Copyright Getty Images 2009 - Kinglake West
I drove home from this session wondering how on earth I was going to blog this session as I had so much I wanted to write, say and do.
On Saturday, February 7th 2009 I had two Maternity shoots lined up for my portfolio, inside out of the expected 46+ degree forecast. However, one of my clients had to reschedule due to having a prior engagement in Yarrawonga.
My first client Megan arrived and the temperature was already souring above 30 degrees. The usual 'Werribee Winds' were extremely dry and hot.
I commented to Megan that with the forecast for the day, it was not going to be a good day. I had no idea just how devastating the day was going to be. The worst bushfires in Australia's history had hit our beautiful, picturesque mountain villages claiming well over 200 lives.
Sadly, Victoria had lost too many lives to comprehend...families had lost loved ones, friends and property as well as pets, livestock and livelihood.
Images and stories flooded the news bulletins and all Australians shed a tear for the toll and felt the need to help out in some way.
What I didn't know at the time, was that the client who had to reschedule actually resided in Kinglake West (picture above) - and if she had of actually been at the shoot in the morning- then she would have been at home later that day with her beautiful daughter when the Kinglake West fire swept through.
You could imagine the multitude of 'what if's' that have been going through my clients mind about that day.
There is so much more I want to say...the Aussie Spirit is alive and well. This family will be ok, I know they will be...they are true survivors because after all is said and done...they are still here. They are looking forward to moving back into their home and welcoming their new baby into the world.
Most clients will rock up to a shoot with a few changes of clothes. Ang rocked up with a basketful of clothes apologising for not having that much to bring. We joked about the fact that well, that that was pretty much all she had left to wear as most of her wardrobe had been either scorched or smoke effected.
So, let me introduce my beautiful client Angela. Her home has been severely effected by the bushfires. She has lost her belongings, beloved pets, livestock and her town and fellow towns people. But you wouldn't know it when you meet her.
She exudes vibrance, friendliness and excitement and I was so very honoured to have been able to capture these images for her today. It was meant to be a maternity shoot, but after I had seen her facebook images of her burnt and scorched home, I insisted we made it a family session.
You may also notice Glen's red wristband - all permanent residence of Kinglake West are required to wear these now so that they may enter their town and property.
This is Angela laughing at me for being unable to tell a joke to get her to laugh for the camera - I did a great job at non-joke telling ;)
Angela, Glen and Lulu,
Thank you for sharing today with me, I hope today was a little bit of a distraction and time out for you all. I look forward to hearing all of your good news in the next few weeks! Take care of each other!
xo
Chrissy
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