Soulful

That was the word Sharon used to describe the images she wanted of her children. Soulful, timeless black+whites. She took me to her and her family's favourite chill out spot, nicknamed Brekky Rock as they sometimes take their breakfast down there and just relax and enjoy each others company.

Sometimes the planets align to bring a session like this to fruition. Beautiful kids who knew exactly what their Mum wanted and were open to trying something new for me; a stunning location (right outside my back door, and one that I will definitely visit again); and a burning intensity inside me to create some of the most amazing images I have ever created so far.

To say that I am happy with these images is an understatement. They are, quite seriously, some of my most favourite photographs I have ever captured. Ever.

Enjoy these Sharon. And I extend a deep thanks to you for sharing your special spot with me. I promise to look after it xxx

Oscar

Hello friends! The blog has been a bit quiet of late... because I've been so busy! We've had Easter, birthdays, weddings and all manner of craziness in this house lately, it feels like I've finally had a chance just this week to sit down and get a blog post ready.

So here is little Oscar. He was the sweetest little man, and even though he was teething and - according to Mum and Dad - quite miserable, I still thought he was a divine little dude. I had a bunch of fun hanging out with him on a sunny Autumn afternoon.

His Mum and Dad's house (backyard in particular) was so gorgeous and quirky, and I could have spent many more hours exploring and photographing their knick-knacks, but they weren't real great for a 6 month old to explore, so I've promised to come back when he's a bit older and have some great adventures with him!

Casting Call - family #1

Meet Sarah and Paul and their 2 little munchkins, the first photoshoot for our recent casting call!

We had a really special morning chilling out at Coburg Lake, feeding the ducks, playing in the playground and hanging out together. This is what I love about my new lifestyle photoshoots... I feel like I'm part of the family, enjoying getting to know families in a much more holistic way than previously. I spent a couple of hours with these guys, but we could have quite easily have kept going for another 2.

Considering the fam had just come home from a trip to NZ the night before and were a bit jetlagged and on NZ time still, the kids were in fabulous spirits and never stopped running the whole time I was there (especially Alice!)... I do hope they both had a restful afternoon.

Thanks again Sarah and Paul, for answering the casting call for families. Enjoy your preview x

Firstly, just as we started, we had a short sharp shower - so we all huddled undercover while it passed!

 How cool is this bridge?

Ring-a-ring-rosie!

Oh! These park benches were like banana lounges!

So, mum forgot the bread for the ducks. But no matter! There was Cruskits! And not many ducks!

Off to the playground.

Sisters

I've talked before about the special bond that sisters share, and having two myself I can testify to that first hand. My sisters are my best friends. We share everything, laugh and fight. But we love each other wildly.

These two gorgeous little beans are going to grow up with a similar bond, you can already tell. I photographed Asher back in 2009 when she was teeny tiny, and when I went back for a visit last week I almost thought I was in the wrong house. She's grown up so much (as babies tend to do, I guess) and her big sis India has as well!

Their last session is here: Asher and India 2009

Last time we used the quaint little steps in the backyard to get some "still" shots of a very active toddler. This time it was the only way to get "still" shots of two gorgeous sisters together.

This is my first attempt at a more lifestyle shoot. Following the kids, allowing them to be themselves. I really enjoy the freedom in shooting this way, and it is the way I plan to shoot all my family sessions from now on. Let me know in the comments section what you think!

Thanks again Rachel for welcoming me into your home. I have so many gorgeous photos of your girls (and your bunny) for you, I couldn't keep the preview to just a few. Enjoy these and I'll be in touch soon xxx

India showing me how clever she is at pulling faces. I didn't encourage her. Much.

  And then we started to get tired, so headed inside for a story before bed...

Sunday Sun

One thing I absolutely adore about my job is seeing families grow and change from one session to the next. Seeing little kids go from shy toddlers to outgoing little pre-schoolers with more personality than I thought was possible for small children!

Regardless of the fact that I know this family really well, I'm still constantly surprised by how much the kids have grown... Paisley off to school next year, and Kirrilly conquering the known universe ;-)

This is seriously one of my most favouritist sessions ever (yes, it is a word. In the dictionary of Mandy - look it up!). Enjoy this preview Brooke and Rob, I was giggling so much at these images of your girls, they are awesome to the max. Love you guys xox

My kids - the hardest button to button

That is, they are TERRIBLE at getting their photo taken. And they're twice as bad when they're together! And even though I was frustrated with them and getting cranky and laughing and everything all at the same time, the resulting photos are some that are typical of my kids, and tell their story.

This is them. This is what they do on a daily basis. They adore each other and annoy each other. She idolises him and he protects and guides her. They are so so different from each other and they both make my heart sing.

Mini session

Mini sessions are a heap of fun - it's just GO GO GO for about half an hour. I had a mini session last weekend for a previous client, to get some extra shots of siblings Roman and Amy together. And it was great, because we took a stack of shots, got some great ones, and then just when Roman had had enough we could call it a day!

If you are interested in having a mini session with me, let me know! And keep an eye on the blog because I'm going to announce a whole day of mini sessions soon!




(As an aside, what do you think of the processing? It's a different look for me, but I think I like it.)