Granny's Photoshoot with Ryder

On the 16th of June whilst Granny was visiting we decided to attempt a family shoot with Ryder. What most parents don't realise is that a shoot can be very stressful if you expect your baby or toddler to smile and gurgle on queue. Babies tire very easily and don't like many changes of outfits so I need to be ready in a split second to get that perfect shot. To get around this with children, babies and toddlers I continue shooting throughout any chaos and I actually manage to get some of my best shots with this strategy, as everyone has forgotten that there is a camera around.

You will notice in our family shoot that there are no photos with the entire family as Tallula refused to be included and was actually doing circuits of the studio parachuting off the ottomans with her Barney backpack! No fear, I didn't let this phase me as I continued shooting through the chaos and managed to get some gorgeous shots with a little help of "oh mighty one" Photoshop. I am still after the elusive shot of the girls and Ryder.....

Daddy and our prop forward in training...

The only photo of me as Henry played photographer with Tallula hanging round his neck and Cameron using the make-up chair as a merry-go-round!

Briggie and Will - Bridal Trial and Engagement shoot

I have been looking forward to finally doing this post for so long. I have posted my most favourite pics of Briggs and Will when Briggs came for her Bridal make-up trial and they both spontaineously decided to do an engagement shoot as well.

At last my two special friends, Briggs and Will have settled down after spending the last decade living in the UK, travelling the world, entering every endurance race known to man, relocating to SA and buying into the Plantation Shutter Company. This funloving (or a tad crazy) couple have crammed more adventure into their lives than anybody I have ever known and spent 2 years literally traveling the world actually visiting the Antartica on the way.

They tied the knot on the 8th of May 2010 at Pumula Hotel in Umzumbe, South Coast KZN. What an occasion that was! It was a 3 day fun filled affair which was so organised from the yoga on the beach, runs through the canefields, put put, swims in the sea in wee hours of the morning to most importantly kids entertainment! We took our whole family down to the wedding which was very special for us in order to spend time together with all our friends before Ryder was born. Little did we know that that was going to happen 3 days later! Best of all Briggs and Will both were able to spend quality time with every one of their friends - what a win!

Debbie and Cameron

I had a wonderful time shooting a Mom & Babe shoot with Debbie and Cameron. It's such fun when a mom is so relaxed and doesn't realise how photogenic she is. What a yummy mummy!! Debbie was actually scheduled to have the shoot the day after Ryder arrived in a hurry. Luckily we were able to reschedule the shoot 5 weeks later when Cameron was 14 weeks old. This worked well because more of his character was able to shine through in the photos. Despite the recent cold weather we were easily able to heat the studio which made for easy, natural photographs. I hope you enjoy some of my favourite shots below.

Introducing Ryder James Henry

Our gorgeous boy! Ryder James Henry arrived in a hurry on the 12th of May 2010. Now our little family is complete.

I shot these photos in his nursery yesterday morning as it was too cold to shoot in the studio. The little blankie was crocheted by my fair hands - another amazing side effect of pregnancy! I am looking forward to capturing some gorgeous shots with his sisters Cameron and Tallula..... watch this space!