52/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: warming himself in the sun, giggling uncontrollably as I tickle his belly (with my toes).

Poet: a special ice-cream treat at Mama and Popa's house

2 children, 52 weeks, 104 photos. 

I think the beauty of this project is discovered in retrospect; when you look back and realise that regardless of how fast and busy the year was, there were so many little moments that were quiet and precious and memorable. They mean so much more to me that the big events because they're honest reflections of everyday life.

At the start of the year I promised myself that I would take as many candid portraits as I could. I wanted to take the time to be in the now, observe the moment and, if possible, capture it on camera. There were many moments that never made it into this space; but the 104 that did, they are pictures I will always cherish - because they tell our story. 

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Congratulations, friends! 52/52 is quite an achievement. I'll be back next Sunday with 1/52...will you be joining me?

51/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: tired, exhausted and hot but still, the fairy lights intrigue.

Poet: standing in my childhood bedroom, admiring herself in the mirror.

Portraits imbued with a festive touch (and matching pouty lips). 

I'm going to keep this post simple - I'm tired, there's lots of Christmassy things to do and time away from the internet is much needed. I'll be back next week with 52/52 and then.....well, come early January you'll notice some significant changes in this space; changes that have come from months of planning and redesigning. I'll explain the full story soon but rest assured, the essence of this blog will stay the same, even if it looks very different. 

I hope you and your families have a beautiful, heartwarming Christmas. May it be simple and joyous; a celebration of togetherness and gratitude. Thank you so much for everything you have shared throughout the year - your encouragement, advice and beautiful portraits. 

In love and Christmas light, Jodi x

52 | the ones that got away

To be honest, I didn't have time to go through all my 2013 photos and pick a few "outtake" portraits. But curiosity got the better of me so I strolled through the year and subsequently saw these photos in a new light - a very nostalgic one. 

I have no idea why these shots didn't make it into 52; obviously other portraits were more meaningful to me at the time. Sometimes I get caught up in the beauty of the shot, at other times I choose a portrait because of the moment I captured or the emotion it conjures. 

Looking through these outtakes and all the shots that made up 52 this year....well, I'm just so grateful that I persevered. I'm proud of this project.

ps. thanks to Claire for suggesting this "outtake" idea...

50/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: goodness, what a masculine stance. 

Poet: on tip-toes as she looks out the window.

I'm getting a little nostalgic now. Only two portraits to go and then we're back to the beginning. Claire had a great idea earlier this week and I'd love to bring it to fruition. We were talking about all the portraits that got away; the ones that weren't chosen because others seemed more fitting. So, on Wednesday, I'll be writing a post titled: "52 / the ones that got away" - there'll be a link, too, so feel free to add your own post. 

I'm excited to tell you that the "52" button for 2014 is currently being designed by melbourne-based artist The Paper Pinwheel. It features muted ocean-inspired colours and a touch of distinctly Australian flora. I'll be able to share it with you in the next week so make sure you leave a little room on your sidebar.

You may have also noticed that I'm currently running a giveaway to win a $200 voucher to Minted - a company that creates beautiful photo cards, art prints and personalised stationery. It's open to readers worldwide so feel free to enter...perhaps it will be one way you can use some of your 52 portraits.

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I adore Yellow Finch's perspective and I especially love these shots - especially the piano portrait! / I love everything about these portraits; happy faces, warmth and that blanket / I wholeheartedly understand the "need to get the last sip" determination / I always love a diptych and I especially like the 'railing' perspective in these portraits / and finally, haircut time - always cute (and a little bit funny!). 

49/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: a very quiet moment (ISO 100, f1.8, 1/640)

Poet: she's got fire in her belly and determination in her eyes (ISO 100, f2.2, 1/640th)

Another unplanned diptych that may just go down as my favourite of the year. Summer light in the late afternoon/early evening; Christmas hues of eucalyptus green and a hint of red. I've fallen hard for the canon - so many possibilities. 

Look back through your photos and you'll notice; you captured a portrait of the seasons, too. Where colours changed, clothes got lighter/heavier and the light threw yellow, blue and green. 

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I loved the colours in Clio's portrait; matte black against hues of cool green and blue / little Chloe and a magical background / silhouette's always please me and this one of Nico is so sweet with the sheer curtain / again, I'm besotted with the colours of the landscape against the bright pop of children's clothes; opposites, just like these brothers / and my friend Claire, always capturing the most stunning scenes; depth and light and beauty. 

48/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: the biggest daydreamer I know. Here he is on the way to the school's Christmas concert (ISO 800, f1.6, 1/800th)

Poet: she has all-of-a-sudden embraced all things fairy and pretty. I'm kinda liking it (ISO 800, f1.6, 1/5000th)

Friends, after these portraits there's only four to go. Can you believe it?

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There was an abundance of inspiring portraits this week; testament to the way you have all developed an eye for seeing and capturing an emotive, beautiful image. I chose the following because, quite simply, they are joyous.

This image is rather unforgettable - that window, her face, little pink shoes! / Katie captured Sophie and Henry in natural, candid moments; these photos are imbued with a sense of nostalgia / one of my favourite portraits of the year - Elsa dancing in the kitchen / colour, light and bubbles; summer is just around the corner for Poppy and Tully / and little Owynn; snuggled under a handmade quilt, his little legs in supta buddha konasana (I mentioned this yoga asana here - it's a brilliant pose for rest). 

47/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: first out the door and off to a local film festival (ISO 3200, f2.5, 1/250th)

Poet: reaching, reaching (ISO 100, f2.2, 1/320th)

Perhaps it was fate but only days after I wrote this post Daniel and I found an almost-new Canon 5D mkiii online for a good price. We ummed and ahhed and finally took the leap. The gf1 will still be the camera I carry around each day but the canon...well, it's time to start taking photos on a professional level; for pregnant women, families and businesses. 

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Oh Audrey, you have the sweetest face and bed hair / little Penny on the train; pretty as can be / quite serious but always gorgeous, Maile / portraits by Jane Mabel always impress / and Grace and Tom - oh my, Ali is one talented photographer. 

46/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: when he daydreams he has a habit of blowing air into his cheeks. (ISO 400, f1.7, 1/160th)

Poet: she must take a bag with her wherever we go. Also, she has really long legs. (ISO 100, f1.7, 1/500th)

Since writing about my camera, I (actually it was Daniel's idea) thought it might be helpful to post my camera settings with each portrait. It gives you an idea of the three main factors when shooting manual: ISO, aperture and shutter speed. You will see over the next few weeks that ISO is either 100 (for outside) or 400 (for inside) and my aperture usually stays at 1.7 (I sometimes go up to 2.2 if it's a really sunny day). Shutter speed is the element that changes the most, going anywhere from 1/100th (for a dark space) to 1/4000th (when shooting in midday sun). This may sound like gobbledygook but I'm hoping to post a little more about manual settings in the next few weeks to assist those of you who want to learn more about shooting on manual.

Also, apologies for this late post. Our internet has been off since a wild storm on Saturday night so I'm currently using my phone to post this. I'll be back to posting my favourite 5 portraits next week. 

45/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: a big handful of popcorn for afternoon tea.

Poet: She pulls this face whenever she's in trouble; it makes disciplining her very hard. 

Our next door neighbours recently moved out and didn't want to take their trampoline with them. It now resides in our backyard and every afternoon we head down there with crayons, an art book and some snacks. Lucky for me the light is particularly special at the time.

I do love this diptych - eyes closed in b+w.

44/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: a single moment and there he is; the teenager.

Poet: hiding under her new hat, looking very "little house"

I got a bit of a shock when I saw this photo of Che on the screen. So long-limbed, his features more defined. I think he's almost outgrown this space.

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I always love a portrait framed by a doorway and this one is perfect / a sweet gaze accompanied by a precious conversation between mother and daughter / a portrait of a room - Bella and Gabby are surrounded by beauty / the sweetest (and most accomplished) butterfly catcher I know / and golden happiness - just look at all that autumnal goodness.

43/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: there was only one ice-block left so we hid in the garden and he savoured every. last. bite.

Poet: Perched on a step stool, this will always be her spot at the table.

A few months ago I was asked to write a piece about motherhood for papier mache magazine. The current issue features my story and I thought I'd share it here with you. No doubt you'll understand my sentiments. 

Child Nostalgia

There's a common saying amongst mothers, first coined by writer Gretchen Rubin in her book The Happiness Project: “The days are long, but the years are short.” Indeed, our days of mothering babies and young children can be tiring and messy; a cycle of washing, settling, cleaning and playing. Sometimes they’re monotonous and seemingly endless. But then, without so much as a blink, the sleepless nights and mornings at the park are over, and we’re sending our children off to school, hesitantly cutting the metaphorical cord once again.

I regarded 2012 as The Year Before My First-born Went to School. We were holidaying in the country when the New Year rang in, living in an old school house with heavy doors, panelled windows and musical floorboards. On New Years Day, Che, my four-year-old, scraped his toe whilst running barefoot outside. He came into the house, perched himself on a chair, and asked for a band-aid. He was adamant that he was going to fix it all by himself so I stood back, stayed silent, and took a photo. It became the first of 52 portraits - one for every week in 2012. 

I set about taking my children’s portraits as a way of documenting their fleeting childhood. I wanted tangible evidence of their growth and expansion; an honest account of their young, innocent lives. I took photos of Che sitting hesitantly on the side of the pool, hiding from the camera; his shadow an eerie replica, the twiddling of his toes - a family trait. Poet was all round and soft in her first photo and as the year progressed I watched her limbs grow longer, her face more defined, her independence evolve. There are photos of her inquisitive eyes, her cheeky demeanor, and her top-knot; an unportrait of sorts that I’d probably nominate as my favourite. 

As 2012 came to a close I had 104 portraits - a story of Che and Poet’s year. Imbued in each image is my story too; a tale of motherhood with all its exhaustion, frustration, joy and palpable, immeasurable love. It’s a documentation of ordinary days that I wanted to remember because they were beautiful - an odd collection of singular moments that would have otherwise gone unnoticed amidst the general busyness of life. Even when the days were too long to enjoy I can see, in retrospect, that they were a blessing. 

Beyond the story of this portrait collection lies a strange reality; I look through it and experience a profound sense of nostalgia for my children’s younger selves. I already miss them! I miss them with a longing that only a mother’s heart knows; it’s deep and raw and acts as a beautiful reminder: to stop, observe and document. 

I’m still taking their photos - once a week, every week, in 2013. 

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I was so taken by these portraits (and the big sky) that it took me a while to realise that it's a park on a beach! Dream come true / all alight in the river - so very beautiful / it's all in the eyes and these siblings look so alike / three Js and three very different personalities / and finally, a portrait that candidly captures the deep, indescribable joy of family. Welcome, Milinh. 

42/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: tantrum under the doona (on washing day). 

Poet: her hair is getting wilder and knottier - I have no idea what to do with it.

That number up there can only mean one thing - there's 10 weeks till the New Year. Only 10 more photos and you and I will both have a beautiful documentation of the year. I suppose the question is: are you planning on doing it again next year?

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A big welcome to the gorgeous Tallow, a "pillar of strength" for her parents / Milina's shots of the everyday are inspiring in their simplicity. See? - normality is beautiful / autumn, sunshine and giggly children - Kirsty's glorious days / oh! a portrait shadow / moody blues and greys and two sweet little ones. 

41/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: afternoon siesta with his beloved Dad

Poet: renaissance girl (in her printebebe smock that was an absolute godsend when the sun and mosquitoes were out).

After a month in Bali we are home...sweet home. We flew into Sydney early Friday morning and walked in the door just before lunch, blessed to have travelled safe and made lasting memories. I took, quite literally, thousands of photos and I look forward to scrolling through them all, gathering stories and sharing them with you. 

And by the way, I appreciate that you're still visiting me here, what with my relatively non-existent blogging form over the last while. Enjoy your Sunday (next week I'll be back to posting my favourite portraits) x

40/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: waiting patiently for his favourite Bali drink - strawberry juice! 

Poet: she has taken full advantage of no carseats and prefers to travel with the window down, waving at kids on scooters. 

I have so many more photos to share from our travels and whilst I have had long stretches of free time I haven't wanted to be online. I knew before I left home that I needed a good break from the laptop; time away from blog world was a necessity. We return home in a week and I plan to ease slowly back into normality, imbuing home and life with a little (or a lot) of what we've learnt here. 

39/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: in the bungalow, looking older and wiser (he turns 6 tomorrow)

Poet: early morning on the edge of the rice field

Each morning we rise at 6am to the sound of hindu prayers echoing over the rice fields. Come 6pm we hear the prayers again; the children finish their dinner, shower and then fall asleep under the cocoon of a mosquito net. 

38/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: early morning on the streets of Ubud.

Poet: she will climb every set of steps, no caution in this land of uneven surfaces

This post is late, I know, but I'm on Bali time. We've been here a week now; soaking in the sounds and the scents, moving slowly through the humidity. There will be a photos soon but for now it's back to the daybed with a book and a glass of lime, mint and honey juice (nothing quite like a Bali juice!).

37/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: long hair and exhaustion signals the end of term (he's waiting for his lift to the school disco)

Poet: her smile, giggles and affection have been so comforting this past week; she's such a happy soul (her sweet top is from printebebe) 

These portraits so aptly capture the children's personalities - the serious one and the joyous/cheeky one. 

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Oh sweet Josephine and her sticks - I love the soft light and that stunning backdrop / Lucy and her pink bow and that first sunset / little boy mastering the kayak - water like glass / Stella, her chubby cheeked baby brother and a smattering of colour for good measure / and finally, like father like son - beautiful moment, perfect light. 

36/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: Back to swimming lessons and keeping his feet up. 

Poet: Hot and rosy-cheeked after a big bike ride. 

A watery diptych on a spring day that felt very much like mid-summer. 

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As we move into Spring I'm noticing the rich, deep tones of autumn in the north...like Elsa in the evening / perfect composition and the prettiest of colours - Hattie in a field of lavender / three stunning portraits by Lou, precious everyday moments captured / colour and quirk - love these portraits / and ringlets and tippy-toes - beautiful little Chloe. 

35/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: in his room, gumboots still on, enthralled in a book - an everyday occurrence (as seen in 2012). 
Poet: a beetroot juice moustache, wet sleeves and messy curls...but she loves to 'wash' the dishes (in the same spot earlier this year). 

A few weeks ago I wrote about my intention to capture the children in the home. I wanted to be the passer-by documenting them at their most comfortable, in the home that they have grown up in. But we can have intentions as photographers and often they only come to fruition when we're not trying, when we least expect it. It was only when I was editing these photos (I use Lightroom) that I realised what I had captured: Che in his bedroom, Poet in the kitchen, a b+w diptych celebrating the beautiful mess of home and the little people who live there. These are my favourite portraits of the year; for their honesty and simplicity.

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It seems I'm all about windows this week as these three portraits impressed / as did this one, with added reflection and a flamingo swimsuit! / and then there were Limi and Claya dressed as flamingos and sitting in a light-filled vintage suitcase - muted pinks and browns are beautiful / like looking through a window...walking hand-in-hand with a picturesque town beyond / and finally, toddler + paint + vintage sheet = happiness. 

34/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: aka Tin Tin at his first Book Week parade. 

Poet: on what will probably be the last cold day of winter (spring has come early) she slowly peels a mandarin near the school gate.

Once Che had paraded around the playground with his classmates (fairies, ladybugs, ninjas, robots and Pippi) he sat back in his chair to watch the rest of the parade. Poet begged to join him so we weaved through the crowd of parents and I watched her climb over seats to get to him. What happened next made my heart melt. Sibling love is a precious thing:

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This photo made me excited for all the pool time we'll get in Bali / nothing quite as sweet as the littlest in the big bed (love the all-white linen) / sweet Cecily sleeping soundly on pretty floral sheets / little boy loves the beach (and how gorgeous are his check overalls?!) / a b+w diptych and that library shot - one of my favourites from the entire year.