Beautiful Moments Photography

Visit the NEW BLOG!!!

2008-04-16T19:28:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone this blog will not be updated anymore as I have a new and improved blog with a lot more features. So please update your bookmarks to the new blog.

The address is www.beautifulmoments.com.au/blog

Cath xx

Blooming Delicious

2008-04-07T23:32:00.004+10:00

One of my clients Donna called me up the other day to ask if I could come to her house and photograph some chocolates she was making, apparently Donna has just started a small home based business making Chocolate Bouquets. I had a mental picture of what I thought these would look like, but nothing like what they were really like. Donna makes the chocolates and then paints each one by hand which takes hours and hours of work.

Her house smelt like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, (or at least what I thought it might smell like since I haven't actually been to Willy Wonka's) but I can say that the temptation was too great for me today as it was supposed to be my second day of a 2 week "no sugar" health kick. Well, I can start that again tomorrow!

In the mean time here is a little blog header that I whipped up for Donna in my digital kitchen tonight. LOL.

Little Noah's first Photo Shoot

2008-04-06T20:06:00.005+10:00

I have been looking forward to meeting little Noah and his family for almost 4 months, after his beautiful Aunty bought his parents a gift voucher for Christmas. When I dropped off the gift voucher to his Grandmother's house I was met by the nicest lady and I knew that the rest of her family were going to be equally as lovely. I was not wrong. Carol and Con are such a nice, friendly couple....and little Noah is a cutie. He did not cry at all during our shoot, what a little champion.

Carol and Con live across the road from a beautiful park with a huge lake complete with ducks and all. ( I even saw a Pelican, I don't know what he's doing there but he looked happy enough). Anyway, they chose to have their family portraits taken at the park, which was a good call as there were some dark clouds looming above for a while and then the heavens opened up and it started to rain so we took the shoot indoors.

Here are a couple of the photos from their session that I thought captured their personalities well.

Thomas the Tank Engine

2008-04-05T22:08:00.006+11:00

Ok, so that is misleading. This post has nothing to do with the "real Thomas" but the very next best thing. My youngest child Benjamin is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Bulider, and pretty much every animal alive. I had been thinking about taking him for a ride on a very special train at the Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains just west of Sydney for a while. But I knew if I didn't make time in my schedule for a family day we would never go. So today after weeks of talking about it we did it.

Ben was so excited. Ever since I told him we were going to see a train just like Thomas he kept saying "I want Thomas, I want to ride the train, I want Thomas" You get the drift. So we packed up the car with a picnic lunch, forced one of my teenage children to come for the trip (she went kicking and screaming, but at least she came. Apparently ice-skating with friends is more fun than family day! LOL) and headed off for the 1 1/2 hour journey stopping at the same bakery that my family always stopped at on the way up the mountains for some delicious meat pies.

When we got to Clarence, where the Zig Zag railway is, Ben could hardly contain himself with excitement. He was running up and down the station looking for Thomas. When he finally heard the sound of the Steam Engine chugging along the tracks he looked a little tentative - I don't think he thought it was going to be so big, after all the Thomas train he sat on in the shops yesterday was only about 5 ft tall! We embarked on the train and went on a very exciting journey for young Ben, a journey that I had been on before as a child, and one that my daughter Cassandra (the unhappy teenager) had been on also with her Nanna. Isn't it funny how as adults we give our children the same childhood experiences that we had.....kind of like sharing our past with our present.

Anywhoo, needless to say Ben was most upset when we finally finished our journey back Clarence Station, he cried for "Thomas" for about 5 minutes until he drifted off to sleep in the car. When he awoke were were in Mt Wilson, another place I used to visit with my Mother and Grandparents. In fact this place was one of my Grandparents favourite places to visit and since I am planning a photo shoot for my family there in a few weeks time I wanted to find the locations and check out the status of the Autumn leaves. We had a beautiful picnic in the park and took a nice walk around "The Avenue" looking for some nice locations. It was a beautiful day, and in the end I think the unhappy teenager might just have had some fun along the way!

A very rare shot of me with Ben

Penny & Ross 10 Years On

2008-03-31T23:28:00.009+11:00

10 years ago I was lucky to be asked to be a bridesmaid for 2 of my oldest childhood friends who were getting married within weeks of one another, Penny was one of these 2 friends. We have been friends ever since year 7 at Galston High School when we were so dorky that we were not in the cool gang or in the tuff gang, but somewhere anonymously in the middle.

What I remember most about Penny and Ross's Wedding is that it was a gorgeous wedding on Sydney Harbour, the other bridesmaids and I had a blast making jokes and being a tad rude in the cars on the way to the ceremony and that the photographer spent a lot of time flirting with me. I can not believe that day was 10 years ago, I'd like to know where the time has gone. For Penny and Ross they moved to Melbourne, had 3 beautiful children, and enjoyed their professional working life - Ross as a Pilot and Penny as "a hostie with the mostie" LOL.

As they were in Sydney visiting family and then going to the exact hotel where Ross proposed to Penny in the Blue Mountains I asked them if they would like to have a romantic photo shoot as my gift to them for their special anniversary. They loved the idea. Today we set out for our shoot with the two of them feeling quite nervous, which I thought was funny as they have known me for so long - how could they possibly be nervous around me! Anyway, I managed to lighten the mood some what when I walked backwards when composing the first shot, tripped over a rock and landed on my camera and new shootsac! My leg was hurting like hell but all I could think about was my camera and lenses. Thankfully when the camera landed under my body the lens hood took the brunt of the impact forcing it off before it could damage the lens, and the Shootsac managed to save the lives of my precious lenses (thank you Jessica Claire!) Ok, so you non photographers won't get that last bit. LOL. Although I was bleeding and felt like an idot I continued on. Ross, being the son of not one, but two Doctors was worried for my welfare when he noticed the red stuff oozing out of my leg, reaches into his pocket and pulls out 2 "Band Aids". How random is that? Who carries around "Band Aids" in their Jeans to a photo shoot? Of course - the son of 2 Doctors! LMAO! He patched me up and we continued with the shoot.

These are the photos that I love of my dear friends Penny and Ross. Hugs xxx

Jamie, Minh & Ashlee

2008-03-30T23:59:00.004+11:00

Later this afternoon I met a beautiful family who are expecting their second baby. Jamie had organised this session as a gift to her husband Minh for their 5th wedding anniversary. How cute is that! Little Ashlee had just woken from her afternoon nap when I arrived and wasn't too pleased that a stranger with an awfully large camera was invading her space. She didn't want to play with me at first, but as time wore on she relaxed and I managed to get some lovely shots of her with her doting parents.

Here are a few of my favourites from the session so far.......

How cheeky is this face!

Jennifer & her not so little Brothers

2008-03-30T23:57:00.002+11:00

One of the best things about my work is getting to meet and become friends with lots of nice people. Such is the case with Jennifer, we met earlier this year when planning her Valentines Day , during the process we became friends. Jennifer is also a very talented actress (yes, I know a lot of actors and actresses as I am one also)....anyway...Jennifer asked me to do some photos for her agent and her portfolio, and also wanted to get some shots of her younger brothers - who are quite camera shy. So today we went to Southern Sydney to get some shots that hopefully will serve two purposes.

First up are Jennifer and her brothers, aren't they a handsome family!

One photo for Jennifer's agent...

and some photos for Jennifer....

Deborah Peebles

2008-03-27T23:40:00.002+11:00

Earlier today I had the pleasure of taking some headshots for another fellow Actors Australia member, the delightful Deborah Peebles. Deborah is a pint sized little firecracker with a gorgeous Irish accent - which I just love btw.

Anywhoo, Deborah was after some B&W headshots for her agent but we did a few extra shots that will come in handy for when she gets her website up and running. Deborah has such amazing eyes, and her legs - well they are fabulous! (You go girlfriend!) I hope these photos help secure some more work for her.

Ben's Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-25T14:46:00.002+11:00

This Easter I decided that it was time that Ben had his first Easter Egg Hunt. We were going to invite some friends over for the day but time got away and from me and one of my best friends is going through a family crisis at the moment, so maybe next year we will do the big hunt.

Anyway, the Easter Bunny, aka yours truly, hid about 25 eggs in our backyard and hyped Ben up as much as I could (I don't think he and any clue about the Easter Bunny before Sunday). He started off slow but after a while he got into it and had a great time finding the eggs. But his favourite part was smashing them up and eating them - the highchair was a necessary piece of equipment for that process!

Yesterday Ben had another first, his first time at the Movies. We went and saw "Horton hears a Who" which was more enjoyable than I had expected. Ben had a great time but didn't quite get the gist of sitting in the chair the whole time, the bright lights on the side of the stairs were too interesting and he wanted to follow them up and down the stairs. He did love the giant tub of popcorn I bought, he started throwing it above his head - oh the joys of parenting!

Anyway, here are a few happy snaps of Ben and the Egg Hunt.

Amelia & Jade

2008-03-22T19:36:00.006+11:00

Little Amelia came into the world 12 days ago and had her first photo session earlier today with her big sister Jade. The weather was a bit colder today so unfortunately it was too cold for some baby nudes, but we did manage to get some nice shots anyway. Little Amelia is a cutie already but if she grows up to be as cute as her big sister Jade she is going to be gorgeous! Here are a few of Jade and Amelia that grabbed my attention earlier tonight. How cute is Jade on her rocking horse!

I love how Jade smiles with her nose! Too cute.

Robyn, Trevor & Zoey

2008-03-16T22:47:00.004+11:00

Some days you go to work knowing that you are going to be a part of something special. Today was one of those days. I had scheduled this session a few weeks ago and have been looking forward to it ever since. Robyn, Trevor and Zoey are such a special family, after years of waiting on adoption lists in Australia and in China, 9 months ago Robyn and Trevor brought home their beautiful new daughter Zoey. I too was adopted, so when I hear stories of people adopting abandoned children, giving them hope of life in a country where there is no hope for these children it pulls on my heart strings.

Little Zoey was just over 2 years old when she joined their family, she didn't talk and she never smiled, and although most people would say that Robyn and Trevor are very lucky to have such a special little girl the truth is that Zoey is lucky to have Robyn and Trevor as her parents. This little girl has come so far in the last 9 months, she talks very well, she sings, she smiles and she laughs and that is because of her new family environment. Her life has been saved by 2 amazingly kind, caring and loving people. I am so blessed to have been a part of their life story. I wish them the most amazing life together!

Every couple of photos Zoey would race over to look at the photos on the LCD "I look?" she'd say

Zoey does her best "teapot" impersonation

Miss Maya and my new pink chair

2008-03-15T20:52:00.006+11:00

This afternoon I had the pleasure of creating some beautiful portraits for a beautiful family. Miss Maya, her Mum and Dad met me at one of my favourite locations for their very first family photo shoot. It was a gorgeous day, sunshine all day long which is lovely considering during Summer it rained almost every afternoon which made my job very interesting to say the least. Anyway, as I was saying, it was a gorgeous day, the light was fabulous and the family - well they were gorgeous too. And on top of that I finally got to use my new pink chair that I had re-covered a few weeks ago. Yay!

Here is a little sneak peak!

and finally doesn't this look heavenly...

Renee & Steven's Engagement Shoot

2008-03-13T20:58:00.006+11:00

This afternoon I went out to shoot Renee and her fiance Steven. I have photographed Renee before with her parents and sister so I was thrilled when she asked me to do her engagement photos. Steven and Renee met when Renee was working as "Alice in Wonderland"at Disneyland Asia and fell madly in love. They plan on a wedding on the gorgeous island of Boracay in the Philippines next year, where Steven is from. They were so cute together and obviously in love and Steven was such a sweetie, he wouldn't let me carry my camera bag. What a gentleman! Reminds me of my very own SNAG and husband Steven!

Jodie & Mike's Wedding

2008-03-09T01:48:00.002+11:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of capturing Jodie & Mike's wedding. They are such a nice couple, they are down to earth and very layed back so being around them is such a pleasure. These guys organised their wedding in only 6 weeks, which I think was amazing considering just how much goes into planning a wedding! The wedding took place in the backyard that Jodie grew up in, under a favourite gum tree with family and friends looking on.

Jodie and I grew up in the same rural town outside of Sydney, went to the same primary school and high school yet we didn't know eachother. Our families did, and they had friends in common, so when we realised this past history that we shared we had so much to talk about it was like we had been old friends!

Here are a few photos that caught my eye as I was downloading their images earlier tonight. Jodie and Mike, I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon!

How sweet is this light!

I loved this cake! I have done weddings with cakes like these before but these little people are the cutest by far!

A gorgeous Day After Session

2008-03-06T00:45:00.007+11:00

Leanne and Sandro got married a little while ago, and although the loved their wedding they were not completely happy with the wedding photos that their photographer had taken. So, we went out today and did a "Day After Session". Many of you wouldn't have heard about these sessions before (they are huge overseas). Basically you get dressed up again and take the kind of photos you didn't have time to do on the day. I think its a fantastic idea and I am giving my brides & grooms the choice of a complimentary "Day After Session" or an "Engagement Session" with 2 of my Wedding Packages.

Anyway, I wanted to show Leanne & Sandro's love and adoration for one another in a sexy and romantic kind of way. Here are some of my favourites from their session taken at "The Rocks" Sydney.

End of an Era

2008-03-04T16:56:00.006+11:00

I recently did a family photo session for a family who were about to move, they had sold their home of many years but wanted some lasting portraits on the family property. Here are a few of the photos from the weekend.

Why does Custom Photography cost so much?

2008-03-03T00:21:00.000+11:00

This is a very good question. This industry has a lot of "backyard photographers", they are the ones who think they can make a few quick bucks and start shooting weddings, they charge very low and usually burn out very quickly. These type of photographers bring the industry down as they don't produce a quality product. Also, there are a lot of "Supermarket Photographers" out there as well who suck you in with a $10 photo shoot offer only to charge heavily for prints. I came across this very well written article explaining the cost of "Custom Portraiture". It is well worth the read! Have a look at the article on this blog

Jon English

2008-03-01T21:23:00.000+11:00

This afternoon I went into town and did some new photos for the multi talented Jon English. He is going on tour shortly and was after some photos for his posters and his website. You can see his website here were you can get details of his upcoming shows and events. Jon is a legend in Australia so I was very pleased to work with him, if you can get along to one of his shows you really should go!

Another session with Belinda Gosbee

2008-02-26T23:19:00.006+11:00

You might remember that last year I did some photos for the stunning actress Belinda Gosbee. Well, today we did it again, but this time Belinda was back to her blonde hair. Not one to conform, {Belinda likes to shake things up a bit which is probably why I like her so much} she wanted some edgy photos for her website. We did some basic headshots and then had a bit of a play around in downtown Sydney. At the end of the session along came this amazing storm cloud which I couldn't resist capturing, thankfully we got back to my car in the nick of time otherwise we would have been caught out in a very nasty hail and thunder storm which hit seconds after getting back to the carpark!

Here are a few shots so far.

For these photos I was actually lying down in the middle of the road in the hub of Sydney, talk about going to any lengths to get a good shot!

Baby Michael

2008-02-16T19:24:00.004+11:00

Today's photo session was of little Michael and was a gift to his parents from his Aunty and Uncle. I always get so clucky when I am around little babies like these! Their innocence, serenity and purity always shines through in photos. I am also reminded of how fast they grow up, almost in the blink of an eye, so getting photos like these stop time and preserve his innocence.

Mum and Dad, here is your sneak peak. Enjoy!

Jennifer & Shane's Valentines Day

2008-02-14T23:49:00.012+11:00

Valentines Day is a day for lovers, so how beautiful to be a Bride and Groom on this special day. Today as I photographed Jennifer & Shane we were welcomed by so many strangers in the streets yelling out "Happy Valentine's Day" and "Congratulations". It's days like these that I am glad I am in this business. How gorgeous are these two?!!!

We went to Watson's Bay in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and Hyde Park to get these beautiful photos.

The flowers were created by Melanie I loved them!

Bon voyage Mark and Nicolle!

2008-02-13T20:43:00.010+11:00

I met Mark on a blind date for B Magazine several years ago, we went to the Opera House for dinner and became firm friends. When Mark started an Actors group called Actors Australia 6 years ago I joined up the same day. Mark has grown AA (nothing to do with drunks) into a wonderful meeting place for Australian Actors, he has been an inspiration to so many people over the years. Our little group now has over 400 members and has sparked many friendships and helped many careers along the way.

A few weeks ago Mark announced that he and Nicolle were packing up, selling everything and going on a very long world trip on a sailing boat. Upon hearing the news I first felt quite sad that Mark and Nicolle were leaving, but after a while I began to realise just how brave and exciting their decision was. Truly, who wouldn't want to leave the rat race behind and sail into Tahiti or the South of France and say "lets stay here for a month or two"?

As my going away gift to Mark and Nicolle I wanted to do a photo shoot so they would have some photos to put on their new "World Tour" website. Today we went to Sydney Harbour for some shots. Mark's father worked on the Opera House as a manager so he really wanted some photos with "her" in the background - it was a shame that it was a grey old day and she wasn't in all her beauty, but as you'll see Mark and Nic made the most of it!

So we started the shoot of with some cute shots.......

.....and then Mark pulls a surprise out of his pocket......

Miss Nicolle was taken by surprise (as was I).....she said YES!

which made the rest of the shoot very special and lovie-dovie.....

.....of course put some Actors in front of a camera and they will show off and ham it up...

We then finished the shoot at the Opera House which has such special meaning for Mark. I was so honoured to be a part of Mark and Nicolle's special moment and I of course wish them happy sailing and a very happy life together. Love you guys!

Little Natalia

2008-02-05T14:47:00.000+11:00

Little Natalia is almost 2 weeks old, she is a very good baby which is no surprise really as her other 3 sisters are little angels. I think she might end up being a Gymnast as she came into the world with one leg over her shoulder, which is why she is wearing a brace for her first month - so we couldn't do any curled up or nude tummy shots. Not to worry, she is still totally adorable!

Bronwyn & Sienna

2008-02-04T19:23:00.000+11:00

Sienna and her Mummy were up in Sydney for a very quick visit to welcome to the world a new baby girl. We did a very quick session yesterday but will be doing another one when Sienna is a little bit older. Here are a few edits.

Bridal Portraits

2008-01-31T01:09:00.000+11:00

I have been dying to post these photos of a Bridal Session that I did with Corrie Lee. Every time I do a shoot I say to myself "this is my favourite shoot yet" and then I do another and I think the same thing. But having said that, I really do think this is my favourite Bridal shoot that I have done. I just loved photographing Corrie, she was so much fun and she is so stunning! Her Legacy Brides gown was gorgeous on her.

Some of these photos were taken at Dural Gardens I have done a wedding there before and was excited to be going back. It is such a lovely place to get married as the gardens are just gorgeous. I have so many photos from this shoot that I am in love with.

***Ok, so I've now finished editing this session and I had about 40 favourites, so many photos to choose from! Now I just have to decide which ones I'm going to put in my Wedding Gallery! Corrie - You amaze me with your beauty!

Donna, Jason & Munchkins

2008-01-26T15:02:00.001+11:00

Today I went out for an early morning shoot with Donna, Jason and their 3 gorgeous children. I am really loving the photos of Miss M and her big brother and sister. Here are the photos that have been edited so far, still more to come later.

And finally, this is what happens when you take a bottle away from a little baby! Awwww......

Abbey Wong

2008-01-20T22:26:00.000+11:00

I did some photos for a fellow "Actors Australia" member today called Abbey Wong, we met at my usual "Urban" location between rain and thunder storms not knowing if we would get anything worthwhile. Well, I said I'd only put up about 5 photos for her to preview, but I have too many that I love so here they are......

Kelly & Heath

2008-01-19T18:53:00.000+11:00

Today I took some photos for an old school buddy of mine Heath and his beautiful wife Kelly. I had been looking forward to doing this shoot ever since we booked it in before Christmas. I knew that Heath and Kelly would look amazing, Kelly is just so beautiful with her pretty blue eyes and stunning red hair. If I looked as good as she does pregnant I'd have more kids!

This first photo is my absolute favourite one of the day, Heath looks like he is so deeply in love with his wife and unborn baby, awwww.

Photographer of the Year Nomination!

2008-01-18T15:18:00.000+11:00

I was pleasantly surprised today to receive an email notifying me that I have been nominated for the "Australia's Top Photographers Awards 2008" in the Portrait category. This competition is being run by Capture Magazine and is such a wonderful honour for me. The winners will be voted for by other nominees, so as a nominee myself I have the opportunity to vote for my fellow photography piers.

I will let you know how I go, but as they say, and it does sound cheesy, it is an honour just to be nominated!

Cath xx

My friend Jay Collie

2008-01-13T23:59:00.000+11:00

These are some photos from a shoot that I did today with my dear friend Jay Collie. Jay is the most amazing singer/songwriter and his band Jonah's Road are so fabulous. They are off to the Tamworth Country Music Festival this week where they are up for a number of awards including Best Album, Best Group, Best Song and have been nominated for a Golden Guitar! I really hope they win, they are just so talented.

Jay doesn't like doing photo shoots, but after seeing these shots I think he has changed his mind.

Check out Jay's Band here

Another Sweet Family

2008-01-06T19:59:00.000+11:00

Today I had the pleasure of taking some more photos for a gorgeous family. How cute are these girls? I love the chubby legs on the little princess, and her big sister had the cutest grin!

Mum and Dad here is a sneak peak for you, enjoy!

A Beautiful Moment

2008-01-05T18:15:00.000+11:00

Triple the fun.....

2008-01-04T01:05:00.000+11:00

I was so excited about today's photo shoot, I was running around buying fabric and making these skirts, collecting props and imagining what shots I wanted to get. Well, let me tell you I had the BEST time at the shoot, I have so many photos to edit as I love almost all of them, but these are the ones that are ready first.

I have known these little girls for a few years now, they are just so gorgeous! I wish I had 3 just like them! Their lovely Mum and Dad are expecting baby number 4 any day now, so I can't wait to meet her/him!

New Location

2008-01-02T22:50:00.000+11:00

I was out doing some test shots for a new location this afternoon and took this shot of my little man. I can't decide if I like it best with or without the texture added, I like them both.

Anywhoooooo the shoot tomorrow is going to be amazing, I am photographing these 3 adorable little girls who are just delightful. I have been busy getting props together, making tutu's and planning shots. I can't wait to post the next lot of portraits!

Sweet 16

2008-01-01T23:53:00.000+11:00

This is the cover to a new Studio Album that I have been working on, I may revise it a bit but it's pretty much finished.

I will be selling my clients framed prints of their sessions just like this in sizes 12 x 12 and 20 x 20. They will look amazing! I can't wait to get my first one framed.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T14:13:00.001+11:00

Happy New Year to all my clients, friends and family. I look forward to capturing beautiful moments for you during 2008.

Just some silly games waiting for the NYE Ball to drop!

Please sit still......

2007-12-27T13:28:00.000+11:00

My darling boy Ben never, I repeat NEVER sits still. He is always on the go so it is difficult to get great shots of him just being still. Oh well, such is life. On Christmas Day I wanted to get some shots of him, these are the only ones of him being as still as he could be.......

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T08:42:00.000+11:00

To all my 2007 Clients I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with love and happiness. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family's story, I hope you love and cherish your portraits for many years to come. I hope to continue to share in your family's lives.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Cathy xx

Brother & Sister Shoot

2007-12-19T11:42:00.001+11:00

These beautiful teenagers wanted to get some photos for their parents for Christmas, how sweet is that. Anyway, here is a quick sneak peak, I will post more later tonight.

Coffee Table Book Example

2007-12-18T15:16:00.000+11:00

I got a new Coffee Table Book last week so I thought I should post a few photos of it. This one has a very modern look to the book as the Client was after something clean and simple.

Bye Bye

2007-12-11T10:11:00.001+11:00

Little Mia says she is going home.....

Little Miss 'A'

2007-12-08T21:03:00.001+11:00

I did this family shoot today at Enmore Park. Little miss A reminds me so much of another little girl I know, she is very cute, and she loved my camera!

Guys, here is your sneak peak, there will be more later.

My Little Man

2007-12-08T10:53:00.000+11:00

Galston High Yr 10 Formal

2007-12-06T22:46:00.001+11:00

My son James had his school formal last night, here are a few happy snaps.

Christmas Sessions

2007-12-04T17:36:00.000+11:00

I have been getting quite a few frantic phone calls from people wanting to know if it is too late for a Christmas Session, so I have decided to open up a few extra days just for those late comers. As it stands at the moment I am able to rush jobs so that there is a turn around of about a week between the photo session, the viewing session and the print order being ready. However, my deadline for final print orders is the 16th of December. So, if you are in a mad rush for family photos for Christmas pressies I might be able to fit you in. Just be quick, as I am almost booked up.

Cath

Cute little Oliver

2007-11-30T00:27:00.001+11:00

This little boy was so adorable, boy could he crawl fast I kept having to do the comando crawl to keep up with him. Mum and Dad, here is a sneak peek for you.

Another Beautiful Family

2007-11-24T20:21:00.000+11:00

I had the pleasure of doing a surprise family photo shoot today, the kids had organised it as a Christmas gift to their parents. Here are a few of the photos so far. Enjoy the sneak peak.

Michelle, Nick & Alexander

2007-11-17T18:40:00.001+11:00

This afternoon I did some new family photos for Michelle, Nick & Alexander. Here is a sneek peek of my favourite shots.

Belinda Gosbee

2007-11-12T20:33:00.000+11:00

Today I took some new headshots for the very beautiful actress Belinda Gosbee. She usually looks like a surfer chick, but has dyed her hair for an upcoming TV ad, so some new edgier headshots were in order. Here are a few from today, I will post more later.

Talei, Scott, Callie & Brock

2007-11-11T18:47:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I drove up to Port Stephens for a family photo shoot for Scott and Talei. It was supposed to rain all weekend but we were lucky and managed to get some wonderful weather to shoot these photos. I took so many photos that there are simply too many adorable ones of the children to post all my favourites. But, here are some that I would like to share. How adorable are these children!

Christmas Cards

2007-11-05T19:20:00.000+11:00

This year I am going to be offering Custom Christmas Cards to my clients, they are priced at $2.50 each and come in a variety of styles. What a unique way to send Christmas Greetings to the ones you love!

Here are a few of my samples. Envelopes are included in the price.

Lillian Fraser Gardens

2007-11-05T13:36:00.000+11:00

On Saturday my family and I went to the "Lillian Fraser Gardens" in Pennant Hills to attend the presentation for the Photography Competition. I received my 2 trophies and my prize, which was a real thrill. It was a wet old day but it was lovely at the gardens, there was a choir who sang beautiful songs after the presentation which was just lovely.

I really like the gardens and I will take future clients there for photo shoots. It is a small garden but there are quite a few quaint areas just perfect for family portraits. The shade there is just right for photography.

Dr Lillian Fraser was a Scientist who collected rare plants from all over the world and brought them back to her garden in Pennant Hills. When she died she left the gardens to the Hornsby Shire Council under the condition that the garden remain in tack for people to visit and enjoy. Many plants in the garden can no longer be found in Nurseries, for this reason alone it is a wonderful place to visit.

When Dr Fraser was alive she used to host many afternoon teas in her garden, they were well known in the area. Children loved to visit her garden as it had a "Fairyland" quality that children adored. Children were attracted to her like moths to a flame as she spent many hours entertaining and teaching them about the wonderful world of nature. Today the garden is looked after by a wonderful voluntary group called "The Friends Of Lillian Fraser Garden"

Here are only a few photos that I quickly snapped between rain showers on Saturday. If you are looking for a nice spot to take the kids for an afternoon tea or picnic I highly recommend it. I am a sentimental person at heart, so when I find such a place with a rich history that has been preserved they way it has I am reminded that community spirt is still alive, and I like that!

Lillian Fraser Garden is on the corner of Bellamy Street and Laurence Street, Pennant Hills NSW.

Photography Competition

2007-11-02T20:17:00.000+11:00

I just found out tonight that I have won a 1st and a 2nd prize in a photography competiton. The competition was "The Lillian Fraser Photography Competition" and the categories were "Of the Garden" and "In the Garden". I entered 4 photos taken at Fagan Park in Galston, so to win 2 prizes is wonderful. Both of these shots were taken before I heard of the competition which is funny when I think about it.

Tomorrow my family and I will go the the presentation in Pennant Hills to get my awards, the photos will then be on display in the Hornsby Shire for a month. The free publicity will be wonderful for my business, I hope it generates a good buz for me.

These are the two photos that won:

1st Prize "Fagan Duck"

2nd Prize "Window with a view"

My Website is up!

2007-10-31T18:58:00.000+11:00

I am very happy to announce that my website is up and running, I am so happy with the work that Jasper from Elemental Arts did for me, he is amazing! It was worth the wait to get something so beautiful.

I love it!

View the site here:

www.beautifulmoments.com.au

Karen

2007-10-28T15:23:00.000+11:00

This morning I had the pleasure of taking some photos for Actor Karen Bayly, I hope these photos help her in getting a variety of new roles.

James, Cassandra & Benjamin

2007-10-20T19:19:00.000+10:00

I took these photos today at Fagan Park, I am very happy with the results. I am going to enter these shots into a photography competition on Wednesday, I think they will do well. Fingers crossed.

More Luke

2007-10-19T00:26:00.001+10:00

I want to share these cute little photos of Luke, he looks so adorable.

James Matthew

2007-10-18T23:54:00.000+10:00

Here are a few photos of James, they were taken today. I love the "Urban" look to these photos, his eyes look amazing.

Merri & Ruby

2007-10-13T16:03:00.000+10:00

I love these photos of Merri & Ruby, they were taken this week. Ruby is such a sweet little baby.

The Smith Family

2007-10-10T19:34:00.000+10:00

I had such a blast photographing the Smith Family today, they were such willing subjects and they had a lot of fun, so did I.

These are just a few of the photos, I will post more very soon.

Natalie & Michael's Wedding

2007-09-30T00:02:00.000+10:00

Yesterday was such a beautiful day for a Wedding, Natalie and Michael were lucky enough to get married on such a gorgeous spring day. The ceremony was at Dural Gardens which is a beautiful place to have a Wedding as the gardens are just stunning.

Hellen & Mark's Wedding

2007-09-28T11:23:00.000+10:00

Hellen & Mark got married in Townsville in August, I have been a bit naughty for not posting their photos sooner, but at the time I had some serious computer dramas. The location of their wedding was just beautiful, the backdrop for the ceremony was the gorgeous Magnetic Island.

Spring Flowers

2007-09-27T14:23:00.000+10:00

These photos were taken in the paddock next to Benjamin's Nanna's house, I know these Dandylions are weeds but they look so amazing in these photos. There were thousands of them so I couldn't resist getting some shots before the lawnmower came out.

Ruby Rose

2007-09-26T18:45:00.000+10:00

These photos are of beautiful newborn Ruby Rose, I photographed her Mummy, Brother & Sister 2 days before she was born - see my first blog for the photos. Ruby is such a little cutie pie, she hardly made a sound during the shoot even when her very excited brother and sister kept shouting while bouncing on the bed that she was laying on! What a good baby. Welcome to the world little Ruby Rose!

Emma, Rebecca, Lochie & Sian

2007-09-22T19:14:00.000+10:00

These photos are of Emma, Lochie, Rebecca & Sian. They were taken yesterday at their Nanna & Poppie's house. The garden was looking beautiful and was chosen as the location for the shoot because of sentimental reasons. I think these photos capture the children's personalities beautifully.

Another Pregnant Belly

2007-09-17T18:49:00.000+10:00

These photos are of fellow actor Mary Catherine and her hubby Nathan, we went to Balmoral Beach for these shots. Their baby is due in 4 weeks time and is already scheduled in for his/hers first photo shoot. I can't wait to meet the little one!

16th September 07

2007-09-16T23:15:00.001+10:00

I had the pleasure of spending time with Peta & Matthew and their 4 gorgeous children this morning. The photos were taken on their family property and it was difficult to get a bad shot of this very photogenic family. I think they will treasure these photos for many years to come.

Bourke Family

2007-09-16T14:46:00.000+10:00

Here are some beautiful family portraits of the Bourke Family, taken at Nurragingy Reserve at Doonside. The formal gardens were looking stunning this week as all the blossoms were in full bloom.

Actor Headshots

2007-09-14T13:50:00.000+10:00

I have been busy taking Headshots for Sydney based Actors. Here are a few of my clients.

Actor Stephen Bourke

Actress Rene Bourke

Actor Roger Smith

Actor Greg Eccleston

14th September 2007

2007-09-14T12:56:00.000+10:00

Well it has been another busy week of taking photos. Here are a few photos taken of Luke for his mother Simone at Fagan Park at Galston, it has to be my favourite place to take candid portraits. Isn't he a cutie!

My First Blog

2007-09-07T17:26:00.000+10:00

Welcome to my very first Blog.....ever! I have no experience at this so it may take a while for me to navigate. Let me introduce myself, my name is Cathy Crawley and I live and work in Sydney Australia. I am an actor and a photographer. I guess I have always been a creative person, I couldn't work in an office it would drive me mad. Instead I prefer every artistic outlet such as music, painting, decorating, film making, photography and acting.

My business Beautiful Moments Photography is a new business venture, one that I am very excited about. My passion for photography started at the age of 15 when I got a Pentax K100 from my parents for Christmas. I wanted to be a photographer in the Navy but as they didn't' take direct entry photographers I applied to join the RAAF. I was waiting to go to recruit school when I found out I was having a baby....that was the end of that. But photography still was my passion. I don't know why I took so long to make it my career, I guess acting came first for so long and I didn't want to give it up. Then came my 3rd child and an illness that made me re-evaluate my life. I now realise that I can have it all, I can act, be a mother, a wife and have a photography business. Life is great.

This is my friend Merri and her son Sam, Merri's baby is due next week. She was so excited to see these photos of her children.

I love this photo of these children, the little girl in the middle is the star in this shot.