The Darlings #02

Posted on November 21, 2015 by maddie

My second session in The Darlings series was in a gorgeous park I discovered in North Brisbane. One morning, I drove around six old favourite spots hoping to be inspired…. but over the years the plant growth had changed and I just didn’t feel they were what I was after. I then went exploring along another park I’d photographed at once before and it was there I found the perfect spot. This session saw me with 22 girls, a gorgeous series of garlands (from The Bloom Collective) and a bevy of doves brought along by White Wings Doves. I was certainly exhausted by the end of the short session, but it was a lot of fun xx a gorgeous bunch of darlings!

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The Darlings #01

Posted on November 20, 2015 by maddie

As any creative knows, when your business is birthed from an original hobby, it’s important to keep your passion fresh. Thankfully, the majority of my work is in line with my love of family, fun and creativity so I don’t have to reignite it often. But every now and then I get an idea and if I can’t incorporate it into one of my client’s sessions, it sits with me until I bring it to pass. This project “The Darlings” is one of those ideas.. it’s all about the beauty of friendships, a big bunch of girls, fun things they love, pretty hair and dresses, and sunlight in the garden to backdrop it all. My limitations for the sessions were one location per session, only 30-60 minutes to shoot group shots and a portrait each with a limited number of props and inclusions. They say you’re crazy to work with kids and animals, but I think it’s one of the best combos out there! Each of the girls involved will receive a beautiful portrait of their own to keep forever. I’m thinking I’ll do more of these in the future, we had such a blast together. I met over 50 gorgeous girls in three different sessions and each one was as beautiful as the next! Over the next three days I’ll showcase each session. This is the first. Enjoy! x

River [brisbane newborn photography]

Posted on September 25, 2015 by maddie

I’ve heard it said…that the name River… implies that the recipient of that name will lead an adventurous life… will pave their own way…will carve new paths… and push against the common, foraging into new ground. What a glorious honour…and what a grand dream for a new babe.

I truly love meeting new parents with their little bundles – there is something wonderful about your firstborn, the massive learning curve that is enveloped by your heart that has grown in an instant.

It was a pleasure to get to know this loving, creative family as they welcomed their new little man last month. Enjoy x

Summer Love [commercial photography]

Posted on September 15, 2015 by maddie

Last summer I got to meet the wonderful owners (Darren & Jo) of Old Cossack Drinks Co. Such a lovely couple – and it always makes me happy to see people taking a dream and a passion and starting a new business! Their drinks are divine – a collection of fizzy, refreshing tastes that are actually good for your health. The range includes Ginger Beer, Lemon Lime & Bitters, Mint Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, Strawberry & Vanilla Cider, Coconut Water Kefir and my favourite Pear Cider! So yummy. As we head into the warmer months I’m reminded of their goodness – you can catch them at the Carseldine Markets every Saturday morning or at many of best foodie spots in Sth East Qld! Follow them here to find out where they will be xxx

Arrival at home [birth photography]

Posted on June 10, 2015 by maddie

One of the things I love most about natural births is that there is nothing you can do to bring that baby into the world until it’s ready to arrive. They’re on their own schedule and no amount of planning or hoping can change that. And then, when the time finally comes, the beauty of birth takes you into a virtual time-warp, where the outside world ceases to exist and the miraculous arrival of a new little person begins and then takes place. It was amazing from my own birth experiences and it’s been amazing to see other mama’s do the same.

This is the story of a loving mummy and daddy, with two little girls of their own already, as they bring another new life into the world – a baby boy. The support and love between them all was gorgeous to capture. A mama allowing her body to bring forth her baby. Her man, her youngsters and her supporters around her, peaceful and at ease.

And I will admit, this little guy certainly is set to be quite a special someone – he shares his birth date with both my husband, my mother and my uncle. And he kindly scheduled his arrival during the middle hours of the day so I could celebrate not only his arrival, but my own family fun too (they send their love!). I have a feeling he is going to be relaxed, handsome and organised. Enjoy! xo

Let’s explore! [family photography]

Posted on April 2, 2015 by maddie

It’s been a little drizzly in South East Qld this week (poor long weekend campers!) but hopefully the next few days will bring more weather like the skies at this gorgeous session from a few weeks ago. There is something quite magical about being by the sea. My own little family has a favourite past-time of heading to the nearest river, seaside or ocean to relax and explore. No goal in mind but to walk, talk, breath the fresh air and see what gems of nature we find. From toddlers to teens (and the parents too) it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle, leave the technology in the car and get your toes a little dirty. The outdoors have a wonderful way of soothing the tiredest and grumpiest of hearts. Hope you have an amazing weekend! Maddie xx

Ryan & Louise [Byron Bay Photography]

Posted on February 1, 2015 by maddie

I met Louise and Ryan earlier this year when I was still contemplating giving up weddings to focus on family and individual portraits. As soon as I met them I loved them and knew that I wanted to capture their wedding story. Hearing them talk about their plans and how they wanted the day to feel for their guests was inspiring. A beautiful mix of fun, creativity, quirkiness and beauty.

On the day of their wedding in the Byron Bay region, they had chosen the Bangalow Showgrounds for their ceremony. Ideally it would have been an outdoor celebration under the stars and pretty lights, but they (and their amazing family and friends) helped to move it from an outdoor experience to an indoor experience with exactly the same atmosphere!

With my trusty second shooter Josh Weier by my side, we capture their perfect day and the story that was their wedding. We had a blast and enjoyed every minute! I wish them both all the best and cannot wait to see them in January when they are back visiting Brisbane. Enjoy! Maddie

Note: I am no longer shooting large weddings for 2013 but am available for intimate ceremonies, registry weddings and vow renewals. I also capture family portraits, individuals and couples session, so if you like what you see, please drop me a line! Have a super weekend. Maddie

Holiday fun! [brisbane photography]

Posted on January 20, 2015 by maddie

Over the last few years I’ve photographed many families visiting Brisbane on holidays. Some from down south like Melbourne, Tasmania and New South Wales and others travelling to Brisbane from up north as well. It’s become a bit of a fun thing to book in for your family portraits while you are on holiday and it kinda makes sense! You’re relaxed, having fun and the kids are enjoying all your attention and love. You have lots of time to get ready and plan an adventure for the day. So it’s not only a great memory of your holiday away, but beautiful imagery you have to enjoy on the walls for many years to come!

Over the next year or so, I’m also considering a few travel trips – where I’ll fly in for a weekend and fit in a few sessions on the one day. If you are keen for this option, please drop me a line and let me know where you are. If it’s works, we’ll book in some fun with your crew! Happy days ahead! All the best for a great start to 2015 ! Maddie xx

An arrival at home [birth photography]

Posted on October 9, 2014 by maddie

As a water-birthing mama myself, from the minute I met this sweet mummy I knew she had what was needed to bring her baby into the world at home. With her first birth resulting in a caesarean, this was going to be no easy feat mentally, but she was prepared for the challenge and excited about what lay ahead. As we sat chatting, she shone with a beautiful trust that her body could still do what it was made to do despite the past. We talked about her preparations for the birth and in the back of my mind I was in awe that while here she was was sipping tea with me, her body worked away quietly, minute by minute, nourishing her little one. Without her telling it to, it was growing a baby under her heart and she could trust it to do the same when the baby was ready to come.

As an avid supporter of water birthing (a warm bath after a hard day or a long jog brings wonderful relief right?) I loved the candle-lit environment they created at home. Supported by her husband, her wonderful midwife, an assistant midwife, her mum and her chiropractor, I was honoured to be able to capture the empowering journey and first few hours of this little guy’s life. The joy on this mama’s face when she is holding her little one in her arms says it all. I’ll remember it forever. Enjoy! Maddie x

Beach fun! [family photography]

Posted on September 4, 2014 by maddie

Family portraits are fascinating. If you never have them done, you’ll probably never know what you are missing. You might see other peoples photos and think they are nice but that it’s probably not for you. And that’s okay, cause you’ll never know. You see, they are something that become valuable only AFTER they’ve been taken. And that’s a privilege I don’t take for granted (and that makes my work so fun!). It’s like I’m treasure hunting on behalf of you. To capture what you don’t see when you’re just hanging out together. I’ve had many families tell me how much they adore their images and how they love to see them around their home in the midst of a busy life. And when I think about it, I guess that’s my main goal at all family sessions – to create images that sooth your soul, that take you back to that happy place that is your family at it’s best. I love it! Today’s feature is a sweet crew who were visiting the Gold Coast from Tasmania this month on their annual holiday (mum is also the talented creator of Mooi Handmade). We began our session with a little walk and scooter ride followed by sandcastles and fun at the beach. Coastal bliss at it’s best. Enjoy!