Desmond and Pat had spent time at Tree Elle Retreat several years ago whilst touring the south west with some friends from Europe. It was clearly an experience that was memorable for all the right reasons because when they were thinking about how to mark Desmond's 80th birthday, a gathering of the clan from far and wide at Tree Elle over the Easter long weekend was the perfect solution. With four separate self-contained houses set amongst beautiful gardens it was the perfect location for a big family reunion with their five children and eleven grandchildren (and the perfect opportunity for an extended family photo session!)

I was thrilled to find out yesterday that two of my images have been selected as Shortlist Finalists in the 2015 Fremantle International Portrait Prize. There was 1865 entries from 29 countries and the finalists will be on show in an exhibition at the Moores Contemporary Gallery in Fremantle from 25 October through to 1 November.

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks escaping the south coast winter camping on a remote beach, washing in the ocean and cooking over a fire. By contrast, the 10 days prior to that I was in Perth, immersed in all-things Photography, firstly at the WA Epson Professional Photography Awards (WAEPPAs) and then at the AIPP’s annual gathering, The Nikon Event, which this year was held in Perth. The unquestionable highlight of these last three or four weeks was being named 2015 AIPP WA Professional Portrait Photographer, and also being presented with the coveted and prestigious John Whitfield King trophy which is awarded annually for best people photograph across all categories.

Green Pools maternity portraits

It's almost a year ago that I photographed Xave and Eve, not long before their baby was born, (those images are here), so what a joy it was to spend the day with them recently capturing their little family when they were back down here in Denmark for a few days. 

Family portraits at Lighthouse Beach