My daughter, Isabella-Rose, turned 6 months old the other day, so it was into the studio with her to record the milestone. The pictures capture her happy personality. It is fascinating to observe the distinct character already clearly evident in an infant, and Isabella has a very cute way of drawing out a smile of connection with her family. Warmest regards, Joshua Winterson.

I can't resist adding another personal note in here about my gorgeous new baby girl, Isabella-Rose.  She turned 3 months old today, meaning it was time for another formal portrait.  (We do formal portraits of our children at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.)  Sure, I've taken oodles of snapshots around the house, but you can't beat studio lighting for quality.  These are the pictures that end up getting framed and on the wall, and the ones that Grandma wants for her bragging book.  I'd like to take some credit for Isabella being another winner, but it's 100% breast milk that does these wonders.  Special thanks to my wonderful wife, Lilac.  I love you, baby.

In case you were wondering why I haven't added a diary entry in a while, here is the excellent reason. It's with great joy that my wife and I introduce our second child, Isabella-Rose, born just before Christmas. She joins her 3-year-old brother Gabriel here in our studio for her first formal portrait. Love, Joshua Winterson.

 

We are hands-on parents, with firm beliefs in looking after the children ourselves, and spending every possible moment with them during the crucial early years. That's why I have blocked out much of this year, and have severely limited my availability. That hurts a lot financially, but the emotional rewards are so much greater. We also firmly believe that the long-term benefits of raising wonderful children into wonderful adults far outweighs all other concerns.

It's not all weddings with me, even in the peak wedding season.  I also absolutely love to create children's portraits, and this session went particularly well.  This is 2-year-old Phaidon (nearly 3!) and his new baby brother Lysander.  His parents assured me that Phaidon would be very difficult to photograph, and never smiled in front of a camera.  But I discovered a very likeable fellow, and I think he looks fascinating.  I guess it helps me that my own son is almost identical in age, and I seem to be able to relate to children. 

Phaidon is a tiger sometimes, and likes to growl!   For the backdrop, I was instantly drawn to the exterior of the house, on the porch, which had superb light, and a really interesting texture and colour.  The parents had wanted to come in to my studio to do the shoot, but I assured them that the results would be much, much better in their own home, where the children are comfortable, and I think you'll see that I made the right call.  Parents always say to me "But our house is such a mess!"  Well, there's no way this shoot would have worked this well in any studio. Best regards, Joshua Winterson.