I'm so excited for the Spring season ahead, although the weather isn't exactly playing the game at present for many shoots! But that's Spring in Southland isn't it?! So lets have a recap of some Winter portraits while we wait for Mother Nature to catch up. My winter was a very productive one this year - I got two major photography projects finished (but that's for another blog post) and I'm feeling so inspired for my portraits and coming wedding season.

This first family session is very close to my heart and is the epitome of what I love about portraits. A day at the beach in Riverton, very documentary styled and all about capturing fun family memories. There was crabbing on the rocks, kicking the rugby ball on the beach, sand castle building and looking for beach treasure. Not only was is a lot of fun to photograph, this beautiful family are friends of ours so Matt & I really enjoyed being a part of this day at the beach too.

Brad and Tracey's lovely family portrait session was a completely different vibe but just as casual and relaxed - doing photos in your own home might sound unappealing at first but there's some great advantages to it! Not only is it truly personalised, the kids can jump on the trampoline, the baby can take a nap and there's no rush packing up the tribe & the car to get to a location.

It was so lovely to catch up with the gorgeous Wilson family recently.  I had the privilege of documenting life with their new addition, Miss Mila. She is just beautiful. And of course big brother Carter kept me on my toes, giving me some super cute shots in between the tornado of energy that comes with a toddler. ​😆

I've been spoilt with getting to document newborns this winter! I was chuffed when Scott and Donique asked me to photograph them with their newborn baby girl. These two get married this summer (which we're excited to be photographing too!) but why not make 2021 even more AMAZING by welcoming their first child into the world. Grace was a wee doll for her newborn session. Isn't she just perfection?!

I'd like to thank all those families who had photo sessions with me this winter (there's some I haven't shared online & I want to thank them too!) and for everyone's patience with albums & frames while our supplier (based in Auckland) is still in lockdown and not able to complete our orders. Fingers crossed the ball will be rolling again soon with product. 🤞🏻

And if you have not got yourself entered into my massive Portrait Giveaway yet, make sure you do - it's the biggest giveaway I've ever done and I'm very excited for it! Entries close 20th Sept.

I had the privilege of photographing this beautiful baby girl a couple of weeks ago and when Hayden & Rowan brought Briar to the studio earlier this week for their viewing session I couldn't believe how much she had changed in that short time already!

Hayden & Rowan are one of our #heidihortoncouples and it's pretty darn special getting to photograph the next chapter of life for past couples! Congratulations friends, Briar is just gorgeous. Here's some of my favourites from our in-home portrait session...

Hayden & Rowan, thank you so much for asking me to create these portraits for you. It was so good to catch up - so much can happen in a year! 

And I am so excited for your framed print series!!! It's going to look incredible. x

Baby Charlie had a bumpy start to life, receiving urgent open heart surgery just days after being born. Charlie had a congenital heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries. But now over two months after his surgery there's no looking back - this kid is growing so fast, full of smiles and absolutely loved my camera during his portrait session earlier in the month!

There is so much goodness, happiness and love in these portraits which tugs at my heart because I know that Tish & Phil have been through hell and back on this journey with their family. I'm just so happy to see them out the other side and to see Charlie thriving. These portraits tell a story - they remind us of what a wee warrior Charlie is, but that he is also part of a very special family. I first photographed Phil & Tish three years ago now - an engagement session before their wedding. It has been such a privilege to continue to be their photographer through life's milestones. Phil & Tish just imagine your next family portraits with the boys running in two different directions! 😆

As much as I love capturing that fleeting newborn phase, I have to say 2-3 months old is my favourite age for baby portraits because you get to capture so much personality and awareness.

This image below just cracks me up. I remember Fletcher giving me all the facial expressions during his portrait session at the same age!

Phil & Tish - thank you for asking me to photograph your beautiful family. I loved getting to spend some time with Charlie and catching up with you all! These photographs are rolling off my printer today and they look incredible. Can't wait for you to see them.x