How hard could it be... I mean, really. I've done hundreds of photo shoots before!
5 brothers, ranging from 7 months old to 13 years old... and their aunty and uncle. Easy peasy, right?
That's what I thought.
I was warned. But still, nothing could have prepared me for the carnage this shoot would offer. I grew up in a family of girls, and I only have nieces. It was crazy, wet, loud, messy, boisterous, chaotic, rough, fast... and freeeeeakin' awesome!!!!!!!
Heather and Doug (our fabulous friends from Heather Ellis Photography) begged me to photograph them and their five hilariously fun nephews. I say begged, not because I needed any convincing at all... but because I think they knew what I was in for, and thought I might have.
So there I was... on a wintery day in Christchurch... at the beach with two of my very good friends, four boys running absolutely wild (all in completely different directions and as far as possible from me and my camera), and one sweet little boy sleeping peacefully in Heather's arms.
It.was.awesome. Oh, and wait... look! I did manage to get some sort of structure... for about, hmmm, 2 seconds max. Then it was all on with fun and games, lots of moans, groans, screams and laughs from the boys, and me chasing them around, snapping away at the adventure of life. Let me introduce you to the whole clan...
5 brothers, ranging from 7 months old to 13 years old... and their aunty and uncle. Easy peasy, right?
That's what I thought.
I was warned. But still, nothing could have prepared me for the carnage this shoot would offer. I grew up in a family of girls, and I only have nieces. It was crazy, wet, loud, messy, boisterous, chaotic, rough, fast... and freeeeeakin' awesome!!!!!!!
Heather and Doug (our fabulous friends from Heather Ellis Photography) begged me to photograph them and their five hilariously fun nephews. I say begged, not because I needed any convincing at all... but because I think they knew what I was in for, and thought I might have.
So there I was... on a wintery day in Christchurch... at the beach with two of my very good friends, four boys running absolutely wild (all in completely different directions and as far as possible from me and my camera), and one sweet little boy sleeping peacefully in Heather's arms.
It.was.awesome. Oh, and wait... look! I did manage to get some sort of structure... for about, hmmm, 2 seconds max. Then it was all on with fun and games, lots of moans, groans, screams and laughs from the boys, and me chasing them around, snapping away at the adventure of life. Let me introduce you to the whole clan...
More commonly known as Michael, Anthony, Samuel, Troy, and Alex.
And Heather and Doug, who you have met before here. And, here. And... here.
And Heather and Doug, who you have met before here. And, here. And... here.
Ohhh and look what else showed up, especially for a girl who loves rainbows...
Heather and Doug completely ADORE this crazy bunch of boys. And I can totally see why. They are such an awesome family - with a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, but also a closeness that can only come from growing up with four other brothers. Although they may not seem it when they are running at 100km/hr, the boys are all wee sweethearts really... giving lots of hugs and looking after each other so well.
Little squishy Alex is the newest member to the family, and Heather is besotted by him. He can laugh and giggle like no other baby. He is happy, smiley and just completely and utterly adorable. And peaceful too... especially when he is very sleepy...
Little squishy Alex is the newest member to the family, and Heather is besotted by him. He can laugh and giggle like no other baby. He is happy, smiley and just completely and utterly adorable. And peaceful too... especially when he is very sleepy...
This photo shoot was never going to be about perfection - it was about LIFE. Capturing a time of life that speaks volumes about the kids' different personalities and quirks... a time of life that radiates fun and adventure...
...and we even squeezed a group hug in there!! Despite the moans about Aunty Heather always asking them to have photos taken... you can tell they do actually reeeeeally love Heather and Doug!
Across the road and to the playground... Heather needed to touch up her make-up! See, nephews are handy for all sorts of things!
Don't go thinking Heather is a softy though... she can pull some mean Judo moves. You've gotta watch your back when you are around her...
We had one last request of the boys, and that was to stand in a line. A simple request? Not quite. Half an hour later, we got the shot we wanted! I wish I could make this photo bigger for you on here... but alas, I cannot.
Then it was time for the boys to really let loose. They weren't keen on the photo shoot for a start... but when we let them get their revenge... the smiles came out...
Would you like a dab of cream with that, ma'am?
I've heard it's the newest anti-ageing face cream out...
Proud of their whipped cream masterpiece, the boys had one more photo in them. Then it was home to try to get rid of the rotten cream smell from everyone's clothes!
And that was that. For photo shoot #1 at least. Thanks for being amazing and keeping me on my toes, guys! And shot with the cream pies, Heather tooootally deserved it!
But wait, there's more! That's right... this isn't the last you will see of these boys! The next day they were so super good and even came back for a slightly more subdued shoot with Carol & Terry (who are doing SUCH an amazing job of raising 5 such fantastic boys), and their Nanny and Poppa too! So watch out for another blog sometime soon...
If you liked this shoot, check out my facebook page for more updates... and definitely go and check out Heather's beautiful page while you are at it too! You won't regret it! xx
But wait, there's more! That's right... this isn't the last you will see of these boys! The next day they were so super good and even came back for a slightly more subdued shoot with Carol & Terry (who are doing SUCH an amazing job of raising 5 such fantastic boys), and their Nanny and Poppa too! So watch out for another blog sometime soon...
If you liked this shoot, check out my facebook page for more updates... and definitely go and check out Heather's beautiful page while you are at it too! You won't regret it! xx