Beachcomber blog

gorgeous kiddies!!

2012-02-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

My wonderful friends who I havent seen in ages introduced me to their sweet little baby girl last week. I couldnt stop taking piccies of her. Her blue eyes, soft skin.....ahhh if only I had a girl :o)

My 3 other little modes are divine in spirit and in body!! They all got soaked after a rainy afternoon walk, so I just had to capture that cute, messed up kid look :o) Love you my little friends xoxoxo

Riverside bliss

2012-01-15T23:56:00.000-08:00

After a wonderful, happy, family christmas we headed off camping down the south coast of NSW with the goal of 'getting away from it all' . We went off road and my trusty 4WD map book helped me find our very own piece of paradise on the banks of the Clyde River. The boys played in the trees, swam in the rapids and threw big rocks into the river -exactly what little boy's dreams are made of!!

Wedding venue

2011-11-21T22:59:00.000-08:00

If I was ever going to marry again- i know where my dream venue would be....Peppers Creek Barrel Room in the Hunter Valley!! On a random drive we discovered this beautiful building all set up for a lucky couple and I had to sneak in and absorb the beauty of the light, the doors, the chandeliers and the massive fireplace, not to mention the casks of beautiful vino!!! :o) Totally magic xoox

Sweet innocence...

2011-10-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

My darling little nephew visited last weekend and boy how he's grown! He's at that adorable stage where he cant quite walk, so no running around chasing him, and he still cant talk, so serenity! His big blue eyes and sweet smile make you melt and just want to snuggle him! And, no Im not getting clucky!!!! Love you Ewan xoxox

Spring magic

2011-09-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

I just love spring and my favourite flower of all is the majestic magnolia. It always reminds me of my lovely mum and grandpa, who are enjoying the spring flowers in heaven :o) This particular show was in Wahroonga park and it filled me with such joy -the architecture of the branches, the colour of the sky against the soft petals and the gentle sweet smell was intoxicating! BLISS!

Designer dream

2011-08-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

a few piccies of our new sanctuary xoxo

Waterfront wedding

2011-08-18T02:04:00.000-07:00

What a magic day we shared at Matt and Heidi's wedding down on the waterfront at Booker Bay. It had been pouring all week and forecast for more, but we were blessed with blue skies, a soft breeze and warm sunshine. Lots of laughter, giggling kiddies and proud grandparents mixed with a relaxed bride and groom and yummy food -the perfect start to a happy life together. Hope you like this teaser guys -book and disc are on the way xoxox

Family fun

2011-08-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

I had a ball at my latest shoot in Balmain on Saturday. Chelsea and her brothers and mum and dad were so much fun and I loved capturing the laughter and love they all have for each other. Here is a teaser, while I work on the rest of your images. Love mel xoxo

a beautiful day

2011-06-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today I wandered along a deserted beach.....wandering, watching, smelling and picking up little shells. I felt sooo at peace and happy. There was a little crisp breeze, the sea was so calm and a sailing boat skimmed along the ocean heading North. I lay back with my face to the sun and saw an eagle soar above. The grass swayed and I stayed.

Hair with Style

2011-06-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

A very talented local Hair stylist, Jess asked me to take some photos for her portfolio and we had such a ball on Saturday with our STUNNING models!! Jess is sooo talented and along with Kristen who enhanced the girls beauty with her make up skills, we had a magical photo shoot showcasing some beautiful up- styles. Hope you like these teasers Jess xoxoxo

A little miracle

2011-06-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Over the long weekend our family celebrated a Christening for darling little Ewan. He is a total dream, full of smiles and serenity. He truly is the quietest little baby I have ever seen and he enjoyed lots of hugs and quality time with his grandfather and aunt who met him for the first time, along with the rest of the family. Grandpa sang Irish songs and baby Ewan was transfixed, this meeting of generations gave me goose bumps -truly magic!

Secret Garden Vows

2011-05-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

What a magical wedding I was lucky enough to photograph in the sun dappled gardens at St Fiacre's Fragrant Gardens in Terrigal. Bubbles, dancing, flowers, music, laughter, faeries and two blissfully happy people in love and ready to start the next chapter of their lives, with their beautiful daughters. I love LOVE!!!!! :o)

God and Goddesses

2011-04-11T04:26:00.000-07:00

I have had a delicious break for a few months project managing the building of our new home, but I have been missing my photo shoots.
If every shoot could be as magic as my time with Amy and her family on a recent golden Saturday afternoon, life would be perfect! Here is a little teaser with lots more to come....you are all amazing and beautiful, inside and out xoxoxox

My favourite things...

2011-02-20T02:09:00.000-08:00

My beautiful boys, darling joe and the beach, these are a few of my favourite things......the colours, the laughter, the adventures, the shapes, the waves....ahh I do love exploring new places. Tassie, we miss you xoxox

Copacabana Nipper Carnival

2011-01-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

Summer = Nippers.

I love Nippers! The kids are so focussed and excited and so willing to compete and have fun in the sun and surf! I recently went along to the Nipper Carnival at Copa which was so colourful, yet the air was filled with nervous tension as the water was FREEZING and the competition was hot, with clubs competing from all along the Coast. Unfortunately our Club, Wamberal didn't go too well, but boy! they didn't give up.

Heres a story of the days events :o)

Colours of Tasmania

2011-01-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

Tasmania is severely under-rated!!! It has so many sides to it - lush rainforests, wild, harsh mountains, incredible caves with glow worms, penguins... and incredible vibrant colours! The history of the place blew me away and I loved seeing my great great grandmothers grave in Launceston - very moving!
My favourite though were these rocks and the colours! Its like an artist has come and painted them and stained the sea blue and bleached the sand. Gorgeous!

Wildflower wonder

2011-01-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

We celebrated a wonderful start to the New Year in Tasmania, and discovered soo many hidden treasures!! Everywhere we went the colours blew me away!!! One of the highlights was finding this secret field of daisies which the boys loved! At first they said, "playing in flowers is for girls!", but once they saw me dancing amongst them, in they came!!! xoxox

Love at Long Jetty

2010-12-11T01:42:00.000-08:00

Words cannot express the emotion and love that was in the air at Long Jetty on Tuesday night! What fun we all had frolicking in the grass, jumping on the jetty and laughing and tickling.....! xoxoox you truly are an inspiration.

Dancing Queen

2010-11-29T02:50:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh!! I experienced the BEST photo shoot ever the other evening!!! My beautiful, magical model wanted photos of herself dancing on the rocks at The Haven in Terrigal, and this is the poetry we created. Tayla heres a little nibble to keep you and your mum going til the gallery is ready. You were perfect! xxx

Beach grass

2010-11-14T21:55:00.000-08:00

I have been flat out doing photo shoots of delightful little kiddies at 2 local pre-schools, so I headed out the other day and explored the beach and found hundreds of flowering grass seeds......my FAVOURITE!! Can't wait to get a couple of these enlarged and on my wall!!
xoxo

2011 Calendars

2010-11-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to show everyone my little calendars for 2011. You can choose from a desktop calendar stored in a CD jewel case, or in a package with some string and 4 mini wooden pegs to hang above your desk or on your notice board.

I like to think that people can bring some nature into their home or workplace.

To buy a calendar just email me: mel@melaniemchale.com.au :o)

Connected

2010-10-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

This is one of my fave photos of late. I love how families are connected and this image reflects the support, security and love this litlle angel feels with her mum and grandma. More of this sweet smiley child soon :o)

Streamer delight

2010-09-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

Kids and streamers -what a magical combination! What fun and laughs we had on my afternoon shoot with these happy little people who found it very hard to stop running when I said "Go" -they just kept going and going into the distance -classic!!
I learn everyday from working with children, that life really isn't meant to be so serious, and you can find fun in anything and EVERYTHING :o) Grab some streamers and try it yourself!!

Blissful blue eyes

2010-09-19T02:25:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of playing with this blue eyed little darling and his parents on a recent afternoon photo shoot at the beach. He was sooo smiley and happy and just loved running along the beach and being hugged by Dad!
Being with families and feeling the special connection that binds them together really makes my job so wonderful! I feel privileged to be allowed to witness and capture such love and happiness xoxo

the beach

2010-09-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

This morning I jumped out of bed at 5.30am, which is not usual at alll for me, so I grabbed the camera and strolled down to the beach. It made me think what a special place the beach really is.

The surfers ride on the swell and the birds catch fish, people walk their dogs....Its a place to be alone, yet its also a meeting place and a place to feel like you belong to something bigger....its a place that makes you feel alive and happy.

I hope you enjoy these pics and get a feeling for the bliss that I experienced :o)

Freckle delight

2010-09-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love you soooo my little Flynn! Your freckles and your seriousness make me melt. And then you smile and the sun shines through and makes my day.

In a vegie patch...

2010-08-31T03:57:00.000-07:00

Not long ago I played in a grassy vegie patch with some very handsome men :o) We played with carrots, picked tomatoes and messed around in a wheelbarrow! Gotta love the country!!
I love how kids just wait and wait to watch a seed grow and it takes foreverrrrr to them! But with some tender watering and a little magic whispering they shoot into delicious fresh vegies -nature is perfect really....

a touch of magic

2010-08-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

I miss being a little girl, it seems sooo long ago sometimes... dressing up in beautiful frothy party dresses and tiaras and being totally amazed by the magic of fairies, star dust and bubbles. I have recently met some gorgeous little people who were so sweet and happy and loved the fairy party photo shoot we created just for them. Here's a little glimpse of their magic...xxoox

Corporate with a difference

2010-08-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

I have been really busy of late and loving all the happy smiley people I've been meeting. I was asked to take some images for a design studio, but they didn't want the usual boring corporate look, so we stepped alittle outside the square and got colourful and somewhat glam!!

A day in the country

2010-07-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

I just love winter in the country....long walks, log fires, picking oranges and playing with hay and wheelbarrows! We all had a ball at our weekend away in the Hunter Valley even though it was freezing in the mornings with frost everywhere!!!

Shiny happy people

2010-07-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

I totally and absolutely LOVE witnessing the pure joy of a family that adore each other!! Happiness radiates from my dear friends who enjoyed a photo shoot at Brooklyn on the weekend. The soft light was so pretty and was a great backdrop for these beautiful people! You made my day xoxoxo

Surfers at sunset

2010-06-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOD!!! On Saturday night I witnessed one of THE most beautiful sunsets ever!! I saw it starting from my balcony, so I grabbed the camera and ran down to the beach. It was quite surreal, people seemed to move more slowly and many were glued to the sand watching the show that Mother Nature put on for us. I was sooo excited when these surfers came by as the colours were so dramatic!!!

Bath time fun

2010-06-24T00:24:00.000-07:00

I just love watching kids in a bath -they have soo much fun giggling and playing and never care how much water actually leaves the bath tub! This shoot was wonderful!! We played with crocodiles and sharks and i got a littIe soaked but it was hilarious and the boys were having a great laugh :o)

Nature

2010-06-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

Communing with nature is so under-rated!! Just taking a walk and looking at the trees and the plants is such a relaxing and wonderous treat!! In my next life I think I will be living in a forest somewhere in the mountains catching fish and talking with bears :o) ha ha!!

Storm clouds

2010-06-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

I was going to cancel this photo shoot as it looked so ominous, but it turned out to be soooo amazing!!! The sun burst through the storm clouds and I couldn't believe the colours and drama of the evening. Here are a few guys, more to come soon xoxox

Teenage beauty

2010-06-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of taking photos of my beautiful niece on the weekend. Every time I see her she has changed and gets more and more gorgeous! It was a perfect sunny morning in the garden and here are a couple of pics I took...

Blissful Mothers Day

2010-05-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

I am soo lucky! What a beautiful, simple magic day we all shared on Mothers Day at our favourite spot down the beach from our house. Our own private little rockpool oasis, where we caught a couple of crabs and little fish, I swam in the clear sparkling ocean and the kids just enjoyed being free.....heaven!

cool dude

2010-05-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy taking photos of guys -they are so laid back and natural and often they enjoy just having a good pose as well!! These shots were taken at The Entrance boat shed, my favourite place to rent a little boat with the kids on a sunday afternoon...

Cafe photoshoot

2010-04-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to do a photo shoot of my favourite cafe, Lotus at Wamberal where I go everyday for my coffee fix. The new owners have done a beautiful job renovating and styling a once run-down, dark space. Now it is full of light, colour and ambience. Goodluck with your business guys! Love your style :o)

Country fun

2010-04-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

I just love Autumn in the country -crisp sunny days, log fires, lying under trees watching the clouds drift by....and hearing the laughter of family. We all had such a wonderful time on the weekend catching up and playing games.

Birthday Boy

2010-03-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

My darling little fella, just turned 3 -what a momentous occasion. No longer a baby, and sooo grown up! He is ready to start big school but we think it's a bit soon :o) I just love Birthday parties! We don't go overboard, it's the simple things like popping balloons and eating cupcakes for breakfast that they love. One present is all they get and all they know, so we are laughing!
It won't last long!!

Shell Dreaming

2010-03-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

I am going to start selling my images soon and I just wanted to share a few of my latest collection which I adore, called Shell Dreaming. Over the years I have collected some amazing treasures on my travels including coral from atolls in the Maldives, huge shells from the Fijian Islands, starfish from Queensland, sand dollars from the US and anemones from the Central Coast. Every time I look at a shell I smile as they really are gifts from the deep. I especially love it when the boys hold one up to their ear and marvel that they can hear the sea! Hope you like them xoxox

Typically Terrigal

2010-03-09T01:39:00.000-08:00

It was a grey day but the boys were out training on Saturday. I loved this shoot, they are incredible to watch.

Lovely lillies

2010-03-01T22:12:00.000-08:00

I got such a buzz seeing this pond full of waterlillies the other day! They are so joyous and bright reaching up to the sun....! I almost fell in with excitement :o)

Brighton Beach Huts

2010-02-24T02:53:00.000-08:00

One of my most favourite places to photograph are the beach huts at Brighton Beach and down the coast along the Bay in Melbourne! I never tire of these colourful little buildings which have soo much character! I've never been one for the shopping when I travel to Melbourne, I usually pack up the car and the kids and make a bee-line to see my old 'friends' who are always there looking happy and ready to be snapped :o)

Summertime fun

2010-02-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

I LOVE summer!!!! I am going to miss our daily walk down the back to the lake on a hot afternoon - we always have so much fun cooling off and playing with Ollie. That dog amazes me! He is like no other - putting his head totally under water to retrieve sticks.....must have come from a long bloodline of hunters! He nearly caught a duck the other day, I was HORRIFIED!! :o)

Beautiful Birds

2010-02-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Pelicans are my favourite birds I think. I love watching them soar through the sky and land like a 747 on the water!
I escaped the other day for a bit of bird watching.....very calming communing with nature -especially since they don't talk back!

Little fairy

2010-02-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

I just love dressing up as princesses and playing with wands!! Thats what I miss having 2 little boys!! This photo shoot with my little fairy friend was a dream - what a natural :o)

First Day at big school

2010-02-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well I have finally become a "school mum"!! My little Tom started school on Tuesday and was so happy and excited, no tears -amazing! He was so sick of me taking photos after 5 minutes so I only got a few little morsels....what a momentous occasion in our lives :o)

Touring New Zealand

2010-02-01T00:14:00.000-08:00

It has been AGES since my last blog, but I have a good excuse...we got lost in the wonders of the South Island of NZ. The boys were in heaven having amazing adventures every day, and we just loved the road trips! Around every corner you would be blown away even more!
I had 100's of pics but have posted a few that capture the essence of the country and what we experienced. Enjoy!

Beautiful blue eyes

2009-12-21T01:01:00.000-08:00

I love these shots of my beautiful niece! She is stunning!!

Camping in Paradise

2009-12-15T14:21:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh! We discovered own own little piece of paradise on the weekend!! It was like we were Robinson Crusoe on a deserted island! The kids were in heaven running on the beach chasing pelicans and collecting shells and we caught fish and swam with dolphins. Life just can't get better...

Little boy blue

2009-12-09T17:52:00.000-08:00

My little friend, his dad and I had a beautiful shoot on Sydney Harbour. It was a perfect day for playing on the sand, climbing trees and watching the sail boats glide by....

Wild seas

2009-12-08T03:43:00.000-08:00

I love love love it when the waves are crashing and pounding on the rocks, the energy is amazing! I got a bit wet and salty getting the first shot but really enjoyed watching the sea birds dive and swoop overhead, down into the wild ocean. After taking the wave photos I found a quiet spot on my deserted stretch of beach and took a self portrait!! Bliss.....

Hunter Valley Gardens

2009-12-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed wandering around the Hunter Valley Gardens resting under the shade of a big willow tree listening to waterfalls and the drone of happy bees....It really is an impressive place.

Up Up and away...

2009-12-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

On the weekend I was on a shoot in the Hunter Valley. It was a magical, still morning -perfect for taking these shots of the hot air balloon sunrise experience.

Cooking up a storm

2009-11-26T20:56:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought cooking could be soo much fun! These little girls were so beautiful and loved their mum to (choc) bits :o)

Early morning surprise

2009-11-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

I really do love beachcombing, you never know what you might find....

Balloon delight

2009-11-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

This family was wonderful to photograph. They all loved each other soo much and we had a such fun with the balloons.....

Pretty in pink

2009-11-20T01:33:00.000-08:00

I had a ball with this little darling on our recent photo shoot. We dressed up in fairy wings and tiaras and played in the garden...my favourite things to do on a Sunday afternoon xoxox

I am sailing, I am sailing.......

2009-11-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

I took this photo when I was living in Ireland and sprained my ankle in the process as I ran through a rocky field! But I HAD to get that beautiful yacht as it headed out into the big blue ocean. BliSS!!!! :o0

Messing around in the garden

2009-11-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

We all had a lovely afternoon collecting dandelions and climbing trees...I love summer and happy laughter from little boys!