Friday 27 November 2009

The many faces of Hong Kong


Modern and westernized, yet traditional and Chinese, Hong Kong is full of surprises and contradictions. And I LOVE it.

I spent the last week visiting my sister and her husband who are currently residing in HK, along with my family, including my Granny, who at the grand old age of 81 was game for everything we threw at her. She could often be found late at night in many of the City’s finest drinking establishments, proving that you’re never too old to enjoy a Mojito or Sex on the Beach!

This is the third time I have been to HK but you never tire of its many faces.

With the view from the Peak by day, HK Island’s skyline by night as the skyscrapers flash their neon lights trying to out-display each other, the traditional Chinese markets, the stunning countryside and beaches, the incredible amount of amazing bars and restaurants, it really is no wonder that HK means different things to different people.

These images showcase just a few of HK's many faces.








Thursday 19 November 2009

Humble beginnings...

So here begins my online journal of where I am heading. I really want to document my photographic adventure, along it's long and winding path, so I never forget my humble beginnings in the photographic world! It will also be interesting to see how my personal style evolves and develops as I gain more experience and confidence behind the camera.

This blog will be all about me...although that sounds rather self indulgent, it will not only showcase my work and images, but also give you an insight into me and what makes me tick.

This blog will be my online journal documenting certain aspects of my life and my daily goings-on. I have no doubt over the coming months, I will be airing my frustrations and deliberations in the planning of my own wedding, raving about certain photographers I meet and gain inspiration from, stating how much I LOVE Christmas and I will blog whenever I feel I have something to share with you, be it family holidays, weekends away or good nights out - everything that I do with or without my camera.

Sunday 8 November 2009

WELCOME TO MY BLOG


Welcome to the first official post on the blog for Stephanie Oakes Photography!

For those of you who know me, you may think taking Andy's name before we are married is somewhat premature(!), however it will be my legal name and trading name as of the 7th August 2010 (as long as everything goes to plan!) so I thought i'd use it from the off!

I am currently in the very, very, very early stages of a career change to become a photographer!  Growing up with a father and sister who are both keen (amateur) photographers, I have always appreciated this amazing art form and loved tinkering around with cameras and creating beautiful images. But it was when I started searching for a wedding photographer for my forthcoming nuptials, that I completely fell head over heels for photography again. When I found my wedding photographer, Jodie Chapman (http://www.jodiechapman.com/), I knew this is what I wanted to do. Her imagery really inspires me and has prompted me to pursue my dreams of being a photographer.

Ideally, I would love to specialise in weddings, as from a photographer's point of view, a wedding is the perfect occasion to photograph with a full roller coaster of emotions; a contagiously happy day with beaming smiles, tears of joy and happiness, butterflies and pre-wedding nerves and post-wedding bliss!

But, whether it be weddings, bumps and babies, commercial or portraits I am just excited to get behind my camera and create some natural, beautiful images.

So....now I just need to bite the bullet and invest in training and equipment! I am weighing up my options at the moment regarding which training path to head down, so i'll keep you posted when I have made up my mind!