Today I thought I had better chance up my friendly neighbours so I could take the next lot of photos of their twin daughters Evelyn and Gaia. I cannot believe these little Princesses are just 2 months shy of their first birthday! Their hair has grown and they are now on the move. Evelyn has definitely blossomed now her exhema is under control, she is FULL of smiles and laughter. Gaia is as cheeky as ever, CONSTANTLY on the go!! The girls are ‘Big Sisters in Training’ with another beautiful baby currently growing away inside it’s surrogate on the other side of the globe. You may have already heard this news from the quick 60 minutes update which aired on Sunday night. I would just like to mention how Trevor and Peter have been working tirelessly with other couples guiding them and assisting them through the surrogacy process. Head on over to: http://ethicalsurrogacy.blogspot.com/ to follow their journey more. OK, enough chatter – here are some sneak peeks from today! Chrissy xo

I am truly so very lucky to be able to do what I do. I am also truly blessed to have a healthy, happy family along with financial security. There are a lot of kind people in my life who have done amazing things for me as well as have been incredibly supportive of all the things I choose to do. This is why I believe that it is important to give back in some way every year, to ‘Pay it Forward’ so to speak. My ‘Pay It Forward’ project for 2010 is this: To offer the gift of Custom Portraiture to a deserving person/family. Do you know someone who may be finding things a little bit tough, who may not, for one reason or another, be able to afford to do something special for themselves? Do you know of anyone, a friend or family member, who may just need a special pick-me-up due to facing a difficult period? They may themselves be someone who gives to their community– someone who simply should be thanked.

Until Friday 26^th March you can nominate anyone who you believe fits the above criteria. Please be considerate of your nominated person’s privacy and if you are unsure in any way feel free to discuss your nomination with them first.  I will be using the trust and honesty system, believing that all nominations will come truthfully.

Just email me your nominations to: info@chrissytorney.com.au.

Please include;

Your name:

Your contact details:

Person you are nominating:

Brief explanation as to why you think they deserve this gift:

I will read through all applications and select the ONE deserving winner and I will announce this person on Monday 29^th March.

The Winner will receive:

(1)    x complimentary session valued at $120

(1)    x session box containing all their gallery images as 5 x 7” prints valued at over $800

(1)    x 16 x 24 wall print valued at $160

Terms and Conditions:

1.       The winner must be able to redeem their prize in Melbourne, Victoria within a 30km radius of the CBD. If they live outside this area they will need to travel.

2.       Regular Terms and Conditions Apply

3.       Prize cannot be redeemed for cash

4.       Prize must be redeemed by December 31^st 2010

Baby Saskia has had a pretty tough journey so far, spending her first week and a bit in the Special Care Nursery. Saskia was born to my beautiful ‘Sunset Maternity’ client Cathy and after needing to reschedule her original session we were finally able to catch up and capture her beautiful little soul. Saskia *thankfully* was quite content with her own Mother’s milk so settled really well for me. FINALLY we have broken the drought of baby girls and I have been able to shoot a teeny, tiny little Princess instead of these active, wide awake boys of late. Cathy, once again it has been an absolute pleasure, I hope that you love these!! Shooting these really did bring a tear to my eye. Ed – hope you enjoyed the Foxtel and Nanna Nap! Chrissy xo

One spot per city has been made available for these sell out sessions – please email me at info@chrissytorney.com.au for further information. Be quick!!

Mr Koby just this week decided it’s WAY cool to sit on your own. This way he can dribble and drool to his heart’s content without worrying about having to lie in it. I love this boy. His giggle is infectious and nothing ever gets him down. He also cut 2 bottom teeth last week and he didn’t even flinch. Hopefully this week I can manage to grab some photos of both Paigey and Koby together, and hey, might even get to photograph my husband as well!! Take care everyone, enjoy your weekend! Chrissy xo

It’s official. I am in love with Maternity Sessions– it’s one of my favourite sessions to shoot. It’s simply amazing to know that inside the Mum’s belly is a tiny human waiting to make its way into the world. Pregnancy still amazes me– truly it does. Everything about it (except for the kankles). The form and shape a woman’s body takes on when pregnant is incredible. To celebrate pregnancy I am giving away $100 gift vouchers to all Mums-to-Be in 2010. Also, for the first 10 Maternity|Newborn bookings made using the gift voucher below I will also take an additional $50 off the standard booking fee. That’s potentially a Maternity AND Newborn session for $70 with $100 to spend towards fine art products! ***please note – Maternity sessions are booked in conjunction with a Newborn session***

How cool are all the little gadgets on the www now!? The lastest craze is ‘formspring me’ where you can ask people random or specific questions. So here is my link and you can begin asking me anything you would like to know (within reason of course ;): http://www.formspring.me/ChrissyTorney

It feels like ‘forages’ since I have shot a lifestyle session. I LOVE these sessions as it means I get to simply hang out with cool kids and play! Olivia attends the same daycare as my Paigey Girl and the two are finally back in the same room together this year. Olivia has always caught my eye as her fashion sense is amazing – she really IS a little fashionista!! This was the booking I was squealing with excitement about – I have actually been waiting and waiting ever so patiently to be asked to photograph Olivia and when I got Mum’s call I almost burst! Con and Julie, it was an absolute pleasure, so much fun…hope you love (and that there are those tear!). Chrissy xo

Master Caden was 5 days old today and yup, you guessed it, he decided life was all too exciting to sleep. We managed to grab a few shots in the 2 minutes of deep sleep he decided to have. James and Dani, thank you for having me in your home today, I know how hard it is to deal with the lack of sleep without having the intrusion added on top. Dani, you should be really proud of yourself, he is devine and James is being an awesome Dad! I hope you got some sleep after I left! I will be in touch, Chrissy xo

Little Master Harrison is my first 2010 newborn off the ranks – he decided today that sleep was overrated. Poor thing though was so confused continually having to smell breastmilk and not be able to drink it! Let’s just say, he tried as hard as he could to feed from me instead of falling asleep. OK, just a quick share as I do have to rush off to collect my own little babies from daycare! Fiona, Byron and Jacob – a pleasure as always! Chrissy xo

Eliza and I have know each other online for a number of years but the weekend was the first time we have met in person. Ewan and my Koby are only a few days apart in age but I was so impressed with all the clever, tricky things Master Ewan was already doing like rocking on all fours and aaaaaaaalmost sitting on his own. Ewan was ever so serious on this day, unfortunately he was napping in the car upon his arrival and had to be woken. There were no smiles for me no matter how much baby magic I tried to do…the smiles of the day were reserved for his best friend Monkey plus a few here and there for Mummy and Daddy. Eliza, it was so wonderful to finally meet one of my fellow July Mummies, I hope these were worth the wait. Chrissy xo

*sigh* I truly am humbled that clients trust me enough to book me sight unseen from a different state altogether. I have just returned from a quick working trip to Sydney where I held some sessions in my ‘home’ of Penrith. My husband is Werribee born and breed whereas I lived for 18 years in the valley of the Blue Mountains so we always have a little State rivalry going on. I sincerely had forgotten just how serene and beautiful the valley is not to mention green and lush. Melbourne folks, seriously, it is almost florescent compared to our dusty, brown land! Anyhow, back on track…Belinda jumped to hire me when she found out I was booking Sydney sessions – when she turned up on location I literally gasped out loud as her 3 gorgeous children were retrieved from their car seats. Victoria, Logan and Dean were fantastic supermodels for me, we got to collect flowers and play pirates. What a brilliant job I have!! Belinda and Sean, I hope that I have not let you down and that I have captured something you were looking for. Here is a showcase from your gallery and I will be in touch soon. Chrissy xo

Beau-ty -| noun: A quality present in a thing or person or something else such as a personality in which high spiritial qualities are manifest. This is the perfect definition of my latest maternity client. Cathy is such a beautiful soul and this is reflected in her smile, her laugh and her relationships with her husband and children. This is the third time I have had the honour in photographing Cathy, 'Ed', Xavier and Giselle and each time is more fun than the last. I squealed with excitement when Cathy booked me for her maternity and newborn session, I just love this family and wish I could take them home with me. Now, some of my regular couple poses weren't working for Cathy and 'Ed' so I asked them if they had any little rituals or routines we could try and incorporate. They explained how every night they fall asleep back to back holding each other's pinky finger. Aaaaaaaw, isn't that just so romantic. So once we switched the pose we got the magical shot! I have also included what's become my signature maternity pose, simply because I think this pose is so flattering to the Mum-to-be and they all look GEORGOUS and so serene in this pose. We also headed on down to Werribee South Beach to grab some sunset shots. It’s a little tricky to grab the sunset over the water down there so we have to think a little outside the square. A special thanks to the two random fishermen who so nicely moved off the end of the pier for us so we could grab the shots. Cathy, it was a pleasure once again to work with you. I hope the next few weeks fly and we will all get to meet the special little person inside you soon! Xo Chrissy

SESSIONS NOW FULLY BOOKED - EMAIL INFO@CHRISSYTORNEY.COM.AU TO GO ONTO THE WAITING LIST!

Hi everyone!! I am currently taking bookings for Canberra mini sessions in May. Please contact me via email: info@chrissytorney.com.au for details!

Sat 15th May
2 – 2:30 - Filled
2:40 – 3:10 - Filled
3:20 – 3:50 - Filled
4 – 4:30 – Filled

Sun 16th May
9 – 9:30 – Filled
9:40 – 10:10 Filled
10:20 – 10:50 – Filled
11 – 11:30- Filled

WIN YOUR OWN STUNNING 20x24" CANVAS!!

WOW, seriously, where has this year gone?? It wasn't until I started creating the montage for this competition that I realised just how  busy I was this year! 28 sessions as well as fitting in Maternity Leave in amongst them all. I cannot thank my beautiful clients enough for welcoming me into your lives for a small time and allowing me to capture you and your families. May you all have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Now, on to something exciting... a little competition to end the year with!! 

Below is a photo montage of all my paid client sessions from 2009 - I have selected a random image from each session and now all you have to do is vote for your favourite image. The client with the most votes will receive a stunning 20x24" gallery wrap canvas of an image of their choice from their session valued at $540. 

I will also be placing all the names of the voters in to a draw to win a complimentary session along with a $100 print voucher (Valued at $195)     

Competition closes at midnight 31st December 2009 so get voting! GOOD LUCK! 

How to Enter: Simply click on the 'Contact' tab over .....>  and send through the number of the image you wish to vote for. Only ONE entry per email will be allowed. Complimentary voucher session may only be redeemed in Melbourne CBD and some surrounding suburbs. Neither prize can be redeemed for cash. Regular terms and conditions apply and prices are subject to change without further notice. Clients will have until February 27th 2010 to redeem their free canvas offer and the complimentary session voucher will expire 31st June 2010.                                        MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE xo

Nothing excites me more than when my maternity clients turn up for their session with their hubby in tow. You can imagine my excitement when not only did this hubby come along for the session but said he was pretty much up for anything. Excuse me? Up for aaaaaanything?? Cool!! I really think James is up there to win my prestigious ' husband participation award' - actually, no such awards exists but I do like teasing the boys about it. One of the best things about my job is seeing the loving connection between two people and knowing that this connection has produced this tiny little miracle awaiting to be born. This little baby has chosen such loving and fun people to be its parents and I know this parenting gig will be that little bit easier for James and Danielle as they have that spark, that special connection, humour and laughter, which will make those sleepless nights that little bit easier to get through. James and Danielle, it was SUCH an awesome pleasure working with the two of you. I hope these were just what you were after. I will be in touch soon with the rest of your gallery. xo Chrissy

*Phew* - we made this session just in the nick of time, as it started spitting just as this family drove off at the end of their session. Whilst all of my families are special to me, this one is extra special! This is the second time I have photographed this lovely family. I took their portraits just over 12 months ago when Master J was only 3 months old (photo added below). Fiona and Byron are now expecting their second baby so today was not only a chance to update their family photos, but to grab some quick maternity shots of the georgous Mum to Be. Fiona actually wins all of my browny points as not only did she enter my January portrait competition over 20 times, she is also the first to comment on any blog or facebook updates. To know that she values what I do so much to take such an interest is extremely special to me.

Fiona, Byron and Jacob - Thank you SO much for today, I am looking forward to your newborn session in a few months time. I will be in touch. Chrissy xo

Just a quickie today! This morning I met up with a friend from my Mother's Group to snap some updated photos of her two girls. I have added some older images of Navi and Jure as well as their images from today. There is something special about the bond between these two sisters, not to mention their absolute CUTE-NESS. Bec, thanks for the catch up and the play! Chrissy xo

My sweet Koby boy is already 4 and a half months old - someone please slow time down, he is growing way to quickly!! Yesterday whilst waiting for my poor clients who were stuck in traffic I decided to make the most of my location and take a few snaps of Koby. I love this shot as not only is he experiencing his first touch of green grass, it has captured him doing what he does pretty much ALL day long and that's sucking on his fingers or whole hand! Take care everyone!

Chrissy xo

It's always such a compliment when clients are prepared to travel for hours to have their portraits taken however I am sure about an hour into the trip, today's client was more than likely cursing my Werribee location. Considering the shocking traffic in Melbourne of late, I am suprised they made it at all! Miss Emma and my Paigey Girl are only a few days apart and I haven't seen Emma since she was around 4 months old. Nathan is the latest addition to the family and would you believe at only 7 months old he has already had TWO haircuts! Sarah - thank you again for trecking all the way over the other side of town today. I hope you love these! I will be in touch! xo Chrissy
Now, I need to quickly thank a few more people for today. Firstly - THANK YOU to Hedde and John for the use of your stunning garden for today's session, I really appreciate you forgoing your privacy for a few hours today. Secondly - I really need to thank my georgous children for their patience today, especially my little assistant, Koby! Koby had to be woken quite early today to not only drop his sister off at daycare, but to do the balloon pick up with me and get to the location on time. He then patiently hung out during the session even as the day started to warm up. Thank you my georgous boy xo

It was a hot, hot sunny Sunday afternoon but this family were still up for a play at the beach! Mason was one of the BEST pirates I have ever had the pleasure of shooting down at this particular location. Gemma was a princess who did not want to let go of her sparkly handbag and was a little camera shy, but towards the end of the session, when I was packing my gear away, she decided it was time to have some fun...so out came the camera again!!

I love that this family were happy to try my take on a not so traditional Christmas shot - cue seaweed in place of mistletoe.

Kym, I hope you love your sneaky peeks and I will be in touch very soon!

xo

Chrissy

Well, it was a glorious Melbourne afternoon when I met with the Hoffman family to take their family portraits. Lewis and Jude are two of the most handsome little boys and were such a pleasure to work with. Unfortunately, they weren't quite their usual selves on the day. I thought that perhaps they were both plumb tuckered after their visit to the RAAF Museum before their session, but Mum informed me that later that night Lewis came down with a temperature. I still managed to grab some beautiful shots of these spunky little guys, oh and it was also Jude's first time seeing the ocean.

Jason and Heather, Thank you so much for the pleasure of capturing your family. I hope you like your sneak peeks and I will be in touch soon.

xo

Chrissy

So once again I have had the honour of capturing the next lot of snaps of my georgous neighbours Evelyn and Gaia who are now 6 months old (I know, can you believe it!!). Today was such a sticky, humid day, so much that my hair was an unruley mess and I was suprised the Dads even let me in the house. The girls were so cooperative and had smiles for the camera! The Dads did a good job too, putting up with my need for perfection and being ever so patient.

For those of you who have been asking, I still think Gaia is a little bit cheekier than Evelyn. When I tried to shoot them side by side all she wanted to do was eat her sister's hand.

So here are some sneak peeks from today's session!

Trevor and Peter, I hope these make your hearts sing, they are two very special little girls. Thanks for inviting me to do this once again.

xo Chrissy

p.s. My photoshop is playing up so badly, I hope these edits look ok on your screens...LOL

I think this little guy was my hardest customer ever. No matter what I tried I was not going to get a smile, however, he eventually caved and we go a few smiley shots!

I was contacted by Ayden's mum Lisa to take some photos of her special little guy on whom she was writing an aticle on his Microtia ( http://www.microtiaaustralia.org.au ). I immediately jumped at the chance to photograph such a cutie (although a Bomber's Fan!).

If you would like any further information on Microtia, please head to the website above or email info@microtiaaustralia.org.au

Lisa, thank you for asking me to do this for you, I enjoyed meeting Ayden, Evan and yourself. Best of luck with your article.

 xo Chrissy

I would like to send out a special thanks to Sarah from Bizy Bee Nappies (www.bizybeenappies.com) for making me this georgous minky disposable nappy cover especially given the short notice. It's so soft and I am sure I will use it many more times in the future. Thank you! xo Chrissy

Today I had the pleasure of photographing James and his big brother Thomas. You may remember James' first photo shoot was at the hospital @ 2 days old http://chrissytorney.blogspot.com/2009/10/stork-has-been-again-welcome-james.html James was such a trooper, falling asleep for me (yay me!) and Thomas was the ever happy big brother, taking such great care of his little mate during the shot of them together. James has so much hair and the most georgous peach fuzz on his shoulders and back - he is adorable and I could have cuddled him all day.

Shell and Phil, thank you for today - you should be ever so proud of the beautiful little family you have made together. xo Chrissy

Welcome to the my new and improved blog. This is where I blog my recent client sessions, announce specials and promotions as well as share bits and pieces of my life. I was having a love/hate relationship with blogspot so decided to make a permanent move. You can still view my other blogs by bookmarking http://www.chrissytorney.blogspot.com or www.chrissytorneyphotography.blogspot.com .

This template allows a more professional look and I am really happy with the changes so far. My new logo looks very pretty plus you can also receive updates as soon as they are made by subscribing to my blog via RSS Feeds. So welcome, I hope you likey and I also hope you will pop by often. xo Chrissy