Jodi’s Journey

I first met Jodi nearly two years ago now when she welcomed to the world her first born Ruby. Little did we know at the time that Jodi was going to be facing the fight of her life just under 18 months later. Her story is sad, shocking and inspiring ALL in one and I’m so glad that she is sharing it with the world.

Jodi and Ruby from their newborn session January 2013

Here is Jodi’s Story in her own words

My name is Jodi and I am a 25 year old wife of Aaron and mother to Ruby.   I had noticed a lump in my breast for quite some time and made a few trips to the GP only to be told it was nothing to be concerned about.      After a few months and some persistence I managed to have it investigate further. On Thursday 11th June 2015 I received some of the most devastating news ever. I was told I have Breast Cancer and would need to have my right breast removed. As you can imagine this diagnosis was heartbreaking for myself, my husband and all of our friends and family.

I had to start chemotherapy immediately as my cancer was quite large and aggressive.I have since finished 8 rounds of chemotherapy, thankfully with not too many adverse side effects. I will continue to have a treatment called Herceptin for the next 10 months and will also start on hormone blockers for the next 5 years. I am so blessed to have had such a fantastic response from the treatment so far. My tumour is no longer visible in any medical imaging so I am really hoping they do not find anything on a microscopic level when they remove my breast and send it to pathology for testing. I feel so blessed to have had such an amazing response and am forever grateful to my friends, family and even people I do not know personally who have shown me such love and support.

The next stage of my treatment is surgery; I will have a mastectomy and auxiliary clearance of all of the lymph nodes on my right side in January 2016. Following the surgery I will have radiation treatment and upon conclusion of that I will have reconstructive surgery.
I have traveled along this journey really well so far however my outcome may not have been so positive had my cancer gone unnoticed for much longer. It had already moved to my lymph nodes but thankfully that is where it stopped.

I feel blessed every day that that the cancer had not moved any further in my body but still astounded that I was dismissed the way I was. I really want to be an advocate for everyone I know and those I don’t to never give up!! If something in your body doesn’t feel right – Please DO NOT STOP until you have been heard and are 100% happy with your care. Take it from someone who has been there.
In true form, I am quite stubborn and motivated to lead a normal life and kick cancer’s butt! I am also very passionate about raising awareness and helping others in any way possible. This is the reason I will walk 60kms in 2 days along with some of my nearest and dearest. Our team, ‘Jodi’s Journey’ will walk in honour of my journey and the many that have been on this ride before me and sadly those who will need to take this path after me. I feel so inspired by this Weekend to End Woman’s Cancers which has put a fire in my belly; I will feel so proud to cross the finish line knowing that we have helped to make a difference.
The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers™ benefiting Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research is a 2-day, 60-kilometre walk or 1-day, 30-kilometre walk through the neighbourhoods of Perth. It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m ready to do something bold and powerful in effort to end women’s cancers once and for all. We have a fundraising target of $18,000 to raise which will enable us the privilege to participate in the walk in April. I ask you to take a stance with me and join this life-saving adventure for all women. Be a part of my very personal journey – by giving, by walking with me, or simply by sharing my story with your circle of influence. Don’t stand back and think about what you could have done – take that first step today! Take a chance with me – we have the opportunity to change thousands of lives, beginning with our own.

If you are interested making a donation towards ‘Jodi’s Journey’ please follow the link below, click on one of my team member and hit donate now.

http://www.endcancer.org.au/site/TR/Events/Perth2016?pg=team&fr_id=1190&team_id=7518

Thank you, Jodi
xx

Jodi wanted to celebrate her last chemotherapy session with a session that captured her sense of freedom. Together with Hayley Raelene Makeup Artistry who helped surprise Jodi with full makeup I think we managed to bring her vision to life.

To follow Hayley Raelene Makeup Artistry on facebook click here https://www.facebook.com/hayleyraemakeup/?fref=ts

To follow Jodi’s journey on facebook, follow this link https://www.facebook.com/Jodis-Journey-1708933749319543/?ref=bookmarks

An incredible young lady who really inspired me. Her determination is inspirational to everyone around her and her attitude to how she looks at life is amazing. One thing that I urge you all to do is listen to her words wisely – “If something in your body doesn’t feel right – Please DO NOT STOP until you have been heard and are 100% happy with your care. Take it from someone who has been there.”

Thank for sharing your journey to date Jodi. You were a pleasure to shoot with your beautiful family and you have inspired me to further the gift of giving by starting a special project to get stories like yours out there to the public to educate and inspire.

Follow this link to learn more about my NEW Be Inspired Project and maybe think about nominating someone you know who inspires you. https://kristyleephotography.wordpress.com/2015/12/03/be-inspired-project/

Kristy xx

***Be Inspired Project***

I am so super excited to announce a project that has been in my thoughts for a long time. As a photographer I aim to capture special moments in peoples life, it’s why I do what I do and I love giving back to the community. Over the years, I have donated sessions to people in need, people who have had a hard time and these sessions have always warmed my heart and just made it so clear to why I love photography.

The Be Inspired Project is a project that is dear to my heart and aims to touch those who follow it.

What is it?  Each month I will be selecting a person (or a family etc) who is inspiring the community in some way, inspiring those around them or are in a momentous time in their life and have a story that needs to be told. I will be working with other local artists to create a shoot designed just for the nominee.

Nominations will be open to anyone who is willing to tell their story and share it in the form of photos and blog. You can nominate someone on their behalf or you can nominate yourself, everyone will be considered. Shoots will be located from my studio in Warnbro and other local areas depending on the type.

Please use the contact form below to nominate, include full details of why this person inspires you and deserves to be part of the project. Please double check your email and phone number are correct to ensure I can get back to you.

Kristy x

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Poppy the Princess

I must admit I LOVE the fact that I get to meet these precious bundles so soon after birth. BUT I also must admit that I often sit there thinking about family members and loved ones from overseas or interstate who are yet to meet the beautiful little baby that I am photographing. And this one shoot was one of the ones I really felt it because My these two are our beautiful friends and I have met Kendall’s family who live interstate and just knew how much it would be killing them waiting to meet this adorable new little addition to the Dann Family.

So THIS blog is for all those interstate family member who are yet to meet her. She sure is a pretty little Princess……….

Kristy xx

For More Info Click the Link Below

10 FREE PHOTOSHOOTS!!!!

Capturing ‘that’ moment – The Sakal Family Maternity Session

One thing that I ADORE about outdoor sessions is that it is far easier to capture a natural moment than it is in a studio environment. Don’t get me wrong, there is a place for studio photography and I love that too but for different reasons (hence why I have a studio). BUT magic really does happen when you place people together like Leah, Dinko and little Scarlett together who are so obviously totally head over heels in love with one another and let them do their thing as their interaction is what I LOVE.

As a photographer it’s so easy to fall into the trap of posing our clients to get ‘that’ shot but what I am realizing as I grow and learn more about my style is that the moments in between getting ‘that’ shot are usually the ones I fall in love with as THEY are the ones who tell the story.

Enjoy this beautiful blog post of this stunning little family who are expecting baby number 2 in 4 weeks! Can’t wait!

Kristy xx

Having your own baby? Head to my website to get full details on having your own maternity session. Bookings are essential xx

http://www.kristyleephotography.com.au

Clint, Alycia and little Jaxon x

So this blog is a bit different to my normal blogs as I’m writing this blog to build awareness for a condition that until recently I had never heard of.

After a normal pregnancy with no complications, little Jaxon was born with an extremely rare condition called ‘Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus’. The Giant variety is as rare as 1 in 500,000. 1 in 6 are at risk of developing a melanoma. It is a BTN (Bathing Trunk Nevus) and takes up nearly half of his little body, and is accompanied by satellite nevus around his body. At this stage he is completely normal healthy little boy but will be monitored closely by specialists. Although heartbroken for their little man, Alycia and Clint have taken it all in their stride as they pack up and move to Melbourne so little Jaxon can have the best care possible.

Here is a link to the support website where you can get behind and support the research and support the families.  http://www.nevussupport.com/

I would also like to thank Alycia and Clint for letting me capture their precious little guy and share their story with you all xxx

http://www.kristyleephotography.com.au

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Ryder – Hayley and Alex’s Rainbow Baby

A “rainbow baby” is a baby that is born following a miscarriage or still birth.

In the real world, a beautiful and bright rainbow follows a storm and gives hope of things getting better. The rainbow is more appreciated having just experienced the storm in comparison.

The storm (pregnancy loss) has already happened and nothing can change that experience. Storm-clouds might still be overhead as the family continue to cope with the loss, but something colourful and bright has emerged from the darkness and misery.

I first met Hayley and Alex last year for their maternity session for their first son Jaxon. They were having an early maternity session because they had been told that their little man would not survive birth due to severe heart complications. I was so glad that I could help them capture a few lasting memories of their pregnancy with Jaxon before he was born. It sure was the hardest maternity session I have ever done but I was really surprised by the strength and courage both Hayley and Alex showed and was so glad that they were capturing every moment of their little boys journey. Unfortunatly I was interstate when he was born so couldn’t capture his photos but was so happy that the wonderful Heartfelt was able to take care of them. An amazing organization of volunteer professional photographers all over Australia that are dedicated to capturing photographic memories to families that have experienced stillbirths, premature births, or have children with serious and terminal illnesses. Head to their website https://www.heartfelt.org.au/to make a donation or follow them on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Heartfelt.Australia and I am honored to be a member of such an amazing organization.

Hayley and Alex have also set up a facebook group where they are raising funds to provide cuddle for hospitals for other grieving parents who are experiencing the loss of their baby so they can have precious time with bub in the privacy of their own room. Please get behind them x https://www.facebook.com/groups/367023783434452/

The photos taken below are from their maternity session with Jaxon xx

Beautiful bump of Jaxon x

So earlier this year when I received a message from Hayley informing me of their second pregnancy I was over the moon for them. Maternity session was done as planned at 33 weeks however Ryder decided he couldn’t wait and was born just 1 week later at just 34 weeks – 6 weeks premature. Luckily he has his Mum and Dad’s amazing strength and was born a healthy weight and in amazing health and was released from hospital the very next week. Amazing stuff Mr Ryder! He sure is a beautiful little man and it’s great to see Hayley and Alex with their little family together. Even little Jaxon who is taken everywhere with them in the form of the beautiful little giraffe you see in the pics.

Kristy x

The Family ready for the new arrival

http://www.kristyleephotography.com.au

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Emma, Reece and their little Family <3

 

Chase at 3 weeks, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months and now the whole family x

 

During the past few years I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people through my photography. Back in 2012, Emma and Reece welcomed their first born Chase into the world and I was lucky enough to photograph him. Since then Emma and Reece have become more than clients to me but more like friends as I have seen their little man Chase grow up and more recently them welcome baby number 2 into the family – baby Landen. I must say that in my eyes poor Emma hasn’t got much of a look in with these 2 boys because they are so much like their Dad Reece, just much cuter versions hey Reece 😉 Anyway, I wanted to have a throw back to 2012 and a visit through out the past 2 years to today. I hope you enjoy as much as I did xx

Emma’s beautiful baby bump

Chase loving his new little brother

Father and sons

Cheeky Chase

Landen the newest addition

 

If you would like me to capture all of your magical moments, use the contact tab below x

http://www.kristyleephotography.com.au

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Boudoir and Glamour Sessions are back!!!!

Last month I was thrilled to finally move into my new studio. I have been so busy that I haven’t even done all my photos or organized my formal opening but keep your eyes peeled as it will be happening soon! But this means my boudoir and glamour sessions, something I have had to turn away for nearly 12 months now are now back and I am so super excited!

If you have followed me and my photography journey you would know that boudoir and glamour sessions once scared me! It wasn’t something that I had ever wanted to do until I attended a workshop and it just happened to be included. Instantly I found that I loved it! The shoots themself are laid back and fun but the transformation that begins as soon as the women walk through my door is unbelievable. Most women are nervous and find the idea of it quite daunting especially boudoir, I mean you are stripping down to your underwear in front of a stranger! Even I find that thought scary. But even galmour sessions where you are fully clothed. So many women really find it hard to believe that they can look like models but by the time my professional makeup artist and hairstylist are done with them I already see a huge shift in confidence and their inner beauty really starts to shine through. Who doesn’t feel amazing when they have a makeover right?! That’s why hair and makeup are always included in my sessions, they help create an experience opposed to just a ‘photo shoot’ which I want all my clients to encounter with me – An experience that they will remember.

Next month is already booking out fast with lots of lovely ladies wanting Christmas gifts ready for their husbands (Im sure they will be super excited about that too!). Also October is always my busiest month for newborns with it being booked out months ago already so if you are looking at any kind of shoot not just boudoir or glamour please get onto booking it straight away.

Kristy xx

Meet Lois, Sue and Noelene! 3 Lovely sister who were so fun and full of life……..

 

http://www.kristyleephotography.com.au

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Baby Darwin

Baby Darwin and his proud parents

 

Always love having new little souls into my studio and little Darwin was an absolute pleasure. When awake he was so content just checking me out with his adorable big bright eyes and then when he was asleep he was super relaxed – exactly what all newborn photographers hope for.

Newborn sessions need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment with Sessions are already being booked up for babies due up until the end of March 2015. Head to my website or use the contact form below to find out more details.

http://www.kristyleephotography.com.au

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Newborns and Babies? What’s the difference in a photography session?

As a mother of 4 I know that we like to think of our babies as being newborn forever but in reality after a few weeks they lose that ‘newborn look’ as they start developing into a real little person.

I LOVE photographing both newborn and older babies however the sessions are completely different as you can see below.

Newborn Sessions are done within the first few weeks of life when babies are still generally sleeping most of the time, they are still used to being in the fetal position so are usually happy to be posed in the newborn poses you see. This is why photographers ask for newborn sessions to be booked in advance. Dates are usually only just penciled in due to the fact that babies come when they are ready but at least you can be on the books with openings ready for you when your little bundle arrives. I know how important it is to remember those first magical moments with your new addition and I don’t want you to miss out on getting those first photos.

Anything done after a few weeks of age I class as a baby session. I generally advise that if the newborn time frame is missed wait until bub is confident in lifting their head which is usually around 4-5 months. This is where we generally try to capture smiles or expressions that capture their personality but baby is usually awake, more alert and not easily posed like a newborn.

So a newborn or baby session? Or why not capture both ages? Ask me about my ‘watch me grow’ baby packages.

Kristy x

 www.kristyleephotography.com.au

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