Day 123

Today I photographed an intimate wedding in a home by the beach. I'm not yet able to share the wedding photos but I can share the view that the parents of the groom retire each day to - taken from their front yard!

The last few weeks in a nutshell!

Which brings me up to date: Day 122!


Although suuuuch a cheat of a pic (taken to list on my local selling items FB page), this pic is also pretty meaningful! Scarlett's cot, Isabella's cot and of course Joshua's cot, 8 years of history, 8 wonderful years, 8 horrible years, 8 crazy and busy years but MY last 8 years and I wouldn't swap them for the world . . . but I'm happy to sell probably one of the most significant pieces of furniture from those 8 years? Happy . . . . no, sad yes, but can I keep it, should I keep it . . probably not. I have no more use for it, I hope some other family can create their own memories with it :(

I don't want any more babies but I am so sad that my babies are growing up and I feel that, rather than enjoying our next chapter in our lives with bigger kids, I'm sad for those years I wasn't properly connected with the family, the years I'll never get back again.

Day 121

A rare Sunday off, so what do you do on a day off, you change rooms around of course! This however was completely selfish, my wonderful Isabella agreed to give up her (ginormous!) bedroom and share with Scarlett for to me to have my own studio!! Love that girl!! In return she got a gorgeous new bed and Scarlett her very first big girls bed!! There is still some furniture to buy but the beds are in and it seems to be a success!

Day 120

You could be excused in thinking it was spring with 3 maternity clients in 24 hours! These lovely ladies are good friends, their current children are weeks apart and their impending arrivals are also weeks apart! Looking forward to meeting their babies as well!!

Day 119

My first client with my new lights. A gorgeous Mum to be and previous client of mine back in with around 7 weeks to go! Looking forward to meeting her tiny baby!!

Day 118

My new lights arrived this day, excitement plus! Of course I had to test them out right away, so here is not not too shabby husband doing his best Calvin Klein impression!

Day 117

I had been talking about taking pics of my niece for ages, those gorgeous sitting ones before they can move . . . well my sister called me the night before and said that if I wanted those pics that I should act quick because Stella was just about on her way! She was just too cute and, even though this is not even the most cute pic of her (only one I had edited however!) I love the way she is smiling sooooo much at Josh that her face is scrunched up!

Day 116

Back to work but not a worry with a gorgeous family! This young man was an absolute pleasure to photograph!

Day 115

ANZAC Day also fell on the Easter break so Brett's family took the opportunity to catch up at a picnic. It was great to see all the Great Grand children on his side of the family get to know each other a little bit more. At one stage, 5 out of six of them were lined up on the swings with Brett and his cousin pushing them all (the 6th is only 2 months old!).

Day 111

Visited Mum and her day care kids on this day. Mum is such a good carer and believes that kids need to get right into it, make a mess, use all senses when it comes to experiencing things. This activity was finger painting and patterns which, at first, Scarlett was not to keen on and used the sponge as a paintbrush for the paper rather than on her hands. She eventually did get the hang of it though!

Day 108

Just a quickie today, busy busy as usual and an iphone pic once again! These were taken while at footy this afternoon. Excuse Scarlett's ginormous head, talk about distortion!

Day 107

It's been a big day and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the amount of work I have in this week so I'm torn between getting a start on it or just going to bed! Firstly I have to add today's pic. It's not technically great but it's my boy, plain and simply him, this is my serious, quiet and ruffled around the edges boy xoxox

Taken while at my Grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary held at Swan Districts oval where they were married 60 years ago!

Day 106

Uhuh, missed a couple!

Had to post today though, shot a gorgeous wedding, very glamorous! Can't show any pics of the party as yet as couple would like to view them first but here is a quick snap shot of Rev. Barry waiting for the bride's arrival before the ceremony.

Day 103

Rehearsal night!

I am shooting a wedding on Saturday and attended the rehearsal tonight to get the lay of the land & speak with all the parties before the big day. I don't generally edit rehearsal pics but who's to knock back a planned photo when the photo a day challenge is on!

Day 102

The best thing about being a Mum and a photographer is that you get to take the proud Mummy shots under the guise of recording the event for the club! My boy became a cub last night . . there were some sneaky tears!

He is the opposite of outgoing, sure he can be boisterous and likes to muck around with the boys but when the spot light is on him, he slinks as far as he can down hence the curled up, head down look he is sporting in this pic. So proud though, so, so proud as is he, he takes it very seriously!

Day 100

Wow, 100 days, almost a third of the way through the year!

As you can probably guess by the wild bed hair and stripey pajamas, I took this pic early this morning! Scarlett and Isabella were playing playdoh together, Brett asked them to treat it nicely and not combine the colours, ummmm let's just say that it was the wrong 2 kids to tell that to, there is now a big ball of brown playdoh lol!

Day 99

I was back at work today with a gorgeous couple and their little 10 week old son. My first opportunity to work with the new editing learnt from the workshop. Very long process for me at the moment but I am sure I'll get quicker (hopefully!)

Day 98

This was the last day of the workshop and I almost grabbed hold of Ainslie's leg as I was leaving to beg her to stay, I still have sooo much to learn and I am not ready to go on alone!! That would have been embarrassing and thankfully I have a smidge of self control so kept walking!

We didn't photograph anything on this day but talked business the whole time, so, so informative, life changing really. Now just to get up the guts to make the changes.

I wasn't going to photograph anything either however as I tucked Scarlett back in before I went to bed I found her curled up in a pose not unlike the newborns we had photographed earlier in the week! So cute! Yeah a bit of a cop out, you can only photograph your sleeping children so many times in the year but hey, this one was in context!

Day 97

Workshop day 2 and wow! Today, as you will probably guess, was all about lighting and the most handiest photoshop tools I'll ever learn! Loving the course and loving photography and loving boudoir! This is what I was meant to do!

Day 96

What an amazing and inspiring and tiring day! Day one workshop and excuse the clunky way I took this image but I was kinda nervous so didn't really put the time in to think of the angle I was shooting from! I am very frustrated at this point with processing, I just can't do it but for tonight this will have to do, I am seriously exhausted and all I had to do for the most part was watch and learn!

Day 94

Ah we had such high hopes for this day but they were dashed by the dreaded chuck bug. We had planned to go to the Busselton Jetty and underwater centre before coming home and perhaps one last dip in the beach. Instead we up and left as quick as we could as Scarlett was just so sick. Josh started feeling a little ill the night before but we put it down to a big day and not the best diet while away. However when Scarlett started throwing up (or grommets as she calls it!) we knew it was more. Josh wash sick but by the morning he was as bright as a button, Scarlett not so much, she threw up the entire night and all day the next day (including all the way home). This day (yesterday) I took no pics.

Day 93

This was the only full day we had as a family to explore so we made the most of it!

We set out early to see the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse just out of Dunsborough. Really quite fascinating (I love lighthouses!) although the narrow winding staircase freaked me out watching the kids bound up and down it! After we came back down the care taker told us about it's history, where it was made, how many ships were wrecked before it was put into commission etc. The really freaky part though, which I was glad to learn of AFTER coming down, was that it still had it's original staircase, ONE HUNDRED AND FREAK'N EIGHT YEAR OLD TIMBER staircase! OMG! I am so petrified of heights and it was so hard actually making myself go up there in the first place but if I knew that I would not have let us go!

If you're wondering where Scarlett is, Brett is trying to wrestle her away from the stairs!

Straight from here we went to the Ngilgi Cave near Yallingup. This was really quite awesome! We had a tour guide who took us into the cave and to the first landing and then let us go for it! After that we went up and down a million flights of stairs and at one point were 11 stories underground! I loved it down there, it was kind of an adventure for me without the danger and I knew it would be for the kids too! 10 points to Brett who carried Scarlett the whole way as she was afraid of the bears (don't ya know there are bears in Dora's cave?!) lol!

Pretty tired from all of our stair climbing we then headed towards Margaret River for some lunch but only got as far as the chocolate factory! No pics from here onwards as we were all ready for a nap!

Day 92

Wedding Day!

I have barely edited anything from the wedding but there are so many gorgeous shots that I can't wait to dive in!

I have known this family for 14 years and it was so wonderful to be included in the big day. It was such a warm and loving ceremony BUT the reception, wow, the tears flowed, laughter rang out and you just knew that everyone had a brilliant time!

Also, the team the bride put together working at the wedding were great (me included - just kidding!). Seriously though, everyone was there with only one thing in mind, to make sure that the wedding and reception went off without a hitch and not only just happen, but to be done in the very best way. The DJ and Videographer especially were awesome so a little shout out to Blair from http://www.thedj.com.au/ who totally rocked the night and had everyone up and dancing, not to mention being on to EVERYTHING! Seriously, this guy knew the whereabouts of every important person at all times, timed everything to perfection and all with the biggest smile! And John from http://www.launchfilms.com.au/ who knew his stuff backwards, captured every important moment, put in extra time just because and who was a huge help to me on the night!

This was the moment when the flower girls walked down the aisle to Uncle Nik, so so terribly cute!

One of the proudest and happiest Dad's I have seen! He had this huge smile on his face the whole day.

And Nan, although her eyesight is failing she watched with joy as her Grand daughter danced with her new husband.

Day 91

We headed off on a short break, me working the next day and the rest of the time just being on holidays.

The place where we stayed was great, kids had a ball and even though the rooms were a little tired and dated it was quite large (2 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, laundry, dining & lounge) and at the right price! The grounds were also lovely with lush green grass and right on the beach.

I love the way her hair is back lit and golden. At the time she was bravely walking across the troll bridge so the golden light seems quite fitting for her fairy tale adventure.

Day 90

*gasp* No pic today! Too busy, Stella, whingy Scarlett and packing for my trip away tomorrow. I won't be around either for a few days due to said trip but once back . . . maybe a week or two later . . . I will no doubt have a pic for every day I am away. As soon as I come home though I go straight to a photographic workshop about an hour and half drive from home to and from every day for 3 days so I may not update till late next week! I know, it's going to kill my two or so loyal followers!!! Very excited about my trip though, especially the wedding that I get to shoot for, gorgeous location, stunning couple . . . awesome!

Day 89

It was our second last Stella day today. What a ride! I just love that she has grown to love me and while she is here, is just another of the kids, happiest sitting in the middle of it all being a part of the chaos!

She has bought a lot to our family as well. Before Stella started to visit I had a longing for another baby, I just didn't feel finished. Now, this is nothing bad about Stella at all but I am very happy with just our three now, I just don't think I have it in me to go through the baby/toddler/pre teen etc age for the fourth time. Sure I would always welcome another baby but you can bet it won't be a planned decision lol!!

Josh has loved having another baby in the house. He has always been good with babies(some times too over confident!), he has the patience and already posses the ability to entertain a baby while also watching tv/doing home work/playing xbox etc! In fact quite often Josh is laying down next to Stella watching tv or playing a game, not necessarily interacting with her, just being close. He does this with Scarlett too, it is so loving, Since having Stella he did ask for a brother but when I told him that we don't have a choice and could equally have another girl, he was happy with things as it is!! He is quite funny too, after he gets home from school he asks how my day was with the two girls and seems genuinely interested and concerned if it's been tough!

Isabella has developed patience and a real interest in Stella. While not totally into babies like a lot of other girls her age, she does love Stella and can often be found talking to her and is fabulous at singing to entertain her while I finish getting her bottle etc!

Scarlett, well . . . . wellllll ummmmmm there are some great moments where I am sure that she doesn't completely resent Stella's arrival!! Nah, I'm sure she does love Stella but I am also sure that it is pretty tough to suddenly have to share Mum when you have had complete and utter no access barred time with her usually and then to have to share time/cuddles/learn patience, well yeah, tough.

Day 88

Anyone who knows us, or who even has crossed our paths in the last few months knows we are going through a bit of a rough patch with Scarlett. Every one has a theory why she changed, hey even we do but I honestly don't know, I just hope we figure it out soon!

One of our hardest areas is her embarrassing anti social behaviour. She doesn't tolerate many people, even Josh and Bel are on the receiving end a fair bit. There are a handful of kids her own age that she'll interact with and even then it's hit and miss (thankfully I have VERY understanding friends!). Yesterday at one our weekly after school activities Scarlett actually was friendly and interactive with a little girl her age who we know but who is not on her list. She is the sweetest little girl too and it breaks my heart every time Scarlett screams at her or ignores her. Anyway, photographic evidence, Scarlett looks happy and Miss S doesn't even look frightened! Oh and excuse the photography! Iphone of course and I was too busy watching them that I didn't really line it up too well lol!

Day 87

Another day, another gorgeous, happy family! This weekend I've spent my time with such lovely, happy couples and families, it's been good for my own well being not to mention my portfolio!

Day 86

I've been dabbling this weekend, for any photographers out there who may be peaking at this blog, dabbling in Beloved.

I stayed awake half the night listening to Jesh speak and, although I kind of half giggled at some of his thoughts and ideas, I was really taken by his passion and his total belief in this "new genre". In fact I wanted to go out then and there and start shooting! So, if nothing else, listening to him speak sparked my passion again and for that I am grateful that he gave such an open talk about his work and his future.

It was the absolute best Friday night to listen to him as well as I had a few opportunities to give it a whirl this weekend. I don't have permission to share Saturday's couple with you (gorgeous btw and fun!) however I can share both clients today. The first a gorgeous couple with 3 very beautiful children and this afternoon I was invited to photograph a couple on their last weekend before they are married!

Thank you guys for giving me the opportunity to try something different and the opportunity to blog you!

Steph & Rob

Julie & Nik

Day 85

I had a great session this afternoon with a lovely couple and their very spirited and fun 2.5 yr old and very gorgeous and smiley 6 month old. However I don't have permission to share those so instead here is a quick pic I took this morning of Scarlett. She was desperate for something in the pantry and Brett couldn't figure it out he stood her on the bench and oh my goodness, it was like all her Christmas' had come at once! He never did figure it out and she lost all interest after being allowed to check things out at her level!

Day 84

I have a weekend full of clients so the next few days worth of PADs will be half decent! In the meantime, here is a very happy snap of my boy Joshua, suuuuch a good boy at school and recipient of this weeks merit award!

Day 83 (the actual correct day!)

Stella!

Day . . I'm confused?! Something tells me it's day 81?

Nope, according to my diary it's day 82 . . I've seriously lost some days!!


I did some very quick happy snaps of the baby girl tonight as she modeled me her new hat (the hat she chose and then refused to wear as soon as I bought it!).



It's been one of those months with this one however, despite her crazy mood swings and incredible attitude, she is so, so bright and funny and very sweet. So many anecdotes to share but I will narrow it down to 2!
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Tonight I asked her to get her PJ's out of her room and she told me she couldn't as there were 'Ceretops" dinosaurs in her room! Another is a funny thing she's been doing lately. When ever she has friends over she asks them to do fashion shows or magic shows with her!
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Not so cute is her still hating bedtime and the tears, the pleading and strange and tiring excuses she comes up with every night :(

Day 79

Last night the very first Joey's of the Ellenbrook Scout group had their investiture ceremony (the right lingo?).

Kinda cool to be a part of history!

Day 78

Today has been very busy doing bits and pieces, almost doesn't feel like a Sunday!

This afternoon we have been looking after our friend's children who are just like sisters to my lot. At one stage they were making homes for ants in an empty snail shell, it's quite funny listening to the schemes and games.

Day 77

Birthday day finally arrived much to Isabella's delight! I initially edited all the pics in colour but went back and converted them. I liked the b&w versions more so uploaded the colour to FB and here are the B&W ones ........

Day 76 I've had a lot going on . . . alright?!

Isabella's party is finally almost here! She has only been planning since her birthday last year!

This year it's a disco theme with glittery silver being the major colour in the theme but of course she also has some pink and purple to break it up a bit.

You know, the planning partr is so much fun, the actual doing part is quite tedious! Last night I had the "fun" of putting the lolly bags together which are actually lolly noodle boxes in purple and silver (although they look grey here). Think 30 boxes and bags and bags of lollies and chocolate, which actually wasn't the worst bit. the most tedious part was closing 30 boxes and adding the straw and pencill!

On Sunday I hope to put up a few pics from the night, the boxes in this pic weren't completely done when I took it this afternoon so will add another of the finished product, we have a big mirror ball, some fabulous lights borrowed from friends, stacks of party food and, if it works out (please, PLEASE let it work out!) a mirror ball cake . . . we'll see though!