Book week project

In preparation for Book Week, we've been arranging costumes for our little ones to wear, so I thought it would be a good idea to do mini photo shoots of the children from my daughter's class.
Many mums do a lot of volunteer work with our little ones, so I thought it would be a good way to give back a little memento of this special week.

The kids (and I) had so much fun and were so cooperative, it was unbelievable. :) We headed to our local library where there were lots of open shade, trees and green areas. The inside of the library proved to be great too! Here are some (but not all) of my favourite shots :D

Sam and Bella

What a fun and inspiring weekend this was!
Through our daughter we've met so many great parents; our circle of friends keeps on growing. Her class is no different; we've met some amazing families and we are now a great little community.

Yesterday I had the privilege of photographing some of these amazing people: Sam and Bella, a special mother and daughter shoot. They are energetic, generous, fun and always full of life.
I think the best way to photograph children is by getting them to do something, and catch the smiles, laughs and gestures.
So we went to a playground and just had fun!

Nine months in the making - part 8

It is the middle of winter and it has been quite a busy time all round. The frequency of the photo shoots is turning out to be every few months, rather than every month as I originally planned.
This could be tweaked in the future but I think it's turning out to be more convenient for everyone :).

Estefania and her family popped into my home studio for their next shoot. Officially she's now over eight months, however being premature means she will be a baby for a bit longer while she catches up in her development; her parents are not complaining :).

Photography-wise the session was only about 15 mins and it is always a bit nerve wracking. But the natural light was gorgeous, and I was very happy with the results. It was a great feeling once completed and I couldn't wait start editing!

RIP Tia Pimpa

Today we said goodbye to a wonderful soul. She was everybody's aunty, and young at heart. A true example of devotion and care for others. If I had turned up at her house needing help, she would've cared for me like her own child.

Sometimes it feels overwhelming, to be needed and not being able to have time for yourself. But what else is there? The satisfaction of serving oneself is limited, the caring and service for others goes beyond.

Some of us make art with pictures, music, motion; others make art with their service and unconditional love for others.

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 6

Nearly four months have past and life has become a 'before' and 'after' her arrival. This is how I felt and it's probably how Haythem and Shahy now feel.

We met up for picnic on Anzac Day and it was lovely to see little Haya. My family came along as well and my daughter introduced Haya to the playground :D.
Children definitely change our lives in more ways than one; rest is minimal, worries are many, but the happiness they bring overshadows all of the above.

A mother's love

The weather has been gorgeous this Easter break and I was very lucky to do a mother and daughter shoot, just in time for mother's day coming up.

My little sister and her daughter are so much alike myself and my daughter, and we can relate in a lot of things. Seeing my little niece grow up has been an amazing journey, that I'm now reliving through my own daughter. Our relationships, mothers and daughters, remind me of a quote from the Louis CK show, which goes something like this:

"Because of these children, our love travels through time. We love other people more, because of how much we love them. They give value to our lives that didn't exist before."