Cake Smash | Poppy

I have been watching the rise in popularity of cake smashes for a while now.  It intrigues me completely how this very American way of celebrating a child's first birthday has slowly but surely infiltrated our shores.

My Goddaughter's first birthday presented the perfect opportunity for me to test the hype of my "photog-friends", many of whom are engaged in regular, and very popular, cake smash sessions.

After quite a bit of research  into wipe-clean backdrops, smash-proof cake stands and which bakery bakes the best giant cupcakes in the Eastern Suburbs (enjoyed that last bit!), I was all set to go.

We started the session with some standard portraits as I had been warned that some children may not really get into the cake smashing bit.  Well, I really didn't need to worry about that with Poppy! One lick of the icing and she was away.  We finished up the session with a bubble bath which was just as well given how much cake she managed to coat herself in.

And my verdict?  Well, I'm a convert - they're silly and messy and basically fun.   Cake smashes are certain to be added to my offering very soon.


Rachel x 

(c) Rachel Wildig Photography
www.rachelwildigphotography.com

Newborn Session | 10-Day-old Tilly Rose

It's always a slightly nerve-wracking experience for a photographer to be asked to photograph another photographer's family.  And so it was for me, when I was invited to photograph the divine Miss Tilly Rose.

Tilly's Aunt (a fellow photog') was unfortunately unable to make it up to Sydney from Melbourne within the magic window of 4-10 days of age that is recommended for photographing newborns.  To my good fortune, I was honoured to act as substitute.

My first impressions of Tilly were of brilliantly intense brown eyes and a shock of jet black hair - perfect in every way.  This new family unit were pure joy to photograph, clearly smitten with their new daughter and with one another.

As lovely as it is to photograph newborns, there is something very, very special about capturing moments of bonding and tenderness between the whole family.   My brief was for a range of both family shots and shots individually of Tilly Rose.  The result is a lovely collection of photos of all of the family.  I honestly think I could have shown you almost every shot from this beautiful session.

With much of the extended family living in Victoria, I hope that these photos give them something to cherish until they get to meet the gorgeous girl in person.

My heartfelt thanks to Elly, Anthony & Tilly and my best wishes for your future happiness.  Thank you for allowing me to share your images.

Rachel x

Family Session | Bronte Beach

I just love this time of year for so very many reasons.  Not least is that as a natural light photographer I encourage clients as far as possible to schedule their location shoots during the golden hours (an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset).  At this time of year, before the clocks change, sunrise in Sydney is a very respectable 7am which means that I gain an extra hour in bed and still manage to shoot when the light is soft and golden and the beaches and parks are relatively quiet.

For the past couple of weeks, our family has much enjoyed entertaining my sister-in-law and 10-month-old nephew who visited from the currently-snow-covered UK.  This presented the perfect opportunity to head down to Bronte to update their family photos which will hopefully act as a warm reminder of sunnier climbs as they now settle back into freezing temperatures.

I know that Alison loves these images of her and Billy as they have captured fond memories of many morning swims and walks during their stay.  More importantly though, how many photos do we Mums have of us and our kids that haven't been self-taken with an iPhone?  I know that I for one am always behind the camera rather than in front of it (downside of the job!), but I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.

Billy seriously turned on the smile factor for this shoot and we have potentially uncovered a little lifesaver in the making.  He's going to have to continue to work on that one if he's going to keep up with his Aussie cousins though.

In case you are interested in your own "golden hour" session, times for Sydney are currently 7-8am and 6-7pm until Sunday 7 April when they change to 6-7am and 4.30-5.30pm.

And if you Mums needed an excuse to book a shoot with your kid(s) or with your own Mum, don't forget that Mother's Day is just around the corner on Sunday May 12.  Register interest for a mini-session by shooting me an e-mail at rachel@rachelwildigphotography.com.

Alison & Billy, we have so enjoyed having you with us these past few weeks.  A safe trip back home and we can't wait to see you again soon xxx

Copyright Rachel Wildig Photography
www.rachelwildigphotography.com

Family Session | Nielsen Park

Having family visit Sydney from overseas is often a reason that I hear for clients choosing to book a family photo session.  And so it was for three generations of this family who gathered at the beautiful Nielsen Park last weekend to capture some beautiful memories which will long outlast their three-week visit.

The huge swell was unlike anything that I've seen previously at this sheltered harbourside beach but the Pools were still game to get stuck in and brave the northern end of the beach for some shots before the waves forced us back into the beautiful parklands where we made the most of the shade of the towering fig trees.

At 9 months of age, Toby was a complete natural in front of the camera and thrived on the attention of his family and the camera!  Such a beautiful happy chappy with parents and Grandparents that clearly dote on him.

Thank you to all the Pool family and I wish Sally & Jonathan a safe return trip.