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When Dianne and I started discussing a photo session, we talked about doing individual photo sessions with the children. We created a storyboard for each of the three children, started looking for the props, and building on the ideas. Then I think Michael and Dianne realised that they didn’t have a nice family photo. A photo that captures everyone, with clean faces and pretty smiles. I think a lot of us fall into this category, and I do too. It is very hard to get the family together and usually it is one of the parents taking the photo.

So, we changed the goal of the session to capturing the whole family, and the results are beautiful. Michael and Dianne are loving parents, who adore each of their three children. We captured the fun, love and the magic of this family. I am so happy to share these photos with you. Enjoy!

After seeing the pink tutu on her sister, Olivia decided she wanted to dress-up…it really is a gorgeous tutu. We had a wardrobe change and then moved into the garden. Two very special rabbits, balloons, and a princess chair were added to create these beautiful images of a little girl who loves reading. YAY for reading!  Don’t forget ballet and zen yoga as well! ❤

As it is my birthday on Thanksgiving this year, I thought I would write a list of all the things I am grateful for. As I turning 42..this seemed like the appropriate stopping point.

1) I am grateful for my husband, who introduced me to avocado and pate, and I have never looked back.
2) I am grateful to my 5 children, who teach me something new everyday.
3) I am grateful to my Mum, who taught me how to be creative.
4) I am grateful to my Dad, who taught me the importance of education and laughter.
5) I am grateful to my husband’s parents who raised a terrific man and an amazing father.
6) I am grateful for my brother, who is a wonderful father to his two gorgeous boys.
7) I am grateful for my love of reading, and that I grew up reading paperback books.
8) I am grateful I can cook, and that my children regularly compliment me on the dinners I make.
9) I am grateful I have been a stay at home Mum for the last 12 years.
10) I am grateful my husband supported my decision to be a SAHM.
11) I am grateful I have lived in 3 countries, it has taught me to accept differences.
12) I am grateful I can cry during movies.
13) I am grateful for all the drawings and cards I receive from my children.
14) I am grateful I have crossed off countries that I wanted to visit from my bucket list
15) I am grateful I still have many more countries I want to visit on my bucket list.
16) I am grateful I have learnt a second language, it has changed the way I think.
17) I am grateful I can see beauty in the smallest things.
18) I am grateful that I grew up by the beach and I could ride my bike to the beach everyday.
19) I am grateful for my faith.
20) I am grateful that I love coffee and that I have shared many great conversations while enjoying a coffee.
21) I am grateful for my friends and that they value our friendship as much as I do.
22) I am grateful for all the beautiful sunrises and sunsets I have seen.
23) I am grateful my children want a cuddle from me when things are getting them down.
24) I am grateful for the people who devote their life to working for charities.
25) I am grateful for chocolate….in any form.
26) I am grateful my children have made friends, all over the world, and can play in 2 languages.
27) I am grateful I asked for a DSLR camera for my 40th birthday…it has changed my life.
28) I am grateful I have found a passion that allows me to be creative and see the world with new eyes.
29) I am grateful I can cook a blueberry crumble cake and serve it to friends for brunch.
30) I am grateful for arroz e feijão…and I never thought I would say that.
31) I am grateful for pilates, it is giving me a strength I never thought I would have.
32) I am grateful for all the days I have enjoyed the warm sunshine on my back and the cool breeze on my face.
33) I am grateful that I have made friendships here in Brazil, with people who are from countries all over the world.
34) I am grateful for vegemite on toast, it really does put a rose in every cheek.
35) I am grateful for my exercise buddies who help keep me motivated.
36) I am grateful for my friends who have stayed in contact, no matter where I live.
37)  I am grateful that I  lived in the countryside by the Murrary River and that I fell in love with its beauty.
38) I am grateful I call Australia home- it is such a beautiful country.
39) I am grateful for all the baby snuggles and cuddles I have enjoyed.
40) I am grateful I am computer savvy.
41) I am grateful I have always had a  home where I can sleep peacefully every night.
42) I am grateful you have read my list…you obviously care.

My daughter received an amazing pink tutu for her sixth birthday. It has many layers of soft tulle and bounces as she walks. Whenever she wears it, she attracts alot of attention. I had this idea to use the pink tutu for a photo session that also included balloons and bubbles. I put the idea on hold until I found the perfect location and the right model.

On my FB page, I sent out a request for models to complete the ideas that are buzzing around my mind. The Tripician family contacted me and said they would love their two girls to be involved. We meet at Cica’s house, to discuss ideas. She suggested her tree lined street for one of the sessions. When I saw it, I knew it would be the perfect location for my tutu idea. Her father was Mayor of Sao Jose dos Campos  during the 70’s and planted trees along their street. They are now huge and beautiful. I just loved the family connection.

I am so excited to share these photos, as Miss Helena was more than I could hope for in a model. She was excited and happy to be part of the session. She was so creative and came up with her own ideas for me to take photos. Plus the afternoon light was just beautiful. When it all came together, the pink tutu, the bubbles, the balloons, the trees, and a happy, skipping, girl….. I was blown away.

They were bright red, shiny and created a dramatic backdrop for the images. We also enjoyed a visit from a huge, white bird, which was the best prop for this park.
After walking through the park, we put a picnic blanket down on the grass and enjoyed taking some close-up photos. I loved seeing the connection with this family, their sense of fun and the love they share. It was such a pleasure to capture this family.