Melbourne Photographer specialising in portraits of newborns, babies, engagements and weddings
Grady. Every mother’s dream and every photographer’s delight.
Kelly, if you could figure out how to market his DNA you’d be sitting on a goldmine. You could buy that house you’ve been wishing for, and a hundred others just like it. And fill each of them with beautiful children.
Imagine what fun that would be, for us photographers anyway.
Narrelle x
For a long time (nearly as many years as I am old – and I’m not giving that away) I’ve had to live with spelling my name to people. Not because it’s an unusual name, for those here in Australia anyway, but because it’s an unusual spelling. And I’m led to believe it’s all my dad’s fault, because he failed to check the baby names dictionary before he filled my birth certificate in. Much like my red hair I’ve spent most of my life pretending it’s an annoying fact of life I just have to live with, while secretly I’m extremely pleased there’s something about my name that makes me just a little bit different from all the other Narelle’s out there. Just like I’d reluctantly confess, though only in private, that I’m grateful for my red hair. So when someone takes the time to make sure they spell my name right it absolutely makes my day – because I know they’ve paid a little extra attention to one of the most important things about me – my name. It’s always one thing I’m conscious of when corresponding to people, because I know first-hand how valuable and important it is to spell a person’s name the way it should be, to them. In fact it’s such an important tool when dealing with people that Dale Carnegie devotes a section to it in How to Win Friends and Influence People.
That’s why I was petrified of writing this post, and scared enough of spelling Dejan’s name wrong that I went back through my emails with his mum, and quadruple-checked just to make sure. Not that Dejan would be too bothered about it at this point in his life – he’s proably more concerned about whether his toes still taste the same as last time he checked, or how to roll the other way, now that he’s onto his tummy and can’t figure out how to get back. But it’s important to me that I get it right, because his mummy and daddy put a lot of thought into his beautiful name, and it’s a big part of who Dejan is, even at this age.
And there are so many wonderful things about Dejan – even at this age. His parents clearly adore him. Rightly so. I could have tucked him under my arms and run out the door several times. Instead I lay on the floor and stared at him through my camera, clicking away each time I saw something that made me smile inside. I took a LOT of photos. My insides still hurt from all the smiling.
It was such a joy and privilege, Keri and Stephen, to capture this stage of your little guys’ life. It was worth every silly noise I had to make, and every crazy face I had to pull.
How seet is this outfit? Seriously!
And I could just munch on these…
Hello gorgeous
I love this image of their beautiful little family
And I love the love in these ones
And check out the little milk blister – awwww – something I vividly remember from my own children
Dejan really was so good to me. While he napped we actually got to pose him like a newborn. Then we got some more beautiful shots of him, wide awake, totally sweet, and cheeky.
It was so wonderful meeting you all, K & S. Can’t wait for your Together session now.
Narrelle x
Just in case they should be checking in, I thought I’d pop a photograph from Dejan’s baby session over the weekend for his mummy and daddy.
And I just have to say that this little guy was such a delight – I could sit and stare at his gorgeous little face all day (and I have been). And I bet there’s at least two other people in Melbourne that feel exactly the same way.
Narrelle x
I remember one of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant with Jaedon (apart from almost falling to the floor from shock) was sign up to an online forum. I knew absolutely nothing about being pregnant (I’m still trying to figure out how it happened), and it was comforting having a place where I could go, somewhat anonymously, and ask all those funny, embarrassing questions that I would never ask anyone in real life. And do things I would never do in the real world. Like post pictures of my belly for the whole world to see, as I grew bigger and bigger. The last photo I posted I was 7 days overdue, and clearly suffering from baby brain. I mean – seriously – did the world really need to be subjected to that. However, embarrasment aside, I am incredibly glad that I now have that record, and was able to watch the effect that the new life growing inside me was having on my poor body.
When I met with Rod and Jenty on the weekend we got to talking about the same thing, almost. Rod was explaining how, at 20 weeks pregnant, a friend of Jenty’s had posted a picture of her rounding belly, and how he had urged his wife to do the same. She eventually came around to the idea and took a photo at 24 weeks. It was a good thing she did – three days later their twins were born.
I remember finding out about it, and feeling completely shocked. Then feeling slightly puzzled after talking to Rod and hearing how well they were going. Having been pregnant I’d heard all these terms floating about, about the point of viability for a foetus (the earliest stage at which it can survive outside of the womb), and I knew that 24 weeks was VERY early, and I guess I just expected there to be complications. But there weren’t. These little champions, from all accounts, sailed through those early months. And when I say little – you have no idea. Rodney showed me a photograph taken in the early days, with his little princess wearing his wedding ring - over her arm. It would have gone all the way to her shoulder, easily. That’s how tiny they were. And yet they somehow found the strength to fight on. I do know they had a whole host of people, all over the world, praying for them. And on Sunday I got to meet the answers to those prayers – two very happy, healthy, perfect-in-every-way, babies. I couldn’t stop staring at them, marvelling at just how precious they were, losing count of the times I felt goose-bumps run from the top of my head to the very tip of my toes. And, again, I felt very blessed to be able to do what I do, and to be able to capture a small portion of life of these extra special, truly beautiful bundles of joy. What a buzz.
Guys (Rod and Jenty) - it really was a pleasure spending the afternoon with you, and finally meeting your little miracles. I’m still in awe at just how perfect they are. They must have something truly amazing in store for their lives. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out.
This one makes me smile every time I look at it
She’s such a little sweetheart
Love this shot of Mama and her little doll
And those eyelashes. Not fair.
Awwwww
Almost two peas in a pod
Already looking out for her
I see you
Totally love these ones of Daddy and his little guy. Fatherhood suits you, Rod.
And I really love this one too. There’s a whole series of them, each one of them looking like little Brandon has realised what they’ve overcome, and is giving out a little shout of triumph. Shout it out, little guy, you’ve earned it.
Narrelle x
(Oh, and thanks Rod for calling the RACV for me, after my blonde moment of leaving the car headlights on. Matt tells me there were jump leads in the back after all.)
Yes, it’s a new year. Again. And I hope it’s been a happy one for you all so far (which is not very long, admittedly, for those on the other side of the world…).
And I really do pray that the long remainder of it will be filled with much happiness and joy also. I’ve never been one for new years resolutions, but if I were going to make one this year it would be to seek happiness and find it, and to decide to be happy when it would be much easier to feel otherwise. I’m a sucker for allowing things to get to me that just simply shouldn’t. That aint gonna happen this year. I’ve promised myself that much.
I’m very much looking forward to 2010. I’m looking forward to change, and exciting things. New things. New clients and new friends, and clients that become friends – I love it when that happens. Me and my camera made so many new friends last year, so I can’t wait to see who this one brings into my life. I’m looking forward to new challenges, and new achievements. New moments, and new memories. New paths, and new heights. And I’m looking forward to the new, improved version of me.
This is going to be a good year. I can feel it. I hope you can too.
Running with the ‘new’ theme, here’s a peep at the latest, littlest, friend I’ve made lately. Isn’t she just beautiful.
Anna and Andrew – I’ll have some more of your little princess ready for you very soon. It was so good to see you again. Much love, Nelly. xxx 
© 2010 Narrelle Joy, Melbourne Wedding, Engagement, Newborn and Baby Photographer - NJOY THE MOMENT. Ph 0434 588369 ProPhoto Photographer Template by NetRivet, Inc
