Xave & Eve {baby-in-waiting}

 

I usually try and let my photographs tell the stories, tending not to write too many accompanying words. Occasionally though I feel words are needed.

This is a photo shoot that I've been looking forward to since April when I first found out that Xave and Eve were expecting a baby. Xave is one of my dearest friends, even living with us for quite a while a few years ago. I've photographed Xave many, many times over the years and designed his album artwork; he's played at my exhibition openings (one of them featuring the pix from his CD to coincide with its launch), turned up at restaurants to sing Happy Birthday to my Mum, and sung lullabys to my daughter as she's fallen asleep. Two years ago, Xave was involved in a serious car accident that left him in a coma in ICU for many weeks. His injuries were extensive and his rehabilitation his biggest challenge. When he finally left hospital and returned to his family on the south coast, I witnessed his gentle strength and determination firsthand when he stayed with us for a few nights. I'm lucky to count Eve as a lovely friend too so when Xave told me that they were spending lots of time together I was so thrilled for both of them.

These images were taken over 2 days. The first session was last week and involved a sleep-over, a yummy meal, chocolate, an early start, lots of emotional moments...and the worst November day on record weatherwise. We had to grab what we could between the hail storms, taking refuge in the car on several occasions. We aimed for better weather for the second session although there was a brief shower when we first arrived at the inlet at 6 o'clock this morning.

Thanks Xave and Eve - I love you guys xx