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!

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

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!

May 2nd. The labour day long weekend. How appropriate that I should be honoured to spend the day with this gorgeous family, as mummy laboured to bring her sweet darling into the world. So perfect! xo Claire is the very talented owner and photographer of The Newborn Studio and I was delighted for her to book me as her birth photographer.  Birth is an intimate and special moment that is like no other. Birth photography is about capturing the journey, the emotion and the elation when your little one is finally in your arms.  With this baby being their last baby (and their first girl) it was something that Brad and Claire wanted to treasure.   I spent a peaceful morning with them, at Mater Mothers, surrounded by a wonderful team who cared for them.  In the early afternoon, after a beautiful hour or so of active labour, little Miss Emily Rose arrived calmly and safely – and was a bundle of cuteness! Two parents were filled with love and delight in their little girl. Enjoy!