Friday, May 4, 2012

Christchurch photography session with Grace






































Wee Grace, a fun loving preschool kid, this was what we photographers like to call a 'mini' session 20 minutes max is all it takes and even a very busy preschool child  pauses long enough for just that moment.
We decided to do the photos around Grace's home, it's where she feels comfortable and relaxed, we played and chatted and took some great relaxed portraits, and Grace had a good time too!!



I love the connection you make with subject and camera, I love those moments of joy that comes from these quick wee sessions, you can see how relaxed we both are and there is a wonderful connection that at times can take your breath away. The wow factor that makes you as the photographer whisper to yourself, this is why I do this, moments of joy and expression to treasure forever, giving families lasting memories they will proudly display and keep, I find myself only wanting to give people the best for their family photography, mainly because I expect this of myself when photographing my own family, and I will keep going until I know I HAVE IT!!!
It is a special treat to be invited into peoples lives for a day, and to record that life in a way that is familiar to them and best represents them. I'm not saying that it is easy, because it really isn't I guess even when you have a natural 'eye' for it, I find myself pressuring myself for the best I can do everytime, mainly because I want to give people the very best and who would settle for less?
I think Child Photography can be amongst the most rewarding, they are not yet at this young age worried or conscious of their image, they do like a wee look on the LCD display however which usually gets a wee giggle and encourages them to do more photos.
I always indulge the children in their photo sessions with letting them decide on some poses, it helps get them into the session and also lets them have the sense of control over  the session, also sometimes we play you chose something then I choose something, Grace decided it would be quite good to hug trees :)

Thanks it was a great wee session!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Family


























Family, It's the cluster of people we live with,love with, laugh with, cry with and that helps shape us.
I love family photography! I love capturing the family, representing who they are right now.
And then.... capturing the individuals, the parts that make the whole.
As long as the days can seem with a young busy family, this time right here, is way too short.
My Aunties used to tell me as a child, that my school years would be the best years of my life. At the time I know, I would have 'pulled a face' with a 'what ever' attitude.
So many times now I find myself thinking how right they were, how nice the time in the nest really was.
Suzanne's young family were great, and we had a lot of fun, it was high energy but everyone was up for it. We had a great day for, it the weather had been kind.
These guys certainly have a lot of fun together and a lot of love, nest time is sweet, and that's just where these wee guys are at now, a little independence at school and the nest to come home to....life for these guys couldn't be better :)



The wee bits that make up the family......


.........


And sometimes we get a little tired and hungry, and things just don't seem to go our way.
But that's ok when your with family :)
We can do these things amongst our family, they get to see the best and the worst of us, and if we are really lucky we get a wee hug and some one trying to cheer us up in their own cheeky wee way.
I love this next photo!
And amongst this, all the dynamics and the hustle of a young family with kids, the individuals to take care of and raise, moments that take your breath away and moments you wish would just stop, you somehow find some time, for yourselves if just for a moment :)
Because these times do go by so fast, and we should treasure them.
From my own experience it's hard, I don't want to treasure the all  tantrums and difficult bed times, and I'm sure with time I wont even remember them, because they aren't the ones to treasure and remember. It's those little moments of joy, it's the notes of love left lying around the house, the hugs the fun times spent together,it's helping solve a problem, offering comfort and wanting to give it when needed, it's those times you hold onto because they are so good, and because as a family you do take the good with the bad:)

Let's face it those good moments are GREAT
Lots of love and fun! I would sum this day up as, and all too soon they will be grown-up, but for now they are happy in their nest, with Mum and Dad there to take care of them.
thanks for a really great family day!!!!