Sweet Chilli Philly Photography

Vist my new blog

2008-07-18T23:12:00.010+08:00

You can come and visit my new blog here:

http://sweetchilliphillyphotography.com/blog

Sneak peek - Lisa - Maternity

2008-07-18T15:42:00.004+08:00

Here is a sneak peek of the maternity session that I did yesterday. Thank you so much Lisa for letting me photograph you and your baby bump, I wish you all the best for the coming birth.

Sneak peak - Freya

2008-07-16T11:38:00.008+08:00

Well I got to take photos of the most delightful newborn yesterday who was no trouble to take photos of whether awake or asleep (once we got her to sleep of course).

Thanks so much Sonia for letting me take photos of your gorgeous little girl Freya. I hope you enjoy your sneak peak!

My soulful little dude...

2008-07-10T18:31:00.002+08:00

This is where we find Ethan most days, he climbs up onto the little table and chairs set that we got the boys and then climbs into the big toy box that we have and will sit and play in there for hours, lol!

Call out for newborns and pregnant mums to be!

2008-07-08T16:38:00.009+08:00

I have decided I would like to build up on my images for both my newborn and maternity portfolio so I am offering until October 8th 2008 free sessions for both newborn and maternity (a savings of $140 per session).

A model release will need to be signed to allow me to use the images on my site as well as my portfolio so please take this into consideration when booking your session.

In return you will receive a complimentary 8x10 print for helping me.

For the maternity sessions I will need pregnant women to be in the last six weeks of their pregnancy or to have a nice well rounded tummy.

Newborns should be within the first two weeks of birth.

Just mention this post when emailing me at ssmoke@bigpond.net.au

2008-07-08T16:28:00.003+08:00

Just a few more of the boys that I did today. Both were very happy to have their photos taken, especially Ethan who hasn't been well for the last few weeks.

2008-07-06T16:23:00.000+08:00

Just a few shot of Tristan today. He was actually a bit more happy to have the camera in front of him today thankfully, lol!

A new lens to play with...

2008-07-05T22:08:00.002+08:00

well I got my new lens this week - the 17-50mm Tamron and I have to say it was the best investment I have made and I'm so glad I decided to get it. I don't feel so limited with space and my studio now which is great!

Just a test shot that I did of Tristan, he wasn't that enthusiastic with having photos taken which seems to be a regular occurrence these days...

New site is live!!!

2008-07-02T09:02:00.006+08:00

Good news! My new site is live....so check it out! NEW SITE HERE

If you have any feedback or comments feel free to comment here :)

Cheers guys

New site coming soon!!!

2008-06-28T07:42:00.003+08:00

Just to let everyone know that I will soon be launching a new site. I will be including new packages and a new pricing structure so please bear with me while this takes place. I will update everyone as soon as the new site is launched.

Thanks guys!

More backlighting

2008-06-27T07:34:00.000+08:00

I decided to play around with some more backlighting the other day so here is a few shots that I got. I'm quite happy with how these ones turned out.

And just one of Tristan on his bike.

A trip down memory lane...

2008-06-24T15:24:00.002+08:00

I was looking through some older photos the other day and came across this one of Ethan when he was only a few days old. I'm in denial that he is now over 16 months old!

And here he is now, this was taken yesterday.
Not the best photo but the two boys were watching cartoons on the couch and I caught Tristan giving Ethan a kiss...so sweet...

BELLY TO BUB SESSION SPECIAL!

2008-06-21T19:21:00.004+08:00

I am currently offering 25% off my Belly to Bub package.

This includes one maternity session and one newborn session. Also included is 20 custom made birth announcements (6x4). This is to help put more images in my portfolio and is for a limited time only.

Please visit Sweet Chilli Philly Photography for more information. You can also call me on 82642716 or email me at sweetchilliphillyphotography@bigpond.com

Tagged....your it!

2008-06-21T18:41:00.009+08:00

I have been tagged by bohemianartphotography.com

The rules are:

- Link the person who tagged you
- Mention the rules on your blog
- Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
- Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them
- Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they have been tagged.

1. I'm a big chocoholic! My fav would have to be chocolate M&M's though....

2. Back when at school I used to be a real reading nerd! I used to hide the novel that I was reading behind my actual school books so that the teachers didn't see....which didn't happen too often.

3. I'm a bit of a day dreamer and could sit for hours just thinking about things (not that I get much time to do that now).

4. I rarely ever wear a dress and always seem to be in jeans.

5. I love to cuddle up at night with my cat Jasper when in bed for the night. It's been a bit of a tradition since he was a kitten and he is now almost 11years old!

6. I have never left Australian shores, even though I do dream of visiting another country.

I now tag the following people :

Head in the clouds photography

Little Labyrinth-Amanda Keeys Photography

Sweet Blue Photography

Mela

following my bliss

Photos by Kelly

2008-06-21T18:37:00.004+08:00

Just some other shots I got of Ethan the other day. He certainly needs a haircut very soon!

Mini shoot of my two boys

2008-06-15T18:10:00.002+08:00

I just thought I would practice my white backdrops as I really seem to struggle with these ones. I think I am getting better at it. I have learnt though not to fold up my white vinyl and to roll it up instead otherwise I get deep creases in it. Just another lesson learnt!

Sneak peek - Lucas - eight months old

2008-06-09T06:58:00.005+08:00

Just a sneak peek from the free session that I had donated to the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. This is eight month old Lucas. He was such an adorable little fellow and was a pleasure to photograph.

Out and about

2008-06-05T15:22:00.008+08:00

Just took the boys outside for a bit today and Ethan loved having a bit of a play on his little car. He also seemed enthralled by our white cat Jasper. Also of course the two boys couldn't resit seeing if we had any mail come today.

Just a walk with Daddy...

2008-06-02T15:19:00.000+08:00

Well I'm back after spending a few days in Brisbane after having attended the AGM for the ACOCP which included some very informative workshops I also got to attend the PMA and got the pleasure of meeting some of the Flickr girls that I chat to on a regular basis, cluded was a mini shoot on the Sunday (before I flew back to Adelaide.) and had an absolute ball while there. I have to admit though I was really happy to be back with my family again .

Anyway I got to have a play of a wide angle lens while in Brisbane and will definitely be investing in one soon.

So here is a couple of shots from while I was away.

Loving that footy!

2008-05-27T17:53:00.004+08:00

Just some shots of Ethan out in the back yard. I love the wooden bamboo fencing that we recently put up looks much better as a backdrop rather then the iron fencing we had, lol!

Sneak peek...

2008-05-17T21:53:00.005+08:00

Here's a sneak peek at some of the shots from todays session. I thought we did pretty well considering the rain we have had this weekend.

2008-05-10T17:52:00.001+08:00

Just some more shots of Tristan that I took today. I have to say these are my new faves. He is looking so grown up lately.

2008-05-09T18:57:00.002+08:00

A good friend of mine has lent me her 85mm lens so of course I couldn't resist having a play this afternoon.

My Mr cheeky chops...
I'm a bit bummed that Tristan decided to move into the shot at the last minute...grrr.

Wow! Over 5000 views!

2008-05-07T11:39:00.002+08:00

I can't believe I have over 5000 views on my blog. I never expected people to follow my blog and photographic work but I just wanted to thank everyone that enjoys keeping up with things on here.

It really is appreciated!

Thanks!

Me and my boys...

2008-05-04T15:18:00.004+08:00

I decided to set up the tripod and get some shots of me with my two boys. One day I really need to invest in a wireless remote...

This was the best out of the lot but I like it.

2008-05-01T20:21:00.005+08:00

I have to say that my youngest seems to be growing up so much lately. He's looking more like a little boy now rather then a baby which does make me a little sad but I am relieved that I am able to capture him as he grows....definitely memories to keep forever...

Can love be any more pure?

2008-04-28T20:59:00.001+08:00

Okay I can seriously say that I have a new favourite photo. I love everything about this one but maybe I'm just a little biased...

2008-04-24T18:45:00.000+08:00

Well for the first time ever I decided to have a go of shooting in RAW format. I thought I did really well and captured this one of Ethan. I had to do it in both colour and black and white of course. Who can resist this face.

2008-04-21T18:41:00.000+08:00

I'm really happy today as I finally got some nice photos of the boys together! Can't wait to get these ones enlarge and put onto the wall!

I couldn't resist this one of Ethan either.

2008-04-20T18:35:00.000+08:00

Tristan got a new beanie today and of course wanted to show it off....and just because he saw his brother wearing it Ethan had to have a go too, lol!

I had to do a colour and a black and white one as I love them both and couldn't decide which one I liked best.

Here we go a walking....

2008-04-17T19:04:00.003+08:00

Look at my little man go! He's walking everywhere now at an almost run!

2008-04-16T18:58:00.001+08:00

Well since Ethan has been the main focus for the last few entries I thought I would add some of Tristan from today. Gotta love his eyes in these!

2008-04-14T18:53:00.000+08:00

We went to meet another very talented photographer (and family) from another state that is also on EB (Essential baby) we met at the beach so couldn't resist taking a few shots of course.

2008-04-13T18:48:00.001+08:00

I decided to try out my bowl prop today. I've had it for about 6 months now and haven't had the chance to use it on a newborn as yet....so my "little" baby will have to do, lol!

Who can resist those eyes...

2008-04-08T18:38:00.000+08:00

I couldn't resist taking some photos of Ethan today, he looked so cute in his Bonds outfit and who doesn't fall in love with his baby blues...

2008-04-04T16:20:00.009+08:00

I went to visit a friend and her little baby girl in hospital today so afterwards thought we would stop at the park which was just across the road from the hospital.

Ethan loved being just a little boy and playing amongst the leaves.

Gotta love the size comparison between Ethan and the Tree!

Beary good friends

2008-04-03T20:03:00.001+08:00

I wasn't going to take any photos today but I couldn't pass up Ethan cuddling his bear.

The bear actually used to be Tristan's best friend when he was a baby.

2008-04-01T20:01:00.000+08:00

Just a couple of my gorgeous boy. Just love his blues eyes, I could almost get lost in them!

Safe on Daddy's shoulders

2008-03-31T19:55:00.000+08:00

Went on a trip to Kadina today to visit my Gran, the first time we have visited her since she moved there. Ever time we have tried to organise to go there, something has always come up!

Here is just one shot I captured from the day, just one of my favs of the day.

2008-03-28T19:47:00.000+09:00

Well the cold weather is on the way. Strange how it changes so quickly from hot to cold!

Tristan decided he wanted to wear his big winter jacket today and I mean all day, sun or not!

Oh and this was just one of many of the faces that Tristan pulled while I had the camera focused on him,lol!

Cuddles with Daddy

2008-03-27T19:37:00.000+09:00

Ethan is Daddy's boy through and through, who can't enjoy a nice snuggle with Daddy.

Let's go bear hunting

2008-03-25T19:09:00.003+09:00

Went to the park today after kindy. Tristan thought it was a great idea to go on a bear hunt and that's what he spent most of his time doing while we were at the park.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T22:03:00.007+09:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Easter, we surely did and here is a few photos from today. The boys loved their chocolate eggs and it was Ethan's first time having chocolate.

Also just a shot of the two boys with their grandparents. I love this one and will be getting it enlarged and put into a frame I think.

My photos in print for the very first time.

2008-03-22T21:59:00.001+09:00

I am very proud to say that I'm a published photographer now! Photos I did for the ACOCP (Australian charity of Children Photographers) appeared in the that's life magazine, issue 13 March 26 2008. It's my first time seeing my work in print and I'm just a tad excited as you can probably tell.

2008-03-21T21:57:00.000+09:00

Just a couple of Tristan. I just love how clear his eyes are in these ones. He's going to break hearts when he's older.

In the great outdoors

2008-03-20T21:46:00.000+09:00

You know it's great have a grey water hose in the backyard, makes it sooo much easier for taking ph0tos when you actually have green grass...could do with a mow though!

A beach outing

2008-03-15T22:37:00.011+09:00

We went to the beach today and we had a fantastic time! Ethan and I loved to make sand castles even if he did try to eat the sand, lol! Of course I couldn't resist taking the camera so here is a few shots from today.

I really love the light in this first shot and I am amazed at how well I captured it.

I just wanted to add this last one, even though the kids aren't in it as I just love the colour in the sunset. This shots is SOOC and no editing apart for making it smaller for web has been done. Just love the warmth in it!

Here is the edited version, just thought I would have a play with it and see what I was able to come up with.

New haircuts

2008-03-14T18:51:00.005+09:00

We took the boys to get their haircuts and sadly the two boys look so much older!

Tristan decided to give me the "look" when taking his photo so this his photo with his new haircut.

And just two of Ethan, I actually managed to get a smile shot of him with the help of Tristan of course!

A new arrival in the family

2008-03-12T18:46:00.000+09:00

Well we have a new little nephew(Koedi) born at 10:19am this morning. Weighing in at 3.8kg and 54 cm long.

I can't wait to have the chance to take more photos of him!

2008-03-11T18:42:00.000+09:00

Well Ethan is due for a haircut in a few days so I thought I would take a few shots before his little curls disappear.

Here is one of Ethan watching his Daddy from afar.

And this one is a firm favourite photo of Ethan. I just love everything about it!

2008-03-10T17:37:00.001+09:00

Well I decided to try my hand at backlighting today and since Ethan was up at 7am I thought it would be the perfect time to take him outside. Just loving the light in this shot and I couldn't resist trying it in black and white as well.

2008-03-06T09:23:00.009+09:00

Well I didn't manage to to get back to add some shots I had taken so here I am again.

Tristan decided that he wanted his photo taken so of course...who can say no? So here are a few shots while I had the camera in hand.

Tristan and Ethan have played really well yesterday. Playing hide and seek and just full on giggling at each other....who can resist not taking a photo

And just one more of Ethan

Some of my work is being used in a story for a magazine...and other news

2008-03-05T14:41:00.005+09:00

Just before Christmas I did a ACOCP shoot for a family and their little girl (Shelley) who was eight months (now almost 1). I got a phone call yesterday from the father asking permission to use my photos as they are having their story published in That's Life magazine. They are also going to credit me for the photos in the magazine. This will be my first time of having my work in print. It will very exciting to see my work published

By the way the little girl is going well and has been home for three weeks now and they are hoping she will continue to be at home for her 1st birthday.

If you wish to see some of the photos from that session you can see the blog entry for it here : Blog entry

On other news I have had a friend redesign my logo for me (I'll update my blog later to feature this) and I have also rehashed my website so if you wish to see my snazzy new site, you can view it here: Sweet Chilli Philly Photography website If you have any feedback on it or query's feel free to send me an email or you are more then welcome to comment here.

Well that's it for the moment. I might post some more work later tonight when I have some more time on my hands.

Baby Riley with Trisomy 18 - ACOCP session

2008-02-28T21:13:00.011+09:00

I had my 2nd ACOCP photo session yesterday which is a free session with a a family that has a two week old baby boy (Riley) who has Trisomy 18. They were a lovely family to work with and so relaxed with it all. He is such a beautiful baby and I felt honored to be able to capture some memories for the family to treasure.

A few to share of my two boys

2008-02-26T21:05:00.002+09:00

Just have a few that I took the other day of Tristan and Ethan. The one of Tristan I am getting blown up and have another colour one of Ethan getting blown up too.

2008-02-23T17:24:00.007+09:00

Well it's the weekend so out came the camera. I managed to get a few nice shots so here they are.

Well I did manage to catch a slight smile before Ethan bolted over to give me a cuddle.
Pretty self explanatory if I do say so myself.
Thought I would try a sort of profile shot. Was as close as I could get to the right angle without him moving.
I just love baby feet!
Here is my boy being just that....a boy! He's wearing his favourite hat which of course is Spiderman. Of course he is also carrying a cricket bat in one hand.

2008-02-19T09:43:00.004+09:00

Well lately I have been liking black and white so have been trying to perfect my B&W's.

Here is a few shots that I have been working on.

This one of Ethan was taken at his 1st birthday party. He was enjoying some of his birthday cake. I also added a tinge of chocolate to the B&W conversion.

Happy Valentines day!

2008-02-14T10:31:00.000+09:00

Sneak peek

2008-02-09T09:32:00.004+09:00

I headed to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens to do a family session. The family were nice and relaxed and easy to work with. Sadly one of the girls wasn't well so I didn't manage to capture as many photos of her as I would have like but here are some shots from todays session.

An update

2008-02-07T08:38:00.002+09:00

Sorry it's been a while since I have been in to update it's been rather hectic around here especially with being in study mode now. We are also celebrating our youngest sons 1st birthday on the 18th of Feb.

Please be aware that due to thievery of photos being taken from other photographers blogs I will now be watermarking any photos that I place on this blog so if you can look past the watermarks then you are still able to enjoy my work. It's still very sad that this has to be done but I hope that you can still enjoy this blog.

The challenge is finally over!

2008-02-02T18:11:00.000+09:00

Well sadly we are at the end of the challenge but there is also that sigh of relief at having a break too. I did enjoy the challenge and found that I grew in my photography even if in just that month.

Sadly my photography will be slowing down from here in as I have started to study my Diploma in Children's Services.

I am still accepting weekend bookings though so feel free to inquire about dates that are currently free.

Well here is the last of the photos from the challenge and I hope you enjoyed sharing the month with me.

#31
We had the boys Nanna and Poppa come over to see the boys this afternoon so here is Ethan with his Poppa.
#30 We dont have dogs (only cats) but my SIL dropped off her two dogs for us to babysit while they get some cementing done at their place.

Tristan is loving the dogs to play with so I think he will be a bit sad when they go back home on Friday.
#29 Well it's been a rather exciting day for Tristan as it was his first day at kindy (full-time kindy not pre-entry) today as well as his fourth birthday so here is a photo to celebrate both.

BTW the party hat that he is wearing, he wore that on his first birthday too.

Happy fourth birthday Tristan!!!
#28 We have been out all day at a birthday party so didn't get a chance to do my challenge photo until now. Ethan finally must have been so tired after such a long day that he didn't even flinch when I took the sleeping pics of him. I did have another sleeping one of him but I much prefer this one. Take in the same lot of photos of course.

#27 Not the best photo but I had to be quick. Today was the first time Ethan has stood by himself! He's stood before but it was only a second before he had fallen onto his bottom. Today he stood for over 10 seconds before he realised and then couldn't work out how to get back down so proceeded to bawl.

He does look pretty proud of himself here though.

Just a couple of other favourites

2008-01-27T09:56:00.001+09:00

I just have a couple of other shots from yesterday that I didn't use in the challenge.

I think I'm starting to prefer the softer tones that I have used in these two. Ethan's skin looks so soft here. And I love Ethan's cheeky grin in the second shot.

Yet more challenge photos

2008-01-27T09:36:00.000+09:00

Are you getting sick of them yet???

#26
Can't get enough of that little pout.

Little E didn't want to have his afternoon sleep today but I finally won and he is now fast asleep.

I can see I have no hope of ever getting a sleeping pic as as soon as I try he stirs and wakes up!

My first time using the Lilyblue action set.

#25 Can you tell that Tristan had had enough with photos! Also he is really into TMNT currently so carries his little figurines everywhere!

#24 Ethan has this cute little curl at the back of his hair that I couldn't resist photographing it. Just a little disappointed that I didn't get the actual curl in focus.

More photo a day challenge shots

2008-01-23T19:10:00.000+09:00

Here are some more shots from this months challenge.

#23 I thought I would focus on hubby and the kids today as it's dh's birthday :)

Happy birthday sweetheart!

#22 He was having some nappy free time on my fur rug.

He was having some nappy free time on my fur rug.
#21 Not a spectacular photo as I ran out of time but anyway we had friends over for dinner tonight and this is what we had.

#20 This photo may not be perfect in all the rules of photography but I do love this image for the memory I have captured.

My two boys playing with the building blocks together, well before Ethan tried to take one of *gasp* Tristan's tower blocks,lol!

It's funny as I have been told of similar stories of my hubby doing exactly the same things to his older brother when he was a baby.

#19 Was setting up for the session I had to doin the afternoon and Tristan decided he wanted some photos taken. So here's one of them.

Sneak peek of todays session

2008-01-19T19:02:00.000+09:00

I did a session today of a family with two boys. I went to school with the parents ten years ago so it was great to see how much the two boys had grown. So here is a sneak peek at some of the shots.

2008-01-18T19:13:00.001+09:00

I also have a couple of shots unrelated to the challenge.

The first I took today. I decided I wanted to get a silhouette of Tristan so came up with this. Love how blue the sky is against Tristan.

The second is the son of a close friend of mine. I love the colours of the bricks in this and I really think that Corey's expression really goes with this shot.

2008-01-18T18:37:00.000+09:00

Here are some more shots from the photo a day challenge, sorry if I am overloading you, lol! Going from most recent first.

#18 11 months of breastfeeding - Day 18
Can't believe my baby boy is 11 months already! It has been quite a journey for the two of us and I have enjoyed every minute of it, even the sleepless nights :)

You can see bigger here: www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2200234461&size=o

#17 This is what happens when someone speeds! Please take heed and do the speed limit! The other car was doing around 100kph when the speed limit was 50kmh!!!

So glad my hubby wasn't hurt in the accident!

Oh and we have only had this car for about 3-4 months :(

#16 Sorry I'm going to cheat a bit today and upload two photos as I couldn't choose between the two.

I'd taken this one first - We had gone to the shops so I could pick up some photos but while we were there I saw that they had a Plaster fun house stall in the middle of the mall. So dh took Ethan home for a sleep and I stayed with Tristan to paint this masterpiece :)

btw it's a very colourful crocodile.
#16 I had been wondering why Ethan had been so quiet and it turned out out that Ethan had climbed into this temporary (until we can get a big wooden one) toy box and was happily playing with the toys in there. He even managed to get himself out of it with ease which I wasn't expecting him to do!

#15 Went to a photography meet with some girls from SA EB.

Ethan slept most of the time so it was another day of taking photos of Tristan. Not that I mind :)

Just love the expression on his face here, so very cheeky!

#14 We went to our local golf club today so that dh could play a round of golf with his mates so I met up with a friend of mine (Ethan's godmother) and thought I would use the opportunity to take some shots.

#13 I have had Jasper since he was a kitten and since I was 19 so we have had alot of adventures together considering I am almost now 28!

#12 Tristan - day 12
#11 Well this is the best I could come up with for yesterday. We went for a drive into the hills but Tristan wasn't very interested in having his photo taken so only managed to snap a few.

Not the greatest ride on the way back either as Ethan was sick on our way home.

#10 Can't believe how big my baby is getting!

#9 Bonnie used to be my MIL's before we inherited her after hubby's parents moved into an over 50's village where they are not allowed to have pets.

More photo a day shots

2008-01-08T17:09:00.000+09:00

Here are some more shots for the Photo a day challenge. There are a few that have more then one photo as for some it was so hard choosing which shot to use.

Starting from today until day 5

#8 Time with Daddy

#7 We went to the local sports club oval for a bit of cricket. Not much cricket got played but Tristan had a ball being thrown into the air by dh.

#6 Well we were going to go to a park and do a family photo but dh had a bad night at work so didn't get much sleep so will have to do it another time

I was really stuck for ideas today but then Tristan asked if he could "read" some books so I got them out for him and Ethan decided to join in too.

#5 Ethan loves to look out his window when he wakes up from his nap. He has one of those huge sliding doors on his room so it makes for a nice look-out.

The photo a day challenge

2008-01-04T18:48:00.000+09:00

The photography girls on eb aka Essential Baby have decided to do a photo a day challenge for all of January so far we are up to day number four. It's been pretty easy so far and I still have a few ideas in mind but I'm sure it will start getting harder as the month goes on.

Here are my challenge pics so far and I will keep updating as we go on. Going from back to front.

#4 I was going to do a photo of the boys and their daddy today but hubby had hurt his back so it was a no go. So I settled for one of the boys together and I'm actually quite pleased with how it turned out.

Mind you there were plenty of outtakes before I got this one, lol!

#3 We had my cousin pop over for a visit today to swap Christmas presents. The two little cousins (3.5 months apart) haven't seen much of each other in the last year as we have all been so busy but it was great to catch up and let the kids have a play.

#2 Ethan having a tasty Vegemite sandwich.

#1 Ethan has been following his big brother Tristan everywhere. He really does seem to idolise him. So here he is up at the wall where Tristan is just to see what he is up to.

In other news I have also updated my website which you can go to here I have also added a proofing gallery so that all clients are able to view their sessions online. I hope this will make things more convenient for you and save alot of running around. Please let me know if you have any feedback or query's.

That's fairly much it for now. I will update with further challenge photos in the next few days.

Not so Christmas cheer...

2007-12-30T19:06:00.000+09:00

Well unfortunately due to my hubby getting ill on Christmas eve and spending time in hospital for the last few days I have only managed to pick up the camera up a few times and didn't capture as much of Ethan's first Christmas as I would have liked to.

Hubby is okay but we are just waiting for some blood results to find out what was causing his illness. He's going to take tomorrow off as he was meant to work but at least he will be able to get over whatever it is that is causing problems so at least we will get to ring in the new year together since we didn't get spend much of Christmas together.

Anyway for the last couple of days I have managed to persuade the two boys to stay still for five seconds,lol! So here is a few that I have managed to capture.

I wish I had got more of Ethan's hand in the first shot. When he's tired he likes to play with his hair (does this when feeding too) and it is just so him.

After I had sent Tristan to time out, I went to check on him as he was quiet and i found him asleep on his bedroom floor...lol!

Yay a new action set!

2007-12-21T18:25:00.000+09:00

For an early Christmas present I was allowed to get the NicholeV complete workflow set. I'm mightily impressed with them so far and can't wait to use them to their fullest!

Here are a few test shots that I have done with them.

The boys were fascinated by the rainfall outside.

A new purchase!

2007-12-14T20:54:00.001+09:00

I finally got to go out yesterday and brought myself a speedlight 430ex! I have been wanting it for ages so it was great to actually have a a play with it.

Here is just a photo I did last night with it. I like to try and keep the photo as natural looking as possible and I think I did okay for a first go.

I also did my first ever self portrait just using my tripod (this one was all natural light) so here is the real me!

First session for the ACOCP

2007-12-02T20:51:00.001+09:00

I did my first shoot for the ACOCP this morning with a lovely family. Their youngest Shelley suffers from Hirschsprung’s disease and can go downhill very quickly.

We had to get as many as we could as in as little time as possible as Shelly gets dehydrated very quickly and was starting to get a temp.

In all I thought I did well and Shelley really knew how to play for the camera :)

Here is a few shots from the session, I really hope they like them.

The family was so easy to get along with and their kids were so friendly and you could really tell they loved their little sister.

2007-11-29T18:59:00.000+09:00

Well I have had major excitement in the last week or so!

Firstly I was accepted into the ACOCP (Australian Charity Of Children Photographers) which is a charity that involves doing free photographic sessions for families that have experienced stillbirths, premature birth and ill infants and children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units. As soon as I had heard about it I knew it was something I had to do.

I have had plenty of help and support in my life ( especially from my foster carer) over the years and wanted to be able to give something back to other families. You can find the site of ACOCP here: The ACOCP website.

I have actually been given my first session so will be doing that at the Botanical gardens on Sunday morning.

I also got a call out of the blue from Harvey Norman today about doing their Santa photos. To say the least I was a tad shocked, lol! I have decided I will do the session which is 10am until 2pm and will take it as it comes. It is not natural light and will be using a flash so all this will be new to me but it can't hurt to give it a go.

I have also created a website now which you can go to for more information on Sweet Chilli Philly Photography. You can find the site here Sweet Chilli Philly Photography. It's not completely finished and I'm sure it needs some more work but it's a start. If you have any feedback on it feel free to drop me a line.

Well that's my news so far...Sorry no new photos to show you this time with being so busy but maybe next time....

Who's looking at you?

2007-11-21T18:34:00.000+09:00

Finally got Tristan to actually sit still for me today. A bit of bribery works well when your eldest really wants that drink of Milo, lol!

I love the perspective of this photograph and I like how the black & white tones add to the feeling of it.

I also like this colour one from the same session. Love his blue eyes, so very easy to get lost in them...

Ethan has a new friend

2007-11-19T18:38:00.000+09:00

We have had this pony toy since Tristan was a baby but Tristan decided that Ethan should have it so here he is getting acquainted with his new pal.

Of course he couldn't resist having a
good face rub with his new pal. Tristan
used to do the same thing as a baby.

Giving his new pal a kiss.

2007-11-17T06:44:00.000+09:00

Okay you are probably getting sick of these recent photos from the photo session I did with Ethan but I promise this will be the last one. I just love his bottom lip in this one. He seems to love to pout and blow raspberries at the same time!

Say cheese!

2007-11-15T08:11:00.000+09:00

Well finally I have managed to get a nice smiling photograph of Ethan. Usually all I get is his famous pout so it was nice to get one with him actually grinning.

Mr Pouty

2007-11-14T08:44:00.000+09:00

I know Ethan isn't nine months for a few more days yet but I did his nine month shoot.

I can't believe how grown up he is looking!!! I just love his little pout.

We love him, drool and all!

2007-11-09T16:34:00.000+09:00

Ethan is full on the move now, so I have to be quick with the camera which sometimes means I don't quite have time to wipe of the drool before getting the shot which I want. He is quite the drooler as well as a fast crawler.

As you can see from exhibit A:

I've also designed myself a new watermark. WDYT?

Playing in the puddles

2007-11-03T17:50:00.001+09:00

Playing in the puddles #1
Originally uploaded by ~Sweet Chilli Philly~

Well it rained earlier this morning so Tristan pleaded with me to go and have a play in the puddles after lunch.

So off we went and put his bright red gumboots on and he had a good ole play.

I could never deny a child the pleasure of having fun in the puddles...

I said no more photos mum!

2007-11-03T15:31:00.001+09:00

I said no more photos mum!
Originally uploaded by ~Sweet Chilli Philly~

Well does this face tell you something....hmmm I thought so too!

I think Tristan is getting a tad fed up with me pulling the camera out on him either that or because I said no to yet another watching of the same DVD...

2007-10-31T10:57:00.000+09:00

Well I did my third newborn session just this Monday gone. I have to say that I am lucky I'm not having any more kids otherwise I would be in trouble!

Here is three from the session I did, think these would have to be my favorite of the lot.

I think with #1 the black and white version looks much better then the coloured version due to the red tones that are in the photo. I am quite happy with the result.

Another favourite of mine is #2 of mum and bub (Dexter) together. Love the eye contact they have going, you can see that special bond.

and just one more to share is #3 which is the family portrait. Willow (the big sister) looks so proud of her little brother!

#1

#2

#3

Mirror Mirror on the wall...

2007-10-30T19:16:00.001+09:00

Mirror Mirror on the wall...
Originally uploaded by ~Sweet Chilli Philly~

I can't believe how close Christmas is coming upon us!

I thought I would get started on the Christmas cards as knowing me I usually leave it to last minute so I did a bit of a session with Tristan and Ethan the other day. .

I have to say I was quite happy with the way they turned out.

I especially like this one because of the reflection in the bauble. Pretty cool that you can see the photographer hey!

I also like this one that I have of the two boys together...definitely one that I will be using for cards.

An introduction from me

2007-10-30T15:12:00.000+09:00

Well we all have to start somewhere so here sounds like a good start!

I'm sure you don't want to know all the boring parts but I guess if I don't tell you then you wont know anything about me.

My name is Phillippa (Philly for short) I am 27 and married to my delightful husband (Stephen) and we have two gorgeous boys, Tristan (4 in Jan 2008) and Ethan (12 months in Feb 2008)

We live in the Southern part of Australia or as I like to call it, good ole S.A (South Australia)!

I guess the reason I started up this blog (apart from the fact that I can) is that I have a fairly large passion for Photography. I enjoy portrait photography the most and of course my two boys play a big part in that.

I have actually started portfolio building (the last 4-5 months) now as sometime in the future I would love to get into the photography business.

I hope you will follow my journey as I learn to improve myself and maybe one day...just one day you could say I knew that person when she was just starting out!