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Pauls Magic

Kapa — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:08:21 +0000

Looking for a magician renowned for “making parties and events unforgettable, with laughter, amazement, and Fun”? Today at Marcus’s Christening ~~I was~~ the kids were entertained by a magician called Paul.

Paul and one of his assistants 'Crackers'

Participation from the audience is encouraged, during his routine at least six or seven kids came up and assisted in the show.

Now what kind of magician doesn’t pull a rabbit out of a hat (or another place). After the final act the kids get to pat the rabbit then it was off to making balloon animals and shapes for them.

Paul’s Magic
http://www.paulsmagic.com.au
Ph: (02) 9402 6625
Mob: 0404 033 292

Buying Camera Gear

Kapa — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:55:34 +0000

Recently, I’ve had a few relatives & friends make enquiries about buying camera gear, so I thought I would write this article about it.

A common question is why is there such a price difference when searching on the internet. Firstly, you will need to understand the difference between Australian distributed & grey imports. It’s exactly the same equipment, just cheaper for a few reasons:

it by-passes the Australian distributor who add a premium to the cost for local warranty (more on this later)

global companies (not just camera manufacturers) price their products according to the local market. It just smart business, price the item according to what the market is prepared to pay for it.

Distributors buy in bulk, very big bulks, and accordingly have to hedge (protect) themselves against the currency fluctuations.

Grey importers (i.e. when you don’t import the item yourself) don’t operate from retail locations, hence reduce their overheads and require a lower markup to make a profit.

NOTE: Most manufacturers warranty is only valid in the country of distribution. This means that if something goes wrong with your grey import, you will need to send it back to the country of distribution to have it repaired under warranty, or pay to have it fixed locally.

I have bought both locally distributed equipment as well as grey imports. I like the idea of a shopfront, talking to a sales person, playing with something before you buy it, knowing who’s door to knock should you have a problem, and most importantly, knowing that if my equipment breaks down I can go straight to the distributors service centre at Lidcombe and have it looked at almost immediatly.

As for retailers that sell equipment covered under local warranty, here is a few I’ve used myself:

Digi Direct

European Camera Specialists

Foto Riesel

But as I said, I have also bought grey stock, sometimes the price difference is just too much to justify paying for the local product. Here is some places I’ve used to buy grey stock.

Bought direct from overseas supplier:

HK Supplies

B & H Photo

Local Importer:

D D Photographics

When buying from overseas, always take into consideration the costs associated with bringing into Australia, freight, insurance and of course Customs & Duties.

If you can’t decide what camera to buy, don’t ask me (I’m biased), make use of the best camera resouce on the internet, Digital Preview.

If this information is usefull, or you have any comments that can benefit readers, please use the feedback option below.

Sweetart

Kapa — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:14:52 +0000

Today at Dean’s Christening I liked the concept behind the Christening Cake, it was in the shape of a Christening box with the bit’s & pieces hanging out of it.

It looked great under the coloured balloons used to brighten up the place.

The level of detail was amazing, check these out.

Sweet Art Cake Design
Phone: +612 9361 6617
Web: http://www.sweetart.com.au/

SuperHeroes Inc

Kapa — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:05:36 +0000

Need someone to entertain the kids? Then look no further than SuperHeroes Inc. Today at Dean’s Christening Superman & Spiderman were there to perform their super feats.

They told the kids stories of amazing adventures.

Kept them in awe with their tales of courage.

Played hide and seek with them (not many places to hide in a restaurant).

Played games with them.

Painted their faces?

and of course, every kid wanted their photo taken with them.

SuperHeroes Inc
Phone: 9326 4686
Mobile: 0412 477 733
Web: http://superheroes.com.au

Aesops Greek Restaurant

Kapa — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:09:28 +0000

Many would have heard of Aesop, or at least be familiar with Aesop’s Fables with his inspirational stories of life and moral education. In the heart of the city of Sydney, there is fine Greek restaurant that goes by the name of Aesops.

Aesops pride themselves on two things, great food and a great atmosphere. Here are some random images taken at Harrison’s christening.

If you looking for a venue that provides plates for breaking, look no further.

Plenty of room to dance.

And the wall have some great murals painted which make a great background for portraits.

Aesops
131 Macquarie St
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: (02) 9247 5422
http://www.aesops.com.au/

Tommy Tsonis – Bouzouki Player

Kapa — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:01:53 +0000

If you’re ever wondering how to liven up an event, let’s make that a Greek event, there’s no better way than to bring in a talented bouzouki player like Tommy Tsonis. I’ve seen him a number of times in my travels and he never fails to entertain and bring in some kefi (atmosphere) to an event.

Here he is with both Harrison & the godfather.

Here is what typically happens during his performance, everyone is dancing and note what’s on the floor, dozens of broken plates.

Tommy Tsonis
Ph: 0438 279 547

Crumbs Cake Art

Kapa — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 23:40:09 +0000

As an event photographer cakes don’t really do much for me. I normally take a few shots of it on its own, some when it’s getting cut, sometimes I may even get a piece. Today I was amazed by the level of detail and uniqueness of this baptism cake for Harrison’s Christening and ended up taking over a dozen frames on it’s own, definitely a first for me.

At a glance this doesn’t look like anything special, all they did was write a few words with icing. Now have a look at what’s underneath, the base is also make of icing and has been intricately detailed to give a cobblestone effect.

Closeup of the church steeple, a bell and the Icon.

The church domes, each unique.

The view from the right hand side, note the stained windows again as well as a bench to sit on.

The view from the left, a door handle, cross mess on the windows and vegetation growing from the flower box.

Crumbs Cake Art
http://www.crumbscakeart.com.au/
Ph: (02) 9679 1808

Thoughtful Trinkets

Kapa — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 08:29:01 +0000

At Steve’s Christening, I found out that everything was supplied by Thoughtful Trinkets at Carlton. I liked what I saw and here are a few things that captured my eye.

Not just a Christening Box, a great metal car with pedals too.

The candle was amazing, check out the detail in the 2nd photo.

The bounbouniere was simple yet classy, chocolate hearts mixed with the sugar coated almonds, note the colour match with the car.

Thoughtful Trinkets
342 Railway Parade
Carlton NSW 2218
(02) 9587 1394
www.thoughtfultrinkets.com.au

Cheekie Enterprises

Kapa — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 05:38:30 +0000

When organising events, especially Christenings & Baptisms, one question is how do we entertain the kids. Well, there are clowns & there are clowns, however these clowns I came across at Steve’s Christening were outstanding. For about 2 hours they kept the kids entertained with tug of war, face painting, drawing, games, balloon shapes, you name it, they did. Even some of the parents joined in the fun.

Some random images.

Cheekie Enterprises Clowns & Characters
(02) 9745 2016
www.cheekieenterprises.com.au