Alex Hooton is a gorgeous, stylish, beautiful little four year old boy. And he has an INCREDIBLE mother who gives the world for him. Alex is only four... yet he has been through far more than what many of us have. He is a trooper through and through.

Alex's beautiful Mum, Katie, emailed me saying she really needed photos taken of her darling boy, as he was about to begin an extreme high dose of steriods (5 times the normal adult dose), in an attempt to stop him having many seizures a day. The effects of the steroids would be extreme fluid retention, and she was desperate to have something to hold onto of her gorgeous boy, without all the side effects of the drugs. Alex was born with autism and West Syndrome - a catastrophic type of childhood epilepsy that was diagnosed at 12 weeks of age. My heart sunk and tears rolled down my cheeks as I read Katie's email about what she and Alex go through on a daily basis.

This is why I do what I do. Photographs are more than a piece of paper, or something to brighten up our computer screens. Photographs are a way to hold onto something that once was, or to capture real personality and mannerisms. They tell the story of someone's life - with memories to be passed down generations. For Katie, these photographs serve as a very precious reminders of her wee boy, before the side effects hit.

When I met Alex, Katie, and Sue (Alex's grandma), on the day he began his first dose of intense steriods, I was blown away by the strength they have, and how perfect Alex is in so many ways. He is such good looking wee boy, with gorgeous shaggy hair, soft skin and a wee round face that tugs at your heart strings.

His health may be far from perfect, but as a beautiful, loving little boy... he is perfect. He is inquisitive and delightful. He loves exploring and running (...away from the camera...!), and he also loves cars and tractors! Katie has to be in the running for the world's greatest mother, she does such a great job.

Alex is such a sweetie, and Katie is so proud of him. She loves him more than anything - and his sweet wee laugh and the way he looks at her, is testament to how much he loves her back. Things are definitely not easy though. Alex spends his days going in and out of hospital, getting therapy, treatments, medications and he still suffers from many seizures, sleepness nights, and a heap of other side effects.

I love that no matter what the circumstances, the bond between a mother and her child is unbreakable and unconditional.

After running around the playground and fields, Alex found a small creek which he loved throwing stones into. It wasn't long before he was in the water in his shoes... and falling into the creek fully clothed!

A few wardrobe changes later, and Alex slowed down a bit as his energy faded a little. This was a perfect time for me to grab some 2 second shots of him and his adoring mother.

_I totally love the next three portraits.

Alex calls Sue "Mema Chickens", because she has free range chickens at her house, that Alex adores! I think that is the cutest thing ever. Sue was so great to have on the photo shoot too - her energy and beauty was awesome. It was really special that Sue could be down from Christchurch for the shoot, because Alex just thinks she is the bees knees!

Talking with Katie since this shoot has really taught me a lot. Her strength and positivity, amongst what is a really difficult lifestyle and situation, is hugely admirable. She is so smitten with her wee boy, and rightly so! Yet poor wee Alex goes through so much more than what I can ever imagine, and the steroids have only had negative side effects so far. I have been reminded to take time to be thankful for what I have, and to take life's small curveballs in my stride. There are so many people dealing with so many difficult issues, who still smile, love and bless others hugely. Katie and Alex have been a big blessing to me in the past month or so since I have met them. They are both amazing people with huge hearts, and I just hope that you will join with me to pray for a miracle for wee Alex as they try to find a suitable treatment and medication for him.

Thanks so much Alex, Katie and Sue, for playing with me that afternoon! My thoughts and prayers are with you all xoxox

Natalie, Steve and Bella Young make up the perfect little family. Bella is probably one of the cutest toddlers walking the planet right now. At 19 months, she is super smiley, super energetic and SUPER cute!! One of those girls you just want to pick up and squooch into your face with hugs and kisses. I think I just made up that word... squooch... but it's a goodie, so I'm gonna stick with it.

We met in at Ross Creek in December for this family shoot, and I swear I left much cluckier than I was when I arrived. I had SO much fun with these guys, and I love the images... so I have a few to share with you!

There is something very amusing and cute about the waddling nappy-bum walk of toddlers. Note though: it ain't so cute when when you are an adult, don't try and imitate.

Little Bella is pretty spunky, and she knows it...

Natalie and Steve rock at this parenting game. They adore Bella and have so much fun with her!

I love this image, not for any technical or artistic reasons, but simply because it just sums up Bella throughout the shoot completely. She is so independent, and couldn't have been happier than when she was running and walking by herself... smiling and giggling... and being ever so mischievous!

She hasn't quite mastered the art of smelling flowers yet though...

Some people are destined to make beautiful little people. When you look at Steve and Natalie, it's no wonder Bella is an absolute little stunner.

This is one awesome family right here...

Bella was so intrigued by the pond... she wanted to be by the water at every possible opportunity.

She even tried to take matters into her own hands...

I think this inquisitive little face right up in my camera meant "Will you take me home, Kim?"... at least that's what I was hoping anyway.

Thank you all for the awesome opportunity to photograph your family - I absolutely loved it, and I am so glad that you adore all the photos! Bella, thanks for being too bloomin' cute, and for holding my hand while we walked together. Have a wonderful 2012! xx

Little Archie is turning two this month. Ah, the 'terrible twos' - a ridiculously cute age! The age where everything is super exciting, and they just RUN from place to place looking for something new! And that's exactly what Archie did with his Mummy and Daddy, Jeni and Brad, at their family shoot. We ran. And ran. And ran!!

When Jeni first emailed me about doing a family shoot, she warned me she had a 1 1/2 year old little boy who wouldn't stop and look at the camera!! I wasn't at all surprised... I always prepare to get up a sweat and run endlessly with kids at that age!! They are curious, energetic, and every shoot is a game of catch and return.

Jeni, Brad and Archie make up the most gorgeous family. Little Archie is going to be a heart-breaker with his adorable blonde curls, and his cheeky and michevious attitude. I had so much fun playing at the playground with these guys. Archie is so lucky to have such adoring and fun parents... who love him to the moon and back.

Bribery is sometimes a good thing... Archie certainly loved his pebbles and jellybeans!

He also adored this playground car. And on that note, I have a little game for each of you... if you can tell me the common thing running through these photos, and what Archie wouldn't let go and even takes to bed at night... you get ten points!

Absolutely gorgeous wee family!

We have an All Black in the making here!

Perhaps he will be a half-back with the moves he has got at the moment!?

I LOVE this family photo... it is soooo typical of this age group! Will not sit still for even a second!

Jeni and Brad are fantastic parents, and you can see where Archie gets his good looks from...

Cuuuuute!!

Thank you so much for letting me come and play with you in the park! You were all great to photograph and I have soooooo many photos (I just about couldn't keep my finger off the button because Archie was into everything and looking so cute while he was at it!). Hope you love them xx

You have met Isabel and her parents on this blog before! In fact, only a few weeks ago! But this time wee 15 month old Isabel brought along her very special Nan for some photos too! Pauline, Becca, and Isabel make up three very lovely generations of the Ryan/Toschi family. We met down at the beach... which turned out to be a winner of a location for Isabel! She was curious and skeptical of the daffodils at the last shoot, but she had the time of her life at the beach this time!

Absolute pure joy!

Pauline had just had her hair cut, so Isabel took a wee minute to work out who she was... but after that it was all smiles and giggles with her beautiful Nan!

And of course fun and games with Mum too!

Pauline looooves her wee grandaughter so much. It is so obvious in every interaction they have.

"Must... scale... this huge sand mountain... alone..."

"Perhaps with a little help from Nan, I can juuuust make it... ahhh bored and tired... I give up, just drag me down instead...."

One mouthful of sand later, she realised it was much funnier to throw handfuls of sand at me, instead of in her own face.

Ahhh sooo cute!! I loved photographing you three stunning girls! Thank you for organising the shoot, Pauline, and for getting amongst the sand and water! You are a very fun, awesome Nan... Isabel is a very lucky wee girl to have you around! XOXO

Newborns, newborns, newborns! There has definitely been something in the water around Dunedin... there seems to be a mini baby boom recently... and I loooove it!!

This time I had the pleasure of meeting gorgeous little William Elliot and his wonderful first-time parents, Karen and Zane. They were smitten, and rightly so! He is a beautiful little boy. William was sleeping sweetly when I arrived... but that didn't last too long! He was a very wriggly wee baby, with a strong wee set of legs on him!! Any little poses we put him in, he just wriggled his way out... we needed some good strong hands to hold down the bucket so that he didn't push himself right off! He will be an adventurous one when he grows up!

Elliot has the coolest little room, with these awesome hand-painted wall decor stickers!

Wee William wasn't so keen on his photo shoot and spent a good lot of it crying, but Karen and Zane managed to sttle him beautifully each time...

A gift from a friend...  one that represents the huge amounts of love abounding in this lovely little family...

Thank you Elliot family for inviting me into your lovely house to do this shoot! I wish you all the best for your lifetime of parenthood and family life! I have no doubt you will be fantastic parents! xx

Gabs and Tash are two absolutely gorgeous sisters. Gabs is 16, and Tash is 19... they are funky, trendy, beautiful girls! I knew they were secretly looking forward to getting photos done... they just needed an opportunity to shine in front of the camera!

When we first met for the shoot, they were quietly giggly and a little unsure about whether or not this was going to be awkward. I assured them it would be pain-free and they were going to totally rock it for the camera. And that they did! We had some fun, they got over any initial embarrassment, and they totally worked it!

Stunning Gabs...

..and gorgeous Tash! 

We even managed to get their mother, Kaylene, into a few photos... despite her being quite adamant she was keeping out of them!

We got some looooovely early evening light! Yummmmm...

See, that didn't hurt a bit! They weren't even very keen to stop, we could have kept going for hours. Thanks to you three wonderful ladies for a very pleasant evening out! xo 

I have had the pleasure of photographing lots of gorgeous little faces recently! Spring is such an awesome time to photograph families - the air is warmer, the sky is blue, there are lots of fun bright colours around, and... there are daffodils!!

I met with Celia, Scotty, and their eleven month old daughter, Cadence for some lovely late afternoon spring shots. Cadence looked adorable in her wee red dress and headband - that Celia had just whipped up for her that morning! Clever lass. What made it extra special was that she used the left over material from her wedding dress for Cadence's dress, and we had photos amongst the daffodils, where Celia and Scotty had their wedding photos a few years before.

What a wee poppet!!

Cadence was practicing her pilates...

"What is with you guys just plonking me down in the middle of the grass by myself and expecting me to smile on demand??"

One of the funnest games of the day for Cadence was taking off her shoes, and sticking them in Mum and Dad's faces....

Stunning Celia and her gorgeous wee daughter! 

Another amazing family to photograph! Celia and Scotty, you are fabulous parents and your love for Cadence just oozes out of you! Thanks for choosing me to do photos for your wee family. Enjoy xx

The Batchelor girls are fun-loving, crazy, beautiful girls! I had sooo much fun with them shooting at the beach! Erin and Rachel are gorgeous sisters, who I could tell love each other to bits! They, and their lovely mother Lesley, came along for some photos together, because Erin will be leaving home next year, and Rachel may be leaving Dunedin. 

I could tell as soon as we started that silliness was in the air, and this was going to be no ordinary shoot! Sometimes silliness prevails... and that is never a bad thing! 

We got some beautiful shots of these three lovely ladies just hanging out together. This is why I love my job... I get to hang with fun people, go to the beach in the sun, and capture beautiful family relationships...

Three gorgeous girls!

I won't take credit for this idea... but these guys seemed like the perfect people to do it with...

Thank you soooo much for such a fun shoot! I loved that you all got into it and had so much crazy silly fun together. Hope you like your photos! xx

On a sunny afternoon just over a week ago, I met up with the wonderful Toschi family in the daffodils! Little Isabel is 14 months old. She is a very pretty wee girl, with the most amazing blue eyes and long eyelashes!! Her parents, Becca and Jeremy quite clearly have very beautiful genes too, so it is not surprising that wee Isabel just melts your heart!

I had been in touch with Becca over email for quite a few months previously. I felt like we were friends already when I met her for the shoot! She is an amazing volunteer and organiser for a few hugely important causes, and I became involved with a couple of events she organised - an International Cloth Nappy week event in May, and the 'Be Beautiful with Bellyful' event on Friday night. This family are all about helping others and giving selflessly... which is hugely inspiring. Big ups to Becca and Jeremy for all the work they did behind the scenes of these events!

They are an incredibly beautiful family! Enough talking... let's get into the photos...

Little Isabel was very curious about my big camera, and didn't take her big eyes off it for the first half of the shoot.

We tried all the tricks in the book, but not much was making Isabel give the big smiles she normally gives for the camera. She had been woken up for the shoot, and was not ready to put on her photo face... but walking along with Mum and Dad's help was a winner!

I find it hard to smile when I have first been woken up too Isabel...

After a while, she forgot about the camera, woke up a bit more, and got really excited about the bright yellow daffodils around her! And fair enough too, a field of daffies is enough to make anyones day.

And she got a little confused about why this leaf was on the ground, not on the "twwweee!"...

Tickles from Daddy...

Beautiful, beautiful family!! It has been so nice to get to know you more (not just over email!!). I am so glad I got the opportunity to photograph you all!! Lots of love xoxo

The Walker's are a family full of energy, bounce and grins!

Sarah and Pete have three little boys... Theo, Zach, and Toby. Three little boys who just ooze with life and are abounding in energy! Theo is a big five year old - he is apparently quiet and thoughtful, although he didn't stop running, jumping, laughing, and talking while we were shooting! Three year old Zach is absolutely full of beans and is a cheeky wee fella, who makes your heart just melt! And little Toby is a happy, content, gorgeous little 8 month old.

We had planned for a fun outdoor shoot, but the weather was pretty horrible, so Sarah and Pete came prepared with lots of balloons, bubbles, and lots of jellybeans for the boys...

Getting family photos is one of those things people often put off for a long time. But they are SO important. This family are a tight-knit, inseparable unit, who are perfectly wonderful together.

This shoot was particularly important and significant for the Walkers. Little Zach is soon to fly to Starship for a very big operation. He has a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome - he was born without the left side of his heart. My heart sunk when I heard this. Zach is the most adorable, bright, happy, funny, playful, cheeky, smiley little boy! Looking at him running around, giggling, jumping, blowing bubbles... you would never know he is going through so much, and spending so much time in hospital. He is sooo positive, which I think rubs off from his amazing parents who are incredibly encouraging and uplifting with him and the other boys!

Little Theo was a little cautious around my big black camera... but what a little cutie!

Zach is such a joy to be around!

And Theo is such an awesome big brother! These boys all got on SO amazingly, playing and laughing together.

Theo and Zach got a jellybean every now and again through the shoot... because they were SO gosh darn good! They picked out their favourite colour, thought for a very brief moment about whether or not it was actually ok to eat their favourite colour... and then, it was gone! I would have made the same decision.

Daddy does do a pretty funny monster dance....

I love little baby smiles... I was going to say 'gummy' baby smiles, (as in with no teeth)... then I realised it sounded like I was talking about a lolly... so I will just stick with little baby smiles.

You are suuuuch a beautiful family. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed being in the midst of you all for this shoot. I left feeling filled with life!

More than anything, I wish you all the blessings in the world, especially over the time of Zach's surgery. He is an amazing wee boy who I brings so much joy, and I am sure as a family you can get through anything! I feel so privileged to be able to take your family photos... I hope you love them oxoxox