From Her to Eternity

I hadn’t brought music to the shoot like I normally would.

It didn’t feel right to make noise on this sacred land.

This morning all we had was stillness.

I would like to acknowledge the Arakwal people who are the traditional custodians of this land.

I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past and present of the Bundjalung nation.

A huge thank you to Birralee for trusting me with this shoot. You, my dear, are magic!

If you want to create magic of your own and have beautiful memories to capture your feminine essence get in touch here x

Fast Cars + Faux Fur with Burlesque Star Nicole Melrose

I've been lucky enough to work with beautiful Nicole on two occasions now...  We first met at the great Peter Coulson's photography workshop in Melbourne where I got to learn studio lighting and shoot some lingerie glamour with Nicole. 

On her last trip to the Gold Coast Nicole contacted me to shoot, the universe aligned and we squeezed in an afternoon of fun! 

Being a short notice shoot we didn't have a location in mind... I wanted to try something different and I know Nicole is always up for a challenge so we ended up on a rooftop carpark with a brand new E-Class Mercedes Benz - something different indeed! 

Nicole Melrose works as an actress, model, jazz singer and burlesque performer. She has a studied background in dance (ballet, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary) and performing arts (film, theatre and television) which she has acquired through local and international training. Nicole Melrose has been modelling since 2004 and has appeared in various magazines so I thought who better to ask for some advice on how to bring your A-game to a photoshoot?! 

I love Nicole’s advice and her take on performing for the camera…

“When I’m in front of a camera I feel as if I am being given permission to do or behave in any way or role I desire. Depending on the attire and direction I am given, my performance will sway. To me it’s a freedom that I rarely get to indulge in, in daily life. I’m able to become the child again that used to play games and fantasize about being a princess, warrior, animal or anything, it’s limitless. It is excruciatingly nerve-racking (for me) before I am made up and playing but I keep in mind that the playground isn’t far away. Your mind goes to a magical place which leaks through your eyes and into the photograph. I think that is a step to creating a beautiful picture. Working with Jodi was wonderful too. Working with any photographer that you are at ease with and can communicate openly with I think is another key step to creating an encapsulating photograph.”

Hope you like our pics from the shoot! Have you always wanted to do a photoshoot in a car? This was such a great learning experience for me and I’m so keen to do it again! Get in touch if you are keen! All jackets and boots from this shoot are part of my complimentary wardrobe selection.

If you want to check out Nicole’s amazing performances you can follow her on Instagram HERE or you can find her at www.nicolemelrose.com

Until next time,

Jodi x

Self Love with Sigrid Tasies

Do you struggle with self love? Did you know there are people who can help you with your self love journey? To teach you techniques to transform your inner dialogue & self-talk, develop skills to increase self-awareness and self-love, implement healthier habits and let go of self-limiting beliefs, victim states and fear! 

Well this, ladies and gentlemen, is one those lovely people - Sigrid Tasies. Sigrid is a Self-Empowerment Coach, Author and Yoga Instructor.  I loved meeting Sigrid, creating these gorgeous images for her new program and talking all things SELF LOVE and EMPOWERMENT! 

"I feel deep passion about advocating the practice of unapologetic self-love as a way to increasing happiness, health and success, to create a life that we LOVE.

My work supports thousands of people while I travel the world facilitating transformational workshops and retreats, creating powerful coaching programs and conscious media content, and working one on one with people that seek to be the most empowered and happy version of themselves, like I imagine you might be."

We’ve all heard of “self-love” but what does that really mean?

How can we understand, accept and honour ourselves to the highest of our capacity? And how can this help us transform all areas of our life?

“…As many psychology studies attest, self-love and compassion are key for mental health and well-being, keeping depression and anxiety at bay.” – Medical News Today

We live in a society where insecurity is encouraged more than self confidence, we are pressured to be perfect and to think of all the things we need to “fix” as opposed to all the ones we can embrace, it seems normal to suffer from low self-esteem, self-doubt, lack of confidence, anxiety, depression…

Also often, we are taught to seek approval and comfort in others instead of within ourselves, creating unhealthy attachments and very little self-awareness.

But we didn’t come into this world to play small and second-guess ourselves… We deserve to live the life we dream of.

Sigrid's SELF-LOVE LIKE A BOSS program is a course for women like you, who are ready to let go of all of that and to start feeling fully empowered.

If you're curious to find out more check out Sigrid's website HERE - you can even book an introductory call to find out more about her coaching. For daily inspiration you can follow this beautiful soul at @sigridtasies

Here's to more self love all around... x

How Pamela Anderson Helped my Self Esteem

When I was younger all I wanted was to look like someone else... At the time it was Pamela Anderson. (It could stem from my Barbie obsession or perhaps because she was dating dreamboat Kelly Slater) All the boys liked her and in my eyes she was perfect. I would spend HOURS looking through magazines deciding who I wanted to look like, everyone was so much more fabulous than me. I decided that when I grew up I wanted to be tanned, with blonde hair and big boobs. Alas, it didn't look like that was going to happen. I was fair with pimples, mousy brown hair and the boobs were not developing at a rate I would have liked. 

I was at my Aunty's house one day and she had WHO Weekly's Stars Without Makeup edition. There on the cover was Pammy. It was not a good day for her. I stared in disbelief - Pam had pimples. And she wasn't that tanned after all. That pesky paparazzi had caught Pam when she was far from 'perfect'. I flicked through the issue to find more stars with pimples! Cameron Diaz - WHAAAATTTTTT?!!!! Cindy Crawford said she had cellulite. All of these amazingly gorgeous women who I had spent so long fawning over looked.... "normal". It was a revelation. Until then I thought they were a different breed, the pimple-less poreless skin kind. 

My little developing mind shifted that day. I made some excuse to my Aunty about why I needed that magazine for homework and kept it safe in my wardrobe to bring out whenever I needed a reminder that Pammy had bad days too. 

That was huge shift numero uno. 

The next thing I recall is being at uni, I was 17 and still a little insecure about my looks, asking my friends if they could look like anyone else in the world who would it be? (I was onto Britney Spears at that stage FYI) One of my best friends said "I wouldn't want to look like anyone else" Huh? Why not? (this idea was so foreign to me) "Because then I wouldn't be me" 

Whoa, such wisdom.*

Fast track to my twenties and I'm surrounded by the most beautiful friends you could poke a stick at and hearing their insecurities. Are you kidding me? But you look like you!!! Yeah well I don't see that. And that is when it all bloody clicked... No matter what we were looking like we weren't happy. Everyone had their insecurities. Were we conditioned to thinking like that or was it part of our DNA? I still don't know the answer to that question but I want to help be part of the movement that changes the way we think about ourselves. 

I don't want my daughter to waste the time I did worrying about my looks and obsessing over looking like other people. I sometimes wonder what else I could've been doing in that time.... And I also think it must be so much harder for young girls these days what with the Instagram, the FaceTune, the selfie filters etc. I can't bare to imagine growing up with those distractions and distortions on reality! 

So, those are the main things that led me to where I am today... Helping women take time out for themselves to make photos that they can proudly look at and say "THIS IS ME - I AM BEAUTIFUL" There is no retouching and there's definitely no distorting. It can be uncomfortable to look at yourself like that and you may cringe but I guarantee if you can't appreciate these photos now you will look back on them one day and think wow, what a beauty. Ageing has a wonderful way of making you appreciate what you had when you didn't realise... 

So for the sake of our next generations I encourage you to do what you can to make peace with your body and your looks. We are in a time where there is so much to be done to heal this world and if we can start with ourselves we'll be a lot better off... 

Thanks for being here. Be kind to yourself and your kindness will flood the world.** 

Jodi

x  

*Side note - At the thought of writing this piece I contacted that uni friend the other night and told her about the profound effect that her response had on me and she admitted that the ironic thing was that she didn't feel that at the time of saying it. Isn't it incredible what effect your words and actions can have on others, no matter how small. Thank you for your effect on me dear pal, you know who you are. x

**That's not my quote - Pema Chödrön said it. 

Femininity and Grace

When I was first contacted by Jenny I was mesmerised by her beautiful photography of her outback life in Tambo - the oldest town in Central Queensland. Jenny owns and manages a station with over 6000 head of cattle.  Working on the land every day in the harsh Australian elements she manages to capture the sheer beauty of that life in her pictures. 

On Jenny's next trip to Brisbane we scheduled a shoot and upon meeting I was struck by her warm nature and ease of self. We chatted about life in the outback and how easy it could be to lose your femininity - something Jenny had not done and continued to prioritise... A lover of fashion and lingerie she joked about her 'double life' of being knee deep in cow dung by day and elegantly dressed up by night. 

What got me most about Jenny was her passion to inspire other women to embrace their bodies... and their feminine spirit! Like most women Jenny had her body hang ups but at the age of 60 she made the decision to appreciate her body for all it was and make the best of the rest of her years! Her zest for life was contagious and I left so inspired and grateful to have spent time with such a beautiful role model. 

You can check out Jenny's beautiful outback photography here - @jen.skelton 

Until next time, 

JP x

As the Sun Goes Down...

"The sea is only the embodiment of a supernatural and wonderful existence. It is nothing but love and emotion; it is the Living Infinite." - Jules Verne

I absolutely love the energy of shooting at the beach. When the sun is setting and the water is turning that gorgeous inky silk colour... You can feel it's magic. Inspired by our sea change I went to collate some of my favourite beach photos and I only got as far as Lindsay's shoot in Ibiza this time last year... Lindsay is an international presenter specialising in yoga, body conditioning and dance fitness who runs holistic health retreats in Europe with her family business - YogaFit Retreats (you can find out more about them here ) Lindsay brought the most beautiful energy to this shoot and we captured so many images in a quick 20 minutes before the sun went down. 

I will be sharing more beach shoots soon - if you're interested in chatting about creating some of your own timeless images on a beautiful backdrop like this drop me line or give me a buzz on 0411 870 478.

Until next time,  JP x

Goddess Vibes

I recently spent five days up on a mountain in the Balinese jungle and I am happy to report that time slowed down. There were no phones beeping, no alerts calling for my attention, no TV in the background, no ads popping up every way I turned. It was BLISS. 

The interactions I shared with everyone were uninterrupted by technology, conversations were fully present and imaginations were in full swing. It felt like another planet and I was loving it! 

Being barefoot for five days wandering around green grassy paths and moss covered stones, down to swim in fresh water holes and explore the gardens was so good for the soul. 

We started each day with a morning yoga practice followed by a breakfast picked fresh from the garden. Flower mandala one day, manifestation workshop the next, waterfall swims with fresh flowers thrown in. It was the stuff of my hippy dreams. 

More than anything I relished the time to be alone with my thoughts and really drop in to what I wanted to achieve in life. Sure I think about that when I can but then the 'next' thing happens and life kind of carries me away... To actually stop and have the luxury of time to dream and plan was incredible. 

I am so clear on what I want to achieve in my business and that is EMPOWERING WOMEN and helping them "feel seen".  I have never been able to articulate it so well but a common phrase that came up over and over was "being seen". Actually being seen and appreciated for who you are. The ripple effect of you feeling your empowered self is so exponential it gives me goosebumps! 

I wanted to share some photos of the amazing women I photographed in Bali. Total Goddess vibes which made me realise even more the power of 'outdoor boudoir'. Actually, I don't even know if that's a fitting name for it... Maybe let's go with "Goddess Photography"?! I have done numerous outdoor shoots from Ibiza to Byron Bay and lots of places in between... and there really is something special that happens when you immerse yourself in nature. It goes primal. Sacred. This raw feminine energy comes coursing through and unleashes!  

If you're curious about a shoot, reach out. This Goddess Shoot may be just your thing.. I assure you it will be empowering AND fun! 

(Of course, if you're more of a luxe lady and enjoy the 1000 count sheets then I can still help bring out your inner Goddess in a temperature controlled comfort of a beautiful indoor shoot!) 

WIN a Boudoir Shoot

I am so passionate about getting people along to the Embrace screening on Wednesday 14th March at Pacific Fair that I've decided to give away a prize of a personalised Boudoir or Portrait Shoot if you buy your movie ticket before Thursday 1st March! 

Buy your tickets HERE

*Prize includes one 1.5 hour boudoir or portrait shoot within the Gold Coast area (travel fee may apply outside of this region) at your private residence, outdoors or other preferred location. (Prize does not include any venue hire fees if applicable) After the shoot you will receive a gallery of images from which you can select 10 images to be delivered in both high resolution and web ready digital files. Prints available at an additional fee. Prize must redeemed by 30th June 2018. Prize is transferable. 

This Morning, With Her...

I love boutique hotels.  On my last trip to Sydney I hit the jackpot with the beautiful heritage listed Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale.  A mixture of old world charm and new modern decor this place oozes sex appeal. I couldn't think of a more perfect place to shoot boudoir...

Model: Linda - @herintimateworld 

How to Look Better in Photos

Ahh the festive season… Christmas parties, social gatherings, family get togethers… Soo many photo opportunities! If you are one to dive behind a Christmas tree when the camera comes out try out these few tricks to make you more confident in front of a camera… 

Firstly, if you’re standing, turn your body 45 degrees to the camera and put all your weight on your back leg, it sways your hips giving more shape to your body. Twist your torso so one shoulder is away from the camera and the other closer to, it makes your body appear more slender. 

Take a tip from the red carpet and put the arm closest to the camera on your hip. By moving your arm away from your body it creates negative space and is more flattering to your arm shape. 

To avoid a double chin, elongate your neck (imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head) and push your face forward a bit. Tip your chin down slightly. It feels kind of awkward but will give your jawline more definition! 

It’s a good idea to avoid standing directly under a light, which can cast unflattering shadows on your face. Try to find a natural light source, such as a window, or in a spot where soft light hits your face from the side for a more flattering effect. 

And finally... Don’t be cheesy! Forget saying the old catch phrase and instead think of something funny.  A natural smile is your best accessory! 

If you've got any other go-to tips I'd love to hear them below! 

Happy holidays everyone… xx