Good Times | Hills District Family Photography

This past month has been eventful. With summer in full swing we have been taking the opportunity to go swimming as much as possible, get out and about and catch up with friends. Coffee dates and shopping trips towards the end of the holidays has been wonderful and its a little sad to know that life is just so busy right now and just wishing for some more time for friends. School has just started back up and its been a little hard on Abby. She has been split up from her friends and with having a new teacher classroom and classmates its all a little too much. 

To see what matters to Bec Stewart this month follow the circle >> HERE <<

Loui's 1st Birthday | Sydney Family Photographer

Loui's first Birthday

A Documentary Photo Session with Rebecca Overton

I FELT IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO CAPTURE LOUI ON HIS FIRST BIRTHDAY. I FEEL I DO NOT TAKE ENOUGH PHOTOS OF HIM THROUGH OUT THE YEAR AND I JUST KNEW THAT JUSTINE WOULD CAPTURE HIM IN A REALLY BEAUTIFUL WAY.

When we woke up on the day Loui was  actually quite unwell. So I was a bit nervous that I  booked Justine in to take photos of Loui and that he was just not going to perform on the day and be happy. More specifically that I wouldn't get the photos that I wanted of him. When I saw the photos it was awesome, there were so many beautiful photos! There were moments of him being happy, sad, sick and miserable but she captured the day perfectly, exactly how it was. That was my main fear to not have any great photos but as soon as I saw them I was so happy. They were all great moments, the good and the sad.

Daniel and I were hesitant at first because we felt that we both don't do well in front of the camera and that we would struggle with any sort of posing. But that's not Justine's style at all and it worked out really well. My husband didn't think taking photos of the day but I had seen Justine do a similar thing for a family member and I just thought it was such a great idea. I put it forward to him and now that he has seen the photos he thinks they are really special. 

I was recommended to have Justine take photos of the day and after seeing her work I felt that I didn't want a photographer that I would need to pose for and get really staged photos. I just wanted someone that would document the day and became the key factor in wanting to book in a photographer. 

My goal for the day was to capture Loui as he is today, capture Loui surrounded by everyone who loves him. So I can have those memories, for my husband to have those memories but also something for Loui to have to look back on when he is older as well. Obviously he isn't really going to remember the day so it will be nice to have an album for him to look at and see his first birthday, surrounded by his grandparents, cousins, all of the family. Yeah so just preserve the day I guess. Childhood just goes by and you don't remember half of it so it will be really nice to have those photos to look back on. 

Looking back on my fears leading up to the session, there is no point. It was very easy. I didn't even notice Justine there for the day. She just walked around and did her thing and yeah it just was like she wasn't even there. Justine was so easy to work with. My favourite part of the day would have to have been the start of the day when it was just 1:1 time with just me and Loui getting ready and having that more intimate time together. Once the guests started arriving the day just went like that.

It was just really fun the whole time really though, because none if it is really staged you just go about what you have to do. I didn't really feel like I had to do anything different, just going about my day, getting Loui ready, hosting the party and yeah it was easy. I didn't really feel like I had a camera in my face at all, it was really simple. Next thing I knew Justine was saying goodbye and I was like oh I hoped she got good photos! But that was not necessary there were plenty of awesome photos.

On the reveal day, I felt like a blubbering mess. The photos were just beautiful and so much more than what I was expecting. It brought up all these emotions and I am just really really happy with them. For me it just was capturing the day, not staging it, not posing it, just showing it like it is.  100% worth every single cent. Just you know seeing my family in the moment with Loui just captured in such a beautiful way. My mum, in particular is very funny about having photos taken and there were really beautiful photos of her with Loui and she just loves him to death so it is really really nice to see a photo that conveys that love. She never wants to be in front of the camera, always runs away. So to be able to finally have a photo of her with Loui and to be able to give her that is really nice. And not only that, I want Loui to be able to have photos of him with her when he is older, yeah its just beautiful. 

I would absolutely do this again, I am already thinking of the next event I can get this done for haha its so well worth it. I'd recommend to anyone thinking of doing it, you will get photos you will be really really happy with

 

If you would love to have a photo session at home or to document a special moment in your life,  feel free to  contact me so we can chat about it

I want photos like these!

Loui's First Birthday

Moments that Matter in November | Sydney Family Photographer

We had a few things going on this month.  we had a whole week of chocolate breakfasts and Dante turned 1! We added cacao powder to our breakfast favourites which included chocolate porridge, chocolate banana smoothies and chocolate pancakes. It was delicious! This is something I was really happy to document as we enjoy cooking together but life gets so busy that sometimes I want to just get through the week cook the basics by myself and get on with my day. This year has gone so incredibly quick, I cannot believe my baby boy has turned 1.

To think I freaked out so much about adding another little human to our family but now I couldn't imagine life without him. Like he is the perfect little piece of the puzzle missing in our life. This year has flown by so fast and he has become the perfect little playmate to Abby. As she is a wonderful big sis to him.

So far he can crawl like a mad man, stand and cruise around. He says Mum, Dada, Beeee (Abby), No no, yuck, Bye and Hello. He loves to play peek a boo, clap hands and play chase games with Abby.

Love my little man and what joy he has brought to our lives 

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

Sydney Documentary Photographer

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If you would like me to capture moments with your family

Baby Vivienne

Oh little darling. You are so lucky to have such adorable doting parents. I have been awaiting the arrival of newborn Vivienne since earlier this year. Jessamyn booked me in for a full motherhood package, which means I have been documenting the entire journey. Jessamyn will have gorgeous memories of her pregnancy, time in hospital with just newborn baby Vivienne and life at home with a newborn. Fresh 48 session ( just after birth or within the first 48 hrs) are a wonderful time in your life to capture. I remember myself just lying in hospital bed just doting over the new little human that had been growing inside me. Such an intimate time that you will love looking back on.

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn-Photography-Sydney-JustineCurran

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Newborn baby at hospital

Would you like to document your time in hospital with your newborn?

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Moments that Matter in October | Family Photography Sydney

Oh this moment has my heart. From the moment baby Dante had an awareness, the very sight of my dear jackson and Bella babes had him absolutely terrified. And good reason too, Jackson being a Great Dane x Boxer mix, he is enormous! They had to stay at one end of the room and him at the other.

Slowly but surely it went from terrified screams to just spine stiffening as they walked past. Over the months he became used to the sight of them and would just kick his leg at them to shoo away if they got too close. Soon enough they could approach, if they became too close for a sniff Dante would lean back with a 'too higher than though please do not get too close' look on his face.

The time is finally here where he has grown so rapidly and becoming ever so brave at discovering the world around him that now the dogs offer sense of curiosity and thrill to this ever growing void of adventure to my new developing toddler. The dogs, so eager and patient to be loved by this new little human. They wait at the door for him, wanting to sniff, busting to be petted and loved. The look on our golden retriever screams.. 'love me! love me you little human.' So desperate for the affection they clearly have a thirst for. Jackson and Bella have dearly been playmates and guardian to Abby and it makes my heart absolutely sing at the prospect of them accepting their new little adoptive pup. I just cannot wait for them to be able to start enjoying him a little  more.

If you would like to see what matters to Little Forest Photography this month please click on the link once you have finished looking through my images for this month > CLICK HERE <

Family documentary portrait 1

Family documentary portrait

Family documentary portrait

Family documentary portrait

Family documentary portrait

Family documentary portrait

Family documentary portrait

Welcome Baby Gilyana

Do you know how safe it feels to fall asleep in your arms? 

When I find myself there, pressed against you listening to your heart beat with slowly closing eyes.

Just knowing in this moment. Everything is ok.

I had a wonderful time meeting little Gilyana and his family. He was having a day, with some painful reflux and wind. Mama bear comforted him, Papa Bear comforted him. We managed to get through it with lots of cuddles, capturing some wonderful moments in between.

Today I suck at being a House Wife

Scrolling past hundreds of Pinterest pins on home organisation, parenting methods and marketing skills. How do we get the perfect balance?  How do we manage the house, parenting and work all at the same time? I have pinterest pins with tips on how I could organise the house better, improve my business skills, make my grass greener in the like. I never feel like I am nailing any of them.

It occured to me to write a post on this subject after many conversations with friends about trying to stay on top of things without feeling like your drowning.  Mummy guilt is a powerful thing and I think we are so ever torn about how to balance the 10 thousand item to do list in our chaotic lives. Mummy guilt pulls us in all directions telling us we need to be here, need to be there, need to do this, need to be - more.

I dont think there is one soul on the planet who feels like they are. Who ever feels like they are ticking all the boxes on their to do lists? Women and Men alike. Whether you are parenting little kids or big kids, 1 or 10. Working or not.  Every single one of you feel like your just keeping your head above water, while the mum next door with 2.5 kids has her total shit together. Not true.  She is looking across the grass at the mum with 5 kids thinking the very same thing.

A mother that has all the help she needs, a cleaner, chef chauffeur will probably still guilt herself into thinking she should be doing more even though thats what their hired for - to help.

There are days I feel productive and their are f*** it days where I admit defeat and not one damn thing is going to get done. I beg to close my eyes for a new day to start. No two families are the same and has different challenges to overcome. Our families are also forever growing and evolving, so with old and new challenges coming and going so does our commitments, schedules and work/life balance.   So in the power of support of knowledge I want to share what this week looks to me. I run my own photography business from home, I have a 10 month old and a 6 year old. So I totally acknowledge my problems may be very different to someone else's.  I do not balance. I am not a supermum, sometimes there are days I lose my shit so bad that I resent being a mum at all. Other days  I rock being a mum, typically on days I am a sucky house wife. Some days my kids need me so bad I provide poor service to a client. I get days where I am so determined to give my business some love that I have to be a sucky house wife and a sucky parent and so be it.

Monday

After a busy weekend, I am pulled in all directions. The house is a bomb. I walk the hallways and living areas stepping around toys, clothes and bits of food trickling through out the house from my 10mth olds new crawling adventures. I have 50 emails waiting for me a galleries I need to sort. I chose the house. My husband needs clean uniforms for the week and I feel like I cannot breathe in my house. By the end of the day the house is spotless.

Tuesday

The kitchen is a bomb again. I have dishes piled up at the sink because you know, stacking them in the dishwasher is a rediculously hard task. I have washing piled up on the table ready for folding. The kids and I need to sort some medical appointments and my 6 yr old is on holidays and wants to catch up with friends. So I abandon the house at 9 am, run between 3 different medical appointments and have a playdate. I do not get home until 6 30 pm. My 6 yr old is happy, my 10 mth old and husband is not. We have a late dinner and a late bed time.

Wednesday

Baby is tired from the day before. He is cranky, I did not sleep well after tossing and turning most of the night. My neck and back kills and I barely can keep my eyes open. Today is a write off and I fall asleep on the couch. Surrounded by the bliss of toy, clothes, tissues and dish clutter. Later in the evening I manage to respond to some emails and hubby cooked dinner.

Thursday

Today I am determine to provide an optimum client experience. I respond to messages instantly. I smash through orders and setting up client galleries. I even manage to update a few things on my website and run the dishwasher thanks to the baby having a big day sleep. I ignore the 4 loads of washing on the table.  I try to attempt writing some blog posts however many nappy change and head bump interruptions from my 10 mth old I feel like Ive pushed my luck in the work department and focus my attention in him.

Friday

I would really like to catch up with some friends. The kids are sick so thats a no no and I really hope they do not feel like I am neglecting. I ponder at when will I ever get the chance to socialise and maintain my friendships. I very reluctantly tend to tedious house duties and chip away at that washing pile. As I check my emails i sigh at the lack of enquiries coming after a month of sickness and not enough marketing, I have now frustratingly fallen below my quota for the month.

The Weekend

Always first in best dressed, my husband and I coordinate our work commitments and tag team being home with the kids. We do a breakfast or brunch together at our favourite cafe before doing our grocery shopping for the week ahead.

So thats this week for me and not every week is the same. I think the only secret I really have to share is learn to prioritise. Whats important and needs doing right now? I will never have enough hours in the day. Heck before I was a parent I still struggled to find time for somethings (idiot). If something needs to be done, make time for it. If you have to be a sucky business person because your kids miss spending time with you or your in your third round of gastro in the household. Write an email, apologise that you suck but you will deliver as soon as you can. If you really really need to edit that gallery and your kids won't leave you alone. Put netflix on repeat and do what you gotta do. You can be an attentive parent another day.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Moments that Matter in August

We have been teething over here. All the mums out there at the word will groan with sympathy. Everyone knows how torturous the days of screaming in pain, going through the motions of paracetamol doses, walking the halls and pats on the back as they wimper on your chest. Dante didnt seem too bad with his first two teeth, but the next two. His top teeth have been a nightmare. For 2 weeks now I have had broken sleep. enduring half hour sleep cycles, administering panadol, nurofen and bonjela to try and keep the pain at bay. A hospital trip with temperatures at 40, making me second guess what is wrong. Am I doing it right? Mama Guilt. Thats a actually a  thing right. I hate it. I usually I like to think I make educated decisions through out life and mother guilt makes me second guess every single parenting decision I make. Is he tired? Or too tired? Maybe he is hot? Perhaps Ive made him too hot? Is it teeth or is he sick?Maybe he is hungry. Do they eat healthy enough? I have given too many treats? Was that punishment necessary or was I too harsh?

And we continue on. Feed, cuddle, medicine repeat.

To continue through the blog circle see what matters to Chloe Lodge

Moments that Matter in July

This month Abby had her very first school excursion. A huge milestone for us. Its so crazy to look back at how far she has come. Considering 2 years ago I could even get a babysitter or family member to look after her. I didn't even think I would get her to go to school let alone an excursion! Now she is off in leaps and bounds, going for sleep overs, loving school and taking on new challenges with great courage. I'm so used to her making me anxious about leaving her that I still have thoughts in the back of my mind, what if she isn't ok? What if she needs me? However I am getting used to pushing those thoughts aside and allowing my new brave little girl take on the world head on. Click through to see what matters to Yana Klein this July.

Ryan + Ashley's Love Bump | Sydney Maternity Photographer

This session showcases two little love birds who wanted to capture a moment in time. A milestone in their lives that celebrates their little growing love bump. Ashley and Ryan have a pretty relaxed lifestyle where they just chill out at home enjoying each others company. They have 3 beautiful fur babies, which keep life interesting. The 3 three of them were very cheeky! Ryan and Ashley told me their story of how they fell hard and fast for each other and you can't deny it, their connection is epic! Clearly head over heels for one another.  

I want photos like these!

Ashley + Ryan Maternity Form

Welcome Baby Lucy | Newborn Photography Hills District

'its 3 am and they're all asleep,

no one is here to see, as we rock slowly back and forth

your looking right back at me.

Your little hand is feather light reaching up to my chin,

I hold your tiny body in my arms

as I stroke your baby skin.

This little poem resonates so much with new parents. Little Baby Lucy's newborn session was so peaceful as we watched new mama Nicole gush over her new little darling. All resting at home, feed, change sleep repeat. Something so beautiful about the first born, who gets to soak up all the attention. Life seems pretty bliss in the Carpinato household.

Moments That Matter | June

This month my dear Abby turned 6! It has been a big year full of firsts and big milestones. This year has been a new transition into sisterhood, starting Kindy and taking her ballet to the next level. I really wanted to make her feel special this year by organising Abby and her friends to have a pony party in celebration of her 6th birthday. Unfortunately we had to cancel due the incredible freak storm that hit and affected so many families in Sydney. Despite the major disappointment Abby still had an amazing time with her friends in an indoor play centre. Every year on all our birthdays, we get together at my mothers and have a big family dinner. Usually something simple like pizza and cake. Its something I like doing and has become a simple family tradition.

Follow the link to see what matters to Lauren at Lauren Kennedy Photography month.