Princess by name

Rumour has it that the sun is going to make a lovely appearance towards the end of May, however it's not very grey at present which is lovely.

However my morning was very bright, as a lovely gorgeous seven week old stunner came to visit.

Amira has the most amazing brown eyes, rich and deep with a cheeky glint and the most luxurious  dark fluffy hair that made me melt.

There is something about babies that just make my job worth while - the innocent looks, the babbling and cooing and the gentle little cheeky smiles.

Amira was no different, and something tells me Mum and Dad will have their hands full when she is older, the face of an angel but a cheeky little girl behind the big "it wasn't me", eyes and smile.

This is her puzzled expression ... one of her many facial expressions from the session.

Thank you for sharing your precious daughter with me.

I love cheeky children

Having two girls, who are, self confessed cheeky so and so's, I absolutely love cheeky children. Children with a personality and vibrant.

Not only do children like this make my job easier as they create beautiful photos, they don't tend to need any prompting.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting two gorgeous boys.  They started off shy, like little soldiers standing to attention, however after a few minutes, the smiles were there and the little belly giggles were beginning to emerge.

Amazingly bright, the eldest told me how he can make a light bulb shine with two wires, a screw and a battery, whilst his little brother stared adoringly at him.

I'm sure you will agree, the two boys relaxed so well I got this shot with little encouragement.

An amazing couple of boys, who over come challenges with smiles and funny faces,  something I think adults should try.

＃funnyfacesrock   ＃cheekyboys

2014 the year of PINK ...

2014 had been the year of pink for me.  Beautiful baby girls every week, until yesterday and I had the pleasure of a bundle of blue...  the adorable Jake.

Lovely dark hair, gorgeous chubby cheeks, lovely big bright eyes and a very strong four week old.

Surround by noise, he was at his most calm, I even thinking of carrying my own hair dryer in my kit bag in case other babies finding it as soothing as Jake does.

Peaceful and calm ....  such a cute little boy.

Thank you to Sam and Scott for letting me capture your gorgeous little boy (and his big brother Josh)

All things new

So it has been half term for me this week, so I have had my two mini munchies at home to keep me busy, so we have been trying to do something "new" every day.  Something that either they haven't done before or I haven't done before.... mine included staying in bed until 8:30am having snuggles and singing songs from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  And any one that knows me will know that I never stay in bed later than 7am, so this was like heaven to my girls.

Any way for get me... new things for Sawtell Photography

Well lets think  ...

... fresh new look coming soon ... watch this space for details

 ....  puppy pictures - yes I have photographed a lovely little pooch - and they said never work with children or animals - now I have done both!!

Meet Fijit ...

I have met Fijit before, however her owners where then dressed in their wedding attire and we popped in for a quick cuddle between the ceremony and reception.  She is adorable and very cuddly, however left with a very sad face, which I hope she forgets and likes me again soon.


... studio shots - yes I have given in and started using my lights !!  I suppose it was either that or cancel everything due to the English weather !!

Chloe-Paige my first newborn of 2014 and so delicate and cute.  Although this picture doesn't show Chloe's cute little face, it is a favourite of mine as she gripped so hard, even though she was asleep to her Daddy's finger - a fabulous bond that will just grow and grow.  Very precious.


Munchie 2, an angelic little demon !!   I can say that she is my daughter.  She decided she wanted her pictures taken, and I never deny her this as it is very rare for either or my children to ask for their picture to be taken.

This is the norm for her ... although not many people get to see this side of her ... until now x


In Munchie number 1's words

"Mummy, life is like your camera ...  when things look all blurry you need to adjust your focus and think about what you are doing and try again"

Too wise for her own good !!

xx

Forgive me Father for I have not blogged in three months.

I wanted to start this off with a witty poem but couldn't write anything funny, so instead I apologise for the radio silence.

I'm usually pretty good at updating my Facebook page and my website, but over the last three months I have failed at all amazingly.

For some unknown reason my life seems to have turned upside down and inside out for no apparent reason.

The saying goes ... "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"  well in my case ... it makes me tired, forgetful and damn right grumpy !!

I've had the pleasure of some beautiful babies over the last few months, so thought I would share a few with you, so I hope you don't mind.

Jack & Izzy ... what a pair !  (in a good way)

Jack is now two and Izzy was about a month old when I visited this time, and he has changed very little in looks since I captured him when he was just a few weeks old.  He still has his huge brown eyes and cheeky smile which is emphasised in his eyes.  His hair is much blonder than I thought he would be, I thought as he looked like his dad he would be dark like him also.

Izzy is a bundle of cuteness, very tiny and very alert for one so small.  However with Jack as a big brother I think Izzy is going to need her wits about her at all times.  Jack is very affectionate to his little sister and dotes on her, evening helping change her nappy.

I was honoured to be asked back again to capture the new arrival and her brother xx





Leandro

I was taken a back a little when I went to photograph Leandro, as his Mummy is the sister of a previous client, who kindly referred me.  Now when she posted the picture of him when Leandro was born, he looked like a big baby, however when I arrived, I couldn't have been more wrong.  Leandro was this tiny, bundle of fun who chatted away quite contently whilst I was photographing him.

Leandro is very lucky that he has two older sisters, however they are much older so he isn't at risk of having to play dolls or get dressed up as a fairy or used as a make up model.  His sisters are also very beautiful so if he grows up with half of their looks, the care and compassion of his parents, he has a very bright and positive future ahead of him.

This little boy has the world at his finger tips and two big sisters to show him the right path, and parents to pick him up if he stumbles in the wrong direction.

As with all the babies I am lucky enough to capture, I wish them

"a life full of laughter, health, fun and friends"










Charlie and Benjamin

These two boys are beautiful ... Charlie has a lovely nature and makes you smile when he chats away to you.  His piercing blue eyes capture the camera with both hands and say "photograph me, I'm here", even if Charlie doesn't want his picture taken.


Benjamin, the perfect model - no tears, no fuss and was just a dream to capture.

He was a perfect model for Christmas in his little Santa outfit, I just wish it wasn't so late to share.

Capturing a baby's feet is like catching a butterfly in your hands with your eyes and ears covered, even when they are asleep they seem to have a sixth sense and move their feet, Benjamin didn't - amazing little boy, very strong and determined ... just don't give Mummy and Daddy a scare like you did before Christmas xx


Bonnie and Lexi 

This is beautiful Bonnie, cousin to Leandro above, and the second time I have had the pleasure of capturing this little girl.

I thought it had only been a few weeks when I arrived for Bonnie and Lexi's second shoot, but it had been four months and my oh my how both girls had changed.  Bonnie was always going to be a fast mover and now she was sitting up, rolling over and trying to crawl.

Lexi was approaching her second birthday although it could have been her third as she is such a clever little monkey.  So independent and determined... good luck Mummy and Daddy xx



There have been more things and will post them separately when I have had chance to pick the images ...

Thanks for reading, and hope 2014 is your year

xx

Live music at a wedding ... why not

I have been very quiet APOLOGIES my lovelies ...

This is going to be a quick post ...

1) so people know I'm still alive and
2) my children are currently getting ready for bed so don't have long to type without interruptions



I recently had the pleasure of covering a wedding, which was one of the first weddings I ever booked, however the thing about this wedding was the Groom played in a band and they played at the reception.

The band, Like Water consist of Darren, Dan and Damo and yes I think it has been suggested on more than one occasion that they should have called themselves 3D ;)

They play their own music and do covers and opened their set with an Oasis cover and I think they even sneaked in a Script cover also

Well to get to the long and the short of it, they are a new band and please take a look at their Facebook page and if you like their music - please like their page, you never know when you will need a live band to play at an event

Tears of joy ...

Weddings ...  a roller coaster of emotions

• excitement
• nervousness
• laughter
• tears of joy
• relief
• happiness
• admiration
• pride

Alex and Jade's wedding was no different.

The house was calm and full of giggles on arriving at the Bride, the two Bridesmaids were sat cross legged on the floor putting the finishing touches to favour boxes and the Bride was having her make up applied.

The hair dresser came and went and left all three ladies, looking beautiful with just the finishing touches of make up to be applied before getting dressed.

Jade came down stairs to put her dress on and the emotion kicked in, "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias was playing - "their song"  ... tears welled in her eyes and it was like a sign that everything was perfect.

The Groom mean while was nervously waiting at the church with his Best Man and Woman and his grooms people.

The service was full of smiles, laughter and tears, with Alex's Mum, finding it hard to hold back the tears as her baby boy said his vows.

Alex and Jade who were once full of nerves, finally looked relaxed and calm knowing they would be spending their rest of their lives together as man and wife.  They smiled freely as they signed the register and laughed and joked with the Pastor and family members.

The newlyweds posed for photographs with family and friends outside the church in the beautiful sunshine before venturing off to celebrate with a few glasses of bubbly and some very emotional and heart felt speeches.

All the speeches were great, and the nerves within some of the speakers were running high, especially with Jade's Dad and the Best Man.   Jade's Grandparents were so proud of their son when he stood up and spoke about Jade, and it was a really moving time for all.

However, the best line in the speech goes to Alex and it has stuck with me for the last week, during his speech he thank Jade's Mum and Dad as said that they never had to give him another birthday or Christmas present ever again, as by allowing him to marry Jade was the best present he could ever ask for ever.

For young people, they have wise hearts and very full hearts that are bursting with love and affection for one another and family and friends.  If there was ever a couple destined to be together, it's Jade and Alex.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Rawkins,  and

Ten un buen viaje y disfrutar de sus vidas juntos

xx

Calling all beautiful Princesses

Wow two posts in two days, I must be poorly :)

I've mentioned this on my Facebook page already, however I thought I would give you some more insight in to why, where, when and most importantly HOW CAN YOU BOOK!

I will be working with the wonderfully talented Lea of Pink Tea Parties in August at the beautiful venue, Newbury Manor Hotel.

Pink Tea Parties are hosting two magical Mother and Daughter Princess Tea Parties on August 11th, in which I will be capturing the events of the day.

With dressing up time, story time and magic Teapots that make "Tea" taste like juice, what little Princess couldn't refuse an afternoon of Mummy and Daughter time.

Fot those of you that don't know about Pink Tea Parties, they are an amazing little company who caters for beautiful children's birthday parties, elegant bridal showers, delicate baby showers or they can even supply you with a romantic picnic hamper to spoil your loved one on a summers day.

To book a place at one of these Tea Parties, simply call them - places are limited, so don't wait around, and you never know you could be featured on mine or Pink Tea Parties blog / Facebook page or website as a result.

I look forward to meeting lots of gorgeous little princesses in August.

xx

Delicate as Angels

I've been rubbish at posting blog updates lately, so apologies, I will try and keep a more inspiring and up to date blog - I can't promise, however I will try.

So after the beautiful baby Evie, I had the pleasure of capturing 5 week old Francesca and her 2 year old sister Isabella.

What a way to start the week, Isabella couldn't wait to start the shoot and dived on the bean bag ready to pose as soon as I was set up, a perfect model with a beautiful smile.

Her adoration for her sister was obvious in the way she delicately held her hand and kissed her head during the session.

Francesca is as cute a button, and a proper lady (she hated having her flesh on display), a real joy to capture.  Her dark hair and glinting eyes indicate her parents are going to have their hands full when she is older with boys knocking on the door to win her affections.

They are both stunning girls and I was very lucky to be able to photograph them, there are a couple of images of them on my facebook page and on my website galleries if you want to see the girlies, however I will end my blog for tonight with a picture of this delicate little girl ...

Francesca

Mr and Mrs Barker

In my previous post, it mentioned a wedding that I was going to have the pleasure of photographing ... and yesterday that day arrived.

The wedding of the super-organised and wonderfully creative Dave and Shelley, the new Mr & Mrs Barker.

Idioms can be over used or used inappropriately, however this one seems to sum up Dave and Shelley .

"two sides of the same coin"

Two people that share the same passions, dreams and thoughts.  Who asked me the same questions when I entered the room after leaving the other.  Who got each other similar presents without realising.  Both different, just fused together through mutual love, admiration and respect for one another.  Shelley is bubbly and outgoing, where as Dave is quite shy, however they compliment each other beautifully and one doesn't overshadow the other.

Dave and Shelley chose to have a beautifully intimate wedding in a Black and Cadbury Purple theme, in which most of the guests also followed the theme.

The Civil Ceremony closed with the lighting of candles, where both Shelley and Dave lit named candles and then lit a larger candle simultaneously with their individual candles... twin flames joining together to burn eternally as one.

Every part of the day was filled with detail from the fleur de lis on the brides nails and grooms belt, to matching chalices, to the coat of arms by the tower of sumptuous cupcakes topped with a single tier cake delicately decorated in black damask.... perfection!

I can honestly say that I believe they rivalled the best wedding planner with their planning, attention to detail and execution.  They say that the build up and planning of a wedding is supposed to be as much fun as the day itself, and judging by the fun everyone was having yesterday, Dave and Shelley must have been in their element planning their wedding.

It was a joy and an honour to capture their day and I wish them both a long, happy and healthy marriage.

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Barker, I hope your twin flames provide you with light when you see dark and warmth when you feel cold.

Alfie-Joe ... Part 2

So on Sunday, I had the pleasure to go and photography Alfie for the second time in a week as his Mummy wanted pictures with his Grandad, which was great for me.

Alfie wasn't my friend on Tuesday when I went to capture him the first time, however on Sunday the little charmer had me eating out of his hand.

Such a different little boy, smiling, playful and very cooperative, what a difference a couple of days make.

Check out this gorgeous little boy , I'm so pleased we did a second sitting to get beautiful shots like this.

For more images of Alfie, please take a peak at my Facebook page or my website.

A wedding with a difference

So about three weeks ago, I was asked to photograph a very intimate wedding by someone very dear to my heart - MY DAUGHTER !!

My daughter is 5 and asked if she paid me £1 would I photograph her teddy, Princess, getting married.  Of course, what photographer and mother would refuse the opportunity to capture a special moment like this.

She planned the date, the staging and even used her own money to buy her teddy some new shoes for the big day.

God help the man who decides to marry my daughter, he will need BIG, DEEP pockets to keep her happy.

I hope you enjoy an in sight into Mr & Mrs Bears special day.

xx

Beautiful Twins...

So I thought I would share a sneak peak in to this mornings shoot with the gorgeous 8 month old twins I enjoyed snapping this morning,

Being identical twins, I really thought I would struggle with names, how wrong was I, already at 8 months, they are completely different personalities.

Ellen, first born of the twins, smaller, chattier and very much loved posing for the camera, however on her terms.

Sian, the cheeky monster, trying to be actively mobile and very determined little girl loved giggling, dribbling and blowing bubbles just not for the camera.

Both beautiful girls and their full time dad does a brilliant job of juggling the girls (not physically) and keeping them entertained.

They love their older brother and really look up to him, however I think he may need to watch his back as when they are older they may gang up on him and get him in to trouble ... all three have stunning blue eyes that make you melt when you look in to them ... so I think daddy best start saving for those weddings now as he will have many a boy knocking at his door when they are older.


Now can you guess which is which ?

Apologies for being quiet

So I must apologise for being quiet, however it's been quite a hectic week or so for me...

I had the pleasure of photographing another pregnant lady last week and I'm sure bumps are getting smaller, either that or I was so massive everyone looks tiny compared to when I was pregnant!

I also had a lovely meeting with an engaged couple about capturing their wedding in February 2013 and I found it really hard in containing my excitement about wanting to capture their wedding.  It's going to be intimate, different and truly amazing as the amount of work the couple  have put in is phenomenal to make it unique and extremely personal to them.

February can't come soon enough ... and I will apologise in advance as the couple would like snow, so if you can pray for a little dusting of snow that weekend that would be great !

Here's a sneak peak of the "bump" shoot ...

I have twin girls to capture on Thursday .... can't wait !!  

Great incentive to get fit

On Wednesday I went to meet a personal trainer - not to get fit, to take some images of her and what a lovely lady she is.

If you don't like the pressure of gyms then training outside is great - plenty of fresh air and no restrictions on space.

Ria specialises in pre and post natal exercise and fat burning however does a lot more sports specific training as well.

It was a beautiful day on Wednesday to don her trainers and go outside, however I think even if it had been raining she would have still been bright and bubbly and keen to show off her skills.

Beautiful bumps ...

Afternoon,

What a lovely autumn day, the sun is trying to shine, and the frosty chill makes it perfect to watch the different colour leaves dance across the road...

Autumn a season of colour and change.

Today I had the pleasure to visit a lovely lady and capture her baby bump, and what a tiny little bump it was, with only 15 days before her beautiful baby is born, she doesn't look like she is about to pop just quite comfortable.

Here's a sneak peak of whats to come ...

Last minute wedding

I have been invited to photograph the most exciting wedding of the year (for me) in two weeks time.

The details are beautiful and am honoured to be able to capture this couples special day.  I wish I could share more, however when you see the photos you will realise why this wedding is under wraps and I'm sworn to secrecy.

Can't wait to share the photos ... it's going to be amazing

Emily ...

I've had the pleasure of photographing Emily before and always look forward to capturing her because Emily is special, she is affectionate, helpful, and an amazing big sister to Isabelle, and adores her big sister Danielle.

No two moments are the same will Emily, however she has a smile that will melt even the coldest of hearts so how honoured I felt when on my second shot, I got this image.  

This beautiful little girl turned 6 recently and I was amazed at how much she had grown and changed since I last photographed her in January. So much more confident, chatty and playful.

until next time Miss Emily 

xx

12 months later

Today I had the pleasure to see the gorgeous Archie celebrate his first birthday.

Archie is a very special little boy to me, as two pictures I took of him after he was born are still in my top 10 images I have taken.

It's not every day you get to photograph someone else's child regularly and watch them grow up, since Archie was born I even photographed his parents wedding earlier this year.

So here is Archie, then and now....  

Happy Birthday little man xx

Daughters

I have two daughters,  one's 5 and the other is 2 at the end of December.  Both were born to be cheeky, both were born to give me grey hairs, both were born to make me smile daily ...

It's not very often they let me photograph them, however sometimes they ask to be photographed, which is a blessing (even if it only lasts 3 minutes)

This is one that wasn't posed for ... I was packing my bag to go and do a newborn shoot and my youngest was talking to me, and then she lay her head on the couch and it was an opportunity too good to miss.

I love the natural look and I love the sulky, pouty look children give sometimes when they have their photo taken, which can be discarded as not a nice photo ... but that was them then - why erase it?

xx