Esz, Kesenya, Me & Marianne – Photo by Nada

Making things look easy is hard work! Yesterday I gave the first of two lunch time session workshops for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, and I have to tell you, pulling something like this together is no easy task.

Given that this blog and pretty much everything I do is a one woman show, I have to be super organised and multi talented to make it work. The last few weeks have really put me to the test to see just how much I can do and has also taught me that without a good team, there are some things that just can’t be achieved.

I’m sure that over the course of this week, you’ll be reading all about the highlights of MSFW, the shows, the clothes, the models; so I want to give you a different view into what goes on behind the scenes.  Here’s what it takes for me to put on a one hour session, and keep in mind this isn’t a whole production with multitudes of garments and models – that would take an army!

Firstly, you have to come up with your concepts.  This is the bit that most people enjoy the most, things like mood boards, topics, the imagination part.  Then you have to work out how you’re going to turn that into something that entertains and informs for a whole hour.

There is a set to stage, making sure that things look pretty and that it all works. That your guests are warm and dry and that everyone can see and hear what is happening. There is a mood and ambience to set, all of which require props, lighting and people to make it happen.

Given that what I’m presenting isn’t really a catwalk show I needed to come up with ways to illustrate what I’m talking about and make the hour more than just me on stage like a bump on a branch. So I’ve been pulling together several outfits, beautiful models, doing fittings, repairing garments, writing booklets and doing all the graphic design, DVD presentations… all sorts of things!

The long and short of it all is that I’ve been working about 14 plus hours a day for the last three weeks just to pull together a one hour session. It sounds like an insurmountable task, which on some days it does feel like, but one of the most fabulous things to come out of all this has been the great team of people who have pulled together to make it happen.

Esz, Nada, Me & Marianne – Photo by Kesenya

We’re a small crew, but the marvellous Nada has been helping me prepare models backstage, Kesenya of Alice Jean’s has become my “Adrianna” (only you Australians of a certain age will know what that means), and the wonderful Marianne from Esme & The Laneway and Esz from Kitty’s Drawings, put up their hands to show how beautifully vintage can be worn.

So with all that prep time in mind make sure you get down to see Thursdays session at 3.30pm in City Square! Now that we are officially in Spring the weather is bound put on a good turn out for us… (positive thinking works).

It was such a super busy day yesterday that I didn’t even get a chance to take any proper outfit shots of what I was wearing! But you can get a fair idea from these pics at least. It was…

1940’s Silk Taffeta Blouse – via Etsy

French Navy Wide Leg Pants – Made by Me

Shoes – Black faux snake skin lace ups by Kumfs

White floral headpiece- by Samantha Sultana

I’m thinking after the last few weeks that it might be time to bite the bullet and hire an intern…. any takers?

*This post is sponsored by Nuffnang and Panasonic*

Sometimes my life is a little crazy; well actually it is a little crazy all the time! But the other week I was given a great opportunity to capture it all for you.

Thanks to Nuffnang and Panasonic, I was sent the brand spanking new Panasonic Lumix G2 12.1 mega pixel camera.  It is half way between a point and shoot and a DSLR.  I’ve had the old point and shoot camera here for quite some time and never find I can get the result I wanted, so I switched to a big DSLR. I haven’t had any spare time to really learn how to use this yet, and find I always have to mess around quite a bit. And while those shots are lovely, carrying around a whole camera bag full of equipment does rather cramp my style.  The sorts of events I get around to aren’t really the type of things where I want to be schelping around extra bags.  So I’ve been trying to figure out the perfect solution for something that would fit into my handbag, but still do a cracking job at capturing my moments no matter what the conditions.

When it comes to taking photos I may have an eye for composition, but I certainly don’t have any technical knowledge. In fact when someone asked me the other day what aperture speed I’d used to capture an image (after seeing it on the LCD camera screen), I blushed and said, “A good one?”. Yep, no technical knowledge whatsoever. I went home and told Mr.SKM this while he had a very good giggle at my expense.

Funnily enough, while we were watching TV the other night, a commercial came on with a guy showing an exhibition of his photography, being asked similar questions and giving similar answers to mine.  Mr.SKM and I were both laughing going, “hey that’s you!” The extra funny bit was when at the end of the commercial, we saw it was for the Panasonic Lumix G2 – the exact camera they had just sent me to assist my novice ways! This is the ad here.

Okay, so this new camera arrives looking like a baby SLR, all black, fancy and miniaturised. Of course the first thing I did was to experiment with which handbag was the best fit for it before even taking a shot.  But I’m not going to bore you with technical details I don’t understand, instead I’m going to take you with me on my weekend and show you how the Panasonic Lumix G2 captured it along the way.

*(None of these photos have been altered in any way – they are RAW, straight from the camera)*

On Thursday I had a bunch of errands to run including a little ‘research’ at Chapel Street Bazzar.  The chaps there were kind enough to let me photograph some of my favourite things as I went along. I hadn’t had the time to experiment much with the camera, so this was a great opportunity to check out how it would handle close ups, things behind glass and to mess around with all the auto artistic photo settings.

Then it was on to a quick cup of tea with Violet Le Beaux before dress fittings for Friday night’s big event.

Come Friday it was time to hit the town for Miss Burlesque Australia. I was privileged to be a part of the judging panel for the Victorian heat, watching the girls get their spangles on.. and off… for the title. Given that it was held in a nightclub it was quite dark, so it was time to see if the Panasonic Lumix G2 could capture the ambience without any flash or me having to worry about ISO stuff. I just set it on auto and shot. Did I mention the camera has an articulated LCD touch screen? This fantastic feature meant I could angle the screen to make sure I could get my friends and myself into those arm length shots! I can just touch the screen to move the focus area and make sure it is all working, even while still in front of the lens.

Saturday morning I was up early for another big day, heading out for a radio interview first up. I had about two seconds to get an outfit shot before heading out the door, so I handed the camera to Mr SKM to snap my favourite new vintage dress.

Of course, I couldn’t photograph myself while I was on air, so again I passed the camera across to the studio assistant and asked her just to press the GO button. Easy peasy!

I raced off from the interview to the shops where I had to pick up food and a very special cake as Saturday was also Miss Three’s big birthday!  Time to capture some colour, action and festivities. Because the Panasonic Lumix G2 has Intelligent Auto Mode, which means automatic light, shutter speed, focus blah blah blah.. I only needed to worry about playing with Miss Three and not spending all the time playing with the camera settings. Oh and because it also captures HD movies I didn’t need to go and find my video camera as well. It was all there, at my fingertips, ready for those classic birthday moments.

After all that there was still Sunday to go. I’d been asked to come and perform in a friends Tableau Vivant gallery evening – A Doll House. Time to break out the super huge hair, massive lashes and work it as Dolly Varden! Again, I had little time to take photos and so the twisty LCD touch screen came in handy to snap away and get some shots of the wild hair and makeup creation.  I often find that taking photos indoor of an evening can create really harsh shadows and be difficult to light. So I wanted to see how the Panasonic Lumix G2 would handle these conditions under pressure. Once again, I set it to Intelligent Auto Mode and tis is what happened. Not bad hey?

The best thing about all this playing around is that I managed to get all these great pictures while on the run, without extra bags, without lots of messing around and with very little knowledge. (I have to admit I didn’t read the whole manual) So what this means is that I know I can get fantastic results with little effort, but that because the Panasonic Lumix G2 has so much of the functionality of a DSLR too, I can spend the time to play around and learn at my leisure.

So, how would you like one of these all for yourself? You would? Well, thanks to Nuffnang and Panasonic you have the chance to WIN one for yourself!

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me how the Panasonic Lumix G2 would make you a better photographer! Make sure that your comment is linked to your blog, twitter, email or some other contact method.

Worth $1200.00 RRP this is one Fantastic prize!!

The Panasonic G2 retails for $1299 with a 14-42mm  (which is what I was using) or the Twin Lens Kit $1599 with both a 14-42mm & 45-200mm Zoom Lens.

The competition is open to Australian residents only, (sorry guys, I have something else great coming up for my international readers before the end of the month) and there is one camera to give away between the nine blogs hosting the contest.

All the T’s & C’s can be found here.

I just got back a couple more pics from Helen McLean from our shoot the other week and WOW! Yes, they deserve their own post cause they are just so brilliant (if I do say so myself).

You saw some of the Cowgirl and Apple Picking shots last week, this week have a look at Cherry Picking…

I totally love the glossy red colours that shine through in this one. We had so much fun on the day messing around, I even captured a sneaky little iPhone pic of what I was really doing up there on that ladder.

Yep, I’m a total HAM!

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But there is one shot that Helen and I worked on exclusivley as a concept idea between us and it has turned out spectacularly well.  Inspired by Gil Elvgren’s “Stepping Out”, we created this..

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What a keeper!

Last weekend saw me kicking up my heels again in Brisbane for Greazefest 2010. A Kustom Kulture festival full of cars, music and really really hot women. What’s not to love!

I was up there both to have a bit of time off and catch up with friends, as well as shoot for a few designers and compare the fashion parade.

Take a look see…

Greazefest plays host to a big Family Day that sees everyone come out in their finest threads for a bit of shopping, dancing and drooling over gorgeous cars.  Boutique alternative labels come from all over the country to showcase their wares, from fashion to homewear, to music and even custom made headstone pillows!

I spent a bit of time shooting the Kitty Von Purr dress (cancer fundraiser) for Bernie Dexter too. Can’t wait to show you the fun photos from that day!

I don’t know if these friends would like me to reveal who’s butts these are, but

The afternoon saw me comparing the fashion parade for all the vendors at the market place. A bit of vintage, a lot of Rockabilly, Psychobilly and some amazing vintage cowgirl wear! In fact there was one vendor who had a complete original 1940’s cowgirls ensemble like I’ve never seen!

Such a well dressed and well accessorised crowd!

Of course there was a lot of random gratuitous posing over the days there, and my favourite thing.. getting to meet so many readers! I love meeting you guys, it always makes my day!

Greazefest taught me one thing though. It may be a freezing 3 degrees when you leave Melbourne, but NEVER forget to pack the sunscreen when going to Brisbane – even in winter!!

If you’re wondering about the outfit details in these shots, the blue and white dress was a film costume from The Natalie Wood Story, found at Circa Vintage. The gingham ruffle shirt is from Route 66 and the awesome pants are my own design and make. The sunglasses are another vintage / retro find and appear to be 1980’s do 1940’s to me. Simple, chic and a nice change from my usual cats eyes.

So after all that, can you see why I’ve declared August Relaxation Month?! Make sure you check out yesterday’s post and leave me a comment as well as register to win your own super relaxing experience!

Next up… The Secrets to Glamour When You’re Sick!

Oh boy have I been looking forward to showing you this post! The other weekend I had the opportunity to shoot with Helen McLean – Pinup Photographer extraordinare!  I met Helen at the launch of Femme Fatale magazine (which she graced as cover girl herself), and have been talking all things Cheesecake ever since!

Based here in Melbourne, Helen offers Pinup Photography packages that are simply divine. There are all sorts of themed shoots you can do and she even has a big wardrobe selection on hand, which means that you can either bring your own outfits or choose from the selection on hand.

Helen and I first started organising our day over email, throwing around concepts for what we wanted to achieve, artistic references and any ideas we both wanted to incorporate. Just planning something like this is a tonne of fun! Given that I was doing this shoot just for myself and not for any other label meant that I could wear what I wanted and have some playtime doing what I love to do.

The morning of the shoot I packed up my car with dresses and jewellery I wanted to use to compliment what Helen had already told me she had.  I was even able to pack a few special props to add to our theme.

Apples, Cherries, Fancy Dresses Galore!

More scarves and hair flowers than you can poke a stick at! And see those.. RED COWBOY BOOTS with SPURS! You know what I want to wear!

Even old school Coke bottles and extra boobs should you need them.

After being treated to champagne, we talked through how we wanted to shoot each look for the day. We considered hair and makeup, what order we needed to do everything in and started piecing together the perfect outfits.  Helen is fantastic at creating beautiful hair and makeup looks for her girls, but because we were trying to fit lots and lots into one afternoon, I came pre-done to save time.

So once we were all together the fun began. In fits of laughter and to the strains of Julie London in the background, I commenced posing it up in true Pin Up fashion.

I’m thrilled to tell you that Helen McLean Photography has come on board as a Key Sponsor for Super Kawaii Mama – which means a bonus just for you my readers! All you have to do when booking your own Pin Up Package with Helen is mention the code SKM to get 10% off the total booking price! The offer is running until December 2010, and provide you secure your booking by then you can shoot later.

What I love so much about doing something like this is that it is the gift that keeps on giving. You’ll have a ball playing around and doing the shoot, you get to live a fantasy, take home some amazing pictures and have presents for your par amour to keep on their desk! You can do it by yourself, with friends, or even organise it as a special present for someone you love.

No matter where you’re coming from Helen can organise a special shoot for you, you don’t have to be Melbourne based. You could be coming from anywhere in Australia or even overseas. In fact, if you’re flying in she’ll even pick you up from the airport to save you having to hire a car or pay for cabs, and even serve you champagne to set the mood!

So how did my day turn out? I am OVER THE MOON with these!

Yes, it is as much fun as it looks, so head on over and check out Helen’s page to find out all about how you can live your pin up dreams for the day!