Greshen Lewis Photographer » Photography

The Twinnegar’s 21st

Greshen Lewis Photographer — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 11:27:51 +0000

Sarah and Emma’s or Emma and Sarah’s 21st

After a week of rain we were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous day. Quiet humid but never the less, beautiful.

I arrived a little earlier at their home. I was greeted by one of the girls. Immediately I felt at ease with her beautiful warm smile. Short lived though as I had no idea who just welcomed my assistant and I in. I had to ask as to not embarrass myself any further. Was she Emma or Sarah? I am sure she had been asked this question many, many times before. She chuckled whilst doing her hair “I am Sarah and Emma’s in her room.”

I started taking photographs whilst Sarah was curling her hair. At that stage I hadn’t met Emma so I had no idea what Emma was wearing or whether she was having her hair up or down. Secretly I thought if her hair is up – too easy but if it is down – not good for me remembering who’s who. How am I to tell the girls apart?

Sarah

“Will Emma be having her up”? Sarah’s quickly responded, “Nope, Emma will be having her hair down and curled as well”. Off course she would be having her hair curled, my inner voice piped. I felt myself take a deep breath. It was obvious that I hadn’t been around twins although in my family there are many identical and fraternal twins. Even my Grandfather was an identical twin. From the stories that I have been told that they liked to do everything the same whether together or apart.

Emma

Where’s their Mother? I thought as I was taking another deep breath. She could let me in on how to tell them apart. Lynne was putting together two albums of her girls. Trying to identify which picture should go into each album appeared a difficult task and Lynne was their Mother. So this was a perfect opportunity to ask her. “What is the best way of telling your girls apart”?

She said without hesitation “just say SEMMA and they both will respond”. She didn’t mention how they would respond but I found out later that they do not appreciate being called SEMMA…. Fortunately I didn’t need to call them by one name as Emma gracefully entered wearing a beautiful turquoise gown. Sarah shortly followed her wearing a light coloured floral gown. I must add I was a very relieved photographer.

Lynne, Emma & Sarah

As the photographer, my job is to capture this chapter in their lives. As a bystander, I couldn’t help but wonder about their childhood past: cubby house secrets, giggles and friends, a single swing (who pushed who? how high did they go? Which one of them is more out going?). Then the Netball hoop, did they take it in turns to be shooter or who scored more goals? So many stories could be gathered from their childhood, adolescent and now adulthood from their backyard. All these memories from their past but now I need to capture all in this moment of time. Beautiful memories of fun and laughter and perhaps tears could fill the frames in this shoot.

Emma and Sarah

As I look back on the day, one thing I’m certain of is that two beautiful and confident girls have emerged.

Well done and congratulations both of you on your 21^st.

Slow down and make the moment last

Greshen Lewis Photographer — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:37:55 +0000

The mixture of salt air and a warm sea breeze day had woken my thoughts right back to the days of sailing in and around Moreton Bay. Yesteryear, when there wasn’t a care in the world (or it seemed that way) when I was cruising the Bay. The luffing of the sails was an indication to steer away from the wind not to completely stop but slow the pace. Compare this to Friday racing on Sydney Harbour with plenty of small islands and ferries to dodge – an absolute buzz.

Today I wanted it to be just like cruising Moreton Bay – slow down and make the moment last. However, this was the last day with my family in Queensland so I had pick up the pace to get everything done instead of taking it easy.

I had eased back into Queensland lifestyle with no problems. Hey, by now, I didn’t want to go back to the manic but beautiful Sydney.

My heart though will always be in Queensland. I will miss the humidity NOT!! Afternoon thunderstorms YES! Three seasons –Autumn, Spring and Summer. No Winter Yes! Flies, mozzies, spiders, cane toads and cockroaches – I could live with these but Sydney traffic, congestion, parking meters – No way.

From the balcony of the apartment, I could see storm clouds building. The weather bureau forecasted rain and plenty of it. It didn’t bother me as I was leaving for Sydney where it has more rainfall than Melbourne! Then it dawned on me. I haven’t taken any pictures of my Mum and her two daughters (which was the whole reason why my family of five flew up to Queensland). It was her 80^th birthday and we wanted to honour her by giving her a little holiday and to spend some time with her. Panic started to set in as the slow pace was now not an option. Had to apply Sydney mode: rush, rush, puff, puff, get out of my way, I’m in a hurry. I didn’t even have any pictures of my sister and myself. All pictures that were taken were of the grandchildren and great grandchild with Mum, but not one of my older sister and me.

The night before we had made plans to meet and go and see Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. I so wanted to do this but I wanted the pictures even more. Had to think quick as my sister and her family were staying in another unit only moments away by car. However, this is where the problems lies – time and my sister don’t really hit it off. As the saying goes “Time waits for no-one”. I knew I had to do something before it rained. I prayed. An option was that I could take the pictures inside the unit, but I had done that the night before. I wanted a different backdrop. I decided to utilise the beautiful gardens and resort facilities provided for guests who are staying there. An ideal solution as it had shelter if required.

By this stage it was around midday and no photographers like to shoot in the midday sun especially in Queensland. Not a flattering look with everybody squinting or worse, harsh shadows on our faces. By now I was now praying for an overcast day. Then it started to drizzle and I hoped that it wouldn’t pelt down. The rain eased to a gentle shower and gradually the clouds came over and the wind picked up. In the far corners of my mind I could clearly hear ‘head to wind it’s time to tack’. The place was now empty of people. Perfect for a portrait shoot! But will my sister be on time?

Steve and Glynis

Whilst I was waiting for my sister and her family to arrive i took the opportunity to take a picture of my mother with her grandson Christian (my son) who isn’t in the picture as I had to crop him out .These are his wishes and I have to respect this.

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY MOTHER

Love Is …

Greshen Lewis Photographer — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 11:24:57 +0000

Love is in the air

Reilly & Aimee didn’t have to travel too far for this engagement shoot. I looked at Reilly’s parent’s property aka Baker Acres which had a lovely dam, a quaint little bridge and Reilly’s new mini. However, it had been raining for some weeks and the dam looked too murky. So we collectively decided to forego the shoot there and think of somewhere else that was going to have Reilly’s car in the picture. Fortunately, I realised that Fagan Park was only up the road and could have the car drive up and park nearby. This however, had to be very early in the morning before lots of people started jogging, walking, etc. and I wanted the car in some of the pictures but we couldn’t get access through the gate as the side entrance for wedding cars was closed.

On this particular day we were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous morning. The sun was mild and the light was ever so soft. The birds and flowers greeted us with such cheer. Love was in the air. One of the things I like about Fagan Park is the different country style of gardens. Every garden there was alive with spring colour. The many types of ducks and water fowl just added to the serene beauty of the lake.

Aimee wanted both some candid shots and some posed. She bought along an array of clothes as she wanted the “fifties feel” look. One planned shot was of Reilly kissing her whilst she sat in the front passenger seat with her clutching a posy in her hands. Unfortunately since the car couldn’t be in the picture, Aimee stayed in the clothes she came in but Reilly did steal a kiss from her whilst she clutched the posy.

I enjoyed spending the time with you guys and allowing me to share your special moments. Thank you for waking up so very early and making the pictures amazing.

Aloha

Greshen Lewis Photographer — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 03:01:23 +0000

Phalaenopsis - Shih Hua Gold

Taken in Big Island Hawaii just after a down pour of rain. I love the rich vibrant colours that surrounds the entire photo almost seeming like a 3D image. I was hurrying to take the photographs as not only was I concerned that the rain could return but we had booked a helicopter flight that afternoon over the volcano which we heard that morning was stirring.

My caddie (husband) was doing an excellent job of holding the umbrella, spare lens, backpack and tripod and quickly helping me set up – multi tasking! There was no time to stop and smell the roses or in this case orchids. I love the tropical paradise which reminded me of my island home – Australia, in particular where I grew up and spent most of my life in Queensland.