• 52 Self Portraits
  • Baby Bliss
  • Little Miss Ellie
  • Jump, Stroll, Eat and Cuddle
  • I love my job!
  • In the Morning Light
  • Heart of Your Life
  • Happy Cake Smash Day
  • My Emmy-Lou.
  • A river, a paddock and a chair
  • The Whole Family
  • Welcoming Samuel to the World
Dani

About Dream and Just Believe Photography

- Hobart Lifestyle Photographer -
- fun - relaxed - fresh - natural -

Stay up to date by liking my facebook fan page - located on the side tab.

Please feel free to leave a lovely comment for my wonderful clients,
Dani x

27/52 – Scales.

January 18th, 2012

 

27/52 – Scales.

Scales huh! *shudder*

I hate them for the opposite reason of why most people hate them. I wish they read a higher number.

My whole life I have been underweight. Tiny. Petite. Skinny.

My whole life I’ve put up with comments that people think they can get away with because my body doesn’t look “normal” – comments like:
“Eat a hamburger” or “Oh my God. Are you anorexic?” or “You’re all skin and bones” or “You look like you’re 12!”

Yep, all those things have come from strangers mouths. A couple from people just walking past me in the street.
I cannot tell you how much that hurts. How I long to be womanly. To have curves. To have some meat on my bones.

Yes, I am skinny. No, I am not anorexic. Yes I do eat – a lot actually … ask any member of my family and friends that! Yes, I will eat that hamburger thanks … can I have another? Because nothing I do seems to work.

And I have tried, trust me, I’ve tried. My metabolism is so fast, I seriously cannot gain fat.

And I BET you, now you will say “oh you’re so lucky!”

I’ve heard that plenty of times too. Just to see the same people turn around and bitch about celebrities who are “too skinny”.

Seriously? They can’t be big, they can’t be small – they have to be perfect? Well I say, screw that. Stop fussing about what other people look like (I did that a long time ago) and focus on what really matters. Because your judgements on other people, just reflects what you really feel about yourself.

From an outsiders eye, I might look underweight – like I could use a few extra kilos.
I’d love that, trust me. But you know what? I am sooo proud of where I am. At this moment, I weigh the most I’ve ever weighed in my life (apart from the whole pregnancy thing) and I’m so excited.

I am THIS close to my goal weight. So now (as I literally wipe the tears from my eyes) I plan to get there by building some muscle – I might actually look healthy enough then too! And maybe when I get there, I’ll feel confident enough to show that number on the scales.

26/52 – Half Way.

January 18th, 2012

26/52 – Half Way.

What does it mean to meet someone half way?

I struggle with saying no. I struggle with knowing when to stop reaching out to people. I struggle with knowing if I tried my hardest for someone. I struggle with stopping when I know I’ve given plenty already.

But if you try your hardest, without giving too much of yourself – or a better example, if you stretch your arm as far as it goes while still keeping two feet perfectly balanced on the ground .. then you know, you’ve given enough.

If someone wants more from you, they have to reach back to meet you half way. If someone refuses to meet you half way, you know – you’ve done all you can.

If you want what I’ve got to give … meet me half way!

P.S. That rainbow, totally appeared halfway through my “shoot”, I didn’t even need to move my hand to have it fall right where it is.

Ella – 4 years old. : Hobart Child Photographer

January 15th, 2012

If you don’t know Ella’s story by now, you NEED to read this -> click here.

Our 3rd ever session, see’s Ella at 4 years old and full of healthy beans.

We started our shoot with a play in the park, then a walk on the beach, a sit on the grass, a run in the waves and then finished off with the park again!! How can it get better than that?

25/52 – Humanity.

December 31st, 2011

25/52 – Humanity.

I’m not a fan of labels. They are so restricting, so demeaning.

Sure I can be many things: fun, forgetful, idealistic, lazy, awkward, quirky, underestimated, loyal … but doesn’t that make me real?

We all have flaws, we all have qualities, we all have guilt.

One major thing I have learned this year, is that it’s ok to experience and entertain any kind of character trait – but to not let it consume me.

I’ve also learned to not let judgements I make of other people (by giving them their own labels), determine how I feel about myself. Whether that be self-loathing from thinking how perfect they seem or self-righteousness from thinking how horrible they are.

We all have flaws. We all have qualities.

We are all human.

The Heart of Matt & Esther’s Life : Hobart Family Photographer

December 30th, 2011

Oh my goodness, I am sooo behind in blogging it’s crazy! This session was early December and I’ve been dying to share it for weeks!

I met my gorgeous friend Esther back in 8th grade (16 odd years ago, if you must know) and I got so excited when she asked me to photograph her family. Because, well … she has the cutest little family EVER. Seriously, she married a genuinely nice guy – who suits the loveliness and realness that is Esther. And their kids – oh, don’t get me started on those kids. So so so sweet – and tolerant of each other. This may just be the mother of two rough-head boys speaking here, but I have never met a pair of siblings that get along as well as they do. Just beautiful.

24/52 – All or Nothing

December 22nd, 2011

24/52 – All or nothing.

Lately I’ve been feeling so strung out – what between Christmas, work, kids … I sit and think “Wouldn’t it be awesome if I could clone myself?”

It made me start to think more about how we try and be all things to all people. A finger in every piece of the pie, so to speak.

For me, it can get so bad that it feels like I’m not myself anymore, just a fragment of who I am doing something half hearted because I’m too busy thinking about other things that need doing. I lose myself along the way.

So from now on – I’m dragging all of my pieces back together and when I focus on what needs to be done at one particular time … I’m all in it. It has all of my attention, all of my being.

And when something pops into that endless thought machine I call my brain, I need to ask myself – Can I do anything about that right this minute/hour/day? And if not, to let it go and be in THIS moment that I am soooo blessed to have.

Ella’s Journey : Hobart Child Photographer

December 22nd, 2011

So, some of you will remember a sweet little girl I have photographed over the last few years, Ella. Who had been diagnosed with Leukaemia and has been undergoing the horrible treatments that go along with it. Well, here she is at the other side of it! Healthy, happy, COMPLETELY GORGEOUS! I asked her wonderfully inspiring Mum to write an outline of how their last few years have been, please take the time to read her soul touching words.

It was July 2009. My husband, Ella’s Dad, had passed away 7 months before – Ella was barely a year old.

We were just getting used to life as a family of two, when Ella stopped walking. She cried and complained her legs were sore, and wouldn’t put any weight on them. She was taken to Dr’s, emergency and even admitted to hospital. No test was able to give us any answers. “Probably psychological” we were told.

The following 6 weeks, her ability to walk came and went. Some days she refused to walk, others she limped. Until one day she got a rash – one that a parent would usually associate with meningococcal. We took her off to the GP, and she ordered blood tests. She also referred us to a Paediatrician and asked for us to be seen ASAP. Little did we know what beast was looming.

It was 8am, September 2nd, 2009 – I received a phone call to go to my GP’s office ASAP. It was there I was sat down and informed of the life changing news my little girl had Leukaemia … she was 22 months old. We were admitted to hospital immediately and Ella underwent some unpleasant tests, including a Bone Marrow Aspirate to know exactly what we were dealing with. It was concluded she had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. I was told “If your child was to ever get cancer, this is the one you want them to get”. Not really all that reassuring though, is it?

Chemotherapy was commenced immediately. My little girl was pricked with needles that many times that her veins started to fail. My baby became a pincushion. I vividly recall sitting in the hospital chair, Ella on my lap, and I ran my fingers through her hair. Hairs came out. I began to cry. I knew she was going to lose her hair, but it doesn’t actually hit you until it starts.

I messaged the AMAZING Dani, something along the lines of “Dani, need your help. Ella’s hair is already beginning to fall out. Can you come and photograph her before it does?” And so she did. We were a few weeks into our journey, Ella’s arms covered in bruises and prick holes, and suffering the side effects of the steroid Dexamethasone – the ability to need to eat and EAT NOW! Ella needed cheese. And cheese Ella got! Dani would snap a shot, Ella would demand a piece of cheese. Lots of laughs had all round.

January 2010, whilst going through the intense phase of chemo, Ella lost all of her hair. She now looked like the typical ‘cancer kid’ you see in the movies. After a few months Ella’s hair finally started to grow back, and it was time to call in Dani to photograph my beautiful girl. Again, Dani took up the challenge!

And now, here we are. December 2011. Ella has completed 2 and a bit years of chemotherapy, she’s had a concoction of toxic drugs given orally, intravenously and intrathecally (via lumbar punctures). She’s had infections and many MANY admissions to hospital. She’s been in neutrapaenia too many times than I care to recall, which has seen us either in hospital or home isolation. She’s lost her hair, and regrown it.

4 weeks ago, on the 8th Nov 2011, Ella took her final dose of chemotherapy. It was now time to call in Dani yet again. This time for a “I’ve kicked cancer’s butt” photoshoot on 12th Dec 2011. I finally have a healthy, happy little girl once again, and from the bottom of my heart, I send a big thankyou to Dani for capturing some of my most treasured memories – the good parts of this journey, Ella’s never ending ability to smile.

Isn’t she just beautiful? In this world we live in and the things we complain about on a daily basis - I think for all she has been through, we can take notes from a still only 4 year old … and her ability to smile.
Full blog post from our fun shoot coming soon!

23/52 – Domestic Disaster

December 10th, 2011

23/52 – Domestic Disaster.

If I had to be a “housewife” to save myself – I would DIE! It’s just not there. I can’t even cook a cake.

Once, I ruined toasted sandwiches by forgetting to put the top piece of bread on … cheese went everywhere! A little while later, clever me ruined 2 minute noodles by cooking them WITHOUT water! Needless to say, I went without lunch that day.

22/52 – The Spark

November 28th, 2011

22/52 self portraits dream and just believe

22/52 – The Spark.

A little over a month ago I was talking with a friend about how we feel on the inside directly effects how we look on the outside – and sometimes, sadly the other way around.

From our conversation I set a reminder in my head to take note of when I was having a “bad hair day”. You know those days, when nothing seems to go right. When these days rear their ugly heads, I feel unmotivated – guilty – my flaws seemed to be intensified. I noticed that the worse I felt inside, the more unattractive I felt on the outside.

A lot of people think it’s superficial to go out of your way to make yourself presentable. But to me, it’s a reflection. Much like this project is a creative way to express myself, the outward appearance is merely a way to show others what you feel on the inside.

I’m not talking “looks” here either. I’m talking spark. Self worth is a spark on the inside … how far it reaches is up to you.

If the spark is dim … well …see “yesterday’s” image. Inside I felt ugly, I felt unworthy. Outwardly, my shoulders were slumped, my hair was a mess, my eyes – lifeless, sad. I go to the shops and my head hangs low, my eyes don’t dare to meet anybody elses. I’m nervous. I make other people nervous.

If the spark is bright, then it bubbles through to the outer core. See “today’s” image.

Do you know the best thing about my little study? It’s all a choice. As hard as it was, I woke up this morning and decided to be beautiful. (Again – NOT talking about looks). I decided to lift my head high and let the light shine out. I allow others inside my world, they respond in kind.

I’m not a different person. Ok, sure I straightened my hair and doubled my mascara … but the point is … what? What is my point? Do you know what I am saying here?

21/52 – The World Through A Child’s Eyes

November 28th, 2011

21/52 – The world through a child’s eyes.

A few mornings ago I asked Joel what he wanted for breakfast.
The 6 year olds response?
“YES! Cocopops” Followed by a squeal of delight and an apprehensive question “And toast too?”
When I said yes …
“Hooray!” He shouted and started dancing around the room.

I used to find the joy in all of the menial tasks in life – I’m not sure what changed, I’m not sure what clicked in my brain to make me so serious.

This week is full of work, cleaning, bills. I have been nothing but focussed, frustrated and no fun.

I know that joy can be found in anything I CHOOSE. From cooking sausages to vacuuming crumbs to actually spending fun time with my children.

Here’s to feeding the inner child in me.

 

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