Jan's portrait session at Cornwall Park

Summer is definitely here... we had stunning weather for our late afternoon session in Cornwall Park yesterday with Jan. It's hard to believe that glamorous Jan recently celebrated her 50th birthday!

Lisa's family shoot

Lisa and I recently were talking about how, as photographers, neither of us have really had family photos taken. So we've been planning to do each other's for a while. At the weekend we managed to find a time when neither of us were working so the studio was free too.

I had lots of fun with Lisa, John and the kids. Both kids showed off their dance moves and Zachary performed an impromptu haka. I think cheeky Zachary looks a lot like his daddy in these photos. If you're ever having a studio session bring along your favourite cds, it really helps to relax and have fun.

Lisa also played model for me so I could try out some new lighting styles. I think she did great for someone who is usually behind the camera.

Megan's boys

I've recently upgraded my camera and lenses and am totally loving my 85mm 1.8 prime lens. It lets me get gorgeous soft focus backgrounds like this one (the technical word is bokeh). I managed to persuade my four year old to stand still long enough to grab a couple of photos when I was trying it out.

His little brother never seems to stand still for long, but I guess that's to be expected when you're two. I'm pretty used to following the boys about and waiting for the right moment, preferably when they're not giving me the "cheese" grin. Lisa helped me to get this photo on the weekend, it was a one camera, two photographer shoot!

Gregory Family Portrait Session

We had a wonderful studio session with Suzette, Drew and Baby Ella yesterday. They really don't come any cuter than Ella... at times like this I think about what I do, playing the clown to make a stunning little human being laugh, and capturing her different expressions for her to one day show her children, her grandchildren... and I think 'I love my job!"

Pamper Yourself - Special Offer from Tamara Spa

We have a wonderful special on offer... book portrait or wedding photography and receive a $50 discount voucher from Tamara Spa.

Tamara Spa, in Ponsonby and Devonport, Auckland offers both women and men a spectrum of authentic and traditional spa wellness treatments and experiences in a stylish and soothing ambience. The spa treatments include a choice of Indian, Ayurvedic and holistic experiences. Visit their website at www.tamaraspa.co.nz

With the stresses of the season, it may just be the perfect time for some pampering and relaxation. Contact us on (09) 419 4019 or info@imageme.co.nz to find out more.

D-Photo Magazine: Lisa's cover and 6-page spread

The latest issue of New Zealand's photographic magazine, D-Photo, hit the shelves yesterday. I'm very excited that a photo I took of my daughter Jasmine dancing in the long grass is on the cover. Inside the magazine there is a six-page 'D-Folio' display of my work.

Also on the magazine shelves this month: an article about my 'People Photographer of the Year' award, and one of my award-winning photos on page 13 of Her Magazine, and a mention and one of my photos on page 22 of ProDesign Magazine.

Woodbridge Family Portrait Session

Megan, Stuart and their adorable little boy, Benjamin had a family portrait session in the studio. Benjamin's gorgeous smiles just kept on coming, and his big shiny eyes twinkled... a photographic dream!

Farewell Kate - we will miss you!

Kate has been a part-time member of the ImageMe team since the start of the year, and a very valued one! Some for you may have met her on the ImageMe stand at the Parent and Child Show, or you may have heard her friendly voice on the phone. Kate flew back to her hometown, Wellington, this afternoon, to start studying Law in the New Year. This morning, before she headed to the airport, we did what we love to do best - take photos!

Bye Kate, we will miss you!

Solly Family Portrait Session

Cutie pies Emma and Paige stole the show during this morning's studio portrait session. They did very well, especially considering they had just made the trip up from Hamilton. It looks like Emma may have a glittering career ahead of her as a photographer! I hope you all enjoyed your afternoon at the zoo, and that the otters and lions weren't shy.

Full-term Beauty

When I photographed Rebecca last week, she was one day past her due date. I'm so grateful to Baby Alexander that he waited inside his beautiful Mummy's tummy for our photo shoot. Alexander has now made his appearance... congratulations Rebecca and Terry! I can't wait to meet the new arrival!

ImageMe Wedding Album wins Kodak Award

Megan and I photographed Michelle and Pete's elegant wedding at the Alberton back in March. Their wedding album has won a silver award at the recent Kodak Gold awards.

Here is the winning album.

Kathryn and Graeme's wedding

Kathy and Graeme got married on November 8 - election day, and also my birthday! But it's not a bad thing to work on your birthday when you love your job.

Family, children and black mustangs featured on the day. During the ceremony Graeme, Kathy, and Kathy's four beautiful children poured different coloured sands into a hurricane lamp, symbolising the creation of a blended family.

Megan and I set up a photo booth at the reception venue, Duders of Devonport, and the guests became the photographers. The kids particularly enjoyed making people laugh and pushing the button!

Jasmine

This afternoon I had an impromptu mini photo shoot in the garden with my kids, Jasmine (6) and Zachary (5). They were home from school, supposedly sick - but it takes more than a cold to dampen Jazzy's rascalish energy, as this pic shows. That's a buttercup on her tongue.

Congratulations to our Winner!

We have a winner for our competition at the Parent and Child Show! Congratulations to... (drum roll please)

Kar Wei Wong of Birkenhead

Kar Wei has won an ImageMe portrait session and an A2-sized canvas print. We are looking forward to meeting him and his family.

A big thanks to the hundreds of people who entered our competition.

Parent and Child Show

The ImageMe Team (Lisa, Megan, Kate and John) have been having a great time meeting people at the Parent and Child Show. We have one day left of the show... if you are attending, be sure to come and say hi at stand M39 (near the entertainment stage).

Here's a photo of the stand, and of Lisa and Megan there on Friday.