Amanda Maree Photography » Amanda Maree Photography - Brisbane Newborn Photographer

I stand weathered photo loose in my hand

reminded of times my heart can not stand

it’s all that is left to show me just how

we loved and we’ve lost together for now

Time it is short and memories fade

and before we know it, our time it is made

a photo, a frame it’s all that is left

and you my friend are all but bereft.

Mother wearing hat and pink dress holding newborn baby girlThis is my mumma and I, many moons ago. Actually, it’s on her wedding day and I was 6 weeks old (gasp what a sin, right?). It is literally one of a handful, and I’m talking one handful not two handful’s, of photo’s I have with her growing up. Now luckily, she’s still here, in fact I see her most days of the week and she is my best friend and so much more, but that’s not the point of the post. So, what is? I would do anything to have more photo’s with her, because I know before long that is all I and future generations will have left. You see she hates having her photo taken, she has bad teeth, so she says, so she just refuses. But do you know what, I don’t care about remembering her bad teeth growing up, I care about the times we went to the beach and she sat with me in the sand, or how she pushed me super high on the swing…those memories will fade over time and there will be no evidence of those moments ever happening. And even more important is the moments I have no memories of…when she first held me in her arms after I was born, when she was feeding me snuggled up at her breast, when she held me wrapped up in the first few weeks. There is absolutely no evidence of those times and that makes my heart hurt a little. And THAT is the reason for this post….

Mumma’s and papa’s you NEED to exist in photo’s. And if not for yourself but for your children and for future generations to come. Leave a legacy that can be handed down throughout time. You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. So what if you are chubbier than you’d like to be, your hair isn’t done, your teeth aren’t perfect. Your family DONT care about these things. They want to remember the moment for what it is, for how it made them feel. For the person that you are and the magic that was happening during that moment. Parent’s often say to me they don’t want to get in the shot, they are tired, like proper tired and not feeling their best and I always remind them that it isn’t about what you look like. It’s about capturing this very moment in time. Your little love will never be this small, this curly, this new again…you will want to look back on the moment they squished up into your hands, snuggled into your arms…and THEY will want to know this moment too. So get in that photo…say yes, again and again.

Smiling baby girl in basketHow sweet are my ‘newborn’ photo’s?….not a single one with my parents though 🙁

But then….you need to print that photo! Sadly, this is the only copy of these images…and my mum cut it up to go in my baby book 🙁 I am grateful I have it at all but there is no negative. I have a small box of photo’s from my childhood and graciously I am of the generation that had baby books! This generation though is the most photographed, in the age of smart phones and social media but it is also the generation with the least evidence of their presence. Baby books and framed images are a dying art…but sadly, so is the technology…disc’s, usb’s, hard drives…the faster a new gadget comes along, the faster the old one is made useless. Things you thought you were preserving are literally just collecting dust.

So existing is the most important thing, it is the gift you need to give yourself and your family…and then print, print, print.

I don’t often share parent shot’s online but check out some of these sweet babes below and book your session TODAY!

Father holding sleeping baby boy in black and whiteNewborn baby girl wrapped in cream wrap being held by mother and fatherNewborn baby boy wrapped in blue wrap being held by motherNewborn baby boy being held by fatherNewborn twin boys wrapped in navy blue wrap being held by motherNewborn baby boy being held by parents kissingNewborn baby girl in cream romper being held by mother and father

 

 

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A Mother’s love is something…

that no one can explain…

It is made of deep devotion…

and of sacrifice and pain.

It’s endless and unselfish…

and enduring come what may…

For nothing can destroy it…

or take that love away.

It is patient and forgiving…

when all other’s are forsaking…

And it never fails or falters…

even though the heart is breaking.

It believes beyond believing…

when the world around condemns…

And it glows with all the beauty…

of the rarest, brightest gems.

It is far beyond defining…

it defies all explanation…

And it still remains a secret…

like the mysteries of creation.

A many splendoured miracle…

man cannot understand…

And another wondrous evidence…

of life’s tender guiding hand.

 

By Helen Steiner Rice

Newborn baby girl sleeping in fathers arms with mother looking on

To say I’ve been waiting years for this session would not be an understatement….you see this little love has been hoped and dreamed for for many years. A gift sent from her big sisters in heaven, born exactly two years to the day they gained their angel wings. Every sweet love I photograph is much wanted but some journey’s are so much more harrowing than other’s. The path some families have to walk just to hold their babies earthside fueled with infertility, doctors, procedures, needles and heartbreak. But here you are, safely in the arms of your beautiful parents and surrounded by all the love in the world. I have spent the last 9 months shopping up a storm and preparing for this very special session and today, all our dreams came true! I first photographed this gorgeous family when their little man was a newbie 4 years ago and today he brought his sweet new sister to the studio to capture some magic. A little filo princess that is beyond stunning, I’m sure you will all agree.

World….Meet Charlotte.x.

Newborn baby girl laying on purple blanket with purple knit layer and flower tiebackNewborn baby girl sleeping on purple blanket with purple knit layer and bonnetNow when we were preparing for Charlotte’s session her mumma and papa told me several times that she was a ‘unicorn’ baby…eat’s and sleeps, super laid back. I used to believe that this was what was often referred to as ‘second baby syndrome’…you know, they fit in with everything, super chilled, eat and sleep on the run because they have no choice with older siblings around. Then I had a second baby of my own and it was far from the truth lol…he still wakes and eats more frequently than some of my newborn clients lol! So then I thought maybe she is a unicorn? Although in my experience the families that are worried about their unsettled baby who doesn’t like to be naked or wrapped and how they will go during their session end up sleeping up a storm, and the family that comes in saying their bubba’s sleep through anything tend to choose the day of their newborn shoot to be awake for eleventy billion hours!

Alas…they were right, and all my theories were scrapped. Once she eye’d me off for a brief period of time she fell into the deepest slumber and I got through a bazillion set up’s…we even popped outside in between the rain! It was such a beautiful session and so lovely to give this family precious memories of this special time. Mumma asked for stunning pinks and purples, and oh did I oblige!

Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream bucket on white chair with pink wraps and blankets and knit bonnet with flowers in vase on white wooden floorNewborn baby girl sleeping in cane basket with purple wrap and blanket and tieback with purple flowers on white wooden floorNewborn baby girl sleeping on cream blanket with purple floral wrap and bow tiebackThe most perfect little features you ever did see…

Newborn baby girl sleeping in nest with flowers wearing pink mohair romper and matching wrap with flower haloNewborn baby girl sleeping in nest with flowers wearing pink mohair romper and matching wrap and lace mohair bear bonnetOh lordy, I shared a little live feed of this set up, did you see it? I know I always say this but I think this is my most favourite set up ever! I ordered this romper and bonnet set as well as the flower halo then made the mohair knit layer especially for Charlotte’s session and it was definitely everything I imagined and more.

Newborn baby girl wrapped in purple wrap on purple backdrop surrounded in circle of flowersA sweet little flower hand picked by her sisters in heaven.x.

Newborn baby sleeping in pink farmers basket with pink blanket and rainbow wrap and tieback with two pink butterflies on white wooden floorWe created this sweet set up to honour Charlotte’s sisters in heaven…two gorgeous butterflies watching over their baby sister, forever by her side and always in her heart.

Newborn baby girl sleeping in round wooden bowl with pink blanket and wrap and bow tieback laying garden surrounded by flowersI had a different shot in mind for this set up but with all the rain and storms around my gorgeous tree lost all its flowers…so we improvised and carried adorable sleeping Charlotte outside ( she was completely oblivious and didn’t even stir!) and set her amongst the stunning carpet of petals.

Newborn baby girl sleeping in cane basket with purple curly felt and wrap and tieback and flowers with sibling big brother sitting beside her on white wooden floor backdropDefinitely sure it doesn’t get sweeter than this…my heart nearly exploded and these aren’t even my bebe’s!!! I can’t believe how big Harrison is since I last saw him and he was the very best big brother pulling out all the one liners…”I love you baby sister, awww she is so sweet” and loads of smoochie kisses, just what every baby sister needs!

Newborn baby girl sleeping on wooden bed with pink blanket and romper and rainbow knit layer and rainbow prop on pink fur with rainbow tiebackThe storm it brought us darkness, we fought to weather it’s enormity, but you, my love are our rainbow. Not negating the storm but showing us there can be light after dark.
After every storm, there is a rainbow of hope.

I had this gorgeous rainbow custom made for Charlotte’s session from a stunning Australian vendor Rainbow Earthlings when it looked like it might not arrive in time, she quickly sent a replacement no questions asked and went above and beyond so magic could happen. I made the rainbow wrap and everything just fell into place.

Charlotte you are working magic to heal broken hearts and living on in honour of those that can not remain earthside.

Newborn baby girl wrapped in cream wrap with cream bow tieback being held by sibling big brother wearing blue button up shirt laying on cream furI just cant with these two…so much love.x.

Newborn baby girl sleeping in papas armsThere’s just something about a little girl safely snugged in her papa’s arms…she will never be this small, this new, this safe again.

Rebecca and Paul, today was definitely worth the wait. Thank you for allowing me the honour to capture your beautiful family again and for sharing in your journey along the way.

Harrison, you are the best big brother a tiny sister could hope for and I know she’s lucky you’ve got her back.

Charlotte..I’m crossing everything that you not only left good baby juju in the studio but maybe some leaked out into Emery’s room and the rest of my house and tonight we’ll all be sleeping up a storm too! Thank you for being your beautiful, serene and sweet self.

 

 

 

 

 

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What’s better than one boy…

well I’d say it’s two…

Adding to our family…

a life that is new…

One more little boy…

to join us with glee…

A little brother, a son…

For our family.

I was so excited to have today’s gorgeous boy in the studio today, and I think with just day’s left to go for 2019, he has been my last little bubba for the year. Now I last saw this beautiful family when I photographed their first little man almost 4 years ago to this day. Their now big boy Jesse had his session on his 99th day after a huge fight in the NICU being born at just 26 weeks. And now what a treat to see this family grow again adding a new, healthy term boy to their tribe! I was super spoiled today, their little man slept up a storm and was so settled and happy, and even big brother was the perfect angel in the studio!

World…Meet Kody.x.

Newborn baby boy sleeping on blue blanketNewborn baby boy sleeping on blue blanket with blue wrap and knit bonnetKody had the most divine little whirl of hair on the top of his head and the sweetest little features.

Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden bed with green blanket and blue wrap and pillow on white wooden floorNewborn baby boy sleeping in wooden bed with green blanket and blue wrap and pillow on white wooden floorThat gorgeous little smile and a stunning gallery filled with green’s and blues….

Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket with blue wrap and bonnetNewborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket with blue wrap

Look at that pout….

Newborn baby boy sleeping in cane basket with green knit layer and wrap and bear bonnet on green furI shared a little live feed of this set up…did you catch it? How stunning is this green and that little bear snuggled up there…perfect!Newborn baby boy sleeping in round cane basket with blue blanket and wrap on white wooden floorI love this pose as it makes me think about how this tiny guy was squished up in his mumma’s tummy just a mere days ago…I love to remember them this small.

Newborn baby boy sleeping in cream bucket with blue wrap and blanket and bonnet on white wooden floorNewborn baby boy sleeping wrapped in blue wrap being held by sibling big brother in blue tshirt on blue feltAnd last but by no means least….the most adorable little brother team you ever did see…I just cant with these two! What lucky mumma’s to have such gorgeous boys.

Kody, I hope you left some sleepy dust in the studio for all the 2020 babies to follow you…you really were divine and such a good boy.

Jesse…is it possible you are even cuter than last time I saw you? Even if you did drop chippies all over my floor 😉

Sam and Lesa, it was so lovely to see you both again and watch your little family grow. Welcome to the the two kid family club. Solidarity sisters…lol!

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Oh brother of mine, I love you with glee…

Your kisses & cuddles, I know you love me…

But sometimes your snuggles are rougher you see…

Your pinching & pulling so vigorously…

The way that you love me oh brother of mine…

Sometimes it’s tough, sometimes it’s fine…

But you are my twin, half of my being…

I can’t imagine life, without even seeing…

You by my side, to hold to my hand…

To support me & love me as long as we stand…

My brother I love you, the good & the bad…

As long as we’re together, I’ll never be sad.

Oh my lordy, today these gorgeous boy’s were back in the studio and it was all kinds of adorable! I can’t believe they were last in the studio 8mths ago! Time really does fly. There were some smiles, some serious side eye and loads of brotherly love, good and bad! Milestone sessions are always a hoot…lots of silly faces, dancing and hopping around mad from the grown ups! Sometimes it helps and we get loads of adorable faces…sometimes it’s just all serious and furrowed brows. Today…we had a bit of part A and a bit of part B!!! But lots of sweet pictures were captured and it was so lovely to see them again!

World…Edward & Arthur are 8mths!

Newborn twin boys wrapped in baby blue blanket in wooden bowl on white wooden floor with blue blanket and same set up with 8 month old boysMy favourite part about milestone sessions is seeing just how much these sweet guys have grown!

Newborn twin boys sleeping in wooden crate wrapped in tan wraps with tan blanket and tan knitting layer on white wooden floor and same set up as 8 month old baby boysIt was a tight squeeze and there may have been some pinching and poking…and tears!

Newborn twin boys sleeping in cane rectangle basket with mint blanket and wrap on white wooden floor and same set up as 8 month old boysThis gorgeous colour was one of mumma’s favourite set ups last time too! I think the boys agreed?

Newborn twin boys sleeping on blue blanket with blue wrap and same set up as 8 month old boysNawwww snuggled up together teeny tiny and now look how big they are!

Newborn twin boys sleeping in round basket with olive blanket and wrap and bonnet on olive backdrop and same set up as 8 month old baby boysAnd this colour was my favourite from their session…only made better by two cheeky characters and those cheeky bare tooshies!

Newborn twin boys sleeping in cane basket with cream grey and tan blankets and wraps on white wooden floor wearing knit rompers and bear bonnets and same set up as 8 month old boysThese boys were so divine today…such a fun age and so good to see them again! I love watching all your bubba’s grow in their first year. Have you booked your milestone session yet?

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Our new baby boy is a gift beyond measure…

A wonder to hold and a lifetime to treasure…

With ten perfect fingers and ten tiny toes…

Two bright eyes and a cute little nose…

This soft little one is a bundle of love…

A beautiful boy…sent from above…

His life is a miracle…filled with pure joy…

What a blessing to welcome our own little boy.

 

Oh my goodness, today’s little guy was absolutely divine…the sweetest little personality and full of the most gorgeous smiles (none for the camera of course!!!) When his mumma got in touch she was so worried she had missed out on getting photo’s of her little man. You see when he was born and in that ‘newborn’ stage…well life got in the way and they were super busy just lovin on their bubba. But…before you know it, four months had passed and they were regretting not making the time! Luckily we managed to make some magic happen today and captured some gorgeous shots of this perfect stage too. He arrived asleep and we madly tried to snuggle him up to get some sleepy shots but turns out laying in a strange room in a basket with your arms tucked up isn’t as appealing as one would think! But awake was just as special and it was so lovely to see him in all his cuteness! I am so glad these guys didn’t miss out all together. I absolutely got lost in this sweet boys ginormous big eye’s, long lashes and pouty lips…boy’s always get all the stunning features, right? Anyway…stop going on and just share the pic’s hey?

World…Meet Jake.x.

Baby boy sleeping in cane basket wearing blue romper with blue blanket and pillow on white wooden floorBaby boy sleeping in cane basket wearing blue romper with blue blanket and pillow on white wooden floorNow I did say they were the most amazing eye’s…I’m right hey? Mumma asked for a gallery of grey blues to go with these stunning eye’s and I had such fun picking out these gorgeous set ups.baby boy sleeping on grey blanket wearing grey romper and grey bonnetJake had the best smiles ever…and lots for me…but as soon as that scary black camera came up he tucked them away! Luckily I managed to capture a few sneaky one’s!Baby boy sleeping on blue fur with blue wrapBaby boy in blue romper on blue blanket wearing knit bear bonnetHe wasn’t too sure about my bonnets but this had to be done…cute alert!!Baby boy in cane basket wearing grey romper with grey blanket and curly felt on white wooden floor holding knit bear with bonnetBaby boy in cane basket wearing grey romper with grey blanket and curly felt on white wooden floor Baby boy in blue romper in wooden trencher with jute layer and blue blanket on wooden floorHe was contemplating sleep here…not sure why he didn’t want to sleep in my wooden bowl?baby boy on grey blanket wearing grey romper Baby boy laying on grey fur nakedAnd of course we had to end the session with some cute little baby bootie…and I’m excited to say, there were no ‘accidents’ either!

Oh baby Jake you are so divine and welcome in the studio any time.

Four months is such a sweet age to capture, please don’t sit at home all sad thinking you’ve missed your chance at pictures cause there is all kinds of gorgeous at all the stages. Did you miss out on ‘newborn’ photo’s? Get in touch today, I’d love to hear from you.x.

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