Sarah Jane Photography in Nowra, New South Wales | Photography and videography

Sarah Jane Photography

Locality: Nowra, New South Wales

Address: Nowra, NSW 2540, Australia 2540 Nowra, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.sarahjanephotography.org

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24.01.2022 Put a SMILE on your Dial! What put a smile on your face today? I'll tell you mine. Currently my 7yr old Liam and my 4yr old Ethan are playing FIFA (soccer) on the play station. (Yes I need screen time as a mum!)... Now Ethan has zero idea how to play and he uses a controller that no longer works. He presses the buttons randomly and thinks he is scoring the goals. Unbeknownst to him, Liam has set up the game so Ethan can "win." Liam comes up and whispers to me "Mum, I made it so Ethan can win. " And my mum heart just melted. And he is throwing in comments like "Ethan it is so hard to beat you." To a 4 yr old boy who firmly believes he is a cross between Mike the Knight and any given superhero of his choice, this is EVERYTHING! He feels like he is triumphant, winning, successful, a hero! And all because of the kindness and thoughtfulness of my little Liam. What a lesson to have today!!! Sometimes we should do what is better or more beneficial for someone else, even if it means we "lose." What a thought! Imagine if we all lived a little more like this! WHAT HAS MADE YOU SMILE TODAY?? LET'S SPREAD MORE SMILES. by the amazing KLD Photography

24.01.2022 When I am overwhelmed, I look for something constant. I just drove 2 out of 4 kids over to my parent's house for a night because they wanted to go and I am all for having help with my 4, whenever it is offered! I am driving along and I am thinking to myself. I am noticing that the sky is still a clear blue, the grass is still green, the air is still cool and fresh and the amazing, bright, golden sun is still shining. Cars are still on the road and going about their daily l...ives. To me this indicates that things are still ok. We may have rules, restrictions, lockdowns, illness, but some things never change. And that grounds me. I am a visual person, and what I see triggers my emotions. When we had bushfires close to us, I could not cope with the smoke and the sight of planes flying overhead dropping water. I would wake up and look for a patch of blue sky, because to me that meant things were normal and ok. Even though I knew I was safe, if I couldn't see those normal things, I felt unsafe. Even know I am triggered by any sight of smoke. So today, with so much uncertainty yet again, I am looking for the constant reminders that the world is still turning, I am still safe, God is still good and in control and there is beauty all around. It doesn't cancel out the feeling of unease, but it sure does help! How do you deal with uncertainty? Do you look for reminders that everything is ok?

23.01.2022 Trade- offs, juggling, sacrifices. Whatever you call it. As mum's we all do it automatically, with every decision we make. It is a constant weighing up and balancing act. When I was booking accommodation for a soccer tournament I thought. Do I pick the place where the team is staying, that is ok, but not great? Or a bigger, more comfortable, more expensive room? Which is better for the kids? And what will satisfy the 4 year old, may not meet the needs of the 14 year old. ... Do I make spag bol, knowing only 2 out of 4 kids enjoy it? One only eats the meat and one only eats 2 mouthfuls. Do I ever cook anything I would love to try, with spices and flavour and fresh greens? Do I buy another pair of school pants, or do I wash more? Do I save that money for a lifelong dream, or spend it on making memories for the kids? It comes naturally to us, to put others first. Our kids, our partners, our family, even others. And anytime we choose otherwise, it comes with a large side of guilt. So even then, there is a trade- off. As a christian, I believe that part of my purpose is to put other's before myself, to consider the wellbeing of others. I truly believe we are meant to serve,help where we can and make a difference. And so as we were designed by God to be mothers and helpers, then it makes sense that we would consider the needs of those in our care. But I do also believe that we allow ourselves to have far lesser value and worth than those we are helping, those in our family, those around us. As a mum, I have often seen myself as replaceable and able to do ok with less. I have struggled with this for so long and I that just about EVERY MUM out there can relate. So maybe the answer is to put ourselves into the equation a little more often? Is there a middle ground? (I don't know.) But I realise that we often lack this ability to give ourselves worth and see our value. So we should make a point of doing it for each other. Maybe as mum's we should make a point of reaching out and lifting each other up. Reminding each other that to the people around us and the God who made us, we are irreplaceable. Go and remind at least 1 woman of how amazing she is!

22.01.2022 At the end of the day we just want to know we did a good job! Many of us are mums and we consider that our most important (and most challenging) role. There is not a single mum amongst us that hasn't done several things we regret, feel guilty about or wish we had chosen differently.... BUT every single one of us continues to show up, give our all, keep trying and learning and love our kids to the ends of the earth. I know that when all is said and done, I want to know that my children love me and are thankful for me. That I did ok at my life's biggest role. I think we all do. We all want to know that we made a difference to the most important people in our lives. That our lives and efforts matter. I hope we ALL have someone who will tell us that we are valued and worthy. And I hope that each and every mum knows how truly amazing they are!

12.01.2022 It's the end of June and I've finally picked my focus word for the year! You know how people pick a theme or a goal word to concentrate on for the year, like "health," "freedom," "connection"etc? Mine hit me around 11pm lying in bed, when my mind switches on against my will. ... THRIVING! That's my word. But not just for 2021, for the remainder of my life. I want to have and sustain a thriving body (as in healthy and thriving,) a thriving, growth mindset and a thriving business! And yes, I realise this is a day in day out, lifelong process to strive for. BUT that is my biggest dream. And if I come close to this, then all my smaller dreams, like travel, getting on a plane, wearing a swimsuit unashamedly, having confidence, all of these will be achievable along the way. Thank you to the ever amazing @meganmaundrell_photography for the inspiration for this post. Do you have goals for 2021? OR Do you have huge, fantastic, life dreams? Tell me about them.

12.01.2022 "How do you do it with 4?" Occasionally I am asked this question as I have 4 kids (between 14 and 4.) ( Not these gorgeous cherubs.) "I can barely handle 1/2!" Is often the next comment. ... My standard response is "Not very well ......" And as mums we can be so so hard on ourselves. We are our own worst critics 99% of the time. Then I got to thinking....what does "it" mean? If by "it" you mean keep them alive, clothed and fed....Yep...I do that relatively well. (I mean they aren't starving and their school clothes are respectable.) If by "it" you mean juggle the daily tasks of running a household, keeping up with their sporting commitments and homework, well I am naturally pretty organised and I write a lot down, so I usually keep up. But if by "it" you mean manage the constant juggle, find and keep a balance between all our commitments and between family members needs? If by "it" you mean stay relatively sane, look after my mental health, find time to exercise, eat well, pursue goals AND get some down time? Then you may find me usually lacking and struggling to some degree in at least one area. I mean I'm doing ok, but I'm not superwoman! None of us are! Not only do I want a healthy thriving body and business, I also want a positive, growth mindset. And the only way I can see that this is possible is if I learn to cut myself some slack. Honestly, we do it so easily for others, but never for ourselves. It's true! I need to be open to the idea that showing up is enough. Doing my best is enough. Some days surviving is enough. Trying again, improving,(even if it means 2 steps back,)day by day is enough. In fact it is more than enough. It is plenty. So maybe next time instead of saying "Not very well...." maybe I will change tack and say "It is challenging, but I'm growing and learning and getting better every day. " "It is a process, and that is ok." Do you think that working on your mindset could help or change you as a mum Let me know.

10.01.2022 Round and round the garden like a teddy bear. One step. Two step...... This is a special little something that this Nanna and her grandbaby share. And now it is captured for them to remember. It is no secret that many of you know that we are sadly missing a much loved family member. We have spent more than a year trying to visit elderly grandparents, knowing we were on borrowed time. And now thanks to restrictions and lockdowns, we are to going to a funeral instead. ... Last attempt (our 4th,) I had brought my camera intending to take photos that I could keep as memories. So that when my memory starts to fade, I can still recall the wrinkles on her hands, the way she did her hair, her smile, her whole being. We never did make it. And now it's too late. And I am angry and hurt and so sad that I missed the opportunity. Forever. I wish I had a chance to take those photos, they would be even more valuable now. I mean many local people were faced with the very real threat of losing homes or lives to horrendous bushfires, not so long ago. And I would be willing to bet that one of the first possessions they would grab would be their photos. You cannot replace memories or take back time. We can only make the time to capture it. Who is 1 person you wish you had photos of

06.01.2022 Are you team Chocolate mud cake OR Icecream? When you get dessert do you like to be able to choose what you feel like, what suits you perfectly? I believe the same goes for LOCATIONS!... I absolutely love photographing families in places that are special to them, whether that is your family home, or the beach or park you always go to together. It only makes sense that a location you choose will help you to relax and feel genuinely happy, because It is familiar and has meaningful memories attached. If the place is special to you, the photos will also be that little bit more special in the years to come. Of course, I am always happy to offer suggestions based on your family's needs, likes and goals for the shoot. This amazing family chose a duck park that they frequently go to, near their home. And this is the result! If you could have a photo session ANYWHERE, where would you go?

06.01.2022 MYTH BUSTING! You should shoot beach sessions in Summer. When I started capturing family beach sessions, I wondered what I would do when summer was over.... I should not have worried. There are so many benefits to booking in an Autumn or Winter sunset session. And the colours are AMAZING! In case you didn't know, here are some pros for sunset sessions in the cooler months. PROS * Amazing golden light. The sunsets are next level amazing and the colours are warm cosy oranges. * Sunset is at 5- 530pm = No late nights for your kids waiting for golden hour at 7pm. *The beaches are not as crowded and overrun by swimmers and sunbakers. *You still have time for dinner and bedtime routines after your session. OR If you are a couple, make it part of a date night? *It doesn't have to be at a beach, there are many gorgeous locations with autumn colour leaves to be thrown and stomped. * It is the perfect time to get organised for Mother's or Father's Day gifts. *Neutral, earthy colours are so flattering on everyone, and your images will better suit your home decor if you like neutrals and complementary colours as opposed to contrasting blues and vibrant greens. * You may be lucky enough to get some gorgeous dramatic skies! CONS * Hmmm, NONE! * Oh, you may need a jumper! So, what are you waiting for

04.01.2022 I never watch the news! I downright refuse to. I am so unbelievably sick and tired of the negativity, pain, fear and hurt that is everywhere and all over the tv/internet. I have spent the best part of 6 months challenging my old mindset, working to change it into a positive, growth mindset. ... I have chosen to surround myself with people who uplift and encourage me to dream BIG, work hard and help me to see my own worth. I am making a conscious effort to flood my brain with positive, joyful images, podcasts, people and influences. This photo is pure, joy in a rectangle. It is so full to the brim of positivity and happiness that it spills over. And it hope it spills over onto your feed and makes you smile. Show me a photo in the comments that makes you feel happy, hopeful or positive.

04.01.2022 Life with babies is a huge blur! I don't really remember my 4 as babies. If I'm honest, I barely remember much at all. Maybe I was ... *too busy *too anxious *too tired *too depressed *too bored *too unable to be in the moment. Probably ALL of the above. I suspect this just comes as part of the territory. And it's more common than we like to admit. Sometimes someone will remind me of a small memory, that I thought I had forgotten. Other times I can't for the life of me remember what they are talking about. Sometimes the only evidence that I ever had babies at ALL is the photos! (I mean it feels like time has flown so fast, they must have been handed to me this big!) Thank goodness for the gift of photos! We lost a dear family member today and have been looking for photos to do a montage. A visual trigger to all a life of love. It is such a harsh reminder that time is not on our side. And when the time has passed, these photos are what will remain. Just these photos that will feed and comfort our heart. Hands up if you have a ton of baby photos to embarrass them with at their 21st?

03.01.2022 "I don't have any photos with ME in them. " I know YOU don't! Because you are mum. And mum is the memory maker and capturer! Mum's are the ones who capture these moments because we can't bear to let go of them and we never want to forget them! ... But this is where I come in! I can become the memory capturer for you. Imagine having no responsibility for this one time. Just simply being. Then you can actively and wholly become part of that memory; that moment. You can be there standing alongside your partner, playing with your babies, living and loving this special time. You can experience the moment, knowing it will be kept forever, all you have to do is be there!

02.01.2022 Here it is! THE REAL NO.1 REASON WHY YOU NEED A FAMILY PHOTO SESSION! Truth bomb! BECAUSE you need photograohic proof that there is a time when your children are not darn well FIGHTING! ... You know those moments when you peek in on them sleeping and they look like little angels? When no matter how done you are and how exhausted, your hearts just melts? And you think they are the sweetest most precious little things God ever made? This is the magic we can create with a camera and your family. (For most of the session at least.) Honestly, it's a novelty and I'm not their mum, so they behave and sometimes listen. The location is usually a new and exciting place and they get to get dirty, wet, climb things, run around, play games. Its like a huge, wild play session to them! These photos can bring you small reminders of sanity when you can't for the life of you remember why you decided more than 1 child was a good idea! So if the upcoming holidays is already making you pull your hair out. Find a quiet, sunny spot, curl up with a hot cup of something and flick through those gorgeous memories of your photo shoot. And if you don't have any yet, get on to it asap! It will be worthwhile, I promise.