I have had people leave the studio in a huff because I would not sell them a disc of images for next to nothing, but I have also had people leave in tears, holding a new family heirloom created for then by us. But what clarified things in mind was a shoot we did in September. A family who I barely knew came to me to book a shoot. They had been going to book one for years………but now there was an unspeakable urgency…….a family member was gravely ill. The shoot was done, & amid the tears & the heightened emotions the true raw beauty of this family & their love for one another burned through with a blinding intensity.

I have never walked in their shoes, & honestly don’t know what it feels like to have your life turned upside down like that but it hurt me to see them in pain. But to know what the images meant to them & to see it on their faces…….it was like wake up call for me. I remembered the value of what we do. I remembered the power an image can have when it reveals more than just a two dimensional representation of a person & who they love.

I remembered that it was worth all the other stuff, the time wasters & the knockers. I am glad I still offer family portraiture.

We have a well kept home, but I have to say I am not comfortable when visiting a home that’s overly neat to the point of feeling like display home/. I feel as though I can’t touch or move anything & worry if I spill something I’ll never be invited back………..perhaps this is why I LOVED Stella & John’s family home. It feels like a family live there, & is almost a living breathing museum of generations of family history. You know that more emphasis is placed on food & eating & talking & just spending time with one another than worrying about small things that ultimately matter little.

This is not to say at all that it is untidy, rather that life here is lived & felt through conversation & shared experience, often over a meal or a scotch & that the sprawling communal areas & rambling, quiet little corners would welcome you back time & time again. The first thing I noticed was the amount of clocks. I lost count after 10 & I think they all had a slightly different time displayed.

At 12.30 it was 39°……ouch ! This is use what I felt like doing too !

The ceremony was swift & measured with many nuanced glances & an obviously powerful connection between them. Dan even asked Father, in his gentle way,  if could kiss his bride.

Greg, up to his usual standard!

It was so lovely to be immersed in the Italian community of our little part of the world & their warmth, love & laughter. Merry Christmas & best of luck in the new year. Emma & Dan have a blast in the States & I look forward to having you over in the studio when you are home next year.

Love & hugs Ben, Jodie & Elsie xoxo

Well a few weeks ago Tracey, Garnett, Garnett Jnr & beautiful baby Noah became the Donnelly family at the Ballina Lighthouse in front of much of their family & community. On this day the sky looked as though the clouds were painted onto it & had been gently brushed across the whole expanse. The trees & the grass seemed to whisper a gentle blessing & it was just warm enough to feel on the back of your throat.

I think any wedding is an achievement, while loving someone is an honour & having someone love you is a blessing but the overwhelming impact from this day was one of a celebration of something wonderful & deeply beautiful. There was no doubt that a great accomplishment was made.

They must have lost count of the number of hospital visits & hours of lost sleep they have endured with little Garnet’s illness, wondering where it would all lead. There were tears, certainly, but only tears of pride & of joy. There was more laughter though & more smiling, the type where you find yourself smiling until the corners of your face start to go slightly numb.

While I am at it there was also lots of Lynx, lots of tattoos, lots of frangipani’s, lots of Panama Hats & lots of thongs & diamantes……….there were 11 attendants ! On each side ! I am not sure if she was having a lend of me but I was told by an Aunty that this was a relatively small wedding party……..!!

After all the speeches, heartfelt & beautiful I left still smiling & thinking, believing, knowing that life is there for the taking & that only if you stopped loving & learning would it wear you down……..& there is no substitute for family. xoxo

So after many years together, two beautiful children Summer & Thomas, (possibly) a bit of nagging from the McClean sisters Dan married his beautiful lover & partner Sheree & a few days after Christmas. The Old Church in Wyrallah fitted the bill & ensured the intimate nature of the day & the rain disappeared for the day turning everything bright

Officially a sister in law for Steph, Kirstie & Nicki…….do you reckon they’re pleased ?

Dan shows the ring to his sisters…just to confirm the deed was done !!!

Beautiful cousins Carly, Lucy & Jack with Thomas & Summer.

Thank you for having me along……. I really do feel part of the McClean family. Congratulations to you both Dan & Sheree I hope this was a christmas that will live long in your memories  & you are still talking about it back home in Sydney. My life is richer for having been able to share in your family’s joy & celebrations of life. See you all soon xoxo

Congratulations Sarah & Tim, your wedding day was truly the way it was meant to be. It was about the two of you & the union of your families & no amount of wind & rain was going to deter you.

The beautiful Smith grandchildren, all growing up together way too fast, always sharing the joy of the momen.t as only children can

Welcome to the family from Eliza to Charlie………….

See you all soon…….we are going to have to create excuses to get together & photograph you all…….xoxo

Oh to eat & enjoy ice cream like a child again………..

And later the wedding………….xo

There was no rainbow over Lismore this day but if you ever see a rainbow more dazzling than Braiden’s smile, I would like to hear about it.

In memory of Grandpa Braiden one blue & one yellow balloon was cast high into the sky.

The beautiful Davis girls, Amanda & Claire light up any room they walk into.

Wayne, & Tracey, & the world they have created.

With his whole life ahead of him we wish Braiden all the luck in the world . Whatever he does it is abundantly clear he has a family that loves him & always will no matter where he goes or what he does & the value of this is greater than any can estimate. I think the future is very bright & we look forward to being a part of it. Thanks for having us Tracey & Wayne, Amanda & Claire. xo