Posts from January 2014

Mermaids

January 23, 2014

“…to slip beneath the surface and soar along the silent bottom of the sea agile and shining in water honeycombed with light.” ~ Ellen Meloy

Since as young as I can remember I’ve been a lover of the water. And then pretty much the day I saw Daryl Hannah in Splash was the day my mermaid obsession began. So when the amazing Seagypsea asked if I wanted to be one for the day, I jumped at the chance. How incredible to style and model a photoshoot underwater! It’s an entirely different world, no controlling the elements, just flowing with the water. It was the most fun, the most challenging, and the most exhilarating time I’ve had on a photoshoot! Despite the cold factor, and that the water has a mind of it’s own, I was in complete awe of this art form. Watching Pip from Seagypsea create her magic was just incredible. And the beautiful Telisa from Hint of Henna was my mermaid on land during the shoot, giving me plenty of inspiration and laughs in between breaths. She’s also the talent behind the innovative sand henna featured in this photoshoot. Two absolutely beautiful, down to earth, humble, talented women that I am so grateful to have shared this experience with. It was such an honour for me, and to then see the amazing images that Seagypsea created, I am just obsessed. So much so that I decided to interview this babe and let you all share in the magic that is Seagypsea…..

How did your passion for underwater photography evolve?

My love of the water began at a young age, I remember spending hours in and on the water as my parents had me diving by the age of 8 back home in NZ. I always loved chasing things in the water and trying to follow them and take their photo, I remember spending hours and hours in freezing cold water just totally lost in amazement at what I was chasing. As I grew older I became a scuba instructor and travelled the south pacific teaching diving and working in dive resorts, part of my role as an instructor or guide was to often take photos of divers and marine life. I guess I cant put an exact stamp on when my passion for underwater photography evolved, I really believe it has been more of a journey for me and to be able to capture the elements of water and express it through a creative form of art is something that i just absolutely love.

What do you love most about taking photos underwater?

I love the challenge and the freedom to be creative! Being submerged underwater I lose the ability to talk and direct the models and/or subjects so it requires alot of patience and draws on my experience of how things work under the water. I love the freedom as a photographer to capture moments that are truely ethereal and capture an image that really expresses the essence of my medium through a form of art. No two images will ever be the same as there are so many elements working against each other underwater but that is what I love!

What is your dream for Seagypseaa?

My dream for Seagypsea is to share with the world a unique and creative form of art. There is something soothing about underwater images, a sense of calmness, purity and simplicity. I would absolutely love to capture images that make people stop and think, that make people breathe and that allow people to wander into a semi day dream when they look at the images.

5 words to describe you?

Creative / Adventurous / Perspective / Aquaholic / Spontaneous

Are you really a mermaid? haha! Had to add that one in as I truly think you are!!! ;)

Id love to think I am a mermaid!!I have been known to attempt staying underwater as long as I can hoping I will magically turn into a mermaid! I always wish I could stay down longer under the water on a shoot! I’ve always wanted to get gills tattooed on my ribs… maybe thats taking it a bit far?? :) but needless to say… i think really am!!

And yes I now believe she really is!!! Or the closest thing to a mermaid I have ever seen or met. How inspiring is this beautiful woman! I love seeing people follow their passions in their life. This mermaid deeply loves what she does, and has limitless visions of taking Seagypsea as far as she can…to the depths of the oceans indeed. Along with underwater fashion photography she also captures ethereal underwater magic for children, expecting mothers and portraiture. Check out her gallery here and be inspired beyond belief!

Here’s to following your dreams and all that you love. Never allow another or even yourself to dim the light within. When we allow our light to shine brightly, it inspires others to do the same, freeing us to enjoy life and all the beauty, love, joy and richness it has to offer.

With love and gratitude xx

Photographer ~ Seagypsea | Instagram | Facebook | Check out Pip Summerville from Seagypsea at Raw Artists 31st January 2014

Henna artist ~ Hint of Henna

Model/Styling ~ Helen Janneson Bense

Outfit Details

Custom Shell Headpiece ~ Wild and Free Jewelry (one piece worn as a necklace)

Necklaces/Bracelets ~ Roadtrip Jewellery

Handpiece/Ring ~ Wild Heart Jewellery

Barefoot crochet sandals ~ Aqua Blanca Swimwear

Dress ~ Jens Pirate Booty

Shorts ~ Volcom

And here are some fun behind the scenes photos and a very beautiful video created by Telisa from Hint of Henna xx

Fantasia

January 21, 2014

“Everything you can imagine is real” ~ Pablo Picasso

This was one of the major highlights of my recent summer holiday adventures. I was so blessed to have my beautiful and talented big sister, Reija, from Studio R, photograph me for my blog. My dearest sister lives in Santa Cruz, and when we had the chance to meet up for a family reunion over Christmas, it was also a wonderful opportunity for us to create some magic together. We always have such fun when we shoot and I only wish we could do it more often. It was truly an honour for me, she’s immensely skilled with the camera, with a creative eye and soul to match.

Our family get together was in the gorgeous coastal holiday town of Mallacoota, in rural Victoria. This photoshoot was at a quiet and magical beach with boulders and caves and so much to explore. It was the perfect playground for us!

The styling in this shoot was inspired by my inner child’s dream world. I felt so blessed to wear this gorgeous Ixiah Xara Maxi dress, that I could totally see as a bridal gown for a beach style wedding. I paired this amazing dress with a breathtaking headpiece from Grace Bijoux. Channeling my inner boho princess, I was reminded of the empress from The Never-ending Story. This was actually the very first movie I ever watched on a video player! As a child I fantasised about entering the world of Fantasia and becoming the empress. I have been obsessing over her headpiece for years!!! And so it was, on this day, in these mystical surrounds, adorned in magnificent treasures, I was as close to Fantasia as I could have imagined. On every shoot I allow my imagination to wander, to drift as I become mesmerised by the energy around and within me. I’m taken over in a sense by all the beauty and I allow it to channel through me and out into the photos. The second style had a little more of a sophisticated, yet relaxed feel. My energy was more extroverted, more playful, as I leisurely strolled across the beach. I envisioned myself as a movie star, vacationing in the Hampton’s as I walked along the beach.. haha!! ;) As I climbed the boulder and looked out to sea, it was as though I was on top of the world. It was my everest for that moment where anything I imagined was within reach.

What fun it is to pretend and play make believe. No wonder kids are always smiling and laughing. I hope to still be playing dress ups even when I’m a great grandmother!

Let your imagination take you to whatever world or fantasy you have. Never squander or judge it. Allow it space to breathe as you allow the joy in your heart to open and the creative process can begin.

With love and gratitude xx

Model/Styling ~ Helen Janneson Bense

Photographer ~ Studio R Santa Cruz Facebook Instagram Blog Twitter Yelp

Location ~ Secret Beach, Mallacoota, VIC, Australia

Outfit 1

Xara Maxi dress ~ Ixiah

Cressida headpiece ~ Grace Bijoux

Necklaces ~ Heather Gardner, Anna Beck

Rings ~ Anna Beck, Cleopatra’s Bling

Outfit 2

Xara Maxi dress and belt ~ Ixiah

Kim White calf ~ Diavolina

Summer Fedora ~ Seed Heritage

Jewellery ~ Anna Beck

New Year Dreams

January 15, 2014

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today” ~ James Dean

This new year has been a powerful turning point for me in all areas of my life. I’ve closed old doors and opened new ones. I’ve experienced moments of absolute clarity. My path, my direction as a mother, woman, healer, wife, spiritual being, all coming together in harmony. I’ve felt such ease these past few weeks, and I’ve found myself dreaming all kinds of wonderful dreams of what I’d love to experience through this life of mine. For one I’d love to design a jewellery line some day! And write a book on healing! Ahhh so many beautiful and exciting dreams :) It’s such a gift to simply dream. I recall getting into so much trouble throughout school as I was always drifting off into daydreams. The teacher would peak my interest with something so fascinating that my imagination would take it one step further into some magnificent fantasy. Tangent upon tangent my mind would wander.

These photos are from New Year’s Eve. I celebrated with my dearest and oldest sistas that I grew up with and got into all kinds of mischief with. It was a beautiful and intimate night full of laughter and connection.

I wore this very special necklace that was custom made in collaboration with the beautiful Rico Designs. Each herkimer diamond crystal represent each member of my family. Surrounded by leaves we are ever growing and evolving together through this blessed journey. 2 eye pendants were used to look over and protect my family. A precious piece of jewellery to represent how precious my family are to me.

Sending you all so much love and remember to dream as big and wild as you can.

With love and gratitude xx

Outfit Details

Custom made Herkimer Diamond Necklace, Primrose Rhodonite ring ~ Rico Designs

Rings ~ Seawolf, Wild Heart Jewellery, Mania Mania, Children of Flowers, Lexi & Roy, Urban Gypsy Designs (love ring – email for information on purchase)

Indian Summer Sundress ~ Spell Designs

Bindis ~ Child of Wild

Golden Angel

January 9, 2014

So gently she moves with life’s breath and rhythm

Breathing in, breathing out

Her all encompassing wings expanding with each breath

Taking pause in those in between moments

Ever so slowly and mindfully contracting her wings

Each turn bringing forth a greater unfurling

One of my great passions, and quite the honour for me, is to share and wear consciously made clothing and jewellery. Handmade pieces, local, sustainable, eco friendly, anything made with heart that calls to my soul. I also really love supporting small businesses, that I hope will one day become bigger businesses. Lisa’s Closet is one of those amazing creators that endlessly inspires me with her artistic direction and connection to the divine. When I received my package I was just flawed. It arrived in the most amazing box with so many thought out details (pictures below). It was all just so wonderful, and then I opened the box to discover the most awe inspiring silk kimono and crochet shorts inside. The first thing I saw was the angel wings painted on the back. It seriously took my breath away. These wings are hand drawn, waxed, and painted in accordance with traditional batik practices…it truly is a labour of love.

This was by far one of my favourite photoshoots to date. Something about being on holidays, on an isolated beach, wearing luxurious and high vibrational clothing. The loving energy carried within these hand made garments opened our hearts, and brought out the playful side in both my husband and I. At one point, as I stood within the cave connected to the divine, it was as though I could feel the presence of Arch Angel Gabrielle. I slowed my breath, and each moment felt like an eternity. I watched in awe as water moved through the caves, in and out, and I pondered upon that lingering space between the peaks and the valleys…the in breath and the out breath. It was a moment of utter bliss. I was beaming for the entire day and it was as though we had both been touched by an angel. From our hearts a golden light shone ever so brightly outwards to the stars.

And since this is my first post of 2014 I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! May you all discover the magnificence that resides within each of you….and feel such an abundance of love that it ovewhelms your heart with so much joy it could burst.

So much love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Outfit Details

Arch Angel Gabrielle Kimono in Golden Goddess, Crochet Shorts ~ Lisa’s Closet

Ainu necklace ~ Seawolf

Triple moonstone ring ~ St. Eve Jewelry

Rings ~ Anna Beck, Spell Designs, Sunahara, Children of Flowers

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Loaction – Secret Beach, Mallacoota, Australia

Helen Janneson Bense

Posts from January 2014

Mermaids

January 23, 2014

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Fantasia

January 21, 2014

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New Year Dreams

January 15, 2014

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Golden Angel

January 9, 2014

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