The Darlings #01

Posted on 20/11/2015 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 25/09/2015 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

Arrival at home [birth photography]

Posted on 10/06/2015 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 02/04/2015 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 01/02/2015 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 20/01/2015 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 09/10/2014 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

Your brand [brisbane headshots]

Posted on 02/09/2014 by maddie

In my early years of photography, I was occasionally booked to take headshots for business people. It was usually pretty stock standard with a neutral background resulting in a ‘nice’ photo of the subject. But it didn’t tell anything further and I found them a little uninspiring. So after a few years avoiding them, I decided that I’d approach it a different way – where I found out more about who each person was and then aim to incorporate their story into their images. I wanted to create not only a headshot, but a collection of images they could use for multiple editorial and brand development purposes. I also opened it up to artists, designers and other creatives. And so, nowadays, I actually love my ‘headshot’ sessions! Not only because they are relaxing and personal, but also because they allow me to create a completely unique collection of images that can be used almost immediately.

If you are in need of an updated profile collection for yourself, please drop me a line and I’d love to talk. And if you are part of the ROOOAR Community a 20% discount is yours with love. Have an amazing day. Maddie

p.p.s. Check out Secret Weapon below – one talented graphic designer!

Family traditions [brisbane family photography]

Posted on 27/05/2014 by maddie

Here is a collection from a recent family adventure in the park – cool weather perfection! I love this time of year x

Recently, some family session planning with clients had me thinking about the importance of traditions – how they don’t have to be fancy – and how you generally need to book them in CONSCIOUSLY to make them happen! They are the magical glue that hold you together and creates a sense of belonging… no matter how small or large your family is. So I thought I’d share some easy and relatively free ways to have fun with your children over and over (some of which I do with my sweet crew!). Let me know your traditions if you have one? Or if not – invent one (or steal one from below) and go have fun with your little people.. make magic! xxx Maddie

Catch the train into the museum or art gallery every turn of spring > read books in the sunshine every saturday morning > have a sandcastle competition on New Years Day > hide 50 fun notes/encouragements around the house to find over the summer months > climb onto the roof and star gaze the night before each other’s birthday > have Friday night pizza night and say one great thing that happened this week for every piece you eat > keep lego only for the holidays and create mass villages and constructions > have the parents tell a ‘when I was a kid…’ adventure story over breakfast each Sunday morning > play board games on thursday nights and make home made popcorn with crazy flavours > say good morning the first time you see each other and kiss each others forehead > take a simple camping trip every year in spring to a favourite location > have toasted sandwiches and a movie every sunday afternoon > have mexican monday every week > sing in the car on the way to nanna’s > talk about your day in accents while you wash the dishes…the list goes on, be creative! 🙂

Ten sweet tips for new parents

Posted on 16/04/2014 by maddie

I’ve worked with so many wonderful mamas over the last few years and during my sessions, I often end up chatting lots to the new parents I meet! My favourite saying is that babies are like little puzzles – no two are the same – and you sometimes just need to try a few tricks before you figure out what works best for yours. Lately I’ve realised that some similar ideas pop up regularly and are often ‘news’ to the parents, so I thought I’d list a few fun/interesting ones for expectant mummies and new parents that worked for me! As with all advice, pick and choose to suit your world – but perhaps one of these will help make your first few weeks a little more wonderful! Remember – ‘the days are long, but the years are short’ [Gretchin Rubin]. Some days are very exhausting, but before you know it they are growing up fast! So remember to savour every beautiful moment you have xx

TIP 1. Most babies have peeling skin – true! No-one warns you but most parents are worried by it! It is super common and a they do grow out of it so don’t fear. A little baby oil will make it less obvious and it’ll be gone before you know it.

TIP 2. The little frill on disposable nappies is meant to be flipped OUT around their legs before you seal the tabs – do this! Or you may learn the messy way!

TIP 3. Flip babies bottom lip out if you are breastfeeding whenever they latch, to reduce tenderness. And always put a little breastmilk around first before you latch to help avoid dry skin.

TIP 4. Maximise your babies natural reflexes the first 24 hours for breastfeeding – let your bub suckle every time they search for it. (They are as new to this whole thing as you are!). If you give them loads of practice before they get hungry in the days following birth you could make it all a lot easier x

TIP 5. Quiet can be “noisy/unfamiliar” compared to your womb (heartbeat, digestion etc), so make the most of white noise or rainforest soundtracks to help your baby sleep if you’re having trouble with them at night when the world is at peace

TIP 6. Do something that makes you happy every day, even if for just 15 mins. Look after you and recharge your batteries when you can. You’ll be a happier mummy and a happier mummy makes a happier baby.

TIP 7. Don’t try and settle your baby together over a long night (your partner AND yourself). Two cranky parents makes for a dull day. If it’s going pear shaped at 12pm… send daddy to the couch or spare room for some decent shuteye. Then he can get up at 6am and do a morning shift while you get a few hours of yummy sleep in zzz’s!

TIP 8. If you have a baby that won’t settle and you’re feeling way in over your head, pop your bub safely in their cot. Then walk around the room, take big deep breaths and channel some positive words (I can do this!) and then continue with settling. It’s funny how your anxiety level can affect your bub and even if you have to ‘fake it’ at times, it can make a big difference to your baby’s calmness!

TIP 9. If your baby decides to be awake at odd hours, just get up and do something. They’ll often be asleep before you know it (or you’ll have a tidy house – win-win!). Clear a bench, do a load, create a list. You’ll feel tired anyway but a little bit organised which always helps!

etta photography

Category Archives: etta photography