Vanessa Tuau

Come visit..

2010-02-03T13:11:00.005+11:00

I've moved to a new site!

www.vanessa-paris.com/blog

It's still a little 'under construction', I have to add a few things here and there - it's like a foreign language to me and what would take a 15yo ten minutes, takes me an hour and a half...

The first computer I used was in Year 10 at High School - a brand new Apple IIe - it took 6 weeks for me to write a 'hello program' which was basically 'Hi Vanessa!' in green letters repeating and wrapping around the black screen.

So I feel pretty cool making this site on my own (with the help of mega-photography-guru Beki Tillotson who rescued me when it all went downhill (Thank you!)

Soon, I'll put up a better About Me page and even some Pricing...at some stage.

Each week I'll blog a:

Cool photographer
Australian food product
Building in Albury
Local Identity

I hope you continue to stop by and enjoying coming back:)

Vx

Three

2010-02-01T17:49:00.005+11:00

3 flowers in remembrance.

Of a beautiful {impossibly beautiful} little girl.

And her extraordinary Mummy who has kept the memory of darling Ava, shining oh-so-bright.

The moment it turned February.

I thought,

How each day for the past 3 years this sweet woman has drawn breath and put one foot in front of the other having survived my worst nightmare. Every parents.

Yet, she has given so much to so many and continues to do so.

I will be forever grateful for all that Sheye has shared.

{My blog and my images would only be in my imagination}

Please light a candle for Ava here

Her light shines bright {forever-more}

Vx

38

2010-01-31T20:42:00.003+11:00

38 degrees again today...just over 100F.

Not too hot to wear a cool beanie apparently..

You know what I love seeing?

American groceries.

I love Bakerella's blog and other cool cooking sites that sometimes show the packaging of their ingredients.

I think for one day each week I'll show some photos of our ordinary Australian groceries.

(Almost as bad as the local buildings, I'm sure, but it's something that interests me and hopefully, it might interest you too:)

Thank you to everyone who stops by for a look. I've only ever done this blog as a journal, a keepsake, as something to remember these days.

Anything else, comments, even just stopping by quickly to take a look, is an added, delightful bonus:)

Vx

7 kids..

2010-01-30T20:28:00.007+11:00

Just a couple of shots from tonight's soccer game.

Cindy and Sarah v Alex and BJ (and Solomon!).

Yes, I have 7 kids tonight....a bubble bath and a glass of sprite zero/moscato is in order:)

Vx

Post Office, Dean Street, Albury

2010-01-29T17:57:00.003+11:00

I love this building on our main street.

It was built in 1875 in the Victorian Free Classical Style.

I'm quite sure it is heritage listed or at least of historical significance.

I found the old photo on Google Images and took the newer photo when my brother came to visit (that's him on the left:)

It probably sounds a little unexciting, but I plan on taking photos from around my town. I absolutely love seeing photos of Albury from the early 70s, I just sit and stare and smile and remember how our town looked when I was a child.

I love the cars from that era, the clothes, the shops, the packaging on food, signs, anything and everything that takes me back to that time.

Hopefully, my children will feel something similar and will enjoy these photos in years to come.

Vx

The best decision..

2010-01-28T19:14:00.005+11:00

I almost cancelled the appointment.

I've been sick since Saturday.

Dizzy, hot, dizzy, ringing ears, dizzy, major headache etc.

I wound up in hospital, I felt that dreadful.

Blood tests showed nothing really, a mild infection.

All week I've lay in bed, getting up for half hour spurts to clean and cook and then straight back to bed.

I've taken medications just to make me sleep so I'm not dizzy for those 8 hours of the day.

I couldn't see my regular Doctor until Feb 13th.

So I called someone else.

I had no idea who they were, male or female, young or old, it didn't matter.

At 4.30 I was about to cancel.

I needed to lie down and didn't really want to go. I knew what they'd do, give me more tablets and tell me to go home and rest.

I was wrong (yes Tino, I said it!)

This kind lady told me exactly where I hurt, pin-pointing the exact spots on my head, neck and back.

She used a device which sounded much like a stapler.

And crunched my neck until I thought my head might roll off.

I'm better.

I burst into tears in her office.

And thanked her and wiped my face on my shirt.

She knew when I walked in what was wrong, my neck wasn't right and 'all i did was put it right'.

I keep on turning my head, it feels like my neck's been oiled, like the Tin-man from the Wizard of Oz!

I am so, so, so grateful to this wonderful lady and her healing hands,

{I'm sending this photo as a Thank You}

Vx

The Washing

2010-01-27T16:13:00.004+11:00

I've had to abandon any attempts at catching up on the laundry today.

Jayden has found a comfy home amongst the clean clothes....including a black t-shirt which is now covered in fur.

(It's not mine:)

I'll wait until he wakes up and then tackle the never-ending mountain that is My Washing.

Vx

The Last Day

2010-01-27T15:58:00.006+11:00

Today marks the last day of the school holidays.

6 weeks of together time, fun, hanging out, arguing and friendship.

Tomorrow the kids start Years 1,2,4,8 and 10!

Looking forward to a great year of learning and getting to know new friends and new teachers.

{And wishing time would slow right down}

Vx

26/01/10

2010-01-26T21:11:00.007+11:00

What better way to celebrate a hot Australia Day than at the pool!

First, we had a BBQ at Noreuil Park with friends then walked across to the pool and stayed for hours...the kids had a million rides on the waterslide and played games in the big pool, stopping only for drinks and potato cakes.

Happy Australia Day from all of us - we appreciate how truly lucky we are to live in this great land:)

Vx

On the 3rd Floor

2010-01-25T19:26:00.004+11:00

I still don't feel great so today is a re-used image of Jayden.

Enjoying a drink out of Barbie's spa!

He sleeps on the 2nd floor most nights.

And despite much pleading from Annika, he won't be forced into the elevator:)

Vx

Sister Cindy

2010-01-24T19:10:00.002+11:00

I haven't been feeling so well this weekend.

This is my nurse, who asks, every 5 minutes 'Are you ok? Can I get you anything? Do you want some medicine? Or a drink? I'll go get you some M&Ms, ok?'

I've told her how she would make a truly wonderful nurse :)

(Especially the M&Ms part....that's too sweet!)

Vx

swoon (she is soooo cute!)

2010-01-23T17:09:00.003+11:00

The most beautiful little girl.

One part of an entirely gorgeous family.

I love them - they are the perfect family - I could have sat in their lovely home, watching the children play and feeling the love that surrounds them all day long.

I look forward to capturing their growing family {forever-more}.

Vx

Moo (I love)

2010-01-22T21:17:00.007+11:00

At the local shopping centre (which is officially called Centro Lavington but to me it's just Big W...shortened to Big Dub) I've ran into a couple of people (ok, just one kind lady) who said 'Hey, I like your photos, can I get your number?', so I search in my bag for a piece of paper, a register docket, a napkin even to scrawl my name on.

No more...that's such a thing of the past now:)

I ordered some Moo mini-cards and couldn't be more excited!!

They arrived today and I feel like going up to strangers and handing them out. Not to get business...just to show them off.

They are so cool, I can't wait to order more now that I know how completely cute they are (and how super fast the service was from America to Australia! 9 days from order to...arriving in my letterbox!)

Vx

(Yes, there's a card featuring Tino holding a bunch of balloons.)

I

love

it

:)

Mel & Chloe!

2010-01-21T21:01:00.006+11:00

I had the pleasure of shooting these two beautiful girls at the Botanic Gardens this evening. They went to school together and haven't actually seen each other in 7 whole years! Amazing! They were so cute together:)

While I was working in the heat of the Gardens, Alex and his mate had a great time at the pool across the road.

So hot.

Can't wait for Summer to end!

Vx

Early morning light

2010-01-20T12:07:00.005+11:00

I love this image of Annika - it's exactly who she is.

Just experimenting with available light, in this case an open door.

1/640. ISO 200, 1.4 (yes! I caught focus at 1.4!)

Vx

BHD (bad hair day)

2010-01-19T20:33:00.005+11:00

So it was a mega bad hair day.

I'm blaming the wind, and not the fact that I bent forward, ran my fingers through the knots and tossed it back, thinking yep, that'll do.

We'd gone to the park and I was fairly confident nobody would know me.

I really need a portait for my new blog because it has an About Me page.

And besides, it's good for prospective clients to see the photographer they plan on booking.

The kids were playing and Tino had hold of my camera.

'I'll take a photo for your blog - actually, we could both be in it!'

And the camera was held up and we sort of smiled/grimaced and this is the result.

Yes, I'm sure the customers will be beating a path to my door:)

{At least Tino looks even worse than me hehehehe!)

Vxx

A Glass of Bolly..

2010-01-19T08:52:00.005+11:00

An interview with Miss Annika

What is your favourite food? Hmmm, Apples.

Favourite colour?...oh that's easy, all of them.

Favourite drink? I like Bollinger.

Ok, the interview ended here.

Bollinger? As in champagne? That even I have never tasted?

Yes. Your friend, the beautiful one, said you must try Bollinger, Mummy. It's the best.

(Thank you Emma C...:)

Vxx

Pretty Gritty

2010-01-18T15:00:00.003+11:00

Pretty Gritty is an amazing Black and White action from the Eye Candy Beauty-full set.

It adds a beautiful newsprint/timeless feel to images which I absolutely love.

First image is unprocessed - ISO.100, 2.2 (I love this spot on my 50 1.4) and shutter 1/60 (whaaaat!! see? That's what you get for not concentrating, 1/60??, no wonder there's some blur:)

Love it anyway, blur and all. This morning Solomon said he wanted his hair cut 'just like Larry's and I want to be called Habib too ok?'

Ok, we can do that - he has a pretty cool style happening (which you can't really see in this photo..)

Rock on Solly...I mean 'habib' xxx

Vx

One Crazy Cat

2010-01-17T22:28:00.006+11:00

Every morning, for about 15 minutes, Jayden the cat goes completely mad.

He races through the house like a demon, skidding and scratching on the smooth floor, climbing the curtains, leaping from chair to chair and pulling off the tablecloth with his teeth.

Afterwards, he cleans himself and falls asleep...for about 12 hours or so.

I'd just finished uploading some photos this morning when I heard him racing from one end of the house to the other. I waited, knowing he'd come bounding in - I didn't realise quite how energetic he was though! I barely pressed the shutter when he skidded past me at about a hundred miles an hour...

Happy Birthday Aunt Mata !

2010-01-17T12:39:00.003+11:00

Tino's older sister is having a special birthday this week!

To celebrate, her family in NZ are holding a surprise party in her honour.

We couldn't be there, so hastily made this very-amateur video to send some kind wishes.

Yes, I was the dreadful videographer - it's Tino's phone and I had to hold it sideways and then couldn't find the STOP button....oops.

(That's the laugh I hear a hundred times a day:)

We hope you have a lovely day, Mata and get spoiled with gifts and love,

V and T xx

Happy Birthday Mata from Vanessa Paris on Vimeo.

The Amazing Mr. Gareth Robins (shotbyrobins NZ)

2010-01-16T20:41:00.005+11:00

J* Workshop Images by Gareth Robins of Shot By Robins NZ

In the past year I've seen the work of many wonderful photographers. I read no less than 40 different blogs each morning, always hoping to see a new post, learning and enjoying the many different images and locations..

One of my absolute favourites is a New Zealand Photographer, Gareth Robins.

Gareth is doing a Project 365 (like myself!) and each day he has a new photo, a terrific story (he dined with JD and Jasmine Star - rock stars of the photography world!), and an inspiring view on life and the images he takes.

What is especially superb is this : Gareth offers a FREE engagement shoot for prospective clients. No strings attached, no obligation, just a chance for him to show you his style and see for yourself just how terrific his work truly is.

If I lived in Auckland I would jump at the chance for Gareth to do photos of my family - he's a Dad and just has that special magic that captures kid's personalities - natural and beautiful, as they are.

Go check him out, and you cool Kiwis should go ahead and book a shoot, you won't be sorry:)

See Gareth's Project 365 here

See Gareth's website here

Every minute

2010-01-15T19:43:00.006+11:00

of every hour
of every day

we think of you
and your family
and your friends

and hope and wish and pray
you'll be ok

waiting
for however long
it takes

Vxx

Dedicated to Rulla, Rosky, Andrea, Cynthia, Jess, Blair, Sam, Trish and the thousands of others who love and care for Larry. Vxx

Shoot to Live

2010-01-14T18:31:00.004+11:00

My 5 children (taken today at the park) 6, 7, 9, 13, 15

I read a beautiful, moving article yesterday: Shoot to live: What do your photos teach you?

Frightfully sad but also reassuring and empowering in ways. I'm so glad I'm vigilant about taking photos. No-one is safe - my neighbours, my friends, my neighbour's friends, my cat and most of all, my children.

One of the things that has inspired me or driven me is a photo I saw of a missing girl some time back. The photo was cropped from a bigger photo, the quality wasn't good, it was blurry, the sun was in her eyes. But that must have been the best photo these poor people had - they were hopeful somebody would recognise their child.

I thought about her for days and then got to thinking on how powerful photos really are. My images of Larry are priceless to me. No fancy setting, just my front step with the chipped paint from years of use.

I don't wait for fancy clothes and clean faces anymore. When I want the photo, I take
it and I'd encourage you to do the same. Mine aren't perfect but to me they're so very valuable.

*I snagged the article from the blog of an amazing New Zealand photographer who I plan to feature on my blog very shortly:)

Vxx

Hapuku Fish

2010-01-13T16:11:00.004+11:00

I have Cindy breathing down my neck, literally forcing me to blog this photo.

To me, it showcases my attempts at focusing...and failing.

'It's blurry and awful' I told her. 'You're just doing this to embarrass me'.

'No way, it's gorgeous and shows my beautiful lips'

Ok, on my blog it goes.

{I do know how to focus most/some of the time, just not that day.}

Vxx

Shout out to Rachael Wilcox and Lauren Mills! Thanks for seeing me down the street and saying you love my blog (you might have just said you read my blog but I'm taking it as you love my blog ok?!! Always thankful knowing someone reads my posts:) Hey, you girls could actually appear on my blog, we should do some photos:) Vxx

The Cicada

2010-01-12T18:41:00.006+11:00

Out in the cubby house lay a Cicada.

It looked much like an enormous fly, with red eyes and huge wings.

I saw it first, then...

Jayden, the cat discovered it. He had a good look, a sniff and let it be.

Solomon found it next and squealed in delight.

The first thing he did?

He ran and told Annika he had 'a big, really scary surprise' for her to see. 'I promise you'll love it though, it even has red eyes!!'.

I'm not sure I would have taken a peek after that promise...

Vxx

An angel (named Beki Tillotson)

2010-01-11T17:49:00.007+11:00

images used with permission

This girl is not your regular girl.

Not by a long shot.

She is Beki, the most helpful, intelligent, wonderfully talented artist there could be.

In my hour of need, when I wrecked my new blog and was ready to give up, she appeared online and fixed my mistakes in oh, about 5 minutes?

Her new website rgbeki features beautiful writing, amazing photography and the best tips and video tutorials on Photoshop, Lightroom and all things Photography.

I first saw Beki's name on Jasmine Star's Facebook forum. Helping, always offering assistance and advice and giving so, so much of herself.

Thank You so much Beki:)

I'd urge anyone interested in photography and editing to check out her new site, watch the tutorials and I guarantee you will learn something (or many, many things!)

Meet Beki here

Watch Tutorials here

Vxx

Baby Tahlia

2010-01-10T17:08:00.003+11:00

What a little sweetie she is!

Here's a sneak peek for your beautiful Mummy:)

Right now it's 42.5 or 108 degrees.

Hot and awful but ok inside under the air-conditioning.

I hung out the washing (yes, my blog's reached an all-time low) and it was almost dry as I hung out the last towel:)

I completely wrecked my new blog - I've somehow lost all my login details and while the blog is actually up and running , I can't change anything or add to it. I've requested a new password but I accidentally started the account with an email I didn't actually have. Confusing, yes. I'm starting from scratch and this time I'll do it properly from the start. Hopefully.

*sigh*

Vxx

Yep, I feel the same...

2010-01-09T20:55:00.004+11:00

My dear brother left for the US today.

We've sat around the house, sad, missing and wishing he didn't live so far away.

It's over a hundred degrees here today and he flies back to -20!

We love you Greg♥ Counting the days until we see you again:)

I had a lovely photoshoot tonight with two little cuties! Cindy assisted, carrying my bag and making the 9 month old baby girl squeal in delight:)

I was up until....3am, trying to build a new blog. It's a completely foreign language to me but I googled and read and figured out what FTP was and a load of other cool stuff.

(If any of my readers are good at this type of thing, don't be shy, I'd love some help).

I hope to have it up and running in the next few weeks...

Vxx

Solly and his lollipop♥

2010-01-08T19:07:00.008+11:00

Last night my brother and I headed to bingo with our good friend, Sharyn.

It was relaxing and fun and brought back great memories of playing bingo each week when little Tino was born.

Our bingo is different from the American version - the numbers are called much quicker, but I think there are less numbers overall. Or something like that.

I didn't take my camera to bingo, so I'll have to post these photos of Solomon. They're not fabulous technically...but I like them anyway.

I have a photoshoot tomorrow night with a lovely lady and her two super sweet Grandchildren - can't wait:)

Vxx

A strand of pearls

2010-01-07T17:06:00.004+11:00

Annika needed pearls.

'I don't have any pearls Uncle Greg, I think we should shop for some'.

So we headed, not to the House of Tiffany, but to Diva.

And scored a delightful strand of pearls for $5 - bargain!

{I'm almost certain they aren't Mikimoto...however Annika loves them all the same:)

Vxx

Down the driveway..

2010-01-06T11:23:00.009+11:00

7am | Mid-Summer | Beating the heat of the day

Tino and a few of his good mates practise their boxing.

Just for fun and a bit of fitness and to hang out.

I love the skipping they do, honestly Tino lifts his feet about an inch off the ground and does this fancy twirly thing with the rope. So cool.

I wasn't actually invited to take their photo so I snuck my head around the door and silently took a few images.

I hope you have a lovely day wherever you may be.

{We continue to pray.wish.hope for our dear friend Larry and his family}

Vxx

BOO

2010-01-05T14:39:00.004+11:00

f4.5, ISO 800, 8 second shutter (hand held!)

(Ok, some instructions...It's best to have your camera on a tripod, even better if you have a remote. If not, do what I did and sit/lean/stand so you're really still. Have the person in your field of view - a wide angle lens works best. They need to write their word within the time frame you have set your shutter at (in my shot it was 8 seconds). Press the shutter and don't breathe/move. The subject will need to write each letter backwards right to left. So first Alex (Boo) wrote the B backwards on his right and then wrote the O and O further towards the left:)

I sat down in a Yoga position of sorts, rested my elbows on the inside of my legs, held my breath and shot this while counting to 8!

My mate, Cindy and I were doing these shots a little while back (I wrote Merry Christmas in sparklers - boy, was it hard trying to spell backwards especially the letter S starting at the bottom!)

So here is Alex, whose nickname is Boo - easy peasy writing that name:)

Next week it's set to hit 110 degrees - so sadly sparklers will be out of the question.

Enjoy your day wherever you may be and Thank You, as always for stopping by.

Vxx

Lazy Summer Day

2010-01-04T18:57:00.003+11:00

My gorgeous friend Kristy has a brand new site - it is completely cute and delightful and as a welcome, Kristy is running a photo-shoot giveaway for all you Las Vegas folk. Check it out here :)

(If I win will you come to Australia??)

This image is of Solomon, laying in the evening sun and enjoying our hot Summer (that makes one of us...) Processed with the ever lovely Eye Candy Actions (Hazey, Fairy Floss and Honeychild....yum:)

See you tomorrow!

Vxx

Introducing Dr Greg Buchanan

2010-01-03T20:01:00.004+11:00

Eminent US Psychologist.

Distinguished University Professor.

More degrees than I can count on both hands..

Looks very, very much like George W Bush....

Most importantly,

He's my big brother!

Uncle Greg to the kids (who are so, so excited when he comes to visit:)

He's going to kill me when he sees this on my blog (Ha!) but I'm sure the students at Beloit College will be overjoyed to see their Professor's lovely image.

We love you dearly, counting the days until you arrive....and wishing time would slow right down when you're here.

Your little sister,

Vxx

Cindy xx

2010-01-02T23:32:00.005+11:00

I've promised to myself I will do a blog post each day this year (yikes!)

It's 11.30pm, I've not long arrived home from Melbourne (a long, tiring day - but a day where I witnessed the most love, hope and faith I have ever, ever seen. The Haifa family is truly amazing).

I stayed up too late last night and now I'm ready to leap into bed and read for a while and fall blissfully asleep:)

This image of Cindy doesn't really have any story attached but I really wanted to show her beautiful face today. She visited our brave friend, Larry in hospital and showed maturity and courage beyond her years. I am so proud of you girly xxx

Vxx

A date at the movies with Daddy

2010-01-01T11:24:00.006+11:00

Annika and Tino have headed to the movies to watch the Chipmunks movie or maybe Fantastic Mr. Fox.

They're both happy to be going together, just the two of them and it makes my heart sing.

They love each other enormously and I know they'll have a wonderful day out (even if Annika talks Tino's ear off the entire time..)

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

(I'm still thinking about my New Year's blog post....it's in the process of being written)

I'm going to try and blog each day this year. Seriously.

If you like stopping by, I'd love to hear from you (send me an email!), where you're from too if you like:)

I'm over the moon when I see someone has commented - it's like a Thank You for posting, I really appreciate it!

{We're still praying for our friend, Larry who is in hospital in Melbourne. Please pray for him too and ask that he wakes up soon - his beautiful family is waiting by his side}

Vxx

My cure for feeling blue...

2009-12-30T22:37:00.003+11:00

...is you♥

Tomorrow, I need to work on my New Year's Resolutions List....

I'm thinking along the lines of 10 things I'd like to achieve/do in 2010?

{Rather than trying to change the unchangeable...exercise more, drastic chocolate reduction etc...you know, same old stuff)

Also, a list of people who've shaped my life this year - there's so many but I'd really love to write it out.

For now, here's my baby No. 4, Solomon.

{Always, always makes me smile - he is such a beautiful soul}

Vxx

The Most Delightful Voss Family

2009-12-28T09:02:00.008+11:00

(I hope they are also the most forgiving family...I like to process photos quickly, like within 48 hours)

I was delighted to capture some images of their wonderful family last week.

Two of the nicest, most genuine, warm and completely hilarious parents ever.

Four fantastic, children who are all expert horse riders.

A dog called Jimmy.

Two marmalade cats.

Loads of chooks.

Horses and the most fabulous Brighton Beach Hut by the pool.

Here's a sneak peek:)

Vxx

My Therapy

2009-12-26T20:24:00.004+11:00

For me, complete relaxation is heading outdoors, of an evening with my camera.

And a person (I have to take pictures of people - I'd make a lousy nature photographer:)

I love taking photos of people and their happiness.

I love smiles and glowing joy.

And today, Annika, in her new bikini.

I don't think she's taken it off since yesterday, she's in love with it!

It relaxed us both and gave me a little break from worry and stress.

{Larry and his family are foremost in our minds and we continue to hope and pray for them}

Vxx

For Sheye

2009-12-25T20:36:00.006+11:00

(please click for larger size)

Remembering darling Ava today (and everyday).

{If you'd like to learn photography...ask her beautiful Mummy, Sheye}

Wishing you a peaceful and loving Christmas,

Vxx

Larry Haifa

2009-12-24T06:17:00.009+11:00

For you Larry.

My daughter's boss and much loved friend.

Just yesterday you dropped a Christmas gift off for Cindy.

I made you sit on my front step so I could take a happy photo of you two beautiful young people.

Now, you're fighting for your life.

Be strong for us, Larry.

Be strong.

And for those who pray, please, please pray for Larry's recovery.

*25th December 8.30am - Larry remained stable overnight which is terrific.

**27th December 5pm - Larry is stable and doing well after surgery.

.

Christmas Biscuits

2009-12-23T18:17:00.006+11:00

We sat around the coffee table and decorated biscuits today.

{Steph and my other US mates...I think you'd call them cookies)

I made icing from egg whites and icing sugar and plopped it into ziploc bags so it could be piped.

I cheated and bought Scotch Finger and Milk Arrowroot biscuits.

The mess made was incredible.

The fun had was unforgettable.

{Although Tino said "Let's have a competition and see who can do the best decorating"...right in the spirit of Christmas...)

No problem.

See the results for yourself...

(Although his Aussie flag deserves some credit for creative thinking!)

I'm aware there's a guitar in a washing basket in the background of the first photo..

(Must learn to tidy up pre-photos:)

Naah, it's more authentic this way,

Vxx

So Vogue

2009-12-22T20:58:00.002+11:00

Mandy is so, so beautiful.

Seriously glamorous and unbelievably shy.

"Vanessa, I look awful in photos", she protested.

Ummm, I don't think so...

Vxx

Tim + René

2009-12-20T16:50:00.011+11:00

I had the pleasure of shooting a delightful wedding yesterday.

Being asked by Tim's dear parents to do the photography at their son's wedding was such a gift.

I first met Tim just on 26 years ago - we started high school together, had all the same classses together and became good friends.

Tim moved to New Zealand and was blessed to find such a beautiful lady to share his life with.

And to prove what a small world it really is, he works with Tino's cousin:)

(Or maybe NZ is pretty small and Tino has thousands of cousins so knowing one of them was inevitable? :)

They exchanged hand-written wedding vows which brought tears to me eyes (whilst I tried desperately not to cry...it makes it a bit difficult to focus).

Their reception was held at Adamshurst, a photographers dream. It is such a beautiful, elegant building - I was completely charmed.

Thank You Tim and René for allowing me to share your special, enchanting day.

{Also, Thank You to my associate photographer and friend, Cindy for her beautiful, detail shots - she may even be inspired to start her own blog one of these years to show her wonderful work...:)

Vxx

So jaded

2009-12-18T19:18:00.004+11:00

This is Solomon's weary, jaded expression.

{Secretly I think he loves how I ask him to pose while I practise...}

Vxx

Day 1

2009-12-17T06:53:00.006+11:00

Day 1 of the school holidays.

My friend is dropping her 2 boys here this morning, which is wonderful as they're mates with Solomon and Tino.

Tino's taking them all to the movies a little later and Annika, Cindy and I might head to the local shopping centre.

I have 2 discs of photos to deliver, a family portrait tonight and many more things on my To Do list to take care of.

(Including a portrait today of a dear lady who is one of the kindest, sweetest, most loving people I've ever known (who also happens to be a teacher:)

Right now, it's cold-coffee-o'clock, Solomon is awake with me (6.30am on the holidays??) and it's set to hit 100 degrees today:)

These are a few more of Grace's images....I hope she loves them xx

Grace-ful

2009-12-16T16:27:00.005+11:00

Well, today was a sharp reminder that I'm 37, 5'5" and no longer a size 10...

I took some photos for Grace in the hope that she will feature in our local paper (they have a fashion spread called 'Fresh')

Local Paper? I'm thinking more International Catwalk of Supermodels.

She is beautiful, 6 feet tall, athletic, perfectly natural and delightful.

A 16 year old girl destined for big things, I'm positive:)

Sneek peak...

(Will be proofing tonight:)

Vxx

Class Party at the Botanic Gardens

2009-12-15T23:15:00.006+11:00

A pod on a 'Starfish tree'....can't recall it's proper name, will look it up:)

The end of another school year.

The last day of school is tomorrow and the kids enjoy 6 weeks of school holidays.

I LOVE school holidays! Relaxing, fun, time all day with my children, walks to the park, movies, baking, reading and just hanging out together 24/7.

Here's a few little photos from their party today - we went to the Albury Botanic Gardens and the kids were treated to a nature walk (most informative) and mask painting as well as an exciting treasure hunt.

Tomorrow - can't wait! I'm doing a photoshoot for a lovely young lady's modelling portfolio. It will be fabulous fun:) Plus, I'll be madly rushing to finish all things that need to be finished sans children..

I love these photos...I didn't get a chance to take many, but I was happy to get these few. I shoot exclusively in manual mode...and sometimes I don't adjust my settings quickly enough (like when Annika ran like a cheetah as the treasure hunt started) so my picture was really bright and over-exposed. I loved it though, her energy and eagerness made me smile, so it stayed - as a black and white so it's not as obvious:)

Vanessa xx

10 years

2009-12-12T20:42:00.005+11:00

10 years ago today I promised to love for better or worse.

It's only ever been for better.

xx

Gorgeous-ness

2009-12-12T08:38:00.006+11:00

I had the pleasure of taking photos for the Year 10 Graduation (I think it might be junior high in the USA?).

Beautiful girls with the happiest, sweetest personalities. Handsome boys in suits who looked much older than their 16 years - it was too much fun:)

(And next week I'm lucky enough to help Grace put together a modelling page!....She is seriously 100% Supermodel material and should be on the catwalk right this minute)

I have more to edit but here's a few that I've put on Facebook...

(Zak just turned 16 and though it's hard to tell a person's height in photos..imagine me, standing on a big rock, taking this shot! I think he's about 6'2")

Sisters

2009-12-08T17:45:00.006+11:00

I'm so lucky to be blessed with two girls.

Two very lovable and loving girls.

They both adore high heels and lip gloss and glitter and pretty hair.

{And, of course, the best part...posing in front of my camera}

I count my blessings every day,

Vxx

My Girls

2009-12-07T21:25:00.006+11:00

A lovely photoshoot tonight to capture pretty pictures of my girls.

{The boys have been hogging centre stage of late...}

Here's a sneak peek of Miss Annika..

See you tomorrow!

Vanessa xx

Happy Birthday to my MIL :)

2009-12-07T12:50:00.008+11:00

It's Tino's Mums birthday today!

Happy Birthday Linda (Mum and Grandma:), we hope your day is filled with happiness and love.

Tino is so, so much like his Mum - they smile the same, walk the same...they even speak the same.

Both calm and patient and forgiving and generous.

Hard working and loving and happy and respected.

I hope you like the collage of photos - it's not what I had in mind, it's more suited to Tino's Dad (a Mack truck for a Mum?? I'd rather Annika playing in a field of flowers...I'll do that for Dad's birthday ok?:), but it's all I had and Tino really likes it.....photos of your first son and first Grandson. I will get a picture of Annika and Cindy this afternoon, just for you:)

With love from all of us♥

xxxxxx

**The truck belongs to our neighbour, it's kind of scary looking...it's huge for one thing and is covered in skull and crossbones warnings. It starts by 'air start' (those who know trucks will know what this means I imagine...it makes a loud 'Whooosh' sound). It's used to remove asbestos (I've googled Mesothelioma to teach the kids)....awful stuff:(

(7th December, the day Pearl Harbour was bombed...something else to teach and show the kids this evening)...house of doom yeah? I'll make tomorrow happy and sweet and talk about balloons and candy♥

Vxx

The 1 recipe...

2009-12-06T11:13:00.007+11:00

Tino likes to cook. He loves Donna Hay magazines too.

Just because none of us eat what he makes, doesn't make it a lesser quality of food he says. We're just fussy, that's all.

He caught up with his good mate, Soli the other night and came home with a can of Corned Beef.

Bad stuff. Ridiculously high in fat, but something he loves and remembers from back home. (I'm sitting here nibbling on the ever delish Berry delight chocolate biscuits so I can't really judge...)

Copied from his Facebook page:

hey soli, thanks for the corn beef bro. just made the 1 recipe 1 tin of corn beef 1 tin of spagetti 1 clove of garlic 1 tomato 1 onion throw in a pan heat then eat........serves ONE......lol 1 mean feed man........yee haa.

My Dad used to like Corned Beef too, he mixed it with mashed potatoes and served it with tomatoes and gravy.

I love the packaging - a sweet picture of cows grazing in front of Norfolk Pines - that's what inspired me to take the shot.

I should email the recipe to Donna Hay:)

Vxx

Your Woman

2009-12-04T09:36:00.004+11:00

I've been a little slack in the blogging department this week...

Had a wonderful maternity shoot on Saturday with beautiful Kelly and her 3 gorgeous children....which expanded to 4 children just 3 days later:) I hope to catch a sweet family photo with their brand-spanking-new baby girl, Miss Halle very soon.

I headed to my favourite empty field with 2 fabulous ladies and 2 cute, lively boys last night. We had a blast and I'm hoping they love their photos:)

And in an O.M.G moment, I looked in my Inbox and there was an email from Jyoti Mishra!! (Who?) Just the producer and singer of my favourite song ever....EVER! Ask Tino. I drove him crazy listening to it over and over ('Is that the only song you like??'). Better than hearing from Madonna, I'm serious! What a fabulous guy:)

Your Woman

I had the absolute pleasure of taking the Year 6 group and individual photos for the school - they look wonderful and I can't wait to see them in the you-beaut slideshow at their Graduation!

Enjoy your day,

Vanessa xxx

{Happy Birthday today Miss Dayna - beautiful daughter of an equally beautiful friend xx}

Annika and Bambi

2009-11-27T19:54:00.003+11:00

I started Christmas shopping today!

I found the most beautiful little dress for Annika, complete with a darling fawn printed across the front.

I loved it so much I gave it to her this afternoon and said 'Let's do photos!'

So.....back to square one....but we had so much fun and she loves the dress!

Vanessa xx

Love is Blind

2009-11-25T19:00:00.004+11:00

Solomon | One hour ago

Well actually, it's me that can't see.

Really.

I've had blurry vision in my right eye for a while now.

If I close my right eye I see fine. If I close my left eye it's like I have an eye full of tears. Both eyes together is almost ok. Maybe they compensate.

So I went to the optometrist.

They took photos of the back of my eyes. They looked completely terrible. Full of veins and a black dot and an even scarier white patch. Whaaat?

All normal though. The black patch was the macula and the white part was the optic nerve. All good and well.

Kind of like when I used to look at the ultrasound scans of the babies and saw awful, alarming things, like missing kidneys and arms where they shouldn't be....all perfectly ok to someone who knows what they're looking for.

The optometrist found a bit of astigmatism in my right eye - not really enough for glasses she said. If I did give you glasses (give? I mean sell..think $500...) this is what they would look like and she placed a single lens over my right eye.

Heaven... The sharpest, clearest vision you could imagine. Like looking through a 50mm 1.2. Amazing.

That is amazing, she said. I know!! I said right back - No, it's amazing that you even noticed any blur! Most people with this level of astigmatism notice nothing.

To me, it was awful and frustrating and debilitating because everything I see is a photo. It's like my eyes have turned into lenses or something and one was a bit out of focus.

I guess it comes from hours on the computer editing and reading and looking at images and studying the finest details and shades and shadows and light. My eyes have become hyper-sensitive to change.

Can't wait to get my glasses! (never thought I'd be saying that...)

I hope it lifts my photography to a new, higher level.

(And makes me look smart to boot:)

Vxx

Before and After #6

2009-11-24T19:24:00.003+11:00

Gorgeous Kaysha, best friend of my eldest girl.

This image shows just how beautiful she truly is.

I didn't do much to it, just some skin smoothing using Eye Candy Actions (Skin Magic), followed by basic levels and curves adjustments.

.....One month until Christmas and I haven't started Christmas shopping. 5 kids. No presents. I wonder if they'd notice if we did Christmas on January 25th instead?

Vxx

(I am so hopeless and promise myself, every year, I'll try to be more organised...)

My husband's moustache...

2009-11-21T19:27:00.004+11:00

Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

Tino and his workmates have joined the Movember event, challenging each other to raise money and see who can grow the silliest moustache. He had plans of growing an extravagant number that went past his chin, down his neck and swooped back up towards his ears.....but given that this has taken 21 days to reach it's present state (something my Dad could have grown in under 48 hours) it didn't happen.

I'm thinking he was inspired by Chopper Read....

On a sidenote....It's funny, one of Tino's Facebook friends added me as a friend the other day. They grew up in the same town, went to school together and hung out as teenagers. He asked me if I was from NZ and I said no, he asked if I followed the rugby and I said no, he asked if I went to the family church and I said no and so on etc etc....He laughed and said 'How long have you guys been married??' and I said it will be 10 years in about 3 more weeks.

We have little in common I know, but for 10 years he's made me laugh. Every day. That's all that matters:) Love and laughter and loyalty (I'm lucky:)

Vxx

Jammin' the Blues {on my kitchen table..}

2009-11-21T12:58:00.006+11:00

Saturday morning = guitar jamming session.

I've asked that these sessions be confined to Tino's shed or the boy's bedroom.

With little success.

They happen in our living area, a few feet away from where I'm trying to edit photos in peace.

I had no choice but to pick up the camera and shoot them in the act.

The Playlist for today - Metallica, Nickelback and some actually ok-sounding Blues.

It starts off with practising chords and notes and scales (I think that's what they're doing..) and progresses to loud, obnoxious thrashing.

Peaceful Saturday indeed...

Ordinary photos of my ordinary life :)

2009-11-18T12:41:00.007+11:00

My life's pretty ordinary....but I love ordinary.

I don't like stressing or rushing or arguing or worrying.

I love peace and happiness and laughter and beauty.

People talk of slowing down and appreciating.

I live it. Material things aren't the be all and end all (with the exception of camera lenses...)

I've cleared my life of stress and negativity as best I can.

{My blood pressure must be close to the Dalai Lama's}

I surround myself with positive, joyful people.

And enjoy every single day.

I want happiness and love to be part of my images.

They're how I see the world.

Through my eyes.

{My ordinary eyes}

Vanessa xx

Tara + Steve

2009-11-15T14:22:00.004+11:00

I arrived at the river about 20 minutes early, time enough to check out the area and see how the light was.

Loads of light, even more dust and a day that hit 100 degrees.

I brought my assistant along (Cindy - her payment demand was a 'big feed at McDonald's...') and we walked the banks, talking and sweating and thinking that maybe they wouldn't be able to make it given it was so hot.

But right on time they arrived, happy and beautiful and friendly, gorgeous clothes and hair and smiles and all things nice.

They have so much love flowing between them I wanted to steal some and bottle it. It's infectious and so beautiful to see. They adore one another.

We bravely took some shots on the narrow, one lane bridge and literally breathed in and held onto the rails as cars went past.

Our audience was a group of Aboriginal men, cooling off, playing music, and singing 'Love is in the air' for our benefit. Of course, they asked to be in one of the photos so we happily obliged.

This image is a sneak peek and is actually the first shot of the evening, I can't wait to show them the rest and look forward to capturing their beautiful love again:)

Vxx

cough p h o t o g r a p h e r cough

2009-11-11T21:57:00.007+11:00

The little hobby I took up has become a little something like work.

By some small miracle, people seem to like what I do and ask me to take photos for them.

So I guess today, for the first time, I'm calling myself a Photographer.

Not something I ever planned. Or looked for.

Something that found me.

(Sort of like love - it finds you when you least expect it to).

Which is pretty cool.

Because I love Photography.

I love Love.

And after the unbelievably terrible week I've had (I wouldn't even know where to start), it's my little bit of sunshine.

(One thing that may sound a little crazy...I read something awful on a news website that has stayed in my head and made me sick and I've sworn I'm never reading the news again..)

Back to sunshine....I grabbed my camera to distract myself and ended up smiling along with these two:)

Solomon and Annika were sitting on the verandah yesterday and proudly announcing they weren't just brother and sister, they were best friends too (until she pinched him on the face...)

>

Missing In Action

2009-11-10T14:33:00.005+11:00

These two haven't appeared in many posts lately.

They're hard to pin down and both have decided they don't really like having their photos taken.

It's not a portrait when you're wearing a bike helmet or sitting on the ground smack in the middle of the frame.

But it's the best I have for this week.

Annika, on the other hand, loves my camera :)

Another Missing In Action this week is Little Tino.

He went on school camp early yesterday morning.

3 days without him. The house was quiet last night. Solly and Annika missed him much more than I thought.

I can't wait to see him tomorrow.

{Counting down the hours!}

Waving Goodbye - he's at the back of the bus, actually he's the only person I can see on the bus?

Vanessa xx

Thankful

2009-11-08T08:30:00.005+11:00

I've heard Albury is the hayfever capital of the world.

At this time of year pollen is abundant, the air is humid, the temperatures rising - all combine to bring about allergies in people who are otherwise allergy-free.

This year has been bad. Worse than normal.

Tino usually gets watery eyes and sneezing.

This year he got that plus asthma on top of it. He was given Ventolin which he's used all week.

The school fete was dusty and he struggled, I could see it in his face.

Yesterday was bad. He wheezed and carried his puffer in his pocket. Didn't leave the house.

Last night he showered for work.

Vanessa......help, he said between trying to suck in breaths and almost stopping my heart.

{He never calls me Vanessa}

I tried to get his Ventolin into him but he couldn't get a big enough breath to suck any in.

His neck was stiff, tendons and muscles sticking out like ropes - he felt like he was being strangled. He was sweaty and agitated and could only spit out a word at a time.

The ambulance arrived in 8 (long) minutes.

I saw Cindy trying to reassure the kids with tears pouring down her face.

When I called her from the hospital she said 'Me and Tino have been arguing all day, he's been driving me crazy telling me I can't go out, except to see my Dad and I have to stay home and clean my room and do schoolwork. Then I saw him leaning against the car, waiting for the ambulance and he had tears coming from his scared eyes, he couldn't breathe Mum. I was so scared.'

This asthma attack is about the scariest thing I've ever seen. They say it's like trying to breathe through a thickshake straw. I could see him straining to suck breath in but he couldn't breathe out.

Thankful. For the support of friends and Facebook friends (Match, Alex, Jodie, Tanya, Denise, Annie, Joanne, Froncine, Kate, Cam, Janelle, Kylie, Lindy, Steph, Vanessa and others who my sleep-deprived brain can't recall just now).

Actually friends and Facebook friends are the same thing. You're there for me and you care and you know I'm there for you too. Real friends.

He's home.

I'm thankful.

Vxx

(I took this image on my iPhone, I needed to remember this moment, I sat there watching him breathe in the Ventolin and Atrovent and I think this picture captures the peace and sweet relief at being able to do something as simple as draw in breath)

Lavington East Public School 50 year Fete

2009-11-07T10:32:00.004+11:00

1. Mr Brian Harbick, Past Principal, Gentleman and wonderful orator.

2. Our local Member of Parliament, Mr. Greg Aplin. (Think Hugh Grant....utterly charming!)

3. Our 50 year cake kindly and most generously donated by Ray Newman from Thurgoona Bakery (Ray was in my year at school)

4. These two delightful ladies are (L) Mrs Larkin (the wife of the late Principal Mr Fred Larkin) and Mrs Mackay, our first office lady. It was a pleasure talking with them:)

5. Mr and Mrs Sykes. Mr Bruce Sykes was at our school for many years and it was terrific seeing him again. One of the smartest people I've ever known. He passed on some valuable advice about Annika and her advanced learning.

Amazing! The number of people who visited our school.

They saw the display that my old schoolmate, Joanne Klinberg and I put together.

I was thinking last night of my family's association with the school....my brothers started there in about 1969 I think....so 40 years this year!

The school opened in 1959 so this year marks it's Golden 50 Year Anniversary.

For the past few months we've been collecting old newspaper clippings, photos, stories and memorobilia relating to our school.

We've contacted past Principals and teachers, students and their families.

And last night we met many more.

We plan to start a Historical Committee to preserve these memories and archive them for future students and their families.

I'll just put up a few photos from last night..

And will return next week with many more from our display:)

Happy Thursday

2009-11-05T06:45:00.002+11:00

Because it's Thursday.

Because she told me I'm the best Mum in the world and she misses me even when I'm asleep.

Because her eyes are slightly different colours.

Because she makes my heart sing

(and looks like an exact mixture of her Daddy and I)

Vxx

Forum Quiz

2009-11-03T18:29:00.006+11:00

One of the Photography forums I belong to has set a quiz for it's members....getting to know you.

Where do you live?

Albury, NSW (3 hours from Melbourne, 6 hours from Sydney, 17 hours from Brisbane, very rural. I've lived here my.entire.life..

Spouse/Children?

1 and 5

Do you use your camera everyday?

every day indeed and I read up on Photography related stuff, blogs etc every single day

Where do you keep it?

On my computer desk (so that Tino yells at me and says "that stupid cat of yours (Jayden) will knock it off one of these days"

What's in your camera bag at the moment?

Canon 40D, 50mm 1.4 and the worst lens in history, the Tamron 17-50 (I hope Jayden knocks that one off...)

Your dream lens?

50mm 1.2

Dream camera?

5D mk11 (if Jayden does his job that sucker will be mine...:)

Favourite photographer?

Ed Pingol....jaw-dropping stuff

Favourite prop?

None, don't use (and don't like) props. Don't actually own any props so maybe if I did, I would like them

Do you have a website/Blog?

vanessatuau.blogspot.com

How about Facebook?

vanessa tuau

I don't really understand and would like help with?

Flash - never used it but really need to learn given Summer is almost here

How long have you been a photographer/ Do you plan on going into business?

I bought a camera last year, would love to go into business ("You better start making money off these lenses" roared Tino...) if so I may turn all rock-star and change my name to Vanessa Paris (my middle name). Being the only Vanessa Tuau in the world has it's (minor) advantages...but the downside is no-one can say my name and the vowels get put in the wrong order so no-one will ever google me and my business will be dead in the water before it starts.

When you're not photographing where can we find you?

At the school, doing canteen, at home cleaning and washing clothes and generally wondering how other Mums of 5 kids manage all the non-stop, mind-numbing work. (Ok, on Facebook..)

What is your goal to capture as a photographer?

My children growing up, my husband growing old with me. People trusting me enough to capture something as important as their wedding. Staying with them the whole day and sharing in such a monumentous event and at the end, handing over beautiful photos that stop their hearts (just for a second or two..)

I wish?

For nothing...my kids are here and healthy - what else is there? Of course I'd love it if the world was a peaceful place where no-one was hungry and people were kind to one another

Beautiful

2009-11-01T10:40:00.003+11:00

The wedding I shot yesterday.....in one word.....beautiful.

(If I used one more word it would have been HOT - it was 35 yesterday! (about 96 F?)

A wonderful lady who has found the sweetest happiness with her beloved.

A charming man who loves her so.

One delightful Grandaughter.

And a new Grandson born just 3 days ago.

I felt so lucky to share their special day.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:39:00.003+11:00

I really wish more people celebrated Halloween here in Australia.

I love the colours and the costumes and the trick or treating....and the sharing of candy!

We always get a handful of lovely children (and their Mums and Dads) knocking on our door.

So I'm prepared this year....rather, I have Tino prepared.

I'll be out shooting a wedding today, yeehaa! - just hope the weather holds out, thunderstorms are predicted...

Enjoy your Halloween!

(Thinking I might need to grab another bucket and take it along to the wedding...)

Vxx

(There were Freddo Frogs in the bucket but it seems Solomon has found them and eaten them)

Regan's Roses

2009-10-30T20:39:00.003+11:00

I'm lucky to have great neighbours.

Ray, an older bachelor, lives on one side and Regan lives on the other side.

Both of them put up with the mad house in between them.

Fighting, laughing, yelling, splashing in the pool and hitting balls over their fences.

Loud music (Cindy), Loud guitar (Tino), Loud-ish yelling (.....me)

Ray and Regan have big dogs who my cats take great delight in teasing through the safety of the fence.

Both are equally deserving of a sainthood...

Regan has a beautiful garden so I asked Annika to sit in front of this glorious rose bush so I could take some photos.

It's nice having pretty backgrounds in close proximity!

I think I'll ask Ray if I can take a few shots next to his cool (and vintage) red truck:)

On another note, Tino's not well (again..). His blood pressure is bad, his asthma is worse, prayers for good health will be most appreciated:)

Love and thanks,

Vanessa xx

(PS I actually won the Centro Smile Competition!! CAN NOT believe it, Thank You my wonderful friends for voting for me, it's given me a great confidence boost and brought me an enormous amount of joy xx)

My boys

2009-10-27T15:44:00.006+11:00

I love my boys.

I was glad I had all 4 of them in one spot for a quick photo.

I asked them to do what men do (can't publish that one....to do with piddling against a wall) and so instead they started fighting and showing off their muscles.

I want my 3 boys to grow up as kind and gentle men.

Men who care for women and love them and would never think to hurt them.

Men who buy flowers.

Who like animals and children.

Men who work hard and protect their families.

Men who are strong and independent and good decision makers.

Respectful of others, loyal to their partners, kind to their Mum:)

{As long as they follow the sentence above this - then all is well}

Lucky and blessed is how I feel to have these guys in my life.

Vxx

Mr Inquisitive

2009-10-22T13:31:00.005+11:00

I love how you wake up at exactly the same time as me.

We spend at least an hour together each morning, just the two of us.

I love how you wrap yourself up in your soft blanket and walk through the house like a King, robes flowing behind you.

Not a small blanket, a Queen size mink blanket you lovingly christened 'Mother's Fur' when you were a toddler.

I love how you dance and move and exude energy and charisma. The atmosphere changes when you walk in the room.

You were plucked onstage at a magic show and looked like a star. Relaxed, confident, beautiful.

I love how you are constantly looking up facts to show your teacher, Miss Iredale.

Just in case she hasn't heard of it before. You write little quiz questions and answers just for fun. My knowledge of animal group names extends to a school of fish or flock of geese...yours includes a flamboyance of flamingos and a convocation of eagles (and how you love wedge tailed eagles!)

I love that right at this minute you are fascinated by the horse, Phar Lap.

One of your classmates saw his poor giant heart in a Science Museum and you chattered on about how lucky she was for hours. And you questioned over and over how he died and why someone would poison him and how you would have loved to watch him run.

I love how next week there will be a new interest, something else to research and think about.

Volcanoes, Tsunamis, John F Kennedy, Chameleons, Dinosaurs....have already been done and continue to interest you. An inquisitive mind.

I love the funeral you held for the dead bird on the weekend.

You did the digging and burial, Annika said the prayers ("...and may you find Peace in heaven with the other dead birds, away from harm and danger and mean, selfish cats.....")

I love your sweet little face and bare feet.

And how yesterday, when I took these photos, you were wearing your big sisters purple shirt because that's what you wore in the School assembly when you played the part of a plum (The Very Hungry Caterpillar!)

Mummy xxx

A friend found...

2009-10-21T19:54:00.006+11:00
Her name is Andrea and our friendship started way back in Primary School.

I always loved her family - the nicest, loveliest Mum, a hard working, soccer loving Dad and an adorable sister (who was terrified of monkeys driving 4 wheel drives...)

This photo of Annika (I took it today to celebrate your birthday!) reminds me of the baby sister (who is now in her 20s!) and also of Andrea - who had similar hair in about Year 2 (though a whole lot neater..)

The baby sister would nag us to put gel in her hair, pour her drinks, play with her and generally do the things that drive an older teenage sister mad (much like Annika and Cindy!)

So life went on and we lost touch over the years but Andrea has never been far from my thoughts.

I've wondered where she was and wished and prayed for her happiness and good health.

I walk past her old home every day and remember times spent there - right down to the A-line turquoise coloured skirt her Mum wore and the double cassette deck (on which I heard Madonna for the first time!)

Every year I remember her birthday, October 21st....today!

So Happy Birthday Andrea:)

You are a special, wonderful person and thanks to Facebook I've found my friend once more:)

Vxx

My first model!

2009-10-16T22:32:00.004+11:00

Introducing Gracia.

A gorgeous, friendly Kenyan friend of Cindys.

I'm portfolio building....sort of.

I asked Cindy if any of her school friends would be willing to pose for me.

Sure Mum!

She called me from McDonalds and said {with much excitement}

'Quick! I've got Gracia here! And he wants his photo taken!'

So off I went and I'm so happy I did.

We had a blast, laughing the entire time - even the manager of McDonald's jumped into a photo! (I'll email it to him first...:)

There was a horse (it was Gracia's idea to feed it...), a beautiful black and white rug and a great brick wall - all within 20 metres of McDonald's! We only had 15 minutes to work with so there wasn't time for a chat before shooting.

No Magic Tooth Whitening was performed - those teeth are ultra-mega-super-white!

I hope he loves these shots (I have another 20 that I love!) - his beautiful family have only been in Australia for 4 months - now I just need to convince the rest of his family to pose for me now:)

Vxx

People stare at me because I'm black

2009-10-11T21:40:00.005+11:00

So Tino believes.

It shocked him when he first came to Australia.

People would openly stop and stare and point and whisper.

We're racist, he said.

I'm not, I said back.

And neither are any of my friends.

You are big, I explained.

People stop and stare and whisper because you are twice as big as an average Aussie bloke.

And besides, I think you're exaggerating somewhat...

I took this photo at the Wangaratta Show.

Tino and little Tino were shooting tin stars at a sideshow stall.

The rest of us kept walking and taking in the sights.

We sat down to wait for them, near a bunch of teenage boys who were hanging around a stall run by one of their mates.

So, the Tinos were walking toward us.

Like two grizzly bears.

The boys were staring and whispering and pointing and doing all the things Tino said happens all the time.

I took the photo as one of them whispered loudly 'Look at the size of this guy!! He's gotta lift some serious weights!'

They shared many comments on how big Tino's arms are to how he'd take anyone out (Ha! Tino doesn't fight!)

None of them even mentioned the colour of his skin.

So there.

I'm hoping you read this Tino.

And how funny were their faces when they realised the lady with the camera was his wife! And she'd heard everything! And he sat down next to the one with his hand cupped to his mouth!

Fantastic:)

Tino and Ronald BFF

2009-10-10T07:57:00.006+11:00

Yesterday we made a trip to Wangaratta, Victoria to see the Local Show.

The kids had a great time, checking out the award winning cakes, cool photography and amazing (scary) rides.

They chose showbags (army for the young boys, ponies and fluffy toys for Annika and a Manchester United soccer bag for Alex).

On the way home we stopped at McDonald's (in part because I'm always suspicious of the food at the show and wind up with gastro (stoamch flu?) in the blink of an eye.

And also, so Tino could meet Ronald:)

Ronald is HUGE! He must be close to 6'6"; Tino wears size 15 shoes - Ronald must be close to a 20! Whoa!

He makes Alex look tiny, but I think Ronald and Tino could be long lost brothers:)

I snapped these on my iPhone and LOVE them..

(and I found the best, BEST, retro painted Coke sign ever but nobody would let me pull over and take some shots....they were worn out by that stage....so NEXT TIME!...can't wait:)

(How I love Ferris Wheels♥)

Vanessa xx

My Mate, Matt

2009-10-07T18:55:00.004+11:00

Meet Matt.

The son of one of my dearest friends.

{She delivered Solomon!}

I remember when he was a young boy in primary school.

Quiet, polite, funny and sooo much like his Dad!

Now, he's days away from turning 21.

He's a man who does not like his photo being taken.

Yet he was gracious and kind enough to come straight from work and head out to take a few photos.

To keep Mum happy.

It was so different doing a shoot for a man - they don't pose and smile and fluff their hair.

They just....stand (and look at me like I'm a dentist...'Can we just get this over with?' kinda thing)

So, it was all good, the sun was a little glary but I'm pretty happy with these shots and I hope Debbie is too:)

Happy Birthday Matt!

I hope you have a terrific time at your party:)

Happy Birthday Rhianna!

2009-10-02T17:52:00.008+10:00

Yes it's true, all I seem to do is celebrate birthdays.

But today was different - it wasn't one of my children for once!

I got to take photos of 4 completely gorgeous girls (Rhianna, Anna, Sarah and Melissa) having a lovely birthday lunch together.

Fun, laughter and big smiles made my day - I can't wait to meet with them again:)

I hope you enjoyed your day Rhianna and have a terrific night out!

Vanessa xx

Happy Birthday little Tino!

2009-10-01T15:48:00.003+10:00

Happy 9th Birthday to you my sweet boy!

9 years ago today...01.10.00 or in the USA 10.01.00

Kinda like binary:)

Born at 10.27pm on a Sunday night - the night of the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics.

The first Grandchild of Tino's Mum and Dad.

I so wanted to name him Boris - one of my favourite names, but Tino wanted him named after him and his Dad and given my weakened post-childbirth state, I agreed.

(He looks like a Boris to me....still to this day)

Born in the Year of the Dragon (I'm told by my Chinese buddies that it's great, fantastic luck to be born in that year....I'm Year of the Rat....which is probably less lucky I suppose)

He can carry his little brother and sister....and his big brother and sister....and their even bigger friends.

I want him to train hard and be the World's Strongest Man (or at least be in the Top 10:)

But he hates being big and wishes he was a normal size like his friends.

I hope he learns to love how big and strong he is.

Big and strong but with a soft and gentle heart.

Loved is what you are Keke.

(Keke has been his nickname since he was a little guy).

Loved and treasured and adored.

I've tried for 9 years to think of words to describe the look on your Daddy's face when you were being born and I just can't find them.

Wonder, joy, awe, reverence - those words plus a thousand more.

Something I'll always cherish and keep in my heart.

Happy Birth Day son xxx

Alex's moment

2009-09-27T15:48:00.003+10:00

<

Alex's moment in the spotlight:)

I have so many photos of the other children and not enough of him.

So today it was all about Boo - he wanted some guitar shots at the skatepark too.

For the past week I've been reading non-stop on all things Photography - I'm changing how I edit my photos (and even how I shoot).

I was really close to deleting this blog entirely and starting all over again but then I decided against it - mainly because of the beautiful, sweet and kind readers who've lifted me up and made me feel great and who have seen good in my photos (where I only see fault).

Vxx

Before and After Part 6-ish...

2009-09-18T19:09:00.003+10:00

I headed out with Annika this afternoon and planned on getting a series of nice photos....didn't happen. She wriggled and turned her head and ran wild. 99% of the photos are of her back...or are blurry.

I thought 'I have to have at least one photo that's ok...or I'll be listing my camera on eBay..' so I chose this one to process...

I'm using a new lens which I'm not crazy about just yet - I'm struggling with sharpness and had my settings all wrong (hence the under-exposed image).

Ok, first I cropped and cloned out a white patch of something in the grass.

Then I adjusted Levels (chose my White and Black points).

I ran Pro Retouch to smooth out her skin and alleviate a little of the under-eye tiredness (common in my home on a Friday afternoon!)

Then Velveteen (Eye Candy actions)

Ran Neat Image to remove a bit of noise.

That's about it:)

{This was written especially for you Lea! Hey, you should be my guest blogger:))

Vanessa xx

Centro SMILE Competition

2009-09-16T23:04:00.006+10:00

I was lucky enough to be selected as one of the finalists in this national competition:)

I feel kind of embarassed putting it out here but if you'd like to vote for me or one of the other finalists (they're all great photos!) here is the link:

http://www.smilephotos.com.au/entry.php

My State is NSW and my shopping centre is Centro LAVINGTON....Thank you for having a look:)

The Blue Ukulele

2009-09-15T20:16:00.007+10:00

One of the lovely and generous gifts Solomon received on his birthday was from his classmate, Athena.

{The beautiful daughter of one of my former classmates}

Athena gave Solomon a sweet card with (a lot of) money inside and so Solomon and I headed to the shops to buy whatever he liked.

'All my life I've wanted a ukulele' he assured me and so his lifelong dream was realised when he handed over his cash and purchased this smashing one in electric blue.

He took it to school today and thanked Athena for allowing him to choose a terrific present {and got to show his classmates his cool new instrument}. All of his presents were wonderful {as were Annikas!} and I'll get to photographing some more this week.

I'm taking some photos at an engagement party later this week which I'm really looking forward to - super nice people, it will be really enjoyable:)

Vxx

{The spots on Solomon's hands are texta marks from todays Lap-a-thon!}

Happy Birthday Annika!

2009-09-12T15:32:00.006+10:00

(blurred image at the request of someone who had overeaten at Hungry Jack's and whose bloated tummy happened to be in the handful of images I took..)

I'm starting to think that maybe, a combined party is the way to go.

2 party's in under 24 hours has just about wiped me (and the kids) out.

I didn't take many photos - I wanted to keep an eye on all of the children and make sure everyone was ok and happy and had eaten and maybe they needed the bathroom or were thirsty and were they having fun etc, plus getting to chat with the parents who stayed at the party and shared in our celebrations.

Busy.

Great fun and beautiful to watch - I just need to learn to sleep better the night before:)

So Miss Annika, our baby, our cherished little girl with the IQ off the charts has turned 6 today.

6! Amazing. The time has passed so quickly right before my eyes.

Although it's also amazing in a different sense.

Annika is so academically advanced, 6 seems like a ridiculous age for her to be.

More like 14 or 20-something...

I don't often talk about her abilities (or try not to at least), I hate feeling like one of those mothers who trumpets their children's achievements to the world (to make themselves look good? I don't know...) I'm enormously proud of her of course - but I'm also proud of all the other children in her class who try their hardest and do their very best and learn at their own pace.

Annika's lucky. She's been blessed with a terrific memory which makes reading, writing, maths and all the rest fairly easy.

It's so easy to focus on, what Tino calls her 'braininess' that her personality is overlooked.

Annika is feisty and strong and a born leader.

Not a Princess, more like the Queen. Or President.

She loves animals and has the kindest heart, crying over a poor, little mouse Jayden brought home, wondering if it's Mum will miss it.

Yet, she'll swing her fists at her brothers if they tick her off and give them a verbal lashing for good measure.

She hurts intensely at other's pain (except possibly her brothers...). She hates the thought of children in other countries having nothing to eat. She worries and thinks far too much for a little girl.

She is so much mine, so much like I was, such a part of me that I feel like my heart beats in time with hers.

I can't remember, let alone imagine a life without her in it.

Happy Birthday darling girl.

I hope you love being 6!

Love, Mummy xxxxxx

Happy Birthday Solomon!

2009-09-11T13:14:00.004+10:00

My 3rd son.

Born at 7.36am on September 11th

With an Apgar score of just 2.

He didn't breathe spontaneously.

Didn't cry.

Didn't even move.

His skin was deathly white.

I had been given Pethidine too close to his arrival.

He was born 'stunned', as they call it.

I couldn't look at him because I thought (I was sure) he had died (I'll never forgive myself for not looking).

He was given Naloxone (Narcan), a drug that counters the effect of opioid overdose.

It worked amazingly fast and 15 minutes later I laid eyes on the most beautiful baby boy there ever was (besides my other sons and your sons! xx:)

Solomon, you brighten the world.

Kind, considerate, happy and loving.

A beautiful friend, son and brother.

Our laughing, moonwalking, full-of-knowledge, Turkish Delight-loving boy.

You are loved beyond words.

Happy 7th Birthday,

Mummy xxxxxxx

50 cakes

2009-09-10T13:41:00.003+10:00

50 little cupcakes are in my oven.

For Solomon and Annika to share with their classmates tomorrow.

September 11 = Solomon's 7th Birthday
September 12 = Annika's 6th Birthday

366 days apart.

Separate parties this year - I can't remember how many kids I've invited or who has said they will be coming - I have lolly bags and cakes and presents and party hats and stuff everywhere.

I haven't bought Solomon the gift he requested - Jayden the cat would try to eat it and it would be me who would have to change it's water and feed it worms and scoop out the food it's sicked up (yes, I've read up on them...)

Annika wanted high heels and a pink cardigan - easy (she also wanted an iphone which is right up there with the axolotl for so not happening).

For once, I'm not lamenting the passing of another year, a year further away from them being my little babies. Rather, I'm rejoicing the fact that they are 6 and 7!

Another year to be truly thankful for.

Blessed is how I feel:)

Vanessa xx

(And I'll be doing it all again in 2 weeks when little Tino celebrates his 9th Birthday:)

Guitar Lessons

2009-09-07T23:00:00.004+10:00

Tino, leaving his guitar lesson - 8yrs 11 months

Today is my favourite weekday.

After school we head to little Tino's guitar lesson.

He has a terrific teacher, funny, talented and a little bit eccentric.

Solomon, Annika and I walk about town for half an hour - looking at toys, DVDs, the Darrell Lea chocolate store and Pumpkin Patch.

We collect Tino from his lesson and head to the ultra-modern Albury library.

The kids lounge around on the big, comfy cushions - reading and enjoying the huge selection of books to choose from.

I sit and flick through Photography books and Notebook magazines and enjoy the quiet - although today they had the heating turned up so high I almost fell asleep.

Then it's Fish and Chips for tea, an hour's homework/reading/computer time and then bed.

The kids can watch a movie or read for a while.

Nice and peaceful and relaxed.

I wish I had time to take more photos of little Tino in the alley.

I love the textures and colours and could have taken loads more images - except Annika decided to take off on me....through the alley and onto the street which promptly ended photo time.....will bring my camera again next week.....and put that girl on a leash:)

{He looks about 13 in this shot!}

Vanessa xx

Cranky-Puss

2009-09-05T22:29:00.005+10:00

{Annika aged 5yrs 2 mths}

Annika reached new levels of whinging and whining today.

From early this morning until the minute she was asleep she has grizzled and bossed and ordered me about and demanded this and that and everything in between.

She's fought with her brothers and yelled at her sister.

Literally, driven me crazy.

So I sat down to look through some old photos that I have on my external hard drive.

And I found this.

From November last year.

And it made the worse parts of today disappear:)

(The Nurofen Plus helped too..)

Vxx

The Red Blob

2009-09-05T21:20:00.003+10:00

Red bird, red flying saucer...

The kids are keeping watch tonight for more paranormal activity :)

The UFO.....(or bird....)

2009-09-05T09:19:00.005+10:00

Last night I was practising metering by taking photos of the full moon. Spot/Partial/Average - I was trying to work out which one produced the best exposure.

I only took about 8 photos from my front verandah while I was cooking dinner - I didn't upload them until this morning and...I think I may have captured a UFO:D. It's not in the frame before or after, and at first I thought it was a spot of dirt on my monitor.

Then again, it may well be a bird:)

Tonight

2009-09-03T21:41:00.002+10:00

Amazing lightning show!

I loved it - the kids did too (even little Tino!)

It went for quite a while so I grabbed my camera, hoping to get just one flash.

I changed my focus to manual, used Tv mode and set my shutter speed at 1/10, ISO at between 1000 and 1600.

And managed, out of many photos, to capture this.

The sky went from pitch black to brilliant white.

And for the first time, I caught it:)

Today

2009-09-03T07:21:00.003+10:00

Today..

I will continue cleaning my home - I started spring cleaning yesterday and cleaned 6 of the windows inside and out, frames and all, balancing on a chair.

I will bake Lasagna and vegetables for dinner. And some biscuits (cookies?)

Read up on metering {photography thing}

Make a big fruit salad.

And choose a colour to paint the kitchen....leaning towards Dulux Carrot Flower.

For now, I'll dress the kids for school, walk them to their classrooms, say Hi to their teachers and friends and friend's Mums and enjoy the 2 minute walk back home.

And for the next 6 hours, I will miss the noise and chatter and fun and arguing and laughter and joy, that is my family.

It happened much too quickly - from being babies completely dependent on me, to independent schoolkids with homework and readers and school camps.

I miss those early days.

Enjoy your day, especially if you have littlies at home.

There's no harder work and no greater joy than being a Mum {or Dad!}

Vanessa xx

Cuttlefish Ink

2009-09-02T11:36:00.004+10:00

I loved this image of Solomon whacking a stick (pretending it was a golf club!) and found the vintage processing enhanced his big, chocolate eyes:)

I took this back in February and can't recall exactly what I did but I'm fairly certain I used the Sepia filter in Photoshop and added some red in Curves.

Incidentally, Sepia is the Greek word for Cuttlefish and the reddish/brown colour is the colour of their ink.

And funnily, it's something that Solomon probably already knows - I've never known anyone, especially a 6 year old, who knows as many unusual facts as Solomon does.

A walking, talking (and dancing) encyclopedia:)

Vanessa xx

Today's Lunch

2009-09-01T10:51:00.003+10:00

Lunch today is Fruit Salad (lunch most days is fruit salad, I happened to take a photo of it this time:)

Strawberries, Kiwifruit (not sure if you get these in the USA?), Cantaloupe (aka Rockmelon), Pink Lady Apples and seedless Watermelon (which didn't live up to it's name....had plenty of seeds)

{Boosted with Levels, Shadow/Highlight and Hue/Saturation}

Enjoy your first of Spring/Autumn (Fall?) whichever it may be:)

Love, Vanessa xx

I wonder, if I used all 50 actions, what would happen?

2009-08-31T14:26:00.003+10:00

It can't hurt to try, so I did.

I used all of the eye Candy actions on this image (except rounded corners/frame), just to see what would happen...and I liked what happened:) Sadly, all of the big, majestic Pine trees were chopped down about a week after I took this picture, so I'm glad I took this when I did.

I love sunflare. Apparently it's a mistake (what??) from my reading but to me it's a delight and something I try to capture.

It was interesting to see what each part of each action does; I'll often run an action and then go back a step at a time and see what effect each small part had on the image. Sounds like a funny way to learn but I find it really helpful and effective. And fun:)

Would love..

2009-08-31T09:34:00.005+10:00

I would absolutely love one of these.

Right now, I'm using a $20 hand mixer - I'm sure it's going to blow up one day soon from overuse (I use it every single day!)

And when it does, I'll be heading to the shops and ordering one of these.

Pistachio? (pictured), pale pink? or almond cream?....decisions, decisions.

{My first choice would have been Cranberry or Violet but apparently they're out of production:(....there's some really beautiful colours here: Kitchenaid Colors

Vxx

B & A Part 5 - B&W

2009-08-30T08:51:00.004+10:00

A black & white conversion...plus some cropping. Cropping needs to correlate to print sizes eg 5 x 7, 8 x 12, 10 x 16 etc.....random crops make for awkward printing:)

I used the same techniques on this one as I do in most of my other photos (curves, levels, defog, eye dodge) then I used Eye Candy 'Paint it Black' B&W action.

Hope you enjoy your weekend:)

love, Vanessa xx

Part IV - a teensy bit 'out there'...

2009-08-29T14:32:00.007+10:00

Cindy commissioned me to take photos of her in her frightful orange work shirt. They turned out fine - but in this one, Annika was feeling unwell but still wanted her picture taken with her big sister. It came out flat and a bit out of focus but I still liked her meek expression.

I had just bought some textures from Beth Armsheimer and thought I'd try them out.

Tino and Cindy both laughed and said it looks awful ('She looks like an alien without a body') but, you know, I like it, and at the end of the day my blog is called 'Vanessa Tuau' not 'Tino and Cindy - Photo Critics Inc.' BTW, (because someone asked!) you pronounce Tuau...2 (like the number) O (like the letter)...I don't even say it anymore, I just spell it out:)

On this image, I cropped out the background distractions, used Eye Candy 'Velveteen' and Totally Rad 'Select O Sharp' which lets you spot sharpen certan areas (eyes in this image), ol' faithful dodge tool, then the texture over the top.

You put the texture over the whole image and then, using a layer mask, wipe away the parts you don't want covered (like faces, arms etc).

This is probably a fairly dramatic use of texture - other people use it much better than I do in a more subtle manner:)

Part 3 is go :)

2009-08-29T12:58:00.003+10:00

This lovely bride, Kylie was so sweet and so nervous and did absolutely everything I asked of her - turn this way, that way, stay still, smile, don't smile - she was a wonderful model:)

I wanted to give her a photo, just of herself, that would make her look beautiful, one that she could frame and smile when she saw.

The light source was a big open window, which was good, except it was 10.30am on a cloudy day (cold, unflattering light).

I warmed the image by using curves and adjusting the blue channel, running the dodge tool across her amazing, blue eyes (I probably got a little carried away there..) and using my favourite action Fairy Floss (from the Eye Candy action set).

After that, I removed some fine facial lines (emphasised by the awful light and face powder) with the amazing Pro Retouch from the Totally Rad Action set.

It is an incredible skin fixer - I find it hard to keep things a little natural and tend to overdo it - rather embarrassingly I processed a photo of Solomon and completely overdid Pro Retouch - he had the smoothest, most plastic looking skin in the world (Thunderbirds?) and what's worse (I'm cringing here) I entered it in the Albury Show. Why didn't someone stop me? How could my family let me embarrass myself this way?

I'll post it when I'm game enough....as a lesson on what not to do.

Vxx