Denh Lay Photography

I first created a family portrait for the Allens in 2011 when Carolyn was still pregnant with baby Harrison. I was so excited to get another opportunity to photograph this beautiful family. We were blessed with amazing weather and these golden boys took turns making me work! :) There was a lot of tree climbing and chasing… in aaallllll different directions :) It reminded me how much I truly marvel any mum of three, let alone, three boys!

Thank you once again for the opportunity to renew your family memories. Loved spending time in the sunshine with you all x

I frequently get asked about framing so I am currently putting together a little design guide that I will send out to all my family portrait clients. The research has led me to some fantastic DIY options which are brilliantly unique, gorgeous and clever. Here are some of my favourites :)

Source: http://www.ivillage.com

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Source: http://miasinterior.blogspot.nl

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Source: http://georgicapond.blogspot.ca/

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Source: http://www.homegokil.com

I absolutely adored photographing this fun and colourful Autumn session. Little Chloe is so loved and one moment with this happy, cheeky girl and you will quickly see why. She has the biggest smile and laughs with such energy, it’s contagious! She is a true reflection of her beautiful mum and I am so glad I was able to capture some of their special moments :)

So, here’s a warning for parents (mums in particular ;) If you book a family portrait session with me you WILL be in a photo or two :) I like to include you because I believe there is nothing more precious than the joy, the confidence and the love in your children’s eyes when you hold them, play with them, or when you are simply beside them. I want you to see what I see, because frankly… it’s a little magical.

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CLOTHING TIP: Colours that pop!

We all know that there are certain colours that just work well on us, complimenting or highlighting our best features. Chloe has beautiful blue eyes and mum did a brilliant job of dressing her in a bright blue top which, in the close up portraits especially, helps highlight the colour of her eyes. I also love the spots of matching pink in her top and hair clip. Little repetitions of just a few colours work well in creating an interesting image.  

At the end of a viewing session, a beautiful client asked me whether I could help with a family photographic project. She explained that her parents have an extended family photo from when she was a child and that she’d love to recreate it. Her ‘Granny’, who’s 90 this year, sits respectively in the middle surrounded by her children and grandchildren. I can imagine it was a proud moment for young Granny.

I don’t even know if we have such a photo in my family but if we did and if my grandparents were alive, I would love to recreate it too. So naturally, I said yes, I would LOVE to help.

There was a lot of planning for the day… and a lot of shopping too I’m sure :) It was fun, it was uplifting. It was an experience that, as a family photographer, I am so very proud to be part of. This family has joy and laughter, but more importantly, this family has Granny.

As a family photographer there is nothing more wonderful to me than being invited to capture precious moments like these for Rach and Joe. Their adoration and love for their ‘little’ Olli is just beautiful and I wish upon all children such devotion. It warms my heart and makes me so happy ‘going to work’! Cherish these moments my friends because cheeky monkeys have a habit of growing up way too fast.

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TIPS: I get a lot of questions about clothing so here’s my thoughts on the classic black top & blue jeans look from this session. 

This simple design is timeless and has a youthful, modern appeal. There’s no risk of clashing or overpowering colours. The focus is purely on expressions and environment. As you can see, it can also be very effective in creating a sense of unity and ‘group’ everyone together. It also lends very well to black and white conversions because of the lack of competing colours. 

Mother’s Day is only 8 days away and my Mother’s Day vouchers are selling fast! I’ve sold them to dads for mums, mums for mums and … uncles for nephews :) Yes, strange but true :)

Give your mum or yourself something memorable this Mother’s Day.

Order early to allow enough time for delivery!

I’m always searching for cool craft ideas, especially to do with photos. Here are some of my favourites, just in time for Mother’s Day! ;)

1. Photo Cubes

Using blocks of wood and photos of the family, you can create cute blocks for display or play.

Full instructions here.

2. Photo Cube Stories

A little variation on the photo blocks to create more of a display piece. Photos on just 1 side with text on some for added interest. Love this one!

Full instructions here.

3. Photo Pendants

Gorgeous way to have your family close to your heart :) You can soften the look by replacing the chain with lace or fabric. Must try!

Full instructions here.

4. Scrapbooking with photos

Now for those of you who are super crafty and love a bit of scrap booking, try incorporating photos in a beautiful piece like this to really impress! Maybe using letters M,U,M :)

Scraping is a unique art so no specific instructions I’m sorry! You will have to put on your creative brain… and lots of patience :)

I’ve photographed many inspiring mums this year. Quite a few running their own businesses whilst juggling the daily demands of a young family like a regular supermum :) I feel their professional endeavours deserve as much recognition as their family achievements so I’d like to help promote them here. Check out their businesses and support a local mum in biz (even a FB like would be much appreciated I’m sure ;)

Lauren Kilroy – Owner, designer and maker of unique, funky boys wear, Boystrous. She’s easy going, honest, with a beautiful heart :)

https://www.facebook.com/boystrous

“I am a mum with 2 kids, my first a girl and then a boy. Being spoilt for choice with my first I decided to start Boystrous so that my boy, and yours; can enjoy simple, smart, bold, creative designs and wear them with pride.”

Grace Koay – Owner, designer and maker of the gorgeous little girls dresses in Lillypilly Handmade. A truly beautiful, generous and creative soul :)

https://www.facebook.com/LillypillyHandmade

“Creations and designs of a SAHM, showcasing beautiful and unique fabric from across the world. With much love.”

Robbie Fincham – Civil celebrant with a personable, gentle manner and a great eye for detail.

http://www.robbiefincham.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/robbie.fincham

“Every ceremony is unique and custom written specifically for the purpose and people intended. Robbie Fincham is a professional Commonwealth Authorised Civil Marriage Celebrant servicing the greater Melbourne area, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Victoria-wide by request.”

Lynette Mitchell – Owner of Laughter for Living and part of Laughter Clubs Victoria, Lynette is all about making people happy :)

http://www.lynettemitchell.com.au/

“Laughter Yoga or Laughter Wellness as it is also called, is a powerful healing modality that is simple, fun and filled with laughter that works simultaneously on the body, mind and spirit.”

Jo Darby – Part owner, executive and professional coach at Priority Partners. An amazing and confident woman who’s interests span horse riding and body building! She’s ever so sweet too :)

http://www.prioritypartners.com.au/

“Working with individuals and business teams to build strong personal and professional foundations.”

Jennifer stone – Part owner, director and landscape designer at Etch Architecture Solutions. Friendly, beautiful and as patient as you would need to be for a mum of 3 boys!

http://www.etcharch.com.au

Leading the “landscape design section of Etch Architecture Solutions,… Jennifer provides specialist knowledge in planting design and ecological sustainability.”

Wendy Nash – Energy healer, spiritual and well being mentor. All round wonderful person to be around :)

http://www.wendynash.net/

https://www.facebook.com/wendynash.net

Mission is “to empower and realign women with their true nature, their greatness and the flow of life.”

Julie Cuthbert – Business and literacy consultant and owner of Text Write Incite. Brilliant, helpful and super friendly!

textwriteincite@gmail.com

“Getting your text right to incite more business”

Meet the Adams, a gorgeous little family I am connected to in more than one way. You see, their beautiful mum-in-law booked a family session after a business presentation I did in November. (Thank you so much for your support Dianne!!) Then I find out after the session that gorgeous mum below is the cousin of my primary school friend! Such a small world indeed :)

Thank you for the support and opportunity! It was such fun chasing after young Victor :) Can you tell he is the king of this wonderful castle? ;)

We had an amazing heat wave this Summer and whilst it was occasionally too hot to get out for photos, it was soooooo worth it when you we did :) Loved this Summer session with the Fongs!

There was lots of chasing, jumping waves, negotiating bubbles & sand before we got that ‘perfect’ shot mum desired so much! Thank you for being so patient and trusting that I wasn’t running around like a looney for no reason ;)