http:// 2013-05-23T06:26:20Z 2013-05-23T06:26:20Z master-perth-photographer-provides-blueprint-for-success

Perth, WA, May 23, 2013 - Geoff Fisher is the owner of Fisher Photography and is a Master photographer in Perth. He has been a professional photographer for over 35 years. He has been awarded the status of Master Photographer by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. He has personally trained many other professional photographers, including everyone currently on his team.Fisher finds himself in a position where he is an authority and a role model to many aspiring photographers. He is often asked how to become a professional photographer. Earlier this month, Fisher posted a virtual roadmap to success on his blog. The post displays a depth of knowledge and understanding that is far beyond what the casual observer would expect for photography.The hobby photographer usually thinks that taking great photographs is simple: buy a good camera, aim it, and push the button. While this is a good way to get good amateur pictures, there is much more to professional photography.Fisher identifies six skills that any professional photographer must have to be successful. The first essential skill is the “eye” of an artist. A professional photographer must have an innate understanding of what makes a great picture. Literally one second too fast or too slow can make the difference between a mediocre photo and a lasting memory.The second skill involves managing people. This skill can also be seen as “rapport.” If the subjects aren't comfortable in the presence of the photographer, they will never “loosen up” enough to allow their natural personalities and beauty to shine through and be captured on camera. Fisher notes that it is rare when someone has both the artistic and managerial characteristics, and that most people only have one or the other trait, thus making it difficult to be a professional photographer.The next necessary skill is the ability to take full advantage of technology. This includes exposure speed, lighting, camera angles, timing, and lenses, among many other particulars that must be right. A photographer must also be teachable; they must have the ability to learn many divergent skills. They must also be willing or motivated to learn.The last skill or trait is patience. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn't built in a day” - neither are professional photographers. Becoming a professional photographer is difficult, and becoming a Master Photographer and an authority takes even longer.According to Fisher, there is no substitute for professional experience: “Ultimately, to be a successful professional photographer, you must take a lot of pictures in a professional setting. Despite what many of the camera companies say in their advertising, there is no camera that will take perfect pictures every time, simply by pointing and shooting.”“As for becoming an authority, it almost seems to happen by accident, if you work hard enough. As I became more experienced, I noticed that people naturally gravitated to me and asked questions about photography. When I attained Master Photographer status, though, it seemed to kick everything into high gear.”Fisher concluded, “To me, it is a pretty simple formula; I learned as much as I could, and I took as many pictures as I could, until I knew what I was doing. Then, I started teaching others. But I will never stop learning.”Geoff Fisher is an AIPP Master Photographer, and is the owner of Fisher Photography in Perth. He offers family photography, baby photography, corporate photography, and more. For more information, call 08 9381 2233. To view some of his work, please visit his website: http://fisherphotography.com.au/.

2013-05-22T03:08:11Z wheatgrass-saves-boys-life-as-told-by-tony-hodge-from-oscar-juicers-1

This month Tony Hodge of Wheatgrass New Zealand wants to tell the world about the wonders of wheatgrass by relating the amazing story of how wheatgrass spray saved a little boy’s life, as told to him by Dr Chris Reynolds, M.B., B.S. who has been working in India. Here is what happened. Picture a tiny hovel on the outskirts of a dusty provincial town in Madhya Pradesh State in India, home to an impoverished family of six. It has dirt floors, no sanitation, no beds (they sleep on the floor) and no electricity. There is a lighted kerosene cooker in the centre of the room. Five year old Pawan runs into the room and knocks over the cooker which explodes and drenches him in flames. He suffers severe burns to 40% of his body. He is taken to a Burns Unit in a large private hospital that philanthropically admits a limited number of impoverished burns victims for free treatment. However, there is a catch. The burn must be healed within a week (an impossible task in most cases), after which the patient will be sent home. As he is from a poor family, follow up treatment is highly unlikely. The unhygienic surroundings and high risk of infection will threaten his survival. Many of these children (and adults)usually don’t even make it to a hospital, and die at home from their infected, untreated wounds. Visiting Pawan’s bedside on day four, the hospital surgeon told Dr Reynolds, “His only chance (of survival) “is for me to put a skin graft over the burn. But the wound is infected, so the graft won’t take. Also, I won’t have enough donor skin even if I could do it. Do you think the wheatgrass spray would help? He must be discharged in three days”. Having seen wheatgrass heal many kinds of wounds, including some very bad burns, Dr Reynolds said he was sure it would. At the surgeon’s request, Dr Reynolds sprayed a small area at one corner of the infected area of full thickness skin loss. The following day, the surgeon called to say that overnight the infection had cleared up, the wound surface was no longer losing fluid and a graft would not be necessary. Two days later his burns had recovered so well that he was discharged to return to the Outpatient Department for dressing changes. It would be fair to say that the wheatgrass spray saved this little boy’s life. Dr Reynolds will soon return to India to continue sharing his knowledge of wheatgrass healing with clinical staff at the hospital and reports that the surgeon is about to run a clinical trial using the wheatgrass spray for serious burns. For more information on wheatgrass please visit the website at http://www.wheatgrass.co.nz. 

2013-05-22T03:04:17Z wheatgrass-saves-boys-life-as-told-by-tony-hodge-from-oscar-juicers

This month Tony Hodge of Wheatgrass New Zealand wants to tell the world about the wonders of wheatgrass by relating the amazing story of how wheatgrass spray saved a little boy’s life, as told to him by Dr Chris Reynolds, M.B., B.S. who has been working in India. Here is what happened. Picture a tiny hovel on the outskirts of a dusty provincial town in Madhya Pradesh State in India, home to an impoverished family of six. It has dirt floors, no sanitation, no beds (they sleep on the floor) and no electricity. There is a lighted kerosene cooker in the centre of the room. Five year old Pawan runs into the room and knocks over the cooker which explodes and drenches him in flames. He suffers severe burns to 40% of his body. He is taken to a Burns Unit in a large private hospital that philanthropically admits a limited number of impoverished burns victims for free treatment. However, there is a catch. The burn must be healed within a week (an impossible task in most cases), after which the patient will be sent home. As he is from a poor family, follow up treatment is highly unlikely. The unhygienic surroundings and high risk of infection will threaten his survival. Many of these children (and adults)usually don’t even make it to a hospital, and die at home from their infected, untreated wounds. Visiting Pawan’s bedside on day four, the hospital surgeon told Dr Reynolds, “His only chance (of survival) “is for me to put a skin graft over the burn. But the wound is infected, so the graft won’t take. Also, I won’t have enough donor skin even if I could do it. Do you think the wheatgrass spray would help? He must be discharged in three days”. Having seen wheatgrass heal many kinds of wounds, including some very bad burns, Dr Reynolds said he was sure it would. At the surgeon’s request, Dr Reynolds sprayed a small area at one corner of the infected area of full thickness skin loss. The following day, the surgeon called to say that overnight the infection had cleared up, the wound surface was no longer losing fluid and a graft would not be necessary. Two days later his burns had recovered so well that he was discharged to return to the Outpatient Department for dressing changes. It would be fair to say that the wheatgrass spray saved this little boy’s life. Dr Reynolds will soon return to India to continue sharing his knowledge of wheatgrass healing with clinical staff at the hospital and reports that the surgeon is about to run a clinical trial using the wheatgrass spray for serious burns. For more information on wheatgrass please visit the website at http://www.wheatgrass.co.nz. 

2013-04-30T06:36:57Z professional-perth-photographer-warns-don-t-trust-your-cherished-memories-to-an-amateur

Perth, WA, April 30, 2013 - In a recent blog post on his website, Perth photographer Geoff Fisher gave a long, detailed answer to a frequently asked question: “Why should I hire a professional photographer?” Fisher, who has been the owner of Fisher Photography for the past 35 years, holds “Master Photographer” status, awarded by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). In addition, he has won a Gold Award, and many Silver Awards, and has been named AIPP Western Australian Portrait Photographer of the Year. In the post, Fisher explained some of the pitfalls of hiring an amateur photographer, and described some of the factors that differentiate professional photographers from amateurs. Since the advent of digital cameras, amateur photographers have had access to much better equipment than they used to. Unfortunately, this has inspired many amateur photographers to buy the most expensive camera at their local department store, take a few pictures, and offer their services to friends and acquaintances as photographers. While some of the more expensive digital cameras on the market do, indeed, take great pictures, they are still, by nature, point and click devices. The amateur photographer simply points the camera, waits for it to focus, and snaps a picture. While this can produce the occasional good picture, professionals view the default settings on any camera to be a starting point: not a finishing point. Professional photographers use equipment that is far more expensive and elaborate than the cameras at the local department store. Professional photographers use their own lighting. Their studios are designed to allow for perfect lighting, and their cameras allow for more adjustments. Professionals pay close attention to variables such as angles, exposure time, distance, and different lenses. Professionals undergo extensive training, and then add experience to that training. Fisher, for example, has personally trained everyone in his studio, regardless of their past experience. Professional photographers leave nothing to chance. Their protocols ensure that there’ll be no surprises, such as cameras without batteries, or lights that don’t work. Amateur photographers, even those who mean well, are simply lacking in the equipment and experience to provide a product on the level of a professional photographer. Fisher believes that the risks are too high and the rewards are too low for anyone who needs professional photos to trust them to anyone but a professional photographer. According to Fisher, “Your photographs are extremely important. While amateurs are certainly capable of taking decent photos, they cannot come close to producing the kind of quality your professional photographer can. Professional photographers have years of training and experience, and they have access to equipment that outclasses anything an amateur can buy.” Fisher continued, “We have been taking professional photographs for over 35 years. We have seen every situation, and have taken photographs for all kinds of people. All of this experience has taught us how to consistently uncover the best of anyone’s inner qualities, and allow them to come to the surface to be photographed. When those photographs are taken under controlled conditions with professional equipment, they always turn out perfect.” Fisher concluded, “Professionals have the best training, the best equipment, and the most experience. If you want professional results, hire a professional photographer.”Fisher receives a lot of testimonials; a recent one comes from CJ Halvorson, who is Vice President of Strategic Accounts in Asia, Pacific, and Japan for a major IT Company: “Hi, Geoff: Love the photo and getting great reviews already.” Fisher Photography provides professional photography in Perth and the surrounding area. They offer many services, including portrait photography, family photography, and corporate photography to their Perth area clients. For more information, call (08) 9381 2233 or visit their website: http://fisherphotography.com.au/

2013-04-30T01:09:22Z video-production-firm-shares-tips-for-maximising-online-video-marketing

Perth, WA, April 30, 2013 - Video marketing is rapidly becoming one of the most popular strategies for attracting visitors to business websites. According to generally accepted industry numbers, over 100 million videos are viewed online everyday. In addition, visitors to retail sites with videos stay an average of 2 minutes longer, and industry numbers indicate that videos make a visitor 64% more likely to purchase products from website. Small businesses that include videos in their profiles report 18% more calls, 30% more profile clicks, and 24% more sales.However, simply producing a video and putting it on YouTube is no guarantee of results. Due to the success of video marketing, the competition is fierce, and those who wish to succeed must execute a solid marketing campaign.Tip number one is to always have a plan before producing a video. Every second of every video should have a reason behind it, and be part of an organised, targeted marketing campaign.Tip number two is to have a concrete goal in mind. Video production costs money, and requires time and effort. Having a goal before shooting the video increases the likelihood of a strong ROI.Tip number three is to always provide compelling content for those who will be viewing the video. If the video does not either entertain them or give them the information they were looking for when they clicked on to the video, they will simply abandon the video and go someplace else.Tip number four is to focus on quality over speed or quantity. Your online video is a company’s “best foot forward”. It will often be the viewer’s first impression of a company; a positive impression is a must and a negative impression can lose a potential customer forever.Tip number five is to make sure that the video can be viewed anywhere. If a viewer has to click somewhere else to watch a video, they are likely to not return to the original website.Tip number six is to take advantage of multiple distribution channels. These should at least include a website, email, YouTube, and a Facebook page.Tip number seven is to always leave the viewer wanting more. In the opinion of many Internet marketers, 60 to 90 seconds is the ideal length for a promotional video. In an era of reduced attention span, where people have multiple people, places, and things competing for their attention, they are unlikely to spend longer than 2 minutes watching a promotional video. Also, while it is crucial to give the viewers some of what they want, it is also crucial that the viewer doesn’t get everything they want. If they do, there’s no motivation for them to complete the next desired action, whether it is to purchase a product or join an information list.Tip number eight is to make the video engaging to the desired audience. The more interesting and engaging a video is, the more likely it is for the visitor to stay and watch the entire video, and to move on to the next desired action.Tip number nine is to always include a call to action. If there is no call to action, the viewer usually won’t take the desired action.Video Labs is a video marketing and production company in the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas. They specialise in well-produced campaigns, attention to detail, and great results. For more information or to start a video campaign today, call 1300 881 783 or check out their website: http://videolabs.com.au/

2013-04-23T01:55:16Z four-death-moves-guaranteed-to-sabotage-your-video-marketing-campaign

Perth, WA, April 23, 2013 - Due to changes in Google’s algorithm, video marketing has become a very important part of most serious Internet marketing campaigns. Videos, if promoted correctly, can not only be seen by thousands, but can also help vault a website to page one of Google for very competitive keywords.  This has led to a virtual flood of videos on sites like YouTube, with mixed results. Sometimes the most professionally produced video fails with a resounding thud, while a teenager’s smartphone video of a friend doing something stupid can go viral and get a million views overnight.  While nobody can guarantee with 100% certainty that a video will or will not be successful, savvy video marketers have noticed a pattern in what does and doesn’t work. In particular, knowing the worst mistakes to avoid can save any company, large or small, a lot of time and effort, and produce much better results. The first common error is often called “set it and forget it.” Many marketers think that they can simply put a video up on YouTube, and it will automatically be seen by thousands of viewers. In reality, very few YouTube videos are ever seen by as many as 1,000 people without a lot of help. The second common error is thinking that one video makes an entire marketing campaign. One video can be seen by thousands of people, but forgotten the next day. Statistics, surveys, and anecdotal data all agree that it takes a series of videos to be successful. The third common error is making a video advertisement instead of a video that provides great information, great entertainment, or both. People go to websites or videos for information or entertainment. They do not go to be bombarded by commercials. If a video looks like a commercial, the viewer will not finish watching it. The fourth error is to not have a plan or strategy. Human development gurus communicate this concept thusly: ”If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Michael Hanson, Owner  and Founder of Video Labs, a video production company in the Gold Coast, has extensive experience in helping businesses not only avoid these strategic errors, but in mitigating the damage done to a business by faulty video marketing strategy. According to Hanson: “These errors are really easy to avoid, because they are merely errors of omission: not errors of commission.” Michael went on to describe his deceptively simple system for maximising the results of a video campaign: “First, you must have a marketing strategy. It does no good to throw a bunch of videos around with no concrete plan. You might as well save the time, money, and effort, and watch videos with your kids instead. Second, your plan must feature repetition and consistency. One video is not enough; you must have serial content to make a serious dent in the market.” He continued, “The last thing you must always remember is that you must make a video that is worth watching. Obviously your agenda is to move your product. Unfortunately, the viewer’s agenda is to obtain great information or be entertained. If you fail to do at least one of these, there is no reason for anyone to watch your video.” Video Labs is a video production and video marketing firm serving Brisbane and the Gold Coast areas. They have produced numerous successful video campaigns, and specialise in results. For more information, call 1300 881 783 or visit their website: http://videolabs.com.au/

2013-04-16T03:26:09Z kew-beauty-girl-set-to-shine

Media Release 12.4.13Kew Beauty Girl Set to ShineSheridan RollandThe girl who hopes to be known as the “Kew Beauty Girl” has started her own business Shine Skin and Body at the end of Glenferrie Road after a 14 year career in beauty therapy. Working for some of the best known brands including Natskin Day Spa, Sheridan has a wealth of experience she brings to this delightful new business above the well known local hairdresser Cut Both Ways.“I have a passion for helping my clients achieve great skin using personalised skincare regimens and result-driven treatments to deal with a range of skin issues, from acne to anti-ageing. I also pride myself on offering exceptional customer service.” Tell us a bit about it Shine Skin and BodyWith Shine Skin and Body I am aiming providing result-driven treatments that are tailored to the individual needs of each client in a peaceful and harmonious environment, with personalised home care and advice to sustain healthy, beautiful skin.What’s been your most outstanding business achievement?“I went to America as a Rep for Hydro Co Spa  for an Expo in 2000. It was a great experience. However starting my own business has been my most outstanding achievement. The local businesses have been very supportive.”Latest PromotionMothers Day Specials:Spoilt RottenYour Choice of any Premium FacialEye treatmentPayot Skin Care Pack$290 save $173 Mother’s Retreat30min Massage30min Facial$99 Time out30min MassageRadiance facialLunch and Wine at Cru$160 Book Now Website: www.shineskinandbody.com.au (specials every month)Bookings: 98191034 or 0431430490Hours: We have flexible times so please ring.Address: 1st Floor, 918 Glenferrie Road, Kew 3103

2013-04-10T07:56:01Z eles-cosmetics-featured-in-mindfood-magazine

ELES, an Australian mineral makeup brand, featured in lifestyle magazine MiNDFOOD, in March 2013.   In the ‘Future Beauty’ pages, Liane Scior, creator of the ELES Cosmetics brand was prominently quoted, sharing her beauty expertise on mineral makeup. “Several years ago the very first mineral make-ups gave a streaky, parched finish and when you opened it, it would explode all over your dress,” says Liane.   Liane transformed the mineral make-up category with pressed and liquid mineral versions. “Mineral make-up needed to become a more all-round product. One-hundred per cent minerals are always powder because it’s a dry ingredient from the earth. I believe 100 per cent minerals can dry out skin – adding ingredients such as hyaluronic acid gives mineral make-up a modern, dewy finish,” she says. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator and absorbs moisture from the air to deliver to the skin. “For liquid mineral foundation it’s left in liquid form; for pressed powder the mixture is dried and pressed; and for the powder minerals it’s dried then triple-milled for a cashmere finish.”   ELES Cosmetics is designed to nourish and improve the health of skin while providing flawless coverage. Available in selected beauty salons and spas nationally and online www.elescosmetics.com.au   MiNDFOOD has a print distribution of 80,000 Australia-wide per month.   About Universal Aesthetics ELES Cosmetics is part of Universal Aesthetics, a network of natural, luxury spa brands providing innovative solutions to the spa, medical spa and salon industries all under one umbrella. For more information visit www.elescosmetics.com.au  

2013-04-02T04:13:47Z viral-videos-found-to-contain-common-key-elements

Brisbane, Australia, April 2, 2013 - Many companies, large, small, and in between, have realised that video marketing is a very important part of any effective advertising campaign. Consequently, those companies have started using videos in their campaigns, with mixed results. Two years ago, including a video on your site almost guaranteed a spot on page one of Google, and the traffic comes with it.In this era, however, it takes more than a shoddily-produced and ill-conceived video to gain traffic. The sheer number of companies employing videos in their advertising campaigns has “upped the ante” considerably. It now takes a professional video and at least a modicum of creativity to see results from video marketing.One thing, however, hasn’t changed from two years ago: the viral video. A viral video is loosely defined as a video that receives thousands of views due to sharing on social media websites. This is the Internet era’s version of “word of mouth” advertising, but it only happens if the video is epic. Videos that “go viral” have seven characteristics in common. If a video is missing even one characteristic, it probably won’t go viral, and potentially loses a lot of money for the company using it. Here, then, are the seven characteristics shared by all viral videos.First, it either evokes an emotional response, answers a question, or both. Second, it addresses a current topic that receives multiple searches or dominates conversation. Topics that are trending on Google, Twitter, or Facebook are a great guide.Next, the description, title, and video thumbnail must all drive clicks and must be compelling. This gives people three potential reasons to plaster it on their social media accounts. Next, the video must be long enough to not lose viewers before it is finished. Most viral videos are under two minutes. Also, most experts agree that a video has fifteen seconds to grab a viewer before they click elsewhere.Although a video can go viral by itself, most business videos that go viral get some “help” in the beginning. This is best accomplished by submitting it to every possible outlet, and paying for traffic in the beginning if necessary. Another very important trait: the video must serve at least one of four functions: provide value, generate discussions, align with the sharer’s identity, or maintain and grow relationships.The last thing a video must have to go viral is actually what it can’t have: material that is too toxic to make people want to share it. If it’s offensive, it must be left out.Michael Hanson, Owner and Founder of Video Labs, has been personally responsible for many viral videos: “The best thing about a viral video is that it’s like finding money on the ground. It takes the same amount of money to produce a viral video as it does to produce one that goes nowhere. Unfortunately, more than 95% of marketing videos go nowhere.”Hanson continued, “Believe me, it’s worth it to make the extra effort to do your homework and choose the right company to shoot  and create your video. It’s also worth it to come up with compelling material that grabs viewers and forces them to click on to your video.”Hanson concluded, “If you have the right strategy, viral videos are easy. If you don’t, they’re impossible.”Video Labs is a video marketing and video production company in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. They have a wealth of experience in producing videos that go viral. To get started today, call 1300 881 783 or visit their website: http://videolabs.com.au/

2013-03-21T05:18:24Z more-advertisers-now-turning-to-viral-video-marketing

Brisbane, March 21, 2013 - As Internet usage continues to rise, and more mobile devices are now connected to the Internet, viral videos are rapidly gaining a reputation as “traffic magnets” among savvy Internet marketers. From sole proprietors of small Internet marketing operations to multi-billion dollar companies such as Nike, more and more advertisers are leveraging the power of viral videos to provide traffic to their websites. A viral video is loosely defined as any video that receives large amounts of views on the Internet on the strength of being shared multiple times. The sharing usually occurs when a video is mentioned on numerous blogs and numerous social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter. For example, a recent search on YouTube revealed a video titled “Inspired Bicycles” which received over 32,000,000 views in three years. A video with 100 movie insults received over 21,000,000 views. Recently, a major marketing company conducted an international survey of executives at top media buying firms and creative advertising agencies and their clients. The results of the survey were a source of encouragement for many in the video production industry.  According to the survey, 80% of the professionals who participated in the survey referred to themselves as “very familiar” with viral video. Approximately 49% are “interested” in viral video, and approximately 23% expressed what they called a “high level” of interest. 56% of clients who conducted a viral video campaign were “pleased” with the results they obtained. Less than 3% of the clients reported being “displeased” with the results of their viral video campaigns. Opinions differ greatly on what constitutes a successful video campaign. Participants were given the choice of using 100,000, 250,000, 500,000, or 1 million as a benchmark for success. While 28% of those who responded chose 1 million as their threshold for success, the other three numbers shared the remaining votes almost equally.Approximately 95% were of the opinion that tracking and reporting effectiveness of campaigns had room for improvement. When asked to choose which benefits they had received from viral video marketing from a list, slightly over 92% chose “exponential views”, while 87.2% chose “brand engagement.” Other factors commonly chosen were online reach and having an image as a forward-thinking brand. According to Michael Hanson, owner of Video Labs, the results of the survey are great news, not only for everyone in the video production industry, but his clients as well: “We have been aware of the benefits of viral video marketing for a long time, but we are always glad to see industry studies agree with what we have experienced as truth. We have seen firsthand how powerful and effective video marketing can be, for both small and large businesses.” Hanson continued, “The magic of viral video is that it becomes viral by the most effective form of advertising known to man: word-of-mouth advertising. Before the dawn of the Internet age, word-of-mouth marketing was still very effective, but not nearly as far-reaching. Now, because the Internet allows instantaneous communication, and social networks are so effective, a video that goes viral can be viewed by millions of people.” Hanson concluded, “It only takes one great video to put your company in front of millions of people.”Video Labs is a video production company primarily serving the Brisbane and the Gold Coast markets. They specialise in extremely effective, high quality video production. If you want to create the next viral video, call them at 1300 881 783 or visit their website http://videolabs.com.au/ for more information.

2013-03-18T00:54:06Z australian-fashion-pioneer-rediscovers-her-passion

18 March 2013 - Suzanne Harward is an avant-garde Australian fashion designer renowned for her exquisite haute couture and couture gowns. A master of her craft, Suzanne’s talent has been honed over four decades securing her spot as one of Australia’s finest fashion pioneers. Suzanne Harward specialises in intricate hand made haute couture and couture gowns for fashion-forward brides, red carpet events and private commissions. We invite you to have a look at our new website and social media pages and would love to offer our gowns to you for any upcoming editorial shoots. We have some stunning pieces that are yet to be photographed for editorial exposure and we can also create custom pieces to specification on request. Most recently we created custom gowns for a highly anticipated editorial shoot in Mexico for The LANE featuring Megan Gale.  Suzanne has been designing since she was a teenager in the mid-70’s and was one of the go-to designers in the 80’s and 90’s for red carpet events, celebrity weddings, the list goes on. After the tragic loss of her son in a car accident in 1999 Suzanne disappeared from the fashion scene and turned down all offers for publicity for many years after.  She still maintained her service to her loyal bridal clientele and has maintained the business purely through client referral.  In recent years she has completely rediscovered her passion for the art of haute couture, a craft she has honed over 38 years, and is ready to re-launch herself on to the world stage.  ### For further information please contact Brooke Harward, Media & Communications Manager. Suzanne Harward Design 73 Johnston Street, Collingwood VIC 3066 p. +613 8415 0688 m. +61 410 411 000 e. brooke@suzanneharward.com  www.suzanneharward.com | facebook.com/suzanneharwarddesign | pinterest.com/suzanneharward Twitter & Instagram: @suzanneharward

2013-03-14T02:46:15Z pevonia-botanica-featured-in-body-soul-magazine

Pevonia Organic Skincare, an elite spa brand,featured in The Sunday Telegraph’s health and well-being magazine, Body+Soul on March 3, 2013.   The beauty article, ‘A Mask for Every Task’ by respected Beauty Editor and Expert Shonagh Walker, highlights face masks as a simple yet luxurious solution to address skin concerns. The Pevonia Purifying Skin Mask (RRP $74) is featured for ‘Deep Cleansing’ with its fast acting formula to heal, tighten, soothe and purify skin while being antiseptic and antibacterial to absorb impurities. Ideal to nurture problematic skin and preserve skin clarity. The Purifying Skin Mask is available online as well as in selected beauty salons and spas nationally.   The Pevonia Mattifying Oily Skin Mask is also featured for ‘Oil Control’ to target oil-slick skin and a shiny T-zone. Mandarin essential oil helps regulate oil flow, while kaolin clay tightens, purifies and absorbs excess sebum. The Pevonia Mattifying Oily Skin Mask is available in selected beauty salons and spas nationally.   A massive 6 million readers are reached Australia-wide each week through the Body+Soul magazine in The Sunday Telegraph.   About Universal Aesthetics Pevonia Botanica is part of Universal Aesthetics, a network of natural, luxury spa brands providing innovative solutions to the spa, medical spa and salon industries all under one umbrella. 

2013-03-05T09:25:04Z video-marketing-produces-staggering-statistics-in-2012

Until 2009, online advertising was almost non-existent. According to a report from ContentWise, through 2008, online advertising was so small in scope that it was virtually non-existent in content marketing industry stats. All content advertising was done in print. In 2009, the first online and video advertising showed up in mainstream use, with businesses spending $30.9 billion on print, $12.1 billion online, and $4.2 billion in the “other” category, which includes events and video.  The numbers remained relatively stable in the next two years, but 2012 represented a “tipping point” for the video component of online marketing.We are still a month or so away from having some of the stats we want to see from 2012, but the projections and stats that are available are very encouraging for video marketing. At the beginning of 2012, businesses were asked whether they planned to spend more, the same, or less on seven different content marketing media. The largest percentage, 54%, said that they would increase spending on video content. The next-largest number, at 35%, was for virtual events and website updates, which both received that number. 54% is a huge increase, and would be an impressive number for any medium or any industry segment.The actual numbers for 2012 aren’t in yet, but the overall industry stats that are available from 2012 indicate that the projected rise may have been too conservative. An infographic from Brainshark contains stats from the US, but US stats have been found to usually mirror most English-speaking countries, including Australia.According to the report, 53% of the population viewed video online during 2012, for a total of 167 million viewers. Of those viewers, 54.6 million used their mobile devices to watch the videos. In surveys, respondents usually report that they retain information from videos longer than they do with the written word. Videos are now the sixth-most popular online marketing medium, with approximately 70% of marketers using them. Online videos can be used to sell brands, services, features, or products. They can also be used to educate the public, by sharing commentary, tips, or ideas. Some of the most effective videos are those that entertain by delivering content that makes people laugh.According to Michael Hanson, Creative Director and Founder of Video Labs, the numbers from 2013 could easily surpass those from 2012: “We’re not surprised by any of these numbers. We had a great year last year, and we are on a pace to grow even more this year. We have plenty of testimonials from satisfied customers who have seen traffic to their websites skyrocket from using professionally produced videos to deliver their marketing to the public. Everyone loves a good story, and what better way is there to tell a good story than a professionally crafted video.”Hanson continued, “We are getting a lot of people to page one of Google, and we have had great viral activity on many of our videos. YouTube provides a huge marketing leverage for large, medium, or small businesses for two reasons: First, videos are the fastest way to get to page one of Google, giving a huge return on investment. Second, people have a tendency to share videos with their friends on social networks. This gets more views and produces some great backlinks for your website.”Hanson concluded, “Video marketing makes ‘the’ difference.”Video Labs specialises in video production and video marketing, especially in the Brisbane and the Gold Coast markets. To learn how easy it is for your business to utilise video, call 1300 881 783 or check out their website:  http://videolabs.com.au/.

2013-03-01T06:51:32Z 2011-a-record-year-for-marriages-but-low-overall-percentage-sparks-debate

Despite the ubiquitous meme that “marriage is dying in Australia,” a record number of Australians were married in 2011. While the percentage of married Australians is at its lowest since 1901, there are still plenty of people getting married.The information, taken from the 2011 census, comes from an Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report: 3310.0 - Marriages and Divorces, Australia, 2011. The information is supplemented by further statistical research from educational website The Conversation.The total number of marriages in 2011 was 121,752. This was 576 more than the 121,176 of 2010, for an increase of 0.5%. Marriages have steadily increased in Australia since 2001. While the number of marriages has risen, those marriages represent a smaller percentage of the total population over 15 years of age.In 2011, 49% of Australians over the age of 15 reported being in a registered marriage. This was down from a percentage of 51 in the 2001 census. According to statistics, as many as 64% of Australians were married during the marriage boom in the middle of the 20th century, and the last time the percentage of Australians who were married was so low was 1901.Another relevant statistic is the number of Australians who have ever been married. Between 35 and 39 years of age, over 70% have been married at least once. Between 55 and 59 years old, the number rises to over 90%. Between 75 and 85 years old, approximately 96% have been married at least once.De facto marriages or cohabitation, are another factor. Close to 10% of Australians aged 15 years and over live together in de facto marriages. When this number is added to marriages, the rate of people living with a partner has consistently been close to 59% for the last ten years.Peter Edwards, professional Perth wedding photographer who owns Peter Edwards Photography, has spent most of his working life photographing weddings. As someone who has been actively working in the wedding profession for over twenty years, Edwards is uniquely qualified to assess the current state of marriage and weddings.According to Edwards, “Marriage is as popular as it ever was, and this generation wants to fall in love and have a family just as much as mine, or that of my parents. We often see people being married at a later age now, but still the marority of people tie the knot. I read these statistics, and while they are a great snapshot, they don’t tell the entire story.”Edwards continued, “The statistics give both sides of the marriage debate reasons to believe that they are right. Total marriages say that Australians are being married in record numbers, while the percentages say that marriage isn’t as popular as it once was.”Edwards shared his unique personal perspective: “First of all, I have to admit to being biased; I have made photographing weddings my life’s work because my partner Tegwyn and I love what a wedding represents. The commitment of two people who have a deep love and respect for each other and who hold common views and dreams for a future together. A couple who choose to marry have come to a point in their relationship where they want to declare this union to each other and to those nearest and dearest to them. A wedding is made of this - the love and commitment between the couple and the love and support of those who cherish them. It’s our job to capture this for the couple, their families and for the future generations of that family. It’s a privilege and delight to be involved.Edwards concluded, “Statistics can tell you what happens, but they can’t tell you how it feels.”Peter Edwards is a reputable Perth wedding photographer, and an accredited photographer of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography.To know more about his high end Perth wedding photography services, visit his website: http://www.peteredwardsphoto.com.au/ about or dial 08 9316 2465.

2013-03-01T04:38:05Z new-organic-e-shop-launches

Sheets On The Line - Guilt Free Dreams With a passion for design and a shared background in fashion and homewares husband and wife team Steven & Debra Clifford-Ames have launched Sheets On The Line – a unique range of bed linen which is stylish, affordable and produced ethically and sustainably using the highest quality linen and 100 % certified organic cotton. Designed and distributed in Australia, Sheets On The Line intentionally choose to use 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) an industry leader which aims to change the manufacturing process for cotton and cotton related products. By choosing organic cotton the company aims to sustain environmental and social benefits at every stage of the cotton cycle, beginning with the way in which it is grown and harvested, through to manufacturing processes which utilise natural products and dyes. Free from polyester, the sheet sets include four pillowcases, a generous top sheet and deeper fitted sheet walls. Available in 8 different colours, the sheets are also equipped with top and bottom sheet labels and sizing labels. Sheets On The Line embodies timeless simplicity and enduring quality, the best way to dress your bed beautifully from head to toe. Expanding and evolving seasonally with new colourways and designs, the range can be mixed and matched to create myriad looks. The signature colour range represents their love of natural tones, while the designs are inspired by coastal and urban landscapes, architecture, botanical shapes and forms, memories and moments in time. Where it is not possible to produce a 100% certified organic product, Sheets On The Line are working with its manufacturers to develop viable long term organic solutions which are sustainable. Single sheet sets start from $129.95. Buy online at www.sheetsontheline.com.au with free delivery too.PR enquires Adrian Falk (02) 9388 0033 afalk@believeadvertising.com http://believeadvertising.com/