Emma @ 6 months - A playful family shoot

More affectionately known to her Mom and Dad as 'Peanut' - little Emma was loving her time with the camera :) 

Outfit - tick. Pretty headband - tick. Play area - tick. Camera Man - Tick. Lets go!!

We could have done the entire shoot just on the bed - the light was perfect, the colours soft and the family was so besotted with their child - the love made it even better.

Thanks to Liesl, Chris and Emma - It was a great morning and we look forward to seeing you again and hopefully another play date as Emma grows!

So enjoy the post and dream of being young and free :)

Cheers.

Matti

James Friday Baby shoot - In all his happiness :)

This is one of the happiest moments I've had the fortune to capture in a little baby!! Introducing James Friday... son to Lara and Jon :) Unfortunately this was quite a while ago and since then I'm sure he has gotten a whole lot bigger but it would be a travesty not to share him with you. 

I've known Lara for a long time but we hadn't seen each other in ages - of course the power of FB brought us back together again and I got to have a  catch up, meet the whole family and capture some special moments with their youngest little boy.

James was awake for the most part of the shoot - but he was so chilled, full of smiles and playfully performing to his best! He got a little tired to the end and we managed to get a few little snaps in his bedroom with Mom. You will notice the pictures of him holding a business card - that's his Mom's - Lara's Designs - such a talented and creative friend, who runs "A boutique graphic design studio specialising in bespoke event stationery" - please do me a favour and check out her work at: http://www.larasdesigns.co.za/ - special call to all my brides to be who may need some goodies!!!

So anyway, enough from me - A huge last thanks to Lara, Jon and James for an awesome morning. I look forward to doing it again soon.

Watch out for more soon... and enjoy the pics.

Cheers

Matti

Daniel Redfern Newborn

JUST DANIEL - as promised :)
See also the full family shoot - http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-redfern-family-shoot-aka-nancy-and.html

The Redfern Family shoot: Aka Nancy and her boys ;)

My awesomely amazing fantastical family of Si, Nanc, Cam, Ben and the newest addition, Daniel. With Daniels arrival at the end of last year, a little family shoot with some shots of bubs was in order. With that in mind I've split this blog post in two parts - firstly some fun family pics of Nancy and her boys and then a little session of just Daniel to come soon!!

We had such fun that day - apparently even just moving the curtains to line up the shot became a game - haha. Also heard were: "Matt why do you have umbrella's inside?" "What's this do matt?" "I want to hold Daniel (aka Happy duck)".

Needless to say it was treasured moments and I love them all to bits!! Thanks guys for a great morning. Si and Nanc you guys rock!!

Big love to all.
Cheers for now.

Matti

Daniel. Coming Soon...

 

http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2013/06/daniel-redfern-newborn.html

 

Josh Chambers Newborn Shoot - the Full Story.

I can't believe it's taken me so long to get to this blog post... looking at it now, It's certainly one of 2012's favourites. The cuteness, the softness, the colours, the light and the love - it had it all. Candi and Nic couldn't have been a more welcoming, chilled and better looking couple if they tried ;) And when the crackers, cheese and cold drinks come out while Josh is having his own meal of the day, you know you're having a great day!

Lets not forget the star of the show - little Josh. Too adorably cute. He was chilled all the time and had some of the best stretch faces yet. I wont carry on too much but suffice to say there were many ooh's and ahh's from us during the morning!

Thanks to Candi and Nic for an awesome time and looking after us so well. Look forward to seeing you guys again soon :)

Cheers for now and don't forget to show some love if you like.
Matti :)

Annali's "Its a boy" baby shower

 

 

Good friends, laughter, fun, love, bubbles, chit chats and deliciously good looking food was the order of the afternoon at Annali's baby shower get together. Annali's friends took advantage of a visit, down from London, to meet the bump and celebrate the impending birth :) I was able to join for a brief time and capture some of the moments shared.

 

Thanks to Lara for her hospitality ( and not to mention the food, yum - see: www.thymetodine.co.za) and Annie for organising and looking after me so well as usual. To Annali who has just had her little bundle of joy, congratulation and I wish you all the best for the future - look forward to the next shoot ;)

 

Anyway, its back to work I go... look out for more coming soon.

 

Cheers,

Matti



Taryn rocking the bump @clifton

I absolutely loved this shoot of my beautiful pregnant cousin @ Clifton Beach. Taryn and Rob were staying in a little Clifton beach front apartment at the time of the shoot and what better location than one's front doorstep. That and the fact that there were over 100 stairs to the road above, and only a few weeks from birth, too much walking just wasn't so much of fun :)

The weather was simply awesome but the water as always was an ice block, so all shots in the sea were taken quickly and just at the right moment. We started off easily with some simple chilled shots but once Taryn and Rob realised this whole photo thing wasn't that  bad ;) they quickly pulled out the poses and smiles for the camera. The happiness of expectant parents was as truly evident as the sun was bright and shiny!!

We had plenty of fun on the beach before taking a few shots back at the apartment. For some background, Rob and Taryn didn't find out the sex of their baby at the time and affectionately referred to it as 'Biscotti'. In addition Rob works for Vida é Café and we decided to add a little touch of the coffee to the biscotti for some fun shots - a pretty good matching I'd say :)

Anyway, we had a great time and thanks to Rob and T for all their energy, patience and coolness. This is definitely one of my favourite shoots of 2012 and deserves a long hard look. <3 it! I hope you do to.

Ciao for now.
Matti

Devon.

My first encounter with Devon was a little before he was born :) Some may remember him as just a bump in his mommy's tummy - see http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2012/11/claires-home-made-bump-shoot.html for a quick recap :)

Devon is as cute as he looks and at just 12 days old he melted most hearts. He had certainly captivated his mom and dad who were as proud as could be. We had a great evening and Devon came out to play and stare boldly into my lens... his eyes, baby wiggles and stretches making many an 'ooh' and 'ahhhh' moment.

I can't believe its taken me so long to share these pics with you and looking back at them brought a smile to face - hopefully you'll be sharing the love.

Thanks to Claire and Riley for being as awesome as ever and sharing their excitement with us. You guys have been blessed :)

Now go and enjoy the photos...

Cheers for now,
Matti

Lovely Lara Smith and Family

Ahhhhh man, if this isn't one of the cutest happiest kids out there :) Rich and Nina you guys have created a fabulous little bundle of joy!! Love her!

Ok, so this shoot feels like an age ago but, better late than never, I'm happy to finally be sharing it with you. I had offered Nina's playschool a voucher as part of their annual raffle for a free family shoot - alas it was not used by the winner(????) so I offered it to Nina and Rich for some updated pics of Lara - who has grown up so much since I first took pics of her about a year ago!!

We met at Kirstenbosch Gardens where the family had set up a little picnic spot in the corner. Lara had the open plains to run around in and plenty of snacks and drinks to replenish herself on (it's tough work all this fun). Favourites of the day were definitely Ghostpops and strawberries. A seemingly odd pairing... but not when you're kid - anything goes!!! It also made sense, obviously, to get the all the Ghostpops out of the packet to be enjoyed all at the same time!! :)

My favourite moment / game of the day was after Lara had done a little run around with dad or mom or the ducks, and she would come running back to the blanket, lie down and gently but firmly say - " Mommy lie" - and so she would. "Daddy lie" and he would oblige. Then after a quick succession of giggles, she would hop up and make a run for it... man so cute!!!

It was a beautiful afternoon at Kirstenbosch and thanks to the Smith family for the treats, fun and catch up!!! We'll definitely be doing it again soon.

Enjoy and see you again soon,
Matti

Claire's home made Bump Shoot

It's not often you get to do an entire shoot in somebody's back garden and feel like you're in a secluded corner of Kirstenbosch. With Claire and Riley, however, a whole new world of possibilities was presented. So much so that it took me a while to decide on a spot to start with... under the massive tree maybe with the light shining just in the right spot over the opposite bushes? Or what about amongst the flowers around the corner? Wait... no, by the pool and the white flowery bush? The little secret garden by the back gate to the park? They were all awesome - #lovetheoptions. Ultimately I think we did probably use most of them as the evening progressed and the sun set through the trees.

It did really feel like a trip to the park and Riley and the dog running around the tree really topped it off :) Claire was glowing just as much as the setting sun and although there were some unsure nervous moments, she really didn't have to do much to look fabulous. I think you will all agree that everyone looked the part - even little Devon (the bump to be at the time) made sure he put his chest out and sat in just the right position, so that he could be seen as much as possible!!

There were lots of laughs, fun and love in the secret garden and It was such a great way to end the weekend. Thanks to all, including Rocky (the dog), for putting on their best smiles and for making it so relaxed. Thanks as well to my lovely wife for all her help as usual and making sure everyone is not short of conversation :)

Enjoy the Bump and watch out for pics from little Devon who arrived just two weeks ago.

Cheers for now,
Matti

Isla Greta McLagan - a little angel!

Please welcome Isla Greta McLagan :) To the clan McLagan another one is born... Mom and Dad besotted, Mac the dog overly excited and Grand Parents couldn't be happier. McLagan Photography and all the other McLagans are and will be totally infatuated with this little gorgeous bundle of joy :)

The McLagans are historically male dominated, that sounds terrible, but from an all boy original family, girls have been a dime a dozen over the years. Treasured so that each time a new one arrives there is a little dance of joy ;) So welcome Isla, and rest assured you will have many McLagan men to watch over you!!

Us McLagans are Scottish by decent and Drew and Tina decided to stay in tradition with the name Isla. Isla, a Scottish river, also comes from the word 'island' - and Isla, they say no man is an island, you however my girl are your own magical Island!! Yes I can be dramatic too :)

Ok so enough of the history lesson and so on... I'm so excited to share these photos with you :) Just the cutest little girl and a fabulously good looking family. We had such a good morning - Isla was intrigued and relaxed, totally loving the white fluffly blanket and her ballerina outfit! While Drew wasn't keen on too many tutu shots, he'll have to admit that she pulled it off like a superstar. We even had the blue jeans out, just to bring things back to the more fashionable!!

Ok so before I carry on waffling away... you guys are a super awesome family and I was honoured to be able to take some photos for you... I can't wait to see you guys more often and watch little Isla grow.

Now enjoy the trip to Isla Island, I hope you like :)

Until the next time,

Matti

 

Jacob Martin @12 days.

Jacob Martin was born on the 20th of August 2012 at 7:59am, 4 weeks prem, weighing 2,36kg and measuring 46cm in length. I first met Jacob at just 12 days old... which would, technically, have made him minus 16 days. He was sooo tiny and fragile.... but so cute. Mom and Dad are totally in love!!!

Our afternoon was not short of ideas and props, ladders and goodies. Including an abdundance of toasty treats and good conversation. I've known Andrew (Dad) since pre-school and we both met Claire (Mom) at varsity.... and I still claim having a little hand in bringing the two together ;) Nevertheless they are both great old friends and I was super stoked for the arrival of their little guy and to be asked to take some pics for them.

 

Jacob was super chilled most of the afternoon - he even had the hand under chin pose to prove it. Towards the end of a long day however he let out a few small groans to let us know he was done and he rounded off his appreciation on the last shot, with a glorious fountain straight onto mom's face - a sight that put everyone into total hysterics thereafter! Other incidents included poop on dad and near miss for me (props not so lucky) :)

 

All in all an awesome afternoon, the weather and light were perfect - definitely one to be remembered. Oh, and some pictures I hope will be memories forever!!

 

Thanks to Andrew and Claire for being so comfortable, easy going and hospitable... I look forward to doing it all again soon :) You guys rock!!

 

I am super proud of these photos, so there are lots to get through, but take the time - I think you'll love!!!

Cheers for now,

Matti

Speechless.

A Little bit of inspiration for anyone looking today ;)

Keep loving, living and doing everything else to make those moments count!

Jocelyn Magnus Newborn Shoot

I thought it would be fitting to follow the Maglit Bump Shoot (http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2012/07/maglit-bump-shoot-rhodes-mem.html)  with the introduction of the little Maglit herself :) Introducing the loveliest Jocelyn Lily Magnus!!!!

It was a cold and rainy Sunday morning at the Magnus household and all was quiet :) The heaters were going and the temperature was ripe for a newborn... not so much for this photographer!! A trusty sweat towel and a ensuite brought things quietly back into order (Sorry overshare I'm sure  but its hard work you know ;) !!) We'd planned a whole bunch of sleepy newborn poses and the prop suitcase was full. Jocelyn however was having none of this sleeping stuff. She wanted to be part of the action and to make sure she didn't miss a thing!! She did it all very relaxed and quietly I must add... stopping for a feed and burp here or there but ultimately so preciously calm and content to watch this odd looking man with a big shiny lens in front of her!!

Jamo and Kez were awesome.... willing to try all sorts of things and open to ideas, while always making sure Jocelyn was happy and not going to hurt herself!! But again Jocelyn was awake to make sure we tried no funky stuff or stick some butterflies on her or cover her in glitter - hee hee!

Anyhoo, there will be lots more of Jocelyn to come as she grows up... so for now, just enjoy the little awesomeness that she is now!! :)

[I struggled to choose, so there are quite a few... but make sure you look all the way to the bottom, worth it]

The Maglit Bump Shoot @ Rhodes Mem.

Twas a sun-filled, fun filled, slighty dozy, lovey dovey, friendly Sunday afternoon at Rhodes Memorial when I got to shoot Kez and her glorious baby bump! Jamo, you were also pretty glorious that day too - haha!!

It seems so far away amidst the current winter rain in Cape Town but the smiles below are sure to brighten your day. The little soon to be Maglit, at the time, was well and truly bursting to come and join us in the grass. It would however still manage to hold off for a few more weeks before joining the world and blessing the Magni with it's presence. Jocelyn Lily Magnus (the sex of which was unknown at the time - hence the reference to 'it') was born on the 25th of June 2012. More about that later though ;)

Kez was a truly glowing pregnant woman... and I'd like to just add that she was wearing her normal pre baby jeans that day ;) Jamo was in his shorts and shirt as usual... and one times coolio hat to "hide the sun"!!

It was a perfect setting - the birds were tweeting, and apart from the sometimes constant flow of cars, we felt very far away from the city :) Our day was made ever more surreal when joined by a rather friendly praying mantis. A brown little guy that we would later hear meant that 'it' was to be a boy... however the next week Kez encountered a green one, which assumably meant a girl... looks like the green guy trumped his friend ;) Sorry browny!

Anyway it was a great afternoon and thanks to Jamo and Kez for being super cool and making sure the laughter never died! Lots of love to you both....

[Jocelyn's newborn shoot to follow soon, so keep watching this space]

Emily Burke - Here's looking at you :)

                                                               "Here's looking at you kid"
What seems like a long way back already, I was asked by some of Kath and Julians small group friends to do a newborn shoot for them, as a present from the group... and was Dee-lighted to do so! Little Emily Burke was just too tiny and cute for words, not to mention super chilled and relaxed and up for most things... except maybe the bike helmet - not so comfy Dad!! :)

It was an awesome afternoon and a picture perfect little family to photograph. I even managed to get Kath to do some posing for me... a little something she hasnt lost from the old days :)

Im not going to waffle on too much here as I think the photos show off just how awesome and happy they are... thanks to everyone involved, and God Bless!!

The Smiths SA Family Shoot @Blouberg

Kelly, a friend of mine, got hold of me to do a shoot of her brother and family that were down from London for her wedding. As a treat, Kel organised them the shoot as a present, and to fit in with times and plans we would do it at blouberg near her house one evening. A favourite spot that we used in http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2012/05/volkmann-family-shoot-at-blouberg.html but this time we were at the opposite end of the day! The perfect eve came it's way and I watched the sun set ever more from the traffic into blouberg - clearly no one was in a rush except me. I arrived with a bare minimum  of sunlight left and it was A for away as I hit the ground. We snapped off a few really quick ones on the beach while little Alex played and without blinking we were off the the next spot for the mounatin and sea shot. I dont think we even hit much over 30 mins for this shoot... and I'm still amazed at what came out of it :) Needless to say that it couldnt have been done without an amazing, relaxed and appreciative family. Their little Alex was too cool and cute for words and Gareth and Kay went with the flow so effortlessly and without question. Gran and Auntie kept Alex looking in all the right directions and smiles were endless.

By the end of it all we had quite the bunch of followers that I hadnt even noticed until the time we called it quits... it was an awesome blitz of fun!

Thanks to everyone who was there and for the drink at Blue Peter afterwards. Kel, Kent, Gareth, Kay, Alex, Peg, Cara, Neil, Tom and Claire - you all rock my socks!

Enjoy the pics :)

The Edwards Family Shoot

Ok so we are keeping to the timeline here for blog posts and shoots... next came the Edwards Family Shoot (got it right tas ;)). I work with Tasneem and had been cheeky enough, I think, to offer my "special" services (sorry work joke there) for a baby shoot once she had gone on maternity leave. I wasn't quite sure if she had taken to the idea as the newborn baby phase came and went and I had pretty much forgotten about my offer. Needless to say not long after she emailed and asked if I was free to a do a family shoot, including the little one, who although not "newborn" anymore was as cute as could be.

The kids were up to the challenge and entertained us to no end with smiles, laughter and a few tears ;) Nothing a bit of bribery couldn't solve however...

I think the first photo above really says it all as to what an awesome family they make and it's not often you get everyone looking good, smiling, eyes open and looking at the camera on your first attempt!

Big thanks Tas for thinking of me and I hope the photo's do you justice!

(p.s. my internet was a bit slow and irritating, so apologies if this one looks a little all over the show :))

The Volkmann Family Shoot at Blouberg

For those of you having paid attention, you will recognise this awesome couple from their wedding shoot done at the end of last year [ http://mclaganphotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/jeremy-morgans-wedding-boschendal.html ]. Little Cameron Volkmann follwed soon after and came out as chilled, relaxed and as cool as his folks. The couple wanted a family shoot on the beach with views to add and what better spot that on blouberg beach, near ons huisie, with table mountain looming and old style mykanos type houses in the background.

It was early morning on a perfect summers day and well one couldnt have hoped for better. Cameron was by the most well behaved little guy I have had the privelage of photographing and played along with all we had to throw at him, including the cold water and bright sun!

Anyway before I waffle on, thanks to Jem and Morgs and ofcourse my trusted creative director, handlanger and wife, Claire ;)

Anyway with winter upon us, have a browse and soak up the sun and love that follows.