Sydney Wedding Photographer | Tim Coulson

JODI AND DANIEL

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:40:00 +0000

Jodi and Daniel's family were one of the very first I shot with. Back when all this was just an idea, a hope, a wish and a dream.

We've shot together since and already have plans to shoot together again.

There's a beautiful simplicity within this family that draws me in. Poet's eyes and lips, Che's voice and mature approach to life, Daniel's kindness to everyone and Jodi's approach to motherhood are something special to be around.

KESH | 38 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:33:00 +0000

I can hardly believe I'm here, typing, at thirty eight weeks.

Today is the last Mother's Day that Kesh will not be a Mother. I already feel like she is though. Today at church, I taught my boys in youth about the importance of Mothers.

I didn't make them write letters or promise to hug their Mum as soon as they left the classroom. What I told them is what I know to be true.

You are loved by your Mothers more than you will ever know and have been from before you were here on earth. Make sure your Mums know that you love them in return. Show them you love them.

I asked Kesh to come in and speak to them about the feelings she already has as a Mother of our baby. The feelings have been there from the very beginning. Since the acknowledgement of life, we have been attached and in love.

I told the boys of how I came to be the person I am because of my Mum. My passions, motivations, convictions and loves are a result of her input in my life. I love her deeply.

I wish you could feel the butterflies in my belly, the limbs inside of Kesh's and the excitement that flows through our bodies. The anticipation is such a sweet thing.

Kesh had acupuncture a few days ago to help with the birthing and tonight, for the first time, I rubbed the spots on her feet, ankles and legs that encourage our little one to greet us here. Kesh feels like our baby will be here close to our due date of May 27. I've been praying the birth will be when both Kesh and baby are most ready.

Since I've been on leave, Kesh and I have had a running joke. Each time she experiences a Braxton Hicks, breathes heavily or makes any noise at all, I ask her if she is in labour. Tonight, at the dinner table, I asked her this same question to which she replied 'not yet, but soon'.

And soon, Baby, you'll be closer to us than you already are.

Kesh wears Cotton Spandex Jersey Long Sleeve Turtle Neck Maxi Dress in Imperial Purple and Modal Shawl Cardigan in Natural Cotton Boucle by American Apparel.

KESH | 37 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:16:00 +0000

Above me, my lady and baby rest. Clothed in white sheets, held up by timbers, they lay together. Resting, dreaming, waiting.

I sit, tapping my keyboard, my mind wandering over paths well trodden.

For a lifetime, it seemed, my journey on earth was a selfish thing. Centred on my universe and none others. And then she was sent to me, for me. Not by chance but through hope by Someone all seeing. Again, from the Author of life, another comes.

Forged in love and goodness, our baby grows. A life as real as mine has already begun. The journey started long ago - longer than we know. Now we wait for the last pages of this chapter to turn and let our minds wander over the words that are not yet written.

*

I've always woken with the sun. It draws me out of my sleep and willingly, I welcome each new day, much earlier than Kesh.

Writing about her is one of my favourite things in the whole world. I feel like a better human when I think about her. We feel like we were created for each other. Some people believe we can be happy with more than the person we marry. In part, I believe that. No one though, can make me happy like Kesh.

I believe you should be with someone who makes you want to be a better person. I want to be.

Kesh wears: Rib Nylon Spandex Legging in Purple and Reversibly Easy Sweater in Rogue Boucle by American Apparel.

KESH | 36 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:05:00 +0000

Our shoot last week took on extra meaning, as well as a few extra guests.

As part of our workshop, The Nursery, we incorporated a live shoot. It was a pretty amazing feeling to watch everyone running around in the fields and forests, armed with knowledge from the morning. It started out with me talking everyone through how I normally approach a session with Kesh, while I shot; looking for locations, light, tips on composition and connecting.

There will be a full review of The Nursery very soon. And more words about Kesh and our baby tomorrow, when I blog 37 weeks.

Kesh wears: Stripe A Line Maxi Dress in Black Marceau Stripe by American Apparel

HARRIET AND MAT | MARRIED

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Sun, 06 May 2012 22:57:00 +0000

Mat claimed to be a terrible public speaker. I'm not so sure though. He spoke from the heart - and I think that's all that matters.

Nestled under tree tops, on Harriet's parent's farm, Mat shared his words with honesty.

'From today, I can call Harriet my wife,' he said, smiling from both sides of his mouth.

For me, that was powerful.

When Harriet emailed me, she had surrendered to the fact that I would already be unavailable on her wedding day. I'm so grateful that wasn't the case.

KESH | 35 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 06:08:00 +0000

We are winding down now. Kesh booked me out for the best part of a month knowing we would want some time to be with each other and then some time to be with our baby.

My last official booking is this Friday. A special group will be gathering at my home for the Nursery.

Come Friday afternoon, that's it. My focus and attention completely shifts to that which matters most - my family.

The last week or two, I've noticed a few changes in Kesh. She has never been one to complain and her pregnancy has been beautiful but everyday living is a little harder than it used to be. Still though, Kesh is so dignified in her body. So positive about her pregnancy and the birth we both look forward to.

I've noticed that whenever I think about our baby, holding it in my arms, tears sting my eyes. Our baby means so much to me...to us. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a father.

A father to a daughter or a son, I'm not sure. There is a small part of me that has felt a daughter but not strongly enough to know we're not having a son. I love waiting to find out. I love that you don't know and that I don't know.

We are settled on a girl's name but still undecided if it's a boy. Maybe we'll just call him 'Boy'. I like that name.

Kesh wears California Fleece Cape in Red and Sheer Rib Long Dress in Navy.

CAROLYN

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:34:00 +0000

Sometimes I feel like our lives are bigger than us.

I only met Carolyn two days ago but I haven't been able to stop thinking about her since. She is infectious in the best possible way.

Last Christmas, Kesh and I decided we wanted to run a giveaway. If you won, you had to select another to pass the giveaway onto. Emails started coming within minutes and immediately, I realised this giveaway was bigger than us.

After just two emails, I couldn't comprehend how we would make a selection. Ultimately, we prayed, read and went with our heart. And our hearts lead us to Carolyn, who has Gastroparesis, a medical condition that is very unkind. Carolyn isn't able to eat and even the smallest sip of water causes nausea and vomiting. For this reason, Carolyn carries a backpack holding specially formulated nutrients that require a feeding tube.

I'm not worthy to tell Carolyn's story. I've only known her a few days but I do feel like I know her.

Kesh came with me because I wanted her there.

Carolyn's arms were held out as I walked to her door.

"How are you feeling," I asked, hopefully.

"Good, I'm feeling great," Carolyn replied with a genuine but pained smile.

"She's a great liar," Carolyn's husband, Stuart, laughed.

I knew Carolyn couldn't be feeling well. She was scheduled to go back to hospital two days after our shoot so that her feeding tube could be repositioned in her stomach. This would mean the creation of a new hole and the tube being stitched there. As well as this, we had previously rescheduled our shoot because Carolyn hadn't been feeling well for the better part of the year.

To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect. What I found was an immediate friend. I found love like I haven't known. I found happiness when there is every reason not to be. I found a powerful woman, with a beautiful family who love her. I found hope.

The day after our shoot, Carolyn told me that she had deteriorated and had to leave for hospital earlier than expected. And that's where she is right now.

On Facebook, I've seen her updates from the bedside. Even while in enormous pain, awaiting surgery, positivity abounds.

Please click play to view the slideshow.

I know that Carolyn would love to read any kind words you might like to leave here, on the blog.

Music: American Beauty - Thomas Newman (available on iTunes) and Skinny Love - Bon Iver (available on iTunes).

CAROLYN | A SPECIAL SOUL

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:02:00 +0000

This is Carolyn - the most beautiful soul of whose warmth Kesh and I both felt yesterday.

In the next few days, I will be sharing images of her beautiful family, who I know will touch your heart. I only know this because Carolyn's story touched mine.

It's a special story. You can read it here.

Lynnie - if you see this before your operation, I want you to know that Kesh and I are thinking happy thoughts for you, and praying, too.

KESH | 34 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:24:00 +0000

You know what? Having a baby is crazy. Pregnancy is the most miraculous thing I have ever been a part of.

Right now, right this very second, inside Kesh's belly, there is a life. A tiny baby boy or girl. We don't know which. And we don't need to know because it's already been decided.

And in a few weeks, from two single cells, there will be a human life born. And Kesh is the one who will give birth. A child, for us. That makes me a Dad.

I think sometimes we forget the miracle that lies within pregnancy and birth.

We are getting close, people :)

And I am properly excited.

Kesh wears: Unisex Gumboot, Winter Legging in Burnt Orange, Polka Dot Chiffon Oversized Button-up in Black and Creme Polka Dot and 3D Flower Mesh Jumper in Black by American Apparel.

DANIELLE AND LUKE | MARRIED

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:01:00 +0000

We met at our favourite cafe, right next to the university Kesh graduated from.

Danielle had just flown in from Hong Kong a few hours earlier but you would never know it. We sat there, in that cafe and spoke like we'd all known each other for the longest time. And we spoke for so long that I had to move our car from it's hour long parking bay.

If you're human, you'll know that rain makes most activities more difficult and less enjoyable. And you'll probably know that in March, it rained a butt load.

"We don't care about the rain, we just want to get married," Danielle told me.

Awesome. And get married they did.

And just for the record, we only had the smallest amount of rain.

TO MY BABY

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:17:00 +0000

This is my child. Mine with Kesh. And mine with Him who is giving.

The last seventy two hours have been some of the most polarising of my life. I spent the weekend in the Highlands with Kesh. We attended a birthing class - one which opened my mind and has made me even more sure of the things I already knew; I love Kesh, I love our baby, and our birth experience will be just that. Ours.

I've also received news, which is not so beautiful, about people I care deeply for. And I've been thinking hard all day.

The world we live in is many things. My heart is heavy as I realise that not all things in this world are going to impact positively on our child.

The closer to the birth I come, the more I realise the trust that is being shown to me as a father, even now. The closer to the birth we come, the more I want to build a beautiful world for our child to be born into and to live in.

There is good in this world, baby. I promise. You will see. Soon.

With you, and with your Mum, I will help you to see all of it. And you will help me. You already have.

I love you.

KESH | 33 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:44:00 +0000

Last Sunday, a well meaning individual we've never met asked Kesh how her pregnancy was going.

Kesh explained to her that it has been a beautiful pregnancy, with minimal complaints. The friendly stranger told Kesh that she would undoubtedly have a terrible labour experience 'because that's the way it goes. If you have a good pregnancy, labour is terrible'.

Wow.

I only wish that I was there when this conversation took place. Kesh is the sweetest person ever. I asked her what she said in reply. 'Nothing, I just smiled and left it at that'.

Birth for us is not a terrible thing. Birth is not scary. Birth is beautiful. It's full of love.

Today, Kesh realised that she will only need six more outfits for these shoots (or thereabouts). This pregnancy has been incredible. I've seen Kesh's body grow and change into what you see below. And it's beautiful. I love every shape and curve inside that purple dress. I wouldn't change a single thing.

Tomorrow we head up to the Southern Highlands for a two day workshop on birth. And when the workshop ends, we will be thirty four weeks pregnant.

I'm really excited :)

Kesh wears Cotton Spandex Jersey Long Sleeve Turtle Neck Maxi Dress in Imperial Purple and Mesh Suede Flats in Nude by American Apparel

KESH | 32 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:11:00 +0000

Kesh is really pregnant now. I mean, she always was but now she is properly pregnant. Old men and little girls have been telling us.

As our baby grows, Kesh has been finding her own ways to ease the burden of a growing belly. Right now, her favourite thing is to swim in the ocean. The beach is a little rough but the ocean pools are perfect. We've been every day this week. I can see the way it relaxes and calms Kesh. The swelling in her ankles goes down and her body temperature returns to something closer to normal.

We love the water and have talked about heading down to one of the pools during early labour to help Kesh through the initial stages.

As we left the pool a few days back, an elderly gentleman arrived. Removing his shirt, he grinned and informed us that he'd heard of these water births and if that's what we were there for, he wasn't getting in.

We assured him we were just there to swim. In a few weeks though, who knows :)

Kesh wears Sheer Rib Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Dress by American Apparel.

ELEANOR AND MATHEW

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:56:00 +0000

When I worked in the city, I spent a heap of time on the train. About twenty hours a week - a part time job.

In the beginning, my trips were sleepy and boring. It was a time I always thought I should use more wisely but I ended up dozing most of the way.

Then I met El. And El introduced me to Katie, and then Nat. And then there were four of us, riding the train, from the same station.

We had the best times.

A few weeks ago, El and Mat made the journey down the South Coast. We ate beautiful food together and drove around, spending the day - the four (five if you include Baby Coulson) of us.

Happy three years, you beautiful people.

HARRIET AND MATHEW | PREVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

KESH | 31 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:04:00 +0000

I'm about to sound like an old man...

All of a sudden, this pregnancy is going too fast. We are at thirty one weeks today. That means there are only nine weeks left.

Last night, one of my friends drove down to see us with his girlfriend. They are young, happy and beautiful. I saw the joy our baby is already bringing into people's lives. Peta sat on the lounge next to Kesh for what must have been close to an hour - her hand patiently resting so closely to our baby.

And then it kicked her and rolled around. Big, strong and undeniable. Peta was filled with happiness, and me too, of course.

A not so subtle reminder that this baby is growing. With every single day, coming closer to us.

Kesh wears Accordion Pleat Pant in Almondine and Modal Shawl Cardigan in Natural Cotton Boucle by American Apparel

ELEANOR AND MATHEW

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:53:00 +0000

THE NURSERY | A PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:08:00 +0000

On May 4, I'm inviting you into my home. I've got some things I want to teach you, things I've learnt that I want to share about taking photos of people.

I'll be running a single day workshop called The Nursery, for a small group of people. We'll spend the day covering things that have helped me do what I've done in the last year:

Emotional Shooting - Why I believe connecting with your subject will help you take better photos than any camera.
Technicalities - Learning how to shoot on manual and control your exposure. F stops, shutter speeds, aperture and all the rest.
Practice - A real live shoot using your new found knowledge.
Theory - Culling, editing and workflow.
Q&A - Ask me anything. Seriously.

The Details

The Nursery will be held in Gerringong, NSW (ninety minutes south of Sydney city), starting at 10am. It's going to cost you $380 (revised costing), which includes Kesh's amazing baked goods throughout the day, lunch from the local deli, and drinks to keep you warm.

This is not a workshop for professional photographers. This is a workshop for people who love photography, own a DSLR and don't know how to use it but want to learn.

Email Kesh to reserve your seat in our dining room: hello@timcoulson.com

KESH | 30 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:44:00 +0000

It's kinda funny. Kesh and I have spoken about this more than once...

When I write here, on this blog, I sound a certain way. And I most certainly am that way - just not all the time. It's almost always late at night when I sit down to write. The sky is dark, and the world is settling in. I'm considered. I slow down. And then what's in my heart comes out.

I am loud, impatient and not hardly as romantic as I might sound sometimes.

It's for this reason that I'm so grateful I dedicate a small amount of time each week to be that considered guy. It's this time, late on a Sunday night while the rain cleanses the world and bangs on my tin roof, I look forward to most.

Truth be told, I haven't taken photos with Kesh yet. I want to be here though - sitting next to her. Just thinking about the time we've spent together.

Yesterday, I headed up to Sydney for a wedding. The night before and even the morning of, I was thinking of excuses for Kesh to come, to travel with me and hold an umbrella, even though I knew I wouldn't need it.

It's when I'm not with Kesh I realise just how often we are together. And it's then I realise I like it best when she's there. It's simple.

Fourteen hours after I left, I walked through the front door, greeted my faithful hound and laid on the bed, next to my sleeping wife. I held her arm and put my head close to hers. I love her.

And that's how I feel all the time.

*I had big ambitions to document Kesh for a full day. It worked until she left at midday for a lunch date :)

Kesh wears: Stripe A Line Maxi Dress in Natural Heather Grey Stripe, Rib Nylon Spandex Legging in Royal Blue and Reversibly Easy Sweater in Rogue Boucle by American Apparel.

DANIELLE AND LUKE | PREVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:57:00 +0000

It's pushing 2am and the last of my memory cards are backing up from today. These guys are the stinkin' best. I love them.

AMY

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:20:00 +0000

KESH | 29 WEEKS | GRADUATION

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:41:00 +0000

My baby and our baby graduated last week.

I sat there, with thousands of others, and watched my lady and her belly, with our baby, walk across that stage. I let out a slightly inappropriate 'woo'. Keshy heard and knew it was me. I wanted her to know I was cheering for her at that moment.

Kesh is the true artist. I promise you that.

Now she has the degree to prove it.

*I'm just getting the images ready for this blog, as in right this second, and Kesh asked me if I wanted to feel the baby. I just felt major kicks. Big ones. And now I have a massive smile on my face. I just thought you might like to know.

Kesh wears Chiffon Secretary Blouse, Long Accordion Pleat-Skirt in Creme and Bobby Leather Lace-up Shoe in Royal Blue by American Apparel.

LEONIE AND CHRIS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

'I don't even like to think about it, it's too sad'.

I'd spent the morning with Leonie and Chris. I'd been with them and their most precious friends and family, while they readied themselves for the most sacred day of their lives. I'd seen the bonds they had here. The relationships they'd nurtured with the people around them.

It's this that Chris didn't want to think about. We were driving down a street they knew better than me, en route to take photos.

You see, after that night, after the speeches and a shared meal, after the last hugs and kisses, Leonie and Chris wouldn't see most of the people who filled their lives and that room for a long time. They were moving to New York to build something special. For them and for others.

KESH | 28 WEEKS

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:29:00 +0000

You know, I'm not nervous about being a Dad.

A lot of people assume that I will be, or that I am. I'm not though.

I'm excited. It makes me happy.

A few days ago, Kesh and I had just woken up. We laid there, in the sheets, while the day began. Kesh took my hand and placed it on her belly. I felt the most distinct and powerful movements our baby has ever made. It was the most real thing I think I've ever felt - physically.

Kesh and I have decided that the workshop is on. I'm just pulling the final details together now but it will be held in our home on Saturday 28th of April. This workshop is not for professional photographers. Check back on the blog real soon for all the details.

Kesh wears: Unisex Gumboot, Winter Legging in Burnt Orange, Polka Dot Chiffon Oversized Button-up in Black and Creme Polka Dot and California Fleece Cape in Forest by American Apparel.

Oh yeah, and Kesh is giving away a copy of the single most beautifully produced magazine I have ever seen, Kinfolk. Head over to her blog to enter.

ESTES FAMILY | MORNINGTON PENINSULA

noreply@blogger.com (tim coulson) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:33:00 +0000

It's been an awesome week.

At church, with the youth, we held a talent night where everyone had to share one of their talents - for just a few minutes. I shared my knowledge on how to expose an image. How to use ISO, aperture and shutter speed to create a picture.

Jeremy (Cohen's Dad) was there too. After I presented, I was speaking to him about talent. I told him that I believe my true talent lies not in being a photographer, or creating mind blowing photos. I believe the talent I have been blessed with is to be able to see the beauty in people's lives in the moments it exists. Thankfully, I kinda understand light and how to create an exposure as well. With that knowledge, I get to share with people what I see.

I think that's the main reason that I have been able to work with so many people while I'm still so young in my career.

Kristi emailed me at 1am this morning, after seeing her slideshow of images. An email for which I am grateful. As you probably saw from the preview I posted, it rained. Not just a little bit though. I've shot in a little bit of rain on more than one occasion and it's not too much of an issue. I mean it rained like the world was going to end.

The rain didn't bother me though.

It didn't bother me because I saw, immediately, that Kristi and her family loved each other. And you can still be in love with each other in the rain...

Kristi humbled me with her words when she said:

Tim, with tears flowing down my cheek, I am in awe of "us" because of you. I am not sure if there is any better emotion.

I am in awe of Kristi and her amazing family. And I'm forever humbled by the people who invite me into their lives to document them.

This last image is super special. Within minutes of knowing me, Quinn, aged six, told me he had something for me. He went out to the car and returned with a picture he'd drawn of me photographing his family at the beach.