Photos by Jay, Wedding Photography Sydney, Sydney Wedding Photographers, Indian Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer

I’m very excited to launch my new and improved photo galleries. Now you can easily:

• See all the photos as thumbnails to quickly find the ones you like
• Preview images by hovering your mouse of the thumbnails
• Quickly scroll to the next set of thumbnails
• Step one-by-one through the photos at your own pace
• Pause and resume the slideshow - in case you want to show someone a particular photo

A technical note - the slideshow software I’m using is SlideShowPro for Adobe Lightroom. I researched a few and found this one easy to customise and implement and plug into my workflow. It’s proven to be a real time saver so far.

Try out the new gallery now!

I absolutely love outdoor weddings. I recently shot Andrew and Stacey’s wedding at Balmoral Beach (followed by a sunny reception at Ripples Cafe in Chowder Bay) and Chris and Tiffany’s wedding way down south at Shell Harbour with reception and photos in Wollongong at Portofino Function Centre.

Check out the Balmoral Beach wedding photos and the Wollongong wedding photos.

Thanks guys, I had a fantastic time and I’m sure you’ll love the shots.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Having purchased the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS USM lens about two months ago and photographed 3 weddings in Sydney with it already, I thought it would be useful to post my “newbies review” of the lens. Lots of high-quality photos included. Check out the review here.

It was a bright sunny day when I joined Mostafa and Houda in Cabarita Park for their pre-wedding photos. The location was special to them because it was where Mostafa first took Houda on their first date. Mostafa set a new standard for romance when he carved a heart into the tree along the path where they first walked together. Their natural relaxed charm really shone through in their photos.

Just added! Read the Review of the Canon EF 70-200 2.8L IS USM Lens used for this photo shoot.

She finally broke a smile!

Mostafa’s ring on a chain, very special

What a romantic!

She loves me not…

She loves me!

The pier from their first date

Thanks guys, and I’m truly looking forward to capturing some beautiful moments on your wedding day.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

The Hornsby bridal expo went really well! I woke up at 7am and Felicia and I loaded all the bits and pieces into my little Peugeot and headed north to the Hornsby RSL. At 10am they opened the doors - from then until about 1pm I didn’t even have a chance to think! I was very excited to get lots of interested couples looking through my albums and photo books, and about 20 couples registered their interest. The huge print of Miranda in her stunning red dress stole the show - almost everyone who walked past commented on it (including some of the other exhibitors).

A HUGE thanks to my wonderful friends Felicia and Lisa for helping with setting up and chatting to couples and handing out flyers, and to my brother and parents for coming along to say hello. Your support was very special.

Also a big thanks to all the guys and girls who came along to the expo and had a chat with me - it was great meeting you all.

Photos by Jay will be exhibiting at the North Shore Wedding Expo in Hornsby. It’s on September 28 (Sunday week) and promises to be a lot of fun! I’ve got some massive (50×70 inch) prints ready to go, plus a wicked slideshow, albums, prints and giveaways. Entry to the expo is free, so come on over and say hello!

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Photos by Jay is now a full accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). To be accepted into the AIPP I had my portfolio assessed by 2 senior AIPP members who are respected Aussie photographers. I had to supply my public liability insurance info and ABN, along with a declaration confirming that I will, at all times, provide services ethically and honestly.

For you as a client, this means I will always be up front and honest about my fees and what’s included in your photography package. It also means your wedding photos will be of a very high professional standard and that I will strive to add style and creativity to make your photos unique and beautiful.

Read more about what it takes to be an AIPP member.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Last weekend Jackie and Sally were wed in an intimate gathering by Cronulla Beach. The sky was a brilliant winter blue, and the ocean rolled gently over the soft sand. The reception was held at Seaglass restaurant at the Cronulla RSL Club. I love these kinds of weddings - relaxed and informal with plenty of time to get creative!

Take a look at some of the photos from Jackie and Sally’s beach wedding.

I took the couple to a secluded corner of the beach for some casual photos:

The gorgeous afternoon light:

One of the coolest cakes I’ve ever seen!

Thanks guys for a wonderful relaxed day. All the best!

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

I’m pleased to announce a new service for Photos by Jay - corporate event, headshot and function photography. If you or the company you work for need a photographer for corporate events, headshots and group shots, office fit outs, office functions (Christmas parties, end of year parties, charity functions etc.), or product and media launches, let me know. I’ve got lots of experience photographing indoors and outdoors, and within limited time frames - after all, I am a wedding photographer too! Check out some more information and samples of my corporate event, headshot and function photography work.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

I was really looking forward to photographing Andrew and Natalia’s wedding. They married in Beecroft Presbyterian Church, and the reception held at Strathfield Golf Club, but I was most excited about exploring and capturing the beauty of Cabarita Park. With its natural rocky beaches, weathered old boats and vast greenery and trees, I was in photographer heaven! Andrew and Natalia were obliging and very relaxed, giving me lots of time to take them around for a variety of great shots.

The reception was wild from go to woah - the bride and groom were introduced with loud drumming and dancing, and the party raged into the night with lively Lebanese music and reckless Bon Jovi sing-alongs. Thanks guys for a fun and memorable day!

Check out some more photos from Andrew and Natalia’s beach wedding.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Charming young couple Iain and Michelle asked me to come up from Sydney to Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains to photograph their wedding. It had been raining all morning but had miraculously cleared up in the afternoon. With trepidation the whole wedding party ventured outside for a beautiful garden ceremony; however halfway through it began to rain again so we were all ushered back into the house. Despite very close quarters indoors, everyone was beaming and united in celebration of Iain and Michelle’s marriage. Take a look at some of the photos from the day.

Michelle, the lovely relaxed bride:

The rain came but it didn’t slow us down:

Under a red umbrella - I love this colour cast:

We like to party!

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

As a wedding photographer, I feel lucky to have the opportunity to explore all the nooks and crannies of Sydney. From oceans to parks, boats to beaches, there are limitless areas around Sydney to explore and enjoy. Even if you’re not a wedding photographer, you can appreciate the grand vistas of Long Reef in Narrabeen, to the quiet solitude of Swain Gardens in Sydney.

Take a look at my top 10 Sydney wedding photography locations.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Schmap is a leading online digital travel guide publisher. Their online directories integrate maps, images, video and descriptive information on attractions, events, pubs, clubs, restaurants and more for all major cities around the world. I was recently contacted by Schmap for permission to use a photo I took of Hugo’s bar and restaurant at Sydney’s Kings Cross. It was taken as part of a corporate photography assignment. My photo is now used on Schmap as the image for Hugo’s bar - here it is and here’s the link to Hugo’s on Schmap.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

True blue Aussie couple Dan and Dani asked me to photograph their country wedding in Bowral. The ceremony was held on the gorgeous greens at the charming Craigieburn resort in Bowral, followed by a grand reception at Briar’s country lodge filled with a lot of cheeky speeches and wild dancing. The fresh country air, immaculately tended greenery and wide open spaces helped make it a truly enjoyable day for everyone. Check out some of my photos of Dan and Dani’s country wedding.

The charming gardens in front of Craigieburn:

Dan and Dani showered by petals:

The bridesmaids’ salmon pink dresses shimmered in the sunshine:

The happy couple!

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

I entered the hotel room high in the majestic Shangri-La in Sydney’s Rocks. I was greeted by a room full of smiles by the lovely Belinda, her bridesmaids and her parents. I took some relaxed photos of them getting ready. After a quick drink at the top-level Altitude bar, we drove to King Street Wharf where we boarded the elegant Sydney Glass Island to meet Kaine and the rest of the guests.

Following the ceremony on the boat’s scenic open upper deck, I took the bridal party through Circular Quay for some photos against the Opera House and sandstone walls. We then continued on through the evening on the Sydney Glass Island for the reception. I was pleased to get a wide variety of shots in every lighting condition imaginable - it was a good challenge! Take a look at the photos from the day and night.

The breathtaking Alex Perry dress:

Getting into the breathtaking Alex Perry dress:

Belinda didn’t take things too seriously…

Even during the ceremony!

Murdering the dance floor:

The always spectacular Sydney Glass Island

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Nestled in the banks of the Hawkesbury River, Wisemans Ferry is a place of vast rolling green hills, parks and golf courses. Judas and Alexia asked me to photograph their wedding in the grounds of The Retreat, a huge holiday resort in Wisemans Ferry. The wedding ceremony was held under a rotunda by the river, and the reception under a grand marquee. As the sun descended, the marquee glowed with golden light - I was in photographer heaven! It was a very enjoyable warm and intimate gathering.

Alexia beaming:

Don’t worry, they’re tears of joy!

The charming flower girls:

Alexia’s debonair young boy, Finn:

The idyllic surrounds of Wisemans Ferry:

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Playful and adventurous couple Mark and Arezou asked me to cover their full wedding day. We traversed all of Sydney, starting in the early afternoon with some “getting ready” shots at their homes in Earlwood, then to St Georges Anglican church for the beautiful ceremony. We continued on to Lavender Bay near Milsons Point and Luna Park in North Sydney for some gorgeous shots in the park and by the water.

The reception followed at the grand Anahita Persian restaurant in Lane Cove, which was filled with smiles, wild dancing (even from the grandparents!), laughter and genuine heartfelt speeches. I then followed Mark and Arezou to Sheraton on the Park in the heart of Sydney city, where I took some shots of them in the breathtaking multi-level hotel lobby. Despite it being a very long day and night for all of us, the energy and warmth of Mark and Arezou kept everyone in high spirits. Check out some of the photos from the day and night.

A big hug after the ceremony:

The lush greenery of Todd Park by Lavender Bay:

The reception at Anahita Persian Restaurant

The grand lobby at Sheraton on the Park:

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Exciting news! Lonely Planet, publishers of world-renowned travel guides, have commissioned one of my photographs for publication! It is for the 2008 edition of their Sydney city guide. This is the photo they selected. Look out for the Lonely Planet Sydney guide in book stores February.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Wow, this summer is a busy one for me! Peter and Anju asked me to photograph their wedding at St Ives Baptist Church in northern Sydney. Following some bridal party photos in the idyllic unspoiled Swain Gardens in Lindfield, we travelled in convoy to Peter’s parents’ home in St Ives where a grand backyard reception carried on into the night.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

I was very excited about photographing this wedding. Having visited Long Reef near Collaroy in Sydney’s Northern Beaches for the first time only a week before, I was taken aback by the magnificent views from the top of the hill. I could easily see the coastline north and south for several kilometres, and the dramatic clouds rolled overhead. I couldn’t wait to take some photos at this beautiful location, and was rewarded with some great shots. It was a truly spectacular and fun-filled day wedding and night reception at the Collaroy Beach Services Club.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Matt and Ellie invited me to photograph their special day within the historical and breathtaking walls of the Mosman Gunner’s Barracks in Sydney’s North. High on a hill affording uninterrupted views of the Sydney skyline, Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the now decommissioned barracks provided a dramatic backdrop for this wonderfully intimate gathering.

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Last weekend Ben and Miranda were married in an intimate gathering of close friends and family. They were wed in a very photogenic part of Sydney - a small park by the water at Milsons Point in North Sydney near Luna Park. A huge old tree sheltered us during the ceremony, and afterwards I sneaked away with the newlyweds to get some shots of them beneath old archways and in front of historic sandstone walls. Miranda’s rich ruby red wedding dress stole the show - I’m still in awe of its original design and opulent beauty. Check out the photos from the day here.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

A few months ago I photographed the marriage ceremony of young couple Santonu and Somaiya. They were very happy with the photos and so asked me to photograph their reception last weekend. It took place aboard the Sydney Glass Island, which always blows me away with its unique design, elegant table settings, beautiful panoramic Sydney harbour views and top-notch service. After some romantic photos in the Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens, we boarded the barge at the jetty next to the Sydney Opera House and cruised through the shimmering night until about midnight. It was an energetic evening filled with fun, smiles, tears and hugs and I felt honoured to be a part of it.

Check out the photo gallery here.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

Young happy newlyweds Ulisses and Sarah asked me to take some photos around Sydney’s Milsons Point and Sydney Harbour to send back to their family in Brazil. The afternoon light really worked some magic on this already photogenic and vibrant couple! This was my first attempt using some awesome new photoshop actions and my first shoot done exclusively using my lovely new 50mm/1.4 lens on the Canon 40D - let me know what you think. Check out the photos here.

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Hot new Sydney live dance act the Gauge Breakers invited me along to take some colourful and unusual shots of their energetic live DJ set at Sydney’s lively Havana Club De Luxe in Sydney’s Kings Cross. Check out the photos here.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

I’ve decided to take my wedding photography to the next level. I just picked up a brand new Canon EOS 40D digital SLR today and am eager to become familiar with its wealth of new features. I’m expecting better image quality, faster focusing (for more “keepers” at the weddings I shoot), low-light quality (for dimly-lit churches) and faster frame rate (to get some great shots of the bouquet toss and garter toss). Here is my initial review of the Canon EOS 40D along with some test images for comparison.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

I’ve put up brand new galleries of two weddings I photographed recently. One was at Star Room - 6 levels above ground next to Sydney’s famous Imax theatre in Darling Harbour. The second was at Sydney’s Historical Rocks - I photographed the couple against a breathtaking sunset backdrop accentuated by the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Check out gallery 1 and gallery 2.

Also check out my Sydney Wedding Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

This is part 3 of the digital photography tips series. In this tutorial I talk about keeping your lines straight, effects using camera tilt, focussing on eyes, and including floors in your people photography. Read take better photos in 4 easy steps - part 3.

Check out my Professional Sydney Wedding Photography, Sydney Event and Nightclub Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

In the past few weeks, search engine Google has changed something in its algorithm. As a result, I’m proud to announce that PhotosByJay is ranking higher than ever. Read more about what happened and my take on the new changes, plus get an insight into how I designed this site with users and search engines in mind.

Check out my Professional Sydney Wedding Photography, Sydney Event and Nightclub Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!

I’ve put up two new galleries of an Indian engagement and Indian wedding ceremony I photographed recently. The vibrant colours and festive atmosphere of an Indian event always provide a visual feast and a really enjoyable photographic experience! Check them out on my photo gallery page.

Check out my Professional Sydney Wedding Photography, Sydney Event and Nightclub Photography and free easy-to-follow Digital Photography Tips!