I photographed my dear friend, Rachel Richter, last weekend !

Rachel is a talented family photographer.

This was important to me not just because she’s a great photographer – but Rachel was the first photographer whose work really caught my eye and inspired me.

Almost 8 years ago, I phoned Rachel to tell her how lovely her photos were. I had seen them often in a craft magazine and simply opened the phone book, found her surname and took a chance and called. She wasn’t a professional photographer at the time but by the end of our conversation, I had booked her to photograph our first child’s Christening day – I was , in fact, her very first client. The rest they say is history.

Over the years, we have formed a lovely friendship – sharing photos, critiquing each other’s work and photographing together at weddings.

Almost 1 year ago, Rachel had a health scare. You can read about it on her new blog here. Since then, with the guidance of her Doctors, she has lost more than 40kgs. She has been an inspiration to so many on her journey to good health.

When she reached a weight loss of 30kgs, I emailed her and said I wanted to celebrate with a photo shoot – of her and her family! I’m so pleased she was as excited as I was to do this.

The photos document the love she has for her family and that they all have for each other.

Rachel, I hope they bring you as much happiness and joy as you have brought to so many others through your photos.