His Daddy Is Defence Force - Baby Boy Newborn Portrait Session.

Patricia and Tom are part of the family here. They have been coming for many years and I have been honoured to photograph all 3 of their children as babies, for Easter, Christmas, their Family and Maternity portraits and soon the girls are coming in for Fairy Portraits. We are such old friends now that when these guys come in, we think about ordering in a pizza or two - we KNOW we are going to be chatting and laughing for hours.

In the lead up to baby number 3 - darling little Charlie, Tom and I were discussing how we could incorporate some of his Australian Defence Force items into little Charlie's newborn portraits. We had a few ideas about using Tom's dogtags, boots and hat...and then...we started talking about his camo pants, specifically the side pocket...we had an idea...but it was going to require a whole lot of co-operation from an exceptional baby. Our plan was set - I told Patricia and Tom that all they had to do now was bring me the perfect baby (I don't ask for much!!) - and somehow, they did.

This little man was a star, so squishy and sleepy. There are not too many baby's that could sleep through being put in the pocket of his Daddy's cams but it was a perfect, cosy fit for little Charlie and he did not stir once! Hi Mummy was on hand to keep him nice and safe as well but this little guy was as safe as a boy can be with his Daddy.

He was happy to pose just about anywhere for us, he truly was an amazing baby to work with...that may just have something to do with how amazing his Mum and Dad are too!

He even managed to crack out a gorgeous smile for us.

Thank you for sharing your family with me, Tom and Patricia, I always adore seeing you all and watching your family grow.

Til next time

Alicia xxx

Newborn Portrait Sessions by Alicia Birch.

We have been blessed with some of the most beautiful babies and magic moments. I thought I would share a few of our Newborn Portrait sessions with this video. Enjoy!

Newborn Portrait Session - 13 Day Old Baby Boy.

We were so excited to meet this little man! I photographed his sister when she was new - I always find it such a thrill to watch a family grow.

Eli is the youngest of 4 kids but he was quite the big boy, born - nearly 11 lbs! He has the most adorable cheeks...you know the sort you just want to smooch? Well he has those and I did my share of smooching I can tell you :)

Is there anything more precious than a newborn smile? Not in my book!

For a big guy, he was able to curl up so tight and snug and he liked the idea of having a nice, warm spot for a sleep.

So very sweet and I loved catching up with his Mum, Dad, brothers and sisters. Thank you for coming, it was fantastic to see you all again!

Cheers

Alicia xxx

How to Style your Newborn Portrait Session - 8 Day Old Baby Girl.

The first time I met Andy and Nicola was about 2 weeks before their gorgeous baby girl Olivia was born. These guys are friends with some of our other clients (as so many of you are - I love that!) and they wanted to come in and meet up and have a chat about the styling of their newborn portraits and I am so glad that they did! A lovely couple who were so excited and had fantastic plans to decorate their home with Olivia's wall portraits.

We talked about colours and styles...Nicola and I had a great time looking through all the wraps, hats and props and by the end of our conversation, we had decided on colours that would complement their home and styling that they absolutely loved. I have to say, Andy was fantastic throughout the process and certainly had plenty of input as well - I usually expect Dad's to glaze over when we are doing that girly, design type thing, but he stayed strong - good work Dad!

Olivia came in at just 8 days old and she was another that just stole my heart. Tiny, delicate, gorgeous smoooshable lips, perfect skin - oh heavenly! Nicola and Andy had also brought along a throw rug that matched perfectly with their decor at home and that was our starting point for this gorgeous baby girl.

And sometimes (as anyone with a baby knows) things don't always go to plan! Our gorgeous baby girl happily slept her way through several different poses on this set....and then...that was it! She was awake. And none to happy about going back to sleep....it happens sometimes...and you know what? That's ok. What can you do? Say "Hey gorgeous baby girl, we have a plan and you have to do your part" and then sulk about it all!!! Uummmm not going to happen. So what did we do? We simply arranged to come back a couple of days later - and she was amazing.

Nicola and Andy were kind enough to send me a photo of their Wall Display once it had been hung in their home and I am over the moon with how well it fits in with their home decor. Doesn't it look fantastic?

Thank you to Nicola and Andy for sharing their gorgeous new baby girl with me, you were all so wonderful to work with and I am so happy that you are a part of our little family here! Thank you also to your friends that were kind enough to recommend us to you -  and for recommending us to your friends as well! It never ceases to amaze and thrill me just how many of our clients know each other and I am so grateful to all of you that are kind enough to share your friends with us. Sometimes its like a big get together here!

Olivia is so beautiful and I hope you love your newborn portraits and much as I do guys! I look forward to seeing you and your beautiful girl soon.

Til next time,

Alicia xxx

Newborn Baby Boy - 10 Day Old Aston

We adore all of our families and Geoffrey, Kelly and Aston are really special to us. You see, Geoffrey's Dad is mates with my Father in Law...they both do excavations and have known each other for many years. Going back a couple of years Geoffrey and Kelly asked us to photograph their wedding day celebrations. Now, during our meetings, Kelly and I got talking and it turns out - I know her Mum and Dad...(who knew!!!) - from 20 years ago! Talk about 6 degree's of separation! It's alive and well right here!

Just before Christmas last year, Kelly called me to book in for our Santa's Workshop Sessions in 2013....hang on a second - that can only mean one thing! Yes, Kelly and Geoff were expecting a new baby boy and he was due to arrive in March! Honestly - I could barely wait to meet this little man.

Aston came in at 10 days new for his Newborn Portrait Session and he was simply divine. One of those babies that sleeps perfectly, hardly ever cries - yes, I can hear plenty of Mums cursing with jealousy...Kelly and Geoff are blessed with such a perfect little boy.

Kelly is super creative and she had decorated the baby's room in gorgeous bright colours and I was excited to see that she had brought along the letters that make up his name on his nursery wall. On top of that - Geoff had found the BEST little Tonka Tip Truck that they wanted to include in Astons portrait session. Oh yeah - this was exciting! Knowing the family (both sides) like I do, I was aware that Kelly's Mum and Dad have Tilt Trays and Trucks and Geoff's Dad has Tippers - I love working with props that have meaning for the family, it makes the images even more special.

So while we were preparing the set, I was looking for something that I could use to prop up the letters of Aston's name....Geoff who happens the be a carpenter had his work truck here and had a fantastic idea. The spirit level! You can see it there behind the letters and it fits in perfectly in every way!

I adore this little man with his Dad's hand on him, keeping him safe.

And here is Kelly and Geoffrey's gorgeous Wall Portrait display in their home. It looks absolutely beautiful and I am so proud to have played a part in the special milestone moments in their lives - my heart skips a beat every time I look at this.

Thank you Kelly and Geoff. While we are all about making memories for our clients (friends), you guys and all our clients, whether you know it or not, are also creating wonderful moments and memories for us here. Being able to share these special times with you means the world to Miss Mel and I. Your little man is so precious, thank you for being a part of our family and for allowing us to be a part of yours.

Til next time,
Alicia  xxx

17 Day old Newborn Baby Girl - Jessica!

Another gorgeous local family that have become our friends. Jenny, Mick, Maddie and their new baby girl Jessica came in for their newborn portraits and right from the start, we all got along like a house on fire. By the end of the session we were old friends and it was such a pleasure to get to know this fantastic family.

 

Maddie was such a good girl and at just 4 was so easy to work with - she even had idea's about how she should hold Jessica - too cute! And little Jessica, what can I say - simply beautiful! Gorgeous full lips, creamy skin and once she went to sleep she was happy for us to pose her any which way we pleased.

Jenny is just the best Mum - gorgeous, patient, relaxed with an awesome sense of humour - one of those fantastic women that just picks up motherhood like she wrote the manual.

Now I have to say that Mick earned himself huge brownie points when he took Maddie out for a treat while we finished with little Jessica - now that bit is appreciated, BUT - can you believe he came back with Cappuccino's all round AND iced doughnuts! I had already decided he was a good bloke but his stocks shot up enormously when he returned with gifts!! Ahhhhh coffeee....Bless you, Mick - it was exactly what we needed!

I always love our Storyboards and this one is simply stunning!

Jenny and Mick - I love that we were able to meet and spend time with you and your family. It really felt like we were catching up with old friends. Thank you for sharing your beautiful girls with us, we loved meeting you all. I adore Jessica's newborn portraits and your family portraits, every time I look at them I can't help but smile.

Til next time,
Alicia :)

Corbin - 11 Day Old Newborn Baby Boy.

I just love this family! Anita and Josh are two of the most genuine, kind and fantastic people I have had the pleasure of meeting and their kids are just adorable! I first photographed little Charlotte (who is nearly 2 1/2 now) when she was a baby and have enjoyed watching her grow over the past couple of years. One of our original "Darling Diva's" Charlotte has a huge personality and I always love spending time with her.

With the arrival of her new baby brother Corbin, I got to do just that when he came in for his newborn portrait session. Now Charlotte thinks Corbin is simply wonderful, but on this particular day...when I wanted her to lay down next to Corbin...Charlotte did not think that was a great idea! It was kinda like when magnets repel...if I moved him an inch towards her - she moved an inch away...and gave me THAT look! You just have to laugh at the stuff kids do!

Corbin is the sweetest little man, so peaceful and snuggly and he gave me gorgeous cuddles. He was just 11 days old when he came in and an absolute treasure to work with - sleepy and happy for us to pose him just about any way we wanted to.

Aren't they just the most gorgeous family? I love these guys to bits!

Thank you Anita and Josh for trusting me with your family's memories over the past few years. You guys are both beautiful and your kids are simply adorable. I love having you as a part of our little family here.

Cheers

Alicia xxx

8 Day Old Newborn Baby Girl.

Oh Lulu...such sweet perfection. She was just full of gorgeous girlishness and was so utterly glamorous at just 8 days of age.

I always love it when we have been a part of a new baby's life even before they were born. Lulu's Mum, Laura, had a beautiful Maternity Portrait with us just a few weeks before Lulu was due to arrive. When we have spent time with mum's beforehand it always adds a little something special to meeting the new baby, that only a few weeks before we were celebrating as a beautiful baby bump. The sense of anticipation here as the baby's due date gets closer is fantastic - Miss Mel and I have discussions on whether bub will be early or late, boy or girl (if it's a surprise!) and how much cuddling we plan to do.

The part I love the most is when my mum's ring me or on occasions send me a text - and it's only hours after the birth...I get so excited. I remember clearly being in the McDonalds drive through on one occasion and receiving the text message that twins had arrived....and me, unable to concentrate on my coffee order, telling the drive through girl that my new twins were here! And they are both boys and I absolutely love them already! LOL...the look on her face informed me that she though I was deranged and possibly dangerous.

Lulu's arrival was another of those moments. I was in the studio when Miss Mel received an email and a text message - complete with photos - of this gorgeous baby girl. Miss Mel poked her head in the door of the studio and I knew straight away that she had exciting news - she looked about to burst! And in typical sweet, lovely and completely professional Miss Mel fashion she said very politely "Laura's has had the baby - its a girl." Just music to my ears....and when I learned her name - I was in heaven!

8 days later there she was, in my arms and stealing my heart as they so often do. Her parents are such a wonderful couple and seeing them together as a family made me melt. She was such a good baby girl and once she had a full tummy she slept well and was so beautiful while she did it - she even gave me a little smile here and there....and like a true girly girl, she was very coy with those darling smiles

Laura and George, thank you for sharing your adorable Lulu with us. The 3 of you are the perfect little family and I loved being a part of your family's journey, meeting you has been very, very special.

Cheers
Alicia xx

Darling Darcie - Newborn Portrait.

Beautiful and delicate. Divine and delightful. Gorgeous 15 day old baby girl Darcie...and didn't she have me in a lather of sweat!

She came in with her Mum, Dad and big sister Georgia and right from the very first moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was very special. Darcie had a strong personality and knew her likes and dislikes already. Now I always have to fit in with the baby - I tell all my clients that baby gets to run the show...but Darcie all but read me the riot act and said THIS is all I am prepared to do today!

We started out with her family portraits as we always do when we have a toddler involved as well. I know only too well that our toddlers have a short attention span so I like to get their work done first...not too many toddlers are going to hold it together over the duration of a newborn portrait - even exceptional ones like Georgia. Darcie slept through her group photos and with Georgia...and then it was time for her to take centre stage.

Well, she was awake. And cranky! And let us know in no uncertain terms that she was well and truly done for the day and there would be no further photo opportunities until she was good and ready! OK, Darce, OK!!! Now this happens sometimes - rarely - but it does happen....and what are you gonna do??? All you can do is take in in your stride and move on to plan X, Y or Z. Fortunately Mum and Dad are from Cranebrook and we made arrangements to have Darcie back two days later.

Our plans must have suited little Darcie, as she came back in sleeping and ready to work...and my goodness was she beautiful! We worked quickly and in under an hour, Darcie had completed 4 or 5 different sets and was still sleeping...I'm a quick learner though and wasn't going to push my luck, just in case she decided to nail me again. I was so happy with the session, I decided to quit while I was ahead - and just look at her! She is absolutely gorgeous - I am in love with her newborn portraits.

So here's a little postscript to Darcie's story. On the Easter weekend I was having coffee in Penrith when Kylie (Darcie's) Mum came over to say hello. I asked her if she had Darcie with her and she brought her over so I could see her...by now she was about 2 and a half months old. So there she was, completely awake and still so beautiful...and I turned to mushy goo (like I do!) and said to her "Oh you gorgeous, rotten little thing. Didn't you make me jump through hoops?"  She looked at me and popped out the biggest, sweetest smile...cheeky, rotten little...SHE KNEW!! I just know she did - and I love her for it!

Kylie, thank you so much - you, Wes and the girls are simply wonderful and I loved having you here...and I will never, ever forget beautiful Darcies' newborn session :)

Cheers
Alicia xxx

Jakes' First Birthday Portrait.

I first met little Jake when he was brand new. His gorgeous Mum Alisha brought him along for our Baby's First Year program and watching him grow up over his first 12 months has been an absolute joy.

He is so cheeky and handsome - I just know the girls will be falling all over themselves at daycare for him...and I think that might just continue when he is all grown up! A fantastic personality, killer smile and his Mum is a doll - what more could a baby girl want in a boy?

Really, can someone tell me how they get so big so quick?  Just look at this darling little monster! I could just smooch him all day!

Stinkin' Rotten Cute with his movie star looks.

Gorgeous baby boy!

A special moment with his Granddad's Army gear at 4 months.

Practising his "Blue Steel" at 8 months.

His Mum brings him along for our Santa's Workshop each year as well and I can't wait to see him at the end of this year. My bet is he will be even more ridiculously cute - if that is even possible!

Thank you Alisha - you know how much I love having you and little Jake around - you guys are Cool with a capital "C".

Much love

Alicia xxx