Capture the Everyday: Winter/Spring 2016 by Antonina Mamzenko

CAPTURE THE EVERYDAY PLANNING YOUR PHOTOSHOOT

W I N T E R / S P R I NG 20 16 C l ient Gu i de

Life with children is moving fast. Your baby was only born yesterday and now look - she is already starting primary school. Yes it’s important to capture the milestones - the pregnancy, the first few weeks with your newborn, the first birthday party and the toddler stage.

LIFE DOES NOT WAIT FOR PERFECT WEATHER

But while chasing the milestones let’s not forget the everyday moments. The moments that are just as important, but so much more easily forgotten in the haze of parenthood. Moments that are unique to every family. You might be the outdoorsy lot, out in sun and rain. You might prefer a quiet Sunday afternoon lounging on a sofa with a pile of books and a TV on. You could be crafty, or beach-lovers, or enjoy spending your time baking. Whoever you are, whatever you like to do, it’s all good. There’s never going to be the “perfect moment” for anything. So don’t wait for it. Embrace the imperfection and create a piece of family history you will treasure forever. Use these ideas are to help you come up with your own.

Contents Winter / Spring 2016

W E LCO M E M y S to r y

E m b r a ce T h e I m p e r fe c t i o n

A L L TH E D E TA I L S D a y i n t h e L i fe

T h e S h o r t S to r y

T h e N ew L i fe

T h e Lo n d o n S e s s i o n

T h e Aw a y D a y s

P r i n t s a n d A l b u m s

T h e P ro ce s s

FAQ s 32

S ES S I O N IN S PIR ATI O N

M A K E YO U R PH OTOS M E A N SO M E TH ING P h o to s I W i s h I H a d

I s D o c u m e n t a r y P h o to g r a p h y fo r Yo u?

MY STORY I didn’t grow up with a camera in my hands. I didn’t go to a photography class in the kindergarten and the fact that my dad actually had a darkroom at home did not sway me towards photography in the slightest.

where the subject was not looking at the camera – in fact they were not aware of being photographed at all, absorbed in the moment frozen in time. Looking at my own childhood photographs I started noticing that they were mainly of me. Not me with my parents, just me. I don’t really remember my childhood that much, so not having a visual record of what we got up to as a family is heartbreaking. I want to remember, but I can’t.

I wanted to be a dentist. Then a singer (I can’t sing). Then an archeologist. Then a lawyer. In fact I didn’t even have a camera – or was interested in having one – before my early 20s. It was that memorable trip to Malta with my crappy film compact where from about of 3 rolls of film I got maybe 4 usable photographs that got me thinking. I’m guessing it was all downhill from there.

That’s why I’m a documentary family photographer. My aim is not to create just cute shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera. I’m passionate about creating meaningful family photographs; photographs by which your children will remember their childhood.

I realised I could freeze time and create priceless memories. More and more I noticed that the photographs that really stood out for me were the ones

EMBRACE THE IMPERFECTION I don’t believe in using cute props and having to stand still and smile. I don’t believe in having to look at the camera. I believe in running barefoot, exploring, stomping in puddles, cuddling close, cooking dinner, playing puzzles, watching telly together and just being a family. I believe in imperfection and staying true to yourself. I believe that every child is an individual and that their amazing uniqueness is meant to be captured, preserved and bottled up for the future. I believe that children deserve to have lasting memories of their childhood, and have photographs of them with their parents, playing, walking, exploring – and even going about the dayto-day things. And that’s why I do what I do.

TESTIMONIALS “Antonina first photographed our family when I was pregnant with our second child. We have worked with her 3 times since and every session has been amazing. She has repeatedly produced portfolios which are impossible to chose from and photo books that are too beautiful for words. She instantly made my children feel comfortable, to the extent that my son refers to her as his friend. This has made all the difference in the world, as she’s always captured them at their best”. - April and Mike, London and New York

“Bloody love them all! We are thrilled!”. - Dominique and Samuel, St Albans

“We wholeheartedly recommend Antonina. She skillfully drifted between actively entertaining the kids to blending into the background and catching what felt like private moments. She succeeded in capturing the personalities of my children perfectly”. - Christie and Stuart, Twickenham, London

“Thank you Antonina, for beautifully capturing our time in London. Our daughter warmed up to you right away, and had so much fun that she was sad to see you go at the end of the day! The photos are absolutely amazing – I’m so glad we chose you to continue our annual family photo shoot tradition! It’s fun to look back and compare our family photos from last year in Canada to the ones you took of us in and around our home in London”. - Karen and Corey, Canada

ALL THE DETAILS I offer a variety of sessions to suit most needs. If you feel something’s missing or you’d like something extra special, please feel free to drop me a line - let’s chat!

DAY IN THE LIFE I’m a strong believer that there is magic and beauty in the everyday, and I have a gift of seeing and beautifully capturing it. The Day in the Life session allows us all the time and space to find it – and bottle it up so you can keep it and remember it forever. You don’t have to be funny, or engaging, or resort to bribes. Just be yourself. Cuddle with your babies. Read a book together. Cook lunch. Make a mess of a cake. Play football. Do colouring or prepare homework. Go walk the dog. Deal with the tantrums. Get on the floor and be silly. Put down all pretences and just be you. By spending the whole day with you, playing with your kids and being the goofy “Auntie Nina” as some of them call me, I really become part of your family. Even the shyest child (or a reluctant parent!) will soon forget I have a camera and I will be able to capture them at what they do best – being themselves.

FINE ART COLLECTION

STORYBOOK COLLECTION

DIGITAL COLLECTION

2000

1600

1350

What’s included:

• my time with you from breakfast till bedime

• a slideshow set to music

• all retouched digital images

• 10x10” Fine Art Album

• 10x10” storybook

• 10 small fine art prints

All prices in British Pounds. Session fees include my time and travel within Surrey and SW London only. Other locations will incur an additional travel fee: Central & North London and the Home Counties: £100, other locations in the UK: £200. For sessions further afield please talk to me to discuss travel fees and other arrangements. 14

THE SHORT STORY Walks in the park, picnics in the sun and blowing raspberries. Stomping in puddles, exploring the woods and laughing until your sides split. Running barefoot, playing with the dog, and throwing rocks into the pond. Making cupcakes, curling up on the sofa with a pile of favourite books and hosting a pretend tea party. How you held their hand. The joy on their faces when they did something all by themselves. The love in your eyes when you looked at them. The squeals of delight of being pushed higher and higher on the swing. The silly games you played together. The warm embrace of the quiet moment. These everyday moments are important. These moments must be bottled up and kept forever. I will help you capture them beautifully and preserve them for your and your kids.

FINE ART COLLECTION

STORYBOOK COLLECTION

DIGITAL COLLECTION

1150

745

495

What’s included:

• up to 4 hours of photography

• a slideshow set to music

• all retouched digital images

• 10x10” Fine Art Album

• 10x10” storybook

• 5 small fine art prints

All prices in British Pounds. Session fees include my time and travel within Surrey and SW London only. Other locations will incur an additional travel fee: Central London and the Home Counties: £100, other locations in the UK: £200. For sessions further afield please talk to me to discuss travel fees and other arrangements. 16

THE NEW LIFE Capture the first days and weeks of your new baby’s life. All the tiny details: the wrinkled toes, the first hair (or the lack of it), the yawns, the fleeting smiles. And of course, capture your feelings for this new human being you created together, the wonder of getting to know them, the pure joy of just looking at them. I know all too well how challenging the first few weeks with a new baby are. So my aim is to make the whole experience as stress-free as possible for you. There’s no need to travel anywhere – I travel to you. There’s no need to make any special preparations, as all I need is your home and your family.

THE WHOLE STORY

THE PREGNANCY STORY

THE NEWBORN STORY

1100

395

595

What’s included:

• pregnancy and newborn sessions

• up to 2 hours of pregnancy photography

• up to 4 hours of newborn photography

• a slideshow set to music

• all retouched digital images

• 10x10” storybook

• one small mounted print of your favourite photograph

• one small monted print of your favourite photograph

• or upgrade to a 10x10” Fine Art Album for only 400 extra

THE LONDON SESSION Visiting London with your family or have lived here for 10 years and now moving elsewhere? Capture the precious memories of your time in this beautiful city with a collection of photographs that will get your children’s travel bug itching when they grow older. Explore the South Bank, board a Thames Clipper, walk the Millenium Bridge, sip a cup of coffee in Notting Hill. Been here a while? Visit all the places you love and cross off the ones you’ve never had time to visit before. New to town? Let me show you around and lets get exploring!

FINE ART COLLECTION

STORYBOOK COLLECTION

DIGITAL COLLECTION

1245

845

595

What’s included:

• up to 4 hours photography in Central London

• a slideshow set to music

• all retouched digital images

• 10x10” Fine Art Album

• 10x10” storybook

• private online gallery to view, share and download your photographs

All prices in British Pounds. Time and travel to Central London is included. Client is responsible for any extra entrance fees or tickets to the attractions (e.g. London Eye, Thames Clipper, etc). If exploring with small children an assistant can be arranged to take care of changing bags and buggies while we get exploring at an additional £50 per session. 20

THE AWAY DAYS Whether it’s the snow or the sun, I will capture your holiday like no selfie stick can. From building snowmen to skiing in the Alps, from diving into the warm sea and exploring ancient ruins to all the fun (and sometimes tears, because let’s be real here, holidays with kids can be hard work) in between, I will capture it all for you so you have this brilliant memory to look back on and treasure. DAILY FEE 1000 / all day photography Minimum booking term is 2 days, and all digital images with personal printing rights are included. All travel, accommodation and food is on you. I’m happy to stay in the same place as you, and eat what/when/where you do, so I can really get to know your family and capture the most of your holiday. Interested in more than just the digitals? Let’s chat and I’ll prepare a custom collection option just for you.

All prices in British Pounds. 22

LOVELY PRINTS Created by the expert craftsmen in the UK these Fine Art Prints are printed on matte-finished 200gsm fine art paper made from sustainable source. It is a bright, white paper that reproduces a vivid spectrum of colours. LOOSE FINE ART PRINTS Small and transportable. Keep in a box, give to the grandparents or frame yourself. 6x4” or 5x7”

Set of ten

190

MOUNTED FINE ART PRINTS Display-ready prints on museum grade quality paper. Frame or dispay on an easel. 5x7” or 9x6”

Set of six

195

All prices in British Pounds.

FINE ART ALBUMS These albums are hand-made in UK by a team of expert craftsmen from eco-friendly materials and come with a choice of a soft leather or canvas covers. With museum-grade quality of printing and binding, these albums are guaranteed to last for a hundred of years – and more. Each album contains between 20 and 30 individually designed pages, and will showcase your images at their best. LEATHER OR COTTON COVER 10×10” Fine Art Album

750

8×8” Fine Art Album

650

6×6” grandparent copy 250 when ordered with the main album additional main album pages 35/ea

All prices in British Pounds.

STORYBOOKS While a Fine Art Album is a true heirloom that could be passed through generations, a storybook is a wonderful way to relive your memories on a regular basis by looking at your photographs together with your kids. Storybooks are designed to open flat (with jan almost invisible strip in the middle) and press printed onto heavyweight 250gsm matt paper.

30 PAGE STORYBOOK PHOTO COVER 12×12” Storybook

390

10×10” Storybook

300

8×8” Storybook

275

additional pages

25/ea

cover wrap

All prices in British Pounds.

THE PROCESS You already have an idea of what you want photographed, but it may feel scary to say yes not knowing exactly how a session works. Let’s talk a little about my process, so you’ll understand what to expect from start to finish. Going beyond the photos, your experience is important.

The Beginning After we sign the contract and you pay the £200 retainer fee (amount is then deducted from the collection you choose) you’re all booked in, and I’ll not take any other bookings from anyone else for that date and/or time. I’ll send you a questionnaire that will help me get to know you and capture the photographs you will fall in love with.

The Brainstorm Call Once you return your questionnaire we will schedule a phone (or a Skype) call to discuss your ideas and the session in more detail, including the when and the where.

Waiting for the Session I can’t wait to meet you and your family! About a week ahead of the session I’ll check in with some quick tips (like, what to wear) or just to see how you’re doing. I will also remind you when the rest of your fee is due (about a week before the session).

Waiting for Photos Within 4 weeks of your photography session I will carefully go though all of the images, select the best ones and retouch them by hand. Then I’ll upload them into a secure online gallery where you’ll be able to view and share the images with your family and friends, and download your digitals. The gallery will stay live for 21 days following your session during which time you’ll have an option to order any additional products you might like (and if you order within the first 3 days you get 5% off your order as a thank you from me for being so super efficient!).

Product Design and Delivery If you’ve ordered an album or a storybook, I will prepare the first design draft which you can then approve or make changes to. Prints and frames go through an additional close-up image check before they get printed. Everything will be delivered to you within 4-8 weeks (Fine Art Albums take the longest as they are assembled by hand).

What’s Next? We will stay connected. Many of my past clients are now my friends and we share our parenting stories almost everyday via Facebook (addicted, guilty!). If you are just a little too private for that, no worries. I will still check in every now and again via email to share with you what I’ve been up to, send you inspiration for your future sessions and let you be the first to know about any specials or promotions.

On the Day of the Session Depending on the kind of session you booked and where you’re based I will either meet you at the agreed location, creep in at 6am (that’s for the Day in the Life!) or even spend the previous evening with you if we are doing a holiday session. We will chat and I’ll get to know you and your kids a little bit more. Then you just get on with whatever you have had planned and enjoy your day, and I’ll work around you to capture it all. Don’t worry if you feel awkward at first! You don’t need to do anything special, just pretend I’m an old friend hanging out with you for the day.

How long have you been photographing families?

course you can include them in any of my sessions. I’m not allergic, and know how to handle

I’ve been a professional people photographer for nearly

most of them (I used to have a dog and a cat myself; my dog was a sausage dog called Yorick).

7 years now, and a mother myself for 5 of them! I’ve

FAQS

photographed hundreds of children and have experience

My partner is really shy and doesn’t like posing for pictures. Do you have any tips?

and patience required to capture your family at your best.

I know the feeling because I’m very camera-aware and very camera-shy myself but I’ve been on the other side of the lens too and can report it’s not bad at all. In fact, documentary

answers to your burning questions

Do you have a CRB check?

family photography is unlike any other kind of photography you might have come across.

I don’t (you can’t get one yourself as an individual).

You don’t actually have to pose and although there’s that original awkwardness when I first

However I’m almost never left with children alone without

arrive, it soon disappears as you get on with your day and get chatting to me. I promise you

an adult present, and if I am the family have known me for

even the most camera-shy person soon forgets there’s a photographer there. I’ve had clients

years and trust me. If you need any official references for

apologising to me for not offering drinks throughout the day because they simply forgot I’m

your peace of mind, please let me know.

even there at times. So truly, you have nothing to worry about.

Do you have insurance?

Will my photographs be in colour or black and white?

Yes I’m fully insured. You’ve nothing to worry about.

It really depends. After your session I will go through the images and, as an artist, decide what editing suits each picture. Sometimes it’s black and white to remove the distractions of

I’m a public figure / celebrity. Will you sign an NDA?

colour and bring out the emotion. Sometimes it’s just too dark and the colour doesn’t really

As part of my standard T&Cs I usually reserve the right to

work. Sometimes it’s just has to be colour because it’s just so pretty. There are really no rules

use your photographs for self-promotion, and that includes

as each session is unique.

online usage. That’s how I am able to stay in business as people need to see my work. However if required I’m

Do I have to pick a collection / package at the time of booking?

happy to sign an NDA for x2 my usual fees. Please have

You don’t have to at all. You can pay a £200 retainer fee at the time of booking in order to

your lawyer get in touch with me before we go ahead with

secure your date, and then you have until a week before the session when the remainder

the booking.

becomes due to decide whether you want to pre-pay for one of the collections, and make some savings in the process. After the session, when the images are uploaded to your secure

We are travelling to London from overseas, can we book

online gallery you are free to purchase any products at a la carte prices (and there’s 5% off

you?

your order if you place it within the first 3 days).

Absolutely. I have photographed families from over the globe, including Hong Kong, Australia, Saudi Arabia, USA,

I don’t want digital files. Do you have a session option without the digital package?

Russia and many other countries who are either visiting or

Sorry, I don’t. Documentary photography is very different from the traditional studio or even

even coming to have their baby here. So yes of course you

lifestyle portraiture and I truly believe you can’t pick one image over another. I photograph

can book me, I’d be delighted to show you my city.

your whole story, not just the smiles, but the details and the moments in between, and I want you to be able keep this story and pass it on to your children and grandchildren.

We have pets that we’d like to include in our photoshoot... Perfect! I love pets (maybe not pet alligators) and yes of 32

TESTIMONIALS “Thank you soooooo much I loved the pictures and the albums. The quality of the paper and printing is excellent. Can’t wait to show them to my family”. - Muna and Ahmed, Saudi Arabia

“Nothing is set up artificially, and that’s what works so well and produces the really fantastic shots”. - Lorenza and Daniel, Thames Ditton, Surrey

“Thank you! They are all so wonderful! I’m all teary-eyed! There are definitely several I want for my walls. Thank you so much - you did a fantastic job!”. - Caroline and Richard, Sweden

“You managed to capture the very special little moments, the happiness, the excitement, the anger, the affection, the tears, the laughter that make up an ordinary day. As the boys are growing and changing so much and so fast, these photos will always be a little family treasure”. - Evi and Nik, Teddington, Surrey

INSPIRATION If you think your day is nothing special and there is nothing to photograph, let me show you otherwise. From staying in to exploring the great outdoors - every family has their special everyday that is so worth treasuring.

GREEN FINGERS Allotment lovers unite! Whether working around the garden, in the greenhouse, or on a farm, working with the earth will be gorgeous in photos - and good for you, too!

SPLASH IN THE PUDDLES Go for a walk in a local park and splash in the puddles, climb trees, chase squirrels and hunt for early flowers. Stop for a coffee and feed the ducks. Forget the camera is even there and just enjoy family time.

BAKE TOGETHER

spring

Nothing wrong with staying in if the spring showers proving just a bit too much. Teach your child a family baking recipe and have fun in the kitchen.

DRESS UP AND PLAY STORY CUBES Kids love playing dress up! Add a twist of playing Rory’s Story Cubes as the character they - and you! - are dressed as, and lots of fun is guaranteed.

FLY A KITE Windy day? Find a hill and work together to launch a kite. Nothing can beat the delight on your children’s faces when the kite flies!

READ TOGETHER There’s nothing better than reading a book together as a family. Snuggle up in the evening, pick a few and enjoy quiet time.

SPRING CLEANING Teaching kids to donate is important. Imagine having them clean out their “baby” toys and other things they don’t want. Then, take a drive to donate them.

KNIGHT FOR A DAY If your child is into heros, sword-fights, knights or princesses, visit a castle or even a re-enactment day and just have me follow you around. Imagine being able to experience a great day out without taking your camera out or stopping to pose for a picture! And guess what? Unlike me, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll actually be in the family pictures.

YOUR DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T NEED TO GO FAR

PLAN A DAY OUT

There are plenty of castles and historic houses within easy reach. My particular favourites with lesser crowds than the Tower of London are Arundel, Hampton Court and Hever Castle.

Most castles take a lot of time to explore, so make a day out of it! Bring picnic or visit some local pubs, and let the kids fall asleep in the car on the way home.

BUT YOU CERTAINLY CAN

DRESS UP

One of my most memorable trips ever was a tour of Scottish Highlands. We drove from one in-the-middleof-nowhere castle to another, past the glens and the lochs and I was in paradise. If you too have a highlander soul I would be delighted to capture your adventure for you (any excuse to get back to the Highlands for me, really).

If you want to have your kids dress up, National Trust and Historic Royal Palaces tend to have a great selection of dress up for young knights, but seem to be a bit lacking in the princesses department, so if you have a young queen on your hands, buy an outfit beforehand and then reveal it in the morning as you start your adventure.

summer

PICK YOUR OWN

VISIT A CASTLE

Head to your local farm - or your own garden or allotment and pick berries and dig up carrots. Make a pie after! A fun day out, special memories created and gorgeous pictures guaranteed.

From Hampton Court to Ham House, and Arundel to Hever, there is an infinite choice of castles and historic houses to visit in the summer. And some of them even put on re-enactment days. What a fun way to capture childhood!

BEACH DAY RIDE A BICYCLE

Load up the car and head to the water! Find the perfect spot and enjoy the water and sun. Build a sand castle too!

Go for a family bicycle ride in the countryside or along the river. Stop and have a picnic and feed the ducks.

GO CAMPING CROSS THE CHANNEL

Or glamping. Or camp in your back garden. Get a BBQ going. Light a fire. Whatever you do, have fun!

Go on a day trip - the French Coast of the old town of Brugge. Wander around, eat ice-cream and be in your holiday pictures.

WATER FUN AT HOME Perfect for a hot day! Running through a sprinkler, visiting a splash park, backyard pool shenanigans, water balloons, bubble fun, water gun fight - you name it!

VISIT A FUNFAIR Or an amusement park (Chessingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my favourite). Or a zoo. You get the idea.

SEE THE SEA A trip to the seaside is always fun and exciting for the kiddos. Whatever the weather, they can build sandcastles, chase waves, fly a kite and feel the wind on their faces.

THINK OFFPEAK

IT’S NOT JUST THE BEACH

Weekends and summer holidays tend to be the busiest, even with the rubbish summers we have here in Britain. Plan to go offpeak and even off-season: we don’t need to be in our swimming costumes to have a fun session on a beach.

Britain is known for it’s gorgeous coastline, so think beyond the obvious places such as Camber Sands or West Wittering. Go explore Beachy Head (we can walk at the bottom of the cliffs at low tide and even reach the lighthouse), Cow Gap (seaweed ad crabs!) or even the Jurassic coastline of Dorset!

EVENING LIGHT PACK A CHANGE OF CLOTHES x 2

If you can, plan the session for the afternoon. If we are lucky, we’ll catch that glorious “golden hour” that gives all photographs that magical touch.

Kids are bound to get sandy and wet, but don’t stress, it’s all part of the experience. Just pack plenty of changes (and one for yourself too) and go with the flow.

autumn

APPLE PICKING

MUSHROOM HUNTING

Visit a local orchard (Garsons in Esher is my favourite) and pick apples. Invite the grandparents over and make an apple pie together.

Visit a local forest and hunt and identify mushrooms. Or, build a den from fallen branches and leaves (handy tip: there are plenty of building materials in Bracknell Forest, near the Lookout).

RAKE LEAVES AND JUMP IN PILES PUMPKIN TIME

Oh come on, who doesn’t love to go nuts in the leaves at any age?

Go to a pumpkin patch and pick the biggest one. Get out your carving knives out and create your masterpiece.

VISIT AN ARBORETUM Teach children about the changing seasons and see the beautiful display of colour. My particular favourites are Winkworth and Westonbirt!

GO TO A PLAYFARM My favourite is Bocketts Farm in Surrey - with animals big and small, pig races, playground and an inside play area it’s a big hit with the kids. Make a day out of it and capture some special family times.

WATCH A GAME The comfort food of hot soup or chili, everyone sporting their team colors on the edge of their seats, and simply put: togetherness. Make dinner, play a board game - it’s all good!

BOAT DAY Got a boat? Travel along the rivers and canals for a relaxing day out, stop at the riverside pubs and walk the dogs. Enjoy!

CUDDLE UP INSIDE When the weather is glorious there’s absolutely no excuse to stay inside. But when the cold weather comes, there is nothing better than watching the rain and wind from the warmth of the inside.

READ

PLAY

Grab a book (or 10 - or you could read that one over and over, whatever stage your little one’s at right now) and read together. It’s the most favourite special time for many families, so it’s so important to capture this everyday ritual.

Minecraft or hide-and-seek - whatever your family is into, it’s all good. We are capturing the story of you, not a story of the imaginary perfect family. It’s mainly Minecraft for us if you’re wondering. Hide-and-seek gets boring when one of the players only ever wants to hide under the blankets.

BAKE DO NOTHING

If you like spending time in the kitchen, cook or bake together with your little ones as your documentary photoshoot activity. Maybe there’s that new banana bread recipe that you wanted to try out, or maybe it’s time to pass on granny’s best apple crumble secrets.

Lounge on the sofa in your pyjamas if that’s how your family spends Sunday mornings. Eat slow breakfast and talk about the week past. What could be better?!

DECORATE THE HOME HOST A DINNER PARTY

Closer to Christmas, document the family tradition of picking a Christmas tree and decorating the home.

Invite the whole family and spend some quality time together. Cook, talk, play board games. An evening to remember!

GET CRAFTY

winter

Make something special together, like hand-made Christmas tree decorations or a Valentine’s day present for someone special.

VISIT A MUSEUM

MAKE A FORT

From Natural History Museum to V&A Museum of Childhood or a local train museum - pick your family’s favourite and head there for a morning or an afternoon out.

No snow? Make a fort in the living room! A fun way to spend the cold winter days indoors.

COOK DINNER When the wind is blowing and the rain is slashing against the window, there is nothing better than getting a fire going and spending a day going about simple things like cooking dinner, reading books and playing puzzles together.

GO SKIING Capture the fun of a winter holiday in places where snow is almost always guaranteed. Ski, sledge, play snowballs - have the time of your life!

MAKE YOUR PHOTOS MEAN SOMETHING

boy still struggled to latch on. A pile of pillows by the bed as that was the only way I could even attempt to feed him. Nipple cream because they hurt like hell. Glass of water because I was always thirsty. A remote to switch the night light on when I was done feeding.

trials by fire and learning all about being parents. A picture of my husband in the hospital ward, his tiny newborn son asleep on his chest – the only position he’s sleep in for many more months to come. My hubby gained a few more wrinkles and grey hairs since, and it’s amazing to see him in his picture, before he truly became a dad, before the sleepless nights and arguments about the best way to change a nappy.

I didn’t think I remember any of it, but just looking at this picture it triggered an avalanche of memories of those early days that I thought were lost in the haze of early parenthood.

A picture of a hospital breast pump, that reminds me of those 4 horrible days when after the perfect labour and birth my baby just. would. not. nurse.

PHOTOS I WISH I HAD

I wish I’d had more of those pictures. Breastfeeding. Changing the nappy. Dressing him. Going for a walk. Shopping for a new buggy. Reading a parenting book trying to figure out this sleep thing. Working with a baby on my lap/chest/arm.

A picture of our messy bedroom, me just waking up and the baby asleep in his Moses basket, from the days when we still tried to have our son sleeping separately, and the mess on the shelf a story by itself. A phone with an alarm clock as I was told to feed every 3 hours on the clock (oh I wish I didn’t listen to this particular piece of meaningless advice). A sheet where I recorded the times of feedings and nappy changes (oh god really?!). An empty bottle of expressed breast milk as we my little

But I didn’t know I’d want those, so I didn’t take them, and didn’t ask them to be taken, and now I don’t have those memories. I know better now and I urge you, new parents, to ditch the perfection and embrace the imperfection. I know in 5 years time that’s what you will treasure the most.

My little Mr 4 is going to become Mr 5 in a few short weeks, and here I am looking at his newborn pictures and feeling just a little sad about all this time that flew by in a blink of an eye. When he was born I was already a photographer. I knew I wanted and needed to capture these first few precious weeks, so apart from arranging for a photographer friend to come and take a few, I also prepared all my gear and resolved to practice taking the most perfect newborn pictures now that I had my own model to hand. What I didn’t know then was those “cute-baby-on-a-white-blanket-curled-up-in-aperfect-pose” pictures would not be the ones I will treasure in 5 years time. Sure, they are cute and pretty, but he’s just one of many equally cute babies curled up on a pretty blanket that Pinterest is full of. It tells me nothing about him as a baby and us as parents, nothing about those first weeks and I can look at that picture as long as I want and I won’t remember a thing. But there are a few precious pictures – snaps, really – that I almost deleted back then, because they were so damn imperfect. A few snaps that tell a whole story about our 54

1 23 45 6 Grab a piece of paper, a pen, and a highlighter

List 5 family members and/ or close friends. Leave some space between each person, as you’ll have more writing to do.

Next to each person, write the first 3 memories that come to mind of time you’ve shared with each person.

Back to the top, go through each person again. Next to the memories, list the first two things that come to mind when summing up who each person is. For example, Grandpa Dan loves woodworking and can be found in his workshop.

Highlight the memories you have photos for WITH YOU in them. Then, highlight the character summaries you have photos for that represent the spirit of each person.

Add up the number of highlights you have photos for and the number you do not.

The Results

MEMORIES QUIZ Play a quick game to see if you can pass your memories of your present day to your children and grandchildren. Will they know the things you and your parents loved to do, will they find you in the pictures in 10, 20, 30 years down the line? Find out!

If you have 13 or more highlights, you are in great shape! This means you already value the preservation of memories, and likely have a handful of photos to represent each person on your list. That is a treasure! Most people have not had these results. If you have 12 or fewer highlights, this means most of your precious memories are stuck in your mind. You can share these stories through you words, but don’t have a way to visually share the stories and details with others or to reflect upon when the memories become fuzzy.

How to obtain more memories in the form of PHOTOGRAPHS? Ask yourself: Do I love a night of sitting on the couch, glass of wine in hand, and a homegrown conversation about the good ol’ days while feeling paper memories between your fingertips? Are my days seem to be rushing? Even last week is started to become a blurred, distant memory? Do I want my future generation to feel a connection to our life as it is now? Can I be just a little bit fearless, let go of my reservations, and trust Antonina to photograph and reveal the love that surrounds me daily? If you answered yes to any of those questions, let’s set up a time to talk further. You may not be able to say this about a new purse or latest electronic, but you will never regret preserving your memories.