Yesterday I photographed a newborn (doesn’t happen too often these days as I fear they are catchy … sorry Mom) ….. This little guy belongs to Gareth Gale the professional drummer …….. So I had to put him in the drumkit….. Of course I did!
I’m not really entirely sure what to call this shoot …. photographers seem to refer to maternity shoots these days as “belly shoots” or “preggy shoots”, I hate both terms, particularly the belly shoot idea. When I think of the word belly I think of the Scottish guy in Austin Powers and that is most definitely NOT attractive. Sunet and her tum don’t envoke the idea of a big squelchy belly to me (which is how I think of the term belly) ….. she is all glowey and happy and gorgeous! I therefore decided to photograph her in glowey, happy gorgeous light.
Just for the record I have known Grant since I was in highschool and Sunet is one of the girls from my book club which doesn’t involve books. Grant is the GM at the amazing 5 star hotel Hotel Izulu in Ballito known for it’s wonderful rooms, brilliant service and fantastic food and wine. Sunet is the GM of the gorgeous boutique hotel St James on Venice which is just divine (they do the most wonderful lunches and high teas). It was a pleasure to record this special time for good friends.
I was up in Jozi a few weeks ago to attend the Nikon Africa Photographic Awards (which i got a bronze for in the family portrait category) and also to visit and photograph the family of my very good friends Marie’ and Danie who have recently moved up there. Marie’ and I met way back in our first year of University when we were both living in the hideous “tampax towers” residence of UCT. We have both lived all over the place but somehow our lives always seem to come together again, even if it is just for visits these days.
Their little sprogs Noah and Issy, or Isla Mae are super duper cute but dam can they make a noise!!!!! Or is that just all children?
I have photographed 3 little babas this week and either the universe is trying to get me broody or scare the hell out of me! Don’t get me wrong i love kids …. other peoples though. The thought of having my own terrifies me way more than a shark attack! There is however a huge honor in being the person who gets to capture those early days for new parents as let’s face it, kids grow so incredibly fast. My approach with newborn photography is go to the new parents home and spend time with them so that there is no stress involved. Here are a few sneaky peaks of my recent newborns.
Peter and i have been friends for ever and ever, I am based in Durbs and he is down in Cape Town, and so we have gone through all sorts of modes of communication over the years … it started with good ol snail mail letter writing (yes i am that old!!! ha ha), nowadays its facebook and cellphones but we still make the effort to see each other as often as possible! When he first got together with Nicole many moons ago I was so pleased as I felt like i had known her my whole life!!! We have all seen each other through so many different milestones … and its been amazing for me to meet and fall in love with their first little princess Ajua Luna and now their second Zara. Wow they make beautiful babies!!! Peter is a fantastic photographer who’s work i have always admired. Check out his website www.peterrussell.co.za
I came down to Cape Town today to take family portraits for some very special friends of mine. Their new little one is called Zara and she is just the cutest little thing ever!!! She reminds me of the baby from Ice age. So lovely to be here i must say although quite chilly compared to Durbs! This is a quick snap i took of her today. I look forward to our “proper shoot” and will be sure to blog the results.
It seems like just the other day that i was photographing a very pregnant Lisa, her husband Rory and their adorable son Jamie here in Umdloti. Rory is a big fisherman and they often come to the beach as a family. I really love doing family shoots in the great outdoors as opposed to in a studio. There is just so much more opportunity to capture real emotion outside of a controlled environment! That is why i also prefer doing baby shoots in the comfort of a family’s own home. Let’s face it, its just a way more relaxed and less intimidating way of doing things! Little Faith has actually been here awhile already …. but I didn’t have my blog up when she was first welcomed into the world.
Richard, Hayley and Sarah aka Poppy Firth, are old Umdloti residents so we decided to do their family/preggy shoot right here on the beach in our home town. Poppy is such a little sweetheart who really stole my heart. Her little sister has since been born and i look forward to meeting her very soon!
This little poppet belongs to Melanie and Rob who also live here in Umdloti. Isn’t she just the cutest of cutie pies? I just adore her pixie ears. I am sure any Elf loving Lord of the Rings junkie (like my sister Lisa) would be most envious of those ears. Thanks to all 3 of you for a lovely afternoon!
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