Sacha Blackburne Photography

Wednesday, 2 June 2010

Sophia, Michael, Ravi, Vidya and the bump.

I photographed Sophia and Michael almost 6 years ago when Ravi was in utero. I was pregnant myself and although I had always been fascinated with the pregnant form, I became more so when I had Oslo growing inside me and changing me so. I photographed the couple against a black background using dramatic lighting. It was beautiful and although I missed capturing Vidya in her mama's belly, we timed it well to capture the whole family together while Sophia was still pregnant with their third baby.

These two below are actually the same image, but I just wasn't sure which worked better. I think I prefer the softer one, but the graphic black and white is a fun change too, especially for an outdoor shoot which I usually shoot in a more gentle way.

Tell me this is not the most divine mama daughter pic. What beauties.

I know the image below is not sharp - well the tip of her skirt at the top of the pic is, but her leg is not. It was tricky with the movement to capture it, but I just thought it was fascinating that when Sophia picked Vidya up, she automatically became a little ballerina. Can you believe the arch of her foot or the right angle of her legs? Sophia used to dance for the Dance Theater of Harlem so I imagine she gets a little instruction now and then, but still, for a not yet three year old, I am pretty amazed she does it so naturally.

These next few are my faves of the day - just captures the fun of childhood and what it is to have a sibling.

Sunday, 30 May 2010

Spring Sweetness

I longed to shoot in these flowers that grew amongst the farmer's crops this past spring. But I guess my clients could not see the final vision I saw when they drove by these fields of weeds. Luckily, I always have (un)willing participants close at hand... amazing what magic the promise of ice cream will bring...

Oslo and Indigo were such troopers - the field was full of nettles amongst the flowers and they were barefoot as always. I had to carry them in, place them and they were such angels while I got my flowers fix.

Thank you Oslo and Indigo for always allowing me to dress you in what I want and to capture your childhood - you are delicious and if I cannot eat you, at least I can freeze you!!!

Friday, 28 May 2010

Kat and Dominic

Kat and her hubby, Robin, were keen to get some shots of sweet little Dominic before his fleeting baby-ness disappeared into toddler-hood. One of his parents' favourite images was seeing him naked at the beach this spring so they were keen to capture that memory in photos before they moved to the UK.

I was so thrilled when I pulled up to the parking area of Warwick Long bay and saw Kat holding the bunch of balloons. Such a simple prop, but I think they really made the shoot fun and special. It gave her something to do rather than feel self concious and they were also a great vehicle for me to play around with sun bursts!!

Sadly, Dominic's daddy had already left for London before Kat planned the shoot, since the ideal would have been to have the whole family together, but Kat was still so happy that she was able to make some lasting memories of her own with her baby boy in Bermuda before they left.

Look at this child - I was smitten!

Torn between these two - love love love both!

Last summer, when Dominic was only a couple of months old, they used to swim with him every day and as a result, he is a true water baby. Now that he has moved to England, apparently that love for the water is translating into his trying to jump into the duck ponds at the park which is never as good an idea as wading along Bermuda's pristine shores.

These two are actually the same image but I could not decide which crop or which manipulation I preferred so I have included both!

Now that they family is in London, although they are missing their beloved St George's, they are enjoying the big city. Dominic is loving riding on the back of his mummy's new bicycle in his baby seat and enjoying the view of the Thames. He may miss driving the Bermuda car though I imagine!

Thank you Kat for bringing the balloons and making the shoot so special. I know you will enjoy your time in London but hope to be able to capture the whole family next time you are in Bermuda. Happy settling in - I hope you have unpacked more boxes than I have!!! xx

Thursday, 27 May 2010

Horan Family Reunion

The Horans had me photograph their family last year at Stonehole Bay. I always try to shoot in a different location from previous sessions, but since the children's grandmother, plus their two great aunts were visiting from all over the globe, the family was keen for another beach shoot and wanted to shoot at the same place. I was nervous about it being too similar, but we went to totally different spots this time and I think we were successful both in making new memories and using varied backdrops.

Carol was over last year from South Africa visiting her daughter and grandchildren, but she and her two sisters had not all been together since 1999 since Di lives in Toronto and Les lives near Cape Town. This shoot was a 60th birthday gift for Carol, but of course the best gift of all was the visit from her sisters and being able to spend so much time with her family all in once place.

Carol was also in Bermuda to help with the children while the Horan's nanny was away since both Nicki and Dave work full time. The kids were spoiled rotten, as were Dave and Nicki!