The journey to the UK… arriving in Taipei very early in the morning was quite the experience. First thing that hit was the humidity. Oh boy. Quite the change from 5 degrees in Melbourne! Wasn’t my habituate airport to be stuck in for 4 hours! Staff were lovely, seat was your typical economy seat. Food, not so great on the second leg, they thought gluten free meant I can’t have protein. Thankfully they had some extra food, but I will be packing up own snacks for the trip home!
Here I am, a week out from the big trip! Have been having issues trying to work out how to access this blog (soon to be updated!) on my phone or iPad. So this post is a bit of a test!
Our poor fur baby Lia has been in a ‘cone of shame’ for almost two weeks after Floof got a bit rough and she needed surgery on her ear 🙁
Hopefully she is out of it a few days.
Ok pretty boring post here. Just testing it all out!!!
See you soon UK!
Guess what! I’m off to the UK! I hope to be able to share the journey here, however who knows how easy that will be roaming, as well as the issue of taking too many photos! But we shall see how we go! Here’s a rather boring image of a tree and the sky.. Lets hope the travel photos are a little more interesting!
I saw this book mentioned on my university history facebook group and ordered it instantly! The conversion period in Britain absolutely fascinates me. I have a few books I’m planning to digest in the coming year to start planning proposals for my research units in my Masters. The fact Ronald Hutton has commented on the cover was another reason I was so keen to get this book!
Hi there! I’m Gemma, the Artist turned Academic History Geek/Genealogist.
As stated on the about page, I am a professional photographer who fell in love with history. My photography life, whilst still hovering around, quietened down after the birth of my third child. After many life challenges, including injury, illness and the passing of a loved one, I decided to go back to my studies while I waiting for my youngest to be in school to work again. Whilst completing my Bachelor of Arts online majoring in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, the pandemic hit and all dreams of becoming reacquainted with my photography were quickly squashed! So I embarked on studying multiple courses, at Swinburne studying the Diploma of Library and Information Systems; and having become quickly becoming obsessed with research and starting to trace my own family tree, I decided to also add a Diploma of Family History at the University of Tasmania to the mix.. I finally graduated from my Bachelor degree in beautiful Armidale, NSW on April 30th 2022, and have now commenced my Master of Arts, of course, majoring in History, continuing at the University of New England. My first unit is an introduction to Greek and Roman Mythology. More for personal interest, and to have a break from intensive research units!
Studying online is difficult, and throughout the pandemic, many have lacked a sense community and belonging. For myself, not being able to travel to university to attend week long intensive schools was heartbreaking, as was missing out on travel to Brisbane for family events. This website is to share snippets of my academic life, ways I take a break and continue to be creative, all things books, and sometimes snippets of ‘art’ as well. However working full time as a genealogist, don’t expect frequent posts!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope to see you again soon!
Well! Where to start?! Probably with the obvious..
We have a new name and look. It’s been a long time in the making.
Introducing…
Out of the Woods | Photographic Storyteller
Why? Well there are many reasons. After the birth of our daughter I suffered a few setbacks with injuries to both my wrists which required surgery. During this time we also made the decision to move from Point Cook to the country, and here we are in beautiful Kilmore! With a little toddler and two boys in new schools I took a rather long maternity leave while we settled into our new lives. I took to other creative outlets during this time – some of which included knitting and hand dyeing yarn. This little adventure took the name “Out of the Woods”.
The name resonated with me after our move to the country (don’t panic we are still not that far from Melbourne!!) so I had the thought to bring all creative outlets under the same umbrella, however while still on maternity leave and recovering from surgery, it didn’t happen overnight.
Now we get personal.
In August 2018 our lives were turned upside down and inside out with the passing of my brother Richie, he was 34 years old and a father to two beautiful little boys. Iris Creations Photography had featured him and his little boys a lot over the years. His face is probably very recognisable.
After spending approx 50 hours at the computer compiling a photo slideshow for his funeral I was very close to walking away from photography altogether. Come Christmas, his partner and I were compiling photos for his boys and mine for a special Christmas present when it dawned on me, that even as a photographer, I had no photos (apart from phone snaps) that I’d taken properly of him with my children since they were about 18 months and 3 years old respectively, and sadly none with my toddler Arlette.
It made me realise JUST HOW IMPORTANT professional photography is, and my goal is to help eliminate the regret of not taking the time to have photographs taken. Because of this, Out of the Woods’ outdoor family sessions will not be exclusive to immediate families. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins are welcome and encouraged. If family is visiting from interstate or overseas, please get in touch, and we will be there to celebrate.
Richie was a massive supporter of my business, and when I told him of my idea to rebrand the business he was extremely excited, and when Richie was excited about something he wouldn’t stop talking and it could be a while until you could get a word in!
(Image taken at a friends wedding, myself in Photographer mode, Richie in Best Man mode!)
After the Christmas revelation, I picked up the camera, blew off the dust and participated in an annual photographers tradition “January Photo-a-Day”.
Many photographers fail to find the time to photograph their own families, and this tradition has run for well over 10 years. January was an extremely emotional month in our family with many birthdays, including Richie’s. I’d like to share this project in this introduction post (which we begin a little earlier than January, with the first image taken on the 23rd of December, when we all celebrated Christmas together.) All the cousins having a wonderful time and of course also a hard one, the first without a beloved father, son, brother, partner and uncle.
I’d like to now share the January project, together with the captions, which we shared on the Iris Creations Photography Facebook Page and Instagram profile, now renamed to Out of the Woods. I hope you enjoy!
January Project 2019 | Day 1
I first started the January project of capturing one photo a day of my children many years ago. It’s always been a wonderful project to take me back to my roots and celebrate my own children. What I love about this project is giving myself a few “rules” and stepping outside my usual portrait comfort zone. For example, the images are always in B+W. Over the years it’s a wonderful way to watch my children grow!
So here we are in 2019. It will be a big one! Iris Creations is going though some big changes (details coming soon) and decided what a great way to start the year by sharing our January Project. I’ll be playing a little catch up over the next few days and hopefully we can make it to post the final image on the 31st! I hope you enjoy!
January Project 2019 | Day 2
It was a warmish day, and together we played outside in our ‘work in progress’ garden. One of your favourite Christmas gifts was the bubble machine Grandma gave you, and you spent most of the day dancing around in your princess dress amongst the bubbles. I daresay dance will be in your future, and possibly contemporary/interpretive dance, as your facial expressions are well beyond that of a 3 1/2 year old!
January Project 2019 | Day 3
We had a lazy morning you and I, which was nice after the few weeks of running around. Tea parties are one of our favourite games. As you make me ‘coffee’ and yourself tea.
January Project 2019 | Day 4
Whilst our garden is a ‘work in progress’ this section is more than growing. Our tomatoes are taller than mummy and you love searching for the red fruit to pick (not so much eating them). And the end of a day with bright sun I went out to water and you followed. Whilst this isn’t the absolute favourite image of those I took, I felt the others were more for just us.. You look a little sad… you weren’t. You were playing with imaginary Dora the Explorer, hiding away from a dragon. And I just love how your imagination is growing day by day..
January Project 2019 | Day 5
You were given Baby Penelope for Christmas two years ago. And she is still your favourite. Although you can’t quite say Penelope, you say ‘Baybee Ella-pee’. She is dressed in the knitted romper I made you which fit when you were about 5 months old. How the times flies!
January Project 2019 | Day 6
You spent all day waiting and waiting for your brothers to come home from their nearly 10 days away. You decided to have an early bath to play with your mermaid doll. I tied up your hair to minimise the brushing later, and noticed this little curl. I’ve always taken a photo within this project of your hair, to show it growing. Two years ago you had just enough to put into tiny pigtails. Now, the curl is the same size as those pigtails, only your hair was looped around in a bun. I’m not sure how long I can keep your hair away from scissors of any kind (hairdresser or by your own hand) but until then, I love how it’s never been trimmed or cut. So natural and pure.
January Project 2019 | Day 7
My boys arrived home, and within moments of waking it was head first into the pile of Christmas presents that had been waiting for you. Ash you were so excited to get stuck into this puzzle of the solar system. After 3 hours your eyes were glazing over so you took a break. Then within 1 and a half hours it was complete. All 500 pieces. Now, you wait to start your new challenge. 1000!
January Project 2019 | Day 8
Let’s be honest. This is a pretty common sight. You’re nearly 13.. you are obsessed with YouTube and Fortnite. Your room cops all the heat of the day as the sun blasts your room so most of the time it’s dark with the curtains shut. I’m told this is typical of pre-teens and teens. I’m not going to lie. Not sure I like it! But after you severely broke your arm physical activity is still a no go so I guess I’ll be seeing a lot of this for now.
January Project 2019 | Day 9
Little sisters can be annoying. But. Little sisters can also be cute. Little sisters can also be fun. Especially when they start to love your old Thomas toy.
January Project 2019 | Day 10
Sometimes the day is long and it’s all about ABC kids and “Bluey”.
January Project 2019 | Day 11
This crew have grown up together since the early days in daycare. They have remained the greatest of friends even when distance and schedules have gotten in the way. Ordinarily I’d have repositioned them against the fence, but decided it showed just how tall they are all getting! (Both us mums are soon to be shorter!) Might have to repeat next year and see how many heads are clearing the fence!
January Project 2019 | Day 12
My eldest.
January Project 2019 | Day 13
This is one of my favorite places to photograph you. My little faerie by the window.
January Project 2019 | Day 14
When big brothers show you funny cat videos. Can you hear the giggling? I could from the other end of the house!
January Project 2019 | Day 15
Warm days and icecream! Victoria has certainly turned up the dial on the heat! You don’t seem to notice it as much as mama. But sure like the icecream! (And all over your face!)
January Project 2019 | Day 16
Arlette had an appointment today, and neither of the boys wanted to come so asked if Papi could come over. Papi was having a good few days health wise so was more than happy to come watch the tennis in our lovely cooling. I came home to see you snuggling with him on the couch and took this within seconds. If the last few months have taught me anything it’s… take the photos. ALL the photos and it’s these moments which have reignited the fire for portrait photography.
January Project 2019 | Day 17
As I said. A familiar scene… pre-teens….
January Project 2019 | Day 18
Another day, another moment I want to take a photo at the window. All packed with your favorite unicorn backpack for a day of fun at daycare AKA ‘Rachael’s House’.
January Project 2019 | Day 19
Today we went to visit some friends, so you put on your princess birthday dress and made a birthday cake from a lid, playdough and your second birthday candle. Where you found said candle.. I’ll never know. Where the cake ended up after our visit is also a mystery!
January Project 2019 | Day 20
On Friday night Alex and I had our first proper date night in nearly 4 years… Ange (Aka Nan) came to stay with the kids (and spoil you all) and in the morning taught you how to make her pancakes. This was the second morning in a row that you made pancakes for breakfast. This continued until you ran out of certain secret ingredients. Her sneaky plan worked. Your now interesting in cooking.. I am forever grateful!!
January Project 2019 | Day 21
We went up to the farm for the day for a change of scenery. Mama here had many plans for today’s photo, however as this project goes, plans generally don’t turn out the way we imagined. And for many reasons. Today it was really very hot in the sun.. but more importantly, I stumbled on this scene.
January Project 2019 | Day 22
Mama wasn’t feeling well this morning. And was granted some much needed rest. However was woken to bickering about who sabotaged who in a game. Feeling a bit over the constant bickering mama took away the iPads and went back to bed. When I got up properly, this is what I saw. Grounding didn’t seem so bad after a while. Star Wars chess.
January Project 2019 | Day 23
Lately, if there’s music in a movie, or a TV show’s theme song starts, you leap up and start dancing. Dancing is not a new thing for you. You loved sitting in your high chair and vigorously swaying from side to side when mama would quite regularly play Florence & the Machine. You love Emma Wiggle. You stare in awe at ballerinas and when mama shows you Irish dancing. (You can pretty much do a reel and I haven’t even taught you) But the need to dance has absolutely switched up a few notches. Today, you were dancing along to the My Little Pony movie. The drama in your face and movement is quite incredible. Your actress aunty will be proud.. And yes, today we have outtakes because it was simply too hard to choose one. Some are not nearly in focus.. therefore perfectly imperfect. Ballet classes start in 11 days, the same age I started and you are so excited!
January Project 2019 | Day 24
Summer in Australia. When you have to send the kids outside because the mess from Icy poles melting too quickly is a nightmare.
January Project 2019 | Day 25
Today. Your birthday. The boys and I had all sorts of plans. We made a cake. Ash wanted to show you his soccer trophies cause you didn’t get to see them before you died. Eman wanted to show the “skin” on fortnight he’d sent to Clare because when he saw it he saw you. She fell off her chair. But reality is a different thing. Grief can’t be planned. As a photographer I tried to planned what I wanted this image to be days ago. But what is real and what is staged is two different things. I went with real.
We miss you. There is a deep hole in our lives since you left us. It feels like forever.
We celebrate. We blow out the candles for you. We just wish you could join us.
January Project 2019 | Day 26
When you were about 10 months old, just like your older brother we held a naming day to celebrate your birth and chose two godparents for you. The chosen family so to speak. For you we chose Erin (my oldest friend in the world) and your uncle Richie. Obviously it’s been a very sad time since he passed away and it’s been on my mind that he was your godfather as well as your uncle. A few weeks ago I asked Clare if she would continue the role on for you. There was tears when I asked her and there was the assurance that this was the most perfect thing I’d ever decided for my children. Congrats you two (as Papi would say!) Cause you are perfect. And Aunty Erin in England thinks it’s pretty epic that your excited to have two Aunty Godmothers! Also…. Today is Aunty Clare’s birthday. Perfect way to celebrate the 26th January (along with our dear friend Mark!) cause #changethedate
January Project 2019 | Day 27
And to finish up the epic week of birthdays, we celebrated Papi’s 79th birthday!
January Project 2019 | Day 28
You haven’t been the biggest of readers, but I keep trying to encourage the magical world of books.. Uncle Ben certainly hit the nail on the head when he gave you ‘The Neverending Story’ for Christmas. I might just have to borrow it when your done!!
January Project 2019 | Day 29
Looking ever so grown up cleaning the icing bowl after helping mama make a cake!
January Project 2019 | Day 30
Today marked a pretty big moment. Although you can’t stand me saying so. First day of high school. You took it in your stride and barely blinked. Pretty excited when it only took you one go to work your combination lock. Can’t believe how grown up you are already. Wasn’t Prep like last year??! Good luck buddy. Grade 7.
January Project 2019 | Day 31
And to finish off this year’s January Project, back to school for Ash! Grade 5. You’ve had some touch years in school.. but have always stayed so true to yourself, your morals and even when navigating the social spiderweb with ASD has thrown you curve balls you have always given it your best and tried new things. Your pretty jealous your big brother gets a “real” science class now he’s in high school, but have gone back knowing that next year is big grade 6 and have your eyes set on growing up more as a person and even leadership roles. You astound me everyday!
And if your still here, thankyou for reading and I hope you enjoyed our January project! Please feel free to check out our new website!
I met this beautiful couple last year to photograph them whilst expecting their little boy, and then again when he was born! I love photographing both Maternity + Newborn sessions together, as it paints such a beautiful story! Such an exciting moment in any parents life, and it’s such a joy to share this with them! Congratulations on Mr O’s arrival! x
One Year Old today! This gorgeous little girl came into the studio this week, on her actual birthday to have some special first birthday portraits! Isn’t she beautiful? Happy Birthday little one!
This gorgeous little boy’s session would not have been complete without a photograph with his “big brother”. There’s a famous saying “never work with animals and children”. However I refuse to go along with that! Whilst it took a few bribes and encouragement (simply as big brother was far more interested in giving his baby brother kisses!) I think the outcome was magical!
Rosie and Shaun have been together for three years, with Shaun proposing in Rome, at a small local restaurant, before they travelled Europe together for the next month. Their stunning wedding was on a beautiful sunny day in the gorgeous vineyard in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne. Hard to believe it was just on Autumn!
And, being a very romantic but modern couple, they even have their own hashtag for their wedding #shaungetshisrose
Congratulations Rosie & Shaun! x
Shaun & Rosie’s Wedding Team:
Venue: Oakridge Winery
Bride’s Dress: Anna Campbell
Bridesmaids Dress: Sheike
Groom’s Suit: MJ Bale
Make-up: Shella Martin
Hair: Kelly Xu
Flowers: Red Earth Flowers
Cake: Creme de la cake
Celebrant: John Byrne
“…You got to be the only one
Who knows just who I am
And you shine in the distance
I hope I can make it through
‘Cause the only place
That I want to be
Is right back home with you…” *
Nic & Mel met in Canberra when Nic reached out, after seeing a photo of her with a mutual friend – when they realised they’d gone to the same high school. (If you’d been at their wedding – and trust me, it was AMAZING – you would have heard all the gorgeous details, in a beautiful and hilarious account during the ceremony and the speeches!) Four years later; as Nic’s professional rugby career saw them embarking on an adventure to live in France, Nic proposed to Mel on her family farm.
Every member of the Bridal Party and guest, travelled to Melbourne for the stunning wedding at Werribee Mansion. It was a perfect day, for a beautiful couple. Congratulations Nic & Mel! x
For the amazing videography of Nic & Mel’s wedding visit HERE.
Mel & Nic’s Wedding Team
Venue: Werribee Mansion & Spa
Bride’s Dress: Mary Loannadis Couture
Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss
Flowers: Floretta by Grace Amobreco Reyes
Cake: Regnier Cakes
Videographer: GMTMT
Celebrant: Jon Von Goes
*Lyrics by James Morrison – “You Make it Real”
