Photography is important for so many reasons but mostly because it presses pause on a passing (and precious!) moment in time. I feel so lucky to have been part of a number of passing moments for the Tod family. Firstly it was to celebrate Matt and Kirsten's engagement, then, of course, the wedding. A newborn session followed with the arrival of their first baby, beautiful little Caitlin. And just last week I got to see her all grown up (well, almost four which is kinda the same when you're almost four, right?).

When you reach a certain age, it is experiences that matter most, and few of them so precious as those involving family. For Sue's special milestone she and husband, Ed, gathered their children and grandchildren and took them away from the bustle of life in Auckland for a long weekend in beautiful Hawke's Bay.

Little wee Charlotte is quite possibly the most kissed little newborn in Hawke's Bay. Aside from her Mum & Dad, she has her besotted big sister, Isla, showering her with love. And how she has earned it - a little fighter right from the start and finally safe and sound, at home in her parents' arms, my favourite place for magical newborn photography.

Cicra 2014, shoot no. 8. This year we took the annual Coole family photography story to the beach - though 'cold' rather than 'coole' was probably a more appropriate word! An impromptu game of baseball with Dad's childhood lucky glove had us all warmed up and chilled out.

One of the things I love most about being a photographer is the way I get to share a slice of the magic between people in love. My first taste of this with Amanda and Craig was on their wedding day several years ago. I was so happy when Amanda's mum snuck into the studio recently to get a voucher for a family session with the two perfect wee boys who have arrived since the wedding, Lachie and Sam.

The gilbert girls and I ran wild during our session, which is just the way I like to roll on a family portrait sessions