Less is sometimes..... More.

Having quickly become an avid student of light, I have learnt some things since seriously taking up photography not all that long ago. There is obviously still much I need to discover, and wish to learn. But the process so far has provided me with a brand new set of eyes, and subsequently changed the way in which I see.

Light is what enables us to see, without which the world around us is a void of visual nothingness. As a Photographer, light is what I am in constant search of, in order to best highlight that which I would like to photograph. 'Good' light. A complimentary light, to facilitate a good photographic creation. But what really constitutes, 'good' light?

I believe that 'good' light, is light that enables you to creatively produce an image how YOU would like it to be seen. 'Good' light is subjective. Just as 'good photography', is subjective :P And although many would agree that a cloudy dull day would produce 'bad' light, I would argue that it all depends on what it is that you'd like to photograph!

You see, light also conveys an emotion. Bright shiny light generally carries with it joy, positivity and all things good. Whereas dull boring light, would set a more sombre mood. For example, you can photograph an apple, in the same location twice, using two contrasting lighting situations, and you will

produce two completely different images. Each photograph would evoke an emotional reaction through your visual senses. Your eyes. Your eyes would see both images differently. Both images would 'feel' differently, appealing to different emotions, because that's how the brain responds to light.

Knowing this, it allows photography to be emotionally creative through the use of light. And also, in the absence of it. Sometimes it's what is omitted through the absence of light in a photograph, that really makes the image shine. Using this absence of light, or 'shadow' rather, life can be given to an image - whereas if it had've been completely lit, it most probably would not have. It would be a different photograph altogether. Losing the impact, and missing the point. The converse is also true. Using too much shadow can totally destroy an image.

So when is less, more? When is it more effective to use a greater percentage of shadow, and a lesser percentage of light in an image, to create a fabulous result? Well, remember! Photography is subjective! Just because a new bride is joyous, and celebratory, doesn't mean that she cannot be captured in a dark and moody image. The absence of light evokes many emotions. The photograph would then adopt a very dramatic feel - a contrast to how we would expect to see a bride. Just because it's different, does it necessarily make it wrong?

My photography, and it's interplay with light is very fluid. I have found that my emotional state directly influences my photography. My mood is very often reflected in how I choose to take a photograph, because the way that I feel, directly affects the way in which I see light.

Photography I feel, is subjective for this reason. It's the reason why two people can disagree upon the same photograph. And why some Photographers only ever shoot in one particular style. Light carries with it emotion, and we are creatures who are subjected to all kinds of lighting situations. We joke that the British are always grumpy, and revere the Cariocans for being joyous, but seriously.. Take a look at the lighting conditions that they are indeed subjected to for an extended period of time!

Photography is influenced by light in a very unique and profound manner. The process consists of a vision, a decision, and then a reaction - bringing with it much subjection. Light, emotion, creation, and reaction. Complicated and complex, yet simple enough that even children are able to enjoy it. I have had fun producing the images in this post. It has been an excellent study - this thing called photography. I look forward to learning and experiencing more and more. Thanks for reading!

A Little Controversy!

My fabulous and devastatingly talented friend, Adrian Corti, is the leading man behind Melbourne's 80's cover-band, CONTROVERSY. When on stage, Adrian comes alive as his alter ego, Silk. Rocking it up and transfixing his audience 80's style, Silk delivers an explosive performance each and every time. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Controversy live on stage, with my dear friend and fellow photographer, Tamara Bodor.

Never failing to satisfy, Controversy brought 80's music back to life with songs by Madonna, Billy Idol, Prince, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Wilde and many other 80's icons. I recommend the experience that ultimately is, Controversy, to all who enjoy great music and sensational entertainment.

I would dearly love to photograph Controversy live again, and perhaps on Cup Eve I will once again have that chance! Controversy will be performing at Venue 28, Shoppingtown Hotel Doncaster, on Monday 2nd of November from 8pm until the wee hours.

They'll be sure to delight, excite and rock out big time, so by all means, come on down for a show stopping 80's monster extravaganza!


Silk - Guitars/Vocals. Sammy HardOn - Vocals. Jerome - Bass/Vocals. Matty Slade - Keyboards. Sash - Drums

Shooting Glynn!

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of shooting my dear friend, and "Boss," if you will, Glynn Lavender, as part of my Creative Photo Workshops training. We were out and about in various lighting conditions, using natural light and off camera flash, to create our images.

Glynn, is so much fun to be around, and has a vast amount of technical knowledge to boot. This combination sure does make for one hell of a fabulous shooting experience!

One of the many locations Glynn had managed to source, was an old abandoned graffitied warehouse, which boasted some fabulous photographic opportunities! It's leaky worn out roof, allowed for some interesting puddle reflections using flash, whilst it's inpour of natural light also made for some creative images. This location seemed to have it all. Until we journeyed to the next..

An old decrepit farm house, complete with sunken roof lines, and broken walls, offered THE most amazing light! With the city skyline in visible site, this rural piece of land in Melbourne's western suburbs, had 'ultimate wedding location' written all over it! Massive rock piles, old sheds, and dilapidated homesteads, proved that this location seriously needs to be photographed again!

Glynn and I spent only a short amount of time here, concentrating on photographing within the tiny rooms of the farm house. Opting to the leave the strobest gear in the car, proved to be a wise decision. As even though the farm house's rooms were tiny, they provided us with the most incredible light. It was difficult dragging myself away from this prized find, but there was more photography to be done!

The next location saw us donning a straw hat, in a field of beautifully yellow golden canola flowers.

Here found us with exposure issues to overcome, but with some off camera flash, we were able to pull some excellent results. Thank you Glynn, for an excellent day of photography and fun. I infinitely appreciate shooting with you! You astound me with your vision and ability, and it is a privilege and an absolute honour to have you as a mentor, but more-so, as my friend.

Sarah and Jamie's, Timboon wedding

I have met some fabulous people whilst enjoying life upon this marvelous planet. Some people have inspired me immensely, and other people have totally taken my breath away! I have been fortunate enough to work along side two exceptional people, who boast a photographic educational enterprise by the name of, Creative Photo Workshops . Glynn Lavender and Shelton Muller, are two of the most brilliant people I have had the pleasure of knowing, and it is an honour to work along side of them as a model for Creative Photo Workshops - a role that will soon begin to morph into one more of a tutor. Shelton and Glynn, are both seriously fun and highly intelligent - here's hoping that I won't let the team down! :P
Last weekend, as part of my 'training', I joined Shelton for the day in a little town along the Great Ocean Road, called Timboon. It is a quaint town, possessing one local tavern, and some really terrific people. Two of these terrific people were Sarah and Jamie - and the reason that I was in their tiny little part of the world. I was kindly asked by Shelton, to assist and second shoot at their wedding, and so I naturally took great delight in accepting this fabulous honour. Shelton is a renowned photographer with over 30 years experience here in Australia, and also internationally. The images he is able to produce at a wedding is nothing short of awe inspiring! I knew that this Timboon wedding, would provide me with great invaluable knowledge, and that I would walk away from it with a whole new appreciation for photography. And that most certainly was the case! On the day of the wedding, the morning began around 11:00am, with Sarah's hair still in curlers, and her makeup artist at the ready! The weather was dismal. Cold. Wet. And very uninspiring. Still, I knew that the photography would be fabulous, because I was with, 'THE SHELTON MULLER', after all! The couple decided to have a pre-ceremonial shoot, which allowed quite a bit of time for photographs - if tradition wasn't still such a big deal, I'd recommend this to every couple planning their day!
After the pre-ceremonial shoot, Jamie and Sarah tied the knot deep in the forest atop of one of their favourite footbridges. They frequently walked through this particular part of the forest, so exchanging nuptial there seemed for them most appropriate. The ceremony was beautiful, peaceful and very elegantly decorated with green foliage and small flowers. Shelton was brilliant as he worked his magic!
Sarah and Jamie had been thrilled by the images Shelton had showed them on the back of his camera, so they then gave Shelton their undivided attention throughout their entire day. A very handy tip to take home indeed!

After the ceremony, the newly-weds posed for their family portraits a little deeper into the forest, where an old trestle bridge made for an interesting backdrop. With the family snaps out of the way, it was then time for the reception! Jamie and Sarah chose to hold their reception on their own land, inviting to join them in celebration, family and close friends. And also, Shelton and myself! The evening was filled with laughter and joy, and ended with a lavish display of fireworks. The appreciative couple were so very grateful to have Shelton photograph their wedding, that they had mentioned to him towards the end of the evening that had he'd not been available, they would have moved the date of their wedding to suit his schedule! How lovely they indeed were! And, after assisting him, I can understand why Shelton was so much in demand. His passion, his humour, and his infectious passion for life makes for an outstanding wedding photographer! Thank you Shelton, for allowing me to assist and second shoot for you at Jamie and Sarah's wedding. I learned so much, and have gained a greater understanding and appreciation with regards to my vision as a photographer. You are an excellent mentor, and a wonderful friend! Thank you for everything! Thank you also to Sarah and Jamie. It was a tremendous privilege and an incredible honour to share in your special day with you. May your life together grow brilliantly with love and nurture - just as the wonderful piece of paradise that is your incredible land.

The Taisen and Troy Shoot..

My beautiful friend - and fellow photographer - Tamara Bodor, and I, both met Taisen and Troy in the pub where Troy was playing bass guitar. I had known Troy through a mutual friend on Facebook, though I had never actually met him in person before this particular evening. So, girls being girls, Tam and I glammed ourselves up, and headed out to an Irish pub in Knox, to see Troy's band, Miss Behave. Ooh, and they were fabulous!!! :)



Shortly after arriving at the pub, Tam and I happened upon the idea of photography - as most photographers do at some point. Increasingly becoming inspired to arrange a shoot, Troy was our perfect candidate! He was tall, handsome, and possessed a fabulously wicked sense of humour. That being the case, Tam and I knew right away that he would be a lot of fun to shoot. So, after not too much convincing at all, Troy was on board! Brilliant!! Next came Taisen..

Taisen caught our eye straight away when a fellow patron introduced us to him. He was tall, smooth and very good looking - and with all tall, smooth and very good looking men, he very much knew that he was tall, smooth and a very good looking man! Yep, he was our obvious next victim.. Er.. Um.. No.. I meant to write...candidate! So as the night went on, a date and time was arranged for both men to join Tam, and I, at the Abbotsford Convent for a photo shoot.

When the day arrived, Richard Annable, Tam's soul partner and fellow photographer, came along on the shoot with us. Yes, when I found out that Richard would be joining us, I knew that we would be in for one helluva fabulous day of fun!! And it was just that. I just love Richard's brilliant sense of humour - oh, and the fact that he can shoot too was an added bonus! :P So after quite a few hours of laughing and carrying on, Tam, Richard and I, did manage some great photography.


Taisen and Troy were both brilliant models! You'd never guess that it was their first time on such a shoot. Thanks guys, you were both fantastic! I am really looking forward to doing another shoot with you both again soon.

So, Blog.. Yes.. You'll get those pictures too! And thank you also to the beautiful Tamara, and fabulous Richard! I had such an incredible time shooting with you both. You were just so much fun to be around! I really do hope that we all get another opportunity to get out and shoot again soon!

From Humble Beginnings.. By Natasha Humble.

Creation begins as a vision.. Either viewed by the eye or by the mind's eye, creation begins as a picture of inspiration resulting in a physical manifestation. My life's journey so far has travelled me along many different roads of creation, each leading to crossroads of inspiration. My most recent turn has seen me fortunate enough to be in a unique partnership with my Mum, Monika Brecht, with the vision of Black Tulip Photography.

Together, Mum and I are travelling hand in hand along a new and exciting road of creation, producing photography and plan to have as much fun as we can along the way! Mum has only recently ended a 40 year marriage, to find that life has been waiting all along for her to engage in it, and experience it's wonders. I am so very blessed that my Mum has agreed to share in my journey, to create some remarkable images, and memories for life.

I will update this blog as often as I can, or remember - whichever comes first - and share in our love for photography. Hopefully you'll follow our journey on this road of creation as we venture down new territories of life, laughter, and light!