As featured in kidspot

Personal post – possible trigger warning Guys, I’ve been agonising on whether and how to post about this for a while… please bear with me. Nearly three weeks ago, my four year old son asked me to take photos. It was not an unusual request, we used to do it all the time, but you know… life happens. Truth be told when he asked me, I really couldn’t be bothered but I set up the studio anyway. When I told him I was ready to do his photos he got really upset and said “No Mummy, not by myself… with you”. Let me tell you, I felt like doing that even less! Under any other circumstance, I would’ve made an excuse or flat out refused but he’s been having a pretty rough time of late so I set up the tripod, threw my hair up, chucked on the easiest studio dress I could find and sat down. He climbed up on my lap, took a deep breath and snuggled into me. He didn’t need photos, he needed his mummy. My son felt he needed an excuse to be with me and for me to be fully present with him. This is our photo together. It would’ve been so easy to pick myself to pieces with things I didn’t like about myself or the technical aspects of the photo. I didn’t do that, because I didn’t care… and I care even less now. That is part one of the story… Here is part two. That evening I posted one of the images on my personal Instagram account. I received some really lovely comments including one from a pretty-close friend of mine, however we hadn't spoken much recently. We’d always interact on social media and comment on each other’s posts in the knowledge that we were only ever just a phone call or message away. She commented on my post saying “I love this photo”, I thanked her. Now, we’d been planning a family shoot for as long as I can remember but with two husbands, four jobs and seven kids between us, life just got in the way. I messaged her a couple of days later saying “we should do this with you and your kids” and thought little more of it. The hard truth is that she never read that message, nor will she ever. Unbeknown to me I’d sent it the morning after she’d suddenly and tragically lost her life. I should’ve taken the damn photos. So this is a message to everyone. Please… take the damn photos. And even more importantly, even if you’re running on three hours sleep, haven’t done your hair or makeup and feel like crap (as pictured), be IN the damn photos. Nothing gets in the way of life quite like death. This will one day be your legacy. To your children, your children’s children and generations to come. This photo of me and my son will be one I treasure forever… and also one that will haunt me forever. But I choose to use it as a reminder, always. To listen to the little voice that is desperate to be heard. To throw away the excuses. To be present. Love T x #getinfrontofthecamera #takethedamnshot #takethedamnphotos #existinphotos #bepresent #togsandtheirkids #nomoreexcuses

I have to admit, not having maternity portraits done myself is one of my biggest regrets. Knowing I'll never again feel a little person growing inside me is sometimes overwhelming. But, it is because of this, maternity portraits are my absolute favourite thing in the world to photograph. I understand the excuses not to have them. "I feel like a whale", "I'm too uncomfortable", "I actually just can't wait to get this little gremlin out of me and forget it ever happened!" haha! all these thing I said myself...

I was so excited when Josie contacted me, specifically asking for my maternity/newborn package and when I met her... Man, I nearly had a heart attack! She is so unbelievably beautiful, both inside and out; and the love she and Kalin share for each other and their unborn baby is unparalleled!

After Josie saw her gallery, I got an email saying "Oh my GOODNESS they are stunning!!!! I can't wait for bubs to be here to get ones of her and get them printed out!! You are amazing!!!" and it made my heart sing.

Pregnancy for many is not enjoyable, especially in the last few weeks. If I can make pregnant women feel beautiful even for just one evening... then I'm totally ok with that!

I can't wait to meet their little one in just a few short weeks, but until then... Here are some of my favourites from their sunset maternity session in Belair National Park.

T x

You guys read stuff like this from me all the time but I truly believe you don't need an excuse to have photos. Every day is worth capturing and celebrating. This year I started a January photo-a-day journal to celebrate my 'every day'. I wasn't going to share them but I changed my mind and so here's a little insight into my life as a Mum, wife, friend, human.

As a photographer, there is the firm belief that every image you take is a moment in time and should be treasured… and ever so rarely you set up a shot, click the shutter and know that you’ve captured something beyond that; something incredible; something truly magical. I had had this set up planned in my head for months, I’d practiced my lighting, angles, textures, tones, everything… always intended for Emily and her little man. Never in a million years though did I expect to get this. We can blame it on wind… But it looks like love

See more of Franklin's session below

Gosh I forgot how much I loved photographing weddings. As a full time portrait photographer I don't get to do many... but they are always so much fun! These two love birds were married at Sferas at Modbury on the 28th October. An intimate and personal ceremony by the beautiful Mary Kelly followed by a beautiful three course dinner in the Starlight room.

We were lucky enough to sneak out a couple of times to create specific images on Chloe's wishlist including the sparkler love heart which is always a popular request.

Oh my goodness me, this is how far behind I am in my blogging! The awards were back in August! After another successful state awards this year (two silver awards) I put my big girl pants on and enter the national Australian Professional Photographer of the Year awards (eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!) and let me tell you... It was absolutely terrifying! The calibre of work throughout the categories was just incredible and I'm so so proud to say that out of the four images I entered, I walked away with three silvers, my fourth print was just one point shy of awards range and even upon review it just didn't quite make it but regardless, I am one step closer to my Associate of Professional Photography and I'm completely over the moon with my results. You can of course find all the award winning entries here http://www.aippappa.com/appa-2017/2017-appa-galleries

Oh how I love spring evenings, the warm air, that soft golden light... what better way to spend the evening than with an adorable family creating some precious memories of a time that will never be repeated. Emily and Paul are expecting a very special sixth member of their family in just a few short weeks. A beautiful baby to complete this extraordinary family. I can't wait to see them again for their newborn session.

Alana contacted me for a very specific reason. Having done her eldest daughter Sophie's baby portraits and a few years later, Ivy's newborn portraits, Alana was yet to have a photo of the girls together. She just wanted one photo, printed on glass to accompany the other portraits on her walls. I was happy to oblige.

Camille and I had known each other for many years through a mutual friend. Although we had not seen each other in at least five, I'm so glad she contacted me for her first baby's newborn session.

Seriously... How adorable are these two! First time they have ever had professional portraits taken. Hopefully not the last! They were quite nervous but nothing that love and laughter can't melt away

This kind of session is one of my favourites, warm evenings, daylight savings, laughter, cuddles, togetherness. All the good things

T x

Be prepared to see a lot more of this family... What an absolute joy they are!

It is the highest honour when clients return to you. When I first met Yuka and Teru, they had just booked me for their wedding. Kieron ended up having to do it because I was very heavily pregnant with my son by the time their wedding rolled around. That was in November of 2013. Fast forward to 2016 and I got the most pleasant email (they'd tracked me down even though I'd changed businesses and branding) to say they were expecting their first child.

I did both their maternity and newborn session and the results were just divine. Here are just a few of my favourites

T x

Photography is not my hobby, it is my job.

I love my job... I love almost everything about it. I love meeting people, taking photos, processing photos, printing and packaging. It's not easy... and it is an increasingly tough industry to be in. I'm forever being told "you're too expensive" or "my friend has just bought a camera" or my personal favourite "you must have a great camera, it takes great photos"

Anyone can take a photo... even a good one but professional photography is so much more than just clicking a button. There is a reason professional photography is expensive. It's not just the equipment, or the maintenance, or the studio space, or the insurance, or the continuous training, or the accounting, or the accreditation or even taxes... but time. A one hour session with a client is a 15 hour investment of my time but at the end of it all, my client is left with some beautifully captured memories to be shared for generations.

For me, that's worth every grey hair, every tear, every cup of coffee, every moment of lost sleep and even the time away from my own family that it costs me.

I hope it's worth the investment for you <3

Our portrait package list can be found HERE

Ah, wedding season! The months between September and March when the weather is magnificent and everything is simply perfect, except in Adelaide! Let me paint you a picture...

Friday 11th November:

- 14:00, 35 degrees

- 16:30, 27 degrees with thunder, lightning and hail stones the size of golf balls

- 17:10, 24 degrees and sunshine

Saturday 12th November: the day of Cassie and Tim's big day. It was dark, gloomy and when people weren't checking the cricket scores, they were watching the weather radars. Storms threatened all day but when Cassie arrived, the sun shone! Amazing... Her and Tim's garden wedding went off without a hitch (thankfully Cassie didn't find out the boys forgot the rings until AFTER the ceremony haha)

Cassie and Tim are the perfect couple... Different personalities that compliment each other. He's arty, witty, eccentric and energetic while she's possibly the most laid back and relaxed person you'd ever have the pleasure of meeting. It was an absolute joy to witness these two getting hitched and I am so honoured to have played such an important part in their day.

Venue is the absolutely stunning Marybank Weddings, Functions, Accommodation at Rostrevor

Without sounding like a broken record, I want to use this blog post to highlight a few things about professional photography and especially newborn safety.

Like I’ve said in a previous post, no professional newborn photographer would ever compromise newborn safety in order to achieve a certain image. I feel like I shouldn't need to say this but some of the things that pop up on my newsfeed are alarming. Some poses will not even be attempted unless baby is 100% relaxed and in a deep sleep and babies should never be forced into a position. Babies cannot hold the weight of their own head and a spotter is always on hand in case baby startles and jolts. Most images that show babies in unsual positions are composites and while this image in particular was not a composite, you can see that Mum's finger was removed in photoshop to achieve the illusion of little Harlan just chilling in a basket :) Little Sage is fully supported by Daddy as he CANNOT hold his head upright and baby Trey is not being held up in the air by his parents, rather resting peacefully on my beanbag.

I actually cannot stress this enough. The imagery industry is not a regulated one. Anyone who's just spent their tax cheque at Harvey Norman is saying they're a photographer. There is ONE legal ACCC certified accreditation available and that is the Australian Institute of Professional Photography

Please please please do your research before putting your new baby's life in someone's hands. Make sure they're accredited, insured, immunised, trained and experienced.

T x

The bond between a mother and daughter is powerful one... Beyond words.

When a mother is expecting her second child, it is often a scary, overwhelming and emotional time. When you already share a bond with your first, you worry. Will I have enough love to spread between the two of them? What if I can't love my second because my heart is already full? What if I lose the bond with my first? what if I can't bond with my second?

The bond between Chloe and Aaliyah is incredible, having raised her on her own Chloe has publicly shared her worries on Facebook, about her struggles as a single mum, about the fact she's about to do it all again on her own but I tell you now Chloe, you're amazing. You're doing an incredible job and you will only grow further into motherhood with the addition of your second little princess when she arrives. Your heart will be fuller than you ever thought possible. You will love your newest addition just as you do your first. You will be so proud of Aaliyah as she grows into her role as a big sister. She will be courageous and protective just as you are.

This session was a celebration. A celebration of two beautiful young women... about to be three <3

I could've squealed with excitement when I was told Lisa-Ree was bringing her beautiful daughter Ivy back to the studio! Honestly, I have never met a little girl with so much spunk in my entire life... She really is just like her mum :) Not only that, she has a face like a doll and hair as crazy as she is. As a photographer, this nothing more perfect to photograph than that combination!

There were bubbles and flowers and pearls and all things pretty.

I don't think I've ever taken so many photos in a mini session before and by golly did we have some fun :)

I love it when my newborn clients return to me. I was beyond excited when Ella's mum Renea took advantage of my latest mini session offer to bring her back at now eight months old!

I couldn't wait to recreate a newborn set up we did with her now sitting up.

This was so much fun, I think it's probably my favourite age to photograph! I love showcasing the big personalities of little humans :)

WOW!!! What a crazy and exciting few days it has been! For the first time, I entered the Australian Institute of Professional Photography South Australian Professional Photography Awards (I know... it's a mouthful, lets just call it the AIPP SAPPAs).

I entered four images over three categories. I went into it seeking critique from Australia's industry leaders and I can't believe it but I walked away with silver awards for every single one of my entries.

At last night's presentation dinner I was able to celebrate with my industry colleagues, mentors and idols. To share a room with such an incredible calibre of artists was an amazing experience.

Congratulations to all the category winners, you are all so inspiring. Thank you to everyone for their ongoing support and especially to my family, my mentors and of course my clients! I can't wait to see what the next year brings... Watch this space

Another secret three-part story I get to finally share with you!

Back in January I was thrilled to meet Jasmine and Thomas, a young couple expecting their first child. I usually book my clients in between 32-36 weeks for a maternity session but since Thomas is in the defence force we had to schedule their session when Jasmine was just 28 weeks. I'll be honest, at Jasmine's request there was some photoshopping required to make her bump look a little bigger! ;)

Fast forward to May and I got to finally meet their beautiful son Isaiah for his newborn session and while he was calm and relaxed, he was waaaaaaaaaaaay too interested in the world around him to sleep for me so we scheduled a re-shoot a couple of days later and he was the perfect model!

The next time you visit me in the studio you will see the stunning canvas collection of this perfect little family :) x

Happy Monday everyone!

I just wanted to share a little something with you.

We all want a newborn session to run smoothly and be what I like to call 'Pinterest perfect'. Sometimes, when a session doesn't quite go to plan it can be super stressful for both the parents (and I'll be honest... Sometimes the photographer)

Little Archer's session is what most would call a disaster. He was not happy at all to be my model and for three hours he certainly let me know about it, 2-year old big brother wanted absolutely nothing to do with the session or his new sibling and poor Mum and Dad were tearing their hair out.

In the end, all of our prepared set ups were put aside and we conducted the entire session in one set up as to not disturb Archer who was now finally asleep.

I really want to share the results with you so here is just a small sample.

I say all of this not to poke fun or to lay blame. Babies and children are completely unpredictable and that is ok. Things can get frantic and messy and stressful and that is ok. Sometimes the 'Pinterest perfect' session does not happen... not even slightly and that is ok.

In all honesty, I loved getting back to basics with this session and despite the stress and drama, I love what was created because of it.

Ellen and Scott, please enjoy your preview... There are plenty more for you and to all my future clients, please don't stress. It may take a little time, it may take a lot of time but we'll always work through the struggles and create beautiful memories together.

Tenille x

It's not very often I do weddings these days (that's Kieron's side of the business) however I was so honoured and excited to photograph Paul and Cassie's wedding.

Cassie and Paul were married at The Currant Shed in beautiful McLaren Vale on the 12th March 2016 in front of 140 of their closest friends and family.

These two were the perfect couple and their wedding was a photographer's dream... Unplugged.

Mother nature put on one hell of a sunset for us too. So much fun, so much love and a ridiculously adorable personal hashtag #pobcob2016

Beautiful eight day old Tarlee came to visit me today... She is just so precious.

On this Friday evening I was fortunate enough to join a group of local photographers and photograph gorgeous Mamma-to-be Bec. Bec was such an amazing model and I had such great fun! Here are a few of my favourites from the session xx

After our original family/maternity session was rained out, Emily had almost decided not to worry about maternity photos until I had a last minute cancellation and she visited me in the studio at 35 weeks pregnant.

She was so open to anything during our session that she ended up modelling most of the new dresses we had created for Little Beanstalk (www.facebook.com/littlebeanstalk) and she rocked every single one of them!

Assisted by my resident posing expert Arthur of course ;)

Stay tuned to see part two of the image below when she returns for her newborn session!