You'll find all sorts of bits and pieces here. If you're a client this is where you'll find your sneak peek. If you're considering me as your custom photographer this is also where you'll find examples of my work (by clicking on the PHOTOGRAPHY link at the top of the page), along with pricing and session information, as well as learning a bit about me, my personality, and my style. If you're friends or family just keeping tabs on me, this is where you'll find the stuff that goes on in my life that I forget to tell you about.
You'll probably see my children and husband feature quite regularly, as they have the most influence on me. You'll also see snapshots of my life in and around Melbourne (and where ever else it takes me) as well as links, videos, pictures or discussions on whatever has my interest or attention at the time of posting.
So thank you for dropping by. I hope you enjoy it here and pop back regularly to see what I'm up to.
Narrelle x
Some days I get so tired of feeling tired. Of not having enough (or any) time to myself. Of not having the space or time to even think. And if I’m completely honest, and put it out there for all the world to read, I feel jealous sometimes of women that don’t have kids, and can enjoy these things without thinking of them as a luxury.
But would I ever change anything in my life at the moment.
Absolutely not.
Not ever.
- Loooove this portrait, how beautifully simple and perfect! :) And FYI, us women with no kids are jealous of those with them! :)
From what I remember, our first Valentines together Matt was working afternoon shift. He started not long before I finished my working day, and ended well after I’d gone to bed. So we didn’t actually get to spend the day together after all. But as I arrived home from work and peeled myself from my car, and moped towards our front door (face it, who really wants to be alone on Valentine’s Day – no matter how much you say Never mind, it’s ok… ) one lone rose, propped against the door, caught my eye. It was tiny. delicate. hand-picked especially for me, by the man who loved me. It was perfect. Never mind that it was from his neighbour’s yard. He knew he didn’t have to go all out and buy the proverbial dozen, which I’d probably have killed in a day or two anyway. He knew he simply had to let me know he was thinking of me. loving me. And I did know. And I loved him all the more for that.
This coming Valentine’s will be our tenth together, I think we’ve maybe ‘celebrated’ two or three of those. Hate me for sounding cheesy but we’ve never really felt the need to. That’s what happens when you catch a good man, who fills your life with subtle yet unmissable signs that he’s thinking of you. And loving you. Why is one day different to the next?
Everybody say Awwwwwwww.
But I still love Valentine’s Day – I just love love. I adore that there are people out there that go all out, and take huge big risks, to let their special someone know just how much they mean to them. Just how much they love them. I mean, it’s all about the love, isn’t it? Soooooooo, I wanna do something here to share in the love – to spread it round a little. I’m going to give all you loved up couples out there the opportunity to share what it is you love about your partner, or your relationship with them, or both. Given that there’s 10 days left until the big day, and me and my gorgeous Valentine (Awwwwwwww) have been together for 10 years now, I’m thinking there’s something special about the number 10. So I want a list of the top 10 things that you love about the love in your life. Email them to me at njoythemoment@live.com.au, with a photo of the two of you if possible, by Feb the 13th. From this list of emails I’ll choose one beautiful couple and offer them a complimentary photographic session, along with a 16×24 enlargement, and 10 high resolution files of their favourite images. Of course, this offer would ideally suit a couple from Melbourne, or surrounding areas. However, for the cost of airfares I’m happy to travel anywhere. So all you folk from Hawaii, or The Maldives, get your entries in!! I can’t wait to read everyone’s lists. How much love is going to be floating around in my head this Valentine’s. Lucky for Matt. 
I will, naturally, announce the winners on the 14th of February.
And, as an example of the sort of images you can expect, if you’re not yet a regular follower of my blog, here’s a couple from a recent Engagement session I shot. These two beautiful people – seriously, inside and out - are getting married in a couple of months time. I get so full of joy thinking about how beautiful and fun their special day is going to be, if how much I enjoyed this session is any indication of what it will be like.
I’d say this one below is my favourite image from their shoot, but I have so many favourites – like just about all of them. Lets just say all of them. These guys couldn’t take a bad picture if they tried.
I just LOVE this one too. It was totally unexpected, just walking to the car between locations, and I was like WOAH – stop right there. Look at that light – awesome! I think they’re still a little concerned for my wellbeing. (And check out those GORGEOUS shoes.)
Yes, another favourite coming up. These two were just so natural and relaxed. A photographers dream, really.
Get those entries in. I wanna feel the love, people.
Narrelle x
(Edited to add: While reading through my RSS feeds this morning I came across this background tile (the hearts you now see), and I thought how cool is that – perfect for the lead up to Valentines day. I may leave it, or not. What do you think?)
- Wow they are gorgeous and yay for your lovely husband. He is a keeper for sure... I could give you 20 reasons why I simply adore my little girl but I guess that's not exactly what you were after so best of luck to the winning couple and I hope you share some of the responses!!
- gorgeous images!! Love the middle image!
- Any photo that includes a cute dog is awesome. :D
Last weekend I had a blast. Discounting the fact I’d almost been to sick to make it to the session – but I wouldn’t have missed this for all the tea in China. Now, 12 hours straight sleep would have been a different matter (kidding Melissa).
Just a little peep for now to work up a bit of curiousness. The rest of the sneak peek is coming soon.
Narrelle x
{ Family portrait photographer, Melbourne }
To my dear friend Anna. It’s probably late at night as you’re reading this, just as it is as I type. Hopefully it’s quiet where you are, and you have a few brief moments to yourself. I know how rare those moments can be, and how needed.
I just had to tell you how beautiful your little girl is. Sincerely, honestly, incredibly beautiful. You’re a very lucky mama.
And I just have to say how lucky your little girl is to have such a sincere, honest, incredibly beautiful mama.
Two peas in a pod.
Love you.
Give your precious little princess a hug from me. And take one for yourself while you’re at it.
Nelly. xx
- gorgeous work and gorgeous baby, these are so divine, love them all.
- oh baby baby... LOVE that pout... and that almost smile on the 2nd one... so cute! such a cutey :)
- OMG - so precious... She is just divine with those pouty lips and all that hair and gorgeous eyelashes!! Congrats to her mum!!
- Oh wow! She is just so beautiful! So perfectly captured Narelle! Congrats Mum! You have a beautiful little girl!
- Perfectly beautiful baby and beautiful pictures :)
- Gorgeous all round, great work. Congrats to mum and dad.
- Soooo very beautiful Narrelle! :) What an adorable, precious baby. Love it!
I was reminded today of the project I did, starting two years ago, taking a photo of each of our children for a whole year. And I watched the slideshow I put together, of all seven hundred and thirty two images, for the first time in about 10 months. It was a bit of a shock to see just how small my babies really were, and how much they grew over that 12 month period. And I’m glad to say my editing skills have improved, vastly, since then too.
Those of you that were around 12 months ago when I first posted it will be excused if you don’t want to sit through it again, as I’m purely indulging the mummy side of me by putting out there again. But I’m probably doing so because I’m incredibly glad I pushed myself to do this. Glad that I’ve caught a whole year of their lives, a time that goes by sooooo fast (too fast), and we’ll be able to look back on it, together, for the rest of our lives. But promise I won’t force you to sit through it every year. I’ll keep that for the kids.
- Even though I had seen most of them, it's great to see it again and see them grow up so quickly! They have grown so much since then.
- I love your work Narrelle and seeing this slideshow reminds me again just why I love your work!
- Narelle, you are such an amazing photographer!!!!!! I love all your work. I even had to call over my husband to show him some of the pictures you have taken. Brady ran over after I was looking at the pics because I kept going "wow, look at that!!!" Hehe. :-)
Last month I had great joy in being able to shoot a wedding with Clair, from Lift the Veil, as Kelly, the other half of Lift the Veil, was expecting her third child any day. It was an absolute pleasure being able to step in for them, and great being able to work alongside Clair for the day.
The beautiful bride, Cath, was a long time friend of Clair’s. So while they spent the morning together, preparing for the big day ahead, and reminiscing no doubt, I caught up with Cath’s husband to be, Scott. I remember walking through the door and being greeted by one of the family members, offered some food at the same time, and ushered in as though I was one of them. They were such an open, loving, and down to earth family that I immediately felt at ease – almost forgetting that I was actually there to work.
I got to spend quite a bit of time with Scott and his six groomsmen, as we captured all those little moments that lead up to that Great Big One. And all the laughs in between. It was just what you’d image 7 guys getting ready for a wedding to be like. A small part of me longed for a large family, full of boys, but then I thought of having to hand them over some day, one by one, to be taken care of by a woman that wasn’t me. I took my hat off to Scott’s mum, and felt thankful that I only have one son after all.
I haven’t photographed weddings for a long while, the world turning digital on me in the meantime (so, yes, it has been a while). I’d forgotten just how fast the day goes, and how equally as fast our minds have to work to try and make sure everything is captured. And I’d forgotten just how much I loved weddings. How much I really love weddings.
Driving the long road back from Sorrento at the end of the day I felt like I’d found home again. Like the last piece of the jigsaw had been put into place. I was on a bit of a high actually. Or that could have been a sugar rush from the the jelly babies I’d been chain eating to keep myself going. But I was feeling extremely grateful to Clair for allowing me the opportunity to work alongside her and being able to share in her friends’ joy, and to help capture the moments of the day that they can treasure for always.
Speaking of moments, here are several of them. I was going to apologise for the sheer number of them, but why? You’re lucky I’m not posting them all.
The rings. Cath’s was very similar to my own, actually.
Last minute straightening of the tie (getting those knotted is a post in itself).
Scott and his guys. Crazy guys.
I was rapt to discover the guys were getting ready just 5 minutes walk from the beach, so we all headed out for a break to get some team shots
And the moment they’d been waiting for. Scott rather anxiously, apparently
I love the tenderness in these shots
A stolen kiss from the newly minted man and wife
Off to the beach for some fun
At least she was sporting sensible footwear for the occasion
Aren’t these the most awesome bridesmaids
I still have a weakness for a bit of sunflare
Love these two
And these two as well
There was so much about this whole day that I loved, so I just need to say one last thankyou to Kelly for having a baby, so that I could be reminded of a forgotten passion. You’re the best! (And congratulations too, by the way).
Cath and Scott – it was an honour to be part of your day – I hope you had a fabulous honeymoon.
For a few more shots from the day, click here to view the slideshow.
Narrelle x
- These are gorgeous. You can tell that you were enjoying yourself when you took them because the people are all so relaxed.
- ***sigh*** where were you when I got married. Beautiful in everyway.
- Gorgeous Narelle, glad you enjoyed being back in the saddle!
- Beautiful shots, Narrelle!!! :) So so so lovely! Love the light and the sunflare... and the locations are superb!
- These are very cool photos of a very cool couple, I love the light and the moments you have captured here.
- Wow - the light on the beach is magical! Great work!
- Just stunning! such beautiful light and clarity!
- Gorgeous shots, it was a pleasure having you there for the day. You are so incredibly talented and it's a great feeling to be able to just go about the day without having to worry about what you are doing, because i KNOW whatever it is it will be perfect. :) We're happy to have you shoot for us again anytime xx
- beautiful work, love them all, love the flare, my fav is the no diving one, love the composition and the colour, perfect!
I’ve been tired these last few days. Really tired. The kind where you’re longing for bed from the moment your tailbone leaves it as you rise to greet the new day. That tired.
And it’s tough work being a mum when you feel like that. When all you want to do is close your eyes and drift away to a place where Thomas the Tank Engine doesn’t provide the soundtrack for the day. Well, that’s how it usually is for me anyway.
But as I’ve fallen into bed, literally, these last few nights I’ve done so with a heart full of, dare I say, Joy. And thankfulness. And Gratitude. And a deep sense of love for my babies, that aren’t so much babies as they used to be. Even as I type this, while they lay peacefully in bed, I’m smiling. They do that to me. I think of their beautiful little faces. Their funny habits. Their unique characters. Everything about them. And I smile. And as the corners of my mouth lift, as my cheeks plumpen, and my eyes crinkle (none of which is good for my wrinkles), little bubbles inside me are released and help the tiredness float away.
And I would have more photos of our boy, if only this wasn’t his typical reaction to my camera these days.
*SIGH*
(It’s a good sigh.)
Narrelle x
There should be a law against children growing up so fast. Except when they’re being cranky, miserable, or just plain obstinate, that is. There should be a formula, much like baby panadol, that we can just pop down to the chemists for whenever they show symptoms of growing up. But, then again, perhaps its best there isn’t. Otherwise I’d be tempted to slip some into their milk each morning so they’d stay forever young. Forever sweet and innocent. Up for adventure, curious, uninhibited, believing in the impossible, possessing unquestionable faith in me. But then they’d never get to experience all the fun that us grown ups have, right.
In saying all this one of my biggest sources of joy is watching them grow, being there when they discover new abilities, interests and passions, and I encourage them as much as I’m able, as much as that scares me at times. But this would explain why for Jaedon’s birthday recently we bought him a pair of boxing gloves and a punching bag, and then took him rock climbing. Isn’t that the stuff little boys are made of.
And big boys.
Needless to say, both boys, big and little, had a blast. The birthday boy especially. After a few rounds in the lounge room ‘ring’ with daddy, we headed to the local indoor climbing centre, where we met up with a few friends.
Time to harness up (and, yes, they are as complicated to put on as they look…)
Attaching the ropes
Having a practice on one of the easier walls
And out comes the inner monkey
He was much more interested in the ropes after all that. He’s certainly not afraid of heights (or much else for that matter)
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee
And just to prove I’d never encourage him to do something I’m not prepared to do myself (I even made it to the top…)
Once mummy was peeled from the top of the wall, it was back home for the best part of the day. The cake. Chocolate cake. mmmmmm
(while I’m happy to take credit for the actual baking of the cake. and for the ever-so-so delicate placing of the green icing that’s supposed to look like grass, the icing on the cake – so to speak – was all Matt’s handiwork. He graciously stepped in and took over when I threatened to throw the whole thing out the window. Cake decoration is not my forte…)
Jaedon thought it would be a good idea then to burn off all the cake we’d just eaten (not to mention the sweets from the recently tortured pinata), so once the guests all left we headed out to the trampoline, taking some of the balloons used for decorations with us. Talk about fun. About chocolate, fairy-bread, cadbury eclairs, smarties, columbine and cake fuelled fun.
That’s just four of my favourites from the slightly over a thousand I took. Yes, you read right. In a moment of madness I decided I’d give this stop-motion film thing a go. So I shot 961 frames, in succession, then bundled them into a slideshow (a very fast one) and added some gorgeous music. I’ve never tried it before, and – technically – it’s far from perfect. To me, however, it’s totally perfect. It’s captured a wonderful, fun-filled evening, celebrating our boy and his life.
Feel free to watch it (pause it until it loads) but it’s kinda long, and filmed with mummy goggles on. But that’s ok. I’ll never know if you quit halfway through.
(Just a little note here to add that the music I used in the background is from a fab, fab, fab group I recently discovered called Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem. I totally fell in love with their songs, and everything about the way they sing them, as soon as I heard them. I’m hoping they’ll decide to venture over this side of the Pacific some time.)
It’s taken me all day to post this. I could have done it in one sitting, but then I’d have missed the cuddles on the couch, sharing a strawberry milkshake (through three straws), a trip to their favourite nut shop, a bounce on the trampoline, and playing trains at Sodor Island. Who’d trade that for sitting at the computer, honestly?
Happy birthday, my sweet beautiful boy. Thanks for a wonderful day.
- Oh happy, happy, happy birthday beautiful boy. Big, sloppy kisses from me - can't wait to see you again soon xx
- What a wonderful birthday and so wonderfully described with your words and pictures Narelle!
- happy (belated) birthday beautiful boy.... looks like you all have a wonderful day xx
- Aw, happy happy birthday to your darling boy! :) And it looks like it was an awesome partay! :) Love indoor rock-climbing too! :) xx
- Oh Narelle, your creativity never ceases to amaze me! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BOY!
- It looked like so much fun! Great looking cake and fabulous photos. Lots of love to Jaedon and belated birthday to him
You know how it is when you’ve envisaged something for so long, imagined how great it’s going to be, that there’s a small part of you that panics, fearing it’s not going to live up to your expectations. That’s how it was with me. I was petrified of meeting Jasmine Star. Not because I was scared of her, but because I wanted her to be everything she appeared to be – I didn’t want to walk away from her workshop feeling let down. I didn’t want a reason to not make her blog the first thing I check every morning. What else would I read whilst drinking my Milo and having a few quiet moments to myself while the kids ate their breakfast. But without going all Jasmine this, and Jasmine that on you I HAVE to say she was the least scary person ever, well apart from the fact that, like, she’s Jasmine, and I’m Narrelle, and there’s a big world of difference between us. But the magical thing is she made me, and probably each person in that room, feel the complete opposite. What thrilled me the most about the workshop was discovering just how normal, in a Jasmine kind of way, she is. And because of that I was so much more open to taking in what she had to say, what she had to teach because, really, there wasn’t anything she said that I couldn’t apply to my own life, and my own business. And that in itself is a good kick up the bum – a shot of inspiration. And I took a lot of that away with me.
I’m super excited to think about applying the things that stood out to me most, and to watching myself grow as much as the business. In a way I feel like I already have. I’m certainly a lot clearer about where I want to take things – and that is enough for me really. So everything else was a bonus. The incredible food, the awesome coffee machine, the three days to myself, and the wonderful friendships I’ve walked away with. I certainly didn’t bargain so much for that last bit, so I’m especially grateful for that.
Another highlight of the workshop, of course, was getting to watch Jasmine shoot. We had some totally gorgeous models lined up for the day, so we got to practice on them as Jasmine shared with us how she worked, and showed how she engages with her clients to get those beautiful connections she’s known for. Please forgive me for the overload of images here, but I love each one of them.
And this one below is probably my favourite shot of the lot…
To cut a long post short – I’m incredibly glad I attended Jasmine’s workshop (though I came stupidly close to chickening out). It really was an absolute pleasure to mee her, and JD (they are even more adorable together in real life than they are in cyberspace). And of course it was Wonderful (notice the capital W) to meet the other participants and fellow photographers, each one of as excited to be there as the next. I really, really did get much more out if it than I expected – though I’m not sure what that was if I’m being honest.
And big thanks to Cathy for putting all the harding work into arranging things from this end. You’re a legend, Cathy. It was so great to finally meet you too.
Also, big thanks to everyone who donated their time and services for the workshop.
Models: Lacy and Evan, and Kristie Jane
Flowers: Daisy Chain Florist
Dresses: Catherine Colubriale
Hair and make: Elle Vierboom.
All that’s left for me to say now is, if you’ve got this far, if you ever have the chance to go to one of Jasmine’s workshops – do it! She really is fabulous.
You totally are, Jasmine!
- Those are gorgeous, Narrelle! Wow! And your favourite is my favourite, too. I've never seen that shot before. Nice one.
- totally FABULOUS! There's going to be no stopping you now - these captures are perfect x
- Oh Narrelle! How fabulous that you got to do this for yourself and your business! I'm so happy for you!!
- Oh Narelle, how perfect. So so glad you enjoyed it!!! The photos are fabulous!!! I can't wait to see how your year prevails!!!!
- beauuuuutimous shots narelle!! :) i'm so happy we got to hang out. :) and love that last B&W, sooooo beautiful!
- Awesome Narelle!! Lovely meeting you!!
- LOVE the photos :) You can never have too many photos!
- Your favourite shot is my favourite shot as well -- bit steamy! I love all the portraits as well, you really did a great job. Thanks for giving me such beautiful shots!!
- Hey Narelle!!..Wow!..that's the only word i can describe these beautiful photos...Its great to meet u and we should do some catch up soon..
- Sounds like a truly WONDERFUL experience. I love the beautiful images from the day, and I adore your favorite shot. I never would have thought to capture that, how inspiring!
- Wow! Stunning images, Narrelle! So glad to hear that you enjoyed the workshop! Congrats and best wishes to you! Can't wait to see more! Love that first one of the couple under that arch, just gorgeous! They are all so beautiful!
- These are so beautiful Narelle. Dxx
- beautiful photos! will definitely come back to your site and visit again.
- Oh if I could have only been there! What an awesome workshop! Everyone's images look amazing!!!
I forgot to call my children. I was so busy, and having so much fun in Sydney that I forgot to wish them goodnight, both nights, and I felt awful. Like the worst mother ever. And I’m very hard on myself in that department anyway, so that’s really saying something. But as I disembarked the plane last night, phone to my ear as I dialled Matt’s number to let him know I was home, I rounded the walkway and into the lounge and was nearly bowled over by a two year old screaming, with a mixed up jumble of delight and giggles, ‘Mummy! Mummy’s back!”. Followed quickly by a just-turned-four year old doing the same. At that point in time I was the best mummy in the whole wide world. I was the only mummy. It felt good to be home.
I had a fabulous time in Sydney. It was an awesome, encouraging and inspiring way to kick start 2010. I’m convinced already that it’s been one of the best things I’ve done so far, for both me and my business.
Here’s just a couple of my favourite images so far, the first from a shoot and walk with the beautiful Jackie yesterday, and the following two from the workshop itself.
I’ll be back with a lot more soon.
Narrelle x
- It's great to hear that you had so much fun! I'm looking forward to see the other photographs!
- Wow! Lovely shots! I think I'm going to try to sign up next time she's here. Or maybe I'll just go to America... (and don't worry about forgetting to call the kids - we all do that!)
- hey narelle, lovely meeting you yesterday. i'm just downloading the images i took yesterday, you are so quick! i walked around manly last night in the hope of getting a glance of JS but no such luck, so took some shadow shots instead..
- ps love the shots, and can't wait to see more!!!
- Beautiful images! Can't wait to hear more about the workshop! From one of your Flickr contacts in the US, Stephanie
- Hi Narrelle, can I just say that it was so fabulous to finally meet you! You are so beautiful and I'm glad we finally had the chance to meet face to face after all this time. I'm thrilled that you could come and that you enjoyed yourself so much :)
- Oh Wow, Glad you had such a blast :) Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.
© 2009 Narrelle Joy, Melbourne Newborn, Baby, Children's and Family Photographer - NJOY THE MOMENT. Ph 0434 588369 ProPhoto Blogsite by NetRivet
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