So it's the end of January already and the Christmas break probably seems like a distant memory, but as I sit down today and put together this blog of portraits I've created over the last month and a bit, I'm reminded of what a wonderful time I've had photographing these lovely families. During the Christmas holidays we had the joy of just staying home and enjoying some well deserved slow days, and it also gave me the opportunity to be able to photograph some beautiful families who were all together for Christmas. So often, especially with extended family and adult children living further apart, this is the only time of year a family is all together as one. It's also a fun time to get to take family portraits because every one is in holiday mode, relaxed and enjoying the quality time spent with their loved ones. Helen contacted me months ago about having family portraits taken. Some of her family live overseas making it all the more special that they could get these photographs. Helen's daughter was actually a bridesmaid at a wedding we shot, so I have Courtney to thank for the recommendation here! On Christmas Eve I met all the Tutty family in Gore for a laidback afternoon of photo-taking. I've known Simon and Kirstine for a number of years now, so it was wonderful to meet Simon's parents and siblings along with their families. We even managed to include the pets, a classic car and a pretty cool old truck! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this family and recently Carol and John sat down with me to view their photos, selecting their favourites to be made into a gorgeous leather album. Earlier in the year Bridget got in touch with me asking if I'd create some portraits for her family while they were all together for one last Christmas in the family home where she and Angus grew up before her parents moved. I am sure there are very special memories attached to this home for the McDonald family and it was my pleasure to be able to create photographs that will endure just like those memories. This is the epitome of what photography is to me. Creating an lasting product that encapsulates memories and tells a story of people's lives. This month I photographed the Gardyne and Hall families, along with their fantastic collection of farm machinery! We got a beautiful, calm Sunday and the light was just lovely. I loved the fun afternoon I had with this family hanging out and creating portraits. I'm about to get printing these gorgeous photos and I can't wait to see them roll off the printer ready to be enjoyed. Now this may just look like a great line up of machinery but more than that it's also hours upon hours of scrubbing and cleaning that went into getting all this gear ready for the photoshoot! I know the guys will enjoy having this record up on the wall in the smoko room. And last but certainly not least is the gorgeous Preston family. Meagan recently got in touch with me to arrange doing family portraits and it turns out they haven't ever had family photos done! So this month I headed out to Roger & Kirsty's farm on the other side of Winton and we had a relaxed evening in their backyard creating photos. Just yesterday they came in to the studio to view all their photos and I had a great time helping them come up with a beautiful framed series which is going to look fantastic on their wall at home. I am excited the year ahead of portraits! As we find a new balance with our wedding work I am looking forward to being able to take on more portraits over summer and into autumn. Starting with another family session this weekend - fingers crossed for a break in this windy weather!
I've made some changes to my pricing this year too which means better value for my clients (you can read about that here) and I can't wait to meet all the beautiful people who book their portraits with me this year! If you're keen to get portraits this summer or autumn please get in touch as spaces are filling fast! |