Wedding photographer Brisbane, Songbirds, Mt Tamborine

So another decade comes to an end, what a decade it has been.  So much has changed; our lives have become much more technology based as the decade unfolded. World events included the tragedy of 9/11, changes of governments in major democracies, high economic growth giving way to financial collapse which became the Global Financial Crisis. In 2001, petrol was 78.9 cents a litre in Brisbane, “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes was the number one single and the ipod was unveiled to the world.

The first decade of the 21^st century has been a wonderful one for us professionally and personally at Reyment Photographics. In random order, here are ten highlights of our decade 2001-2010.

The Coorparoo Studio of Reyment Photographics, Brisbane wedding photographer, John Reyment

Moving our Studio to a Commercial Premises

In 2004, we moved our studio from home to our premises at 183-185 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo. The move involved four months of builders transforming an old building into the environment we enjoy today. Designed as a space for people to relax and enjoy photography, it has been a place I have been delighted to share with clients and our staff.

Spending time with your kids is a joy

My Son Growing Up

Being a dad is a constant joy. I have shared 10 years of my son’s life this decade; I have seen him grow from a little boy into a teenager. Our time together is precious; being there to answer his questions, laugh with him, inspire him and guide him along the path to adulthood is a joy.

Canon EOS1n, Brisbane wedding photographer, John Reyment

Digital Photography became Mainstream

Way back in 2001, we were shooting film exclusively. The digital age arrived, lots of learning and investment in cameras and the infrastructure to run a digital studio was made. Today, we take for granted the immediacy of digital, take an image, see it immediately, manipulate it, and print it. The quality of the images we can produce digitally these days is amazing. No sending film off to labs, waiting for it to come back, masking negatives. Sadly, I have heard too many stories of people loosing images as hard drives die and files have not been backed up. I still have my film cameras, perhaps one day I will run some film through.

Canon EOS 5DMK2, Brisbane wedding photographer, John Reyment

Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, blogs, You Tube; people now communicate so much through the social media. Mobile internet has enabled iphones to become common place, there is an expectation of being connected always. Next time you go to a restaurant, watch when someone is left alone at a table for a moment, out comes a phone and people are face booking, tweeting, texting. Status updates are made constantly. Do people talk to each other verbally anymore? Blogging has made everyone a social commentator. Google has changed how we find information, services we want; I am staying with relatives at the moment and my 4 year old nice answered a question with ”Just Google it”. Google has the many answers, especially if you are looking for a Brisbane wedding photographer. Businesses have had to adapt to this and learn the new ways to connect with their clients and potential clients.

People No Longer Print Images, They Just Request a Disc

The digital age has seen the rise of the digital image file and less prints been made. Over the last few days, I have been sorting old family photographs with family members. Some of the old prints are from the 1940’s. This got me thinking, this 4×3 inch piece of paper with an image of my mother in law as a young girl is now 65 years old. It is a black and white photo and in great condition. When it was printed by the Belfast photographer back in the 1940’s, I wonder if he thought this piece of paper would be seen by me in Australia in 2010. Another image is from my in-laws honeymoon almost 50 years ago, such is the beauty of the print; it can be shared with others forever. I wonder about digital files, how will jpegs be viewed in 65 years… what will we think of the ipad then? Printed photos stand the test of time. Note to self (and others, print the images you want to share forever.

Rome by Brisbane wedding photographer, John Reyment

Living in Europe for a Year

2009 was a very special year for me and my family. We chose to live in Europe staying in other people’s houses while they stayed in ours, home exchange made it possible. This year changed me as a person and as a photographer. Stories and images from our year away have been published in the Australian press, some can be seen on this blog and at “A Day in the Life Images”.

Canon APPA Silver Distinction Award by Brisbane wedding photographer, John Reyment

Personal Growth as a Professional Photographer

Every day is an opportunity to learn, this is my view. The past decade has been a year of massive learning. Key lessons included the art of digital photography, managing a small business and trying to be the best dad and partner I can be.

QPPA Gold Distinction Award by Brisbane wedding photographer, John Reyment

Becoming a Master of Photography

The Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) is the professional body for professional photographers. Entering the Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA’s) is a great challenge for photographers. Having your images judged by a panel of master photographers is not for the meek. In 2009, I was awarded my Master of Photography, an achievement I am very proud of. In 2010, I won the coveted Epson Qld 2010 Documentary Photographer of the Year award. Click here to see my winning portfolio.

Wonderful Staff I Have Worked With

The decision to employ staff is a crucial one for the small business owner. The past decade has seen some wonderful and talented people become part of the team at Reyment Photographics. Thank you to you all, we have shared some amazing moments together.

Brisbane wedding photographer, John Reyment

Wonderful Weddings We Have Photographed, So Many Emotive Moments

Being a wedding photographer offers such rich rewards emotionally. Over the past decade, I have seen and captured so many emotive moments for my clients. I have laughed with my clients, cried during ceremonies, been inspired by the love I have seen on display.  Memorable moments are too many to list; I simply wish to thank all my clients for allowing us to be part of a very special day in their lives.

Brisbane wedding photographer, John Reyment

So what does the next decade promise? What will society be like on the 31^st December 2020? How will we see photos of the ones we love? Only time will tell. We wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year, may the year (and decade) ahead be one of success and happiness for you all.