House on the Hill

I first met Tash a decade ago when I photographed her sweet family. First at her son’s graduation and again when celebrating their two daughters with a fun family session in the woods. A little later I booked Tash in to style a quirky family session with a caravan (she thinks of all the details!) and we’ve since become friends! In the last few years I’ve photographed her beautiful daughters as they grow, and even recently one of her children marrying his love x When I heard she had begun renovations of beautiful property in inner East Brisbane I knew I’d be out there at some point, and last month the time came! In just a short time, Tash has revamped and styled the meandering vegetable garden and most adorable shed for her feathered friends (built by clever hubby!). So ridiculously sweet! For this session, sweet Ainslie, the long-awaited daughter of another decade-long client, now friend, joined my sweet-pea to relish in the features of the delightful House on the Hill. They had so much fun adventuring and exploring together! The good news is you can now book this site for your own family session with me, so if you are into organics, vegetables, flowers and cute animals, drop me a line and I’d love to chat! xo Follow the adventures of Number 119 via @119houseonthehill xo Enjoy!

Kids with Curls

Every few years I design a fun project shoot based on a theme that keeps coming back to me. A bunch of gorgeous kids join the fun and I create a series of images to celebrate something unique. In 2015 it was all about “The Darlings”, over 50 girls captured in three sessions with the cutest of animals: ponies, doves and kittens. In 2017 it was “HELLO red” a celebration of almost twenty redheads, so many sweet little souls and so many gorgeous shades of red, even I was surprised. And here in 2020, in a year full of twists and turns, it’s all about kids with curls. Curls that spring in all ways and have lives of their own, I’m sure. After spending just 10 minutes or so which each of them, the amazing thing was, that in the midst of their curls (which I’m sure they are known for), their eyes shone and their personalities blossomed. What an honor for me 🙂 Enjoy! xo

Welcoming Arden [family photography]

If you’re a photographer who loves to capture the essence of a family, their home, their fun, their joy together, then most likely you’re a storyteller at heart. And it’s storytelling that brings you the most satisfaction in what you do.  Most of the time, you capture just a glimpse into a families world, an hour or two, but when you’re lucky and you love what you do and your clients love you, you may be privileged enough to capture several chapters in their lives over the years.

Even though I’m shooting limited sessions right now (still enjoying my sweet bebe!) most of my bookings are returning clients, many who’ve had darling additions to their family.  This cute little crew has had several sessions over the last four years and it’s an honour to capture the arrival of their little girl Arden as she completes their family. Love!

The Seasons Change [keep smiling]

It’s that time of year…all the graduations… so many happening in primary school, highschool and beyond.  These girls have enjoyed many years together as friends at school and are graduating from Year 6. It’s a big change, you’re leaving behind childhood and starting on the road to becoming an adult.  You could say it will no doubt be a little like a rollercoaster – full of a few lows and some awesome highs.  One of their mums decided to treat them to a little “friendventure” to celebrate the end of an era – a trip to the showground and a photographer to capture it all!  It was loads of fun (for them and me!). What a gorgeous memory to treasure for the years to come. Life is full of sweet, you just have to chase it x

Business Spotlight: Kokopod Chocolate

A fun post about small business, those I work with, to not only showcase them, but also to give a little insight into other business owners when it comes to making things happen! First up is Brigid, creator and business owner at Kokopod. Enjoy x
1. What do you love most about running your own business? I love the flexibility to fit all the important things in my life in like school events for my kids…I never have to miss anything.
2. What is your productivity hack of the month?  Write “to do” lists daily and stick to them. The drive to work helps me to map out my mornings so my day runs smoothly and my to do list helps me to action my thoughts.
3. Who is your inspiration?  My go-to for inspo is more focused on real-life people who are in small business achieving goals in the area I am working on at that moment. I’m more likely to call/ email and connect with a person I know than using the internet to find out the information. Real interactions that I can apply in real time.
4. What’s your personal favourite thing that comes from your business? My favourite product of all time is the classic macnuts – totally cannot ever get sick of those beauties!
5. A quote you love?  Nothing ever changes, if nothing ever changes!
Check out more beautiful products or buy online with Kokopod here!

Branding

My commercial work over the last decade has included brand work for schools, daycare centres, small business owners, the arts, not-for-profits and individuals.  With my unique skills for creativity and making you feel relaxed – combined with my background in marketing and advertising, I love to work with you to create an image collection that suits your brand or product. Feel free to drop me a line to discuss your needs and ideas! Maddie

HELLO red [a creative project]

Twenty three cute redheaded children, of varying ages, in a forest, in the spring. HELLOred.  Most of them didn’t know each other, but they were champions and many had an instant bond. They say that there are only 2% of redheads in the world, making them super unique. But yet here together, in the midst of this fact, there was beautiful diversity – strawberry blondes, reds, auburns, blue eyes, brown eyes, green eyes, freckles, fair skin, tans, curls, waves and straight locks.  It was wonderful to see!  Apparently in Scotland and Ireland the population is over 10% redhead –  and on the morning we did the shoot, as the kids played in the morning light, we heard the sound of bagpipes and scottish tunes drifting through the forest.  By a random occurrence and a delicious surprise, the local pipe band decided to undertake a practice session not far from where we were shooting. And so the wee tunes of the isles found us even here in a distant land.  Enjoy x

Our Darling & Us [Family Portraits]

Gosh I love meeting new families.  There is something so delightful about the journey of life – welcoming little people and savouring how they add to your world as they grow!  It’s a joy to meet people for the first time and so quickly be able to see into their world and capture something they can enjoy forever.  For all the hard work it can be as a parent, nothing can match the joy of a giggle or sparkle in their eyes when you are together xx This cute little family are friends of one of my lovely long term clients and we had a wonderful morning together! Sweet bliss xx

Family Photography [What to Wear]

In the lead up to a family session, my clients and I generally chat a lot about locations, things to do and most importantly, what to wear.  When it comes to outfits, I actually don’t have any specific rules, as long as the style or colour palette works well as a whole. I do have galleries of pinterest ideas for those who need it and often have clients emailing me photos of clothes to get my thoughts which I’m more than happy to help with.  It’s great to see the effort people put into their session, to make it even more relaxing and fun.
There is one idea that I think is a fantastic tip over all the others, when choosing outfits for your family session… and that is – for mum’s outfit to be the FIRST to be chosen. Usually if mum feels great,  everyone feels great.  It’s much easier to pull in the rest of the family’s outfits around something that makes mum feel wonderful than the other way around.  It’s a tip I discovered a few years ago and has helped many a family have a fantastic family session with me.
Here’s a peek at little family adventure from not long ago with a quirky style of their own. Where the empty streets we explored, the sky art,  the graffiti and the random balloons we found in a back allyway all came together just perfectly to suit this crew and their rad vibe.   Enjoy!
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