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

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

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

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



Talking 'bout, my girl, my girl!

Written by Belle.......

I was asked a few days ago by someone, "Been reading the Blog, it's great, but when will we see photos of your girl?".  Well, when Sarah and I started our Blog up less than a few months ago, it was our intention to of course Blog previews for our clients but also to Blog about ourselves and our lives so that people could have an insight into who we are.   I think we have done one so far!  But we have honestly been pleasantly overwhelmed by the amount of visitors to the studio that our intentions have gone out the window.  So here is my first personal post to remedy this, about my girl......

Meet Phoebe, my one and only.  She's two and a half now.  She is the chattiest little creature I have ever met, there is never a dull moment in our house.  Many people who have met her have said that it's almost like she has been here before.

She has many wonderful qualities as all children do.  I think though, one thing that never ceases to amaze me is her memory.  She mentions things that have happen months ago, sometimes even things from last year, like they just happened.

Unfortunately super-girl isn't to be seen this week, she is out of action, sick with a bug.  This however doesn't stop her from running around the house like a crazy chicken and of course telling me useful pieces of information like "Everybody has a throat!  You have a throat and I have a throat".

I hope she is better soon (like in an hour!).  I have just begun school holidays and am looking forward to spending some quality time with her and going to some new and interesting places.  Where are you heading these school holidays with your little ones, would love some ideas!!

Belle x

Meet the Faces

So, we thought it was about time you met the faces behind "Sarah Belle Photography" properly.  We know a lot of our friends pop by to support us, but we also know there are lots of strangers or people we have yet to meet that come by here too.  We are hoping that no matter who you are, you might find out something new about us that you didn't know before!

So without further ado.....us (photographs taken by us!).

I am...... Sarah

A wife to my childhood sweetheart Cain, recently celebrating our one year wedding anniversary. 

An expectant mother to be, due in August and loving every minute of it! 

A daughter, younger sister, Aunty and best friend.

I love…

Reading a good book whilst soaking in a hot bath.

Carbs (and I don’t care if they’re bad for you).

My ever expanding belly.

Spending a lazy Sunday watching box sets of my favourite TV shows.

Organising.

Letting loose on the dancefloor.

Receiving mail that isn’t a bill.

Procrastinating my time away reading blogs.

My friends, family and pet dog Bonnie.

Nana naps.

I am...... Belle

Mother to a beautiful little girl Phoebe, and currently planning a wedding for March next year to Michael, who I have been with for ten years. 

A part-time Primary School Teacher, teaching Literature this year. 

An older sister, a daughter, a god daughter and now godmother, pretend Aunty to many and official Aunty to be! 

And a hippy at heart.

I love…..

Chocolate (copious amounts).

Camping with my family.

The sound of gum nuts falling on the annex of our caravan by the beach.

Hearing Phoebe laugh and also watching her sleep.

The smell of rain.

Sitting outside in summer, vodka in hand when Phoebe is all tucked up in bed.

My friends and the outings we have together with our children.

A good book (when I can find the time to read).

Trawling other photographers Blogs.

The warm glow of sunsets.

Visiting Day Spas.

The anticipation of baby B’s arrival!

 

Together we are

Sisters

Best Friends

Mischief makers

Photographers

Business Partners

Together we are Sarah Belle Photography

Welcome everyone!

Sarah and Belle xx

(Hope that everyone in Victoria enjoys their long weekend!)

Welcome to our Blog!

Welcome to the official launch of Sarah Belle Photography!   This will be the place to come to keep up to date with all things Sarah Belle.  Here, we will post sneak peeks of client shoots, give an insight into our own lives, announce special offers and generally just share our love of photography. 

Sarah Belle Photography comprises of two sisters coming together to combine their passion for photography with their love for children and families.  We have over 20 years of experience working with children and families.

With a little help and confidence from family and friends, we warmly welcome you to Sarah Belle Photography’s Blog.  Bookmark this page, visit often, share with friends.  Comments are welcomed also!

Sarah Belle x