December was a crazy month for us.  My son graduated Year 10. My daughter had  surgery on both of her feet. School finished for the year, as well as ballet performances, and end of year concerts. We moved house, and after all the boxes were unloaded from the truck, one of the first requests that I heard was, ” When can we put up the Christmas tree? ARGH! Christmas! I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. So I bought some time, and I used a delaying tactic. “How about we buy a real tree for our new home?” It worked, and I had a weeks grace.

During that week, I unpacked, and the dust started to settle. I started to imagine a series of photos at the Christmas tree farm in summer dresses, sandals, and gorgeous afternoon light. Blue skies with puffy white clouds as we celebrated the Summer Christmas we enjoy here in Sydney. My imagination ran wild as I unpacked….and unpacked.

The weekend arrived, and I could feel my plans starting to slip. End of year activities filled our weekend, and the only time available for us to visit the farm was in the morning. The weather was cold for December, nothing like the Summer weather we normally experience.  After breakfast, my girls went to get dressed and walked out in boots and long sleeves. Nothing that said Summer. I will admit that the photographer wanted to scream “NOOOO!”. This was not the mini session that I had imagined as I unpacked. I Sighed! I paused.

And then I reminded myself that this wasn’t a photo session. We were buying a tree for Christmas. This was a moment, not a photography opportunity. So we went with the clothes my girls had picked out. We went when the light was not perfect. We went to the tree farm,  and we wandered through the lines of beautifully shaped trees. We ran up the hills, and down the hills. We talked and we laughed. We picked a tree we thought looked beautiful. We took it home, and decorated it.

This moment was  filled with joy, and I am so glad that I let the moment happen. Now when I look at these images, I think they are better than what I imagined as unpacked the boxes. This is life. And this is my festive 5.

 

Now follow the link to see Sonia Epple Fotografie . I can’t wait see her Festive 5 images.

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December 30, 2014
I actually don't think this could look more magical. The watercolour sky and the beauty of your daughters is just outstanding. This moment feels so special and light-hearted. You are so incredibly talented. A wonderful new year to you all in your new home. I am so happy I will share pieces of it.
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    December 30, 2014
    Julia, thank you so much. Your lovely comments mean so much to me
    Reply
December 30, 2014
So much joy! I really love this and your realization as a mum. Lovely!
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    January 2, 2015
    Amanda, sometimes the photographer and the Mum are on different pages…thankfully not too often <3
    Reply
Lynzi
December 30, 2014
Great reminder to be present, Cindy! And truly...gorgeous images. I love them so much.
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    January 2, 2015
    Thank you Lynzi. I try to enjoy these moments as well as capture them..sometimes I need to remind myself to put the camera down
    Reply
December 31, 2014
Wow Cindy! You're tree farm photos do look different than mine! It looks so nice and warm there! Beautiful image and I love the story you told in the beginning!
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    January 2, 2015
    Yes, there is a huge difference. But we captured the same joy. <3
    Reply
December 31, 2014
Julia is EXACTLY right: these are magical! I LOVE that first image so so much!
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    January 2, 2015
    Thank you sweet lady
    Reply
December 31, 2014
Cindy, these photos are absolutely gorgeous! The photo at the very top needs to be printed and framed, asap!!!!!
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    January 2, 2015
    That is my favourite <3 Thank you
    Reply
December 31, 2014
Stunning set of images Julia! Gorgeous tones! Theres something so special about being able to actually choose your own tree and that is written all over your kids faces! Beautiful!
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    January 2, 2015
    Thank you so much Charlotte
    Reply
January 1, 2015
This is great Cindy, reminds me of Christmas in South Africa. I love the idea of selecting a tree although I never have. I love the last two images, they are full of fun and laughter. Thank you for sharing.
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    January 2, 2015
    Thank you Sharleen
    Reply
January 2, 2015
perfection in every way! thanks for asking me back this year!
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    January 2, 2015
    Thank you Allison
    Reply
Sophie James
January 11, 2015
I love your honesty Cindy, I often want a hand in staging moments but these natural ones just end up being perfect all on their own. Such a gorgeous set of photos and so different for me as a Brit to see blue skies at Christmas <3 xxx
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