Bushwalking love [brisbane family photography]

Posted on 27/07/2014 by maddie

When I was in highschool I always loved writing, particularly story telling. And although it’s not words and letters as much these days, I love that for me, when I photograph families, I am STILL telling stories.

Instead of a pen and paper (or keyboard), it’s a camera. And instead of characters and plots, it’s you and your world. But it’s still the chance to write a story of a tale that exists – and to bring my eye and my creativity, wrapped around the story of your life. And that, brings me a happy heart.

Recently I followed this sweet family on a bushwalking adventure under the Glasshouse Mountains. It’s their favourite space and it’s what they do together every week. Their sweet little girl may just enjoy the ride today, but when she is old enough to ask to go, she’ll be able to see the fun they were having – from the very beginning. Bliss! Enjoy x

Sugar and spice [brisbane newborn photography]

Posted on 12/04/2013 by maddie

When I had my own first baby four years ago my husband and I had wanted the gender to be a surprise. So when our baby was born, we were thrilled to realise we had a delightful little girl in our arms (what we secretly had wanted!). But like many mums, I had a small thought that I would endeavour not to overdo the ‘traditional pink’ look in the clothing department. Within a few weeks though, we were inundated with pink gifts, pink clothes, pink hats and pink shoes. And the funny thing was, I soon realised, that my little girl looked absolutely ADORABLE in pink! I tried red and blue and yellow and nothing made her look as rosy and sweet as pink did. But I loved it. So she went on to spend the next few years fashioning various shades of wonderful pink and I enjoyed every second of it!

So far this year, my newborn sessions this year have been a good mix of both boys and girls. But I thought I’d share a real girly one from earlier this year that I’ve been meaning to post. This is adorable little Poppy with her mum and dad. I met them a few months ago and Poppy certainly suited the sweetness of pink. Her mum has done an amazing job creating her nursery too and the whole session was truly wonderful. We all had a relaxing time spending the morning at their family home, a little while inside the nursery and then some time out in the garden. So cute!

merry christmas & a little giveaway

Posted on 20/12/2012 by maddie

Just a quick but meaningful note to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the beginning of the New Year! 2012 has been an amazing (and full!) year for me and as I begin my focus primarily on portraits, I am very excited to start a year of even more wonderful people stories. A special and beautiful thank you to all of my portrait, wedding and commercial clients from this year, it has been TRULY delightful to meet each and every one of you. I feel honored that you let me into the most precious moments of your lives and allowed me to capture your story xx so thank you xx

Also, in the spirit of giving, I would like to offer a giveaway! I cherish the fact that my photography surrounds me with some of the most beautiful times in life and I know that for many others this isn’t the case. Be in their work industry or just the hard seasons of life. So for this reason I would love to give away one session as a sweet etta photography gift, to pass on the love. The session can be any type – pregnancy, newborn, baby, child, family, couple, fashion portfolio or individual. It will include a 30-60 minute session in North Brisbane during January, an online private gallery of 20 images, two linen print display sets and a disc of your ten favourite digital images (valued over $500). To enter the draw, please leave a sweet comment of any sort below and make sure you include your first name and email (only your first name and comment will show below). I will draw a winner by RANDOM selection from comments at 12pm on Christmas Eve (noon) and then email the lucky person/people to let them know. All the best to you and I hope this will bring a little piece of joy to someone’s world who truly needs it xx

As I close off for 2012, I send much love to all and also ask that you too do something kind for a stranger this Christmas – just for the sake of old fashioned goodness! Pay for a strangers fuel. Cook your neighbour a meal. Tell someone in customer service what a great job they are doing. Let a car into your lane even if it means you’ll miss the lights. It keeps your heart rather happy and you never know whose world you may change. So for now farewell, I will be returning to work on January 7th and will respond to all emails in date order on my return. See you in 2013! x Maddie

Louise & Ryan (Bangalow Wedding)

Posted on 09/12/2012 by maddie

I met Ryan and Louise earlier this year and clicked with them from the moment we met (as I do with all my lovely couples!). Hearing them talk about their wedding plans and how they wanted their guests to experience the day was exciting to my love of all things fun, vintage, quirky and creative. At the time they were both living in Perth, so the next time I saw them was mid year for their engagement session (see it here as featured on Polka Dot Bride!). After the session, I knew the time we spent together was just a taste of the fun I would have capturing their wedding day love story.

Their wedding (10/11/12) was to be held in the region behind Byron Bay, within the quaint town of Bangalow. After a simple ceremony under the trees, the reception was planned to be an outdoor celebration with games on the lawn and an evening under the stars and pretty lights. However when nature decided it was meant to be a rainy day, Louise and Ryan went with the flow, and quickly took their ideas and recreated it all inside a quaint hall. This would have been no mean feat considering the detail of their day, but they had amazing family and friends who helped move their outdoor wedding celebration to an indoor one – and it still had the perfect atmosphere!

With one of my talented second shooters Josh Weier by my side, we captured their perfect day and the story that was their wedding. We truly had a blast with them and enjoyed every minute! From the delightful details in atmosphere, to the activities for guests, through to the absolutely delicious catering by Fig Tree Restaurant (and Louise’s mum’s special dessert bar!) everything had been thought of. I especially loved watching the relationships between guests – beautiful speeches, thoughtful words and loads of fun dancing! As quite the travelling duo, at present Louise and Ryan are crossing the Nullarbor and heading to Brisbane. I can’t wait to see them in January before they then begin an eight month trip to Africa, America and Europe – loads of fun adventures ahead! I hope you enjoy this peek at their day x Maddie

Note: I am no longer shooting large weddings from Jan 2013 but am available for intimate ceremonies, registry weddings and vow renewals. I also specialise in family portraits, individual sessions and couples session, so if you like what you see, please drop me a line and I would love to chat x

two’s company [brisbane newborn photography]

Posted on 03/05/2012 by maddie

I have been wanting to share these images for a few weeks now. I’m pleased to introduce you to Ava & Jake – new little twins and an adorable pair at that! I had so much fun capturing them. There was hardly a boo from either the whole time and the session was filled with grins and cuddles between them. You can really sense that they have become little buddies already!! How exciting for their parents to have a boy and a girl, the best of both worlds – and sure to be fun in the years to come. Congratulations again to this beautiful family. Please enjoy below a few of my favourite images – such a happy pair and a beautiful family! I bet it’s a busy house over there at the moment, but I’m also sure when it’s all going great there is double the joy! Maddie x

win a portrait of a lady shoot package

Posted on 01/09/2011 by maddie

It’s spring! So let’s have some fun! If you are a female in year 12 or your final year of university, tafe or college (or know someone who is!) you can go in the draw to win the following package to celebrate! A one hour styled portrait of a lady photo shoot and image collection from etta photography + a personalised style consultation and formal dress shopping guide from rebecca williams + for the shoot your own makeup session with raw artistry + hair styling by emma helmsley hairdressing.

Total prize is valued at almost $1000! We will make you look your best, feel your best and have a great time at your photo shoot! To go in the draw email your own or the nominee’s name + mobile + school/uni to info@ettaphotography.com.au. Entries to arrive by September 30, 2011 and the winner will be drawn on 1st October. Feel free to tell your friends but only one entry per person. Prize redeemable in October or November in North Brisbane by arrangement. All the best!