Denh Lay Photography

My goodness, where has the year gone?! It’s been a massive one, starting with the decision to embark on a new career that would enable a more flexible lifestyle and time with the kids. Best decision I’ve ever made! :) I’ve had so much fun learning about my craft and the business, I can hardly believe the year is almost over!

If you are interested in portraits with me, here’s some special offers just in time time for Christmas! Spots are very limited so please call early to book in your session and give us plenty of time to organise that amazing Christmas gift for you and your family! If gift vouchers are more your thing, we offer them too, beautifully wrapped all ready for Christmas! :)

Client and Christmas Specials

Past Client Products Special – As a thank you to my past clients, I am offering a 10% savings off any product created from a past session. All orders, except books and albums, must be confirmed by 30th Nov 2012 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Book/album orders need to be in by 10th Nov.

Client Referral Special – If you are an existing or past client and have been happy with your experience, why not refer a friend or family? Anyone you refer is welcome to a photography session plus (1) 8″x12″ print for $100, a saving of $120. In addition you will also receive an 8″x12″ matted gift print from your past session for your kind referral. Offer valid until 30th Nov 2012. Sessions can occur after but must be booked and paid in full by 30th Nov.

Christmas Package Special – Includes photography session, (1) 20″x30″ Art Canvas, (2) 5″x7″ Ready to frame matted gift prints, 25 custom designed christmas cards on art paper with your favourite image. Total $620, saving of $130. Orders must be confirmed by 30th Nov 2012 to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Bookings and enquiries:

0413 703 150 or denh@denhlay.com

My recent 4yo’s birthday party has made me a wee nostalgic. It’s unbelievable that 4 years ago, she was born into this world and created a pair of nervous parents out of my husband and I. Her labour was a marathon 36hours that ended in an emergency cesarean. I remember the beginning and end like it was yesterday. It’s not the pain that endures but the memory of our anxiety and the overwhelming relief.

Up until earlier this year, I thought I lived a typical after birth response. I mean, who wants to be visited by family immediately after the birth of their first child? Who isn’t so nervous and worried that they tell their friends not to visit for weeks? Who isn’t ridden with anxiety every time their baby cries for the first few months? … Oh, not everyone?? It was only after seeing how well so many of my friends embraced and recovered from their first born experiences that I realised I had probably been experiencing a little more than the ‘baby blues’. I realised with much clarity this year what I’ve avoided talking about for years. It’s been liberating and made me wish there was more practical help and open discussion for mums in need.

In June this year, I came across Support for Mums, “a not-for-profit organisation that assists mums and their families through circumstantial crisis. Circumstantial crisis may include high risk/difficult pregnancy, an unwell baby or child, unwell immediate family member, perinatal depression or any crisis that inhibits a family carry out day-to-day tasks.” Just as important though, “they provide information and referral, practical assistance and or funding to ensure practical tasks are carried out relieving pressure on the family. Information provided may include referral to appropriate services, information on government initiatives. Services may include referral and or payment of cleaners, babysitters, cooks, taxis or gardeners.”

And what I love most about their mission? … “Support for mums is dedicated and passionate about reducing stigma associated with mums and families accepting and receiving support when needed the most.”

Last week, a national fundraiser was launched to get them off the ground, literally. Titled Mother Jumpers, the event will see mums jumping out of planes on the 25th November to raise funds to support this much needed organisation. You can follow their progress on Facebook.

So apart from sponsoring the event, I am now also a registered Mother Jumper :) If my story resonates, if you know of any mums who would benefit, or if you simply want to see me jump out of a plane :), PLEASE support me and support the cause with a kind donation.

www.mycause.com.au/MotherJumperDenhLay

 

One day in May, I had a bad day.

I felt the inevitable guilt that all mums feel at some stage. I wondered if I was being a good mother to my two girls. I wondered if I had my priorities right. I wondered, if it was the right time to follow my passion and do what I love. Tough questions, with a simple and resounding ‘YES’ to all. That little epiphany inspired me to create a competition to reward a fellow mum. A pampering session with hair, makeup and photo shoot. The intent wasn’t just to create beautiful portraits that she could be proud of but to enable a rare moment of indulgence and recognition for one well deserving mum.

Meet Mary, mother of 2. School teacher some days. Supermum 24/7. I think her smile says it all :)

….. Coincidently, Leanne from my last special mummy shoot assisted with the hair and makeup in this shoot. So fortunate to know such talented mums ♥

 

 

It’s party season in our family with 8 birthdays over Spring! And if that’s not enough to keep us busy, we also have half a dozen kids parties to go to. Cupcakes, fairy bread, jelly cups, here we come!! :) Aside from the mad rush to organise gifts, cakes & decorations, it’s a great opportunity to grab photos of some pretty excitable kids in their sugar rush best. So, if you’re heading into a party and want to capture some fun memories, here’s my tips :)

1. Create the excitement :)

I think I’ve said in the another tip post that great photos require patience. Well, sometimes great shots also require some masterminding :) My normally shy 2yo was so happy to have all her uncles, aunties and grandparents over to celebrate her birthday that she quickly became quite sociable and …delirious :) I really wanted to capture this glee and pure joy of the day. So, I started the kids on a game of chasey along the hallway, where they would have to run towards me, then positioned myself at one end where I knew their faces would be lit, and just waited :)

 

2. Get down to their level

If you are use to standing amongst the adults and photographing your kids from a distance then my advice would be to get in on the fun :) For a photograph that takes you and your child back into that moment, get down to their level and capture the shot from their point of view.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Have fun with dress ups

Kids look adorable in dress ups, period! :) However, to add a bit of fun, try asking them to act out their character eg. What does a fairy enjoy doing?

My 3yo decided here that fairies like to climb garden benches! I waited till she was in mid climb and called her name :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Set up the candle shot

Don’t all kids love blowing the candles? During the big event, all camera’s are usually out for this one so make sure you’re ready for it and find a good position in anticipation. For an interesting group shot after the main birthday candle’s blown, shuffle the kids as close together as possible and watch them all have a go. Mind the dribbles though ;)

 

Personally, I find it such a beautiful moment that I also like to capture it after the event, when all is quiet and the birthday girl/boy can truly enjoy their birthday light. For this series of shots, I’ve turned off the room lights, so I just had the ambient light from the candles to capture this magical moment. For those interested, it was shot on my 50mm, at 1.4 .

 

5. Include yourself!

Finally, my reoccurring tip to parents, include yourself in your photos, your family albums, your memories.

Hand over your camera or ask a friend who’ll happily send you copies. Here’s me at my 2yo’s party, enjoying being the centre of so much cuteness :)

Sure, the kids are looking EVERYWHERE else but the camera hehehe.. but I’m pretty sure it will make my kids laugh when they see it in years to come. It sure makes me laugh :)