Wendy Neilson is a Melbourne based artist who reached out to me to have some photos taken in her new studio space. There's something full of life and energy watching an artist at work, as they mix and drag the paint around a canvas and create a new work before your eyes. Just quietly, I'm a little in love with her space... so many old and interesting things mixed with the newness of art and the fresh growth of plants! 

​This is my Sam.
Messy haired.
Truck loving.
Happy in his own activity.
Content having time with mum.
I love him... and I know that I will look back at this photo in even a years time and be so grateful
​that I stopped to record this season of bubbles and leaves.

If you had to choose how you would like your family to relate to each other, I think that this one would be a great model to aspire towards. Amy and Frank are wonderfully relaxed and down to earth parents and their boys Campbell and Wilson have the most gorgeous bond. I loved watching these guys interact so naturally together and with Campbell's partner, Courtney. The time flew as we chatted over life and work. Amy and her business partner started Eastside Midwives and Counselling to support the families of Melbourne through their journey of pregnancy, birth and early parenting. As I have such a love of these things and a longing to photograph more births, it was fascinating to spend time with someone so passionate and experienced in the area. Lots of genuine moments captured in this fun session.

I can't describe how very lucky I felt back in January to meet little Mitchell at only 4 days old.
Each baby is a miracle but this little guy comes after many years of waiting by his patient and loving parents. I can tell that this family already has quite the cheer squad, and deservedly so!
Mitch is so wanted, so loved and simply adorable! I was able to photograph this new little family in the quiet comfort of home. It was so fun to be around such a new little person again. I got to enjoy some cuddles and rocks as he settled into sleep and rest and waited patiently as he fed, was wrapped and changed. Enjoy some photos of this little man and his favourite two people.

This beautiful family and I met together for a lifestyle session, beginning in their home and then taking a happy stroll to a nearby park where their young daughter enjoyed some people watching and the feeling of the breeze on her skin. Her chubby, rosy cheeks had me won over immediately and then the smiles started. It will be wonderful to watch this gorgeous girl grow.

It was hard to leave this little bundle behind! Pets are such a big part of your family. Make sure that you include them in your next home session.

When I met fellow photographer Janine Ward online, I was impressed by her beautiful landscape photography. I was also excited to see that she was branching into portrait sessions and that we had a similar style. I decided to send her a message and see if she may be interested in photographing each others family- a swap. An opportunity to connect with a fellow photographer and update our own family photos. I was obviously over the moon when she replied saying that she'd love to do it. 
We met on the Cup Weekend and spent a leisurely hour or two at The Briars in Mornington, getting to know each other and capturing life as it happened. Meet The Ward Family...

It was such a delight to meet with this family. Rachel and Luke were so relaxed in welcoming me into their home, little Ben was happy to go with the flow and Alice, with her sparkly and fun personality was ready to direct us all! :)
We chatted, played  and enjoyed a dance performance from Alice at home before heading to one of their favourite local cafes for their regular coffees and treats.  I love documenting this everyday stuff for families. It is a great reminder always to me that there is beauty in the everyday and to snuggle into those that we love.

I love the beach in winter. In fact, despite the cold, the wet and the mess that it brings, winter is a beautiful time to be outside and updating the family photos. I took my own advice last weekend.
​We bundled our little two into their snuggly gear and took off for a few nights of being sandy and away from home. While there I got out my camera and snapped some new photos of my kids. So good for the soul!