Since becoming a mama life has simply whizzed by. The saying the “days are long but the years are short”, has never been so true for me. Juggling being a solo mama, establishing myself again in my creative pursuits, photography business and setting some goals has been all consuming.

You might have been wondering what I have been up to since the last time I posted. It has been a while and I have really missed this little space to share my creativity, dreams and now being a mama.

MY GIRL

My gorgeous girl is almost 3! How on earth did that happen?! She is a sweet, kind and thoughtful little girl. The house is filled with tutus, dolls and lots and lots of pink. M has always known what she wants and loves to talk, non-stop. We are at the ‘why’ stage, but why mama? Learning to breathe and being patient has been a process and I pray for this everyday. To fill my heart with grace and patience. Each time a question, the same one is asked multiple times I want it to be like it is the first time I am responding with love, compassion and grace. Is this easy? No. I make mistakes but I always own them with M and as I say to her “when we know better we do better”. It’s the first time I have been a mama and the first time she is navigating this life. So we do our best.

I am reading a great book called The Whole Brain Child, it is so insightful to how we engage and nurture our children. Having an awareness that our words are powerful has been a constant thought when raising my daughter. They can make a child soar through life or they can fill them with feelings of shame and inadequacy. I believe in gentle attachment parenting with loving and mindful boundaries for both parent and child. Raising a confident, empathetic and courageous daughter is my main focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Being a solo mama I have had to re-establish myself creatively and having a vocation that allows me to be a stay at home mama with my daughter and help pay the bills. I have invested time into my photography and I absolutely adore working with brands that are aligned with my philosophy. Brands that are sustainable, natural, promote wellness, add beauty to the world or involves good food and drink. In the last year I have worked with some amazing brands; hand blended naturopathic organic teas, handmade natural leather sandals and divine vegan bath products.

I love working with natural light. My heart loves both light and bright and dark and moody images. I specialise in content creation for food, brand and lifestyle photography. When you choose me as your photographer you also get me as a stylist plus I have an extensive prop collection at my fingertips. I call that a win win situation. A lot of photographers have to charge for a stylist plus hiring props, which always means extra cost. Packages start from $195. Email me at LM@lynmmcreanor.com for my media kit and to discuss your branding and photography requirements.

ARCHIVAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ART PRINTS + EXHIBITION

Last year I launched my online shop stocking my photographic art prints.

I am planning an art exhibition in Sydney later this year. A collection of photographs, capturing the essence of florals and vintage pieces. FORAGED + FOUND. Flowers FORAGED and collected from the mountains and my dear neighbours gardens. FOUND pieces, mostly vintage, styled, shot and edited to reflect their raw and well lived beauty. Add a piece of art to your home, work space or business.

AIRBNB

When I am on location shooting in Sydney our house is listed on Airbnb. It is also available to host workshops and photoshoots. Here is a little description from my website.

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Our family grew up with a cat which we had inherited from a family friend. A lovely natured girl named Papoushka. She was adopted by my little sister and became her little friend. Kath would sneak her into her bedroom at night and snuggle up under the covers. Other than that I had a mouse when I was in the first grade and goldfish.

We were not dog people. Our maternal grandparents lived in Jakarta and they had a dog named Chico he was treated like a guard dog. He was given a sheltered corridor about 6 metres long to eat, sleep and do his business in. If I recall correctly he may have even been chained up. He was not treated with warmth or love. I believe this was one of the factors why he was so aggressive. My siblings and I grew up thinking all dogs were scary and dangerous. We were never taught how to behave around them. We were all fear. And yes they say canines smell fear so yes we would attract them once back home in Sydney. We would run from them on our way home from school. Which is the worst thing you could do!

Fast forward twenty years and my sister adopted a german koolie cross kelpie puppy she rescued from a farm. Trigger became her pal. He had such a gentle nature and within a few months we were all besotted by this B.F.G. Such a gorgeous boy. Unfortunately we lost him way before his time however he did leave a great gift of love and a legacy behind. We will be forever grateful that he blessed our lives. Aptly named Trigger because he literally triggered a domino affect of our family buying our beautiful fur babies.

My little guy Oscar was bought from a girl who worked in a pet store and she absolutely adored animals. He came into this world in a safe, secure and loving environment. Six months later Oscar’s mum and dad had a second litter so my mum brought home brother and sister duo Beau and Miffy.

I was quite naive and unaware of puppy mills and how these places are run. Animals are treated like breeding machines. Locked up in filthy conditions, no vet care, no exercise and no love. Where there is demand there is supply. This is why educating pet buyers is so important. I really think potential pet owners need to be screened and educated. It takes commitment and consistency to toilet train and to teach your dog good behaviour and boundaries. They also need warmth, love and attention.

We have all walked past a pet store and been turned to mush over the rolly polly fluffy balls of sweetness – they can do no wrong. Until they are taken home and oh my goodness they need training! The sad reality is that most pet stores buy puppies from puppy mills. I have heard many a story where owners end up with massive pet bills and really sick pups because their mum’s have been breeding machines. Now that I am fully informed I advocate to ADOPT don’t SHOP when it comes to dogs and cats.

There are so many pound, shelter, rescue and foster animals out there waiting for a loving home. The chance at a better life. Many have been abused, neglected, strays, surrendered or orphaned. The incredible thing about most dogs is that all they want is to love and be loved. As a responsible pet owner it is important to desex your pet. There are way too many fur babies that need loving homes and this adds to the stress on pounds and rescues. The sad reality is if they don’t find homes they will be put down with no chance of a happy life.

A few of weeks ago my sister called me and said they were ready to adopt and would like to look for a rescue pup. Maybe it was all the facebook tags of sweet rescue dogs that pushed her over the edge! She picked me up and we went to a few pounds and rescues hoping to come home with a bundle of joy. There were rows of beautiful babies wanting to be taken home and loved it was heartbreaking. They look at you with their longing soulful eyes where no words are needed. I pray that they live a full life with a warm bed and a loving forever home. We spent a day driving all over greater Sydney and ended up at the Animal Welfare League at Ingleside. The staff at AWL are animal lovers, they are passionate about what they do and want the best possible re-home for their animals. My sister did not necessarily want to adopt a puppy she was looking for a small dog, non shedding and under 8 years of age. They live in a small apartment so this would be the easiest to manage for both pup and parents. On the list of adoptable dogs were three little 10 week old puppies and they were the sweetest little darlings. Each with there own personality and looks. Their mum was a stray maltese and we suspect their dad was a pomeranian.

Here are the places we went in search of little Mia. Be sure to check their websites for opening hours and the adoption process before visiting. If you are not looking to adopt but would like to volunteer, foster or donate contact your local rescue or pound because there are always in need.

Blacktown City Animal Holding Facility 415 Flushcombe Road Blacktown (02) 9839 6161

Monika’s Doggie Rescue 2 McCowan Road Ingleside (02) 9486 3133

Animal Welfare League 11 Cicada Glen Drive Ingleside

In all things beautiful,

Lyn xx

{Rescue Puppy} Meet Mia My Sister’s Little Darling

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Grosgrain is my favourite little cottage on the upper north shore of Sydney. It is worth a trip from anywhere to visit this thoughtfully curated range of homewares and gifts. Luckily enough for me it is a short fifteen minute drive up the highway to this gorgeous space, the walls are painted in black and aptly named jaguar from Porter’s Paint which add to the depth and moodiness of these rooms. I adore the texture of the worn wooden floor boards and I am happy shooting flat lays on this treasured back drop anytime. Call me crazy but I prefer floorboards which have been graced with life and love. They bear the beauty and the scars of feet seeking refuge from the cold or heels clicking as they fall – they hold a history of a building.

If you can take a minute to stop ooohhing and aahhing over this thoughtfully styled shop you might end up piling the front counter with the loveliest mix of homewares, some old, some new and French pieces which will have your friends wanting to know where you picked up these designer finds. You are in trouble when you pop in to buy a gift for a friend and you end up with two of everything one for you and one for a friend. You won’t leave Grosgrain without a special memory to add to your collection of beautiful things. Make a day of it and visit some of the lovely cafe’s in this charming shopping village. I love the Butchers Block which is just around the corner from Grosgrain for a light lunch with a girlfriend or a tea and a little treat. It was originally the local butcher’s and the fit out pays homage to it’s past displaying old equipment and hardware collected by the original butcher.

I met the owner of Grosgrain Lisa Cribb at one of the local markets where we both had a stall. She is so lovely and her eye for beauty and detail is on point. I am so proud to stock my signature organic sweet dukkah in her beautiful store. Lisa has also invited me to teach a couple of hands on creative workshops at Grosgrain. You can book them here.

GROSGRAIN 3/29-31 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga NSW                                                OPENING HOURS Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm Saturday 9.30am-3pm                     Enquiries 02 9489 9915

PORTERS PAINT 895 Bourke Street Waterloo NSW                                                 OPENING HOURS Monday – Friday 8am-5pm Saturday  9am – 3pm Sunday closed  Enquiries 1800 656 664

THE BUTCHER’S BLOCK 15 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga NSW                              OPENING HOURS Monday – Saturday 6am – 5pm Sunday closed                                        No reservations required Enquiries for 10 or more 02 9487 8136

In all things beautiful,

Lyn x

{Grosgrain Homewares}

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I am so excited to share with you one of my first creative workshops. This one is for the girls! What girl would not want to spend a few hours crafting pom poms and finger knitting?! With homemade organic cupcakes and drinks to devour whilst getting their craft on.

The girls get to take home a one-of-a-kind handmade denim bag and make a pom pom trio to add a little fun to their new fashion accessory. They will also make a mini pom pom garland to decorate their bedroom. Here are the dates and times available.

Upon request you can book this craft party for your daughter’s birthday party with a maximum of 8 girls. Please email your party date to lyn@inallthingsbeautiful.com

KIDS CRAFT WORKSHOP – POM POMS + FINGER KNITTING

DATES – Two dates available for the September 2015 School Holidays.

Workshop 1 – Wednesday 23 September 2015 1pm-4pm

Workshop 2 – Tuesday 29 September 2015  10am-1pm

Venue – In All Things Beautiful HQ (address emailed once booking confirmed)

Tickets – $95 (includes all materials, cupcake and drink). To book click here

To have your denim bag customised with your child’s initial tick – Add on Customised Initial Embroidery to your cart.

Please choose carefully as we do not offer refunds. You are welcome to pass your ticket onto a friend. If you do please email lyn@inallthingsbeautiful.com with the new attendees name.

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Here is a taste of other workshops scheduled for this year. Dates to be confirmed in September.

WEDDINGS – Hands on workshops for the bride-to-be and her entourage. Including invitations, bunting, cake toppers, bespoke craft details and more for your wedding day. I will be bringing you my designs, suppliers and diy tips and tricks. Get crafty and create a beautiful bespoke look for your special day. Make a day of it with your mum or bridesmaids with a lovely organic afternoon tea served.

STYLE YOUR SOCIAL FOR MAKERS + CREATIVES – A collaboration with self confessed techie and creative nerd Christy Laurence from With the Radiant on how to ‘Style your Social’ media with savvy. Bringing together my stylist and photography experience and Christy’s social media and marketing strategies we will have a jam packed day with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included.

The morning styling component will cover placement, how to style foodie shots, and the use of props to enhance the product and tell a story through image, composition, texture and colour. You will have the opportunity to capture beautifully styled vignettes and play with my collection of vintage props and delicious treats to add to your camera roll.

In the afternoon session Christy will bring you the lowdown on Instagram photo editing apps, stats and tips. She will share with you insight into how to curate your feed and themes. The key to a great feed is consistency and content and knowing when to post and Christy will show you how. Most importantly the question all makers and sellers ask how to find customers not peers – will be answered.

DIY PARTY STYLING – Learn crafty skills to add to your next celebration. Lot’s of delightful things to make – handmade invitations, bunting, cake decorating, drink stirrers and more.

CHRISTMAS – One of my favourite seasons to decorate and style is Christmas. Make your own handmade paper floral wreath and Christmas crackers for this wonderful celebration.

In all things beautiful,

Lyn x

{Kids Craft Workshop} September School Holidays

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It has been a big month. Huge. Filled with lots of adventures and a special anniversary to mark in the diary. On the 4th July my husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. What an incredible year it has been – one of new beginnings, exciting business opportunities, collaborations and our world has been buzzing with creativity. Just the way we like it! I have so many beautiful projects and places to share with you and I am so happy to be back to a routine and my regular blog posts. It helps to download and share all that is dancing around in my head. School holidays, workshops and celebrations have been all consuming as my photo library is bulging with images to edit and stories to tell.

If you dream of a rural life in the country but are tied to an urban life then weekend getaways are the next best thing! I found the most idyllic cottage in the Southern Highlands.  The Cottage Kangaroo Valley is a little over a 1 1/2 hours drive from Sydney – there really is no excuse to not book this beauty. Artist and Stylist Lisa Madigan styled this lovely cottage built in the 1880’s to perfection.

Lisa and her husband moved to the Highlands 8 years ago and lovingly restored their home  and since moving back to Sydney this year it is available for bookings. Lucky us! It is a visual feast every which way you turn and brings Lisa’s magic touch to every detail.

When I travel on the top of my list is a comfortable bed, quality linen, clean space and a bath. The Cottage had all four and more including Aesop toiletries, a wood fire and soft snugly robes. The kitchen is fully equipped and we enjoyed a complementary bottle of bubbles on arrival. So many thoughtful details made us feel extra special. A basket of local vegetables, a loaf of fresh bread, eggs, bacon, milk, the sweetest vine tomatoes and one of the best fetta cheeses I have tasted from Small Cow Farm was waiting for us. On our last morning at the cottage I made the creamiest scrambled eggs with fetta, vine tomatoes and fresh organic herbs. Oh so good!

The Cottage sleeps up to 5 guests and is available all year round for a little getaway, extended stays, events and location shoots. It would be the perfect environment to pen a book, recharge and inspire. Peace, tranquility with all the modern day luxuries.

This place is dreamy. It was like walking into one of the stories in my favourite Australian magazine Country Style. Lisa thank you for sharing your cottage, beauty and hospitality with us. We will be back very soon! I might even gather a few girlfriends for a dose of beauty and fresh country air…..

In all things beautiful,

Lyn xx

Lisa Madigan’s 18th solo art exhibition at Saint Cloche from 23rd July – 2nd August 2015

{Lisa Madigan} The Cottage Kangaroo Valley

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After lunch Holly’s class took the road less traveled – the world of cultures, fermenting and probiotics. There is an increased awareness of feeding our bodies for health and knowing the benefits of certain foods for wellbeing and wellness. Hearing the words scoby (a kombucha culture), fermentation and glass explosions being thrown around the room had me clinging to my wooden stool and my mouth agape in wonder. Honestly it has both intrigued and scared me to open this veritable pandoras box of um goodies?! There are communities on social media who share their cultures, trials, triumphs and fears. They are groups of like minded men and women on their journey to good gut health and wellness and I am ready to join them!

Through industrialisation, commercialism and the rise of processed foods most of the modern world has lost the age old tradition of preserving foods and along with it the health benefits. The fermentation process is still widely used by many cultures including kimchi in Korea and Sauerkraut in Germany. We are seeing a shift towards eating wholefoods, cooking from scratch, buying organically and sourcing local produce. Our food chain has been adulterated by science and chemicals with the aim of feeding the masses at rock bottom prices with high profits. Now we are seeing the health costs of these choices.

SO WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS, WHAT DO THEY DO AND WHERE DO YOU FIND THEM?

PROBIOTICS – Known as the ‘good bacteria’, these are microorganisms naturally found in the human digestive tract that improve the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut. They are found in fermented and cultured foods . You can make your own such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, jun and filmjolk (swedish yoghurt) using organic ingredients or buying organic products including yoghurt, miso and tempeh. Some benefits of probiotics include easing constipation and bloating, aids digestion, improve bowel health, restore healthy gut flora after taking antibiotics, optimal nutrient absorption, support the bodies immune system guarding it against harmful bacteria and even helps slow or reverse some diseases. Aim to include 1-2 serves in your diet daily.

PREBIOTICS – Work in synergy with probiotics, promoting the growth and function of good bacteria in the gut. Your gut will be healthier, more balanced and your body is able to absorb essential nutrients as they pass through the digestive tract. Essentially prebiotics feed probiotics. You can find them in chickpeas, lentils, beans, leeks, onions, asparagus, jeresalem artichokes and other supplementary fibres such as psyllium and slippery elm. It is recommended to eat 1-2 serves a day of foods containing prebiotics especially in winter.

What we fear is the unknown. For me all it has taken is a bit of reading and a class with a lady who has over 40 years experience – she started fermenting as a teenager and her love affair has never wained but somewhat become a passion to share her knowledge with others. If you are a little nervous trying to make your own natural probiotic foods and tonics I would highly recommend one of Holly’s workshops. A great place to start your new adventure into a happy and healthy world of good gut bacteria. Before taking off on this new journey of discovery be sure to do your research or find a good workshop because it can be quite dangerous. One of Holly’s students left her bottle of fermented goodness in the fridge whilst on holiday and it exploded and blew the fridge door right off! Big mistake, HUGE mess and expense to clean up when she returned…..unless you have budgeted for a new kitchen and whitegoods! No kind of good gut conversation would explain myself out of that one with Mr M!

In all things beautiful,

Lyn xx

Holly Davis teaches wholefood workshops, is a food writer, recipe developer, author, chef and available for consulting. For latest wholefood classes visit food by holly davis

The workshop was held at Silva Noble’s beautifully styled home. You can find a lovely curation of her style at her shop The Lost and Found Dept. in Sydney’s lower north shore.

ps A big thank you to Jane Grover and Annette who assisted Holly.

{Holly Davis} Cultures, Fermenting and Probiotics Workshop Part 2

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We are seeing the last of the colourful autumn leaves cling to tree branches as the winter chill hits Sydney. This means more time at home, snuggling up and eating warm comfort food. Last weekend I attended a workshop by all round amazing lady Holly Davis of food by holly davis. She is passionate about wholefoods, understanding the nutritional benefits of the food we eat and eating organic produce in season. Her food is delicious, nourishing and I love her creative use of ingredients. Sometimes I get stuck using the same ingredients at home – Holly has inspired me to introduce ‘new’ flavours back into my dishes. For example I used to cook with miso, tahini, umeboshi and seaweed however in recent years they have slipped out of my cooking repertoire.

Holly is one half of the team that founded Iku Wholefoods some 30 years ago. She has been a trailblazer in Australia using macrobiotic principles and wholefood cooking. I cannot quite remember where I first met her however our paths have crossed in the organic and hospitality industries over the years. She is like a second mum. She is warm, nurturing and lovingly brings class to order. Her passion for food is contagious and I love to see someone absolutely excited about real food, who enjoys teaching and sharing her lifelong quest of eating well. Holly is a generous teacher packing the day with helpful tips and sharing her knowledge of cooking and ingredients. I truly believe starting with good organic produce and it being prepared with a heart filled with passion and hands that knead, roll, stir with love can be tasted in the food.

I am thrilled Holly was kind enough to share one of her Winter Warmer recipes with us.

{RECIPE} TOO EASY TO BE TRUE JAP PUMPKIN SOUP BY HOLLY DAVIS ©

Holly recommends roasting the pumpkin whole this seals in the flavours and keeps the natural sweetness in the pumpkin. It also saves time in the kitchen because after it is roasted the skin peels off easily. I love this handy tip because peeling pumpkins is hard work.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium jap pumpkin whole

2 tsp ghee or plain sesame oil

1 1/2 tbsp ginger juice

1 tbsp ghee

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup toasted pepitas

METHOD

Rub the whole pumpkin with fat

Place on a baking tray and transfer to the oven at 150 degrees celsius.

Cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours

Peel the skin, remove the centre and scoop out the seeds.

Scoop the flesh into the blender and blend with sea salt and ghee to taste and enough stock to make a pourable but thick soup.

Re-heat and serve hot.

Top with a good drizzle of chilli oil, yuzu miso sauce and toasted pepitas.

I have wanted to take one of Holly’s Wholefood Workshops for many years now. Being constrained by time has left it on the to do list and now I wish I had done it sooner rather than later. It was a jam packed 5 hours in the delightful home of Silvia Noble from The Lost and Found Department. Silvia’s style and eye for detail filled the room and as the perfect hostess the day ran seamlessly. A beautifully styled cottage with a white kitchen that is my kind of pinterest pin perfection with marble bench tops, chandeliers and a long rustic wooden table.

The day was filled with lots to taste, watch and we even received living organisms to take home. I cannot wait to make Holly’s Walnut Pate, Irish Lamb Stew with Oat Groats, Roasted Pumpkin Soup, and Tahini, Umeboshi, Lemon Sauce. The second part of the day was all about tonics, cultures and fermenting foods and liquids. This was literally jaw dropping stuff which I will share with you later this week.

In all things beautiful,

Lyn xx

Holly Davis teaches wholefood workshops, is a food writer, recipe developer, author, chef and available for consulting. For latest wholefood classes visit food by holly davis

ps A big thank you to Jane Grover and Annette who assisted Holly.

{Holly Davis} Wholefood Winter Warming Wonders Workshop

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A perfect Autumn day, a Victoria sponge cake, a beautiful book and a garden filled with inspiring women was the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon. My lovely friend Jane Grover hosted an afternoon tea in her front yard for Michelle Crawford the lady behind the blog Hugo and Elsa. We sipped organic tea and nibbled on lots of delicious baked goodies from Michelle’s new book A Table In The Orchard. My favourites were the chocolate wheaty biscuits with a hint of saltiness and the sponge cake filled with cream and homemade apricot jam – oh my Tasmanian produce is truly heaven on earth. I can see why they packed up ten years ago leaving the hustle and bustle of urban Sydney to buy an old farmhouse in the pretty Houn Valley.

We listened to stories of how Michelle and her husband searched for their farmhouse, her love of baking and her dream of writing a book. She is warm, encouraging, humble and seriously happy with her tree change. Jane read an excerpt from her book which is delightful, entertaining and filled with the beauty and excitement of rural life. The book is full of beautiful photos all styled and shot by the author.

Styling for the afternoon was done by the creative Silvia from The Lost and Found Department she came armed with props, bunting and all sorts of prettiness. A retail shop which I have heard so much about through the whisperings of Sydney’s stylists and those in the know. Her instagram feed is such a tease with snippets of the stores offerings. I need to make a trip to this beautiful space after all it is only a 15 minute drive from my house – I really have no excuses except time and budget. A little treat is ok, right?

A big thank you to Jane who shared her home, hospitality and always lots of smiles and laughs. This lady is a superwoman. A chef, mum, author and business woman. In 2012 she self published her book Naked Food, is an advocate for eating organic produce, sustainably and knowing where are food comes from. You rock Jane! I am blessed to have such an inspirational and encouraging ‘big sister’ in my life. You have been generous with your time and sharing your faith journey with me. Jane Grover provides entertaining and educational live cooking shows to small and large audiences. Your audience will be delighted by Jane’s sense of humour and down to earth presentation style. Her cookbook is in it’s second print run so don’t miss out – you can purchase it online here with free shipping Australia wide. Filled with great photos and healthy wholesome recipes that the family will love.

So grateful to have shared the afternoon catching up with familiar faces and making new friends. A Table In The Orchard is the perfect gift for mum, your granny or anyone who loves food and has a dream. Who says that we can’t follow our dreams? Most of the time the greatest barrier to following our dreams is our own self doubt, insecurities, the unknown and change. Be brave and enjoy the adventure like the Crawford’s did. Anything is possible you just need to make a decision and keep on tracking.

Now, for a little bit of me time…..I have a good book calling my name.

In All Things Beautiful,

Lyn xx

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Last week I had two wonderful days in the country. Surrounded by inspiration, creative women, home cooking and my Canon 5d Mark III at the ready. It could not have been any more perfect for a girl who loves food, styling and photography. Sophie Hansen from Local is Lovely hosted the Food Styling and Photography workshop at her parents farm ‘Kimbri’ in Rydal. Located 2 1/2 hours west of Sydney meant an early start to arrive by 9am. When I arrived I was delighted to find my friend Jane Grover had also booked in for the workshop. Sophie’s mum artist Annie Herron is an art teacher and she has Art Classes throughout the year at Kimbri. Oh how I wish I was a watercolorist so I could spend five magical days here painting. A girl can dream, cant she?!. Maybe one day….

Arriving at Kimbri instantly I felt at home. Welcomed by Luisa Brimble – a passionate, generous and talented photographer. Being creative I need to understand the technical in a hands on creative way. Luisa is empathetic to this with her patient and relaxed teaching style. I loved that it was 80% practical and 20% theory. It was well paced and we all had ten minutes with Luisa for one and one sessions. We put all our newfound skills into practice on the DSLR’s manual settings.

Stylist Stephanie Stamatis and her assistant/model Ella Bendrups flew up from Melbourne bringing swoon worthy props and backgrounds. She created a veritable playground of beautiful vignettes for us to photograph. I am in awe of her eye for detail and precise yet relaxed approach to styling. Amelia Toohey from The Flower Era did the early morning trek to the flower markets in Sydney to bring us the prettiest autumn flowers and her creative floristry skills.

Sophie and her friend Pip prepared delicious food for breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Needless to say there was food in abundance and we certainly did not go hungry! It was a short reprieve being away from my family knowing I would not upset anyone taking seemingly endless photos of our food before ‘I allowed’ them to eat. My husband is always saying that’s enough photos….my reply is always “just one more”. After all it could be that last shot which is the hero! Sophie and her husband Tim are deer farmers and they host farm kitchen lunches at their farm Mandagery Creek, 20 minutes west of Orange. This lady juggles a family, a farm, is a food writer and has just written her first cook book Local is Lovely.

I hardly slept a wink on the first night because my mind was racing from such a visually sensory day. Back in my room my head was giddy with composition, aperture, metering, ISO’s, overexposing, underexposing and light. My dreams were vivid and filled with the beauty of images captured on digital ‘film’.

Images last forever, they are a record of a time, a place, a moment. They are powerful in evoking emotions. In photography I am drawn to contrast of the moodiness and shadows in underexposed images and the light and brightness in overexposing images. Two opposites yet equally beautiful in there own way.

In all things beautiful,

Lyn xx

ps The sweetest young lady – student Hannah McCowatt joined us to film this lovely montage capturing the essence of two magical days at Kimbri. This girl has talent! She is developing her blog at the moment and I can’t wait to see it.

{Food Styling + Photography Workshop} Local is Lovely

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