Canberra Baby Photographer - Blue eyed boys!

I'm going to let the pics do the talking for these two, such a gorgeous pair - bound to be future heart breakers with those eyes! Joshua is 2 1/2 months and Jacob is 21 months! GORGEOUS!!

Portrait 4 - Megan "Vintage Lace"

The fourth portrait in my Personal Portrait Project is of Megan, whom I first saw model in a local competition, and whom I've since come to know and work with as the amazingly talented owner of Liebe Bluhm vintage fashion collection.

I've always loved the portrait "A Much Screened Lady" (Gloria Swanson by Edward Steichen) which I saw at the Vanity Fair exhibition.  Since I saw the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery this particular image has certainly been one of the (many beautiful) images that has stayed with me.  As part of this project I am taking the opportunity to do my own homage to some of my favourite portraits, and when I thought of Megans portrait, this image lept to the forefront of my mind.  The image was shot at Sovereign Studio (Kate Luke Photography headquarters!), using beautiful natural light.

Megan is a very beautiful, delicate woman, and like her Grandmothers lace scarf that she is photographed behind in this image, she is also full of character, charm and grace.

I originally pictured this image in black and white, like the original - but when the image was made I also loved it in colour.  Decisions aren't my forte - SO! here are both the colour & B&W versions of this beautiful image - I love them - I hope you do too!

Megan "Vintage Lace" Copyright Kate Luke Photography 2011

Megan "Vintage Lace" Copyright Kate Luke Photography 2011

BEAST - Studio Abstracts Project

Another project I've been exploring at Sovereign Studio is creating Animal Abstract images.  It's an ongoing process and one I'm still getting a feel for lighting-wise.  Here are a couple from a session yesterday exploring some different lighting (the last one is Percival trying to get back in the studio after his session :-)).

Portrait 3 - Self portrait "The Romantic" Sovereign Studio

As part of my Personal Portrait Project, I will be doing several self portraits. This one, "The Romantic" is first cab off the rank.

Was it painful. Yes it was. The challenge of trying to get the desired pose and emotional connection with oneself was quite an uphill battle!  Definitely a battle that requires a long term commitment - as it's an important one - it is SO important to put yourself in the place of your subjects, and experience what they do.  As such I'm committed to doing several more of these during this project.

On to the meaning!  I have come to realise over the years, even though I never thought of myself as a mushy, sentimental romantic, that I am nothing short of that.  I love love, and I love that I am able to be involved in so much of it as part of my job.  So here's to LOVE! (and having the first self portrait done!)

(It didn't kill me, so it must have made me stronger!)

Portrait 2 - The Muse (Personal Portrait Project) SOVEREIGN STUDIO

The second portrait in my personal portrait series is a portrait of Emma, portraying her as artists Muse.

I've known Emma for around four years now, and she's  continuously inspired my projects and brought ideas that have been trapped inside my head (scary place to be trapped!) into glorious reality.

Inspiring beyond her outer beauty - not only is she magnificently beautiful and incredibly lovely, but also brilliantly gifted in the brains department.  Having just completed a Bachelor of Politics and International Relations, Emma is currently studying Honours of Philosophy in Politics and IR. Wow. My brain hurts just thinking about it!

So here it is, my tribute to the fabulous Emma, my muse (big thanks to the wonderful Judy Stone for her gorgeous hair and makeup!)

(See more of my portrait photography on my website: Kate Luke Photography)

Personal Portrait Project - Sovereign Studio

Having spent a year building our studio, I've had lots of time to think of projects I'd love to do.

Now that it's operational, one project I have just started is a portrait series.  The series will be of around 50 selected individuals whom I have some form of personal relationship with.  The end result will, I hope, be a beautiful and varied set of portraits, each reflecting a particular aspect of the individual, particularly how I see them and their strengths, character and beauty.

As a "people" photographer, I believe it's really important to put yourself in front of the camera (as painful as that is!) in order to stay in touch with what you're subjects are experiencing in front of the lens.  As such, I will also be producing at least one self portrait as part of this series.

First cab off the rank was my beautiful and very talented husband, James.  This portrait portrays James the musician, with a hint to his gentle character and humour in his eyes.

See more of my portrait photography at Kate Luke Photography

Valentines Day Portrait Special!

It's February ALREADY!  Which means - It's almost Valentine Day! This year, instead of chocolates or flowers, choose a gift that will last a lifetime!

Sovereign Studio - Perfection, Light, Life.

After nearly a year of planning, earthworks and construction, our studio is now built and will be OPEN for business early in 2011!

The studio has been named "Sovereign Studio" and has adopted the Fleur de Lys symbol as its emblem, representing Perfection, Light and Life - three things that some up what photography is all about to us!

I'm very excited about the images that will unveil themselves during 2011 for my clients in this space - contact me for bookings or more details at mail@katelukephotography.com.au

A sneak peak inside the newly completed "Sovereign Studio"