A while back I entered a photo in a competition for the first edition of a new magazine being put out that celebrates the life and culture of Southland.  My photo was chosen as one of 4 winning images to be printed in the magazine.

I took this photo during harvest in March of this year.  My husband had just started harvesting a new paddock, and I asked him  to go around the edge and come back through middle for me.  This particular paddock is on a rolling hill, so I crouched down to remove any distractions in the horizon and got this shot

Here it is in the magazine

The magazine truly does capture the essence of what this province is all about. Here is a sneak peak from the recipe section featuring Matt, Head Chef at the Moth Restaurant in Mandeville with photographs taken by me.

Here are some photos from the launch at the Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill on Friday night.

If you would like a copy of the magazine for at home, or for your clients to read in the waiting room you can get one from the outlets featured below, or you visit www.thelife.co.nz.

Today I have been enjoying the scent from these beautiful Freisas.  I like to buy them at this time of year because they remind me of a very special person, my Grandad.  My Grandad passed away when I was quite young but the memories I have are all great ones.  Probably my most fond one is when he made me a school bag for my 5th birthday out of a hessian sack, with baling twine for the handle and with Rochelle spray painted in red on one side.  He told me he was getting me a school bag for my birthday - I wish I had a photo of the look on my face when he produced that! 

These days with a family of my own I get to see the amazing relationship my children have with all of their grandparents.  Its the most special bond.  I know the time they spend with our children will have a lasting impact.  So this post is a shout out to our grandparents, and all the grandparents out their for the lasting memories they are making with the younger generation! And don't forget to capture some of those special times on camera.
Rx

Being a photographer I get to capture many special occasions in peoples lives - each one of them documenting a story to be reflected upon by generations to come.  Maternity photos to me are about new beginnings - a new life being welcomed into the world and all the crazy fantastic changes that come with it!  
The gorgeous winter Southland light was just perfect 2 weeks ago when I photographed Anna, who is now overdue to welcome her second child into their family.  These are some of the images.

All the best Hamish & Anna!  I look forward to meeting the newest member of your family in a few weeks time.
Rochelle