Parenthood requires a fair bit of selflessness. We put our kids first in almost every way. Being their personal nurse, chef, chauffeur, coach, PA… Our intentions are heartfelt but we can inadvertently become a bystander, constantly organising never participating. Family portraits for me is about helping mums and dads get back in the frame, for themselves and for their children. How wonderful to give your kids and family vivid memories of exactly how you cuddle, kiss or laugh. The memory is beyond precious, made more so when it can be seen and not just imagined. Take the time and be seen in your family’s photographic memories ❤️
When you have wanted a beautiful family portrait for soooo long but have never had the time and you finally get round to doing it!!! With three kids under 7, I totally understand why time is an issue :) But as for all my families, you never regret doing it. They don’t stay this squishy for long! 😊
Absolutely thrilled to capture these stunning memories for this gorgeous, oh so laid back family :) Loved how warm and inviting this large feature canvas turned out too.
Ever since losing dad extended family portraits, where all your closest loves are included for some beautiful memories, has gained a new level of importance for me. I have always enjoyed the opportunity but now I am intensely grateful. I have experienced first hand how invaluable those photographic memories are, how much they can transport you to a moment in time you so yearn for. It may be difficult to organise due to hectic schedules, unmotivated members or illness but one thing for sure, you will never regret doing it. The result is something the whole family, young and old, can cherish for life.
If you are willing to make the time, it will be my absolute mission and pleasure to give you your treasured memories.
Take the opportunity to celebrate the life you have created, the loves who make you whole, and indeed your greatest achievements.
Loss has a way of helping you appreciate the important loves in your life. The ones you can count on when you most need a hand. The extended family you adore but may not always see. The past 12 months in particular, has taught me (though I thought I already knew) that time is precious and moments spent with loved ones are moments to be cherished. I have a renewed love for capturing extended family portraits because I understand too well their value and I know what they will mean to you and your family in years to come.
Loved meeting this beautiful family, hearing their stories and capturing a collection of memories to remind them always of the precious time shared in their beloved family home, and the connections that make it all worthwhile.
2017, what can I say? It was a year of immense personal challenges that I am starting to embrace. It’s not easy reflecting on heartache, seeing through the fog of loss and accepting reality for what it is. But only then can you truly appreciate every precious moment shared and grow from both the brutal and gentle lessons learned along the way.
2018, you’re a new start. Here’s to much inspired imagery and personal enlightenment. Below is a new series of star gazing moments as part of a personal project I plan to expand on.
I will be easing into the new year with kids filling our home with happy chaos until school resumes. Looking forward to creating precious memories for all my 2018 families 
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“We would love some beautiful family photos but never have time!”
If you are thinking this, you are not alone. More often than not, I photograph families who have wanted family photos for years but finding time and opportunity just seems impossible. Much like this amazing bunch I photographed recently. Can you imagine having three girls under 9 and running a thriving family business? Life gets hectic! But as soon as mum decided it was time to make time, we made it happen. Working together with families to plan a stress free session and being flexible to work around sleep times to get the best out of your kids is an important part of my job. A part I enjoy because it means a greater chance of creating the best collection of memories I can!
…Loved loved everything about this session and safe to say, mum was thrilled to have found time in their busy schedule to capture these cherished moments ❤️
These gorgeous twins turned one recently and to celebrate mum decided it was finally time to organise some family photos. Who would have thought two teeny tiny munchkins could impact life so dramatically :) That newborn year can be such a blur as we take up that apprenticeship of parenthood. It’s challenging enough to navigate with one let alone with twins!
So, when you do come out of the fog, and you inevitably will, take the time. Step back, admire your loves, celebrate your greatest achievements, and let me capture the moment for you.
Life get’s busy with children for sure. There is never enough hours in a day to do everything you need and want to do for your family or yourself. Before you know it, the day is gone, the year is gone. As a family photographer, I obviously see the value of capturing precious memories but yet time eludes me also.
So yes, I totally understand when families come for family photos and it’s the first time in 5 years… or 10. I feel privileged for the opportunity because I truly appreciate the effort. I like to be involved in planning to ensure I don’t waste their precious time. I want to capture all that is meaningful. Ultimately, I love creating artwork that will last a lifetime. A cherished memory frozen in time so you can gaze upon in another 5 or 10 years and relive that heartfelt moment like it was yesterday. After all, don’t we all want to turn back time?
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Have you ever wanted to somehow freeze those early years because the days fly by way too fast? Have you ever woken up and wondered when your babies grew up?! With two kids under 8 myself, I too understand busy. I too have various family priorities to juggle that always seem over and above family portraits. But like many families I photograph, I never regret taking the time.
Meeting families who appreciate family memories and value family photos is precious. Not just because they have entrusted me with their time and memories but because I know the end result will be forever cherished.
If you are a busy mum, frustrated by not having a beautiful photo that truly reflects your family, and would like a professional who loves working with families to guide you all the way then give me a bell or email (denh@denhlay.com). Making the whole process fun and easy is what I do best. Bringing your ideas to reality is an absolute joy. Tiring the kids out for the day is just an added bonus ;)
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It’s easy for me to be immersed in my work. So much beauty, so much love. I meet families, discover the relationships, the personalities and my whole purpose then is to photograph the beautiful moments that tell their story and present artwork that is tangible, has permanence… unlike time, or our fleeting memories. So incredibly grateful when my purpose is fulfilled through family portraits that make my clients smile everyday ♥
“Thank you so much for the photos again. Could not be happier. I smile every time I see them. Now they are scattered throughout the house I get to smile in every room just about. I do find myself staring at the walls a lot more. So thank you so much for capturing perfect moments and now we can enjoy them for many years to come.” Jan 2016
