My youngest son, Joshua, turned six the other day and as I took a handful of photos of him that afternoon,

I wondered where those six little years had gone.

We celebrated with very close family.

As always, he had a great time!

Here are few pics from his family birthday party!

I’m so excited to be holding Workshops for Beginner Photographers again this year.

I had so much fun with the groups who attended last year and what’s even lovelier,
I received fabulous feedback that they had just as great a time as I did.

Their photos speak for themselves and I’m so pleased they walked away with a heap of knowledge and some hands on experience photographing our beautiful families.

So, for those who would like to join the next workshop that is being held on Sunday 4th March … yes, that’s right …. Sunday 4th March 2012,
I have just a couple of spots left.

The rest of the positions have already been filled by those on a waiting list but we’d love you to join us if you’re keen to learn.

The workshop will go from 10am until 4.30pm – maybe later.

Class sizes are limited to 10.

The morning will cover the theory behind using the settings on your camera other than AUTO as well as understanding ISO, shutter speed and aperture, with the afternoon spent photographing children and families and practicing what we learnt earlier in the day.

It’s going to be very hands on … and heaps of fun!

Email me if you would like some more information – leanne@leannestamatellos.com.au

And because I love sharing photos from previous workshops,

here are some of my favourites!

I had the absolute pleasure to photograph baby James on his Christening Day in Sydney last month. He was surrounded by his family and close friends who love and adore him and the day was simply perfect!

 

This pretty church was the same one that his parents were married in – traditional and incredibly beautiful in so many ways.

 

The reception was held in a wonderful little restaurant, called Clonny’s, that overlooked the harbour – the view was breathtaking. After the heavy late afternoon rain, we managed to take James outside for a handful of portraits. He is such an adorable boy with skin like velvet!

 

Enjoy this small handful of images from his special day.

 

 

 

Those who know me, know that I love Wall Art.

I adore seeing special images beautifully finished so they can be displayed and loved for years and years to come.

When Paul and Anita chose this photo of their darling daughter, Kaitlyn, to be custom framed I was so excited. I chose to have the image printed on the most delicate and beautiful Fine Art Paper. It was then matted and set with in a deep sided, white, classic frame.

It’s simple, classic and when you see it in the flesh you can’t help but sigh a happy sigh.

Kaitlyn turned 1 on Valentine’s Day this year and I had to have her sit next to her special piece of art – can you believe it’s the same little girl that I photographed 6 months ago ?

I look forward to regularly showing you the stunning pieces of Wall Art that I’m so fortunate to be able to create for my clients – I hope you love seeing them as much as I do!

When Barbara asked me if I’d take some photos of her family this year, it really meant alot to me.

You see, I’ve known Anthony since I was a young kid.

We used to go camping during school holidays as kids and we’ve got so many stories about tobogganing down sand dunes, horseflies, campfire birthday cakes and so much more – seriously some great memories.

So when I met Barbara and saw how fabulous she was, I knew that had to meet.

The rest they say is history!

I’m also Godmother to their second son, Daniel.

And my boys simply love hanging out with theirs.

On top of all that, Anthony’s father is an incredibly skilled photographer.

He spent endless time with me when I wanted to print my photos to create my own Wedding Album

– and that was in the days of film in his very own darkroom.

He’s always been so encouraging and giving with his advice.

Anyway, it was a pleasure for me to take these photos.

Enjoy!

I can tell that 2012 is going to be a great year!

I’m keen to get to know some new families along with catching up with some gorgeous families who I’ve known for quite a while.

There are also some stylish weddings on the horizon and of course some incredibly cool parties to photograph.

All in all, I can’t wait!

With just 5 sleeps to go until Christmas Day,

I want to wish everyone a beautiful Christmas

filled with love, laughter and happiness!

May the New Year bring you all that and so much more.

Take care and Best Wishes,

Leanne

I love photographing beautiful parties … let’s face it, who wouldn’t?!

I was in heaven when I arrived at Rachel and Chris’s home to find the most delightful party styled down to the last detail for Lily,

their daughter’s 1st Birthday party!

Rachel had done a fabulous job carefully selecting the prettiest vintage papers and props to create a High Tea Party that was simply perfect!

Delicious sweets filled the dessert bar and the cake was too good to cut … until of course they did and it was even prettier inside!

The cake was made by Rachel – isn’t it delightful!

And did you notice that Lily’s necklace was a mini replica of the the little wooden cake topper – oh yes!

And that mini bunting on the cake … yes Rachel made that too!

She did it all – fabulous hey!

The children all had a ball playing on the jumping castle, in the dress up area, at the photo booth and even decorating their own crown.

Enjoy this small selection of some of my favourite photos from the day.

I especially love the beautiful dress that Lily wore along with the most devine hand made shoes I’ve ever seen.

I know I shouldn’t have favourites , but this family had me at ‘hello!’

Not only did they look effortlessly stylish and co-ordinated but they were great to hang out with.

Susie contacted me a little while ago about her session and asked if she could bring along her parents, Ann and Gary, and her brother, Ben, as well.

What a fabulous family!

We managed to stroll around the gardens, dodge frilly necked lizards, chat, take some ‘cool boys-only shots’, then some ‘fabulous family shots’ and all-in-all have a lovely afternoon together.

I have to say that Jamila and Saleem are two of the loveliest kids I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph – so incredibly well mannered and kind to each other and their family. Of course, they are super gorgeous too with the most stunning smiles – to be expected of course with parents like Ablo and Susie.

Anyway, please enjoy this collection of some of my favourite photos.