Denh Lay Photography

With my eldest racing into her teens in the coming years, I am already mentally preparing for the changes and conversations to be had (lucky we’re still a couple of years away). I remember the mind blowing revelations and learnings as a teen myself and how tricky a time it was.

You will see me naturally gravitating towards more teenage portraits as this tender life stage embraces our household. Lets start with this series captured for talented Miss J who published her first children’s book 4 years ago when she was just 11! You can read more here about her role for International Read to Me Day. More recently, she discovered a love for acting so contacted me for some portraits. So happy to help her kick start her ambitions with this beautiful series.

Every year I am inspired by the young children who participate in the World’s Greatest Shave. Their ability to empathise and give a bit of themselves for the betterment of others is nothing short of admirable. I applaud all parents and schools who encourage such acts of kindness and compassion in young children. May it lead us to a kinder and more compassionate future.

This is 9yo Natasiya. She was inspired by her family to do the Greatest Shave. She is spirited, dynamic and beautiful. A joyful soul who brightened my afternoon with her energy and her curiosity :) Shine on gorgeous girl x

If you would like to sponsor Natasiya, go to: http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/natasiya

Meet Hannah… and remember this face. She is only 14 but has so much talent and drive, I am sure you will see more of her in years to come. She also happens to be my cousin’s daughter so I was very excited to share a little part of her journey. We wanted to capture a diverse portfolio of images that reflected her style and personality. I LOVE what we have created here gorgeous girl and I wish you the very best on your path to success! ♥

Check out Hannah singing, ‘If I ruled the world’ by Big Time Rush….. :)

I have been chatting with Jackie about her photo shoot since Oct last year. Her mother had set a wonderful example by having her portrait taken at 70+ years old. A beautiful framed heirloom that generations later can cherish. After achieving amazing things with her health over the last few years (going to the gym 2-3 times a week!), Jackie thought it high time to create a tradition. Thank you Jackie for your trust .. and the kick in the butt about my own exercise goals :)

The year has escaped me and I cannot believe we are in mid July! Blog posts have been infrequent as I fly through this roller coaster year of learning and development. So much achieved with so much yet to be fulfilled! Always excited, always inspired. That is how I wish the rest of the year to be!

Here’s a collection of some of my favourite images of 2012 to date. I hope they reflect the joy I see in people and the absolute love I have for what I do.

… Ever grateful for all the support and encouragement I’m blessed to have in my life. x

In March I, along with thousands of photographers, were inspired by the brilliant Australian portrait photographer Sue Bryce, who shared with the world her technique and her passion. It brought me back to college days where I was taught that posing (of product or person) and lighting is paramount. It was technical but fun and still very much applicable to the family portraiture style I now specialise in.

My first shoot after watching Sue was this series of my friend Leanne. Ruby, her 2nd bub just popped in to say hi :)

Isn’t it amazing how a little inspiration can take you to another place?  :)  I’d love to do more portraits to celebrate mums and women in general! If these images resonate with you or make you wonder if you could look this good, give me a bell… because chances are, you already do :)

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PS: This is the last of my ‘Leanne’ posts, I promise :) Thank you sweet for being such an amazing and generous friend. You have become my poster girl :) and I hope you adore these images we created as much as I do.

Yesterday I chose to attend a business workshop over taking care of my kids who have colds. A teary drop off with the 3yo was heart wrenching :( It took an hour into the workshop before I could focus and the guilt lingered all day. This is the guilt we mums feel every time we do something for ourselves, whether it’s a business endeavour, a personal goal, or a hot cuppa!

For Mother’s Day, I’d like to reward a fellow mum. I’m looking for someone special, someone amazing, someone who’s made real sacrifices, someone who puts others before her every day! Basically, any mum :) In my eyes ALL mums qualify!!!

As most of you know, I specialise in family portraits but I really want this to be about mums. This isn’t about vanity or beauty but about celebrating the woman you have become with the responsibilities and love of motherhood.

So, the reward I’m giving away includes………..

* A portrait session all about you

* A gorgeous makeover with hair and makeup

* A beautiful handmade folio box of (5) 5″x7″ prints

* A classic 10″x10″ handmade desk mount with 3 prints

* A digital collection of 5 of your favourite images

TOTAL VALUE  $1445

Excited???!! :) I am!! To enter.……

* Comment on my Denh Lay Photography Facebook Page under the Mother’s Day Giveaway post or on my wall with “I’m worth it!”

* ‘Like’ my Facebook Page (not just the post) if you haven’t already.

AND THAT’S IT!!

* Share the post with your friends and you score another entry! :)

* If your friends enter as well you get, YES, another entry!  (Just ask them to mention you in their comment)

* If this is not for you, why not share it anyway? I’m sure you know a deserving mum or two :)

 Entries Close: Midnight 13th May, 2012

The winner entry will be chosen using www.random.org

Can’t wait to draw the winner and capture some memorable images for one of you gorgeous mums! x

Conditions Apply

# Session will be in Croydon though travel within 40km will be considered 

# Session must take place within 6mths

# Not redeemable for cash

Beautiful, young, and carefree, the sweetest way to be :)  I love your dreams and aspirations Divina… because I have them too. Live life with heart and the rest will surely follow ♥

My family and I met beautiful Citra in Bali. She is sweet, kind, smart, and extremely cheeky! ;) She will love you like family in an instant but don’t be offended if she forgets your name because … she often does! hehe… She’d call me Jade or Evie (my daughters) and wonder why I didn’t respond! Genuinely goofy habit my friend :)

It was a pleasure meeting you my dear and we wish you an awesome birthday today filled with much joy. Stay young at heart, live life with love! xox

Just noticed I hadn’t posted these from December. Can you tell this was a fun session! ;) Sometimes it’s about the pose, sometimes it’s the composition, but always, always, it’s about the light.