Jennifer Stocks Photography – The Blog

I visited and photographed three beautiful little lads recently. We spent a little time inside the house (mostly for the benefit of the little one), but then ventured outside to their backyard – a place I would call ‘boy heaven’. A backyard with chooks, vege gardens, kiddy tools, play equipment and an assortment of cool ride-on vehicles any little boys would go bananas over.

The two older ones are outdoor boys, and are clearly obsessed with their daddy – they follow him around, helping with all the the ‘jobs’. They dig in the yard, help collect the eggs, and generally potter around. They were so full of personality, and loved showing me around. Their mum really wanted some ‘real’ photos that showed what their life is like (they have a lot of overseas relatives – many who have no idea of their lifestyle). We were also lucky enough to hold the session when Sophie’s parents were visiting from the UK – so we managed to get a few shots with their grandparents too.

Sophie – thanks for having me photograph your little men. They are absolutely gorgeous,cheeky, full of life and are the epitome of ‘boys’. With a mum and dad like you guys, it is an absolute certainty they will be ‘good blokes’ when they grow up. I hope you enjoy your sneak-peek  and I will be in touch with your full gallery very soon.

I have been given many wonderful gifts in this lifetime, but not a lot comes close to the gift I received when I photographed this extraordinary family.

This is no ordinary family. It is a young family filled with love, affection, closeness and beauty. But it is a family that is changed. Changed by the death of their husband and father in a work related accident, just this year.

When I was contacted by beautiful mother, Ansia, she told me that having family portraits done without her husband was going to be a very difficult and sad thing to do. She was certain however, that she didn’t want any more time to slip by without capturing her family – it was something they had meant to do for years and hadn’t got around to it…  I can’t even explain how it made me feel that she wanted me to photograph them. To say I was truly honoured would be an understatement.

Ansia, Tiaan Anya and Alani – spending the morning and photographing your family has been the highlight of my photography life to date. The special bond you share is evident – there is something so close ….. so incredibly beautiful about the love you share. I’m feel so privileged I was able to witness it and capture it. But it’s not just stored as physical images – it’s stored in my mind.

Ansia – you are an extraordinary mother. Your smile, your nature, your compassion and your love for your children makes me want to be a better mother. You are brave and beautiful and I am so glad to have met you, and your amazing children.

As you are about to see, the kids in this family are absolutely stunning. I must also give a special mention to Anya (the oldest girl in the family) who managed to knock out her front tooth about a week before the photo session! I think it looks so darn cute though!

I really hope you enjoy your preview and I will be in touch with your full gallery very very soon.

As a mum to two beautiful boys, I get so much enjoyment out of photographing ‘boy only’ families. I guess it’s because I know what my two are like – and I love to capture them being just that – BOYS.

I met with this amazing family at the river. Tom, James, Will and Sam (and their parents Danielle & Luke) were so much fun to be around. Except for a few moments where we tried to cram all the boys together, the session was completely unscripted and natural. Just the way I like it! I don’t think mum & dad planned on jumping in the photos, but I did get them to hop in a few anyway.

These guys had the most fabulous rapport. Big brother Tom has the most amazing eyes I think i’ve ever seen and is a legend with his little brothers. Second eldest James is a cheeky monkey with big muscles, next comes Will who has a permanent cute smile on his face (and is possibly as cheeky as his older brother), and little man Sam is a gorgeous little guy on a mission (who just so happens to speak better than most 4 year olds, despite the fact he is only 2). Did I mention how damn cute these guys are? Seriously, good looking little men. The cutest thing was when the little lads starting stripping off their shirts. Then… three kids down – one to go! After some gentle persuasion, eldest brother Tom joined the ranks and we managed to get some shots of the boys altogether and shirtless. They are beautiful.

Forgive me for posting so many – it was just hard to select a few. I love these images for their rawness, their realness and their boyishness. Luke & Danielle, I hope you guys like them as much as I do. These are the sort of images I capture of my boys, and they are the ones I hold closest to my heart. Enjoy your sneak peek and I will be in touch with your full gallery very soon..

The Dowd family were such a fun bunch to meet with and photograph. Not only are they beautiful people on the inside and out, they live such in a gorgeous area and their home is surrounded by gorgeous trees and green lawns. I love photographing older kids, and these guys did not dissapoint!

It was a hot balmy day, and the kids had spent the majority of the day in the pool – they were absolutely exhausted by the time I got there (half an hour late due to this brain problem I have). Despite this, they were absolute troopers and got stuck right into our portraits. They also never failed to crack me up with their jokes and shenanigans. The parents were equally energetic and fun -  they didn’t think twice about sprinting up their driveway for a photo opportunity.

To say I had fun doing this session would be an understatement – it was so much more than fun! I am all about trying to capture the true personalities of my clients – and it was hard to do anything other than just that! I also love their little doggie, who made various appearances in their portraits. I have to say, however, that my favourite images of all are of the kids pulling their best faces – capturing their silliness and sibling rapport. The cubby house shots come in a close second.

I hope you guys enjoy your sneak peek and I will be in touch very shortly with your full gallery.

Little Ruby was an absolute cracker of a kid to photograph. Brimming with personality and spirit – she certainly kept me on my toes. Walkers can be hard to photograph – especially when they are are as curious and adventurous as this little Miss!

Her smitten parents, Dave and Leonie are so full of life. They are so fun with her, are constantly smiling and laughing with her, being affectionate with her. Ruby is a lucky girl to have such fun and crazy parents!

We held the session at their home – which they have been lovingly renovating. They have done an amazing job so far. I will be very interested to see what the outside of the house looks like when they are finished.

Dave, Leonie and Ruby – it was so great to meet with you guys and photograph your little girl on your own turf. I will have your gallery ready really soon, and will be in touch then. xx