the Blog
the Blog
Featured in Focus!
What an incredible honour to feature alongside an incredible array of fabulous women for the Focus Women In Business edition this March.
It’s such a stark reminder of how far I’ve come and i’m so grateful to all of you for your support and encouragement.
The article is also available to read online, along with the features of other brilliant women included!
Take a look at my sneaky ‘behind the scenes’ shot of the wonderful Focus photographer, Gavin, doing this thing…
Thank you to Sarah, Gavin and the Focus team.
Winter Beach Maternity Photos
Winter Beach maternity photo shoots and why they are gorgeous! No busy beaches and utterly beautiful sunsets.
To find ou more or to book your own maternity session please get in touch today.
We Don't Have Time
“We don’t have time” I get it, my life is filled with a list of places the kids need to be and weekend activities. Booking a photo shoot seems almost impossible. Guess what? I’m here to make it easy to capture those memories.
I get it. I am constantly juggling after school activities with the kids, the weekends seem to be filled with things for weeks on end.
Booking in a photo shoot just goes into the ‘do it soon’ basket.
“We don’t have time”
How long do you think it takes?
A session with me is not going to swallow your whole day. Typically, a family session lasts around 60-90 minutes. We move around, we have fun and it’s all very relaxed. Think of your session more as a fun hour with your family, no phones, no technology, just connection and giggles.
We’ve already missed so much
With two years of lockdowns and uncertainty behind us, we have already missed out on making these precious memories for too long. Our kids are already so much bigger. Time is not slowing down and they seem to grow and change so much . I don’t know about you, but I seem to be adding to the kids wardrobes so frequently as they outgrow things!
Waiting for a special occasion?
Often, my beautiful families book in because it’s a special birthday for someone, or they’re celebrating an anniversary. That’s great! But, I ma here to tell you that the occasion is right there already. Your beautiful family is together. Don’t wait for an excuse, you don’t need one.
A simple booking process
I understand how busy life gets and I am here to make this process as simple as possible. Fill out a contact form (there’s one below!) and I’ll reply with a little welcome along with some available dates. Choose your date & I’ll do the rest. From location ideas, to tips on what to wear, all you’ll need to do is turn up.
Get in touch, i’d love to make some magical memories with you,
Lucy x
I HATE having my photo taken!
“I HATE having my photo taken!” Oh goodness, isn’t that a great opening statement on a photographer’s websiteI Truth is, I hear this a lot.
I can help you overcome that feeling..
“I HATE having my photo taken”
Oh goodness, isn’t that an opener for a photographer’s blog! Ha!
Truth is, I hear it A LOT.
Sometimes it’s in the initial email my clients send to me, they know they need family photos but they don’t like being in front of the camera. Sometimes it’s at the very start of their session, “I’m no good having my photo taken!’. Sometimes it’s afterwards, when a bespoke gallery has been delivered and they reply to tell me how much they enjoyed their session which is surprising because they usually HATE having photos taken.
So, how do we overcome that feeling of dread and replace it with one of enjoyment and a fun photo session?
Comfort
Now, this goes back to my previous little blog (which you can find here) all about what to wear. You see, if you choose an outfit which is comfortable and makes you feel confident then that will definitely help with how you’re feeling.
Food
This (probably) applies more to the younger members of the family, but try to makes sure there’s no hungry tummy’s for your session. Hungry tums = complaints which may lead to you feeling a little stressed out. Consider bringing snacks along for little ones too.
Ignore me
Weird, right. It’s something I sometimes say during your session. Just pretend I’m not there, talk to the kids, we might play a game, I often send my families for a walk, I have my little tricks! Thing is, if you’re chatting to the kids, smoothing a stray hair or splashing in the water, you’re not even thinking about where the camera is.
Take your session as fun time with your family.. no technology, just you and your family!
Trust me
Isn’t that a bold statement! Well, to be honest it’s true. You’ll soon forget you usually hate having your photo taken, you’ll be enjoying yourselves and I’ll be busy capturing all those precious moments. Then you’ll be so glad that you trusted yourself and booked that session.
Are you ready to trust me? I would love to work with you.
Getting in touch is simple via the contact form.
Speak to you soon!
Lucy x
What do we wear to our family photo shoot?
I am asked this question by (almost) every new client.
Read on for my tips…
I can guarantee there is one question every new client (almost) always asks…
What should we wear to our session?
So, you’ve booked your session (or you’re ready to) and you’re thinking through the content of your wardrobes and wondering what the heck you can dress each member of the family in.
Here are my top things to consider. But before you read-on, remember this is YOUR session and we want to see YOUR personalities shine through.
Start with Mum
Much easier than picking a cute dress for Miss 3 and trying to coordinate everyone else around that, start with what you are comfortable in, your favourite dress maybe. Side note: absolutely no need to go shopping (unless you want to!). Try to avoid anything which may gape or show off any dodgy tan lines.
Comfort
As I said, we want your personality, what makes your family ‘you’ to shine through. So if your teen daughter is only happy in shorts then asking her to wear a long floaty dress is likely going to make her resent the session before you’ve even got there. By the same token, it’s worth considering what is comfy to wear. You don’t want to be constantly pulling a strap back onto your shoulder or redoing an annoying belt which keeps twisting.
Colours
Expressing your families personality here is gorgeous. Buuuut my advice is to firstly try to avoid any big branding across t-shirts which may date. Mr 15 might want his favourite band across his t-shirt now but in five years might hate it. Prints and patterns are gorgeous, especially if worn by one or two members of the family & not everyone. Checks typically are best to be avoided because they are very distracting.
Coordination
This doesn’t mean everyone has to be in denim & white unless you want to. Instead, think about the colour groups. Remember, start with Mum and build your colours around that outfit. Look at the tones in your outfit and check what the kids have in their wardrobe to work with that. Consider which colours work well together. It’s a good idea to avoid having half the family in black and the other half in white simply because the contrast is distracting.
If your session is a big one with extended family it’s a good idea to keep a theme going. If everyone turns up with their own scheme happening it can be distracting. Asking everyone to keep to a palette is great, eg. navy, tan, denim, cream.. or earthy tones. You get my drift!
Where will your session be?
If you’d love to have your session in a location with deep greens it’s nice to keep your choices lighter in colour. Having dark colours in a darker background doesn’t work as nicely as lighter against dark.
Overall
Think timeless, avoid high fashion things which will date. These photos are forever, I want you to love them forever!
Got a question? I’d love to help! Get in touch today,
Lucy x
Together, at home
At home photography sessions in Port Macquarie and surrounding areas on the Mid North Coast. Relaxed family photography sessions capturing the magic and memories with your loved ones in your home.
The last few weeks have seen me travel to both Comboyne and Hartys Plain for at home sessions.
Before I continue I need to point out that in home sessions are just as beautiful whether you have magnificent views on acreage or live in an apartment in town. What makes in home sessions beautiful is that they are so personal to you. Full of memories and bursting with your personalities.
If you’ve been following along on my Instagram page you’ll have already seen a sneak peek at some recent in home session images. Often I have never been to the locations before, so when I arrive for your session we have a quick walk and chat about special places in your home so that we can incorporate them into your gallery, and I can get a good idea of the aesthetics and what will look stunning.
I also send out a little questionnaire when you book your session which allows you to tell me a little bit about your family and any special moments you’d like to try and capture.
Each relaxed session lasts around 60-90 minutes which allows for a great variety of photographs around your home. I love to take time with individual members and couples within the family too to create a bespoke gallery which is a beautiful collection for the whole family.
Sometimes an at home session is all shot outdoors, sometimes we do a mixture of both indoors and out. Typically newborn at home sessions are mostly indoors. It’s beautiful to photograph in baby’s nursery and capture those special teddies and trinkets, a chair you cosy up in at feeding time, baby’s cot, those special blankets.
Another benefit of having your session at home is that you don’t need to go anywhere!
So, have you ever considered an at-home photo shoot? I’d love to come to your place.
Get in touch today to check availability and book your date. You can contact me via the contact form here or give me a call on 0488157919.
In the meantime, enjoy this collection of photographs, all from at home sessions.
Lucy x
Gypsy Falls, Celebrating You!
I am always on the look out for stunning locations for sessions and the moment I saw Gypsy Falls Retreat in Lorne I knew it would be ideal for an upcoming ‘Celebrate You’ session for a small group of friends.
Secluded yet within 30kms of Port Macquarie, the beautiful recently renovated bungalows at Gypsy Falls are an adult-only luxury escape.
I knew Gypsy Falls would be perfect, not only because of its seclusion, gorgeous decor and close proximity to a waterfall, but because it had a roll top bath. This may seem like an unusual request for a photo shoot, but I love to deliver my clients vision and this vision included a floral milk bath.
Stunning!
Read on to see a couple of photos from the ‘Celebrate You’ session…
Now, you may be asking what a ‘Celebrate You’ session is all about. Think Boudoir but ultra feminine, classic and fun, these sessions are perfect solo or with a girl friend or two and can be held at home or on location. Before each session I like to gather a mood board, usually on Pinterest, from my clients so I know exactly what their vision is which we can then incorporate into their session.
Our day actually started before Gypsy Falls, with the amazing Leah at Eight Lane Beauty in Laurieton.
Leah is a fabulous make up artist (& does an incredible facial too!) and made my clients look and feel amazing prior to our session getting underway, along with supplying coffee and delicious treats from Grounded. Yum!
A quick drive up to Gypsy Falls and our session was underway. We maximised our stunning surroundings and used various spots within the bungalow, from the classic bedroom to the balcony and finally a milk bath in the stunning roll top bath with incredible views.
Take a look at some of these images which my stunning clients have given me permission to share.
Our day was paused for a delicious grazing box from Port Macquarie based Natural Vibez and then we took a ten minute walk down to the waterfall on the property to complete our session.
My role is to document, with gentle guidance here and there, and ensure we capture the best from your session. I am so proud of the gorgeous galleries each of the three beautiful ladies received. I know our day definitely delivered on the ‘celebration’ and left them all, us all, with memories to treasure.
It was lovely to arrange such a beautiful day but it goes without saying that you ‘Celebrate You’ session can be held in your home..no bells and whistles necessary! My aim is to create a relaxed, fun experience which you will treasure, whatever your reason for having your shoot.
If you’d like to chat about what your session could look like please get in touch!
To find out more about Gypsy Falls visit https://www.gypsyfalls.com.au
Leah at Eight Lane Beauty at https://eightlanebeauty.gettimely.com/#home
Natural Vibez at https://www.facebook.com/Natural-Vibez-101248949018298
Grounded Espresso Bar at https://groundedespressobar.com.au
Flowers? Yes please!
What’s not to love about flowers? Feel-good beauty in each unique petal, stunning scents and an array of amazing colours.
One of my other most favourite things is photographing awesome people, so you can imagine my excitement when I got to combine the two a few weeks ago working on a project for Zeller at the incredible Thistle Flowers.
Matt and Chris, like myself, are fairly new to Port Macquarie and have recently moved in alongside the stunning Hollow Store on Murray Street.
The space is relaxed and calm, the lighting soft and the welcome is warm. I was fortunate to be able to photograph Matt and Chris over an hour of their busy morning and it’s instantly obvious how much care and love they pour into their work. Each bouquet is thoughtfully designed, every stem placed for maximum effect.
I was lucky enough to glimpse some wedding flowers which Matt & Chris were prepping, the flower crowns were so detailed and utterly beautiful.
Not only do they show their fresh, locally grown flowers a whole lot of love and care, that same welcome is evident for every person who walked into the store. A friendly chat, lots of smiles and a wealth of knowledge about their trade.
So much pretty! I could go on and on with sharing photos from the morning, it was such a joy to be there and to meet Chris, Matt and the Hollow Store team too.
If you’d like to take a peek at the Zeller article featuring Thistle Flowers and my photos you can see it here: https://www.myzeller.com/The-Zeller-Regional-Report-Shining-a-Spotlight-on-Regional-Businesses
I’ll be sharing some more from the session over on my socials too, you can follow me on Instagram at Lucy Humphries Photography.
Need to update your business photos for your website and socials? Get in touch today, I’d love to help.
Smooth Massage - Angela's Personal Branding Session
A rainy Monday morning which was anything but dull.
Updating Angela’s personal branding photos was simple and so much fun.
My rainy Monday morning with Angela of Smooth Massage was anything but dull.
Angela’s studio is a comforting, light filled space with a calming vibe. It smells of fresh cotton with a touch of a relaxing essential oil and has the most beautiful views. Everything is designed with her clients in mind and that comes across instantly.
“The keys to brand success are self-definition, transparency, authenticity and accountability. ”
As is often the case, Angela and I hadn’t met before her personal branding photography session, aside from a little friendly instagram stalking. It is so important to me that my clients feel at ease - I believe it will come across in their photos if they’re super nervous, so I like to start with taking photos of their surroundings before slowly sneaking in some photos of my clients and working up to them being in the frame.
In Angela’s case we also had a willing volunteer to show off her massage techniques. It’s always good to be able to add things like that into your session for a few reasons.
Firstly, it’ll allow you to put into pictures what it is you do. What better way to show your potential clients what they’ll get! Secondly, it gives you more content for your website and socials. And finally, it’ll most likely help you to relax with your volunteer there - you’ll be in your zone doing your thing and I get to capture some gorgeous natural photos of you. Yay!
A couple of outfit changes, a coffee, some props, a little bit of rain and lots of laughter…and 90 minutes later we’re all done!
My booking process is simple and I aim to make the whole process the same. Simple, effective and fun! What a great way to update your personal branding photos.
If you’d like to learn more please head to my website - I’d love to work with you.
Personal Branding with added SUNSHINE
If you haven’t seen Jen and her incredibly aptly named business ‘Rays of Sunshine’ then you’re missing out.
Jen makes beautiful wearable art with intricate details, beautiful colours and a lot of love and care. From earrings, or ear candy as Jen says, to hair barrettes and so much more - even custom designs.
I first found Jen through her insta reels - a must watch, just trust me, and we got chatting, met for a coffee and had a good old conversation about updating Jen’s personal branding photos.
I know updating your photos can be forever on the ‘to-do’ list, we have so much to do as business owners that taking some time with a photographer can seem like time we just don’t have.
“People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories and magic.”
Having photos of you, and not just your face, but your product/service, your workspace or even your favourite coffee spot, help to make you relatable to your audience.
It means that when someone visits your website or socials they can see you, with beautiful, clear and fresh photos.
In reality you may think booking a branding session means scheduling a whole day out of your diary. But it can take as little as an hour and I looove making the process as simple as possible for you.
So please stop putting it off, lets get you booked in today.
Visit Jen, Rays of Sunshine here:
I've been featured!
I’ve been featured in FOCUS magazine this month!
As someone who is used to ‘focusing’ on my amazing clients it feels very strange to have the spotlight on me.
Yes! I’ve been featured in a 4 page (4 whole pages!) article in Focus Magazine this month.
In the article you’ll find out a little more about me, what inspires me and why I love doing what I do so much.
You can find it online at Focus Magazine and in various places around Port Macquarie too. When my son and I first spotted it at The Rainforest Café we were so excited! Not every day you’re in a magazine, after all.
I am so grateful for all the support which has led me to this point. Two years ago I could only dream of being this busy and I don’t take it for granted. Thank you for being here and supporting me, whether it’s kind words on an instagram post, a booking or recommending me to your friends and family.
Thank you, I couldn’t do it without you x
Winter Shoots & Why I Love Them
You may think your family photo shoot must be reserved for the Summer months, floaty dresses and longer days.
Here’s why I think the cooler months are a perfect alternative.
The days are shorter.
And that’s a good thing?
I think so! An earlier sunset means your session can be planned earlier to catch that beautiful golden light. Usually around 4pm works wonderfully. Not only does this mean you’re not waiting all day for your session, it also means little ones aren’t so overtired.
Warmer clothing.
Yes, a floaty frock is magical but warmer clothes, jeans and layers make for amazing images.
Quieter Locations.
No overcrowded beach, yay! We get your chosen location in a much more serene setting, simply because there’s far less people hanging around in the cooler months.
And finally… the cuddles!
Feeling the chill? That just means closer snuggles!
To find out more about my sessions please visit https://www.lucyhumphriesphotography.com/family-photography or get in touch via the contact form here: contact