Stepping Away, the last post

You may have noticed it has been quite a while since we last posted on our blog. We have both been super busy with Sarah becoming a new mum to her gorgeous baby boy, Fynn William, and Bel spending lots of time with her gorgeous daughter Phoebe as well as planning her upcoming wedding.

At this stage in our lives the most important thing for us to focus on is our families. There have been many factors for us to consider but after much thought, discussion and reflection we have made the decision to take a break from operating Sarah Belle Photography. At this stage we will not being taking any more bookings and will instead be taking some time to enjoy the company of our children, partners, family and friends (and getting our cameras out for our own pleasure which has been an area lacking for us lately).

You are still more than welcome to follow us on Facebook, which we will keep active and update from time to time.

We would like to take this time to sincerely thank everyone for supporting Sarah Belle Photography over this past year, especially our close friends, family, clients and clients who have recommended us to their friends.

Sarah and Belle xx

Miss Molly

Written by Belle.....

Part of my day with photographer Chrissy Torney which I wrote about here, involved a little photo shoot with Miss Molly.  The sun came out for a short while as we frolicked in the long grass.  This also involved my lying in mud and amongst prickles, all well worth it though, for these beautiful images...

It's a been awhile since I have shot outside, in the fresh air.  The Studio has been a place of warmth in what seems to be a never ending Melbourne Winter for us.  But after my day with Chrissy, I want to get out more, with clients but also for myself.  I have some pictures in my head at the moment that I am hoping to bring to fruition in the next few weeks.  I feel revitalised!

Sarah on the other hand, is enjoying her time at home.  She is patiently (well maybe not so patiently) awaiting Baby Bowen's arrival, as am I and the rest of the family.  I'm sure once Sarah is more mobile, her camera will once again become an extension of herself.  I can't wait for the beautiful images she will take and share with us all of her bundle of joy!

Sarah and Belle xx  

I never win anything......until now!

Written by Belle......

Yes, I am one of those people, the one that never wins a raffle no matter how tiny, never wins lotto or any small prizes for that matter.  So I was shocked when a few months ago a photographer whose Blog I stalk weekly to look at her beautiful images, opened it up to all of her fans to "Hang with her" for a day.  I entered, because despite the fact I've never really won anything, lets face it, you have to be in it to win it......and guess what, I did!!

So last Saturday, I spent my day with the amazing Chrissy Torney.  We meet and chatted for hours over hot choccies and coffee about business and personal stuff.  Then spent the afternoon shooting a gorgeous little model (Post to come).  This post however shows Chrissy working, doing what she does best and interacting with her little clients (which as I found out sometimes involves rolling around in mud and prickles!).

I had a wonderful day with Chrissy, and appreciate her giving me her time so much.  I learnt a lot from her, but most of all, I have started to think about many things in different ways.  But mostly, I feel more inspired, especially to get outside and shoot, not only for me but for our clients.  Winter has had us stuck in the Studio for a bit too long I think!!

P.S  Sarah is now officially off on Maternity leave but will assist with the everyday running of the business.  I of course will be available for sessions, so please contact us if you want to get outside too and give the kids a run.  Maybe time to start thinking about Christmas presents!

Sarah and Belle xx

Newborn Sweetness

We haven't had a newborn in the studio for a little while, let alone a little girl.  Meet this small package, meet Lexie.......



Snug as a bug in a rug.  A faint smile, I wonder what you are dreaming about?  Even though the sleeps were short lived, Lexie slept for only a few minutes at a time, but we managed to get some beautiful shots.

And yes, that is a baby, teeny, tiny, tiara!  Oh my how cute!

You are in good hands Miss Lexie, we can tell buy the love that oozed from your Mum and Dad!  Enjoy each and every moment, the time will fly by.

P.S - Sarah's little bub is still all warm and cozy inside.  We await Baby Bowen's arrival with excitement!

Sarah and Belle xx

Tekano and Miriam

All rugged up on a Sunday morning, Tekano and Miriam joined us at The Willow's in Melton.  Sarah and I have both been there before, but usually for a function.  It was nice to take a walk around and soak in the history of these old buildings.

You probably can't tell from this post, but both Tekano and Miriam both took a little bit of time to warm up.  Once we started exploring though, they came into their own.

We loved the old machinery shed that housed this old red tractor! 

Tekano became an awesome model!  We would turn around and he would have found himself a great backdrop and a new pose.  He would even gaze off into the distance, then turn and look at us.....it was seriously like he had done this before, like it was second nature to him.

Outside the old Homstead, there was an old water pump.  They could have played here for ages!  And then the sun began to shine.

Michelle, thanks for bringing the kids down for a play and a run!  We hope you enjoy your images which will be in your personal gallery soon.

As for us, we love this location and will definately be using it again in the future.  If you are interested in one day coming here with us for a wander, contact us on info@sarahbellestudio.com

Sarah and Belle xx

Siblings (A Winter Petite Session)

Written by Belle...
A very small Preview of a Winter Petite Session from the weekend at Melton's Historical Willows.  The sun was shining, the wind whipped up and we had so much fun exploring.  Meet Tekano and his sister Miriam...................

More to come later in the week of these two special kids!

(Black and White has been Belle's passion, colour came into her world last year, but black & white is sneaking it's way back in......which do you prefer, colour, b&w or a mix of both?)

Sarah and Belle xx

Sarah and Baby Bowen (36.5 weeks)

Written by Sarah....

Hello in there baby...

I can't wait to meet you....

I wonder what you will be like...

Will you be a boy or a girl? Will you have lots of hair (if the myth about heartburn is anything to go by then I think the answer will be yes!)
Will you have your Dad's nose? (I hope so!) and my taste in music? (I hope so!)

Not matter what you are like I know I will love you more than anything in the world...I already do.
I can't wait to meet you xx

(We are hoping to squeeze in a second maternity shoot in the studio before Baby Bowen arrives so stay tuned for hopefully more pics to come!)

Sarah's Maternity Shoot Sneak Peak....

Stay tuned for more to come.....

Our first ever Winter Special!!!

We are so excited to be launching our first ever Winter Special!  We are even more excited about the location which is simply charming, and rain, hail or shine will accomodate us.  Feel free to share this Special with family and friends, and remember, places are limited. 

Sarah Belle xx

Winter...

Written by Belle.....
even though we have already had quite a few chilly days in good old Melbourne, officially Winter is here.  Yesterday however was a beautiful day, clear skies, sun shining....we even ventured out for a nice walk and went to the park.

Today though, winter is definitely here!  With a frosty morning, a windy night, followed by ominous grey skies....Phoebe even asked me "why is it still dark when it is day time?" it is upon us today.

Times like these, I look for things to brighten my days, my home and to boost my motivation and mood - lets face it, Winter has a way of bringing a grey cloud over everyone.  Michael bought home beautiful flowers the other night, which opened this morning.  I don't get flowers any more off him, they are always for Phoebe!  God bless her though, she cries to no end when they whither and die and I have to throw them out....she just doesn't understand why.

We have been a little quiet around these parts the last couple of week, which usually means lots of things are going on behind the scenes, our cogs are always turning....and our lives outside the business are busy too (Sarah's baby is due to arrive in 2 months, where did the time go?!).  Everyone is busy busy at the moment, we hope you all take time to take a breather on our upcoming long weekend, like we will be!

Sarah Belle xx

Off Duty!

Written by Belle....
There are times in everyones lives where a break is well and truly overdue.  For parents, there is no exception despite the 24 hour nature of our job.  Men tend to find it a bit easier to escape, a quick stop in at the pub, a round of golf once a month with the boys, Friday night footy with some mates....but as women, when we become mothers especially, we tend to do it a little less, and I don't know why!? 

So now, once a year, I plan a girls weekend (for the partners of Michael's mates).  The prerequisites are: we must go for two nights, accommodation in a house so we are all together, no more than a two hour drive, drinkies and girly chats are a must, and there must must be a day spa within a quick drive!

This year we are heading off to Rosebud, but I think we are most looking forward to our whole day visit to the Peninsula Springs!  I myself, have been feeling quite claustrophobic lately, so I am looking forward to a bit of R'n'R.  The house we are staying in looks beautiful, I can't wait until we arrive.

So before I head off and enjoy some 'me' time without hearing the screams of MUM, I have been spending lots of quality time with Phoebe.  Today involved a quick pampering for my little princess.  She thinks I am going to Queensland (because that's where her Dad went earlier this year on his boys weekend).  Although I will miss her terribly (and Michael of course), I know she is in good hands.

So folks, I'm off duty this weekend!!  I hope you all enjoy yours as much as I am going to mine!

Belle x

Up, Up and Away!

Written by Sarah....
We had the pleasure of photographing this little guy when he was just a few weeks old (see post here)  and my how he's grown!

I got to try out a fun new prop with Braith and he loved every second of it...

Helping to get the big smiles on Braith's face from the sidelines was his older brother Kayne

 

It's clear that Braith thinks his older brother is the best thing since sliced bread and I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual...

Jo, thanks again for bringing the boys back to our studio- you are a very lucky Mum!

Mothers

post by Bel.....

Most my friends are now all Mum's, and others are either currently expecting just like Sarah or planning away!  Mothers Day is this weekend, I wonder what you will be doing?  I got to thinking about being a Mum the other day, my friends tell me I am very honest about Motherhood to them.  I love being a Mum, I cannot imagine my life without my little Phoebe now, nor can imagine how I spent my time before her.

That being said though, motherhood is hard work!  Apart from looking after that little one who is almost 100% dependent on you, most of us these days also have to juggle work, then not to mention the unpaid type of work we do which has to be done of course....the washing, the ironing (except if your me and don't even own one!), the dishes, the dusting, the mopping, the vacumming, making beds and cooking (also not me, my better half cooks every night, lucky me!).  I could go on and on about everything we do, and so could you of course!!

But it struck me the other day, sometimes we get focused on all the things we HAVE to do and forget about the things we SHOULD be doing.....like being happy and spending some wonderful quality time with our loved ones and our babies.  So yesterday, I turned off the computer, left the washing in the machine and let the dust settle and had a great old time with Phoebe.

It got messy sure, but boy did we have fun!  As a teacher, I know lots of great things to do with kids and littlies, but sometimes, it gets put on the backburner...well not anymore.  Bring on the mess, the fun, the laughter..............the rest can wait, it'll still be there at the end of the day!

So enjoy your Mothers Day whatever you choose to do, you deserve to be pampered a little.  But also remember to leave the housework to be done later on other days too, not just Mothers Day!  You'll have a ball and so will the kids!

P.S...A little too deep?  Sorry, it was just what was on my mind after this little messy project with Phoebe x

Jasmine

Written by Sarah...

Before Jasmine's photo shoot this week her mum Elisha warned me that it might be a bit tricky to get Jasmine to crack a big smile in front of the camera. I told her that was fine, I was up for the challenge! So we pulled out all the tricks..bubbles, toys, you name it. Jasmine's parents danced around the studio pulling silly faces and singing her favourite songs But Jasmine was on to us and I'm pretty sure that if she could talk she would have said something like "You fools!"

But Jasmine is the kind of baby that doesn't need a smile to look beautiful, she just is. I mean check out those gorgeous chubby cheeks, smooth baby skin and long eye lashes....

And we did get some smiles...when Jasmine found herself in the arms of two people who obviously make her feel very happy....

Her Mum

and her Dad

Thanks Elisha and Jared for introducing me to your beautiful little girl. She obviously adores you both just as much as you adore her.

Easter Break

Written by Belle.....

So it has come around quickly, but Easter is almost upon us.  Easter means different things to different people, for some it is the religious aspect, for others it is the religion of chocolate.  For us though, it is about family and friends, time to get away, have some fun and relax.

After a busy couple of months, the Studio will be closed for a few days while we do just that, spend time with family and friends.  We will re-open late next week, so if you are trying to contact us, we will get back to you as soon as we return!

We are looking forward to hitting the road on our seperate little trips.  I am looking forward to camping and hearing the delight of Phoebe and her friends when they discover that Easter Bunny has been.  I have powdered footprints organised as well as a bit of bunny fluff to leave behind.  I am also looking forward to Phoebe's reaction when the dressed up Easter Bunny pays us a visit, if it is anything like last year or our visit to Santa, there is bound to be many tears and screams!

So, whatever you are doing this Easter, whether you are staying home or hitting the road like us, have a great time.  Drive carefully and stay safe!  Photos of our trips when we return!

Sarah and Belle xx



Baby Bump Update

(Written by Sarah)
As a photographer you are always spending your time behind, not in front of, the camera. Belle and I are always so busy taking photos of others that we never even get around to taking photos of eachother! But after many requests from friends, family and followers for some more recent pics of my Baby Bump, I roped the hubby into taking a few quick snaps to satisfy you all. So after a quick lesson on how to hold the camera and not to chop off my head this is what we came up with (thanks Cain!)

I'm currently 24 weeks, have been keeping well and absolutely love being pregnant! I'm one of those annoying women that other mums seem to hate because I never got morning sickness and have never felt better in my life (pregnancy seems to really agree with me). I love watching my bump grow more and more everyday and can't wait until little Baby Bowen arrives! So I hope these pics keep you all satisfied and we will continue to keep you updated! xx