My grandmother had the most marvellous collection of costume jewellery. Her most amazing pieces were actually real - precious rubies and sapphires set in over sized coral pieces to form out-there cocktail rings and broaches. When she passed, she left some of these precious ornamental pieces to my twin sister & I. For the most they sat in the bottom of boxes, not seeing the light of day, until 2012 rolled around, bringing with it the "statement necklace" trend. Costume jewellery at its finest, these champagne coloured glass gems, set in 6 petal flowers on large chain, is an eye catcher. Not one from my grandmother's collection, but reminding me of the very similar necklace I left back in Australia, wearing it makes me want to throw on a brightly patterned kaftan and sit by the pool with friends (as I imagined she would be doing if she were still here)
Starting this journey into photography feels like catching up with an old friend – my trusty Canon camera, a gift from my filmmaker dad over a decade ago. While life kept me busy raising my wonderful daughters, Sahana and Dylana, I put photography on hold for bedtime stories. But now, as I dive into learning about product photography, my creativity sparks. Behind the lens, I'm not just snapping pictures; I'm capturing memories and stories, a talent I believe runs in the family. The classroom has become a safe space filled with inspiration, where my classmates and I cheer each other on. Here, my knack for styling fits right in, blending with the skills of others. And our teachers, full of wisdom and encouragement, make every click of the camera feel like a chance for something great.