Storyteller Photography: Blog https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog en-us Storyteller Photography (Storyteller Photography) Fri, 18 Feb 2022 02:00:00 GMT Fri, 18 Feb 2022 02:00:00 GMT https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/img/s/v-12/u494582616-o529757076-50.jpg Storyteller Photography: Blog https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog 96 120 Christmas 2021 https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2021/10/christmas-2021

Christmas 2021

Who would have thought 2021 would be worse than 2020 and we'd be facing even more lockdowns? Definitely not me! But I am glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and just in time for Christmas sessions. 

This year I will be doing things a little differently and offering some beautiful, custom photo products. Scroll down to see this year's session options!

cards09 copycards09 copy

Christmas Card Sessions - The Pine Forest

After so many people loved the images from the pine forest last year, I have decided to hold sessions in the forest again this year!

Christmas cards are available in 2 designs with your choice of session image and custom text.

In the event of bad weather, outdoor sessions will be rescheduled.

  • Nov 13 & 14, 3.00pm - 5.30pm
  • The Pines Picnic Area, Olney State Forest
  • 20 minute sessions for families and children
  • Included is a pack of 10 Christmas cards with envelopes and 5 high-res digital images via online gallery
  • Additional packs of Christmas cards are $50

Session Price - $250

Booking Deposit - $75

Book Now

cards28 ;cards28 ;

Christmas Card Sessions - Wyong

If you aren't keen on heading out to the forest, I am also doing some gorgeous park sessions!

Christmas cards are available in 2 designs with your choice of session image and custom text.

In the event of bad weather, outdoor sessions will be rescheduled.

  • Nov 20 & 27, 4.30pm - 6.00pm 
  • Woodbury Inn Park, Yarramalong Road, Wyong
  • 20 minute sessions for families and children
  • Included is a pack of 10 Christmas cards with envelopes and 5 high-res digital images via online gallery
  • Additional packs of Christmas cards are $50

Session Price - $250

Booking Deposit - $75

Book Now

Family Calendar Sessions

7x5timbercalendar13-7x5timbercalendar13-
7x5timbercalendar9-1603769357 copy.7x5timbercalendar9-1603769357 copy.

Family calendar sessions are a family session you can enjoy all year! Included is a gorgeous fine art printed calendar set, which comes with a timber easel and a 5"x5" linen mini album, so when the year is over, you can trim your prints and mount them into the album.

After your session, you will receive an online gallery where you can select your 12 favourite images for the calendar and also download the high-res digital versions.

Calendars and album sets are valued at $250 and additional sets can be purchased as gifts.

 

  • These sessions can be booked any time I have availability for a family session until Jan 2022, but to ensure delivery before Christmas, you will need to book a November date.

  • Pre-session questionnaire and communication to customise your session

  • 30-60 minute session

  • Fine art 12 month 2022 calendar with your 12 selected images, timber easel & linen mini album

  • Online digital gallery with 12 included high-res digital images and option to purchase more

Session Price - $600

Booking Deposit - $150

 

Book Now

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) central coast christmas minis christmas 2021 christmas photos 2021 christmas photos central coast christmas sessions https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2021/10/christmas-2021 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:13:24 GMT
How To Help Kids Relax During Photo Sessions https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2021/2/how-to-help-kids-relax-during-photo-sessions

Get The Best Out of Your Next Session


It is a common concern for most parents of young kids who I have spoken to - and the younger the children, the more worried and anxious the parents are - that their kids won't behave during a session and they won't get any good photos. Usually it is the opposite and we end up with many amazing photos, even if you felt like the kids didn't sit still once! Generally a good photographer can make this happen, but there are a few things you can do to help the session run smoothly as well:

DSC_6380.DSC_6380.

1. Relax

Kids will often pick up on our emotions and that will effect their emotions and behaviour. If we are stressed, anxious and have negative feelings about something, we may unintentionally make our little ones feel like we are doing something negative. That can, of course, have an affect on the session and final images overall. So the best thing mum and dad can do is relax and go with the flow, which brings me to my next point...

8x10-68x10-6

2. Trust Your Photographer

Trust that your photographer has handled these situations before (and probably much worse, I mean a lot of us have kids of our own!) and that we likely have a few tricks up our sleeves to get the kids more interested in the session.

But building trust is between 2 people and not just on you! So, make sure you choose a photographer you can talk to about your concerns before the session and who will communicate with you every step of the way. A good way to do this is to have a conversation over the phone while booking, that way you can see if you both click.

Your photographer should be able to help you feel comfortable which will inevitably make the session run much smoother.

DSC_0066-3DSC_0066-3

3. Food & Rest

Make sure your little one has had enough to eat and a rest before the session.

Sometimes (particularly during daylight savings) sessions are held late in the afternoon/evening, so don't be afraid to let them have a late nap so they will be happy and awake for the session.

If you are bringing snacks for during the session, don't forget baby wipes!


DSC_2619DSC_2619

4. Bring a Toy or Comforter

A lot of the time a child's toy can make a really cute prop! It will also help them to stay calm during a session and give camera shy kids something else to focus on. 

Wooden toys photograph really well and I love to capture photos of children playing. The look of wonder and joy as their imaginations see things that we can't is something all parents love to see.

DSC_0730DSC_0730

5. Play a Game

Your kids love it when you play and interact with them, it helps both of you relax and we get some great candid shots! It is also a great bonding experience.

 Some of the candid shots of siblings playing together are the most magical and will show their true bond.

When everyone is truly happy, everything else falls into place and we end up with magic!


If all else fails, you can offer ice cream after! Who wouldn't be happy about ice cream? Comment below if you found this blog helpful! I hope it made you feel more confident to book that photo session you have been holding off on. 

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) family sessions getting kids to co-operate during photo sessions how to help kids relax during photo sessions photo session prep photo shoot prep for kids photographing children https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2021/2/how-to-help-kids-relax-during-photo-sessions Tue, 09 Feb 2021 03:34:55 GMT
Storyteller Art https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2021/1/storyteller-art Screenshot 2021-01-18 194905Screenshot 2021-01-18 194905

 

Storyteller Photo Artwork for Your Home

 

Storyteller photo artwork is now available to purchase for your home or workplace.

The Storyteller Art Gallery is carefully curated with the best images created over the last 4 years. With 4 galleries to choose from, there is something for every style. Photo art is available as mounted or framed prints in a variety of sizes and frame colours.

 

artart


Screenshot 2021-01-18 195703Screenshot 2021-01-18 195703
Screenshot 2021-01-18 195137Screenshot 2021-01-18 195137
Screenshot 2021-01-18 195534Screenshot 2021-01-18 195534
Screenshot 2021-01-18 195838Screenshot 2021-01-18 195838 Screenshot 2021-01-21 115913Screenshot 2021-01-21 115913

artart

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) art for sale central coast art framed prints home decor nature photography support small unique art https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2021/1/storyteller-art Thu, 21 Jan 2021 01:26:12 GMT
A Special Photoshoot https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/11/a-special-photoshoot  

A Special Photoshoot



This blog is about a photoshoot that was a little different, and I hope everyone who reads it can find something positive to reflect on. We all have our own struggles, especially in 2020, but some of us have more than others. Not everyone understands the life we live when you have children living with disabilities and special needs. Life is much harder in some ways but so rewarding in others. Some days we even feel bad for struggling so much because we want everything to be ok for our kids but we have to deal with the medication changes and meltdowns, phone calls from school and the therapists, battling NDIS and the system to try and get support, waiting at endless specialist appointments, and spending half your life and pay cheque at the pharmacy.

Last weekend I photographed a beautiful family who hadn’t taken a family portrait in 7 years. 

This stunning mama never thought she would have a portrait to hang on the wall of her and her boys. Having 2 specials needs kids and being a single parent is hard and can definitely hold you back from doing things. I have been through it myself. Before I met my partner (who always supports me in my life and business), I was the full-time single parent of a child with a disability and medical conditions also. Having support makes all the difference when you are living this life.

So I worked with Renee on ways to get her boys to co-operate and feel comfortable throughout the session, they required a lot of patience and encouragement but they were wonderful boys who were so very sweet the entire time. These boys also love both mum and dad even though they are no longer together. So, dad also came along which made it extra special. Not many split families will pose for a photo together like this, so I think it is amazing they are showing their boys just how much they love them and will be family no matter what.

We did not get a huge gallery of photos, but what we did get was the family portraits that had been desired and dreamed about for so many years. Honestly, this photoshoot was a professional challenge for me, but I loved it. Seeing those boys come out of their shells and seeing mum so happy that she finally gets beautiful family photos is the biggest reward. Everyone deserves to have beautiful photos which is why I like to work with clients, find out what they want, their insecurities and struggles, their most desired photos. For example, I love candid shots, but Renee wanted traditional family portraits for the wall. When clients open up to me, I don't judge, I adapt and deliver their dream photos. Well I do my best, anyway, let me know what you think in the comments!

 

 

 


DSC_6964DSC_6964

DSC_6904DSC_6904

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) autism awareness co-parenting custom photography session customising your experience family photoshoot in the forest magical photos making dreams come true https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/11/a-special-photoshoot Sat, 28 Nov 2020 07:00:00 GMT
Christmas Mini Session Round-up https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/11/christmas-mini-session-round-up This year was my first year in business and my first year doing Christmas minis. I did them in the Pine Forest because it is such a magical location, the perfect setting for any kind of photos, but especially Christmas photos. Each family who came along loved the beautiful, relaxing setting and were able to explore the forest before or after their session.

Here are a few of my favourites from each family.

Thank you so much to the families and kids who made it so much fun! I loved these sessions, everyone was so lovely and the kids were all gorgeous. I think they will definitely all be on Santa's nice list this year!

DSC_7132DSC_7132 DSC_7080DSC_7080 DSC_7123DSC_7123
DSC_7053DSC_7053
DSC_6155DSC_6155 DSC_6107DSC_6107 DSC_6073DSC_6073

DSC_6089DSC_6089 DSC_6034 copyDSC_6034 copy DSC_5997DSC_5997 DSC_5973DSC_5973

DSC_5920DSC_5920 DSC_5911DSC_5911
DSC_5878DSC_5878 DSC_5863DSC_5863
DSC_5848DSC_5848

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) 2020 christmas sessions christmas in the forest magical christmas photos https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/11/christmas-mini-session-round-up Mon, 23 Nov 2020 06:43:35 GMT
Christmas Mini Sessions 2020 https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/10/christmas-mini-sessions-2020 DSC_5071DSC_5071

Christmas Mini Sessions 2020

Just released - December 12th sessions

Book Here:

Schedule Appointment

 

It's that time of year again and I am so excited to be offering you my first Christmas mini sessions.

~These sessions will be held at the Pines Picnic area in Olney State Forest on the 7th and 21st of November. If these times sell out, I will open another day, please send me an email if you would like details on other days.

~ They are 15-minute sessions so please show up on time ready to go.

~ This package is priced at $175 and includes 5 photos to choose from an online gallery.

~ To book, send me a message on here, via my contact page, and let me know what day and time you would like.

~ To secure your session time, there will be a $50 deposit required. Full payment is required by the day of the photo session.

~ In the event of bad weather, the day will have to be rescheduled to either the Sunday or following Saturday.

7th of November

4.00 pm - Booked 

4.20 pm

4.40 pm

5.00 pm

5.20 pm

5.40 pm

6.00 pm - Booked

21st of November

4.00 pm - Booked

4.20 pm

4.40 pm

5.00 pm

5.20 pm

5.40 pm

6.00 pm


DSC_5042DSC_5042 DSC_4856DSC_4856





DSC_4871DSC_4871

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) central coast christmas minis christmas 2020 christmas mini sessions christmas minis christmas photos central coast https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/10/christmas-mini-sessions-2020 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 06:59:02 GMT
Covid-19 Lockdowns - Part 2: Finding Beauty Everywhere https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/9/covid-19-lockdowns---part-2-finding-beauty-everywhere DSC_0166DSC_0166

It kind of feels like life has gone back to normal...kind of...maybe in a strange new normal way. We can go out again, a lot of us can work again, kids sports are back on, our favourite non-essential shops and services are re-opening (I was super excited when my nail tech announced she was re-opening), we can catch up for a meal with friends, or even go on a little holiday (within the same state).

But in this strange new world we have to sign in everywhere, wear masks to the doctor, we have to explain we are not sick to enter certain places, wait outside the shop if there are too many people inside already. Waiting rooms and mums chatting a school pick-up are a thing of the past.

While all these changes are scary, because we have so much uncertainty ahead, I think we can all try to find some positive in every not-so-positive situation. 

Now it feels as though we are out of the worst of the pandemic, we can reflect on such a strange and unique time, unlike any of us have ever experienced before. 

Something that changed during the lockdowns was my photography, I couldn't travel to my usual spots to take photos, and I definitely could not photograph people who weren't my household members, so at first I was more than a little sad as I'm sure a lot of people were about all the things were restricted from doing.

I decided to look at things differently and find something positive about being stuck at or close to home and found it gave me a creative challenge, rather than making me feel unmotivated. If the kids wanted to come for a walk with me, I would take my camera and make it my mission to take beautiful photos!

DSC_0138DSC_0138 DSC_0001DSC_0001 DSC_0159DSC_0159
 

The area I live in is not exactly picture perfect but there are small pockets of beauty everywhere if you look hard enough. 

What was once a patch of weeds next to a walkway, became a beautiful field. 

DSC_0247DSC_0247 DSC_0206pDSC_0206p DSC_0242DSC_0242 DSC_0278DSC_0278

A small walkway can become a perfect tree lined path.

DSC_2485DSC_2485 DSC_2517DSC_2517

A tree overhanging a fence can look like a secret garden.

DSC_0056pDSC_0056p DSC_0057-2DSC_0057-2 DSC_0060-3DSC_0060-3

A group of trees or bushes can make the perfect backdrop when the light is right.

DSC_0001 (1)DSC_0001 (1) DSC_0014 (1)DSC_0014 (1) DSC_0018DSC_0018 DSC_0090DSC_0090

And Autumn colours are always amazing!

DSC_0099DSC_0099 DSC_0112DSC_0112 DSC_0004DSC_0004

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) covid 19 covid lockdowns documenting history documenting our days find beauty everywhere https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/9/covid-19-lockdowns---part-2-finding-beauty-everywhere Tue, 22 Sep 2020 06:35:02 GMT
Covid-19 Lockdowns - Part 1: Home Schooling https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/9/covid-19-lockdowns---part-1-home-schooling DSC_0149DSC_0149

Life has been SO busy lately, everything really feels non stop at the moment, and the other day my partner and I were reflecting on our time during lock-down and the positives. Of course it wasn't all positive and there were quite a lot of down times and uncertainty but it was definitely a unique time in everyone's lives and while we are looking back, I'm sure we can all think of something we enjoyed about it.

I remember in Febuary I thought Coronavirus would be nothing we would have to worry about and everyone was overreacting.

In March we were told we would be homeschooling our kids and all locked in together 24/7.

At first I was absolutely DREADING the idea. I live with my partner, my younger 2 kids and his 2 kids. Life is pretty busy and chaotic at the best of times and I was enjoying the tiny snippets of time I had while everyone was at school and work, or those precious days of just me and my daughter in the year before she goes to big school 5 days a week. I also like to get the house clean and enjoy it in the peace and quiet for a short time before everyone gets back. 

And I was going to lose all that.

DSC_0010-2DSC_0010-2 DSC_0039-3DSC_0039-3 DSC_0024-2DSC_0024-2

Trust me, some days I really felt it and just wanted some alone time and a tidy house. But I wouldn't change it, because even though we had a lot of changes to adapt to, we also gained something we never realised we would.

Life slowed down a lot. It still felt chaotic in some ways (with 6 people in the house, how could it not?) but there was no rush to get everyone ready in the morning, the kids would make pillow forts and do school work inside, I started doing craft with them which I never really did before (school can deal with that mess!).

My partner and I really felt like it brought us all closer.

DSC_0302DSC_0302 DSC_0289DSC_0289 DSC_0292DSC_0292

DSC_0155DSC_0155 DSC_0058-3DSC_0058-3 DSC_0035DSC_0035

We also learned so much about the kids and their strengths and weaknesses, and also what their teachers have to deal with!

Both my son and daughter celebrated their birthdays during lockdown as well so we had our own little iso party. No guests, but everything else you could want for a 4th and 7th birthday.

DSC_0061-2DSC_0061-2 DSC_0100-2DSC_0100-2 DSC_0270-2DSC_0270-2
 

One thing I wanted to make sure of was that I documented this historical time in our lives. Even though it felt like all we did was sit at home for weeks (how long was it actually?? I swear every day melted into one) we actually did SO much more.

How was your homeschooling experience? Did you love it? Hate it? Or were you an essential worker who didn't home school?

 

DSC_0274-2DSC_0274-2 DSC_0161DSC_0161 DSC_0074DSC_0074 DSC_0044DSC_0044

DSC_0274DSC_0274 DSC_0213DSC_0213 DSC_0198DSC_0198 DSC_0260DSC_0260
DSC_0016-6DSC_0016-6 DSC_0121-3DSC_0121-3
 

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) Candid photography covid 19 covid lockdowns documenting history documenting our days homeschooling lifestyle photography what did you do in lockdown? https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/9/covid-19-lockdowns---part-1-home-schooling Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:37:31 GMT
On Location! https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/8/on-location 20200819_132503_000020200819_132503_0000

Have you got the perfect location in mind for photos? Are you maybe a bit unique or a bit of an adventurer or just don't want typical family photos? Well me too. I love to see and experience new places and the kids are always (well usually) up for an adventure. 

DSC_1569sDSC_1569s

During the winter school holidays we went for a family holiday to Gloucester tops and the kids got to see snow for the very first time and they also experienced a lot of new things about life in the country. Of course I brought my camera and documented these experiences.  DSC_2089DSC_2089

We got to see genuine surprise and delight. Those are the moments that deserve to be captured forever because pretty soon they will just be memories.

 So, this is where you come in, I want to know if you have a perfect location that is a little bit out of the ordinary. It doesn't have to be anything as extreme as snow or super far away either, the Central Coast has so many amazing locations, like secluded beaches, forests, waterfalls, mountains, cliffs, bushland, lakes. We are really lucky to live somewhere truly magical and I am always up for an adventure and discovering new, amazing places.

I also believe that when you get your family photos done, it should be
somewhere special to your family. Forget about the perfectly posed photos, lets get out and about and have an adventure while capturing all those memories forever!


DSC_2109DSC_2109Do you see the Nikon strap? My partner's daughter is also a budding photographer



DSC_2078DSC_2078
DSC_1959DSC_1959


DSC_1483sDSC_1483s


DSC_1462sDSC_1462s

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) family holiday photos finding the best locations once in a lifetime photos perfect photo location photography locations https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/8/on-location Tue, 25 Aug 2020 09:36:30 GMT
What To Wear To Your Family Shoot https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/8/what-to-wear-to-your-family-shoot
Copy of Retro Colors Costing Business - Infographics by Stephanie Primmer

]]>
(Storyteller Photography) family shoot what to wear styling ideas for family photos what to wear to your family session https://www.storytellerphotographynsw.com.au/blog/2020/8/what-to-wear-to-your-family-shoot Sat, 08 Aug 2020 11:51:06 GMT