However, it all depends on what sort of paper your photo is printed on. If you want photos that last, make sure they are printed on proper photographic paper - thru an RA-4 machine. NOT an inkjet print - which will last a couple of years if you are REALLY LUCKY!!)

Arnold Newman

2009-08-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite photographers is Arnold Newman.

He is truely one of the greats!

Newman specialised in environmental portraiture - taking portraits of people in the environment that they lived / worked in.

He photographed many artists, including Picasso.

One of my favourite images of his is of Alfried Krupp. Newman had to hide the film and sneak it out of Germany after taking photos of Krupp around world war 2. His room was searched by Krupps henchmen, who were looking for the film. But Newman managed to get out and give us this amazingly powerful and dark image of a man who was later charged for crimes against humanity.

You can see Arnold Newman's images at www.arnoldnewmanarchive.com

Ice Mounts

2009-08-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

There is an amazing and different way of having photos as art on your walls. Instead of going for the canvas prints, look at Ice Mount prints.

They are basically a photographic print that is glued onto the back of a thick(ish) piece of acrylic.

Four special screws are placed at each corner, ready to mount onto your wall.

Have a look at the Ice Mount website:

www.icemount.com.au

They have all the detail and a rough pricing guide.

They are also a Brisbane company and attached to Brilliant Prints, who does photographic and canvas prints.

Black and White Photography

2009-08-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

I've just found this great website that has these amazing b&w images.

Check it out!

www.bw.amitbasu.org/

150 year of Photography in Qld

2009-08-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

My husband and I went to see a photography exhibition at the Qld Art Gallery on the weekend.

It was 150 years of Photography in Qld.

I thought that the earliest images were the most interesting. They were by a man by the name of Daintree (sorry, I cannot remember his first name). They were mainly taken to advertise to miners and farmers in England to come to Australia and this is what you would see, the sort of "shack" house you would live in etc....

They were pretty well the most memorable images and story behind the images that were there.

I was disappointed in the exhibition. I know that we have many Qld photographers who have fantastic work. The work shown in the exhibition, I feel, was boring and not really expressing what life was like in past years. eg. A photo from the 60's/70's could have been taken today - you could not really tell unless you looked at the date it was taken.

I wanted to see photographs of Queensland and queenslanders over 150 years. There was a couple of images of the big floods, which was great! There was a horse in front of an old cinema, which was quirky. There were a couple on building the Storey Bridge, which was interesting. But that is all I can remember of the photos there.

That says a lot about the exhibition, doesn't it!

Thank you Tony & Irena!

2009-08-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you Tony and Irena for sharing your special day with me.

It was lovely meeting all your family and friends.

Congratulations! I hope your life together will bring you many joys.

Scarborough Wedding

2009-07-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

I am just finishing off re-touching the images that I did for a wedding up a Scarborough.

Here is my favourite shot of the wedding.

Mt Crosby State School

2009-07-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

I put a little flyer out at my son's school. It was a winter portraits special.

The last lot of portraits and these ones are some of the portraits that I have been doing for the winter portraits special.

These girls have the most beautiful smiles!

Portraits - Maree and boys

2009-07-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

I did some portraits last weekend.

A few pics are attached.

The building is the Mt Crosby Pumping Station. It was built about 100 years ago.

I always find it interesting and challenging to photograph teenagers - especially boys.

They usually REALLY don't want to be there.

These two were great, though - still hard, but they were fun!

Sabastian and Lincoln - my baby elephants.....

2009-07-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

These are my two noisy urchins.........

They don't like me calling them baby elephants - but they sound like it when they run all over the house....

They are one of my 3 loves in life - my little boys, my husband and photography!

Thor Engelstad

2009-07-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

I went to uni with Thor.

There were 2 people in our year who were exceptional photographers and artist - Thor and Michelle Bowden.

Have a look at Thor's website:

http://www.engelstadphotography.com/

Nikon D3 and D3x reviews

2009-07-14T20:23:00.001-07:00

Here is a couple of links to reviews of the Nikon D3 and D3x.

I've heard some not too great things about the D3x. Mostly that it isn't anywhere as good as the D3.

http://photo.net/equipment/nikon/D3/D3-review

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Nikon-D3x-Digital-Camera-Review-20489.htm

Nikon D3

2009-07-14T20:18:00.001-07:00

The Nikon D3 is on my wish list.

I currently have a Canon 20D. It's OK. But it is hopeless in the dark - early evening, churches etc.....

I have done some shooting with a D3, thanks very much to Stephen Walker. It is wonderful! Heavy - especially with good lenses on it - my arm is aching after a few hours holding it. I found the focus a bit difficult to get used to - either the single frame - wait for the beep! or the continuous which I am sure if fantastic for sports photography, but for weddings and portraiture..... When you have a few guys in the frame, you focus on the closest, re-compose and shoot and then find out that it has re-focused on you to the person in the middle or back.... Fun and games!!!!!!!!

Anyway, this is my wish item at present.