etta photography – Page 3 – storytelling family portraits | natural business branding

Ryan & Louise [Byron Bay Photography]

Posted on 01/02/2015 by maddie / 0 Comment

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

Etta Photography

Holiday fun! [brisbane photography]

Posted on 20/01/2015 by maddie / 0 Comment

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

Etta Photography

An arrival at home [birth photography]

Posted on 09/10/2014 by maddie / 0 Comment

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

Brisbane Portraits/Family Photography

Beach fun! [family photography]

Posted on 04/09/2014 by maddie / 0 Comment

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!

Etta Photography

Your brand [brisbane headshots]

Posted on 02/09/2014 by maddie / 0 Comment

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!

Brisbane Photography/Family Photography/Family Portraits Brisbane

Bushwalking love [brisbane family photography]

Posted on 27/07/2014 by maddie / 0 Comment

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

Etta Photography

Family traditions [brisbane family photography]

Posted on 27/05/2014 by maddie / 0 Comment

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! 🙂

Etta Photography

Ten sweet tips for new parents

Posted on 16/04/2014 by maddie / 0 Comment

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!

TIP 10. On post-birth frumpy days (we all have them!) don’t be afraid of spanx, dry shampoo, pink blusher & comfy jeans. They’ll make you feel good x

Give your bubba a kiss for me! All the best x Maddie x

Brisbane Portraits/Storytelling Photography

a lovely wonderland [brisbane family photography]

Posted on 01/03/2014 by maddie / 0 Comment

Choosing to specialise in newborns and young families has been the most wonderful decision! I am meeting so many gorgeous families and sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe that work can be this much fun. As a photojournalistic photographer, I love to capture honest family life – sweet old good times together, doing what you love. Most of the time this means a relaxing morning at home, a trip to the local park or an exciting adventure together, but every now and then it’s a family session with a bit of fancy thrown in too!

A vintage, whimsical styling suited this family perfectly as they spent the morning playing together and enjoying a picnic. After first meeting them in 2010, this is our fourth session and as the family grows, they just keep getting sweeter!! Enjoy x Maddie