Denh Lay Photography

Whether you’re pregnant with your first, second or fifth, you can never be fully prepared for the miracle or the experience. It is neither an easy nor comfortable time but certainly a blessed one to be cherished. It was such a pleasure to enjoy some quiet time with this gorgeous mum to celebrate her second beautiful baby bump. And what a stunning, chilled out mum she is! Thank you for the privilege of capturing your family history. It has been a joy watching your family grow ♥♥

 

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”

 

 

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 ♥

 

 

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.