ACOCP Blog - All the latest news from the Australian Charity of Child Photographers

Melanie Kellermann

My name is Melanie Kellermann, I am married with 3 children and live in Wollongong NSW.
I have been interested in photography for as long as I can remember. I started pursuing my passion for photography after the birth of my youngest child who is now 3. I have now been in business for over 12 months. I love to photograph children and newborns.
I am proud to be part of the ACOCP and giving families cherished memories of there children that will last today, tomorrow and forever.
www.melaniekellermannphotography.com.au
 

Fiona Carson

My name is Fiona Carson, I'm 30-something, and a mother to 2 gorgeous boys. We all live together with our dog, Kya (who often gets mistaken for a polar bear) in Brisbane.

I have only gotten into photography in the last few years, but since discovering this new passion, I have lived and breathed it. I decided to start up my business last year - I was due to return to my Accounting degree after having some time off after the birth of my 2nd son. Trust me when I say I make a much better Photographer than I would have an Accountant!

I am pleased and proud to be able to give something back by being a member of ACOCP. I hope to be able to bring some joy and memories to the families involved.

www.fionacarsonphotography.com.au

Sally Williams

My name is Sally and I have a great husband, and 3 wonderful sons. I have been taking photos for the past 10 years. What started as a curiosity has progressed into a passion. I love taking photos of children, and catching their innocence in a moment that will last forever. I am truly honoured to be a member of the ACOCP and can’t think of a more cherished treasure that I could offer to anyone. This is a great charity and I look forward to giving some happiness to those who are surrounded by sadness.

sally@sallywilliams.com.au

www.sallywilliams.com.au 

Katie Finn

Hi, my name is Katie Finn - I am currently 22, married with 2 cats :)  My husband and I run two Toowoomba-based businesses, Katie Finn Photography and video production company Ebenezer Films. 

I specialise in child and maternity portraiture. Being a part of ACOCP is a huge honour - I can't think of a more precious gift to give the families.

To view more of Katie's photos please visit www.katiefinn.com.au

An interview with the ACOCP's Gemma Higgins

Where can we find you online?

www.iriscreationsphotography.com or www.iriscreations.blogspot.com (new site going live within the week hopefully!)

Who/What led you to the ACOCP?

I wanted a way to give back to the community with my photography. 

When/how did you know that photography was your thing?

I have ALWAYS had a camera in my hands.  I was the trusty friend who'd have the camera at events, parties etc.  I started in Live Music Photography and wanted to create a career from it then and slowly built the business up over about 6 years.  I launched the Maternity/Newborn aspect of my business when I was pregnant with my first son.

Who are your favorite photographers?

Sally Mann, Tony Mott, and many, many other photographers around the world. 

What tips can you give parents for taking better photos of their kids?

take the time to get to know your camera.  Experiment with angles and lighting, and don't be afraid to get in close!

Describe your style of photography?

Natural, Unique, Art.  Predominately my work is in Black and White, I strive for art that will never date, creating portraits that will stand the test of time.  My style is simple, clean and unique - and forever evolving.  I like the "old", and love incorporating this into my work.

What’s your favourite food?

Indian & Italian.. and as I'm female - ice cream and chocolate (now I'm hungry!)

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would like to have expanded my studio into the vision I've had for years.  I would have liked to 'play' in the music industry a little more - It's so much fun!
Had an exhibition, and be thinking about a book.  (I've always wanted to write!)

A recent favourite photo?

Oh no - that's hard!
I'll attach two? you decide

An interview with Renee Oakenfull

Where can we find you online?

www.urbanpulse.com.au <http://www.urbanpulse.com.au/> – due to launch very soon www.viberesources.com <http://www.viberesources.com/> –

launching 1 February reneeoakenfull.typepad.com - the blog

Who/What led you to the ACOCP?

I met Jessie on a forum and we got to chatting via IM. I had heard about ACOCP before and knew that it was an organization I wanted to be involved with. After chatting with Jessie I felt ready and here I am… I truly believe that life is not about just what you can get out of it but what you can give as well.

When/how did you know that photography was your thing?

When I have the camera in my hands I feel that I have finally found my voice, my way of speaking to the world. I’d always felt like I didn’t have a ‘thing’ but that feeling was completely turned around with photography.

Who are your favorite photographers?

There are 3 that I am really finding inspiration in at the moment. The first is a couple: Jeff & Julia Woods. Not only are they amazing photographers but they do it all with 4 children that they homeschool.

How’s that for inspiration? I’m inspired by Jesh de Rox, his way of looking at the world, his way of just being and of course his talent.

Last but not least I’ve got to say Joey Lawrence because… well gosh, just look at his stuff and you’ll know why.

What tips can you give parents for taking better photos of their kids?

Get in closer, take it down to their level… capture everything about them - not just the pretty hair style with the big smile and the wall as a background… capture them playing, laughing, eating, crying…

Describe your style of photography

I always have trouble answering this question. I’m going to cheat here.

Not long ago I was involved in a keywording exercise with some other photographers. We chose photos that speak to us and then asked everyone to give 3 words that they thought of when looking at them. I’ll steal their words for this answer… colourful, sassy, dramatic

What’s your favourite food?

Red Bull is my all time favourite food group. Wha? Not a food group???

Hush now!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’d like to have run a marathon, attended a seminar with each of the above photographers, be an international photographer, learn time management, tour the Red Bull factory, own a 2 storey house and still be friends with my husband and children.

A recent favourite photo

Thanks Renee!

Kelly Trow

My name is Kelly Trow and I am the mother of 3 young boys.  We live in the Goldfields in WA.

I have been interested in photography for as long as I can remember although having my own children has made me appreciate it for what it is – capturing precious memories.

I am proud to be able to say I belong to the ACOCP.  It is such a wonderful way to help families keep hold of memories at a time in their lives that they may otherwise not think to do so.  I look forward to helping out with such a worthwhile cause.

Kelly Trow

Kelly Trow Photography

Website:  www.kellytrowphotography.com

Phillippa Smoker

My name is Phillippa Smoker and I am the mother of two delightful boys.

I have had a passion for photography from a young age, which intensified after the births of my sons. I am not currently in business as yet but hope to be sometime in the future.

Knowing that I have suffered the loss of a miscarriage and have seen one of my close friends go through the difficult journey of a premature birth I knew that when I saw that the ACOCP needed photographers that it was something that I wanted to do to help others in whatever way I can to help them to keep their memories alive.

Phillippa Smoker

http://sweetchilliphillyphotography.com/

Karen Simons

My name is Karen Simons. I am a mother of 5 adorable (most of the time ) children.

And I love being a children's photographer.

I have seen the pain and devastation, that losing a child can bring to a family, and

have personally felt the pain of miscarriage.

When I first read about the ACOCP, I instantly knew that it was something I wanted to be involved in,

and I have huge respect for those who have worked tirelessly in developing this charity.

Karen Simons

Karen Simons Photography

http://www.shotfromtheheart.com

Vicky Leon

My name is Vicky Leon and I am a Melbourne based child photographer. When Jessie contacted me to join the ACOCP I felt truly honored.

In 1968, my sister was still born; 12 months before I arrived. At the time no-one offered my mum the opportunity to photograph my sister and even though she will remain part of my parents’ memory forever, I wish there were photos of her to give us all the opportunity to meet and remember her.

In 2004, my son Nicholas was born prematurely and the photos I have of him during his 8 weeks in Special Care are to date, the most important photos I have of him. They also provide us with memories of a time, which without the photos would have been a total blur.

I believe photographs during these challenging times are extremely important and I feel honored to be given the opportunity to provide families with such memories.

web: www.photosbyvickyleon.com