Fairy Hunting

this is for Emma, Cameron, Olivia and Emily. And the fairies, who must have been in hiding that day...

xo Simone

Stage one of the studio

and I'm so excited! I have the signage and images up on the walls, so it's at least recognisable as mine! I'll be moving my office down there this week ready for when school goes back, and last step will be putting the furniture in the gallery. I'm thrilled with the way it's coming on, I think it looks beautiful :o)

I will be having a launch party, and inviting EVERYONE, so stay tuned :o)

Some quick snaps...

and that's it so far!! I'm going to be there weekdays during school hours as of the start of school term (Jan 29), and would love drop-ins, so feel free to come past and say hi! The address is 20 Elizabeth Street, Croydon. In the very cool Queen Street Precinct :o)

xo Simone

Trampoline

The hit present of 2007 in the Hanckel household :)

:) Simone

In the midst of the flurry that is Christmas

I had the chance to explore an amazing new location, and meet two beautiful girls. The day hadn't gone well for me, with one disaster after another, but once we got started my luck turned. The location was amazing, and at almost every turn they exclaimed 'It looks like the Bridge to Teribithia!'. It all felt really magical, and I think the images reflect it. Here are Kate, Anna and the very cute Ruby,

Thanks so much girls :o) xo Simone

So, now the Christmas Pageant has been

hands up who is feeling a bit frantic about Christmas? I'm sure I posted about this last year, but it sneaks up on me every year.  It's the hot weather, it feels like summer this week doesn't it?

So, to help people with Christmas gift ideas I've come up with a bit of a special. Which is special in itself because I don't 'do' specials ordinarily! What I've struck every year is that people want small prints to give grandmas and send overseas, so I'd like to offer this... You will receive one (1) complimentary 5x7 inch print with the purchase of each wall portrait (wall portraits begin at 11x4 inch). So, you get the benefit of something beautiful for your wall, and some prints to give away as gifts (or keep...I won't tell anyone!). Pricing can be found on my site at www.simonehanckel.com.au under the 'investment' section, and this special will run for bookings made  from November 13, 2007 through to Dec 31, 2007. If you are keen to have your prints in time for Christmas however, the sitting needs to be held before Dec 10, so book early to avoid missing out. Appointments book very quickly at this time of year, especially beach sittings, so if you've been thinking about it, beat the rush :o)

Offer includes one 5x7 inch print with the purchase of each wall portrait. For sittings held before Dec 31st, 2007.  See website for pricing details.

This is for Angela and Tim

who were so patient throughout today's shoot of their darling new little boy, Finley (hope I spelled that right!).  Finley was having a bad day, as newborns can do, and the shoot was long and tiring for everyone I'm sure, but I really love the ones I did get. I may be bringing that camera back for a family shot though...that was where Finn came undone, but how gorgeous is he....awww....

Thanks again guys :o) I'll see you next Monday!

xo Simone

Free Hugs

I'm sure this clip isn't new, it did the rounds months ago, but I came across it recently and had to post about it. Every time I see this I cry! Especially that 'first hug'. That dear soul that takes the punt and gives Juan a hug..and then touches his face...it gets me every time. What it brings home to me is that so many people don't have someone to hug. It's hard to imagine having no-one to meet that aching, empty arms need that we get fulfilled from our family and especially our kids. I think we take it for granted. Hug someone today :)

Hugs for you.

xxoo Simone