Funky Photography

Time for.......

2010-09-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

CHANGE! Yes thats right change.....and HERE it is. The new blog. It isn't quite finished yet, but its getting there xxxxx

Springtime....... Sunshine Coast Photography

2010-09-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the year, I set myself a personal challenge {photography related of course}. It was to celebrate our memories of childhood. From being little super hero's, to flying paper aeroplanes, to ballet dancing in the woods, picnicking in fields of clover and then Friday's session, having a lemonade stand. It was the perfect day for it. First day of Spring, 28 degrees, oodles of dreamy, honey light flowing over the trees, and two gorgeous GORGEOUS littly's.

Thank you to the beauty-full Fletcher family..........

Thank you also to my wonderful husband, who, on his days off from work, came prop hunting, sewed hessian sacks and built the lemonade stand for me. Now thats love :)

R.e.a.l Life - Sunshine Coast Photography

2010-08-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

It isn't often I get photographs of Cameron. He hates the camera. He has Asperger's Syndrome......is it obvious looking at him? No, it isn't. You have to live with him, speak to him, 'know' him. He is truly an incredible child. His life is governed by his own routines {although the one where he used to wake up at 6.30am and be at school by 7.45am, has faultered lately}. He is mature, sensible and responsible. He takes everything literally and is incredibly intelligent. His favourite colour is red, as red means safety. He understands more rules and regulations about bizarre things, than I ever could. There is no grey area with him; you are either right, or wrong.

Friends and family often refer to him as Sheldon, off the Big Bang Theory.......as his behaviour, the way he speaks share an uncanny resemblance. He loves everything geeky, techy and retro. Another one born in the wrong era. He is definitely a 80's kid through and through!

It is part of our real life, and although we have had some really tough times {first days at school were an eye opener for everyone concerned - we went through 2 schools before we found Eumundi}, we wouldn't have it any other way. He is truly remarkable :)

Where there is love.......

2010-08-16T00:08:00.001-07:00

there is life......

Exposed.......

2010-07-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm feeling very exposed this week as my Funky Photoshop Actions are going on sale, and I'm oh sooooooo nervous! It has taken months of work to get ready for sale. I've had them happily sitting on my computer for years, so many photographers asked if I would sell them, so I thought 'yeah why not'! But, it has meant weeks of getting them ready, testing them to the extreme, getting friends and other photographer's to test them (thanks guys)! Then I had to deal with the hell that is Wordpress :( Oh boy, what a learning curve! Blogger is so easy in comparison! Many thanks to the gorgeous Andrea Sproxton for helping get the website up and running. If it wasn't for her I think I would have given up yonks ago! Also a big shout out to the testers, who set aside time in the days to test the actions and come back to me with the glitches! And also to the lovely Amanda Keeys for her advice and support. Love you girls!

I've included some free actions and a tutorial so why not head on over there and have a peek! And I just can't do a post without a pic, so here's something I found yesterday. I saw it glinting in the morning sunshine and had to take a pic, as taking pics keeps me happy! :)

To Soar........

2010-07-21T03:01:00.000-07:00

22nd July..........I h.a.t.e 'this' day......

More than any other day in the year

It's a day that brings back so many emotions and fears that I never envisaged I'd have to go through until I was at least in my late 40's............

Yet I wasn't, I was a child.........

Does it get any better? Do you learn to forget?

No. You never forget. Just as all memories fade, so does the pain.............but I see it as 'coping' rather than forgetting.......

Does it make any sense, after all these years? No it doesn't.

She was so young.

But then something happens, to make you remember......

It can be a familiar smell, or a taste, or a song.......... or a 'date'

Incense.....my Mum burnt a lot of incense, the smell of 'sandlewood' brings her back to me.....

Lily's....the overpowering, pungent smell of lily's..... Mum never really liked lily's, yet they had them at her funeral?

I never really understood that???

She loved roses and magnolia blossom........why did no one else know that?

Through this process of grief I've learnt a lot of things............ the biggest thing being the strength that can be formulated by one person to strive forward beyond the grief and achieve 'more'...........much much 'more'

All four of us girls { my sisters and I} have been successful in our own rights.......... we have pushed forward, even though the odds have been stacked against us............

We haven't had the parental support................but we have had family {Aunty Maggy and Nanna Scrivener} and of course our amazing friends, who have helped us get to where we are today.........

When Mum died, one of my tutors wrote in a card something that stuck with me for a long time, it was a quote about 'suffering'

'suffering forces us to change, we don't like change, and most of the time we fight it. We like to remain in emotionally familiar places, even though sometimes those places, aren't healthy for us. On occasion, the suffering is so great, that we give in. We surrender the old and begin the new. Often it is the pain we experience that leads us, not only to a different life, but a richer and more rewarding one' D Wholey

This 'grief' 'my' grief, has lead me to 'soar'..............just like an aeroplane...........higher and higher............... and it doesn't matter 'if' or 'when' I land, because I gave it everything, and that is something to be proud of as, giving yourself to something completely, with true dedication is truly 'rewarding'................

Just............

2010-07-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

Jesse. He is not only dashingly handsom {good genes} but is an amazing vocal artist, guitarist and song writer. He is so creative and really is an inspiration to, not only my boys, but to everyone that meets him! His Mum Linda is oh so proud........and it's his birthday soon, so Happy Birthday Jesse!

You can listen to Jesse's music here and his band's music here They are sooooo awesom and are going to be HUGE!

Pretty as a Princess........

2010-07-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

........she sure is! I cannot believe the difference in litle Miss A from when I first took her pics around 2 years ago! She's growing up so quickly and is just perfect in every way.

Little Super Hero's.......

2010-06-29T17:36:00.001-07:00

Super Hero {supa-hear-o}: a fictional character of extraordinary or super human powers, dedicated to protecting the public.

It is with lots of excitement that I'm finally launching my Fine Art Collections! I am now able to offer the most gorgeous and luxurious session albums, acrylic wall mounts, gallery wrap canvases and standout prints, as well as the normal a la carte prints on lustre, high gloss, metallic and textured papers. All are presented in the most gorgeous eco friendly, recycled packaging! Yep, I'm going green!

So to launch my Sweet Stuff, Whimsical and Little Super Hero Collections, here's some of our little super hero's complete with the most amazing cape from Little Hero Designs!

A big thank you to our little Super Hero's, Master A and Master R for being totally fabulous! Aren't they cute?

My...my.....my

2010-06-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

Delilah! With her hand painted purple interior and fluffy roof lining, Miss Delilah earnt her name by being 'a car of ill repute'! Isn't she gorgeous tho? {and the kids aren't too bad either}!!!

A big thank you to the amazing Fennel family for loaning me car+kids+time for my student Kiera's practice shoot. Kiera is doing amazingly well, she's just sweet sweet 16 and is now turning out the most creative and inspiring photographs...we're all so proud of her. Kiera has been with me for 2 days a week for the past 5 weeks. We only have a couple of weeks left then she is off to start a new life in beauty-full Tassie! I have no doubt she will be an awesom photographer down there, in whatever field she chooses!

Last image by Kiera, I love it so much! Clever girl x

You rock girl :P

F&F Month!

2010-06-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do this for soooooo long....but a little thing called 'life' got in the way! How very errr........ inconvenient?? I realised ages ago that its been a while since I was able to photograph my family and friends :( This makes me sad :(

So........ July is going to be dedicated to my F&F! (special rates too)

Email me, Facebook me, text me, call me and I'll get you booked in! funkyphotography@hotmail.com

{Inspiration} Friday ;)

2010-06-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

I really believe you should live inspired, we are surrounded by the most beauty-full, talented and unique individuals. This morning whilst sitting at my desk, drinking coffee {in an attempt to warm up}, and day dreaming away, I came across two inspiring blogs that made my heart sing............

{The Drifter & the Gypsy}

Amy Mellicent

{'Life' inspires me...........}

A warm winter's evening........

2010-06-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

{Winter} is a time for comfort

For good food & {warmth}
For the touch of a friendly hand

And a {talk} beside the fire
It is time for {home}

{Edith Sitwell}

I've always maintained, that winter sunsets and sunrises are the best! The air is crisp and clear, the stars shine more brightly, the sky turns a gorgeous pink haze just after sunset.......it really is beauty-full.

Winter also gives us a chance to rug up in the cuddliest, and most colourful clothes! So bring on the funky colourful beanies and scarves, huddling around the fire pit toasting marshmellows, hot choc and beef casseroles! Yep, I {love} winter

xxxx

A Mummy's Wish.......

2010-06-02T00:07:00.000-07:00

'First in begins, inside your {heart}
something moves, then opens
Then {frees} itself
and now you feel a {rhythm} breaking
Its long silence
this is going to be {good}

{Monique Duval}

Under any other circumstances, Janelle and I would probably not have met. We live four and a half hours away from each other. My children have ten years on hers. We have no friends in common, but, as I typed her number into my phone, I felt like I was dialing the number for an old friend..........

You see Janelle and I were put in touch through the Mummy's Wish Foundation. It's an incredible organisation that helps Mum's with cancer. Sometimes, its just through support, by 'being there', other times its more practical help through providing vital equipment for families to stay 'in touch' when mum's are in hospital receiving treatment, and other times it really is to 'grant wishes'.

Janelle's wish was to have photographs taken of her three littly's. So Mark and I packed our woolly's {its a little chilly down south}, loaded the kids and cameras into the car and headed down to the NSW border.

We stayed at a truly beauty-full 'eco bush retreat' in NSW. A huge thank you to Tallulah for allowing us to stay an extra night, you have no idea how grateful we all are. It gave us the time we needed to spend with Janelle and her gorgeous family.

So thank you Janelle & Nic for letting us invade your home and garden, and for putting on a fabulous BBQ for us {you're naughty, you shouldn't have}!!!! Hopefully we'll all stay in touch as I can't wait to photograph you all again!

You are such an amazing person Janelle, with a beauty-full spirit, and you're so right "the world doesn't stop because you are sick" you have to keep going ;)

And the Winner is............

2010-05-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

Renee Fletcher!

Last seen........

2010-05-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

A year ago.......and boy has Little Mr M grown! He's walking and talking and absolutely LOVES his food (as I found out when I scattered popcorn on the ground and well.....he ate it)! I've reassured Mum his immunity levels will be perfect! So here's a few from our time at the beach! Thanks again the gorgeous Tello family, it was amazing to catch up again and see how much littlen has grown!

Little Tikes Competition.....

2010-05-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder to get your names down for the Little Tikes competition which closes on the 31st May! All you have to do is email your name, and telephone number to me at funkyphotography@hotmail.com

You could win a Little Tikes Session valued at $695

2 hours on location photography

30 digital images, retouched to fine art on high resolution CD

Acryllic mount fine art wall hanging 12 x 12 ready to display in your home

1 entry per person, limited to residents on the Sunshine Coast unless happy to travel here!

The draw will take place on the 1st June 2010! Good Luck!

xx Annie xx

A 'Day' {with} and without.......

2010-05-09T01:09:00.000-07:00

'Mother's Day' has always been a little bittersweet for me
I lost my Mum when I was young
I was a teen......we had our battles.....
We had our moments of gratefulness and appreciation
She was a strong woman
She was creative
She was intelligent
She was spiritual and soulful
She did 'naked yoga' in the back garden every day {no, I'm really not kidding}
She didn't believe in chemicals
Or anything artificial for that matter
Lollies were banned!!!!
She was a member of Greenpeace
She wore a Sari
She milked the goats daily then walked them, on a leash to the local Supermarket where she'd pick up our daily groceries
She rode her 1940's bicycle everywhere, my Dad had a sign writer write on it 'Lynda's Black Bess'
She wasn't perfect {she knew this}
She truly was a remarkable and unique woman.........

We miss her........

So whilst today I am without my Mum, I can celebrate being a Mum. I can celebrate that;

I went to sleep last night with Oliver curled up next to me and Aaron wrapped up in his doona on the floor beside my bed, whilst we watched Pirates of the Caribeen
That my boys constantly tell me how much they love me, and demand hugs (and they usually don't even want something)
They value my opinion
They really believe that I am right (ha)!

Now all I have to get them to do is to behave for the rest of the day.... and I'll feel much better, as today of all days they have decided to hate each other, and in the process upset me :( Family life I guess.........

XXAnnie XX

2010-05-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

Being Eleven xxxxx

Something kinda cool........

2010-05-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

happened a while ago now........ I met Miss Jodie, and it was seriously like we'd known each other for years........ Jodie is a wedding photographer, I'm a kids photographer. I asked Jodie to accompany me to cover a friends a wedding....we had an AWESOM time and came back with fabulous and very unique shots. The bride and groom were stoked! After shooting another wedding, then another one and another one etc etc, we quickly realised that we didn't want to do weddings on our own. We had so much more fun together and could relax knowing that if one of us weren't 'getting the shot' the other one was! Everyone commented on how well we worked together! So, NYE, lying on the couch in our pj's, 1 glass of Moscato (yes only 1 glass) Captured by 2 was born!

A BIG shout out to Jodie for all the hard work her and David have put into the website and blogger.........everything happened to coincide with the new launch of my Funky website, which meant poor Jode's had to do all the work to get it up and running and she has done an amazing amazing job! Thank you thank you thank you honey, it really is how I imagined it would be. {incidentally poor David had to do all the IT work involved which meant staying up to the wee small hours after long days at work in Brisbane....and he did it all for love. Jode's owes him BIG time} haha

To celebrate the launch we're going to be having a special deal! So watch this space for more information.

Bring on...........the boys!

2010-04-29T01:57:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous gorgeous boys too! But then look at Mum and Dad..... totally beauty-full people! A very Happy Birthday (a little belated) to Master F - he turned 2 last week, yep, just a few days before little Miss Poppy featured in her birthday post! With all that red hair and sparkling blue eyes, they could almost be brother and sister!

Then there's little Master X, buckets of fun, cheeky and again that sparkle in his eyes. Yep Mum & Dad are very lucky! And of course, after loading them up on sugar and taking a few pics, Nicole and I left Mum and Dad to it! Haha {we're not silly} xxxxxxx

Bring on the girls.........

2010-04-27T01:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! We're only at Tuesday and it's been a week of girls! Absolutely stunning, gorgeous girls I might like to add! More to add later when I..........photograph the boys!!!!!

Happy Birthday..........

2010-04-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Miss Poppy!

{adorable}

Sweet

{determined}

Independent

{loved}

Happy Birthday gorgeous girl!!!! xxxx

Life Just Got A Little Bit........

2010-04-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

FUNKIER!!!!!!

After many sleepless nights and too many shooting/editing hours to comprehend, my new website is ready! I'm so excited as its just what I wanted, simple, fresh and colourful!

Click here for a peek!

Change is always good, and I've had my old website for over 4 years now so it was due for a makeover :)

I also have a scrummy new logo too! So finally...... here's to the new 'me'....... tonight we will be cracking open the bubbly!

A massive thanks to Kiara, Lily, Jessica and Sid for modelling for me {and of course their very patient Mum's and Dad's}! More pics to be added of some more just gorgeous gorgeous kids!!!

Also a very special thanks to Nicole from 'You & Me Photography' for accompanying me and helping out BIG time!!! you're a star! And of course Jodie for being a constant source of....... 'encouragement' {haha bet you wondered what i was going to put}!

To celebrate the new website launch, I'm running a competition! The winner gets a free Little Tikes session with me worth *$695. All you have to do is send your name and telephone number to me at: funkyphotography@hotmail.com. Winner's will be drawn on the 1st June 2010 and announced that evening! So tell your friends, tell your family and get emailing!

xx Annie xx

*Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for details. One entry per person.

Something old......something new.......

2010-04-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

.......something borrowed, and something most definately blue!

Beautiful blue was the theme for yesterdays garden wedding in Gympie. Joy and Pete married at private cottage gardens at Widgee in Gympie, and Jodie and I were there to capture it for them.

So here's a sneak peek from their day.

Easter Recipe.......

2010-04-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

4am starts

1am finishes

An incy bit of 'stress'

Double doses of irritability

A pinch of excitement

A dash of nerves

Copious amounts of inspiration..........

{a little alcohol}

Yes this is the recipe to my life at the moment.........but I'm assured it will "all be worth it"............so watch this space for my new look website and branding.......... fresh, fun and funky, bright and colourful.

Some quick pics of what we've been up too, as well as the all of the above, we've also been busy shooting! And we've had a lotta fun while we've been doing it :) Yayyyyyyyy!!!!!! {more to come, this is just a sneak peek}

Together.......

2010-03-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

at last! Yep I've been photographing little Arla since she was first born, and her cheeky big brother has come along a couple of times too, but I've never been able to get all of the family together.....until a few weeks ago :) Jo and Chris get married on May 2nd, so we decided to head down to the beach and grab a few shots before the big day. They truly are one gorgeous family ;) Love you all babes xxxx

Raindrops......

2010-03-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

.....kept on falling! You gotta admire our persistence, even during a tropical storm we'll be out there with our cameras (and brolley's)! Jodie and I met with the very beautiful Giselle & Todd for some loved up shots in the rain {Giselle incidentally is also a photographer and a gorgeous one at that}. We chose Montville for the location; its old ye world rustic charm, with its quaint cottages, walks and tea rooms are just perfect for romantic shots. And the rain??? Well that just brought out the uniqueness of it all. So thank you Giselle & Todd for braving the rain and being so patient.

Inspired........

2010-03-14T00:36:00.000-08:00

by all things gorgeous this week........ thank you to everyone for all your lovely messages, it really has made our week! XX Annie XX

Funky Love....

2010-02-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

...... yep we've had a little bit of 'Grooovyyyy Love' and now we've got some seriously Funky Love!

It was an absolute pleasure to accompany Miss Jodie and Miss Sonya and cover Jessica and Nicks wedding - can you tell we had fun? We rock'd Maloolabah Wharf!!! Yeah!!!

Jess and her girls got ready at the Duporth Riverside Apartments, with the very gorgeous Sandi from Rolling Scissors doing their fabulous hair!

The ceremony and reception were held at The Ebb Waterfront Restaurant - such a amazing location..... very swish!

Light.....

2010-02-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

I 'see' light everywhere.........
It makes my soul glow.........
I adore all 'kinds' of light.........
To me 'light' is everything........

{edited with Sheye's Eye Candy actions, furniture supplied by the gorgeous Miss Kaz from the Alfresco Cafe in Doonan}

A Groovy Kinda Love.....

2010-02-13T23:42:00.000-08:00

and just in time for Valentines day! Jodie and I had an absolutely AWESOM time photographing Ian and Tracey-Lee's wedding yesterday! Its been a bit of a stressful week, and, I really didn't think I'd be able to make it, but I did and I'm so glad I did {high on painkillers I might like to add}! A massive THANK YOU to Miss Jodie.... she came and did this shoot out of the kindness of her heart, for a very special couple that are going through a lot at the moment. I know it means so much to them that you could do this Jodie, you are one sweet sweet girl! {also a very talented girl.... I've seen the pics and they are incredible}!

From the moment Ian rocked up on a black Harley, and Tracey-Lee arrived in a stunning shiny black Hummer we knew it would be a wedding to remember! {and it was! I don't think we'll ever forget Ian's speech - far too much info Ian - some bedroom stories are best left....errrr in the bedroom?}!!! Deb Mahoney did an amazing job as the celebrant! And of course to Steve and the staff from The Boathouse put on a wonderful reception.

So to Ian and Tracey-Lee, much much love and also Happy Birthday! Yep, Ian turned 48 on his wedding day! Tracey-Lee shouldn't have any problems remembering his birthday!

XX Annie XX

Heart...........

2010-02-10T23:32:00.000-08:00

A very special 'heart' to Miss Jodie
Because you simply are a truly wonderful person, Mum, photographer and friend.xxxx

A day without...........

2010-02-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

.......Ava

Rainy daze.......

2010-01-31T22:40:00.004-08:00

its almost a certainty here in Australia, that if we're not enduring a drought, we 're drowning in flood waters caused by 'full moons/king tides and cyclones'! Yes........ our weather sure is nothing but unpredictable! With our tanks almost empty {yes guys we're self sufficient and collect our own rainwater for everything from drinking to flushing the loo}, and our pool going below the pump line..... I think its fair to say I had a few sleepless nights wondering when our next rainfall would be! But fear not! Cyclone Olga (or 'ex cyclone' Olga as the weather guru's are calling her) has come up trumps! With lashings and lashings of rain we now have a full tank - yayyyyyy! We also have a few trees down, and one rather large gum that is listing heavily to the right.......ooops! Time to get the chain saw out! But we can't have everything!

So here are a few rainy daze pics.......can't shoot in this weather, not everyone sees the 'art' in drowned rat pictures??? So I've resorted to taking pics of .......well the sky, and trees and raindrops and Ollie!

Happy birthday to my niece Lottie! Pressie is in the post (ish) - {by 'ish' I mean its wrapped and sitting next to me on my desk with my full intention of posting it tomorrow} ;) Miss you guys so much xxxxxx

The day I've been longing for.......

2010-01-28T00:59:00.000-08:00

and I missed it!

Yes after almost 8 weeks of 'longing and praying and wishing and hoping' for the schools to open....... I forgot to send the boys back to school! Last year I'm sure I had them packed and ready to go by 7am, in fact I may have even been knocking the school gates down! This year, I'm not quite sure what happened! Anyway, I've redeemed myself. Today they were up, fed, dressed and at school by 8am... the reason for this super efficiency???? Mark was home of course and he did it all!

So................

Mum getting kids to school = FAIL

Mum taking pictures of the kids first day back at school = FAIL

.........ah well can't be good at everything hey?

PS these two little cuties were in Canberra at the Child Photographers Retreat - aren't they just super sweet and oh so gorgeous?

Just cute as.........

2010-01-16T01:13:00.000-08:00

........my boys would say! They never finish a statement, they just say "thats cute as......." or "thats funny as........" and I totally agree with them! Who needs to finish the sentence??? Not me! I know exactly what they mean! These littly's are cute, cute CUTE! And I'm lovin watching them all grow! So much sparkle in these little ones.......... just love them......

My Space

2010-01-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

"Then swing your window open

the one with the fresh

& good eastern light

And watch for wings, edges and

new beginings....."

{Monique Duval}

.....and I did.....and the golden rays of sunlight filled the room.....the smell of eucalyptus lingered in the warm breeze...... and the children slept........

.......rosellas and cockatoos fed quietly from the feeder that gently swayed in the breeze....... and the children continued to sleep........

.......and the kettle boiled........the tea brewed.....the fridge hummed.....and the children slept.....

so my first day of 2010....... I let the children sleep, took my huge mug of tea, sat out on the verandah and enjoyed 'my space'........ and it was blissful, and it was quiet, and it made me appreciate everything we have.......

To everyone, to all our friends and family, have a truly wonderful 2010.......

Tis the season.....

2009-12-19T15:34:00.000-08:00

to be grateful, and thankful for sooo many things......

So to all my gorgeous clients, friends and family 'thank you' for making this year so special! It has been fun fun FUN to work with people that have a 'vision' and basically go with anything I suggest (you mad fools)! I have a feeling that 2010 will bring much more of the same, how fabulous!!!!

We hope you all have a wonderful christmas and new year

Lots of Love

Annie Mark Cameron Aaron and Little Ollie xxxxxx

PS couldn't do a 'bare' post, so here's a few pics of what we've been up too!

PPS as usual I'm 'behind' with editing and processing {no surprise hey}?? So if you're waiting for your piccies, they'll be done soon!!!

(completing Miss Linda's 'eleven' album with her was oh so special! We developed a unique bond - she hated having her pic taken, I disliked singing in public, after 9 months working together, I had taken many many pics of her (mostly of her feet??? Ummm yes I think I may have issues), and she got me singing in public TWICE - sneaky Miss Linda, very sneaky!!!) Thank you for being such an inspiration, an amazing person and the best singing teacher since.....well EVER xxx)

(Miss Jodie looking fairytale like and angelic, just in time for Christmas!!! I'm so glad I met you Miss Jodie! I've had so much fun doing shoots and being able to 'share' photography with you xxx you are truly a beautiful person xxx)

(Master K 'gave me' 15 mins to get his pic, after that he was gooonnneeeeeee! Thank you to his Mum - Kaz and his Aunty Chell from Alfresco in Doonan for providing me lattes, lemon cheesecake and enough breakfast's to keep the Aussie Army going for a year - well Mark! Thanks Kaz)

(these little lovely's modelled for us in Canberra at the Child Photographer's Retreat! Little Ollie was errmmmmmm, not the greatest of models, I do believe he had a little 'someone' on his mind, ooooo he has a 'crush' and its oh so sweet! A huge thank you to Jinky aka Barb for sorting my business head out! I needed a good kick up the bum! Thank you for 'sharing' your knowlede xxx Also massive thanks to Deb & John at the Old Stonehouse in Bungendore! What a truly amazing place, so beautiful. If you're ever staying in Canberra, I so so so recommend this quaint little cottage, it is just perfect! Also thank you to everyone for looking after Ollie, he really had a blast!)

Talking of models! A HUGE thank you to all the families that have allowed me to photograph them purely for FUN!!! Yes, I have these mad ideas in my head that I want to test out, and, you're always there so thank you so much (you know who you all are)!!!!!

Finally, thank you to Aunty Katy and Uncle Adam for the gorgeous hamper, Aunty Stacey for the beautiful cards & $$$'s, Nanna Scrivener and Aunty Maggy, Grandad & Nanna Jones - across the miles we send all our love and best wishes for christmas.

XXX

Growing with you.......

2009-11-28T03:38:00.000-08:00

I've always marvelled that through photography I have been able to watch all the littly's out there grow ........ from birth..........to kindy to high school, to when they graduate....it never occured to me that all you lovely folk out there that follow my blogger (crazy fools), have also watched my family and friends grow too. It's grounding to look back through the years on the blog and see how we've changed, what started as a method for us to keep in touch with family and friends over the miles, has evolved into something much much more. I don't keep a diary, so this is it............. I hope it can be preserved in cyberspace somewhere for my kids when they're older, to reflect on their childhood and see how far they've come. All of our children are amazing..... if ONLY I had enough hours in the day to photograph each and every one of my friends kiddies, I think thats the one thing that saddens me the most.... I used to be able to dedicate 'time' for them, now I hardly even photograph my own kids.... this is something that will change.... watch this space..........

It really has been a supabusytime, BUT I made time to go out with Ollie and take a few snaps. He's changing so quickly! I also met up with the amazing (I know I say it but she really is) Jodie and take some pics for the ohsogorgeous Maddi & Cassie on their formals night! What can I say? They are breath takingly gorgeous, but you guys will know that as I've photographed Miss Maddi before ;)

For anyone waiting for pics, I can only apologise.... I'm still editing weddings then have some family sessions to sort before heading off on a jet plane ;) So I shall see you all when I return....... xxxx

3 + 5 = ??????

2009-11-25T23:44:00.000-08:00

ummm well acording to my supposidly very intelligent 14 year old, I'm either 25 or 26???? The poor deluded child........ I 'should' have kept up the pretence, however my husband had the most AWESOM cake made for my birthday, in the form of a Nikon camera with a 35mm lens attached to it.... so the kid figured it out. I'm glad he did actually, cos doing the maths, he would have worked out I'd have had him at 11 years old {and even I'm not that slutty} hehe.......

Awesom cake made by the oh so talented Emma from Cake Conversations! Thank you so much Emma, you made my day xxx

I've had the BEST few days.... pressies pressies and even more pressies, flowers from grateful patients and clients, handmade earrings from Miss Lara, relaxing candles from Lyndall, and psychodellic ones from Miss Shane, massage vouches, gorgeous perfume sets, a beautiful bracelet from Riki,Brooke,Lindy and Don, alcohol and chocs from the lovely louise, a Dream interpretation book from the Bournes (well I do have weird dreams), sweet smelling love hearts from Miss Kim, a handmade glass bracelet from my wonderful Aunt Maggy, Mr Buble CD, bath and bubble sets, photo props galore and finally ...... tweezers for my facial hair removal from Ollie (how thoughtful for a 10 year old.... I'm most...ermmmm 'grateful'???)

To top it all we enjoyed a nice Thai meal at the Krung Threp with amazing friends..... ahhhhhh now I can sigh and relax, I'm 35.......

So a HUGE thank you for all my gifts, card words and kind words through email/text and FB....love you all xxxxxxx

and so ends the last wedding of the year.......

2009-11-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

and what a goodie it was!!!

Jules & Shaun got married at Point Cartwright surrounded by their friends and family. It was 'all things bright and beautiful' with the gorgeous bridemaids in yellow and orange and Miss Jules in her Lisa Ho floaty little number! With their colourful bouquets of orange and yellow gerb's it was just perfect!!

The amazing and oh so talented Jodie from Jodie Greck Photography accompanied, and of course Mark was there as the pack horse! Wow we had an amazing day as Jules & Shaun really are such fun! Thank you so much guys you are truly AWESOM!

so here are just a 'few' from their day...... all I can say is............ WE ROCKED IT!!!

More Freshly Baked Goodness.....

2009-10-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

Its been such a full on week I almost forgot to blog these little freshly baked bub's! So welcome to our world Miss A and Miss S, you are both truly gorgeous and your parents are so so proud!

I shall see little Miss S again soon, for her christening......

Life Rush.....

2009-10-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well they do say time flies when you're having fun and wow, this year is just soaring by! It must be as a} I'm carrying the boys christmas lists in my handbag on the 'off chance' I 'may' have time to do a spot of chrissy shopping (I know its October) b} its the start of the last semester at school! How did this happen and oh the joys.... 8 weeks of having the boys home for the lonnngggg summer holiday (can you tell I'm thrilled at this prospect??) c} all those cute newborn bub's from last year have turned 1 and we're photographing them again! So here's a very brief 'snapshot' of whats been going on... Little Miss S and Mum & Dad thank you for being so patient; I adore Miss S and her gorgeous baby blues - they make my heart melt.......

Ruby Slippers.......

2009-10-26T01:02:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I luuurvvve to photograph feet? And did I mention I adore ruby red, shiny shoes??? And did I mention that Miss Josie, our utterly gorgeous Bride wore a pair of the funkiest, shiniest and brightest shoes I have ever seen at a wedding??? Well she did, and she rocked it and we loved it!

The totally AWESOM Jodie from Jodie Greck Photography and I had a ball documenting Sam and Josie's wedding on the 26th October (yes I am a little behind on blogging)! It was an intimate ceremony, at Lake Currimundi where they were surrounded by their friends and family, some of whom had flown all the way from England! Josie's bridesmaid Kate played the violin as Josie and her daughter Tabitha walked through the sunny rainforest and onto the beach {with a quick 'wee' stop on the way}!

So to Sam and Josie (aka Mr & Mrs Fennell) congratulations, we love you guys and can't wait to ROCK YOUR FROCK!!!

Keeping Score.....

2009-10-23T02:18:00.000-07:00

Little Miss R - one

Me - ZERO!!

She's three going on twenty three....she did not want her picture taken....she wanted cake and 'black' drink {cola} - and who can blame her on a balmy Spring day......

So little Miss R - you got me, you beat me....but I still got pics of you for your gorgeous Mummy & Daddy! xxxx

Chalk n Cheese.....

2009-10-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

Amazing how different children can be! Mine are all like chalk and cheese (despite one pair looking like twins)! & so are Mr M and little Miss H from yesterday's session! Mr M is cheeky, full of energy and zest and loves the camera! Little Miss H is serious, utterly gorgeous and has the most amazing eyes and lips! But, then you just have to look at their gene pool to realise, all is good!!! Beauty-full Mum and Dad and a gorgeous Granny! I could have carried on photographing them all day........

Simple Loves.....

2009-10-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

I simply............. l. o. v. e. {balloons} xx

I simply............. {heart} my family xx

I simply........ love my friends xx

& I just simply LOVE taking pictures of all of them xxx

Thank you guys, you are awesom x

Beauty-full Days....

2009-09-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

Its been a week surrounded by beauty, from admiring the beauty-full area we live in, to spending days with these little cuties..... blissful! We had so much fun on the beach, by the lake and just hanging out at little Miss K's house with her gorgeous Mummy & Daddy, thank you xxxx

& then there's little Master K, who was pretty much up for anything (as long as it only took 15 minutes)! His Mummy & Daddy own the very funky Alfresco Cafe in Doonan, which I 'may' spend a little bit of time in ;) {ok, I spend a LOT of time there, but it really is retro and funky with fantastic food}! Thanks Kaz & Chell x

Celebrating a day.....

2009-09-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

Not one, but two celebrations for this family, who flew up from 'down south' for a short break in the sunshine. Celebration number one;- Fathers Day and celebration number two:- Granny's birthday (21 of course) ;) So to Nina, Meagan & their families, here's your sneek peek...... Also a huge thank you to Nicole, for accompanying me on the shoot!

...... also has anyone noticed????? I have a new blog! A huge thank you to the very talented and tech savvy Rita from Coffee Shop Photography who designs the cutest blogs and photoshop actions. I've been a fan for a long time, so it's been amazing to work with her on this! Thank you again chick xxxx

For those of you living in the middle of no where, with no TV or radio, or communication of any kind, we experienced a 'Life on Mars' situation yesterday! It was all kinda freaky! The red dust rolled in from the west, and quite frankly, if you hadn't have known it was red dirt picked up from a storm out west, you'd have thought it was the end of the world! Even the sun turned blue.... eeerrrrieeeeee.

SOOC (straight out of the camera) - surrounded by red dust - usually we have views forever across the top of the rainforest.

So today we're cleaning off the verandah's, cars and emptying our lungs of dust... nice hey?

Annie x

Thankful......

2009-09-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

"how beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it" {George Ellison}

Thank you so much to Kelly, Nic, Christian and Oliver for my amazing pressies! I love each and every one of them! Thank you also to Lyndall for my impressive snow globe {not that mark's impressed with my little collection - I obviously need some more}! And of course to Mark for getting me the nicest, brightest undies! Spoilt? I think so!

Also very excited {and a tad nervous} to be going on Barb's 'Child Photographer's Retreat' in December, here's hoping I come back fully inspired and ready to hit 2010 with some fresh and funky ideas!

Five Hearts......

2009-08-27T00:54:00.000-07:00

My first heart..... I walked out on to the verandah to find Ollie had made a heart out of curtain pole ends {quite creative I thought}. He'd placed them on 'the' chair that my friend Brooke & I got everso everso excited about {she spotted it outside a house and immediately thought of me - as I tend to collect 'shite-state' chairs for props, and yesss I LOVE it}!

My second heart.......for Miss Ava, she would have turned 6 - our thoughts and prayers are with her amazing family who continue to share Ava's light.....

My third heart....... in the shape of a muffin. Ollie and I baked 'rolo muffins' today after school.... with the left over mix, we made a heart shaped one for Mark......

My fourth heart........ for Miss Linda, who today taught me the importance of releasing all those feelings and emotions from my past, that continue to have an impact on my life today {oh and did I mention she turned a little 40 something yesterday - oops}

My fifth heart.... for my Aunty Maggy, its her birthday today and if you listen very carefully, you'll hear us all shouting HAPPY BIRTHDAY at the top of our voices {in the hope it reaches France of course}

A huge congratulations to Karen & Scott from Pure Bridal on the arrival of little Reggie! He's just adorable, cuddly and oh oh I could sit and hug him all day!!! {he's my sixth heart}

XX Annie XX

Lovin......

2009-08-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

the warm weather...... yup spring has definately sprung and its just simply beautiful! Amazing early sun rises, warm evenings and photoshoots not in the rain - hurrah!!!

Also lovin, VW Kombi's! We've all been passionate about VW's for years! We have VW towels, mugs, t-shirts but don't actually own a VW.... after spending the morning with Princess Sophia, I'm more determined than ever to have one! I can just see it now...pink and white with a FUNK 1 number plate {oh to dream hey}???

Princess Sophia is available to hire for weddings/functions/photoshoots from Kombi Kruzin....... if you'd like to add her to your photo shoot, just give me a call and I'll arrange it! For direct enquiries contact Katrina on 0418 444 898.

VW restoration by http://www.kombishop.com.au/

Lovin....fruit, yes fruit! After a winter feasting on stodgy puddings and casseroles, its fruit and salad time! Yayyyy......

Lisa Mitchell's new song 'Coin laundry'......... its funky and freaky at the same time {you kinda have to watch the video to understand the freaky bit}

Nike Air-Rifts........the most comfortable footwear EVER! I've had my pair for over 5 years, can't get them in oz, so my sister is kindly sending some over from the UK, thanks Fern x

Being back....

2009-08-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

a messy bedroom...

noise.......

Family Guy on Austar 24/7.....

meat balls and spaghetti....

singing......

hugs.....

swine flu..... (yup seriously)

Yep, he's back from Canberra, and back to his old tricks...only we wouldn't have it any other way ;)

A HUGE thank you to all his teachers for bringing him back safely! He had so much fun, and whilst I missed him constantly, he told me he was 'too busy' to miss me - charming!!!

'Eleven'........

2009-07-25T00:44:00.000-07:00

Then swing your window open

The one with the fresh air

& the good eastern light

And watch for wings, edges and

new beginings......

{Monique Duval}

...... 8 months ago I recieved a phonecall. She sounded scared; she told me every negative thing she could about herself, that she hated having her photograph taken, told me she wasn't photogenic, and that she did this weird 'grin' thing - it made me nervous; but something intrigued me and I listened. I listened to her story, her laugh, how her muscial journey had begun; about her children, about her past..... I smiled. I instintly knew that something very special was about to happen.

I met her and it was as though I'd known her for years. We laughed, and she sang; it made me cry. She conquered a fear..... She taught me to trust in my ability; to sing & over time has helped me conquer my fear........... and why is this relevant???

Because today is the launch of her album 'eleven'...................... it truly is a new begining in Miss Linda's muscial journey; this is 'her' time..................

Pretty-ness

2009-07-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

..........pink, floral, lacey, vintage, I love it all. Unfortunately, my boys protest if I ever bring any of the aforementioned things anywhere near them! How fabulous then to be able to go prop shopping for girly girl things for little Miss Jess! Wow! I never knew such choices existed, I could have easily cleared the shelves at Think Kids in Noosa {fortunately Mark was there to stop me}!

Little Miss Dempsey also introduced me to Yellow Clothing - adorable designer dresses perfect for a spring time shoot (only in winter, so we had to do it quickly as it was a tad chilly). Thank you Dempsey, & Simone and girls for loaning me your beautiful dresses ;) Beautiful gerbarah daisies from Noosa House of Flowers thanks Jennifer ;)

A Rockin July!

2009-07-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

for no other reason than I've finally had some time to try some 'stuff' out! So, armed with tutu's (thanks Ally http://www.rockyourtutu.com/), ballet shoes, fish nets and ipods, Simone & I headed to Eumundi's Butter Factory, with her 3 very gorgeous girls who ARE willing models (we didn't have to bribe them at all - unlike my boys)! The weather was awesom, and despite my camera playing up (or maybe it was user error) I got what I wanted. Thanks Simone for taking pics of me, I'm really not one for having my pic taken, in fact, I go into this nervous sweat - but we persisted, altho I think its fair to say I will never be able to perform the 'sultry' look as well as her 9 year old!

Oh and guess who has finally made an appearance??? The very gorgeous yummy mummy Kelly gave birth on the 3rd of July to little Christian who is the cruisest bub I know! He has been stripped naked, poked, prodded, flashed at, put into all kind of positions - and he........ slept and slept and slept! So congratulations to Kelly Nic and Oliver - he's just the best addition to your family!

But the BIGGEST news of all??? The boys go back to school after a very lloonngggg half term! I do believe my friends have suddenly realised that 'sometimes' I just don't cope that well with being a Mum - like for example last Thursday when I got fed up of Aaron being a cheeky little sh*t and demanded he get out of my car. After some tears (not from me I was being heartless) and begging (that was from me), he finally got out and started walking home. I called Mark and told him "come and get him please" - Mark was at work and promptly arrived in the cop car to escort the little bugger home.......... yes happy days indeed......

and so..........

2009-07-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

We're into July! Can it really be half a year has gone already? But we're still unpacking boxes from our move in March! It hardly seems fair.

Its definately a chilly winter here, todays temp of 25 degrees calls for warm winter woolly's and a cosy log fire ;) oh and some ugg boots - we all need ugg boots!

Not much has occured since my last post! Ollie has started singing with Miss Linda (he's a shy little thing so its an accomplishment), Mark is on yet another set of nights. My friends Amy and Kelly are still preggers (c'mon girls get those bub's out), and I've been taking random pics around our house and garden (as you do)!

So as theres nothing really to report, some pics instead!

When I grow up........

2009-06-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

or rather, 'when they grow up'! Hopefully when the rain passes I'll be able to get Cam and Aaron to try this out too ;)

As you can tell from Ollie's expression, he wasn't the most 'willing' model, that coupled with rain and poor light meant I didn't get 'exactly' what I hoped for, but its good enough!

Just a few snaps from the past weeks events! Its been an extra busy time as I've been catching up with friends and family {and taking a few pics along the way}!

Happy Birthday is my sisters Katy & Fern for the 28th of this month! Miss you lots as always!

Lots and lots of shoots planned for June/July, fingers crossed the weather improves {has it really rained for the past 6 months????} This isn't what I signed up for, I want my money back please Mr Rudd ;)

Other things....... I'm still getting over being 'slightly' traumatised by having to 'sing' in public {thanks Miss Linda}. Its ok tho, I only spent ONE night in tears being comforted by the everso everso cute Mr Oliver (no not Jamie), who laid in the hammock with me, holding my hand telling me "it wasn't you Mum, someone must have done something to the mic" ummmmmm - now all I need are a few counselling sessions and I'll be back to my old self in no time!

Incidentally, the very beautiful Miss Simone sung and was truly AMAZING! Wow! We were totally blown away, as we were when our little Aaron sung, Jesse and of course Miss Dempsey. There are some clever girls and boys out there ;)

Just a few for Kelly & Nic, we haven't had much luck with the weather :(, but we did managed to get these, fingers crossed that bub stays in there just a little longers so I can get some more!

Sneek Peek {2}.......

2009-05-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

.......... for Brooke & Riki! Again, an amazing day. A perfect day in paradise after all that rain and cyclonic weather we've had! Brooke & Riki got married at Hidden Grove, Noosa with celebrant Celeste Frances Scott. First Class Functions organised the event, with the reception being held at The Waterfront Restaurant, along Noosa River. It truly was a beautiful day. Brooke's dress was made by the Zara Gallery, with the bridemaid's dresses and mother of the bride's outfit from the lovely Karen at Pure Bridal.

Thank you all again for a truly wonderful day! We had so much fun! I really can say that your bridal party was up for ANYTHING!

Now to those of you not in the know, Brooke & Riki are incredibly special to Mark and I. Brooke's one of my closest friends and you 'may' have seen her modelling for me in some of my portfolio images. For that reason, I had fingers, toes and everythng crossed that all would go perfectly and I'd be able to capture some great moments from the day.

So.....congratulations to my beauty-full friends, album is on the way and we'll catch for a latte next week ;) xxxxxx

can you see it yet? Noooo not 'wheres wally' but the shape of Australia!

Gondolas of Noosa provided the best views of the river and definately an idyllic way to get to the reception.

Sneek Peek.........

2009-05-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

...... for Meg & Chris. I cannot begin to tell you the fun we had on their wedding day! It was everything a wedding should be; relaxed, happy, full of characters, full of laughter and especially full of lots and lots of l. o. v. e.

I met Meg & Chris last year for their engagement shoot, and, madly they booked me for their wedding! Worst, they got Mark as a second shooter (hehe, only kidding baby - you did amazingly well)! A new career for him I think! {all the boys pictures were taken by Mark after a very quick lesson - the night before, in composition, aperture and exposure - nothing like good preparation is there?}

We hit Scarborough Beach, where the sun shone, Meg looked radiant and of course Chris looked dapper in his whistle & flute (thats my pommie talk for a suit)!

We had lots of photo ideas involving parasols....ummmmm, they didn't 'quite' happen; something to do with lack of time and light I think. {most people that know me want to chop my arms and slap me with them as 'light' I adore, but its also my biggest bug bear}!

Mark and I also received a lesson in 'Redcliffe Lingo' - anyone else heard of 'Pluggers'??? I thought not! Apparently, pluggers are thongs/jandles/flip-flops! Interesting huh?

Did you know from Redcliffe the sun sets to the west over the Glasshouse Mountains? Nope we didn't either! It was gorgeous, the whole sky over the water turned an amazing dusky pink colour...........

So to Meg & Chris, Nikki, Paula, Dan and Wade, plus your gorgeous parents, here's a sneek peek from the day. I hope you are both having a wonderful honeymoon and I shall be in touch very soon. XXXX

A 'touch' of pink......

Whirlwind.....

2009-05-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Life is a bit of a whirlwind at the moment; it felt like only yesterday the boys were opening up their chrissy pressies! Apparently we've had Easter, Mothers Day and now Mark's birthday since then {shhhh he's 37! Oh and not a happy 37, especially as the boys have reminded him he's only 3 years away from 40!} We marked the event by a well needed trip to the Ikatan Spa {where I didn't have to strip naked this time - phew} and a meal at the Spirit House, Yandina {point to mention, we only 'just' made it as we were conveyed there by a completely MAD Indian taxi driver, who spent the entire journey programming his GPS thingy, doing something with his mobile phone and trying to get his Ford Falcon up to speeds of 130kpm! } Did I think we were going to die?? Ummmmmm, YES!

One of the reasons this year is going like a whirlwind, is because I'm still working 13hrs a day/7 days a week. Mad? Ummm completely! My 'break' kinda isn't happening, and I'm spending less and less with my family and more time editing. Following some much needed business advice from the gorgeous Miss Ronnie, I will be changing my pricing structure...... so watch this space. Hopefully it'll mean less time in front of the computer and more time with my family {I can hear them groaning from here} ;)

Soooo, here's the plan:

a) cut down on working hours

b) sing my heart out with Miss Linda

c) walk with Miss Ronnie

d) Qi Gong it at 5am on the side of Mt Tambourine (intriguing huh?)

and just because I can't have a 'bare' post, sunrise over Noosa on the 24th April this year - pretty huh?

xx Annie xx

DD equals.....

2009-05-10T02:56:00.000-07:00

Double digits! My baby is now TEN! I'm still getting used to saying it..... I don't know whether to laugh or cry, it only seems like yesterday when we brought him home from the hospital, all freshly baked and.... tiny 'ish' {I have to add the ish as he was nearly a 10 pounder}! So to my 'baby', Happy DD Birthday, heres to your 11th,12th,13th and many many more to come ;)

Shhhh....Ollie's last moments of being 9!

Happy Birthday to my brother Rich and also my sister in law Lisa! Gosh its a busy time ;)

Another very special delivery also happened on May 7th...... (be it ten years later) Olivia Rose was born at 5am, in Sydney! So to the Caldwell family, we are soooo happy for you, shes absolutely gorgeous and you should feel so proud ;) Well done Mich!

and of course..... Happy Mum's Day to all the gorgeous mum's out there. As usual the days past in a blur! I received some awesom pressies from the boys and Mark, so thank you! Carley and I also went to watch the flamenco dancers at the 'J' in Noosa. As Carley says, its definately a spectator sport ;) All that stomping around can hardly be good for your feet!

Oh and my 'new/old' toy arrived! A 1949 Kodak Brownie camera, the exact one my Mum used to use! I'm so excited (nerdy I know)! Now I just have to work out what to do with it?

and finally...... Ollie's cast is off! He's free! Oh and yes that is Mark cutting it off with a saw - he trusts us more than the hospital (mad fool he is) ;)

Time......

2009-05-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

for a break {and not involving limbs this time}. My cameras and I are having a well earned break, as I have a huge backlog of editing and orders to do, so, if you're waiting for pics, please be patient!

No sessions will be booked between the 1st May and the 1st September 2009. For weddings please visit http://www.anoosa.com/ . Ronnie & Kristy are the best wedding photographers in Noosa! For children/family portraits, please contact the very gorgeous Miss Karen Buckle.

Other stuff....... Ollie is out of his cast! Hurrah! Unfortunately it wasn't in time for our own photo shoot with Miss Karen Buckle, but never mind, its now documented forever! {incidentally, the boys were awful for the shoot - they definately suffer from 'CPS' - child of photographer syndrome} - all are heavily afflicted! Symptoms include; cheekiness {as soon as the cameras out}, pulling of funny faces, bickering, attention seeking, showing off, rudeness and generally being pains in the arse! Mark and I on the other hand, were perfectly behaved ;)

Congratulations to my very beauty-full friends Brooke & Rikki, what a wonderful day we had! Everything was perfect and of course Brooke, looked stunning. Fingers crossed I managed to capture all this beauty!

I've also been able to spend a lovely couple of days with the Roberts family and the Kelly family! We had so much fun! ;) Again pics being edited!

XX Annie XX

In the Pink.....

2009-04-20T01:15:00.000-07:00

....just around the house as I'm supa-busy and haven't been able to achieve anything remotely 'arty' at the moment :( Thank you to Miss Linda for my Tibetan bowl meditation this pm - gosh I needed it {I'm one hyper girl if I don't do that} - hard to believe I know :) Looking forward to my walk with Miss Ronnie on Friday and of course Brooke and Rikki's wedding! Its sure to be a beautiful event {fingers crossed I capture it ok}! Nervous? Nooooooooo {deep breaths}!

....feeling in the pink, hence the lovely tints in the pics!

Cute? To me I just see the words TRANSFATS written all over them! {pretty tho}

Freshly baked.....{buns & babies}

2009-04-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

.... especially in time for Easter. With much love to our families, here & there. This little one should be snuggly tucked inside Mum, only he couldn't wait and made a very special entry into our world! So to the very wonderful and patient Gaul family, congratulations, he truly is a very special Easter delivery indeed ;)

...and who can resist a gorgeous lil bottom???? {its clean I promise, just shadowing ;) }

and a little message from Aaron.......have you noticed yet? {he's a hair cut}!!!

and of course from us.......three little Lindt Bunnies (like Aaron says "its tradition Mum")

A Ray of Light.......

2009-04-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

in our topsy turvy world....... Its been raining, not a little A LOT! In fact its rained so much, I've taken to swimming the kids the school! Front stroke, back stroke a spot of crawl...I don't care as long as they get there ;) Yesterday however, I shuffled out of bed, onto the verandah for a very British "cup of tea", and was met by the most amazing rays of sunlight streaming through the euculyptus trees. It was beautiful, very calming; I sat and watched the sunrise over Noosa Heads, in the quiet, reflecting on everything that has happened since the move, good and bad. I felt at ease with everything. Despite a lack of the few essentials (I class the internet as one of those), I do feel at home here......(although another trip to Ikea would make it even homelier for sure) - that is aimed at Mark ;)

Reflection at 5.30am is not only good for the soul, but sets you up for the day; it also reminds me of what I'm missing since my hours zoomed to almost 50 per week {eekkk I must be mad}! I'm missing walking with Miss Ronnie through the national park, I'm missing lattes with my friends as we chat and giggle by the beach and I'm missing my Tibetan bowl sessions, meditation and of course my singing with Miss Linda!!! {I'm hoping this will all be rectified very soon} !

So whilst I am AWOL at the mo, I do plan to return to those things very very soon ;)

On the subject of all things friendly, thanks heaps to Miss Stacy and Miss Katy for my lovely homecoming cards. I miss you both so much, 12,000 miles is suddenly a long, long way away :(

And to the very beauty-full Miss Tanya and her family, her gorgeous daughter Amanda gave birth to little Lachlan a few days ago and he is.......swooningly perfect! So proud of you all and Tanya you are most definately one scrummy nanna!

The boys continue to 'mend' - Cameron is plaster free {hurrah}, Ollie has a few weeks to go before he's all healed. I guess they've learnt they're not as invinceable as Mr Invinceable afterall! And my child health nurse always assured me they bounce....... pffftttttt! (that was me tutting in disgust)

XX Annie XX

In need of a break...... or maybe not!

2009-03-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Kids, you gotta love em, they take things literally. Just like the other day when I 'may' have mentioned I was in need of a serious break after all that moving.......... two days later, a phonecall from Cameron's high school...... "ummm Mrs Jones we think Cameron has broken his hand" - it was only a 'think' so I wasn't concerned, a few hours later, the poor kids in plaster, yep broken!

That was Child #1

Then came Child #2.......

"Ummm Mrs Jones, Ollie's had a fall, can you come and get him" - of course I 'dashed (ish)' to the school {time for a quick latte first}. Ollie's lying in sick bay looking all sorry for himself, it didn't look broken to me so I marched him to the car {or rather I told him to 'stop moaning and walk properly'} .......... shocking mothering skills! A few hours later........ yep he's in plaster too!

....ummmmm yesss, so I'm now waiting for DOCS/social services to knock at the door....will they take Child #3 even tho theres nothing wrong with him? After all, I did say I was in need of a break? Quite fancy a trip to Fiji!

and some more of what we've been up to......

#1 a trip to Ikea to grab some of the coolest furniture for the boys bedrooms - have to mention, I'm possibly not the best person to Ikea-shop with, I'm surprised there aren't more 'Ikea-induced divorces' , in fact bugger the 'Parents Room', lets have a 'Marriage Counselling' room! {or maybe they're the same thing?}

#2 bub's bub's and more bub's - some of the cutest around {hats made by Mad About Colour - http://www.madaboutcolour.etsy.com/}, ahhhhh I love my job!

#3 cleaning the pool - Mark would say this is a job in itself!!!! {his job, not mine}

#4 Nursing! Yes thats right nursing! With the very gorgeous Miss Rachel leaving, we're nurse-less, so I'm nursing full time for a bit - I do love nursing, on and off, I'm hoping working full time for a few weeks won't put a dampener on things! Or maybe it'll make me appreciate my other job ;)

XX Annie XX

Miss Linda.........

2009-03-19T02:30:00.000-07:00

She's helped me realise who I am
She's made me see my potential
She's always encouraging
She is strong.....
She has a beauty-full soul and....
An amazing heart
She is rich in love and friendships
{money is overrated anyway ;) }

Her voice made me cry.....
On the very first day I met her!

I wish I could sing like her!

She has been part of my life forever....well it feels that way ;)
She has the most amazing legs {and feet} and...
and an even more amazing collection of shoes to put on them.....

So to Miss Linda.... you are an amazing, talented and beautiful lady, and, don't you ever forget that!

XXXXXX

Home Sweet 'ish' Home

2009-03-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Well we've finally moved! Wow what an ordeal we're exhausted! No telephone, no drinking water and no internet {I'm doing this by the power of a dongal}! My old telephone number is no longer, so please please please call my mobile or drop me an email. I'm checking emails once a day so please bear with me! Love to everyone, Annie Mark and boys XXX

Being delish!!

2009-03-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

.... thats what little Miss E is, completely and utterly delicious! It helps that she's come from a beauty-full gene pool, 3 generatons of gorgeousness. This is just a sneak peek of our late afternoon session in Eumundi........

The 'move' is going...ummm....errrrr, well 'ish'. Removals are organised, boxes have yet to be packed and I've still not figured out the whole internet 'dongal' thingy, but I will...eventually. The boys aren't quite excited as me about moving to a shack in the woods, I guess the notion of two of them having to share a room has kinda put a dampener on things ;) Or maybe its the fact that we're suspended 30ft high in the rainforest canopy, and there's a rather large hole in the back deck??? Ummm, yes there's some work to be done! I am however looking forward to kitting out my new office......with a trip to Ikea of course ;) Mark, on the other hand, is looking forward to getting a 'day bed' - cos of course we've all got time to chill on one of those????

XX Annie XX

Hippy Happy........

2009-02-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

How do you remember your childhood? I remember mine in colours; black,white,pink and orange.....I've put it down to the photographs my Mum used to take of us and the processing used by Kodak in the 70's! I've always been fascinated by photographs..... I'd sit alone in my bedroom and thumb through the albums my parents had created; I'd spend hours and hours gazing at them and making up stories to go with the pictures. I'd marvel at how perfect the pictures were, how colourful and how clever my Mum was!

I remember the hot summer of 1976, my sister and I spent days and days playing outside amongst the charred, yellow grasses. Swinging higher and higher on our tyre swing, and having tea parties in my Dad's newly and freshly built shed that smelt of warm wood and tarnish......... blowing bubbles, into the blue sky........hippy, happy times......

Mark and I are leaving our house of 4 yrs and moving to our own little 'shack in the woods'. It's meant that items in storage have been dragged out and dissected. Downsizing means no room for crap! I can't afford to be sentimental! So out came boxes and boxes of my Mum's photographs. When she died, I was given a lot of the albums - I couldn't bear to look at them at the time, so I put them in a box and sealed the lid, secretly hoping I actually wouldn't have to look at them again. But yesterday, I felt good. I opened the boxes and started going through the same pictures I had gone through when I was 5. How I felt when I had my photograph taken all those years ago, came flooding back! My Mum really did capture a lifetime memory filled with emotion. The joy, the trust in my Nanna as she swung me higher and higher, the heat on my face, the tightness of my shoes which I just wanted to rip off, the smell of the warm grass and the heat of the tyre on the back of my legs! I remember all of this as tho it was yesterday........

My Mum loved sunflare!

Having gone through 35 yrs worth of dust, humidity, sticky little hands, moths (yes I found dead moths) the albums are a little worst for wear; so I've decided to painstackingly go through each of them and scan and repair the photographs. I have no idea how long it'll take me {another 35 yrs perhaps} but I don't want these memories to be lost.

I left all the photographs strawn across the bedroom floor to attend to laundry duties {deep joy}, when I got back upstairs I found Ollie, sitting cross legged on the floor, also marvelling at the photographs - it could have been me, all over again................. 1974....... 2009......they're just numbers, our childhoods are still the same, hippy & happy.....

XX Annie XX

A Special Valentines...... {well ish}

2009-02-15T04:17:00.000-08:00

In fairness....we both forgot; work, life etc caught up with us and in no time at all it was Valentines Day! So, we didn't celebrate 'the' day, but I've figured we don't need too - afterall, shouldn't every day be Valentines? {I DID buy a special heart shaped muffin case last week - that got put at the back of the cupboard, along with all of the other 'kitchen accessories' I don't know how to use, or get a chance to use}, maybe I'll dig this out and start baking heart shaped muffins and cupcakes? {I can hear Mark laughing at this from here} X

The reason for my absentmindedness??? Well a few things are keeping my brain busy; school camps! Gosh they don't all go at once - nope they all go a week apart, thats 3 weeks of washing, ironing, preparing,packing,topping up mobiles {oops they're banned}, comforting and reassuring my wee ones that they will survive 3 days without Mum - or rather without their xbox 360's!

House hunting and moving is also on the cards - deep joy! Oh and Lyndall 'finally' gave birth to baby Luca {I say finally with a great big sigh as she was driving us mad}!!! Yes, on the 4th February 2009 {at 5am - I have to add that, as I think that shocked Lyndall more than the birth}, baby Luca joined us! He's just gorgeous and cuddly and smells all baby-like and freshly baked! And, yessss I 'may' have taken a few snaps! So congratulations Lyndall,James and Kahn - he's simply wonderful!

To try and recover from all this stuff going on, my friend Judy whisked me away to the Ikatan Spa, http://www.ikatanspa.com.au/ for some much needed pampering and a good old fashioned girly day! Wow! It was truly amazing, I feel revitalized and re-energized {and I still smell of lemongrass despite numerous showers and spas} ummmmm If you need pampering, Ikatan is for you {just increase the amount on your credit card a tad first}!

Mark and I have also taken some time out in the evenings to walk and talk at Noosa river - sunsets there are truly spectacular ;) I think Ollie agrees X

I've also had a chance to catch up with the very beautiful Colleen for a spot of piccy taking - and we did, in 36 degree heat, sweating buckets while we desperately beat off march flies with our shoes! Despite that we came away with some very noice pics, and not a sweat 'tash' to be seen ;)

Finally Cameron wishes Miss Jedcia a very Happy Valentines - so sweet, pressie in the post!

xx Annie xx

Heavy hearts.....

2009-02-12T00:19:00.000-08:00

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in South Australia who have lost homes and loved ones in the bush fires this past week. I find the whole ordeal incomprehensible, such a waste of life. The images on TV can only be described as apocalytic; families are suffering, their loss unimaginable - its even more reason to take a long hard look at our families and appreciate everything about them. It truly is shocking, there is nothing more that can be said, a very dark dark day in Australian history

XX Annie XX

Ava .......

2009-02-05T02:13:00.000-08:00

Simply for Ava....

You are missed, you are loved, you will never be forgotten XXX

As I say goodnight to my boys, I remember and appreciate just how fortunate I am to be able to hold and hug each of them, that I can smell their hair and watch them breath, listen to what they have to say, marvel at their beauty, say 'I love you' a million times, knowing that they can hear me and respond with 'I love you too Mum', that I can still help Ollie tie his shoe laces in the morning {even though he's nearly 10}, - I still find that so sweet, that I can carry around with me in my handbag lego and PSP games {you never know when you're going to need instant entertainment} , that I can tut at their annoying habits, seperate them during arguments, watch how happy they are, free spirits who have so much ambition and confidence for the future - these are things that make them, 'them' ...... for all of this, and so much more, I am grateful....

xx Annie xx

Things that make us smile......

2009-02-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

....Ollie - he insists on having a ham and pineapple pizza whenever we go out, but then promptly and painstakeingly removes every trace of the pineapple! He's done this ever since he was 3 years old. We've tried to order just a ham pizza, but he won't eat it.........apparently it doesn't taste the same!

....Cameron - reads and digests rule books on everything! An example from this week; I got him a black pair of 'volley's for school, rather than the leather lace up school shoes, cos I think leather lace ups are 'uncool'. He read the school rule book and states "Mum I've already broken rule such n such (I can't remember the exact rule)... of the uniform dress code" - with that poor Mark is ordered to BigW to locate and purchase the said 'uncool' leather lace ups!

...Aaron - carries a first aid kit EVERYWHERE! Apparently you just never know when you're going to have an accident (funny that), but he's prepared! Think I'll stick with him!

... Mark is a geek - in fact he's the geekiest person I know! He loves anything retro from his childhood (70's) and he's the only person I know that can make anything work! He's very clever and I love him for this even more ;)

Other stuff..... the boys appear to have survived their first week of school! The school run, is, as predicted, shocking! 45mins x 2 of our lives spent in the car travelling between Peregian > Noosa > Eumundi > Peregian - every day! Just think during that 45mins x 2 (I can't count) I could be doing other stuff, like......washing, and ironing and baking muffins! Sadly, being the local taxi service, we won't have any of those nice things going on!

Congratulations to Carmel, Aiden and Kaya from http://www.bumpsbabies.com/ on the birth of Kody! Can't wait to photograph him!

I'm still playing catch-up with shoots and pics - so if you're waiting - hold on in there!!! I can only apologise, but with christmas and life in general, things have been a tad delayed ;)

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, its......

2009-01-26T00:11:00.000-08:00

back to school they go!!! {at a cost of over $4000 I might like to add}! So with fresh new uniforms, brand new calculators and sparkling lunch packs, our boys are heading off to school! I'm actually not quite sure what, if anything we achieved during the holidays?? Between all the squabbling, sleep overs, lunch orders and of course the "mummmmm, pleeeeze - YOU PROMISED!!", I appear to have slightly lost my mind! I did of course manage to lose a lens, break a lens and prang my car {all in a day}! With this in mind, I dragged my friend Carley out to Eumundi markets where we hunted down a psychic; I crossed her palm with silver ($50) and she basically told me I was tired and needed to slow down....ummmmmm...... I was kinda planning to do that anyway ;)

My resolutions are going swimmingly tho ;) I've had numerous dates with hubby, who I can confirm, is completely and utterly gorgeous! My friend Ronnie and I have walked and talked through the national park at 7am! I've also had my first gym session in oooooo, lets just say a while! And I've cut my shoots right back to one per week, which is blissful! I've also managed to finally catch up with friends {thank you Lara for driving all this way - we've soooo missed you} XXXX Oh and I now have 2 cd's of salsa music PLUS I've got myself a sewing machine to get creative (now I have all this time on my hands - oh if only)!!!

I've posted some Before and After shots, as I've had a few emails asking how much work I actually 'do' to a photograph. In all honesty, it really depends on how creative I'm feeling! Sometimes I do a lot, sometimes I do very little. So here's a couple, with a quick explanation too!!

Camera: Nikon D80
Lens: 50mm f1.8
Conditions: cloudy/overcast/beach

ISO 125 50mm f/2.8 1/500 sec
Processing: Adobe CS3
Curves to lighten and bring out blue eyes
Lasso tool to select area around Miss D - then inversed
Graussian blur filter applied to inversed area
Vingette applied to inversed area (light n glow)

Cameron: Nikon D80
Lens: 50mm f1.8
Conditions: cloudy/overcast/beach
ISO 100 50mm f2.8 1/500 sec
Processing: Adobe CS3
Imperfections removed with cloning tool
Layer mask added
Graussian blur filter applied to smooth skin
Sharpening tool to eyes and lips
Actions:
Simple Colour Level 2 by Itty Bitty Actions
Light n glow applied

Now I actually prefer the before pic for this one as her freckles are too cute!

Camera: Nikon D300
Lens: 50mm f1.8
Condtions: midday down the beach light and bright

ISO 100 50mm f/8.0 1/250 sec
Processing: Adobe CS3
Cropped Painted handprints removed from belly using clone tool and airbrushed smooth
Edges burnt
Layer added and desaturated
Layer added - lasso tool used to draw around Lyndall - inversed to select outer area
Layer added - grassian blur filter applied to soften edges
Vingette layer applied
Texturiser filter applied to give canvas style effect

Just one thing left to be said......... Happy Australia Day everyone!!!

XX Annie XX

Loving........

2009-01-12T21:26:00.000-08:00

#1 Cute little crocheted hats by Marie Lamont! Shes such a clever lady! They're available from newborn-9mths in a variety of colours and styles! Thanks Marie, you're a star! Please email me for Marie's details x

#2 Frilly vintage style knickers and Lilli Kelly boots - now I just need a girl to put them on ;)

#3 Paintings by Amanda Brooks - WOW and WOW again - she's a clever girl! Check out www.artbybrooks.com.au

#4 Phat Straps! For the quirky photographer out there, bored of the usual camera straps! Check these out, I've ordered mine in Carnival Bloom! http://www.phatstraps.com/

#5 Pettiskirts! They're soooo adorable, 7 meters of tulle! Who could ask for more??? Ummm a girl? OK models line up now!

#6 My new business stationary! I can get creative too!

#7 BUMP baby tee's from http://www.bumpbabies.com/

#8 My ad in Kids on the Coast magazine ;)

#9 Fantastic friends! You know who you are; you loan bits and pieces for shoots, you loan me your children, you give your valued opinion when I'm trying out new stuff - thank you thank you thank you!! You're all marvellous XX

#10 Walks on the beach with my hubby - he's just great xxxxx

New beginings........

2009-01-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

I've been wracking my brains thinking of resolutions for our New Year, it shouldn't be that hard, afterall, none of us are perfect! Only, I've been up all night with sick child #2, so my mind is frazzled and full of temperature readings and doses of panadol! Having 'endless' hours of 'thinking time' last night, has given me the chance to re-evaluate everything and plan some positive changes. Soooo, here goes......

#1 Do less. When you ask my boys how they 'see' me, the general response is that they 'see' the back of my head sitting at the computer, editing pics until the wee small hours! I start at 5am and finish at midnight, with various 'wee' and 'tea' breaks inbetween {gosh thats a lot of wee's}, sooo I plan to do less, and spend more time together with the boys {they'll love me for that one I'm sure ;) } This'll also give me time to catch up with family and friends - hurrahhh!!!!

#2 Walk more. Gosh we live in a beautiful part of the world. The one thing I miss is walking. I used to walk/run through the National Park 2-3 evenings a week, and it really is stunning. I miss the evening sunlight streaming through the euculyptus trees, the smell of tea tree in the warm air, having a rest and watching the surfers off of first point and Tea Tree Bay. Above all, I miss walking and chatting with friends, catching up on the days events and detressing. So, I plan to walk again....it should be fun! So who's up for it???

#3 Have dates with my hubby. Yep, I miss him so much. We're like ships that pass in the night. I go to work, come home - he leaves and we meet on the doorstep for a quick 'handover' . It's not healthy. So we're planning to 'date', once a month a nice meal and a film, or a walk. We've actually started this resolution already! Last night, we went to the National Park, watched the surfers until sunset, then had a fab meal at the Ivory Bar, followed by a film at the cinema. It was great!

#4 To dance. I used to dance all the time, in fact, I was pretty good at it, then, like everything, I had kids. For some reason dancing wasn't the 'mummsey' thing to do, so I stopped. But, I love music and dance, I adore ballet, it was such a huge part of my childhood - I even danced at school! So, I want to dance again. Whether its ballet, or salsa, I don't mind! I might even be able to do Resolution # 3 at the same time and take Mark salsaring (is that a word)???

#5 Get organised. Ha and Ha again I can hear you cry!!! How is it, that when I'm nursing, I'm the organised and OCD person I know! When it comes to my home or business life, I'm completely the opposite!! My home life can only be described as 'chaotic'. I kinda know whats going on, but most of the time I haven't a clue. I'm bombarded with daily requests from the boys; parties,sleepovers,skatepark and my favourite "Mum can you take us to EB Games"?? The phone goes constantly! I'm a bit of a 'post-it note' girl - I have scrappy bits of 'post-it' notes everywhere, they're stuck to my desk, my monitor {my fridge} - yep this has to change! I will invest in 2 diary's - one for business - one for home life, oh and I'll get some highlighter pens! Lets see if this lasts as long as my domestic godliness faze, which, incidentally only lasted 3 days! {but we did have 3 days of cupcakes and muffins, for which the boys are very grateful} ;)

And finally, of course some more pics of what I've been up too, how cute are these littly's???

XX Annie XX

Deja vu........

2009-01-03T01:40:00.000-08:00

Shhhhhhh......

Aaron's last moments of being eleven.... Sound familiar? If anyone's good at maths, you'd have worked out theres exactly a year and 2 days between my gorgeous boys - which always makes for a very interesting xmas and NY! Soooo..... a birthday in pictures!

{in contrast to Cameron, Aaron's birth was a tad easier - born at 37 weeks, by planned caeserian, weighing a whopping 9lb 1oz}

Ooo the excitement of getting an Xbox 360!

A 'mummy moment'

Betty Crocker and I got cosy in the kitchen again and whipped up a chocolate and marshmellow mud cake....yum!

Special deliveries.....

2008-12-31T03:56:00.000-08:00

Shhhhhh.............

Cameron's last moments of being 12!!! As the clock strikes 23.45hrs (quarter to midnight for you non clocky people), Cameron turns 13! Wow! I officially have a teenager {yet I don't feel old enough to have a teenager}?? How did that happen? {ok, maybe don't answer that one}! We had a fantastic day full of hot dogs, Doritos {whats a birthday party without them?} and LaserZone! LaserZone {for those not in the know} - is an odd place where you pretend to be intergalatic soldiers and basically shoot anything that moves, or in our boys case, Uncle Richard - cos, lets face it, he's 6ft 6 and an easy target!!

For his love of reading...a book by Stephen Hawking

Due to 'somebody' forgetting their shoes (Ollie), I had to sit out as I had to lend him my thongs! Suited me as I got to watch via CCTV Rich and Mark chasing each other round and round weird objects! All we needed was some Benny Hill music - instant entertainment!

Yeah...don't they look hard???

The pavalova made a comeback (I swear its not the same one from xmas day)! - shockingly, we 'forgot' to put brandy in the cream! Ah dear, we'll just have to make another one ; )

Nikki - well ardddd!

Check out those scores!! Nikki & Rich, 1st & 2nd {all those hours playing computer games, not completely wasted then Rich??}

I should actually explain a little bit about Cameron - he really was a special delivery! He was born early at 35 weeks, weighed a whopping 8lb 3 ozs! The midwives in the SCBU laughed when he was wheeled in as he was too big for the incubators! He was also born with hydronephrosis - congenital disorder of the kidneys and 'renal pelvis dilatation' {just to add to his kidney probs}! We spent much of his first year in and out of Gt Ormond Street Hospital in London. He still has all of the above, but, touch wood, he's pretty stable and none of us have had a donate anything to him, other than money! ; ) Oh and did I mention he has Asperger's Syndrome ; )

Talking of special deliveries I also received a package from my Aunty Maggy in the UK. It contained some of my Nanna's bits and pieces that she wants me to have. My Nanna is nearly 100 and is now living in a home after having a stroke. It was weird receiving it - seeing some of my Nan's things here in Australia. Also sad, as its the end of an era - my Nan's house really has been sold!

From my Nanna X

So a HUGE thank you so much to Nan & Grandad Jones, Aunty Katy, Aunty Stacey, Carly & Andy, Uncle Rich & Nikki, Jessie and family and Jedcia and Erin for the birthday cards, pressies and money {Cameron's a big fan of the money}! It really has made his day very special indeed : )

and.... to Cameron, Happy Birthday honey! Looking forward to your next milestone....starting high school, yayyyyy!!!!

XX Annie XX

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

.....haha we thought we'd never pull it off....but, with the help of a few family members we did! So, as I type this, I'm a little weary after the days events, but so happy! We had a beautiful day; the pressie opening started at 06:00hrs and finally finished at 20:00hrs {Ollie of course, he gets sidetracked then forgets to open the rest of his pressies}, followed by a christmas brunch then an afternoon at the beach, where Nikki and I drank wine and watched the boys play cricket! In the evening, the boys tested out the Wii, while Nikki and I did the chrissy BBQ, and {most impressively} Nikki made a Pavalova!!!

The night before christmas......

Do you think he's pleased???

Yes thats right, breakfast in a bowl! Very easy to bake and looks fab!

For our wannabe Doctor {and confirmed hyperchondriac, Aaron}!

Many thanks to all our friends and family for the fab cards and emails! Thanks also to Dad and Edie, and David and Sue for the phonecalls - it means such a lot to be able to talk to you on Christmas Day! I'll try and pop as many pics as I can on here - some are a little happy snappy as they were taken with Ollie's chrissy pressie (a little Samsung Point n Shoot camera)! I didn't think he did too badly!!

Oh dear Lord! What were we thinking???? Read the smallprint??? Includes a 75 minute instruction DVD!!! Arrrggghhhh!!

Also a very, VERY special Thank You to all my clients/customers/friends {I consider you all friends}! It really is such a priviledge to be asked to photograph your little people {ooo and big people too}. I have really enjoyed watching these little ones grow and change, and I've been able to capture some precious moments, that we now have, forever. All those milestones of development; first smiles, first teeth, first belly laughs! I have enjoyed capturing all of these for you. Photography, for me, really is an art and passion - I just can't wait to continue capturing these little monkey's! So again, a huge thank you and hopefully I'll see you all next year for some more fun in the sun XXXX

Just a lil snapshot of what we've been up to!

While on the subject of piccies, I've encouraged a 'few' of you (last count 11), to go out there and get yourselves digital SLR's!! Some of you have asked for a few lessons, now I will sort these out asap, but I'm a tad behind on editing at present (approx 3 weeks behind), hopefully I should be back on track in the new year when I'll arrange some group sessions, and some individual ones - as well as some online, self-paced lessons for those of you that live a little further south than Noosa {yes thats you Mr Caldwell}!!!

Twas the night before christmas.........

2008-12-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

and...... we are SOOOOO not ready!!! What was I thinking working right through to christmas eve?? Am I mad {ha, I think my family would say YES}!!! So as I sit here editing pics from this weeks photo shoots....I have several cupboards around the house storing unwrapped pressies! My pantry is empty, and the BBQ needs cleaning, and, most importantly, we have absolutely NO alcohol in the house!!! BUT - we have got our chrissy lights and tree up - HURRAHHH!!!! Oh and we made it to Carols on the River - stunning performances as always - Noosa just never disappoints!

So, I'm expecting a hugely busy morning/afternoon/evening/night~! Will upload piccies later, but I just wanted to wish all of you a fabuous christmas and New Year {please say you're all more organised than me}! I can't wait to read the updates on the blogs {and check out the pics}!

Congratulations to one of my beautiful families, the Slack Family on the birth of little Henry! What a perfect pressie for you all! Can't wait to take his pics in the new year! Good Luck to the beautiful Plant Family, on the pending birth of baby xxxx {who knows}! And of course, preggy model extroidinaire (I can't spell it), Lyndall and Family who just have a few weeks to go {and yes I know, I'm STILL trying to find time to edit your pics from November - slack or what???}

The Plant Family - ready to add one extra!

What a cherub! Baby J with his Mummy & Daddy - just havin fun!

Just a little bit of what we've been up to this week! Oh did I mention we picked my brother Rich and his gf Nikki up from the airport??? Yep, they're here from NZ to live in Noosa - hurrahhh!!!!

Beautiful Baby M with his stunning Mum!

XXXXAnnieXXXX

Dragging behind.......

2008-12-16T00:23:00.000-08:00

Not my own behind...although thats what it feels like at times! I'm behind on everything; food,diet,the kids,editing LIFE {dare I say it........ CHRISTMAS}!!! I appear to be slowly losing my mind! Is that allowed? Inconvenient right before christmas {I can hear Mark 'tsking' from here}! Everything seems to have happened 'all at once'! Firstly, WOW and a big congrats to Cameron who has graduated from Eumundi State School! Many thanks to his teachers for a) putting up with him and b) giving all the Year 7's a magnificent send off! You truly are all stars and wonderful teachers! St Teresa's has a lot to live up to!

Ollie in the 'zone' {thats the Santa effect}

Secondly, {aside from the kids breaking up from school} we took a trip to the glitzy Gold Coast, as Steve, Michelle, Ellie and JenJen flew up for a weeks hol from Sydney! So great to see them {even if my boys did behave shockingly - honestly pulling each others hair, worst than a bunch of girls}!!! We spent a gorgeous day (36 degrees) at Coolangatta, explored the markets {didn't buy anything of course} then followed it with an evening at Infinity {fleeced out of $100} and a meal at the Chat Room! You can check out the pics on FB {facebook of course}!

We survived, but soooo need another break {ha and ha again - as that ain't gonna be for a wee while yet}!

Fourthly {yes theres a fourth}!! Food died!!! We're all in shock! {Food for those of you that don't know, is Ollie's pet yabbi - we've had him for over a year}! Now we think it has been a combination of the heat {boiled} and over feeding him. RIP 'Food' XXX

And finally!!! I've had the pleasure of photographing some more gorgeous bubs! Honestly, I swear we have the most adorable kids in this area (and extremely yummy mummy's)!

More excitement to come as my brother Rich and his g/f Nikki move across permanently from NZ (yayyyyy) and of course.....its Christmas! Ahhhhhh {big sigh}....... {I NEED A HOLDAY}!!!

XX Annie XX

Thinking about........

2008-12-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

.....my Mum. Its her birthday today.......she would have been sixty something....only I remember her as a somewhat mad hippy Mum, that did naked yoga in the garden, wore sari's, walked the goats to school {and the Co-Op} and photographed anything that moved (ie. us)! She loved to meditate, walk on the beach and paint - she was extremely artistic - something I think we all wish she'd pursued.

In the 15 years since she died, she's missed out on some incredible events {and of course endless family drama's} but she is and always will be a huge part of our lives. We miss her every single day, and can only dream about what she could have become.

So to Mum, Happy Birthday, we miss you more than you could ever know XXXXXX

Countdown to Christmas..........

2008-12-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

No 'bar humbug' people allowed on this team cos..... WE LOVE CHRISTMAS!!! Its a hugely busy time of year here, Noosa has a million and one things on the go! Our countdown to Christmas began on Friday with the turning on of the chrissy lights down Hasto's {Hastings Street} - Santa arrive on a quaddie, accompanied by his 'Elves' {now for want of a better name, Aaron and the boys have decided to name them 'Santa's Ho's' - as, well, they were probably the 'sexiest' Elves around - so we think Noosa Santa is 'pimping'!

Cameron looking more like a teenager every day!

The street parade made its way slowly down Hasto's to Noosa Woods where Mark and I had a picnic waiting for the boys! Aaron decided to have a quick dip in the river {in his school uniform} then we listened to the choir singing the best carols ever {well done Miss Fox - you rock}!!! After that, we settled down with our friends to watch Santa Claus 3 on the big outdoor movie screen. The boys loved being with all their school friends - they ate pop corn, chilled and climbed trees {inbetween watching the movie}.

For some reason I kinda took a liking to this guy! He followed me around, I followed him {only my camera actually worked}!

Saturday we got the boys all pumped and ready to go to......... Laser Quest! Now, we weren't there to witness it, but apparently they had a fab time {of course they would - they were shooting each other}

Our beautiful boys! Aren't we lucky??

Aaron, Sammy and Santa's Ho, Ho, Ho's!!!!

Sunday {I got sunburnt} - unintentional I promise! I did photo shoots for our beautiful friends, Carly & Andy, and Karen & Scott from 9am through to 3pm and 'forgot' to put on sunblock! How silly do I feel now (as I'm sitting here with a huge red face)! Considering I spent over 8 hrs in 32 degree heat, I'm very surprised I didn't get heat stroke - lesson learnt.

The beautiful Bournes - running along the beach - not staged at all.....

Ha! Got you Andy!!! {Andy hates having his pic taken}

Little Denis was thrilled at having his pic taken.......can you tell?????

After the shoots we all met up on Peregian Beach for a well earned chill and picnic. Andy, Mark and Aaron went for a dip {very brave considering the shark alarm had gone off}, Carly and I drank wine! It was simply beautiful, the water was the flattest I'd seen it - just amazing.

So this is the start to our festive season, more festivities to come and I can't wait! Bring it on baby!!!

Being two............

2008-11-27T02:43:00.000-08:00

I've said it before, but I truely believe being two is just a wonderful age! Its gorgeousness and cuteness all rolled into a ball. You're learning, your're talking, you're mobile, you're exploring! Ah to be 2 again!

This week I've had the pleasure of snapping some of the cutest, cuddliest and most adorable 2 year olds around! I feel so lucky! I've been trying to remember whether my 3 were anywhere near that cute? They must have been - only my memory {now I'm 34} seems to be fading! I can only remember the tears, tantrums, squabbles and them dangling from the reins {yes we used reins} when we were going grocery shopping! Oh and the disapproving looks from the ladies at the checkout, as I frantically attempted to pack the groceries, sooth the crying children,feed the crying children,search for lost car keys {and bank cards}! Ahhh, those were the days.......

I do however wish I could go back, so I could appreciate them being two all over again...............

So a huge thank you to the gorgeous families from this weeks shoots, you do have the cutest and most well behaved children around. I look forward to photographing them again when they're a wee bit older {but still just as adorable}!

XX Annie XX

Older & Wiser? Ummm maybe not the latter!

2008-11-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

Wow! Being 34 is awesom! For some reason {unclear to me as yet} - I'm classed as being that incy bit wiser! I can't wait to take advantage of this! So a HUGE thank you to all the birthday wishes and emails! Some of you would like to know a bit more about me....... so here goes.....

I'm a bit of a gypsy! Growing up in England, we moved every 2 years {something to do with Dad's job} - this has left me with very itchy feet! Every few months or so you'll either find me scrutinizing the pages of realestate.com, or moving my furniture about!

I love anything pink, girly and glitzy! Maybe this stems from being the only 'madam' in the family?

I miss my friend Winter very much - shes a bit of a freak...but then so am I!

I have an unhealthy obession with Ikea! Thankfully our nearest one is a 2 hr drive away! This obession is almost as bad as the one I have for Japanese martial arts {you've been warned - don't mess with me}! Oh and pyjamas - I have a zillion pairs of them, and would wear them all day if I could!

My fav ice cream is Jasmine Tea by Baskin Robbins - yummy!

I love a good gossip over a latte at the beach with good company.

I knit!

I suffer from a rare condition called APD - most of my childhood was spent in hospital or being home schooled! I was misdiagnosed until I was 17 - the only thing they did get right was that I was allergic to cats and tobacco smoke - funnily enough the two things my parents refused to give up? Feeling the love? No not really!

I dislike functions, office parties and large gatherings immensley! Almost as much as I dislike grocery shopping and pubs!

I 'knew' I would marry Mark and have 3 boys - I'm kinda freaky like that ;)

So thats it! Gosh I think you know more about me now than my parents ;)

Feeling hot,hot,hot!

2008-11-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

Boy what a scortcher today (is that spelt right??) Running around in the mid 30's is no fun! Its been a busy week, for some reason my allergies are at an all time high and I'm on regular adrenalin shots (anyone wanna have a latte with me??? I may blow up like a balloon and you may just have to resus me) - ummmm thats why my friends have deserted me! Still, I'm hoping for an answer as I'm off to NSW to see the wizard (I mean the Dr - always get those two confused)!

On Friday I went to witness the pure torture that is the boys surf awareness sessions. Rather them than me! If they were sensible and just stayed out of the water then they wouldn't need saving! Thats my logic! I took a few happy snaps of Aaron saving a poor drenched child (or rather attempting to save)!

Looks very pleasant doesn't it? I'm assured by Aaron, its the toughest lesson on the curriculum {yeah whatever}!

On Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing the Wright family..... nothing ever goes quite as you visualise it! It was at least 40 degrees (ok maybe 34 - but it felt like 40) and the poor littly's kinda lost it after 15 mins! I think I managed to only get a handful of piccies! Still, I guess thats a handful more pics than I have of my family - ummm something else to work on!

A big hurrah and thank you to the beautiful Amanda Brooks for finding me a teenage model, and young Maddison really is stunning! I decided as we were down the beach in the harsh sunlight (past 3pm is usually better) to go for a 70's style pin -up calender {you know the ones, dodgy looking things your dad had hidden away in his office or man shed. No? Ummm just my dad then}! Maddie's done a few bikini shoots before so she was very comfortable and confident in front of the camera. (I on the other hand, didn't have a clue what to do with her)! I'm still not sure its something I'd like to progress, but its definately good work experience. Many thanks to my beautiful mentor Mike Wardhana for the constructive criticism and support - you are amazing as always! And of course a huge thank you to the beautiful maddison and her Mum Carol for being so great {and so patient}.

A huge well done to Bec's and the guys and gals at Noosa McDonalds for a supa dupa McHappy Day - as usual Mark was there tossing his burgers and raising much needed money for the Ronald McDonald Children's Houses!

Well thats it! Next update won't be for a wee while as we're off on a mini break to Bunya for my birthday (21 of course)! Hurrah a whole 4 days of doing nothing! Can't wait! Oh and as you can tell from the title of this post.....its been raining.....for 2 days now.......oh hang on....... yes the suns coming out! Honestly, how can we cope with 3 seasons in a day?

Aunty Fever.....

2008-11-07T23:46:00.000-08:00

Yes thats what the kids got when my Aunt Maggy and Uncle Andrew came to stay this week - they tried everything to get off school {didn't work}!!! Its extremely contagious and symptoms include: over excitement, showing off, being incredibly cheeky, sleeplessness, sugar cravings and truency! So with much resentment - they trundled off to the school bus each morning!! Despite particuarly bad behaviour from the boys, we had a lovely week {all that cleaning paid off - the place was spotless}! The weather was pants {it always is when rellies come to stay}, plus Maggy and Andrew had a bit of a drama at the airport - but they got here safe and sound - just a tad later than expected! Oh and Mark decided to join my Uncle Andrew on the red wine!!! This is a particuarly bad move as a. Mark doesn't drink and b. Andrew does - in fact Andrews collection of red wine consists of over 3000 bottles!!!

The outcome of the evening was me, cleaning up vomit until 3am! Mark spent a nice cosy night in the bath tub! {I have to warn you I DID take some pics but they're not pleasant}

So inbetween being a hostess with the mostess, I managed to squeeze in some shoots, and gosh it was hot! 34 degrees isn't the best temp to chase after toddlers in! I think I've lost a couple of kilos in sweat! Pics on the way.....

Happy Birthday's to Lara, Pargy (who's officially an aussie now), Shaun (who's always been an aussie) and my cousin Dave! Miss you all loads and can't wait to catch up!

Bookings for shoots underway for xmas pics! I only have a couple of spaces left. Please email for details and dates if you're interested!

Tickles & Giggles & Freshly Baked Babies X

2008-10-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

Phew! What a week - I'm exhausted! Inbetween being Mum, chief cook, bottle washer, laundry lady extrodinaire ( I consider washing over 5 loads a day extra-ordinary), Nurse (no seriously, I am a nurse), I actually managed to get in a couple of shoots! So a big thank you to the beautiful Ryan family (I will be keeping all the funny faced pics for when your littly's turn 18)! And to Bridgett & Dion - a huge congratulations on the birth of little Kiara - she is so tiny tiny!!! (I have plans for this little one, and her big sisters so I will be seeing them again very soon)!

A BIG Happy Birthday to my Dad and niece Courtney - pressies are sitting here next to me (sorry haven't had a chance to post them - I'll make a special effort tomorrow)! Miss you all very much XX

At some point I will get around to getting some pics of my gorgeous boys - Cameron changes by the day and I'm sure he's about 5'6 now which just isn't on for a 13 yr old! As usual, everytime I get the camera out, they tell me to 'go away' - so not feeling the love :(