I was recently contacted by a very old and dear friend who wantd me to collaborate with him on an upcoming project.

 Greg B was my very first boss when I got a job right out of University and he offered me my first promotion to come and work with him at the flagship Kinko’s store in Liverpool Street in Sydney.

Those were crazy days doing crazy hours filled with crazy clients and even more crazy colleagues. I have fond memories of an accidental giant gargoyle print in the middle of a window banner, a old lady we nick named Granny Smith and her aversion to Windex and the strange woman who asked me to type up a letter to “The People of the USA” warning them about aliens. She was arranging ‘a plane to fly over the USA’ and drop her 10,000 leaflets as a public service.

Anyway, after I left Kinko’s in Australia in 1998, Greg and I have kept in touch over the years. He has been quite inolved in his local council and when he contacted me asking for a logo I was more than happy to help out.

It was a surprisingly quick and efficient process – and this is the final logo they selected. The idea behind the logo is that its about community and standing together. The houses can also be seen as arrows pointing upwards signifying growth and new things to come. The middle 3 colours are of the aboriginal flag to represent the indigenous people in the area and the wavy bottom represents the proximity to the sea. It’s a lot crammed into a little space – but here it is…

.

Posted by Netra on Feb 8th 2010 | commercial - corporate - design - graphic design - personal - pro bono
Show Comments (3) | Leave Comment

For those of you who dont know, I am a member of an amazing organisation called the “Australian Community of Child Photographers” (or ACOCP).

The Australian Community of Child Photographers (formerly known as the Australian Charity of Child Photographers) is a volunteer organisation of child photographers from all over Australia who have come together to form an organisation dedicated to giving the gift of photographic memories to families that have experienced stillbirths, premature and ill infants and children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of their local hospitals, as well as children with serious and terminal illnesses. The ACOCP is dedicated to providing this gift to families in a caring, compassionate and heartfelt manner.

I was recently contacted by Sharon Mallin who is also an ACOCP photogapher in NSW. She had recently photographed baby girl ’A’ who had had a nasal tube. You can see the images on Sharon’s blog here. A’s parents had wanted the tube removed from just a couple of her photos. Digital retouching is never, EVER something suggested by our photographers, it is only ever at the request of the parents of the child. It is part of the free service we offer and are very grateful to the family for allowing us to share the images of their baby girl.

You can find out more about the ACOCP and their services by visiting their website www.acocp.org.au. If you, or anyone you know ever has need of you services, please contact the ACOCP rep in your state, contact details available on the website.

Posted by Netra on Jan 24th 2010 | baby - photography - pro bono
Show Comments (9) | Leave Comment

I am so proud to have a photo selected for the Australian Breastfeeding Association 2010 Calendar.

The photo was from my very very first official portfolio building session with Marlene and her daughter Holly. Holly is also the baby featured in my banner, sitting in the large bowl. That image has become one of my ‘hero’ images and carries through all of my marketing.

And here she is now on the calendar, featured in September, sharing a quiet intimate moment with her mum, who was clearly besotted with her gorgeous daughter.

Posted by Netra on Sep 6th 2009 | baby - commercial - marketing - photography - pro bono
  Hide Comments Leave Comment

I’ve been working on the ACOCP’s Heartfelt Exhibition for over six months now and I estimate I’ve spent over 200 hours on it. 200 hours of calling sponsors, coordinating deadlines, putting together specifications, collating stories, photos, designing, proofing, revising…

It opens tomorrow.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into this project, at the expense of some of my other (wonderful and understanding) clients. Its been an amazing journey and I can’t believe we’re a day away from opening. Today my husband walked past me an asked, “What are you going to do with yourself now that it’s all done?” In truth, I have no idea.

Bu in honour of the opening here is a sneak peek of the printed catalogue – which will be on sale for $7 at the gallery on the opening night.

Posted by Netra on Jun 21st 2009 | corporate - design - graphic design - personal - photography - pro bono
  Hide Comments Leave Comment

I initially joined ACOCP, not as a photographer, but as a digital retoucher. At the parents request, I reworked photographs of their children to digitally remove tubes, tape and other medical interventions that often obscure a babies face. I was also able to assist by evening the skintone of stillborn babies, to give parents photographs of their children they can display proudly in frames or carry in their wallets. I’ve since expanded my involvement and volunteered as the ACOCP graphic designer.

 It seemed only natural, when the idea of an exhibition was suggested, that I volunteer to design, produce and coordinate it. An exhibition, such as this one, requires a sensitive approach and determination to garner commercial support. In bringing together the many submissions from the ACOCP photographers I have come to know the stories of many young children – beautiful faces who have traveled amazing journeys. Each one has something to teach us: to take time in the whirlwind of life to remember how blessed we are to hold our little ones close, whisper we love them and tuck them into bed at night.

 My involvement with the ACOCP has taught me compassion and empathy. It has made me a better parent to my two young daughters. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to nurture “Heartfelt” from an idea to full fruition. It has been without a doubt, the most rewarding project of my career.

Below is the official poster, flyer and website for Heartfelt.

Posted by Netra on Jun 18th 2009 | corporate - design - graphic design - personal - pro bono
  Hide Comments Leave Comment

I initially joined ACOCP, not as a photographer, but as a digital retoucher. At the parents request, I reworked photographs of their children to digitally remove tubes, tape and other medical interventions that often obscure a babies face. I was also able to assist by evening the skintone of stillborn babies, to give parents photographs of their children they can display proudly in frames or carry in their wallets. I’ve since expanded my involvement and volunteered as the ACOCP graphic designer.

Part of our awareness campaign this year is to rebrand the ACOCP and produce much more collateral to create higher visibility in Health Care Centres and hospitals as well as expand our reach. The first step was to create new posters, flyers and a website. Here they are!

Posted by Netra on Jun 10th 2009 | corporate - design - graphic design - personal - pro bono
  Hide Comments Leave Comment