Goodbye 2012 & Hello 2013

Reflecting on 2012 which has truly been an eventful year. Building my own website and byuing a new camera has changed my business significantly. I aimed to do one shoot per month this year and  end up doing 16 shoots which is fantastic. Would like to use this opportunity to thank everybody who have booked me and/or helped to spread the word - I truly appreciate your support and couldn't done it without YOU! Big thanks also for my family who have supported me throughout the whole process.

As for 2013 I'm aiming to double the amount of shoots I did 2012 and focus much more on marketing and sales. I will also introduce few photography packages for 2013 (watch this space!!!) and aim to write more photography related blog posts and a bi-annual newsletter.

What have been your highlights for 2012? Have you reached your goals?  What's in store for 2013 for you?

Here is our December in photos    

And the winner is ..

Hope you are all having a great weekend! 

Firstly would like to thank you all who subscribed. My first newsletter is due out in the new year (if you haven't subscribed yet please feel free to do so, just hop onto my website contact page).  

Now what you all have been waiting for ..I have done draw via random.org and the winner is .. drum roll please .. 

Sally Reilly

Congratulations Sally! You shall hear from me soon. 

Sanna xx

Extended family shoot - Melbourne

When Claire and Donald wanted me to take photos of their extended family I was very excited! Donaldn parents had arrived from Scotland and it was a fantastic chance to get a photo with both grand parents and Claire's brothers family. The weather held out and we got all the photos taken before it started raining ..

How to prepare for your family portrait session - 5 tips

Family portraits are something a lot of people are avoiding because it just seems so difficult to get everyone in the same place let alone produce some relaxed and fun images to cherish on your wall for the next 20 years. We all have childhood memories of our mums telling us how to smile when the photographer arrived but the only thing you were able to think about was the itchy wollen jumper she told you to wear. And mums remember how their children pulled funny faces and ruined the whole portrat.

Family portraits can be tricky but a little bit of preparation makes a big difference and you can make the whole experience so much more enjoyable for the entire family.

1. Plan

 Plan ahead - there are several things to consider before the shoot:

Where do you want to take the photos? Indoors or outdoors? With little children make sure place is safe and easy to access. Around your home or on location? If you are an adveturer at heart, a little hike to your favourite place is not a bad thing. What ever you decide make sure it's something that suits your lifestyle. 

What time of the day is good for everyone? Little children are usually at their best in the morning so sunset shoot might not be a good idea.

Props or no props? Consider if you want to use any props such as funny hats, sunglasses, balloons, etc.  

 2. Relax

Bring your happiest mood with you and relax - your kids will take your lead so if you are happy and positive about the shoot they will most likely do the same. 

3. Don't tell your kids to smile

I know it's very intuitive but try to resist it. My son pulls the most ridiculous faces when I tell him to smile - it's funny but not very natural. Most photographers work really well with children and get the best out of the little ones without asking them to smile. 

                Left image: asked to "smile"                                                     Right image: natural expression and contact

4. Be yourself

Let's face it - most people hate to have their photo taken. Try to be yourself - no-one is expecting you to pose like a supermodel. Just be your wonderful normal self- that's all. However if you want to get your make-up and hair done please feel free to do that - I'm sure it will boost your confidence and make you feel beautiful. 

5. Coordinate

Coordinate your outfits - maybe mum can choose her outfit first and then build others around her. Not matching but complimenting. You can add a bit of colour with scarves or accessories.  

I like to show family chemistry in my images i.e. how each family member react to each other - to me it's beautiful, it's life. It's not about how you look but what connection you have with the other people in that image. You can see love and connection in an image straight away, you can't fake that.

So what are you waiting for - book your next family portrait session - it's so worth it!

Our month in photos - October 2012

Our month has been full of activity - I think we've had record amount of playdates in October. Still cool weather but few really nice and warm days. Waiting for summer.

Photo session giveaway

53 Days until Christmas! Can you believe it! 

I love christmas and thought to celebrate it by giving away  

a photo session (valued at $189*).

One hour of giggles and hugs with your family, private online gallery to view your proofs and one 8x10" matted print. How good is that .. 

Now how do you get this photo session I hear you ask! 

You just need to go to my website contact page - on the right hand side there is an area to sign up for my newsletter!** 

Once you have confirmed your subscription you are in for the draw to win a portrait session. 

Winner will be drawn Fri 30th Nov at 3pm***  

and winner will be announced here on my blog.

Sign up! This is a fantastic chance to get a memorable 

christmas present for your family/loved one/mother/daughter/son/granny/grandpa. 

Signing up also means that you will be the first one to hear about my future promotions and offers. 

*Not redeemable for cash
**Your contact details wont be forwarded to 3rd parties.
**Winner will be drawn using http://www.random.org/ so ensure fair go for everybody.

Pregnancy shoot - Melbourne

Here is my friend Vicky - she is expecting twins - or should I say was. We were lucky to get the images in the first place as she went into laibour four days later. It was a bit of an early call as her babies were born on week 30. These tiny girls (Reya & Anais - LOVE the names!!!) are getting stronger each day but need some special care before they can come home.

Vicky you are doing amazing job! I can't wait to meet your little girls. xx

   

Family Portrait session - Helsinki

 Here are my dear friends and their family - loved catching up with these guys.

baby love

Happy little bubba .. 

Our month in photos - September 2012

WOW time flies when you are having fun .. spring has sprung .. blossoms all over the place. We have been planting tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, peas and lettuce. We have washed bunny (on a 27 degree day!) and done loads and loads of washing. We are enjoying the beautiful orchids my husband has grown. We are getting ready for summer!

Graduation finnish style

Here are my little sisters graduation photos - isn't she beautiful! 

If you wonder about the funny nautical looking cap it's the finnish graduation cap. It has a metallic, gold-colored cockade depicting the lyre of Apollo, the insignia of the University of Helsinki. The cap was introduced in its present form in 1870s. The cap is worn by all Finnish high school graduates.

Family portrait session - Finland

Here is another shoot I did whilst holidaying in Finland. The location couldn't be any better - beautiful summer cottage by the lake. Terhi and Andrew wanted to take some family portraits but also wanted to include the finnish grandparents ("Mummu" and "Vaari" as they say in finnish) in few of the images. These images just make me miss finnish summer ..

Mother & Daughter portrait session (Helsinki)

Here is my first ever mother & daughter shoot. Anu & Lina were just such sweethearts and so cute together that my job was relatively easy. The shoot took place in Suomenlinna, Helsinki (Finland). I have always wanted to do a shoot in Suomenlinna so I was happy when Anu agreed to meet there.

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did taking them. 

Horsing around

We visited horse racing stables this week and I had a chance to take few photos. Horses are just so beautiful but there was also an old rhodesian ridgeback guarding the property. My son just loved the animals and the big tractor - perfect place for some afternoon fun.