“People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself.  But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates”.  ~ Thomas Szasz

All artists have a voice, whether they know it or not.

More often it’s not a case of finding your voice, but rather learning how to use the one you have.

Sometimes it helps if we start by finding a beautiful place to get lost.

A dovecote, a mill, a small house, a chapel, a sheepfold, a washhouse and a scattering of charming Provençal cottages.

This is the place where we’ve chosen to do just this.

On 17-19^th September 2013 we’re holding our first European Field Trip in Provence, France.

A quiet little haven on two hectares, South of the Alpilles, nestled between charming little villages, encircled by groves of almonds & olives, lavender & limestone.

This will be an opportunity to clear your mind of life’s unimportant anxieties, take a deep breath and spend 3 days with us.

We’re so fortunate to have an incredible team of artisans on board to make sure it’s not only an educational experience, but also visually inspiring, complementing the magic backdrop of Provence. One of France’s premiere stylists Kerry Bracken will be working with us to create the most beautiful styling for our shoots. The epitome of romance in the form of Claire Pettibone gowns will be gracing our lovely models thanks to Blackburn Bridal Couture.

We’re only just scratching the surface.

Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, create and explore film photography with us in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

Each of our Field Trips is only limited to 15, so if you’d like to secure your place, head to our Field Trips booking page and select, Provence, France. If you have anymore questions please feel free to email us – info@featherandstone.com.au

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust

Q&A

Do I need to have experience in shooting film already?

No film shooting experience is required whatsoever. Just bring a film camera and an open mind.

Do I need to bring a film camera, if so, what sort should I buy?

Yes you will need to bring your own film camera & light meter. However you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to have a suitable film camera. We can recommend amazing film camera’s (& light meter’s) based on your budget, even starting from as little as $150AUD.

Do I need to buy a contax 645?

No. We recommend that you don’t if you’re just starting out. As part of our Field Trip we’ll be discussing all the different formats of film camera’s as well as the pro’s and con’s of each type.

Do I need to stay at your recommended hotel?

Not at all, you’re welcome to stay wherever you please. However our wonderful planner and stylist has negotiated group discounts at the location where we’re holding our workshop, which you’re welcome to take advantage of.  

How much does the Field Trip Cost?

$2,300 AUD 

What is included in this investment?

Welcome dinner
Bag of goodies from us and our sponsors
3 jam-packed class-room days
A light breakfast and lunch, along with refreshments each day
Film, development and scanning with Richard Photo Lab
3 x portrait/directing sessions working with models and real couples
Professional styling, florals, hair and make-up

What additional cost might I incur?

Travel & accommodation costs. Any food and refreshments separate to the Field Trip. As mentioned above you’re welcome to stay wherever you please however we do have negotiated group rates at the venue where our Field Trip is being held. 

For our Australian Field Trips, please head to our Field Trip’s Dates & Locations page and keep an eye out for updated venue locations.

Two weeks. We can’t quite believe it.

It’s raced by but at the same time it’s feels like we’ve been here forever, it just feels like home.

So far we’ve moved into a basic local village home with just a few boxes of bits and pieces to start our new life from scratch.

Our little house is pink & sits on a little hill overlooking rambling dirt tracks, cows and donkeys. Lots and lots of donkeys.

We’ve waged war against roaches and mosquitos, been without water, electricity and internet (on and off), and adopted a popular saying here, ‘TIA’ ‘This Is Africa’. Things can be cumbersome and slow, but patience is certainly a virtue.

In 2 weeks we’ve already grown to love so much about Botswana. It’s desert-scape is completely obscure yet strangely beautiful, calming sounds of cow-bells as they roam freely, distant hee-haw’s from donkey’s & every day the sunset absolutely takes our breath away. We’ve never seen colours like these, African sunsets are in a league of their own & best enjoyed whilst sitting in camping chairs.

And the people. These beautiful people.

Mild, softly spoken, humble. All you have to do is attempt to say hello “Dumela Mma / Dumela Rra” and their faces quickly burst into big toothy smiles. Life is very simple, most people in our village don’t have cars so they walk, even the longest of distances on the hottest of days. But they have the basics to fill their needs and they are content.

It’s not been easy by any means, we’ve learn a lot of lessons, but even in 2 short weeks it’s been one of the most rewarding experience’s we’ve ever had.

Today, we’ve managed to get back on the internet, a huge success.

To our lovely fans and clients, please know that we haven’t forgotten about you! This week we’re getting back into it, we truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

In the next few weeks we are launching a print store, bookings for our Provence, France Field Trip and dates for our Australian Field Trips (FINALLY). And not to mention we’ll be blogging a few lovely weddings.

We hope you are all keeping well, safe, happy and dry.

We’re signing off to the sound of cow bells & hee-haws, tomorrow we’ll watch the sunset from our camping chairs and think of you all.

Lots of love,

Seth and Tenielle

Australia has been home for Tenielle  nearly all her life. For me, it’s been my home for nearly 8 years. 

Since we’ve lived in Australia, we’ve travelled to faraway places, met beautiful people and had amazing experiences. 

Experiences that will last a lifetime.

Friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Each time we travel, we come back to Australia happy to be settled in our little city of Brisbane. 

6 months ago, that all changed. 

We decided to travel to Africa, however unlike many of our travels, it wasn’t just a holiday. It was an experience that changed us, an experience that had nothing to do with photography. 

It was confronting, inspiring and humbling all at once.

It’s motivated Tenielle and I to have an honest look at our life and after much thought, a life changing decision was made. A decision based on the wise advice that “there is more happiness in giving then there is in receiving”. 

In 2 ½ weeks Tenielle and I will no longer be based out of Australia. 

We’ll pack our life into a few boxes and fly across great oceans.

From that point on, we’ll be based out of Botswana, Africa. Our new home.

In Botswana we’ll predominantly be doing volunteer work, it’s something personal and dear to our hearts however it’s not something we’ll be promoting on our website. 

We’ll still be documenting destination weddings and holding our Field Trips both abroad and in Australia. More details, dates and locations will be announced over the next few weeks,

This year we’ll be shooting weddings in South Africa, Germany and France as well as Australia when we return to visit family in October and November 2013. 

For 2013 our itinerary looks  a little like this: 

March – August {Africa}

September {Europe & UK}

October – November {Australia}

Whilst we’re abroad we’ll be available for destination weddings and for a number of commercial assignments. 

If you’re interested in keeping up to date with what we’re doing you can follow us on instagram, facebook and twitter. 

To our  dear friends. 

Thank you for being the type of friends that never change. We love you so dearly. 

It hurts us to think that we’ll be so far away from each other but just know that it doesn’t change a thing. 

The words of this song echo in our hearts and say everything we feel about you.

Song Credit // Robert Ellis / Friends Like Those //itunes

Beautiful water colour world map by Poppyandpinecone.

It was an incredibly humbling experience for us and we feel, the start of something very special.

Here’s what just a few of our lovely attendees had to say about their experience.

Kylee Yee

“The Field Trip was amazing from the moment I stepped of the bus and was greeted by the smiling faces of Seth and Tenielle, to the final sad goodbye on the last night. Amazing styled shoots were organised over the 3 days with both models and real couples, and Seth and T shared the way they interact and draw real emotions from the people they are shooting. Business, marketing and post processing knowledge, built up over years and years of experience was shared with us with no hesitation and all questions answered with real insight and honesty.  I learned to appreciate the beauty of slowing down and taking the time to compose a picture, which is so easily lost in this digital age. I came away from the field trip feeling so inspired and confident in the fact that I definitely will be continuing on this journey that is film photography.”

Laurel Alexandra

“When we arrived you could feel the vibe between you guys was different from normal workshops. It was so much easier, and I felt I learnt heaps more. I loved the way you guys were totally approachable and I felt at ease to ask anything throughout the whole three days, thank you. It is so hard to put into words all the emotions and thoughts and info I received from you guys. I felt like my tank was so full, and like I was in a ‘light glow’. So content. What I felt was love and emotion. I know where I want to be in photography, and how I want to feel about my work – always did really, just had lost my way slightly. I now have that inner belief back that I can and will get to where I’m happy with my work and what I’m producing and I trust I will one day become the photographer I want to be.”

Bri Hammond

“I cannot adequately put into words how much I LOVED every minute of this Field Trip and what an amazing and fulfilling experience it was. Seth and Tenielle far exceeded my expectations (which were already super high)! I have gained from them an invaluable amount of knowledge that will resonate with me for a long time to come. Thanks Seth and Tenielle for not just being our mentors but for becoming our friends.”

Mitch Jones

“Dear Seth and Tenielle, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done over the past three days. Your enthusiasm to teach & help myself and all the girls is an inspiration not only for me as an artist but also as an educator, a teacher. I have learnt so much. My eyes are seeing things differently. I just walked around Maclean, grabbed a coffee – just as i did on Wednesday morning. And may I say that I literally am seeing things differently – light and composition. I cannot emphasize enough the impact the last three days has had on my life. I really cannot quite describe the emotion i have had over the past three days and now as i write this. It has been not only an artistic journey but also a spiritual one. I will continue to follow your work as I always have and I hope to meet up with you at some stage again.”

Needless to say our Byron Field Trip was just the beginning. 

With overwhelming interest from photographers worldwide, we’ve decided the next location for our Field Trip will be in Provence, France 2013.

Don’t worry Australian’s if you aren’t able to make our France Field Trip, we are planning a nationwide tour in Australia Oct/Nov 2013. 

We’re only accepting 15 attendees per Field Trip as we want this to be an intimate experience. Tenielle and I want each and every photographer to come away feeling understood, inspired & armed with practical skills & knowledge.

So pack your bags, bring your favorite film camera and get ready for a three day adventure with us in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Next up for 2013, France:

• Date:  17-19 September 2013 
• Location: Provence, France
• Venue: TBA
• Investment: $2,300 AUD per person
• 15 attendees

We will be taking bookings for this Field Trip in a few weeks so if you haven’t registered your interest already please do so here. Those who have registered will get a 48hr head start on the public when we open up bookings!  

Want to know what to expect at our next Field Trip in France?

This amazing film was made by Nicole and Digby from Lester and May.

 Day 1:

Venue: Deux Belettes / Catering: Leela, Your Gourmet / Stylist: Natalie, Intique & Co / Hair & Make-up: Ava Belle / Gowns: Claire Pettibone from Intique & Co / Florals: Natalie, Intique & Co / Models: Stephanie & Billy, Division

Day 2:

Venue: Deux Belettes / Catering: Leela, Your Gourmet /  Hair & Make-up: Ava Belle / Gowns & Accessories: Babushka Ballerina / Menswear: Pistols at Dawn / And a special thanks to our lovely, real couple Josh & Michelle 

Day 3:

Venue: Deux Belettes / Catering: Leela, Your Gourmet / Cake: Sally, Panache Cakes /  Stylist: Trudy & Nadia, Lovebird Weddings / Florals: Roberta, Green & Bloom / Hair & Make-up: Ava Belle / Gowns: Kelsey Genna & Karen Willis Holmes  / Menswear: Wil Valor / Veil: Babushka Ballerina / Stationary: Suey, Eske / A special thanks to our beautiful, real couple Emma & Dylan

 Lastly, Tenielle and I would like to say thank you to everyone involved, we couldn’t have held this Field Trip without the support and contribution from so many talented people.

Of course, all of those involved are credited beneath each day so if you’re in search of amazing talent, you know where to look.

In saying that, we want to say a special thanks to Suey and Ben from Eske for helping us with all things design. We’re so grateful for you hard work, patience and friendship.

We would also like to thank Louise from Frankie Magazine for taking the time to share her many words of wisdom on the first day of our Field Trip.

A huge thank you to Brian, Angela, Bill and the incredible team from Richard Photo Lab. We couldn’t do it without you all. You’re true artisans  and we’re so greatful for your amazing support.

Lastly, thank you to all of our attendees for entrusting Tenielle and I with the role of being your teachers, it was an honor. We sincerely hope each and everyone of you loved the experience as much as we did and we look forward to watching each one of you grow as artists.

a} met in kindergarten and made a pinkie promise during their wedding vows

b} had a mariachi band at their wedding which was just featured on 100 Layer Cake

c} have a famous dog named Miles 

d} is the Pinterest queen

e} all of the above

Wedding Venue // Dunsmuir Hellman Estate 

Equipment // Canon 1V, Mamiya 645, Canon 5D Mark II (night shots only)

Film // Kodak Tri-X, Fuji Pro 400h, Portra 800, processed by the amazing Richard Photo Lab

Song // Ram On, Paul McCartney // iTunes

Your words, your vows whispered so quietly that the only other person who hears them is the one who’ll remember them echoing in their heart for the rest of time.

We so hope that this inspires any couples out there who are thinking about eloping.

Go on.

Escape to a beautiful destination.

Book in your favorite photographer.

Run away with your lover to be married.

Why not.

——– 

Destination Wedding Venue // Deux Belettes Country Guesthouse

Wedding Planner Extraordinaire // Victoria Cameron

Celebrant // Rosemary

Equipment // Canon 1V, Mamiya 645

Film // Kodak Tri-X, Fuji Pro 400h, processed by the amazing Richard Photo Lab

Song // Bread, Clem Snide// iTunes

Our beginnings were very humble.

One old film camera, our imaginations and high hopes.

We scoured editorial magazines for inspiration and dreamed of shooting stories like those splashed across the pages.

After a little time and lots of practice, that old film camera, our imaginations and high hopes had us shooting new faces for a local modelling agency.

Our tiny unit became our studio. The furniture was moved and soon replaced with studio lights, backdrops, racks of clothing, chattering models, stylists, make-up artists and hair stylists. All of us excited, bursting with ideas and eager to make amazing images.

Inspiration was endless, we could shoot whatever our imaginations lead us to try.

And so we did.

Fast forward many years later.

Though much time has passed and an immense amount of hard work has been invested, we still have our film cameras, imaginations and high hopes.

It turns out the subjects in front of our cameras nowadays are quite different, but don’t get us wrong, we love shooting weddings, it’s one of the most amazing experiences you could have photographically.

What hasn’t changed is that we’re just as eager to make amazing images.

So having a chance to return to our roots with this editorial for the very first edition of Hello May Magazine was a breath of fresh air.

The memories came flooding back and we reflected on how far we’d come from that teeny, tiny studio unit full of creatives all those years ago.

This day our studio was in the middle of the woods, surrounded by an amazing group of creatives, all of us excited, bursting with ideas and eager to make amazing images.

Thank you to the team of incredibly talented people involved, it was an honour to work side-by-side with you.

Hello May Magazine

Dresses // The Babushka Ballerina, Jennifer Gifford Designs, Amanda Garrett, Beska

Flowers // Green and Bloom

Hair + Makeup // Tracie Weaver

Stylist // Brittney Moroko

Assistant Stylist // Bree Anketell

Models // Talisa and Blake at Division

Equipment // Canon 1V, Mamiya 645, Contax G2

Film // Kodak Tri-X, Kodak Portra 160, processed by the amazing RPL

I was extremely self-conscious.

I was even thinner than I am today and I had braces, big chunky silver braces.

I also had the geekiest pair of glasses you’ve ever seen.

If you saw me then, you would have sworn I was Paul from the TV show The Wonder Years.

Seriously.

Sadly, like many young teens, I was bullied.

In grade 8 it was extreme.

So much so, it left me feeling totally worthless.

As I’ve grown older I’ve tried hard to shake those old insecurities, but alas they come back to haunt me from time to time.

So when I see a portrait of myself, I struggle not to focus on what I dislike most about the way I look.

For the first time, I’ve seen a portrait of myself that left me feeling content.

I have Nirav to thank for that.

I know I know, it’s what is on the inside that counts I hear you say.

You’re right, it’s the inner person that counts.

And that is what’s so amazing about a good portrait. For a split second it gives you a glimpse of what’s on the inside.

I can only hope that’s how some of our clients have felt when they’ve seen our work.

A glimpse of what’s on the inside.

So so so much more to show you.

Mamiya 645, Canon 1V // Fuji Pro 400h // RPL

Someone start a drum roll please…

The first official Feather and Stone Field Trip is now open for registration!

We’ve had an overwhelming 300+ photographers from Australia and nearly a hundred more from around the globe register their interest in our Field Trips.

We’re only accepting 15 attendees per Field Trip as we want this to be an intimate experience. Tenielle and I want each and every photographer to have one-on-one time with us, it’s really important to us that EVERYONE comes away from this feeling inspired.

So pack your bags, bring your favourite camera (if you have one) and get ready for a three day adventure with us in one of the most beautiful places in Australia.

• Date: January 9 – 11, 2013 
• Location: Deux Belettes Guest House 
• Investment: $2,200 per person

​BOOK YOUR SPOT! (only 7 seats left)

We require a non-refundable deposit of $500 to guarantee your spot.

Once we receive your registration details you have 48 hrs to make your deposit before your spot re-opens to the public.

Full payment is due two weeks prior to the Field Trip.

We will be providing you with cameras to use, film and development, a light breakfast and lunch for three days, and dinner on one evening.

You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from your accommodation, accommodation costs and two dinners.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know as soon as possible.

Warmest Regards,
Seth & Tenielle