I was blessed with meeting an amazing family who had welcomed me so warmly into their home. Greeted by a very talented and not so shy 5yr old, Blake, his smiling eyes instantly made me feel happy. Meeting Blake was an experience in itself. He is warm, funny, confident (and has an award to prove it – well done again Blake!!!) charming, flexible (he has some amazing karate moves down pat!) and is a child that I know will make a mark on the world wherever he goes. He lights up from within so much so, that when he speaks, his eyes sparkle. Not kidding!! He is intelligent, kind and utterly contagious AND he has a new pair of big shoes to fill being a big brother. Blake was ever so gentle to his new little sister, Renae, and is going to be the best big brother, a little sister can have. How protected she will be, loved, cherished and adored as she already is at her petiteness of just 3 weeks old.

Renae is another beautiful little miracle that has been longed for, much before her time. She is absolute perfection. So sleepy & content, calm and rested in the arms of her family. So much unconditional love surrounds her, wholeness and security. She is ever so loved.

Its not hard to see why.

Dear Paul & Kathy,

Thank you ever so much for having me be part of this amazing journey that your new family is embarking. May your lives continue to grow richer with love, happiness and fulfilment in all areas of your lives. I appreciate your hospitality, warmth and kindness and am ever so grateful for meeting you all. It truly is an honour and privilege.

I hope you enjoy your sneak peek, your gallery is soon to follow.

Much love

Nicole x”

She has an energy about her that is contagious, uplifting and oh so joyful. She takes in the world with such grace, urgency and creativeness and she easily reminds me of a fluttering butterfly just shining those colours on the world around her. It was most definitely the highlight of my weekend meeting her and her mother Michelle. I adore how a child can explore their world, be completely lost in it and proudly dance like no-one is watching. To have the honour of capturing those moments is nothing short of humbling.

I hope you enjoy your sneak peek Michelle & Zoe and I cannot wait to share your full gallery with you of one very fun-filled afternoon.

x

“Dear Michelle,

A sincere thank you for allowing me a glimpse into the wondrous world of Miss Zoe. She lights up the world around her and will touch on many hearts in her coming years. She has her dancing moves to an elegant art and I have no doubt she is going to amount to wonderful things. Oh and those locks . . . to die for!

Spending the afternoon with you both was an absolute pleasure.

Thank you”

much love

Nicole x

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing this most divine little baby girl on Sunday. She was delightful, complete purity and was such a treat to photograph on such a beautiful weekend of sunshine and light. From the moment I walked into her welcoming home, there was a beautiful sense of calm. I would never have picked that she was the first born as from memory, my home was a little more chaotic…but here she lay alert and awake on her playmat at just 3 weeks of age, totally aware and content in her loving home.

I had so much fun finding new spaces around her beautiful home to photograph and the light was perfect. I am so proud to be showcasing some of my favourite images from her session with you and cannot wait to have her full gallery up and ready shortly for her beautiful parents.

Here is just a tiny sneak peek of this sweet sweet baby.

” Dear M & N,

Congratulations on the amazing birth of your beautiful baby girl. I hope that you continue to enjoy her newness and first weeks of life as these days will soon be just a distant memory as you slowly witness all the amazing milestones that are soon to be reached. Your baby girl is adorable and is such a reflection of the wonderful parents you both are. Thank you so much for having me capture this amazing and fleeting time in your new chapter, it is truly an honour.”

Much Love

Nicole x

Baby Olivia is the forth in line of a gorgeous gene pool. Look at that amazing head of hair and big blue eyes. She makes you want to melt and secretly, just a petite little one at 6mths of age, she reminded me of my little girl Mia. Oh, they grow incredibly way too fast. It is why I love doing what I do. To allow that moment in time to stop, because we all know it most certainly doesn’t by any stretch of the means.

Olivia adores her bigger sisters and the little observer that she is, just looked on wide eyed at all the entertainment around her. She is so lucky. So loved and so, special.

Welcome Baby Olivia…it is most wonderful to have you here – a little ray of sunshine that you are!

“Dear Glen & Kira, 

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to meet your newest little princess. She is absolute perfection and I adored our session incredibly. I will have your full gallery ready shortly and will be in touch. 

Much love

Nicole x “

So our session began and we tried. We really did, to get that big grin that he has been practicing so well but you know what…he thought NO!. I think I might just keep that special for mum and dad. yep. Im sure he thought, that is my very own little way of telling them…”thank you for loving me the way you do, thank you for holding me when I feel overwhelmed, for walking the room with me when I have a tummy ache and for when you sit quietly with me and forget about everything else to be with me” and rightfully so, they deserve it more…from his heart to theirs!

I personally love the soulful eyes, the ones that look deep at you and through your heart. The ones you just want to keep staring back into. These images take you back to the moment, when all these fleeting days become just a sweet memory.

This first image is one of my favourites from this gorgeous session. How could you blame me… How could you not fall in love with a little face like that! 

” Dearest Brad & Kristelle, 

What an amazing privilege it has been to be on this long journey with you both and to finally meet your special little man. To photograph his young life for you both, has been a highlight in my photography journey and I wish you all the most beautiful of wishes to enjoy his young life and your days together, happily, joyfully and peacefully. I will be in touch shortly with your full gallery to view. 

Much love

Nicole x “

We have been all sick this week which has made juggling just the simple things a task. We are feeling back on track now so finally here is our last week in review.

Friday 13th January 2012

Dear Daddy, 

It was my stay at home with mummy day today and we had big plans to get my haircut and a MILKSHAKE!! Im kinda liking this new routine of having mummy all to myself (well, when Ethan is down – but he’s ok. He laughs at me so he’s pretty cool!) Mum spoilt me with lunch out too and then kept going on about how grown up I looked now. Yeah…I think being 4 has big boots to fill. Im rocking it pretty good too – just so you know! I love my new haircut because it looks like yours and Im liking the little spike too, but I don’t flatten it at the back like you used to Its just not in now!! lol. missing you lots daddy…cant wait til we can both go get our hairs cut together. Fun times!!  

x J

Saturday 14th January 2012

Dear Daddy, 

Oh to be outdoors!! How i love it, crave it and cry when I get walked passed the window and cannot go out. This is my haven of space. Its where I giggle, soar, am joyful, smile from deep within and dream away. Life is sweet when Im in my little happy place. 

x E

Sunday 15th January, 2012

Dear Daddy,

She is loveable.

Gives amazingly big hugs that wrap around your neck and will always pucker her lips to greet yours to smooch. She LOVES to smooch. lol.

Her eyes are crystal blue and deep as the ocean.

She is feisty now. She has a temper. She is cheeky but can be sweet at the drop of a hat.

She is unpredictable and has a heart of gold.

She is growing up WAY.TO.FAST!

x N

Monday 16th January, 2012

Dear Daddy, 

Well my love…today marks the start of a new chapter for me. This image I have taken today is my way of putting my heart out there, on the line and being accountable for my actions of what I am about to set out to do. I am embarking on finding a new zest for life. Positivity. Health. Ambition. Motivation and Determination. I am going to embrace a new found energy, lifestyle and love for myself that I have been craving to do. I’ve joined up for the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation online program and I am determined to get as much out of these next 12 weeks that I can. Today pre-season started so technically, I still have a month to prepare my mind for the changes that are going to be in force. I LOVE that my whole life is getting an overhaul and the change in my appearance is just the icing on the cake. I am putting structures and routines in place in my life that will make life so much more rewarding, especially for when you get home. I cannot wait. I’m pumped. Im excited and I WILL succeed!!! Watch out, a new me is in the making! Bring it ON!

x N

Tuesday 17th January, 2012

Dear daddy,

Yes you may have been an only child but I promise you, when you witness again the love between these beautiful children we have brought into this world together, I assure you…the universe will fill your heart with an overwhelming sense of pride that you were able to give them this amazing gift. It will complete you, in ways you couldn’t of imagined.

I never tire of seeing it and it fills my heart with such overwhelming emotions. Its indescribable.

x N

Wednesday 18th January, 2012

Dear Daddy,

His pouty lips, those big blue eyes and adorable way he just consumes you….its worth the wait. I promise you! 

x N

Thursday 19th January, 2012

Dear Daddy, 

We’ve been having some pretty hot weather here and what better way than to lap it up with some buckets of water out the backyard, some water guns and of course…iceblocks. Today was a real treat to enjoy. And because its not often we are all together in once place at one time…we thought we’d make it happen for you this week. 

x J M E

Friday 20th January, 2012

Dear Daddy, 

If my smile could brighten just a small part of your day today, then my heart is happy and complete. 

x E

Another week down and closer to our excited and much anticipated homecoming. Its been a busy and wonderful week and one that has kept us quite in high spirits. I love how keeping busy  just makes the time fly and with three little people who need me…busy is just an understatement.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to the end, here is the week that was:

Friday 6th January, 2012

Dear Daddy, 

I may look a little bit different when you return, so much about me has changed in the past 3mths but I am so grateful you have been able to see me on Skype as I progress through my stages. Im adoring this new getting around stage, oh the freedom!!! I can roll around, commando and rock on my hands and knees, it won’t be long and i’ll be off This week mum has introduced me to this new little friend. He quite likes me and loves to pull funny faces to keep me entertained…and what do you know, he even smiles back! I cannot wait for you to meet him too…he sports a really cute smile and a BIG one! Just like yours! I think you’ll like him very very much. 

Missing you very much 

x E 

Saturday 7th January, 2012

Dear Daddy, 

Since you’ve been gone, I’ve turned 3!! THREE!!! Its a big year for me daddy and in the past couple of months I’ve been finding that I am capable of all things cheeky. I know I’m your little princess and  I AM full of all things nice and sweet, but every now and then I like to show another side to my quiet and shy personality. 

I think this face sums it up quite nicely.  

x M

Sunday 8th January, 2012

Dear Daddy,

Each day I watch our little man grow more and wish you were here. He just keeps surprising us as the days go by and he expels this amazing radiant of love. He is deliciously happy. He fills every part of your heart with all the goodness life can bring and makes even the saddest of days brighter. He has an abundance of cuddles and kisses in storage for you…oh there is SOOOOO much to look forward to upon your return. Its going to be AMAZING…and I CANNOT wait!!!

all my love,

N x

 Monday 9th January, 2012

Dear Daddy,

We are Seahorses now Daddy. Today is Mia’s first day in my room. Mia was very brave and very happy to be there with me, actually she was a little braver than me and ready to get back to learning after our time off. Our teachers Karen & Lauren are just soooo lovely and we have such a wonderful time playing with our friends and learning new things and watching the new vege patch grow. Its got tomatoes and strawberries too now daddy! I get such a kick out of seeing new fruits appear. Its also my last year before BIG school next year and I am going to be able to learn so much more as this year goes on. I can now draw shapes and write letters and some numbers and Im sure at the end of the year my portfolio is going to look pretty darn good!  Mia and I are also sharing our time having a day at home with Mummy and Ethan by ourselves. Its going to be so much fun and balanced…like you always say daddy…balance is the key! I think this year is going to be a blast!

x J

Tuesday 10th January, 2012

Dear Daddy,

We went on a boat today…just like you daddy, although ours wasn’t as big. We caught a ferry under the harbour bridge from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour and past Luna Park. We also got to see a pirate ship as we moved into our port stop which was near the Maritime Museum…..have you seen any pirates lately daddy? We visited the Sydney Aquarium with mummy’s friend Naomi and her big kids. I loved spending time with Max, Jack & Lucy. They are super cool. They showed me all round the shark tanks, showed me the seahorses, penguins and the big lego displays throughout the Aquarium. They even shared a lolly pop of theirs with me. I was sooooo lucky. Its been a very awesome day and when you get home I cannot wait to stay in sydney with you and go on our own ferry together. I asked mummy if you could take us to Luna Park when you get home! She said she thinks its a great idea and will ask you….please daddy can we go…can we?

x J

Wednesday 11th January 2012

Dear Daddy, 

Delight, Excitement, Joy and Freedom…just some of the many things I enjoy about my jolly jumper just before bathtime at the end of the day. 

x E

Thursday 12th January, 2012

Dear Daddy, 

I love love love craft and especially to paint. It was my first request to ask for when spending my first day at home with mummy and Ethan. It was a wonderful day and I got spoilt with being able to watch my own movie, make jelly, get lots of cuddles and one on one time with mummy and even got to enjoy an iceblock after lunch. I think I could get used to this every thursday! And Ok…you know I dont have a dummy BUT Josh and I used to have imaginary play with them and although  mummy has started throwing them all out one by one, I hid this from mummy in my special spot so I could bring it out when she wasnt noticing.  Something tells me that my dummy play phase is going to be short lived.

x M

As my husband is currently serving on HMAS Parramatta in the middle east during a 6mth deployment, there is nothing more than I want to do than to press the pause button. I look back over the time that has already passed and I cringe at what he has missed as our children have grown and am saddened by what little milestones are still yet to be achieved. But now that life has somewhat settled after the initial adjustment period of him leaving, I feel strong enough to embark on this new challenge.  For him…for myself…and mostly for our children.

DEAR DADDY is our heartfelt journey where I will capture images of daily of life with our children,to celebrate the countdown of the second half of his deployment until his homecoming.

I will blog our journey weekly with a collection of images from the week that has been. Each image will follow with a short letter to daddy….from each of our hearts.

This is my little way to freeze time for him; to capture the expressions he misses; the quiet moments, special things they do together and anything that I feel inspired to capture that I know he will appreciate…all the things Skype (as amazing a bridge it has been for us to close the distance) cannot.

And so begins the countdown….12 weeks to go today!

Dear Daddy,

Some nights when Im feeling a little down and missing you, mummy spends a little extra time talking to me about you. She tells me that you love me and miss me so much. I miss you too.

Ive been keeping my navy calendar on my bedside table so I can flick through the pages to see your ship at the end of every day. Im so excited to tell you that your ship is in the month of September…My birthday month! Sorry daddy, the pages are a little crinkled now. Tonight I circled that special date that I will see you again. 30th march 2012. Its going to be a very special day….mummy said it will make my heart smile really BIG and be much happier than the day you left. I ask mummy often, “is daddy coming home soon? and the easter bunny?” It makes mummy laugh and she tells me that you are coming home BEFORE the easter bunny.

I just cannot wait.

J x

(the image above was taken on 4th January 2012 before our project began. I couldn’t think of a more fitting image to start our countdown journey) 

]]> http://www.hushphotography.com.au/blog/?feed=rss2&p=877 5 http://www.hushphotography.com.au/blog/?p=862 http://www.hushphotography.com.au/blog/?p=862#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:14:22 +0000 hush http://www.hushphotography.com.au/blog/?p=862 It has been a long time coming to finally meet these beautiful clients of mine. I feel most honoured and touched to be able to be the special person to capture these moments for them. Its been a little bit of a long road to get to this perfect destination but as beautiful as fate would have it, they are finally here and only weeks away from holding their brand new bundle of joy! I am just so giddy with excitment at what lays ahead for them. It is going to feel so surreal to finally be parents to this very lucky lucky baby boy or girl. (I have dibs on boy )

Dearest Brad and Kristelle,

Not long now and you’ll be meeting your very own little piece of perfection. You will know what its like to hold love in your hands and have your heart on the outside. You’ll soon see two amazing little eyes looking back up at you, mesmerised by the wonder around. Oh how exciting these coming weeks will be waiting for the anticipation of your birth…I cannot imagine how much you two beautiful people are containing yourselves…I most certainly am not.

To help pass the time just a little bit more, I hope you enjoy your sneak peek from our session on Saturday. Thank goodness we got the stunning weather we were waiting for!  I cannot wait to see you with your new little one soon! ”

Much love

Nicole x

We were lucky to have just escaped the downpour of rain and we were blessed with overcast skies, beautiful light and the feeling that spring was on our doorstep. I ADORED this session and have so many favourites to share.

Danielle, Tim & Taylor….I hope you enjoy your sneak peek.

I will be in touch soon with your link to your full gallery. Enjoy x

“Little Taylor, you are just the sweetest little princess and it was such a delight to finally meet you. Your big brown eyes  wouldn’t melt butter and you have such a strong willed little spirit, determined to explore and lead. You are petite, dainty and precious. God bless you and your wonderous ways. Thank you again Danielle & Tim, for going so far out of your way for me to be able to capture this in my hometown and also allow me to be close to my baby. I hope these images fill your heart with happiness, as much as I have enjoyed creating them.”

much love

Nicole x