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L12 Photography is Bendigo's premier candid wedding and portrait photographer! Travelling to Daylesford, Hepburn, Ballarat, Shepparton, Echuca and beyond to provide relaxed, causal photography, that is all about capturing love and life!

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Cara + Stuart's Spring Gully Backyard Love In!

Normally this is where I'd write about a wedding, sprouting of the vendors and showcasing images that I've chosen to share with couples. But this time, I'm not going to. This couple, Cara and Stuart, are two  of the most humble, caring, loving, amazing, giving, every positive adjective ending in -ing people I've met. They not only embraced me as one of the many team members that so carefully put together their day, but made me legitimately feel like I'd been welcomed into a part of something bigger than just a wedding. To call it a family might be cheesy, but heck smother me in mozzarella because that's exactly how I felt- like family!

[l12photography]

Confession time: I outsource my editing.

I know a lot of professional photographers would call that sacrilege, but guess what? I don’t care. 

One day I was watching a Jasmine Star video on good old Creative Live, and she said the key to successful business was recognising your weaknesses and outsourcing them. In my business, my weakness definitely were editing and album production. I don’t do as many albums nowadays, so I still happily do those at customer request, but my editing is something that used to monopolise my time and result in caffeine abuse to stay focussed.

I searched for an editing company based in my country (I like to support local enterprise), and found Miriam and the team at Naked Colour. (http://nakedcolour.com.au)

They take my images and produce something better than I ever could for my couples, faster than I can. Fully edited wedding for a fraction of the cost within 10 business days? It’s a sweet deal for me as I get my life back, but it’s even better for my clients because they get phenomenal quality images at a much faster and can share their online gallery within a fortnight of their wedding. 

These are a select bunch of RAW files straight out of camera, and after the Naked treatment.

If you’re a photographer who wouldn’t mind getting Naked, they’re doing a free trial over at http://nakedcolour.com.au. 

Stay gold xx

- Liz

[l12photography]

Why L12 Photography is no longer taking bookings

Dear lovers, friends and supporters of L12 Photography.

I am no longer taking on new clients, but will still be covering the weddings of my existing couples. Actively seeking new couples, maintaining L12 Photography plus a different career and a personal life is becoming too overwhelming, and I don't wish to give my existing couples the disservice of sacrificing the quality of their wedding photography experience by trying to do so. 

I really appreciate all the love and support I've received from you all over the last few years, and look forward to capturing the stories of the couples who have booked me, free of distraction. 

If you are looking for a wedding photographer, I'd recommend Essae Photography or Photography by Sarah J.

Glenys and Sarah have been mentors of mine and are both amazingly talented photographer, and I strongly urge you to book them.

Thank you all, so so much.

Liz Fleming

Owner and Principal Photographer

L12 Photography 

[l12photography]

Ash + Joel's Heartfelt Wedding at Chateau Dore

Ash and Joel are old friends of mine, and I am so glad I got to be involved on their big day, hosted by Chateau Dore. With the ceremony conducted by another friend of the couple, Robyn Gordes, vows personally written by Joel and Ash, there were quite a few people reaching for tissues (including the best man, and yes there is photographic evidence). I even started crying with joy from behind the camera, which doesn't happen very often I might add.

The Reception kicked off with some of the funniest speeches I've heard, a dance floor that was thoroughly used and a Photo Booth operated by yours truly, a video I'm rather looking forward to was shot by Not Half Bad Productions, which I'll be sure to post here once it's up.

[l12photography]

Hayley & Bobby's Autumnal Kyneton Wedding

When I met Bobby and Hayley in a french style deli just off the main street of Kyneton, little did I know only a few months later I'd be covering their wedding at the Kyneton Botanic Gardens just down the road.

After an emotional ceremony officiated byJason Tuazon-McCheyne, it was also possibly the shortest and sweetest ceremony I've witnessed to date - under 10 minutes, that's pure efficiency! Finished with a high-five and a kiss, Bobby and Hayley were wed and started one long, enthusiastic party which was held at the Kyneton Mechanic's Institute.

Seriously, check out the awesome DIY decor they put together! I'm amazed by every little detail they made, from Bobby's little hand drawn characters to Hayley's beautiful painted Photo Booth backdrop! Dinner was supplied by the awesome pizza artisans Pizza Be With You. It was a very talented team effort, and I'm so glad to share these images with you.

[l12photography]

Head Over Heels for this Geelong wedding fair!

I'm going to be at the Head Over Heels Bridal Fair!

SATURDAY THE 27TH OF JUNE 2015  FROM 2PM - 8PM  CUNNINGHAM PIER, GEELONG

I went last year when playing bridesmaid for my sister, and it's a super fun event to attend! I'm looking forward to meeting people from the Geelong area now that I'm officially a local to the Surf Coast! See you there!

[l12photography]

Head Over Heels for this Geelong wedding fair!

I'm going to be at the Head Over Heels Bridal Fair!

SATURDAY THE 27TH OF JUNE 2015  FROM 2PM - 8PM  CUNNINGHAM PIER, GEELONG

I went last year when playing bridesmaid for my sister, and it's a super fun event to attend! I'm looking forward to meeting people from the Geelong area now that I'm officially a local to the Surf Coast! See you there!

[l12photography]

Issue 6 of Vintage Bride Magazine features L12 Photography!

Vintage Bride Magazine is an Australian Wedding publication that focuses on styling and wedding advice that throws back to past decades. I've been a fan of it for quite a while, and am humbled to have work featured in this issue, which is out now!

[l12photography]

Alise and Jacob's On-Stage Whimsical Theatre Wedding!

Alise and Jacob contacted me after, as fate would have it, their original wedding photographer broke his leg skiing- eek! Fortunately, that minor hiccup aside, I was lucky enough to be introduced to them.  Their wedding was held on stage at Bendigo's Capital Theatre with the ceremony officiated by Samantha Johnson .

The reception held at the couple's dearly loved and often frequented cafe, Brewhouse Coffee Roasters. The boys got scrubbed up at Royal Jim's Barber, the girls at Silk Day Spa.

The groovy bikes were courtesy of The Schaller Studios, and if you're super nice you can arrange to take them on a bike tour of Bendigo- which is a great way to see the town, by the way.

Also, those unusual buttonholes the boys have? They're the gym badges attained in my childhood favourite computer game, Pokemon, I cannot stress how excited I was to see them.

[l12photography]

Some day my prints will come...

Well actually, they did. I just love a Disney reference/pun.

Delivery day for the upcoming I do I do Expo in Bendigo meant I received my awesome, bold framed print samples to show off and I'm so excited about it!

They're massive 16x20 or 20x16 frames, with double-sided Photo Board included. There's matting options available if that's your bag too. Don't settle for your typical mini lab print at 4"x6" (10x15cm)- pfft! Supersize it to 16"x20" (40x50cm for those playing the metric game). White or black framing is available.

For each frame choose two pictures, one for front and one for back. Just flip the board and you'll have a new look. No more heavy, fragile, glaring glass! You can see and touch your photos in their full glory- hello kid friendly heirlooms! 

Strong but light weight, so they're safe to hang anywhere. I've already dropped one- they bounce. Which is a bonus if you're a klutz like me.

Photos are printed on professional-grade silver-halide lustre photo paper with vibrant colors, fine texture, and invisible protective coating.  The print's coating completely prevents moisture damages that can sip behind glass covers causing photos to warp or to stick. Did I mention the built in spirit level to make it easier to hang? Yeah that's what sold me on them too.

Come take a quiz at them in person at the expo. You know you want to.

[l12photography]

Pantone color of the year - Marsala

Many moons ago when I first applied for Arts School I honestly thought I wanted to be a graphic designer. By a fortunate stroke of luck I discovered that despite my sub-par illustration skills, I had an eye for photography. 

I still like to keep an hear to the ground on design trends though, and the thing I look to when seeking color inspiration in Pantone, the industry standard for color selection. Every year they post their pick for color of the year, and the selection for 2015 was a tone called Marsala. 

"Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth."  -- Leatrice Eiseman - Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute®

Sounds terribly lovely really, but with the bridal industry telling you Marsala is the new black, how the heck do you prepare a selection of colors for your styling around it? You could always just say bully to the trends, I'm having no color scheme but if you love this colour as much as I do, head over to Pantone's advisory page on how to pair it. Or, check out bridalmusings.com - props to them for doing this handy little moodboard and swatch for us!

[l12photography]

The magic of photo albums

Photographs are one of the strongest triggers of emotional responses. They have the power to pull memories out of the deepest darkest filing cabinets of our minds. That's why I design my albums to be heirloom quality. I want my lay flat pages to be archival quality inks and papers so grandchildren and distant relatives can enjoy them for years to come. Your album is a social document of how you live, and what experiences you chose to share.

It's a truly beautiful thing to trace your fingers over the leather cover, resting the weight of it in your hands before you split it open and start to file through the pages. You get lost in the story the images effortlessly tell without uttering a word. Albums have a truly magical quality that electronic media or a USB of files never will.

"The two most engaging powers of a photograph are to make new things familiar and familiar things new."  -- William Thackeray

[l12photography]

Oh, how to watch love grow!

I'm really lucky in my profession. I know I say it often, but I really am. Not only do I get to capture people falling in love, I get to create the heirloom albums and images that get treasured and passed onto future generations. Plus, in some cases, I get to meet and photograph said future generations!

I met Jim at primary school when I transferred to Axedale PS at 9 years old, and Gemma in high school. I watched them fall in love all those years ago as high school sweet hearts, I fought the urge to tear up during the vow exchange during their wedding. It was a privilege enough to witness those moments, but getting to meet and photograph their firstborn was in all honesty, my pleasure.

Congratulations to Jim and Gemma on welcoming Riley James to your clan, and thank you for letting me photograph the love you share blossom into this not so little, grumbly little man!

[l12photography]

2o14- that's a wrap!

Wow, is it December already?! It seems like only yesterday I covered 3 weddings in 14 days, and developed a quality January  tan....

I was rather unwell in February (bright side, I'm now one appendix lighter) and spent a balmy March Saturday with some fun people. 

The latter part of autumn was all about preparing for expos and meeting couples who have since booked for 2015. I also learnt how to appreciate how confronting, yet affirming a portrait session can be, when I asked a friend to put me in front of her camera.

Winter was spent photographing sport for Fairfax, covering events and photo booths or in my studio working on product shots for clients.

Once things thawed out and spring started to bloom, portrait sessions were had...

...and the weddings started up again! I finally got to go interstate to cover a wedding (first time I've flown to a wedding!) and got to return to my favourite venue to finish off the year.

I'm so grateful for all my clients over the past year- thank you for allowing me to be involved and capture your stories of life and love, the pleasure has been all mine. To all the people who have contacted me to work with them in 2015, and the people I'm yet to meet, I'm super excited and cannot wait to photograph and share the experience with you!

[l12photography]

Speaking candidly about photojournalism in 2014

"To me, photography is the simultaneous recognition in a fraction of a second of the significance of an event."  -- Henri Cartier-Bresson

It's no secret I've been moonlighting as a photojournalist. I've gotten to play with some awesome toys, but it meant literally moon lighting.

Sometimes, it also meant being in horrendous weather. Covering sport in stinking heat, freezing cold and blindingly bright conditions. But I've loved every minute of it.

I've met some amazingly animated people, some hilarious animals...

...and had the privilege of capturing some moments that would otherwise go by unnoticed.

It's been challenging. I've been pushed beyond my skill set and physical comfort zone. I have been forced to grow, and I'm so glad I've had the chance. To check out more of my work for Fairfax, have a look around here. You'll see my byline pop up from time to time.

[l12photography]

Dear Santa, here's my wish list. Please and thank you. Love, L12 Photography

I've been very good this year, and given that I worked as a Santa photographer for every summer from 2007-2010 I think you owe me. That's why I've compiled this little list of goodies you can deliver on December 25th, since I know international postage means they won't make it in time unless you bring it.

Hold Fast Money Maker Leather Dual Camera Strap

I adore my Lucky Strap, but now I'm often using twin camera bodies having this system would mean I could make my assistant/self carry less. Plus, how boss does it look in the tan, shown here?

Photojojo Photorito: Lens Wrap

I'm a believer of the quasi-magic powers of Mexican food, so obviously I'd trust my lenses to be covered by this awesome protective neoprene wrap by Photojojo. 

This cute mug/tote bag combo by Click and Blossom

Because it's my favourite quote by Imogen Cunningham in bag form and the mug is seriously adorable. I love hand lettering, and let's be honest, disturbing me pre-coffee on the morning of a big editing session is a bad life choice.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Because it's the next lens I'm hoping to buy anyway, wanna speed up the process for me St Nick? It's a wicked sharp, beautiful piece of glass (I'm all about that glass) and it has the richest bokeh in the canon range to date.

But in all seriousness, as a photographer I don't need any of this. Sure it'll make my quest to tell stories with my camera more fun, but the best gift I can get is the chance to meet and photograph people- and 2015 looks to be full of exactly that! This holiday season, be kind and cherish who you have to share it with!

No matter what you celebrate, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Love,

[l12photography]

Kelly and Phil's classically elegant Langley Hall Wedding, Bendigo

Kelly and Phil were married surrounded by their friends and family, with Kelly sharing the spotlight with their gorgeous daughter Georgie a few times too!Though I must admit, they both looked stunning in their 'party dresses'!

The ceremony was held at my favourite local Edwardian Manor, Langley Hall , with Celebrant Samantha Johnson overseeing their 'wine and words' ceremony. The reception was held at the Bendigo Club, with gifts for the guests were hand made by the bride. The flowers for the venue and bridal party were supplied by the ever delightful Frankie O's Flower Emporium.