Nine months in the making - part 11

Over a year ago, I embarked in a photography project in which I wanted to document a baby's first year through photography. So I wrote a post in our local community on google plus.
Shahy and Haythem responded and the rest is history. :)

Their beautiful baby girl Haya turned one today and I was fortunate to be on holidays, so we spent a relaxing afternoon at a beautiful park.
It was the last shoot for the project and the year, so I would like to thank Shahy and Haythem for being part of the project. May you continue to enjoy this beautiful journey that is parenthood :)

Amazing what can be achieved when you dare greatly. - ("Daring greatly" by Brené Brown)

Nine months in the making - part 7

Time is flying past. It's been 6 months and Estefania is growing up fast. The weather has been crazily gorgeous for Autumn and I caught up with the family last weekend for a shoot in one of my favourite parks.

I'm half way through this project that has taken me to places I never thought. As I watch my own child grow up, it is an amazing experience to see these young babies change from newborn to babies and soon toddlers. Along side their siblings and parents they grow, with much love and nurture they grow.

Nine months in the making - part 5

It's been a weather roller coaster in our part of the world. Days of 40 degrees celsius plus, then strong wind causing wide-spread damage, then back to 40 degrees plus heatwave, then rain!

Luckily our little ones have handled it really well. Stefania is no exception. She is now home and is enjoying lots of cuddles from her proud parents, sisters and extended family.

Nine months in the making - part 4

A month goes by really quickly. Little Haya is transitioning from a newborn, to an infant; growing and becoming more aware of her environment.
She looks at her parents and cradles herself in them, nowhere else is safer :).

Nine months in the making - Part 2

Maria Jose and Carlos

The miracle of life; it is fragile yet vibrant and robust.
Stefania decided to come early, at 7 months. I had planned to do a 'christmas theme' pregnancy shoot with the family, as part of my 'Nine months in the making' project but it was not to be :). Planning is only good if you prepare for the unplanned!

The lighting inside the hospital challenged my ISO, but I think the grain adds a nice texture to the photograph and the story. The name 'Stefania' originates from the old Greek, meaning 'crowned' or 'winning'; a beautiful and fitting name indeed :). She is growing strong everyday, and hopefully will be home with her family soon. Congratulations and thanks to the proud parents!

Nine months in the making - Part 1

During their workshop From Bumps to Babies, Sue Bryce and Kelly Brown proposed the idea of photographing a pregnant woman, and then documenting their family story and the growth of their baby, by photographing their newborn for one year. The work can then be used to produce beautiful art eg: a photo book of the baby's first year of life.

I decided to take on this challenge and started searching for pregnant women willing to participate!
My search has led me to two soon-to-be mums whom I will photograph as part of this project :). I met them both and discussed the project and I'm looking forward to producing some memorable images for them.

Talking to them about their journey through pregnancy, brings back the memories and feelings I had when I was pregnant. For me, it was like getting on a roller coaster, physically and emotionally. My baby girl is almost ready to start school now, and I can't believe how fast time has flown by! There were trying times when she was little that I thought would never end, and now I have nothing but beautiful memories and miss her being little. My husband and I are glad we decided to take this ride :).

Below are the first images of my project.

Shahy and Haythem

Shahy and her husband have moved to Australia from Egypt.
I was lucky to have found them and that they accepted to be part of this journey.

I hope we can become good friends also :)

Love in black and white

While in Mt Gambier, I had the honour of photographing my niece and her new baby boy, now one month old.

No planning prepares you for a new baby! and I speak from experience :).
But these young lives are not only the source of great energy, but also great inspiration.

Kelly Brown said during her Bumps to Babies workshop: "Nothing smells better in this world than your own baby". My Mum once sniffed my little girl and said "You smell of life!". All so true.

Welcome to our family baby Samuel, we love you very much!