I could seriously have this image as the desktop on my PC and not even mind that it’s not even my own child.  His smile, his beautiful little face, everything about him is pure joy. Pure innocence.  Pure I’m delighted just to be in the same room as you.
That’s what I love about photographing babies. There is nothing ungenuine about them. They’re happy to see you simply because they’re happy to see you.  You look interesting, they’re intrigued by your newness, and the funny noises you make. And it takes absolutely nothing at all to for their faces to light up and warm you with the most unaffected smile you could imagine, or even hope for.
And that’s what I loved about little Spencer, when I spent some time with him a few Saturdays ago, capturing his beautiful, happy little soul. He was happy, seemingly for happiness’ sake.  If he doesn’t mind older women, and is happy to wait until her daddy is ready to let her go, he’d make the perfect ‘arranged husband’ for our little girl.  The two of them could make the world around them such a wonderful place to be with their delightful dispositions working together.  What do you think, Mum and Dad? 

Thankyou Penny and Craig, and baby Spencer, for such a sweet morning.  For all the smiles, the real and tender love that filled your home, and for making my job so easy just by being yourselves. And for the lemon slice, Penny.  I was despeately craving more – all the way down to Brighton for the following session. Thanks. 

So much joy for one little boy.  Loved him.

This was one of my favourite images.

And I love the love for mummy in this shot.

And if I could pack the sunshine from that morning into a case and take it with me wherever I go, I would.

Couldn’t you just gobble him up. I could.  How blessed are you, mummy and daddy, to be able to kiss on that sweet little face whenever you like.
Throw one if for me next time please.

Narrelle x
{ Melbourne Baby Photographer }

Chloe was fast asleep when she arrived, the hot weather here having a natural calming effect on her.  But, like most babies her age, she was busy sorting out her sleeping routine and thought it would be more fun to be awake for the session.  But that’s ok.  I love capturing the wide-eyed innocence of newborns, the eyes that don’t quite focus and so appear to be looking at you both intently and softly at the same time. And I love the interaction between mummy and baby, and daddy as well if he’s keen to join in.  I actually think I’m more in my element when baby chooses not to sleep, which is just as well given my run of late.

And yesterday I had the joy of seeing a beautiful baby doll who was adored beyond doubt by her parents.  Their faces lit up with each movement, each smile. They doted. They coo-ed. They loved. I watched, and I smiled at the wonder of new life and how it touches those around it.  I marvelled at these third-time parents and how it was just like the first time for them. The newness had in no way become old, and it was beautiful.

Thank you Lisa and Troy for the honour of photographing your precious little girl.  It was a pure delight.

All this laying down and being adored is so tiring…

And I just adore this one, how Chloe’s face is tilted up searching for her mummy, making that sweet connection.

Narrelle x

I confess that my attitude on any given day is ruled by whether I’m having a good hair day or a bad hair day. Or just how black the bags are under my eyes.  If I feel good about how I look, then my day generally gets off to a good start.  I’ve always stated that if I were to have one plastic surgery procedure done it would be an eye-lift, and whatever it does that smooths out the permanent pouches.  If they were that bad. Which they’re not.  Point is if they ever got that bad that looking at them every morning would cloud my mood then I would do something about it.  I’m all for feeling good about myself.

That leads me to the real reason for this post. Well the other real reason, now that I have that confession off my chest.  I’ve been organising a facelift, of sorts.  Not for me, physically, but for my business.  It’s a bit like my baggy eye phobia.  I’ve been looking at my blogsite, and my logo, and marketing materials etc lately and they haven’t been exciting me.  In a way they make me feel tired. Not because I am tired but because the image of how I think I should look and how I actually do look don’t quite match. Still with me? I feel fresh, and vibrant, and joyful, but then I look at myself (my ‘stuff’) and I don’t quite feel it.  It affects my mood and how I run my business.  So I’m doing something about it.  I’m removing those bags, and getting myself a facelift. 

I’m not quite ready to reveal myself just yet, there’s a couple of nips and tucks to be done. But not many.  And I don’t even have any bruising.  I’m tellin ya – I got myself a pretty good ‘surgeon’ and she’s done an awesome job!  But one day soon you’ll pop around to see me and won’t quite recognise me.  I’ll be the same, but different.  Better. Fresher. And more like the real me.  I can’t wait for you to see.

And whilst I didn’t take this photograph for this purpose, it speaks to me of where I’m currently at. Good times ahead.

Narrelle x

{ Melbourne Portrait Photographer }

I’d not met Vicki prior to the christening service, but I knew she’d be wearing purple and standing at the front of the church with her three daughters – the twins, which were being christened, and their slightly older sister.  In the back of my mind I half expected a slightly frazzled woman attempting to keep everyone and everything together.  I know what young children are like at events like this.  But she was graceful, and calm, and beautiful. And everything was completely under control.  I certainly take my hat off to her.
So I got to work, by standing at the back of the church and capturing some of those candid, unposed moments we were after. And because she was so graceful, calm, and beautiful, I had to start with Vicki.

It was certainly easy to hang back and get some lovely candid shots – I just had my new lens delivered that week, which was made for this purpose.  It stayed on my camera for 90% of the christening (just for you folk that love to ask what gear I’m using…).  It’s not the best lens if you’re trying to be inconspicuous though.  I may as well go the whole way and paint it bright orange and really get myself noticed.
Anyway, back to the important stuff. The photos.
I also love this one – a brief pause, together as family.

It was obvious that mum and dad have a lot of love and respect for one another, and I see that, and their ability to connect, in this image.
And this one below reminds me of the pride Savva had in his girls, all four of them.

I ended up capturing a lot of the photos in black and white, as it suited the mood just beautifully, but it was such a gorgeous church that I had to leave some of them in colour, including the next couple, of the two godparents (who also looked like they were enjoying themselves).

The Proud Parents, after the service was over.  And I have to say here that I really hope these aren’t the same daughter – even after all the hours editing the shots I’m still having trouble telling them apart. *blush*

The reception was also a blast. I had so much fun capturing the fun that everyone else was having. And sneaking bits of food in, after the kitchen was kind enough to make up a plate for me.  Gimme a plate full of dips and bread and I’m a happy girl. 
The girls were definately centre stage, and I loved sneaking around and getting moments like this ‘on film’:

And, of course, gotta love me some fun-lovin dancin shots to end up on.  These guys certainly knew how to party.

What a beautiful day it was.  Thank you so much Vicki and Savva for having me document the day for you.  It really was a pleasure to spend time with you and your beautiful family.  And you were right, Vicki – they did cry nearly the whole way through the service, didn’t they. 

And just for a bit of viewing pleasure, below is a short slideshow put together from the day.  It’ll take a minute or so to load.

Narrelle x
{ Christening Photography, Melbourne }

What I love about this session was the connection between little Liam and his mummy and daddy.  I adored watching him search them out, and engage with them.  I love how laid back they all were, and how comfortable and natural they were as a new family of four. And I felt grateful to be able to record a brief moment in their lives, as they were.  As I look through the images from the day I know that’s what they reflect.  And that makes me happy.

Thank you so much, Natasha and Andrew for having me over.  It really was a pleasure to spend time with you all – you have a beautiful family. And you would seriously have to be amongst  the most relaxed and calm people I know (which comes in handy when I get thrown out by roadworks on the way and end up running half an hour late…. please tell me you weren’t stressing in secret…  )  Here’s a few of my favourites so far.  I just love the first shot – I wish I had one like this with my own children.

And don’t you just love these little feet.  I just wanna munch on them! 

I hope he slept well after I left, guys.  It would be pretty typical. 

Narrelle. x
{ Newborn Photography Melbourne }

I love this age.  And I know I say that whether it’s a newborn, a six month or a two year old child I photograph.  I guess they all have their endearing qualities, each being at a unique stage in their lives.  But at six months, most children are very alert, and very curious.  They love soaking up their surroundings, and their eyes – so wide and full of innocence – contain the essence of childhood.  And what I’d give to have eyes like Vincent.  Boy, are the girls in trouble in sixteen years or so.

These are just a few images from his session.  I’m glad we managed a few smiles out of your little boy, Antonella – he really is beautiful. Such a sweet little soul. 

Thanks for a great start to the weekend, Antonella and John. It really was a pleasure spending time with you all.  You have a gorgeous family, and it was an honour being able to capture your little guy at this stage of his life.

Narrelle x

{ Baby Photographer, Melbourne }

That’s why I’m always so impressed when I turn up for a twins session and am greeted calmly by a mum and dad with everything under control, appearing as though they’ve been parents all their lives. And parents to not just one child, but two.  That’s what Alex and John’s parents were like. They were incredibly relaxed, warm, carefree people who were clearly in love with their little boys, and thoroughly enjoying parenthood.
Maybe I just caught them on a good day. I hope so. That way I can feel a bit better about wondering how I survived doing it one at a time.  They just made it look too easy.

Their two little guys are totally gorgeous though - it was easy to see why mum’s face lit up whenever they were near, and why dad was so proud and soft at the same time (and I mean that in a good way, Les).  Even I was proud of the way they handled the session.  Thank you so much for having me over, Sharryn and Les. It really was a pleasure to spend some time with you, and capture a small piece of your lives together. You all make such a lovely little family.
Here’s a few of your images that I just had to share. Each one of them bought a smile to my face as they filled my monitor.

This last one in particular fills my face with the biggest grin imaginable – it’s just pure adorableness. 

Thanks again, guys. Your boys were such a joy to photograph.  I’m so glad you found me in the end.

Narrelle x

{ Twins Photography Melbourne }

Narrelle x
{ Newborn Photography Melbourne }

{ Children’s Photographer Melbourne }