You've got to be fit to be a wedding photographer

News in my world is that I've started going to the gym. I've been huffing and puffing and sweating and cussing and and throwing myself around in an attempt to get fit (read: lose the 8 extra bags of oranges I'm hauling around). 

I used to go to the gym, way back in the day. Before babies, and stress-induced chocolate binges, and sitting in front of the computer for hours editing photos. It was much easier then. I could grapevine for hours. Now I can barely lift my arms to feed myself a grape the next morning.

 In some ways though, it was harder. When I was younger it was all about looking good, checking out the chick next to me and making sure my butt was smaller than hers, and checking out which hot boys were checking me out. This time round, I don't give a bouncy butt about any of that stuff. I'm content to be the un-coordinated one wearing mismatching socks, an oversized t-shirt with holes in it and a beet-red face. But if you see me gagging for breath while doing a very awkward version of the nutbush, I don't advise offering me assistance. I might collapse in your arms and beg you to take me to the nearest bakery! 

Ryan loves dressing up in beads, can you tell? Wasn't so impressed with me when I took this photo of him, but I love love love it. 

And I love his downy baby fluff. 

* Meaghan

Taking time - Geelong wedding photographer

Sometimes I find life overwhelming. Too hectic. Flat chat. Every day goes at break neck speed. I lurch from one thing to the next. Running after two toddlers, working on my photography, tying up the ever relenting loose ends. 

Sometimes I need to stand still. 

Still from Meaghan Cook on Vimeo.

(Please excuse the quality. It's not very good. But you get the idea.)

Hope you all find just a second sometimes to stand still. 

*Meaghan

Boutique closed for Christmas {by Meaghan Cook - Geelong Wedding Photographer}

After a busy year it's finally time for the boutique to shut it's virtual doors for a few weeks of rest. I plan to do a lot of not much at all. To be more specific, you will be able to find me at the beach.

I've got lost of photography things on in the break though. Including a triple word score worth of weddings. I'll show you the results in the new year.

I'll be checking emails sporadically, and you can always leave a message on my phone if you'd like to get in touch. 2009 is shaping up to be a massive year already, so maybe shooting me an email wouldn't be such a bad idea.

The boutique will officially re-open January 12, 2009.

... and I just want to say a warm thanks to all of you have supported me this year, and allowed me to grow the business into the beauty that it is today. From clients, to friends, to the delivery guy who drops off my prints. Thanks!

{My little Christmas angel trying to take flight}

{Meaghan Cook - Geelong Wedding Photographer}

Have a merry little Christmas, and a delightful new year!

*Meaghan

Standing on the cusp {meaghan Cook- Geelong Wedding Photographer}

Ryan is almost ready to walk. Standing up is his newest trick. He had been attempting to stand up on his own at home, but we've got wooden floorboards which make falls really hurt. Ryan soon worked that out after he donked his chin too many times. 

We went to beach yesterday, and Ryan used the soft sand as an opportunity to refine his standing skills.  It was such a buzz to see him get up and balance, all the while with a proud-as-pineapple-punch smile on his face. 

I whipped out my sand-caked phone and snapped this photo of Ryan to send to his dad and nanna. I think he's going to walk any day now, so I've got my proper camera within arms reach at all times. Hopefully I catch it on camera, but then again, no biggie if I don't. Sometimes I forget to come out from behind my camera and actually experience what's going on in front of it. I'm too busy trying to capture it, to freeze the moment in time, that the moment passess without me in. Perhaps in this case I should put the camera away, and walk side by side with my son. 

Sweetheart session sneak peek {Meaghan Cook - Geelong wedding photographer}

I had a magical sweetheart session with Robyn and Mike recently. We hung out at an old mechanic's, goofed around at the Queenscliff pier, and got our feet wet at the beach. They were completely relaxed, enabling me to get some beautifully natural shots of them both. 

I'm bursting to photograph their wedding - it's at the Werribee Zoo. It's not everyday you get to have African animals in the background of your wedding photos. 

This is the tiniest of sneak peaks from our session ... 

Have I mentioned what a sweetheart session is? Where are my manners?!

My sweetheart session is an intimate portrait session with bridal couples before their wedding day. It's a wonderful way to capture the love between a couple in a relaxed and beautiful manner.  

Sweetheart sessions are invaluable for helping couples get comfortable in front of the camera. Couples can get all their jitters about having their photo taken out of the way at the sweetheart session, and not have to worry about it on their wedding day. This gets better photos on the wedding day because couples don't have to spend the first half hour loosening up. Like I said, they're invaluable. 

Many couples have also mentioned to me that they don't actually have many photos of themselves together. It's usually one in the photo, while the other takes the shot. The sweetheart session allows couples to get a beautiful collection of photos of themselves. The photos become memories of a time when couples had fallen deeply in love and are about to embark on their lives together. I love the hope, invincibility and passion that always comes out in a sweetheart session. 

I think sweetheart sessions are so wonderful that I include one free for every couple who books their wedding photography through the boutique. Couples receive a few hours of being treated like royalty, hanging out at cracking locations, and getting beautiful photographs taken. Best of all they get to know me a little better, making everyone more relaxed, and better photos on the wedding day. 

Keep an eye on my journal in the coming days for more shots from Robyn and Mike's sweetheart session ...