switcheroo

What a great project from Canadian photographer Hana Pesut! Switcheroo is an hilarious look at couples, friends and family. In photo one they wear their own clothes and in photo two they wear the other's. It's also an interesting statement about gender stereotypes. Hana is raising funds to turn the project into a book. View more on Hana's blog.

 Photos: Hana Pesut (posted with permission). Via: Sidewalk Ready

creating memories

I really like this three minute TED talk from Steven Addis. It's about creating memories. Steve and his daughter have fifteen treasured photographs taken of them by strangers in New York City every year on her birthday. Steven talks about the ritual they've created through this anticipated photo and how much it means to them. I agree with him; photography freezes time. When the first of my two nephews was about two (he's now thirteen) I took a photo of him sitting on my parents' kitchen bench just before Christmas. Mum really loved it and we decided to repeat it every year. Three or so years later, his little brother joined him in the photo with a little snow globe that he chose as a Christmassy prop. He's never forgotten that and holds it in his little hands every year for the photo. What are your family rituals?

Video: Steven Addis for TED.

mini red gum

Perfectly timed for Christmas, the Mini Red gum tree we planted when we moved in has its first blossoms. I thought you might like to see the beautiful little details in each one that make up that amazing mass of red. I especially love the creamy-pink stems. Merry Christmas!

Photos: Heidi Adnum

gerrard gethings

London-based photographer, Gerrard Gethings, takes portraits of dogs "with care and craft usually reserved for human portraits." It shows - they're beautiful. I thought you might like to see them; visit Gerrard's website for more. Gerrard has also self-published a book of dog portraits, called Dogonimics.

 Photos: Gerrard Charles Gethings (posted with permission) via fstoppers. 

underwater dogs

US-based photographer Seth Casteel's delightful new book Underwater Dogs is released in Australia today. Prints are also available to purchase here. Look at these enthusiastic little darlings! I think they want to come home to your house for Christmas...

Photos: Seth Casteel. Underwater Dogs Publisher: Hachette Book Group.

taking great photos: japanese edition

I'm very excited to announce that the Japanese edition of my book is now available! Find out more about 'Craft Photo Lesson' here and pre-order at Amazon Japan. To celebrate the launch, BNN, the Japanese publisher, is generously offering four lucky readers a chance to win their very own copy. For your chance to win, tell me why you need a copy of the Japanese edition. Send your entry as a comment on this post or in an email to me. Perhaps you or a friend is just about to launch your own product line in Japan and taking great photos is on the to-do list. Maybe you have a well-established online shop that you feel isn't reaching its full potential and beautiful new photos are exactly what's in order. You have until Friday 28 September to enter. BNN will send each winning copy directly from Japan to its new owner anywhere in the world. Good luck!

Main image: Ohoy Wallpaper by Fine Little Day

big appetites

Have you seen the 'Big Appetites' series from US-based photographer Christopher Boffoli? Christopher's people living in a world of giant food is currently showing in London (through October), and he has upcoming shows in Los Angeles (September), Toronto (October) and Seattle in November. Here's some of the images and their captions: 
"Janet was one of those people who would use absolutely any excuse to stop paddling."

 "Eric always has anxiety before a deep tea dive."

"Joyce actually had no idea which one was her ball. But she wasn't about to look like a fool in front of Phyllis and those other backstabbers from Accounting."

 "If they’d only realized that the killer was right there in the crowd."

 "Once again, owning an exotic pet was proving to be nothing but trouble."

 "Number three step forward please."

 "It was so like Patty. Right idea. Wrong execution."

Photos: Christopher Boffoli, via FSTOPPERS

2012 craft awards nomination for best new book

I'm absolutely delighted and feel very honoured to receive a nomination for Best New Book in the 2012 Craft Awards. Huge thanks to everyone that took the time to nominate The Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos; I'm so pleased that you're loving it. It's great simply to be nominated but if you can, please vote for me and spread the word! Visit the Crafts Beautiful Magazine website to cast your vote. Thanks for all your support, I appreciate it.

red threads charlestown: this saturday

If you're in Newcastle this Saturday, 21 July, call into the Red Threads shop at Charlestown Square (top level, near the ABC shop) where I'll be the guest seller for the day. I'll be offering a selection of photographs and Good Will Bunting® (including some new and one-off designs) and would love to see you! The Australian Red Cross will receive a percentage of all proceeds. 

Yellow Polka Dot Good Will Bunting®

photography workshops

I had a great time at Etsy Success Sydney. It was lovely to meet so many great people and present with Lara. Something I'm reminded of every time I have the opportunity to take part in special events such as Etsy Success Sydney is how much I enjoy teaching, sharing and helping to develop skills when it comes to photography. For some time now one of my goals has been to start up a series of local photography workshops. I'm not yet quite sure what format they're going to take, or even where they're going to be held, but I know they'll be relaxed, down-to-earth, friendly, and open to everyone. To help me develop a programme and structure for my photography workshops that best meets your needs, I'd like to ask for your help. I've put together a short ten-question survey and would love to hear your thoughts on things like choosing the best days, times, duration, regularity, and, of course, content. If you might be interested in taking part in one of my to-be-determined photography workshops, I'd be grateful if you could complete the survey, found online here. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to complete. Your results can remain anonymous (just don't enter your name and email address at the end) or you can choose to provide your details to be contacted about the workshops when more information is available. Thank you, in advance.

tiny polaroid magnets

Can't fit all your favourite family photos on the fridge? Looking for a thoughtful, personal gift? Solution: diy tiny polaroid magnets from Ambrosia Creative.

Photos: Jenn from Ambrosia Creative. Via: Row House Nest