February « 2009 « Heartstory: Canberra baby & child photography by Katie Kolenberg

Archive for February, 2009

This is love.

February 18, 2009

After weeks of searing heat, Canberra is suddenly grey and miserable, with a distinctly wintery feel. Sunday was one of those nasty four-season days. I found myself peering outside apprehensively all morning, wondering how my evening maternity session was going to turn out, and if we should reschedule. After lunch, and several hours of on-off drizzly rain, I called my clients and rescheduled. The light was so dull, I couldn’t have even rescued this one by doing the entire shoot inside. Sometimes that’s just the way it is when you rely so much on light!

A couple of hours later, the sun was out again, the sky looked wonderful and the temperature had risen by what felt like 10 degrees, so after another phonecall, off I went.

And boy I’m glad I did!

It was magic. And not just the light: this couple were a dream to photograph. They welcomed me into their home like I was a friend, they went with every crazy idea I came up with, and even though they said they felt silly every now and then, it didn’t show! They were cute and funny and warm and open: it was so easy to capture the love and connection between them. This is what I love most about maternity sessions, and this is exactly why I think every couple should have one before their first child. It’s such an amazing time in your life; a time that can never be repeated. It’s full of hope, excitement, wonder and intense love. It’s incredibly intimate, but in a totally different way to any other time in your relationship. To me, that is what maternity sessions are all about and my goal is to capture the essence of that.

But, enough of my gushing. Here are some of my favourites…

Thanks guys for choosing me to capture this amazing time in your life. I cannot WAIT to meet your little bundle!

Tags: canberra, canberra portrait photography, couple, lifestyle portraiture, love, maternity, pregnant
Posted in couple photography, maternity photography | 4 Comments »

A blast from the past

February 14, 2009

I thought I’d share some photos I never posted publicly. They were taken in 2006, shortly after I bought my first DSLR.

I worked for several weeks with a fashion design student in studio and on location to photograph her graduation collection, as well as several other pieces she designed throughout her studies. End result: she had a great collection of photos with which to show off her work and I completed another unit in my graphic design degree. It was the BEST fun with a camera I’d ever had (at the time) and I dreamt about being a fashion photographer for months afterwards.

This was also my first real delve into post processing. I had never heard of actions and didn’t know what RAW was! It’s nice to revisit these two years on and still be pleased with them.

The designer was the very cool and clever Caroline Christie. These photographs show two amazing dresses that could be converted into several different styles. The models are friends of mine, who aren’t really models but did an awesome job pretending! They are also modelling Katherine Rose jewellery (my label).

Tags: black and white, canberra, caroline christie, fashion design, fashion photography, model, on location, studio
Posted in personal projects | 6 Comments »

Victorian Bushfires | Canberra photographer

February 12, 2009

Like most of the country, I’ve been watching the TV coverage of the terrible tragedy in Victoria for the last several days. And like everyone else, I’m left feeling sad, shocked and helpless. I can’t stop thinking about all the poor families who have been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and so many people dealing with even greater losses. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the fires.

A fellow photographer Kris Leigh has had the wonderfully generous idea of donating her session fees (for any photo sessions booked in February and March) to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, and many photographers around Australia are following suit. I am going to join them.

My session fee is only $50, but if you donate $100 to the Bushfire Appeal, I will include two complimentary 8 x 12 prints with your order (normally $45 each). If you’d prefer to stick with $50, that’s fine: I will still include one complimentary 8 x 12 print with your order. Any bookings made between now and the end of March are eligible.

If you would like to take part in this, please email me first to let me know, then go to the Australian Red Cross website and donate $50 or $100 via their Secure Online Donations page. Finally, email me the electronic receipt from your donation and we will book in your session. This is such a great way of us helping out together, and will be a very meaningful session.

If you’re not in Canberra, but would like to take part in this, you can. Go to Kris Leigh’s blog: there is a big list of photographers around Australia who are also participating. I understand there are also several photographers in Victoria offering free sessions and photographs to those directly affected by the fires.

Tags: bushfire appeal, canberra portrait photographer, donation, family photo session, family sessions, let's help out, special offer, victorian bushfires
Posted in news | 4 Comments »

January in photos (the end.)

February 1, 2009

It’s been a wonderful month for me. I’ve really extended myself both creatively and technically. I’ve loved playing with my new 5D and 100mm macro lens (I’m so in love with that lens!). There hasn’t been a day when I wanted give up on the project. In fact, if I knew I had the time, I would just keep going month by month all year. But sadly, things are about to get way too busy in my life to keep that up.

So here are the last two images of my January in photos…

31.01.2009

Toby played with paint today for the first time. I was amazed–he didn’t put it in his mouth one single time! He loved it though, and painted his entire body, as well as the paper, the sandpit, the pavers (much to my husband’s annoyance) and the easel. Then he had an absolute ball being hosed down (he is having a love affair with the hose lately–if he’s not sucking on the end, he’s dragging it around the garden). He enjoyed himself SO much that he threw his biggest tantrum yet when I picked him up to carry him inside… until he realised he was going in the bath, lol. Yes, the heat had baked the paint on and he needed a scrubbing.

And that, my friends, is that.

I hope you’ve all enjoyed this peek into life in our family life as much as I’ve enjoyed capturing and sharing it.

30.01.2009

Toby’s first ever icecream. The look on his face on the top right pretty much sums up his take on the whole experience. He thought it was totally ludicrous! He would giggle and then shudder and then giggle a bit more. Eventually the entire top half broke off and fell on the floor, at which point my carefully composed photographs went to crap because I was worried about him walking melted icecream through the house.

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In other news, I just found this morning that I am a finalist in the Heart of Gold international photographic competition. I’m very excited. It’s my first time entering a photographic competition and so I’d more than happy if being a finalist is as far as it goes. It’s one of my photos from January, but that’s all I’m going to say for now. Wish me luck!

Posted in child photography, my life, personal projects | 7 Comments »