It tried to rain on us during the session, but we didn’t let it get the better of us, and even scored a little burst of sunshine right at the end. You all know how I love my sunflare, but you can’t beat a cloudy morning for eye-popping colour!

Enjoy!

Enjoy yet another set of beautiful autumn images…

Before you look through the images, I want to share a few thoughts with you about the way I approach newborn photography sessions. For me, it’s a little exploration into what life is really like with a tiny baby. I like to capture every little thing I can, as authentically as possible, because together, the images tell a truthful, tender story… it’s in the way mum and dad look at their new baby, the way they take in all the tiny details that make up the little person they created, it’s the fleeting moments of humour, tiredness, bewilderment, wonder, of incredibly deep love. It’s total warm and fuzzies for me, as the observer. And my job is to create a collection of unique, artistic images that document and celebrate this special time. I cherish the thought of how powerful these visual memories will become in the months and years that follow.

These images are a perfect example of why I take so much pride in choosing locations, and why I make sure that those locations really feature in my images. Canberra is beautiful. Most people who live here love the amazing natural surroundings that are just a stone’s throw from pretty much anywhere. I am captivated by nature on a daily basis. I love driving in the early morning and late afternoon — often the drive home after a session is pure heaven to me. Beautiful skies make me happy. For me, nature is therapy. I exercise outdoors rather than at the gym, because it makes me feel refreshed and grateful. I find joy in the changing seasons. Before I found portrait photography, I only ever photographed nature. I wanted to capture the beauty that surrounds us every day, and I believe that beauty has the power to de-stress, uplift and heal.

So it makes perfect sense to me to photograph my subjects in such environments. Being out in nature, especially at the most beautiful times of day, really brings out something in people. It casts a special spell on children, and it helps adults relax and enjoy the moment. I don’t expect people to see light the way I do, but I know they feel it. And it creates a mood and ambience that goes perfectly with the capture of love and fun and childish play.

This family is special to me because they were the first family I photographed after officially launching Heartstory. They were also responsible for my photographs being published for the first time (in Little One Baby). And their oldest daughter Lillian was the subject of one of my first ever award winning images. Special with a capital S, right?

I hadn’t seen them since January 2010, and Lillian was just as enchanting now as she was then, just with a bit more cheek and energy! Her new baby sister Isla is the cutest thing with the most adorable eyes and tuft of hair. It was a joy and a pleasure to photograph them again.

And this shoot was a hoot. For me, and for this gorgeous pair of almost-parents. How adorable is mum-to-be?

Their bub was born a few days ago (on my birthday, how cool is that?!), and will be having her first photo session this week. I can’t wait to meet her!

These faces may be familiar to some of you. I recently had a beautiful portrait session with Allison and Jarrod on their own, and I also photographed the three of them last year when Xavier was only two and a half. He is such a little character – check out his Wiggles moves (and singing face) in the 3rd sequence down. He gives me the sweetest smiles, and he’s got the cutest little boy voice ever.

Since that first session, I think these guys have become my biggest fans. They really get it, and are totally in love with their images and how the experience of having their family documented in this way has enriched their lives. That is all I could ever hope for. And I love them too.

This adorable pair had me at hello, with those cute curls and expressive eyebrows! We spent a couple of hours roaming around one of my favourite locations, stopping for a picnic in one spot, acorn and pinecone collecting in another, and wrapped up with loads of family snuggles as the sun went down.

There are few better things that a parent can say to me when they book their session than I’d really like you to capture who they are right now, their interests and personalities. I hope I’ve fulfilled your wishes Fiona and Rod! It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with your family.

So from the professional photographer’s point of view (and most definitely my own), kids will always be kids, and that’s ok. Sometimes there frowns, tanties and dogged determination to do the exact opposite of what you want. And sometimes there are beaming smiles, cuddles, wicked dance moves and utter obedience. Mostly I get to see all of that within the first 30 minutes of every shoot I do. And I wouldn’t be a child photographer if I didn’t love kids, whatever mood they’re in.

Aren’t they just gorgeous? Expect many more posts as fun and colourful as this one over the next few weeks…