canberra baby photographer « Heartstory: Canberra baby & child photography by Katie Kolenberg

Posts Tagged ‘canberra baby photographer’

Lately | Canberra portrait photographer

August 23, 2010

I must apologise for things being a bit quiet on the Blogfront lately, but I’m pleased to tell you that I have a few fun little projects in the pipeline… so don’t go away!

I posted several weeks back that I was off to Cooma one fine Saturday to judge a photography competition. Well, judge I did. Wow, what an interesting and enjoyable experience! Huge thanks to Ian Pfeffer, the owner of Polo Red Gallery in Cooma, who invited me to come and select the finalists for the 2010 Photographic Prize. I was flattered and honoured to play such an important role, and I took my job very seriously. Big thanks also to my lovely friend Bec who I asked along to help me out.

Here is a photo Bec took of me pondering one of the images.

I have always thought I had well developed skills in critical analysis, (thanks to a childhood spent immersed in the world of fine art, followed by years of study in creative fields where ‘critique’ is a normal part of every day life) and it was very satisfying to put them to valuable use. I spent the better part of the day at the gallery, sorting and resorting entries and putting my brain and heart to work. I chose forty finalists from the entry pool and they are now hanging in the gallery awaiting your verdict. That’s right – the winner of the $1250 grand prize is decided via visitor vote, and will be announced at the end of this week. Voters also go in the running for a bottle of Grange – niiiice! I have several bigtime favourites (but my lips are sealed) and I can’t wait to see if one of them is the lucky winner!!!

In other news, I was excited to see one of my images in print again this month. LittleONE is a gorgeous new magazine for mums with style and taste. It has some fantastic articles about parenting, especially for the early days, and in my opinion is one of the best mags out there for this demographic. However, I can quite honestly say that much as I love it, I’m kinda glad it wasn’t around when Toby was a baby, because I would have been a lot poorer – it is full of so many inspiring and beautiful products for little ones, and the latest issue is completely focused on design & style. Here are some snaps of my work published in their last two issues. (Please note: the cover images not mine – I just wanted to show what the mag looks like in case you want to buy it!)

LittleONE magazine

Heartstory in print! {Canberra baby photographer}

Heartstory in print! {Canberra child photographer}

My competition to win a free session for Fathers Day is still open, so don’t forget to enter! Entries close on September 3rd. Enter here!

Tags: award winning canberra photographer, canberra baby photographer, canberra children's photographer, canberra portrait photographer, heartstory contemporary portrait photography, LittleONE baby magazine, LittleONE design & style, photography competition, Polo Red Gallery Cooma, polo red photographic prize 2010
Posted in news | 5 Comments »

Josephine | Canberra newborn photography

July 6, 2010

Becoming a parent for the first time is one of the most terrifying, exhilarating, intense, joyful, exhausting, amazing and life-changing experiences a person can have. When I think of it – not just my own experience, but the experiences of everyone I know – I am filled with emotion. My heart beats faster, tears spring to my eyes and I feel a surge of love and empathy that I can’t put into words.

That is why I take newborn sessions so seriously. Why I love them so much. Why I feel blessed for hours afterwards.

These moments are more precious and more fleeting than any other moments in life that I can think of. I am so honoured to be there to capture them.

Meet sweet little Josephine, whose amazing mother loved and wanted her before she was even old enough to be one herself…

Heartstory {newborn photography}

Tags: canberra award winning photographer, canberra baby photographer, canberra baby photography, canberra maternity photography, canberra newborn photographer, canberra newborn photography, heartstory contemporary portrait photography
Posted in newborn photography | 9 Comments »

Wabi-sabi | Canberra children’s photography

June 22, 2010

I came across the word ‘wabi-sabi’ not that long ago, and it really struck a chord with me. I think it does with a lot of photographers and artists.

Wabi: humble
Sabi: the beauty of the natural progression of time

The beauty of imperfection.

It’s what I love to capture. It’s the truth. It’s human. It’s the way we are. It’s why when I’m post-processing images, I often increase the clarity instead of smoothing skin out. Flaws are beautiful; they reveal character, stories, time.

Beauty is everywhere, but often it’s the most breathtaking in the imperfect and the ordinary.

It’s why this image has been a favourite for many months now. It’s the curve of his belly contrasting against the nappy sticking out of his shorts, it’s the dirty nails that clearly need trimming but the delicate way he’s holding that little leafy branch, it’s his chubby, dimply soft little hands with that one little finger curling oddly around the one next to it.

Heartstory {child photographer}

Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. ~ Leonard Cohen

Tags: canberra award winning photographer, canberra baby photographer, canberra children's photographer, canberra childrens photography
Posted in child photography, my life | 10 Comments »

Digital collections for maternity/newborn sessions & other news | Canberra newborn & baby photography

June 14, 2010

Winter is upon us in Canberra. And although I love the early morning mist and the stark blue skies, I really don’t relish the cold very much. That is why I own about forty scarves, and a big pile of assorted gloves. Except that any Canberran knows that there are days – and many of them – when lovely scarves and gloves do not make up for the bitterness of winter.

So, I understand the drop in bookings during winter, particularly outdoors ones. And to be honest, I don’t mind a bit of hibernation time myself. However, babies continue to be conceived and born regardless of the temperature outdoors, and as I approach the third birthday of my son – my very own smack-bang-in-the-middle-of-winter-baby – I thought it might be a nice time to show you my most popular product for new parents…

…the Heartstory Digital Collection…

Heartstory {maternity & newborn photography digital collection}

This double box luxury set holds two DVDs, one containing your maternity collection and the other containing your newborn collection, together with a 5×7.5″ print of every single image in both collections. For most maternity/newborn combos, this is between 50 and 70 prints.

Heartstory {maternity & newborn photography digital collection}

I know why it’s such a popular choice for my beautiful maternity and newborn clients. Because they can’t bear the thought of parting with any of the images in their galleries – they want to keep all of them! This is why I love doing maternity and newborn combinations so much – to be a part of such a special time in a family’s life is an absolute honour, a privilege and a joy. Maternity and newborn collections hold the most precious, dear memories and moments that can never be repeated. In many ways it is far more momentous and life changing than getting married, and that is why I take the responsibility of photographing it extremely seriously. Heartstory digital collections are a luxury product and presented as such. Purchasing yours gives you unlimited access to print, share and forever treasure your images. You can make albums and other keepsakes, you can make gift prints for family members and friends, you can make a slideshow to be shown at a special event, the possibilities are endless.

Heartstory currently offers a complimentary maternity session with every newborn session booked. So there really is no excuse to miss out on the chance to be photographed while you’re pregnant, especially if it’s your first or last pregnancy! Please get in touch (0402 091 949 or katie@heartstoryphotography.com.au) to find out more about maternity/newborn sessions, or hop on over to the Heartstory website.

In completely unrelated news, Heartstory will be at Mathilda’s Market in Canberra on September 12! I am super excited about this and I hope to see some of you there!

Mathilda's Market

Tags: canberra baby photographer, canberra baby photography, canberra maternity photography, canberra newborn photographer, canberra newborn photography, mathilda's market
Posted in maternity photography, newborn photography, news, products | 1 Comment »

Multiple awards at the 2010 Australian Professional Photography Awards!

June 8, 2010

I arrived home last night after nearly five days in Melbourne, most of which was spent at the Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA) judging. The judging took place inside the Digital Life expo, a three day event for photographers, designers and those associated with the industry at the Melbourne Convention Centre. As many of you will know, I only joined the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) in January, and so this was my first time entering and attending the APPAs, and wow, what an experience!

My itinerary also included a heck of a lot of socialising and an insane amount of laughter. I met many new people, and got to spend time with many lovely friends as well. (Oh, and I shopped too, of course! A trip to Melbourne is never complete without shopping!)

And quite apart from the social aspect, I saw some absolutely amazing work, a lot of which was by those I am fortunate enough to call friends. Many of my fellow ‘emerging’ photographers entering for the first time picked up more than one award for their prints, and it was all just so exciting to watch and be a part of. Congratulations to all of you gorgeous, clever people, including those who didn’t make it over that frustrating ‘79′ – you are all winners in my eyes!

Those of you who follow my facebook page may have have noticed a few excited status updates from the judging, but for those who don’t, I’m so thrilled and happy to share with you that I was awarded three silver awards for the three prints I entered! The first two were in the Illustrative category, and third was in Portrait (the same image I got a silver for at the state awards earlier in the year). There is a new category in the APPAs called Family, which is all about the every day work of photographers who specialise in photographing babies, children and families – it was fascinating to watch the judging of that category and I will definitely be entering it next year.

Katie Kolenberg {ACT AIPP Epson 2010 Emerging Photographer of the Year}

So for anyone reading this who:

has never been a part of the AIPP APPAs or state print awards
is just getting into photography and looking for inspiration
wants to see some amazing work that you would never ordinarily get the chance to see
wants to learn and network with other photographers
is about to make the leap into professional photography…

Let me urge you to go along to next year’s APPAs (which I believe will be in Sydney) and watch the judging. Treat yourself to three days of total immersion in the professional industry. It’s fascinating, inspiring, educational and a whole heap of fun. I am already looking forward to 2011!!!

Tags: AIPP, AIPP ACT Epson Emerging Photographer of the Year, APPAs, Australian Professional Photography Awards, canberra baby photographer, canberra child photographer, canberra family photographer, Canberra illustrative photographer, canberra portrait photographer, Melbourne APPAs 2010
Posted in fine art photography, news, portrait photography | 10 Comments »

My friend Bec | Canberra family photographer

May 28, 2010

This session took place a few weeks ago, in my favourite spot. To those who know where it is: shhhhh. Our secret. It’s a little hidden paradise, and I hope to keep it that way.

This is my dear friend Bec, her hubby Kent and their darling, beloved boy Ash. Bec is also a photographer, and I can feel deep in my heart as I’m typing these words just how much these photos are going to mean to her.

Bec and I have been good friends for five years. She helped and inspired me in a big way when I was just starting out as a photographer, and has been one of my biggest supports ever since. We worked together, became mums within a year of each other, and did the Jesh De Rox workshop together late last year, and since then we’ve seen each other grow and change in the most amazing ways.

I think these images really capture the beautiful person that she is to me and to others. Especially that fourth one down on the right–that’s her all over, and doesn’t it just make you smile?! She’s like that. She’s also a wonderful mother and one of the most caring and compassionate people I’ve ever met. I am so grateful to have her in my life.

Love you Bec. Love these too.

heartstory {family photography}

Tags: canberra baby photographer, canberra baby photography, canberra child photographer, canberra child photography, canberra family photographer, canberra family photography, canberra lifestyle photographer, natural light portrait photography
Posted in family photography | 13 Comments »

Magical and unforgettable | Canberra family photographer

May 16, 2010

I don’t often find myself lost for words. I’ve pretty much always got something to say, even if it’s pure gushing with a total overuse of superlatives! But there is very little that I can say about this session or this family that the pictures don’t say for themselves.

Magical and unforgettable. That’s what this session was. My heart was touched deeply by these four very special souls.

heartstory {child photography}

heartstory {family & child photography}

heartstory {family photography}

heartstory {child photography}

heartstory {family photography}

heartstory {child photography}

Tags: canberra baby photographer, canberra baby photography, canberra child photographer, canberra child photography, canberra family photographer, canberra family photography, canberra portrait photographer, canberra portrait photography
Posted in child photography, family photography | 16 Comments »

Ava & Aden | Canberra child & baby photography

May 14, 2010

Has anyone ever noticed how many redheads feature on my blog? Well, I can tell you that it’s definitely not deliberate, but it feels like some kind of wonderful gift from the universe, and I am loving it!

It’s no secret to those who know me well that I love red hair. For starters, my favourite book as a child was Anne of Green Gables: oh how I longed to have red hair like Anne! Also, growing up in a family passionate about fine art, I had access to a lot of books and became obsessed with painters and paintings from the Italian Renaissance and the Romantic Era, and so many of their subjects had fiery red hair and pale, pale skin, which I thought was the absolute epitome of beauty. When I was about 14, I put a semi-permanent colour in my own hair and you can imagine my dismay when I realised that my blonde hair and a red rinse made…HOT PINK HAIR! Which would have been super cool about five years later, but at the time was completely and utterly mortifying! Several years later, when I was at uni, I did it properly, loved it and kept it that way for over a year. But alas, it was never going to be the same as having naturally red hair, like these two little cuties.

How gorgeous are they? And how perfectly does their hair and colouring match the beautiful autumnal light and colours?!

heartstory {baby photography & child photography}

heartstory {child photography}

heartstory {baby photography}

heartstory {baby photography & child photography}

Tags: canberra baby photographer, canberra baby photography, canberra child photographer, canberra child photography, love autumn mini sessions, natural light portraiture
Posted in baby photography, child photography | 3 Comments »

Juliette & Louis | Canberra baby & child photography

May 10, 2010

I cannot tell you enough how wonderful, beautiful and perfect this time of year is for photos, especially photos with adorable little people like Juliette and Louis. Juliette stole my heart the minute I saw her trotting towards me in her little red hoodie dress and the most scrumptious head of curls, and Louis melted me with his big brown eyes and luscious lashes.

Sometimes I think I gush a bit too much at sessions – the kids I get to photograph are just too cute - but then I remember how I never get sick of hearing people tell me how gorgeous my son is, so why would my clients?! And it’s just as well, because I. Cannot. Help. It. I love these little people; I love photographing them, and I love making their parents happy with beautiful images like these that I’ve absolutely put my heart into.

heartstory {child photography}

heartstory {baby & child photography}

heartstory {baby photography}

My only regret is that this was only a mini session! I could have kept going for a lot longer than 30 minutes, that’s for sure!

S & A, I hope you enjoy the sneak peek: I’ll be in touch with your gallery very soon.

Life with a newborn | Canberra newborn photographer

May 4, 2010

I had a very special day yesterday. I met a beautiful little girl called Emma Grace, the first child of Belinda and Glen. Belinda and Glen are the kind of people you can’t help but like the minute you meet them and their warm, easy going natures are going to make them fantastic parents. (And Glen you can rest assured that the nice things I’m saying have nothing to do with your espresso machine, since I met you before I knew you shared my love of great coffee!)

Little Emma Grace has a stubborn streak (although I still can’t tell who she inherited that from), and she gave me a real run for my money. But I’m so glad she did… because she pushed me to be the best photographer I could be, and allowed me to capture some beautiful, poignant, and very real family moments that truly moved me.

Life with a newborn is a rollercoaster of intense emotions. For first time parents, it takes you to places you’ve never been, no matter how much life you’ve lived. Some of those places are not very nice and some of them are the most wonderful, amazing places in the universe.

My memories of life with a newborn are nearly three years old and feel like a dream in that I can only remember very fleeting things; the smell of milky skin, an anguished cry, the heaviness of sleep deprivation, a feeling of joy and fear mixed together. I wish very much that those days had been captured like I captured Glen, Belinda and Emma’s day yesterday.

Thank you Belinda and Glen for inviting me into your home and your life. It’s been such a pleasure, and I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed making them. xxx

heartstory {canberra newborn photography}