Happy Holidays from Watch Them Grow Photography

Watch Them Grow Photography has grown in leaps and bounds this year, welcoming so many new clients and catching up with older clients.  Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me into your homes and to capture your precious memories for you. 

Much love to all and I hope you have the most wonderful holidays and New Year! xxx

P.S. A little pressie for my clients.......

Family Spring Sessions!

My friend's daughter always jumps at the chance to have a photo session with me and now that Spring has arrived we thought we'd show you how Spring is such a glorious time for family photography!

When preparing for your session wear layers - t-shirt, cardigan, scarf, etc. so each family member can peel off, or add, as they see fit and remain comfortable throughout the shoot.  Spring is a bit finicky where the weather can change especially here in Melbourne.

I will liaise with you about a great location, maybe your local park (all those buds popping up from the ground), beach or anywhere that's special to your family. 

Time is right.  Book in now or you may miss out on those Spring buds. 

Red Hat!

Oh that red baseball cap

I snuck it

It fitted right on my head

Something about a red baseball cap

But Dad said I had to give it back!!!!

Down by the Wharf!

What better way to spend a leisurely family afternoon than checking out some location ideas for photo shoots.  This place is gorgeous down at the wharf , Princes Pier, Port Melbourne.  The things I ask my family to do???

Special Promotion!

I'm so excited to introduce a day out at the beautiful Mont Du Soleil www.montdusoleil.com in Kallista, Dandenongs on Sunday, 25th September.   A special day for your Tween daughter.

I remember so vividly when I was in-between 9 - 12 years old, where you're not quite a child anymore but not yet a teenager.  A most confusing time as your childhood innocence is questioned by your peers, becoming more independent but still insecure, trying to fit in and find your identity. 

They're coming into their own, developing their own personalities, shaping their thoughts and feelings of who they will become in their adult life.  That awkwardness and self doubt though springs it's ugly head and friendships change as they question who they are. 

I've had some wonderful styled photo shoots with young girls, I love to make them feel special!  I work with them to discover their true selves and develop a photo shoot around their personality.  I will be bringing various outfits on the day for your daughter to choose from but work with her prior to the shoot to help her organise her outfit for her session.  I find that the Mums have just as good a time helping their daughters dress and work out their outfits too. 

After the shoot your photos will be loaded to an online gallery where you choose your 'Favourites' by two images which will be printed on beautiful archival art paper, A3 size which can be framed and hung on the wall.   A framed art piece that she will treasure in years to come.

The life of a Toddler!

There's just so much to do in a day of the life of a toddler!  Little Oliver couldn't wait to show me his room and his toys (and sorry Mum for me asking him to jump on his bed)!!  The cutest!!

Best Friends Forever!

What better way to spend a day on your school holidays than have a photo shoot with your best friend.  The girls loved trying on different outfits and had a ball modelling in front of the camera.   They were little troupers, never complaining once especially with the cold! 

Children seem to come out of their shell in front of the camera and naturally be themselves.  If you're thinking about having professional photos taken don't be put off that it's Winter. 

Family Lifestyle Photo Shoot at the Park!

It might be cold here at the moment but when the sun comes out what better place to have a family photo shoot than down at the local park playing with the ducks, looking for fairies and playing on the swings.  

The Wonder of Motherhood!

It's an amazing thing, almost a surreal time in a woman's life when she's expecting.  To feel your baby's movement and knowing that a new life is growing inside of you can't be compared.   To celebrate her third pregnancy and maybe her last, Marnie called me to photograph her.  You make a beautiful mother Marnie and both your girls will be gorgeous big sisters.   

Children & Family Lifestyle Photographer Bayside, Melbourne

As if I am reaching for the stars,
outstretched arms, open and inviting.
Gentle smiles tell stories of lives and love,
the movements so enticing.
Smooth steps and turns, arms precise.
What a feeling, all those eyes and brightly colored lights.
I watch from the crowd and I see from the stage,
I yearn for the day when I can dance with such grace.
For now I simply practice and hope the curtain will raise,
And pour my heart out when dancing
and hope the music never dies.

by Cindijo Betrand
 

Let's Investigate!

What looked like vacant, bushy land was actually a native reserve filled with all sorts of beautiful indigenous plants and trees in our local area.  I've driven past this spot so many times but decided to stop and have a look.  

Little Emma had such a great time (even in the rain), looking at all the flowering shrubs and tea tree!  Children love to investigate, everything is an adventure! 

How to obtain those genuine emotions in a Family Photo Shoot!

I'm sure we've all been there.....Mum has organised a professional photo shoot, spent hours organising outfits and reiterating to their family to give lot's of smiles and behave on the day of the shoot.  I totally I get it, you want the photographer to capture them at their best but sometimes there will be one child that won't be cooperative on the day!  Most Dads aren't particularly too keen either (sorry Dads)!  The stress of trying to get everybody ready and meet the photographer on time, once you get there you're stressed and all everyone can think of is getting it over with before someone loses it. 

I like to ask lot's of questions prior to the photo shoot to get to know each of your family members and to help them relax and have fun during the shoot.  It's okay if one child doesn't want to have their picture taken, don't stress as once they see the other members of your family having fun, they want to be included as well.  They will come round!

My aim is to capture the interaction and love you have for one another.  Hug them, laugh with them, tickle them, whisper silly things in their ears, throw them in the air and play with them so they see that this is more of a play date with Mum and Dad, not a photo shoot where they can't relax and be themselves.  This is your family...you know them, you love them...show them how you feel and those gorgeous interacting photos will happen.

For all the Mum's out there!

With less than a week to Mother's Day I thought I'd share some favourite images of Motherhood over the last year.  Mum's deserve to be spoilt on their special day!  Celebrate Motherhood, the love they have for their children, the behind the scenes work they do to make our lives run smoothly.  Being a Mum myself and knowing how our time is so stretched thin, why not spoil your Mum with a photo shoot Gift Voucher, a present that will be cherished for a lifetime.   My aim is to capture the love and connection all Mum's have for their children and family.  Book now and you'll receive a free 7 x 5" art print.

How to Prepare for your Autumn Family Session!

7 Tips for Preparing for Your Autumn Session

Autumn is one of the most popular months of the year for portrait sessions. After all, nature is doing its thing with all those vibrant colors, plus you get a chance to really play up your wardrobe with accessories in the crisp weather.

1. Make use of accessories and clothing that play up the "autumn" feeling. For example, opt for leather boots, cable knit scarves and comfy cardigans look amazing on the whole family and can really bring a picture to life. Tip: neutrals do really well in the fall against all that foliage.

2. Timing is everything. Start paying attention to that shift in weather as summer melts into fall. Once the leaves start changing book a session. I know that I like to plan fall sessions, so chances are I've got a session ready for you.

3. Location is everything. If it's Autumn, you better believe we're playing outside in the gorgeous weather. I have a lot of locations to choose from that have particularly pretty backdrops. I'm also open to your suggestions.

4. Plan for a mid-afternoon to early-evening session, when the light is just gorgeous. The days are shorter in the fall, so we need to plan accordingly to get that golden hour light.

5. Play in the environment. Chances are there are leaves on the ground or a few buds lingering around. I may have you throw leaves up into the air or something similar. Remember, this shoot is all about capturing your family bond and having fun, so let loose and get into the season!

6. Pack the necessities. It can get chilly in Autumn, so you may want to bring some necessities on hand.  Snacks and drinks for the kids and jackets on standby for when the sun goes in.

7. Wear comfortable shoes and accessories. Since we're going to be outside, we'll probably do lots of walking. If those boots look amazing but kill your feet, scratch them. If the scarf looks adorable on Tim but it's scratches his face and makes him unhappy, it's better left at all.

Family Bonfire!!

What better way to spend a chilly Autumn evening during the school holidays than toasting marshmallows in the fire pit in the backyard.  Children love to do this (and get's them off the video games without too much hassle)!!