It’s been a while since I’ve put up any personal posts. I’ve been rather busy with work. This weekend I decided to take a break, relax and do a bit of reading. I Also spent some quality time with the kids at the local library and managed to capture these.

This is Kyra’s regular serious face. She is just looking so grown up all of a sudden. She looks so much older than her 5 years.

As for Lia, she is trying to perfect the grumpy/serious look but can’t keep it up when I tease her. “Oh mum,” she giggles, “you twicked me!” She can never manage to completely hide that hint of mischief that seems to sparkle in her eyes.

Posted by Netra on Aug 9th 2009 | child - personal - photography
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Posted by Netra on Jul 27th 2009 | adult - family - personal - photography
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Yesterday I photographed a very dear friend, Carla. She has recently bought a chic little apartment and after months of trying to meet up to do this shoot, we finally managed it. Carla cooked for me – a rich, amazing spaghetti bolognese with lots of chilli and smothered in parmesan cheese and then we got down to business.

I find it more challenging photographing friends. I see them in my mind and heart a certain way that sometimes doesn’t quite translate into the photographs. It took us a while to get into the groove of the afternoon. As she was getting dressed, I wandered around her place, snapping away at little details that intrigued me, or that I thought were just so her. A note held on the fridge with a ceramic fish, and old email clipped together with a few postcards, her green glass splashbacks with a lost sprig of lavender…

When I started to process the images from her session, I realised they all fit together like pieces. No single image conveyed the sense of who she is, or her pride in her new place, her sense of style and her funky decor. So here it is…

Posted by Netra on Jul 26th 2009 | adult - family - personal - photography
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She finally relented and allowed me to have a play today with the galabeya. I am amazed sometimes that she is my daughter. I see her and watch her antics every day – but when I capture her on camera she looks so different, so much older.

Posted by Netra on Jul 17th 2009 | child - personal - photography
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A very close friend of mine was recently in Egypt and thoughtfully brought back two galabeyas (traditional Bedouin outfits) for my girls. They were ecstatic! Both got dressed up immediately, wrapped the shawls around themselves and spent an entertaining hour trying to belly dance. Unfortunately with no hips to hold the shawls up, they spent more time puddled around their feet than up around their middles. For some unknown reason Kyra didn’t want to have her photo taken so I only managed to snap a few of Lia.

(The bruise on the side of her nose is from colliding with the arm of the sofa while she and Kyra were swinging each other around pretending to be Lalita and Will Darcy from Bride & Prejudice)

Posted by Netra on Jul 12th 2009 | child - personal - photography
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I’ve been working on the ACOCP’s Heartfelt Exhibition for over six months now and I estimate I’ve spent over 200 hours on it. 200 hours of calling sponsors, coordinating deadlines, putting together specifications, collating stories, photos, designing, proofing, revising…

It opens tomorrow.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into this project, at the expense of some of my other (wonderful and understanding) clients. Its been an amazing journey and I can’t believe we’re a day away from opening. Today my husband walked past me an asked, “What are you going to do with yourself now that it’s all done?” In truth, I have no idea.

Bu in honour of the opening here is a sneak peek of the printed catalogue – which will be on sale for $7 at the gallery on the opening night.

Posted by Netra on Jun 21st 2009 | corporate - design - graphic design - personal - photography - pro bono
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I initially joined ACOCP, not as a photographer, but as a digital retoucher. At the parents request, I reworked photographs of their children to digitally remove tubes, tape and other medical interventions that often obscure a babies face. I was also able to assist by evening the skintone of stillborn babies, to give parents photographs of their children they can display proudly in frames or carry in their wallets. I’ve since expanded my involvement and volunteered as the ACOCP graphic designer.

 It seemed only natural, when the idea of an exhibition was suggested, that I volunteer to design, produce and coordinate it. An exhibition, such as this one, requires a sensitive approach and determination to garner commercial support. In bringing together the many submissions from the ACOCP photographers I have come to know the stories of many young children – beautiful faces who have traveled amazing journeys. Each one has something to teach us: to take time in the whirlwind of life to remember how blessed we are to hold our little ones close, whisper we love them and tuck them into bed at night.

 My involvement with the ACOCP has taught me compassion and empathy. It has made me a better parent to my two young daughters. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to nurture “Heartfelt” from an idea to full fruition. It has been without a doubt, the most rewarding project of my career.

Below is the official poster, flyer and website for Heartfelt.

Posted by Netra on Jun 18th 2009 | corporate - design - graphic design - personal - pro bono
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I initially joined ACOCP, not as a photographer, but as a digital retoucher. At the parents request, I reworked photographs of their children to digitally remove tubes, tape and other medical interventions that often obscure a babies face. I was also able to assist by evening the skintone of stillborn babies, to give parents photographs of their children they can display proudly in frames or carry in their wallets. I’ve since expanded my involvement and volunteered as the ACOCP graphic designer.

Part of our awareness campaign this year is to rebrand the ACOCP and produce much more collateral to create higher visibility in Health Care Centres and hospitals as well as expand our reach. The first step was to create new posters, flyers and a website. Here they are!

Posted by Netra on Jun 10th 2009 | corporate - design - graphic design - personal - pro bono
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When Sam was here this week, she dropped off her gorgeous red Petti skirt for me to borrow. I couldn’t resist having a bit of a play with it (and Lia) in the back yard. I has also recently bought a white wicker basket on wheels and Lia was all too keen to climb in and ham it up for the camera!

I love the saggy baggy stockings here!

Posted by Netra on May 10th 2009 | child - personal
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Lia scored a whole heap of presents for her birthday and a couple of really super cute outfits from Aunty C and Aunty K. At their request – we had a bit of a mini shoot in the new clothes today and of course one giant twirly coloured lollipop! Of course Kyra had to get in on the action and try on the jacket as well…

Posted by Netra on Apr 27th 2009 | child - personal
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