In my experience, it’s usually us mums that take most of the photos of our kids and family at home or out and about. It’s also the number one reason why most of us are actually rarely in them.
As photographers we talk about it all the time and my number one goal is to turn this around.
Getting in the frame is a really valuable practice and it’s also a lot of fun! It allows us participate in the moment and be a part of the memory making not just the one who’s always behind the lens. Getting in the frame also allows you to see yourself through the eyes of your loved ones and to embrace your own beauty and worth.
It’s really hard to be different. In a world where we have such standardised social norms let me tell you it’s hard to step of the gang plank and say, ‘I want to do life differently’. I am by no means an expert in any of this but I have, through some trial and error, discovered what works for us. Therefore, I am sharing this with you in the hope that some of what I have learnt will help you through your own homeschooling phase.
Given it's that time of year again I thought I would share some intentional, eco friendly gift ideas that I came across thanks to my friends over at Tribe Archipelago. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of consumerism during the festive season but keep in mind there are other intentional gift giving options that are kind on the environment and heartfelt.
Read on for recommendations of companies that offer ethically sourced, sustainable and practical products.
Documenting life and family is my favourite thing to do and when clients bring their pets it adds a whole new layer to their unique story. Often parents have had their pets for longer than their kids so I understand what role they play in the dynamic. Kenny the Staffordshire Terrier joined us on this shoot as he was a dear member of the family but sadly he died only weeks after. I am so pleased we had the chance to make these memories before this lovely family had to say goodbye to their special fur baby.
I am so lucky to be self employed but with that comes the responsibility of keeping a healthy work life balance and at no other time is this more important for me than during the school holidays. During these periods my aim is to remain fully present with my family. I always try to give them the attention they deserve but I still need to maintain my work and business needs. It's not always easy and when you run your own business, especially if you work from home, achieving that balance can be especially tricky as it’s so easy for the life/work lines to become blurred. The following tips are good to keep in mind for your own productivity and family life balance as we head into the holidays. Remember your time is precious and even more so when family is around.
Oh boy!! This one sure got the endorphins flowing… I am still on a newborn high after spending time with sweet baby Wilbur. You must linger a little longer over these as they truely come from the heart. Also… I just wanted you to know that I am in the process of building a portfolio of short 2-3 minute Keepsake family films. To enable this I’m currently offering clients the option to have a complimentary film included as part of their session package.
I’d love to capture your story so please shoot me your thoughts. xx
OK by now you can probably tell that I love a list... and with Father's Day just around the corner I thought it was a great opportunity to put together some gift ideas for you that come from the heart. There are lots of things you could buy your Dad this year but I want to focus on the more important stuff. Gifts that will cost nothing but mean so much. Most of these ideas are intended to be things you can help the kids to do for their Dad but there's no reason why you can't choose one for your own Dad too!
The power we have in our pockets and purses to document and capture precious memories is something we often take for granted. The advances in technology and camera quality means phone cameras can produce some fantastic images. They are light weight and allow you to document time but still remain in the moment. Making great images is of course a skill but it is also something that you can learn and improve on. So I though I would share some of my tips on taking pics to hopefully make you a better iPhoneographer today!
If like me you are not heading to Queensland or the ski slopes these holidays then you may be wondering what the heck you are going to do to entertain kids for the next two weeks. Having nowhere be, nowhere to go and no lunch boxes to make is my ultimate happy place. I do however need a plan B most days for when we all just need to get out and discover something new. So I have compiled a quick list of 20 free activities for kids and families in and around our south west corner. I thought you might like to consider some of these activities too! Happy Days xx
The stars aligned when Lucy and I got together to talk about the possibility of a family shoot. Lucy is not only an old friend but also an outrageously talented artist and screen printer. She is the creative soul behind ‘Little Louli’ a children’s bedlinen brand. Louli makes beautiful cotton quilt covers and pillowcases printed with designs that are fresh and full of life. She says they are a ‘fun mix and match party for the bedroom.’ I knew from the start that this shoot was going to be something really crazy, beautiful.
An insight into what to expect from subscribing to my newsletter. Each month I hope to share with you a little something that I have found to be insightful, interesting, useful, educational, enjoyable or just plain funny... This could include anything from resources, recommendations, books, photography tools, business tips, challenges, projects, and more. Here are this months insights - There is also a little sweet treat for anyone who books a session this winter but you’ll need to sign up to find out more xx
A look back into what inspired me to pursue the art of photography from a young age. When I was 17 I lived in Paris with a beautiful family who took me in as their own for a short while. I spent a very special couple of months sharing their culture, improving my French and learning about their great love of photography.
A gorgeous family photography shoot with this little poppet and her big cousins was the perfect Christmas gift from grandparents. Together we wandered along a back track over the rail way line and down until we found ourselves on Warrnambool’s Flume Beach.
A secret garden, an old farm house, a wool shed, hearty crops and vintage vehicles all created the most beautiful back drop to this very special family shoot. There is a strong sense of nostalgia and family connection throughout these images and I have to say they have become some of my favourites to date.
Henry carefully orchestrated a stunning engagement proposal on East Beach Port Fairy and asked me to be there to capture the moment. Hiding out in the scrub and stalking the pair while Henry dropped down on one knee was a first for me and the shoot that followed is certainly one I won’t forget..
In 25 years time, when my clients are looking back, I want them feel these moments again with intensity. I want them to be completely back in that moment and feel for just another second the same joy, love, amusement and passion they felt at that time in their lives.
Spontaneous, energetic and candid! My most recent lifestyle family shoot in Port Fairy had it all. The Hall's wanted a relaxed, in home session at their beach bungalow in Port Fairy. My favourite kind…
Officially it's called a “Fresh 48” session. An in hospital photoshoot 24-48 hours after you have given birth. Call it what you will but don’t let these precious moments go un-documented. Warrnambool Fresh 48 in Hospital Photographer.
On the most magical autumn evening in April, an old school friend and I finally got the chance to catch up and walk around Griffiths Island in Port Fairy together. The images that we created speak for themselves.
