Elkie Photography

Wedding - Samantha & Hugo

2012-01-04T23:55:00.002+11:00

It had been raining for a few weeks, as well as in the morning of Samantha and Hugo's big day. But our pray was answered and my no-rain charm worked again! It turned out to be a beautiful day and we all felt very blessed. And I believe it is a blessing to Samantha and Hugo's marriage life as well!

Church Ceremony: St. Martin's Church, Killara

Wedding videographer: Kevin Lee

Makeup Artist: Martha Mok of D'makeupstation

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery

Wedding - Helen & Rocky

2012-01-04T21:15:00.001+11:00

Not only because it was Helen and Rocky's wedding, but it was also Christmas time, so joy was everywhere!

Wedding ceremony and reception: Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel

Makeup: Carren Lee

Transportation: Pure Limousines

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-12-24T17:41:00.002+11:00

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year everyone!!

Again, thank you so much for having me in 2011. I won't be where I am and who I am with the support from you all.

It has been a big year for me, with lots of opportunity throughout the year. This year I shot 32 weddings (which exceeded my target), plus a few more weddings for other studio, plus portrait, event or even fashion. I also did my first official overseas destination wedding in Bali, plus the chance to travel around Sydney and beyond to photograph this beautiful country.

I went USA early this year for the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographer International) convention. Attended a few mind-blowing workshop and seminar by Greg Gibson, Susan Stripling and other international photographers, which I was inspired so much not only in term of photography (attitude and technique), but also as a person.

Apart from Bali and USA (LA, Orlando, New York, Las Vegas), Taiwan (Taipei, TaiChung, Sun Moon Lake) and Hong Kong also were my travel and work destination. Looking forward to travel more places in the coming year.

Luckily I have received two Silver Award from Australian Professional Photography Award (APPA) this year. As well as another Silver from the AIPP NSW award, plus one Third Place and two Accolades of Excellence from WPPI International Competition.

But the most rewarding part of my job is knowing how much my clients love my photos and service, and what my photos mean to them and their family. You are the one who make me believe I am doing something meaningful.

I know I have not been deliver my best all the time, especially due to the amount of workload, sometimes it took a longer time for me to deliver the image and album to my lovely clients. For this I feel very guilty and I would like to give my sincerely apology. In order to give a better service, I currently building up a reliable team to help my workload, and I am aiming to give a more personal, friendly and satisfactory experience to all my clients in the future. And hopefully at the same time, I will be able to maintain a more balance work and personal life.

And I thank you for all the kindness and love that you have shared with me. It gives me positive energy to walk forward in this fragile world.

Love,

Elkie

Merry Christmas from Elkie Photography - Year 2011 Slideshow

2011-12-24T13:35:00.001+11:00

Another big year for me!

It really has been an amazing year, and I certainly cannot be where I am, and become who I am, without you all. I just know I am a very lucky girl and I am totally overwhelmed by all the love and support that I have received from everyone.

Here is another year in review slideshow. I have to use my favourite Christmas song "All I want for Christmas is you" from the movie "Love Actually" soundtrack again this year as the background music as I just love it so much ... and again, I did not pick the photos based on a artistic point of view, but those that represent love and joy.

There was a lot of emotion to my heart when I looked back the photos I took this year while making the slideshow. When people asked me what I gained the most after become a photographer, I now say for all the kind people that I have met and the love that I was shared with, has make me become a better and positive person. So thank you, again.

May all of you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Love you all.

E-Session - Helen & Rocky

2011-12-17T02:37:00.000+11:00

It is Helen and Rocky's big day tomorrow, and here is a little e-session that we had earlier :-)

Wedding - Sandy & Raphael

2011-12-17T00:26:00.002+11:00

What a great day of Sandy and Raphael's wedding! Not only the bride and groom are super organized (the schedule is 13 pages long, included a headshot of all the bridal party and VIP! I laughed when I saw it but it was such a great idea!) and so friendly and nice to work with ... and also by coincidence, I managed to work with a team of cinematographers, makeup artist, and assistant that I have been knowing quite well, so made my job very enjoyable!

Church Ceremony: Our Lady of Sacred Hearts Church, Randwick

Cinematographer: Moving Presentation

Makeup & hairstylist : Lianne

Thank you for having me Sandy and Raphael, all the best to your beautiful future together!

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery

E-Session - Gloria & Dave

2011-12-09T23:54:00.001+11:00

Gloria and Dave's big day is only a few hours to go! We had the E-Session couple weeks ago ... don't we love Jacaranda? I think it is the best month in Sydney ... purple everywhere, absolutely beautiful :)

Wedding - Renee & Daniel

2011-12-08T18:01:00.001+11:00

Although Renne and Daniel's wedding was held in one of the hottest day this summer so far, but it didn't stop it being one of the nicest wedding I have shot this year, and Renee being one of the sweetest and thoughtful bride. And also one of the most beautiful, custom made wedding dress, and the matching, identical flower girl dress ... just gorgeous!

Thank you for having me on the day, Renee and Daniel ... I feel so special and touched when you said how much you love my photos! And this really is the best part of my job, making people happy!

Wedding Ceremony: St Johns Anglican Church, Wilberforce

Wedding Reception: Loxley on Bellbird Hill, Kurrajong Hills

Cinematographer: Sam from Perfect Media

Photos also on my Facebook gallery

E-Session - Fiona & Charles

2011-12-01T17:29:00.000+11:00

Nice little E-session with Fiona and Charles at Balmoral Beach. Always love that place!

E-Session - Samantha & Hugo

2011-11-25T21:55:00.001+11:00

It's Samantha and Hugo's big day tomorrow! They are such a sweet couple and I can't wait to shoot their wedding. Also looking forward to see quite a few of my past bride and groom there! With all these familiar faces I am sure it will be a great day!

Wedding - Betty & Jackie {Bali}

2011-11-23T16:02:00.001+11:00

Betty and Jackie's wedding certainly was one of the wedding that I had been nervously preparing for a long while - as it was my first overseas destination wedding! I was a little bit surprised when they approached me for this job after they spent a day with me while I was shooting for their friend Ursula and Marco's pre-wedding session.

Beside excitement, I have to admit travelling to a country by myself that I have never been to was a bit nervous as well, especially with all the expensive photography gear that I have to carry and take care with. But I kept telling myself to be creative photographer, I need to keep push myself out of my comfort zone. I am glad I did, and I found I have gained so much from this work trip, and now I feel I can do anything!

The beautiful wedding ceremony was held at the Blue Point Bay Villas and Spa, which is located at the Southern side of Bali, the Uluwatu area, which is famous for their beautiful beach. It is such a gorgeous location that is simply hard to beat - thank you Betty and Jackie for making such a great choice! And the wedding itself was very touching and emotional, which is actually the best part of the day :)

And Bali is just beautiful. Not just the place but the people there as well. I managed to stay for extra 1.5 days after the wedding, and spent some great time with other wedding guests, including sight tour, shopping, massage and spa :) Can't wait to go back there again!

Thank you so much for having me again, Betty and Jackie. Thank so much for all your trust, and being so thoughtful, nice and friendly to me. I am sure you will have a great life together!

Photos also on my Facebook gallery.

Thank you so much for having me again Betty and Jackie!

Wedding - Katie & Sam

2011-11-18T00:26:00.001+11:00

What a beautiful wedding of Katie and Sam! There were so much love and laughter on they day, and Italian (and English) certainly know how to party!

Wedding Ceremony: St Patrick's Church, Asquith

Wedding Reception: Le Montage, Lilyfield

Florist: Lotus Floral Design by Kate Clinton

Jair Stylist: Stevie English Hair, Glebe

Thank you so much for having me Katie and Sam, me and JP certainly enjoyed it very much, and wish you have a loving happy future together!

Photos also on my Facebook gallery.

E-Session - Sandy & Raphael

2011-11-17T22:12:00.001+11:00

Only 3 days to go to Sandy and Raphael's wedding! We had the e-session a while ago at Lavender Bay - surrounding by beautiful Lavender and other beautiful and colourful flower in season! Couldn't ask for a better place for photos in Sydney!

See you this Sunday Sandy and Raphael. Good luck and I am sure it will be amazing!!

Photos also on my Facebook gallery.

E-Session - Renee & Daniel

2011-11-17T20:42:00.001+11:00

It is Renee and Daniel's big day this Saturday! We travelled to Mt Tomah for the e-session a while ago, the scenery is beautiful and totally worth the drive!

And the best part is Renee told me she loves the photo so much and some of them even made her cry - it is certainly very rewarding to me ... making people happy is certainly is the best part of my job :-)

Thank you so much for having me Renee and Daniel, and looking forward to your big day this Saturday!

Photos also on my Facebook gallery.

Wedding - Tara & Nathanael

2011-11-04T21:53:00.002+11:00

Tara & Nathanael's wedding certainly was one of my favourite weddings. There were so many memorable moment, and even it was only the first time I met the family, but as they are so lovely and nice, I felt we have known each other for long already!

On a personal note, I admit I have become softer/emotional since I have become a photographer (especially I came from an engineering background). But what happened on Tara's wedding never happened to me before - I have started tearing already at the beginning at Tara's house! Tara's mum was showing me a little dress and shoes that Tara wore at her baptism, when she was only a little baby, and asked if I could take a photo with the wedding dress together. When we both looking at the little dress and shoes, which still look like brand new, Tara's mum said 'oh, since when she grown up?!". That really hit my heart ...

Thank you so much for having me Tara and Nathanael, I am sure you two will have a very happy life together!

Wedding ceremony: St Pauls Church, Castle Hill

Wedding reception: Springfield House, Dural

Transportration: Wedding Cars of Distinction

Makeup/Hairstylist: Make up Mode

Florist: Rebecca Doraphy

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery.

E-Session - Katie & Sam

2011-11-04T00:58:00.000+11:00

This saturday will be Katie and Sam's big day! We had a fun e-session earlier on, can't wait to capture their love and happy moment again!!!

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery

Wedding - Allana & Avery

2011-11-02T22:46:00.000+11:00

Allana and Avery's wedding is not only about the love between these two lovely, friendly people who are perfect to each other, but also the love between family and good friends as well. There were certainly a lots of touching and happy moment through out the day!

Wedding ceremony: Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour

Wedding reception: Palace Chinese Restaurant, Castlereagh Street, Sydney CBD

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery.

Wedding - Bec & Ben

2011-10-30T00:29:00.004+11:00

Bec and Ben had an intimate, lovely, touching, stylist and beautiful, which is certainly is one of my favourite! And thank you for being so nice and believe in me - I felt I was shooting wedding for a friend rather than a client! Thank you!

Wedding Ceremony: Elkington Park, Balmain
Wedding Reception: Quay Restaurant, Circular Quay
Wedding Celebrant: Melissa Soncini (my favourite wedding celebrant!)
Wedding Cake: Black Star Pastry, Newtown ... and since I am so into baking and cooking now, I have to share the recipe of this beautiful strawberry and watermelon cake that I found on internet here! I want to make it one day!

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery

Wedding - Amy & Robert

2011-10-22T00:04:00.001+11:00

I have been to Hunter Valley to shoot weddings for a few times, but I found myself most of the time I was there at the wrong season: either the vine is having the winter sleep, or maybe too hot in summer that everyone just want to hide away from the sun and heat. But at Amy and Robert's wedding, the scenery, and weather (yes of course the weather god was so nice to me again! It only started to shower just after we finished the portrait!) were just perfect! I was very excited and happy!

The ceremony and reception were held at the beautiful Peterson House, love this place!

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery.

Wedding - Ruby & Thomas

2011-10-18T01:29:00.001+11:00

Ruby and Thomas are personal friends of mine, so it was extra special to shoot their wedding! There were certainly a lots of touching moment on the day, as well as a lot of laughter and of course, love!

Church Ceremony: All Saints' Anglican Church, Hunters Hill

Reception: The Tea Room, QVB

Makeup & Hairstyle: Martha Mok of Dmakeupstation

Videographer: Joshua Wong

Transportation: Wedding Cars of Distinction

Photos also on my Facebook gallery.

E-Session - Rebecca & Ben

2011-10-13T23:26:00.000+11:00

Tomorrow will be the day Rebecca and Ben say "I do" to each other! I really really couldn't wait as we had so much fun during the e-session that we had earlier. I really want to say a big thanks to Rebecca and Ben who like to do something less than ordinary, and allow me to think outside the square, which, stimulated my creativity and excited me very very much! I was so excited that Ben even said to me "my confidence on your (photos) based on your excitement!". Thank you so much and see you two very soon!

E-Session - Allana & Avery

2011-10-13T23:17:00.001+11:00

This Saturday will be Allan & Avery's big day! We had the engagement session earlier, and they are such a cute lovely couple who I can't wait to shoot their wedding in less 36 hours time!

E-Session - Ruby & Thomas

2011-10-06T23:33:00.001+11:00

It is Ruby and Thomas's big day tomorrow! They both are my personal friends for a few years so it made me extra special on shooting their wedding!

Here are the photos from the e-session that we had earlier - love the cherry blossom!!!

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery.

Wedding - Elise & Dean

2011-10-06T23:05:00.000+11:00

I often tell my client that I have this "no rain charm" - that no matter how bad the weather forecast may be, how much it rains during the preparation, the indoor ceremony, or during the travel time ... but when it comes to the outdoor location shoot, the rain will naturally stop.

I was a bit worry on Elise and Dean's wedding that I may break my charm. It had been raining non-stop since the night before, and although I have prepared quite a few transparent umbrella (and told the bridal party "at least some of my award winning photos were taken in the rain!"), I prepared the worst. But wow! The rain stopped at the moment when Elise stepped out from the car at the location shoot. I was literally jumping up and down that I could keep my charm ... and most importantly, able to shoot some beautiful photos for Elise and Dean!

So with all these luck, I am sure Elise and Dean will have an amazing life together! Thank you for having me Elise and Dean!!!

Wedding Ceremony: St Thomas Church, North Sydney
Wedddiing Reception: Dockside, Darling Harbour

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery.

Wedding - Joyce & Paul

2011-09-29T00:22:00.002+10:00

Joyce and Paul had a beautiful wedding in this warmth, gorgeous Sunday afternoon in Sydney, really couldn't have a better day than this!

Wedding ceremony: Observatory Hill Park, Sydney
Wedding reception: Sky Phoenix Chinese Restaurant, Pitt Street Sydney CBD
Transportation: Openair wedding cars
Venue Decoration: Events by Nadia

Thank you for having me again Joyce and Paul, I am sure you are having an amazing honeymoon!

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery.

Wedding - Vanessa & Fraser

2011-09-27T00:15:00.001+10:00

Vanessa and Fraser's wedding was full of laughter and fun!!! I am sure you can tell from all the happy faces on the photos ... and the reception - surely was one of the best reception I have ever attended! Everyone definitely very relaxed and had so much fun, love it!

Wedding Ceremony: Chapel at St Ignatius's College, Riverview
Wedding Reception: Royal Motor Yacht Club, Newport
Videographer: Troy Sheather of Encore Media
DJ: Impressions DJ

Thank you for having me again Vanessa and Fraser, enjoy your honeymoon!

Photos also on my Facebook gallery.

E-Session - Elise & Dean

2011-09-24T23:02:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow is Elise and Dean's big day! I am so looking forward to it, am sure will be a beautiful wedding :)

Here are some photos from the e-session that we had some times ago, enjoy!

Wedding - Susan & Mike

2011-09-22T01:42:00.001+10:00

It was a nice sunny day on Susan and Mike's wedding, and although it was a long day but we were all excited and didn't feel tired at all!

Wedding ceremony: Curzon Hall, Masfield

Wedding celebrant: Robyn Pattison

Wedding reception: The Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant, Sydney Fish Market

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery

Wedding - Maggie & Edward

2011-09-22T01:29:00.003+10:00

It was a cold and windy day on Maggie and Edward's wedding, but despite that the wedding was full of warmth, fun and love!

Wedding ceremony and reception: Bel Parco Restaurant, Homebush

Thank you for having me Maggie and Edward, enjoy your honeymoon and will see you when you come back!

Photos also on my Facebook Gallery

Wedding - Amanda & Ben

2011-08-30T13:20:00.001+10:00

I know Amanda and Ben from my previous job, so I felt extra special to shoot her wedding! And since we already know each other, we felt completely relax and happy on the day and I am sure it reflected on the photos as well!

And I have to say ... it is official - all my wedding photography services come with good weather! It was raining and windy the day before Amanda and Ben's big day, and the forecast said the same on the following day as well. But we end up had zero drop of rain on the day (ok maybe a shower or two before I off to Amanda's place), and we even had blue sky and nice sunset ... I am certainly blessed with this charm!

Wedding ceremony and reception: Castle Hill Country Club

Flower: Lotus Floral Design

Celebrant: Adrian Downey

Thank you for having me Amanda and Ben, I wish you all the best to your married life together!

Photos also on my Facebook page gallery.

Awards from the 2011 Australian Professional Photography Award

2011-08-30T12:40:00.000+10:00

It actually is a bit old news, but I am thrilled to announce that I have received another two silver awards in the family category from this year Australian Professional Photography Award (APPA), which is run annually by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP).

Although this year judging was held in Sydney, but unfortunately I could not attend as I was having holiday in Taiwan at that moment. It was a bit surreal when I found out the result over the internet when I was away (with limited internet access!), and I didn't really dare to believe it is real when I saw the actual awards when I back to Australia!

Received recognition from APPA is a very special honour for me, as I personally think the standard is very high (we have so many wonderful photographers in Australia!), and the judging system getting stricter and stricter over the year as well. And each photographer can only enter 4 photos - so it is not like you can enter 100 prints and hope one can get something!

I would love to thank all the support that I have received from all my clients, family and friends over the years. I know I have been saying this for so many times, but I really didn't expect I could be where I am today, doing something that I love and passion about, and doing it well as well! Without your support, I really could not be where I am!

PS. But one thing I really want to say from the bottom of my heart - of course receiving award is nice, but I would say when my clients tell me how much they love my photos, how my photos mean to them and their family - is much more rewarding then receiving an award. That make my job, also my life, more meaningful. It is you who give me the chance to be a better person. Thank you.

Family Portrait - The Four Generations of Gaweda Family

2011-08-24T01:01:00.001+10:00

Family Portrait - Alex's Family

2011-08-24T00:54:00.000+10:00

Wedding - Andrea & Lorne

2011-08-23T23:34:00.000+10:00

Andrea and Lorne had a beautiful, lovely and relaxed wedding, with a location that overlooking the magnificent Sydney harbour in a gorgeous afternoon! Thank you for having me Andrea and Lorne, I wish you all the best with your new life together!

Wedding ceremony and reception: Dunbar House, Watsons Bay
Transportation: Diamond Chauffeur Drive

Photos also on my Facebook page gallery

Wedding - Jessica & Dave

2011-08-23T23:13:00.000+10:00

I used to work with Jessica before I become a full time photographer, so shooting Jess's wedding, not only as a photographer but also as a friend, I felt extra special - I have to say I was a bit emotional when I walked into the house and saw Jess in her beautiful wedding dress!

Church ceremony: St Andrew's Anglican Church Wahroonga
Reception: Berowra Waters Waterview Restaurant
Flowers: Blushing Blooms

Photos also on my Facebook page gallery.

Wedding - Maggy & Brian

2011-08-23T22:59:00.000+10:00

A very lovely, as well plenty of touching moment on Maggy and Brian's wedding day. Thank you for having me as on your big day, you two are so nice and friendly, I am sure you two will have a wonderful life together!

Wedding ceremony: Lidcombe Anglican Church

Photos also on my Facebook page gallery.

Wedding - Amy & Vincent

2011-08-23T22:43:00.001+10:00

Lots of fun and laughter at Amy and Vincent's wedding - I am sure you can see that from the photos! And yes they are BIG angry birds fans!

Wedding ceremony: Parramatta Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages
Makeup and hairstyle: Martha Mok of D'Makeupstation

Photos also on my Facebook page gallery

Newborn Portrait - Leif

2011-08-23T22:26:00.001+10:00

10 days old Leif

Also on my Facebook page gallery

Portrait - Newborn Bella and little brother Jet

2011-08-23T22:21:00.000+10:00

2 weeks old baby girl Bella, and her 2.5 years old brother, Jet - who I photographed when he was 1 year old.

Also on my Facebook page gallery