Canberra CIty News article this week - 11 June 2009

This is not a very good version - taken straight from the web, but you get the general idea!!
I hope to see a live glossy version tomorrow.

A HUGE thanks to all my special buddies......my lovely couples who make all this possible.

http://issuu.com/citynews/docs/090611_citynews?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fcolor%2Flayout.xml&backgroundColor=FFFFFF&showFlipBtn=true&logo=http%3A%2F%2Fcitynews.nessus.com.au%2Fcn_images%2Fhp%2FCNlogo.jpg

Kelly Tunney… “I love wedding photography and I think the judges must have realised that through my work.”

Published in News on 11 June, 2009

By Jorian Gardner


“CANBERRA brides are becoming far more sophisticated which allows for more creativity in what they want in their photography,” says local photographer Kelly Tunney, who recently triumphed over tough international competition to win a series of awards at a major industry exhibition in the US.


Kelly, from Bruce, came away with four prizes from the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 2009 Awards of Excellence, held in Las Vegas. Her photographs “Barn Bride” and “Joined” each received an Accolade of Excellence in the Bride and Groom Together category while “Mystery Bride” received an Accolade of Excellence in the Bride and Groom Alone category and her work “Umbrella Trees” received an Accolade of Excellence in the Bridal Party Category.


“I was absolutely stunned when I received these awards,” Kelly says. “I was competing against people from around the world whose work I admire and who are leading photographers. It’s the first time I went in it and thought it was a good opportunity to see how I would compete and compare to other photographers – from America, especially.


“Truth be told, I probably didn’t really expect to do that well. It’s not a monetary thing – but I do get some beautiful plaques and ribbons, it’s really just great to get the affirmation of my work. It’s a big deal in the photographic industry.


“I love wedding photography and I think the judges must have realised that through my work.”


The 2009 competition featured a total of 2717 prints in 19 different categories.


Kelly has been shooting weddings in Canberra for 12 years. Over that time she has built an impressive portfolio of work and has won national and State awards including Runner-up, ACT Wedding Photographer of the Year in 2008.


“I get quite involved in the weddings I do – and many clients have become firm friends.” says Kelly. “It’s about building a relationship.


“I am happy to take risks, too – I like it. I might take a bridal party into town to walk through the North Quarter or something – it doesn’t bother me because the public aren’t looking at me, but it requires a client who is a bit bold!”


And so with all the unusual shoots she likes to do, has there been one that stands out particularly for her?


“I guess it would be the witch wedding I did,” says Kelly. “It was out at Rose Cottage and was an opportunity for me to do something different and was very creatively challenging. It was minus two degrees, it was very dark and the bride was in black and red and carrying a broomstick and in a goddess circle – not your typical wedding!”