It went too quickly for me…thirty minutes feels like a nano second when you’re used to shooting for up to two hours. Plus you know what they say about time and flying and fun.

Thank you Sam and Dave for allowing me to photograph your boys, they are truly beautiful, inside and out. xo

To anyone wishing to book their own mini session you’ll need to get in quick, I’m offering them only until the end of  March.

It began as a winter beach shoot at Fairhaven, on a clear Sunday last June. Two grandchildren woke with gastro. Session cancelled.

The next attempt was a Spring session at the farmhouse of the one of the brothers. I can’t even recall now why that didn’t go ahead.

Eight months on from the first attempt and a new, definite, this is really happening date was set. This session was to take place on a summer’s day in a make believe forest. But anyone who knows Melbourne know the seasons mean very little. True to form, less than an hour in, the weather interrupted in the form of a mini dust storm. A 45 minute session + thirteen people = not much, but at least I squeezed in every shot on their list.

Mission accomplished. Phew.

Mini sessions! In the evening!

What’s a mini session? It’s a short and sweet photographic session of 30 minutes, which gives you the opportunity to update your family photos without having to invest in a full session. Why the evening? I’m making the most of that gorgeous last hour of golden summer light and I want to share it around (ok, my kids won’t let me take their photos anymore).

Sessions will take place at a location in Werribee, details to be provided upon booking.

Tell your friends!

I’ve been dragging my family around, bribing them to be subjects. Or luring them out on “icecream drives”, only to whip my camera out from behind my back and snap them papparazzi style. But they’re onto me, and I’ve worn them out. I can’t get enough though, so I’ll find other subjects, other willing subjects.

To that end I’m about to run a super dooper, can’t resist, not to be missed special, but more on that soon (I promise I’ll be back in the next day or so). Whilst you’re awaiting deets, check these out…

Disclaimer: I will never ask your child to pose like she’s in a tampon commercial, Eve does that of her own accord (unwittingly).

Whilst I’ve enjoyed my break, I didn’t stop taking photos (never stop taking photos). I intended to take a break from thinking also, but that was ambitious. I was thinking constantly about how I could keep doing my thing that I love for people I love, without sacrificing all the other things I love (eating, sleeping, my children…in that order). These contemplations have led me to go all digital. Much as I love and adore prints, I’m letting go of my tight fisted control (expect tears) and handing the printing decisions over to you guys (with a gentle nudge in the right direction), and gaining some sanity back. But make no mistake people…this will be no shoot and burn to disc without a backward glance fly by night type operation…I will still spend hours bent over your images, agonising over every minor colour decision that only I can see, driving everyone around me crazy. Trust me, my time saved will be in ways not at all related to the high quality I prefer to deliver.

Head here to find my new pricing structure, and stay here to see September and October in pictures. As you’ll see, I’m in a big black and white phase at the moment. What’s more, Eve is avoiding the lens while Jed is obliging lately…so while it would appear I have a favourite child, it’s just the fruit that is in season right now.

A happy birthday to Jed who turned seven (hence the shiny new bike and the not so shiny new attitude), and Nashy Pear who turned one and learned to walk (hence the big toothy grin and his mother’s new permanent frazzled expression).

PS. excuse my funky processing, I like to lash out on my personal stuff.

PPS. If you read ALL of that, good on you.

I just want to add that I’ll still be snapping away on personal projects. I can’t take a break from taking photos completely, that would kill me! So if you’re at all interested in what I get up to on my break, scroll down beyond this sticky post and check me out.

Luckily this particular beach is dotted with old bathing sheds, so I gathered my family of five under a rickety old porch to get things underway. I’m loving the results (and you would never guess a random dalmation pounced into the shot and scared the bejeesus out of the baby, twice).

A short time later the gods smiled upon us, granted my wish, and scattered some clouds about. My sincere apologies to every one else in Melbourne who were enjoying that short lived spring like weather.

Meet sisters Scarlett, Cleo and Giselle and their doting parents. Matt and Nicola, your girls are adorable. Thank you so much for today, enjoy this sneek peek of some of my faves. xo

Her family wanted to give her something special, and everybody knows there is not a more wondrous gift than photographic memories (or is that just me?). What’s more, they are to be printed, framed, and hung (what a novel idea!).  That way Marion can walk past every day and admire the gorgeous brood she made.

This was my most favorite of all big crazy extended family shoots I have ever EVER shot. Never mind the fact it was my first big crazy extended family shoot, I already know it will always be my favorite as it will be impossible to top. I’ve been on an adrenaline high ever since. Can’t sleep, can’t clean, can’t cook, can’t talk. All I can do is work on these photos. I’m always like that after a shoot, but this time I was afflicted particularly bad. My family know I will eventually emerge from the haze, so they turn a blind eye to my neglectful mothering.  With that in mind, I’m happy to say the haze has cleared, this session is done and dusted, my family get me back, and Marion gets her photos.

Happy birthday Marion xo

Despite a beastly tooth trying to ruin her day, she was a bit of a champ. Apparently a regular pain free Hayley-day is much more abundant in Hayley-smiles, but she did a great job regardless. Can’t think of a better way to spend Hump Day.

Kara and Brett I hope I did your gorgeous girl justice, and thanks for sharing her with me for a couple of hours. xo

Little Nash features here a lot. His mother is a close friend and I love that little Nashy Pear to bits. He’s so amenable to the lens (and not to mention a total spunk) that whenever I’m at a loose end, I lob on their doorstep, camera in hand begging to take photos.

Now something you don’t know about Nash is he has Cystic Fibrosis, which requires regular visits to the Royal Children’s Hospital to check on his progress. At his last visit, mum Lisa picked up a funky handknitted jumper, from the beautiful people at the RCH auxiliary stalls. I squealed when I saw it (sad, yes I am aware, moving on). It’s texture and colour was made to be photographed. Henceforth the begging began. Again. This time we lured big sister Cora into the fun and frivolity.

Did you ever see a more stunning pigeon pair?