SMIZE (adj) Smiling with your eyes

Having the discipline to blog everyday is definitely a trait I admire.   Most who know me know I do like to talk, probably a bit much at times.  However there has been numerous occasions that I sit staring blankly at my keypad in a trance with nothing to say..... as mentioned previously........very rare!!! Jasmine  Star is a fine tuned machine when it comes to blogging!!!  She is not only a master at the typed word but also very diligent at making sure her millions of blog readers are satisfied daily with her charm, wit and talent.  Recently I was very lucky to have Jasmine visit NZ for a workshop.  Prior to the workshop we went walking to 'scope' out some spots for the photo session we would be holding the next day.  Whilst strolling around the streets of Christchurch, Jasmine took some shots yours truly.  Being on the other side of the camera was horrifying and utterly foreign, I felt like a complete idiot for the first two minutes until my inner Gisele came oozing out and then I thought I was all that and a bag of chips... Jasmine's ability to make me GREAT was amazing, and I can honestly say it was fabulous!!  So where are these photos you ask???  No laughing!!!  http://www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=749&fiona-andersen-new-zealand-photographer

And here is day 9.   Again I have to put 2 photos up just because she's still cute!!!

Ready set go!!

I knew 2010 was going to be a goody.  The year has already started fabulously and I know its going to continue to do so.  I do wish however that this year hangs around a lot longer than last.    I really do love what I do and I am humbled beyond belief from all the well wishes and encouragement.  I didn't have a lot growing up, encouragement that is, but thats another story and a whole lot of therapy.  So from the bottom of my very humble heart, THANK YOU, to everyone that visits wether you comment or not, your presence is felt and I appreciate it.  So day 8 here it is.... shock horror its a picture of the girls!!!!  And two shots as I couldn't resist!!!

Three times a charm

It was a sunny day, I was nervous, but well versed.  I had been through it twice before.  Perhaps thats why I was so scared?  I knew what to expect.  Tonni held my hand, really tight, because I told him he HAD to, and of course he did.  They wheeled me into the sterile room full of masked men and woman.  Even though I couldn't see their mouths I could see their eyes and I knew they were smiling.  "are you ready to meet your baby?" 1 year ago today Quinn Penelope Andersen and I met for the first time.  Her big eyes stared at me with recognition, her soul screaming I know you and were going to love each other forever.

Happy birthday darling girl.  May you forever be happy.  And instead of the cake shot, I had to sneak in for the sleepy shot.  I guess I didn't want to miss any of the day whilst she was awake.

Its all because of him

As the title says, it is all about him.  He, who has been with me through thick and thin, he, who accepts me for who I am, he, who hugs me when I cry, he who rolls his eyes when I ask if Motorbikes have to do the same speed limit as cars (yes I did ask that question)  I love him more today than I did yesterday, if thats even possible.  He is my soul mate the person that I was meant to be with for eternity. I cherish him and thank him (via the world wide web) for all the support and love that he has shown me in the last decade.  If not for him, none of this would be possible.  He keeps me kind and for that I am grateful.  He loves me back and for that I am grateful.  He makes me laugh and for that I am grateful.  But most importantly he gave me 3 beautiful girls and for that I am grateful and so very blessed.

And if not for him this Tuesday would not have been possible.

I got to hang with two of the most amazing, kind, beautiful (like totally, stunningly beautiful) people I have had the pleasure of meeting.  Not only are they perfect they are also humble and so so talented.

After a small amount of pleading, many months ago, Jasmine and her husband JD took a very long flight to NZ and took a chance on me and this lovely country we call NZ, to share their talent and inspiration to a group of very 'in awe' photographers (me included).  I do not know where to begin or how to say thank you enough.

Jasmine, your talent inspires, amazes me.  Your words make me cry.... go figure.  You truly make me want to be a better person and of course photographer.  THANK YOU xxx

To the vendors

Louise Anderson - thank you for being so god damn good at making dresses.  The gowns were beautiful and I thank you from my soul!!!

Melanie Brown -   Thank you to Portfolio Modeling agency!!  You could not have sent better models.  They were all so so perfect and I can't say thank you enough!!!

Kristen Stewart - Gennady was perfect and an amazing makeup artist.  Thank you for sticking around for the touch ups you were truly great!!!

Mod's hair - The hair was stunning and again I am so so grateful.  Thank you.

Working Style -  You seriously could not ask for better vendors to supply some of the best suits available in New Zealand.  Outstandingly stunning thank you, thank you!!!

And lastly a MASSIVE thank you to the models.  If not for them it wouldn't have been as successful as it was.

Brad, Katy, Leon and Anna.  It was awesome to work with you and I wish you all the best for the future!!

So of course I want to share some shots of the day.

Hullllo, two posts in one day!!!

Yep the resolutions are already being jeopardized... I am posting day two on day two.  I did however (silly me) post day one on day two hence the double posts... make sense... a bit like a Dr Seuss story line but you get the drift... anyhow day two..... TAAAA DAAAA

A photo a day.... what a splendid idea

I begin the year with many a new year resolution, like most, keep fit (oh I mean get fit), be nicer to people, getting out of pj's before midday ,brush my teeth more often, floss, ra de ra de ra. There are a few personal resolutions that I keep quietly to myself, the ones I know will mean nothing to anyone else, however to me accomplishing those resolutions will make me a better person/wife/friend/mother.   Last year I challenged myself to take a picture each day over the period of a month.  Much to the horror of my family AKA my models, I am going to strive to do it again over the month of January.  I will post the 'photo of the day' each day here as well as client sessions etc, so I anticipate my blog to be full of lots of pics.

I hope everyone will enjoy my daily creative exercises as much as I will enjoy deciding on what to snap!!!  Bring on the ideas!!!!

Also if any brides to be are reading this post and wondering where my wedding gallery has gone..... stay tuned a few changes will be appearing over the next month or so, so be sure to check back.

SOOOOO here is the beautiful Marnie who just happens to be my first photo of the challenge

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!

Make time for the sweet things in life

Cupcakes and chocolate seem to be the backbone for this post.... a little history of my week.  Being a lover and hater of all things bad for you, I am always beyond thrilled when I find a gem or two in my immediate vicinity!!!  This weekend I was invited to display my wares at a local expo involving women in business.... fabulous... whilst setting up my rather normal display, my eye was suddenly drawn to a distant table at the other side of the room.... I lean in to get a closer look and spy, not one, not two, but three, beyond beautiful displays beckoning me.  Now if you know me well enough you will be very aware that will power does not exist in my makeup so when I realized the stands were full of the most AMAZING cupcakes, chocolate and cookies... They  had me at "hi".  So not only did I visit the stand once but I think 6 times.. perhaps more... making up some stupid excuse that my children would be here and needed to pick their own... I'll just look for them!!!  In reality I was in awe at these delicate morsels and how much love and passion had gone into creating each piece.... needless to say I brought something from each stand... no surprises there!! Ladies if your reading this, can I just say that I will be telling everyone and anyone to make sure they visit your stores/sites and sample some pure heaven!!  Sadly (due to drool) my shots of the cupcakes just didn't do them justice so rather than me showing you I think everyone should check out these gals themselves.

http://www.xocolatl.co.nz/ DIVINE

www.creativecookiecompany.co.nz YUMMMM

Cup Cake Collection  her website is not up and running as yet.

And because the light was perfect, I took my cupcake companions (aka the children) out for a mini... sit still please...session!!!

xxx

We do it every day

Looking back through some old files.... yeah like I have time to edit those.  I found  a few goodies that I put on hold for a rainy day.   My rainy days are very far and few between, so even though its midnight and I only managed to get half of what I need to get done.... HELLO 2am.... I am still going to post a shot which screams deep breath, deep breath.  Today was frantic and in between chatting on the phone with some wonderful people, feeding the indians (AKA THE KIDS) kissing the indians, bathing the indians, spending time shooting one of the cutest newborns... (photos to come later) and feeding the very very annoying lamb... sorry Rose... I found myself staring at the following shot, almost able to smell the sea air.. and then I realized I need to take a deep breath and just breath... the dishes will wait (well I secretly hope my husband does them but that could be pushing it!!)

Outside my square

So sometimes I need to challenge myself and find a spot inside myself that screams different.  This shot is my inner voice yelling at me to go ahead and try.  Wether that voice is right or wrong is beyond me as I have stared at it far too long.... My feelings are neutral, but hey why not shove it up for the masses and let everyone else decide. Hopefully someone out there will find it interesting.... someone???????