monday in all it's glory...

or is it??? i have a love hate relationship with certain days of the week and then i have a love hate relationship with mondays...double whammy plus!!! this week i hate today which just so happens to coincide with the fact that it's monday and a very demanding one at that. demanding physically, both emotionally and mentally. why you ask?!!! challenges of a household full of teens, mood swings, hormone roller coaster and demands that under any 'normal' life as we know it is pretty full on...add kids that have disabilities and disorders on top of that and it just throws everything to a greater degree.

trying to juggle and balance life is tough enough...yep i hear ya all agreeing with me...trying to juggle and balance life with what we deal with as family is sometimes pretty darn overwhelming to say the least. but who am i kidding some days just plain and simply suck!!!

however in all the highs and lows of living life there is hope and inspiration and i dwell on those thoughts and ideas and it keeps me happy that no matter what we deserve more then the garbage thrown at us in life and taking back control is certainly something that is well worth every effort, every struggle and every obstacle that's waiting around the corner both good and not so.

a few years back i needed to see a psychiatrist for 12 months plus...he just happened to be one of the best all round and there were many things he taught me. one such thing stands out a mile...no matter how negative one is, no matter how negative all the information coming out verbally or documented is...end on a positive. i have held this close to my heart ever since.

some days particularly those days that are not as fabulous as we would like we need to find the positive within our circumstances no matter how tough one thinks they have it. my positives for today are this:

• our daughter steph is doing really well at present and that was relayed back to her psychologist in this mornings appointment. steph has come along way this year and has just started back to full time school as of last week.
• last night a neighbour of ours we've known for the past 9 years knocked on our door and after something like a 2 hour chat wanting to thank lance for who he is and how he has helped their 14 yr old daughter manage through some really tough times of recent was pretty remarkable. these guys see lance's difficulties but nevertheless he has been able to support another in need (and they say kids with autism don't have any empathy...lol yeh right!).
• i feel that our family is finally moving forward little by little in some areas of our lives. other areas are going to take a little more work, BUT for the first time in a long while i feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that we are finally seeing it. that light is called hope, faith, inspiration and love. no service provider and no disability agency can give us that...this is ours, ours to work with, ours to better ourselves with, ours to claim as our very own, but ours to use and inspire others as well.

we all need hope, we all need love, faith and to be inspired, no matter who we are, no matter how we see life, no matter how we belong. 

something else i'd like to leave you with is this...life throws us curve balls all the time, it's how we handle those curve balls and how we approach what may appear to be the impossible. sure there's a saying out there that says what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger which is very true however, let's take the negative part out of that and try a different slant...what comes our way and what makes us stronger, allows us to grow and develop and become better for it in such a way thought impossible.

hugs chris xoxo

freezing...

winter has well and truly hit, it's super freezing!!! the odd thing about it is the sun is shining and if it wasn't for the wind...it would be a gorgeous day. anyway i'm sitting at my computer, blogging while i take a break from 'working' or should that read 'playing' as i work on clients photos. i've just popped a little sneak peek up of the gorgeous family i worked with on sunday. their kids are just so gorgeous...very very very busy but still so very gorgeous.

hey did i mention i know have business cards....yep diddly diddly doo...i sure do and i ordered a couple of pens with chris turnbull photography as well which arrived today. they look great and write well...which is even more important. i like a good pen...in fact i like a great pen not only should it look good, but it should also write and flow well and be super comfortable to hold - yep that's just a pen.

although the preview is fairly blah the real cards look awesome and i have plenty of them.ok so my first 2 photo shoots went well over the weekend which was fairly exciting...i still am. oh and if any locals read this i have 2 photo sessions still available for this weekend (25th and 26th). while i still have the special on which finishes up at the end of the month and you can let me know. you can email me  christurnbullphotogaphy@gmail.com

well that's it for now break over and must get back to work. :) but before i leave ya here is a little *sneak peek* from sunday's photo shoot, enjoy!

i'm outta here now...hugs chris xoxo

moving forward...

as i sit and type this post i'm reminded of so many things that i never thought were possible. the biggest and most incredible one is that life is heading in the right direction!!!

for those of you who've been following me and my blog you'll understand how the past 12+ months have seen my family and i make some of the most difficult but courageous decisions we've ever had to face...let alone make. the journey has been far from easy however one thing stood out for me this weekend...i'm moving forward.

is that a selfish thing or is it beneficial for the entire family? the latter definitely!!! the opportunity to take up photography in the capacity and ability that has come my way has been incredible. this weekend my first 'official' photo sessions took place with 2 most gorgeous families and i was there to be a part of capturing and creating those memories.

my son lance has been quite excited for me that even yesterday he shook my hand and said congratulations mum on working (working yeh right...lol) and you all know lance...he may be almost 20 however he is only that in biological years. when he gets excited he starts rubbing both hands together, takes longer strides, has this ginormous grin and is a little louder then other times but he is heartfelt with it all.

my girls are quite excited and i tend to call on them (when they are able) to be my assistants...which i know they secretly enjoy to a point. of course my youngest isaac...although at times he doesn't speak alot he still communicates (is self mute intermittently for periods of time) and one day not so long ago he said...mum wouldn't it be awesome if you became the most famous photographer in the world?!!! <----- i took that as a huge compliment. although i may never be the most famous photographer in the world, what an awesome thing to hear from isaac.

some times you just need to take a bold step of faith...for me sometimes you just need to feel confident in yourself and i am grateful for all the support i have had over these past few months...amazing and i know this journey is only beginning but it's going to be wonderful!!!

so today...i'm moving forward, something i wasn't expecting and certainly not along the path i'm taking. something i feel quite overwhelmed with and truly humbled by. 

god truly is amazing!!!

just a wee sneak peek from yesterdays photo shoot. this is nate. nate belongs to anthony and rachelle. nate is 4 and nate has autism. nate is adorable ♥♥♥

until next bloggin' take care, hugs chris xoxo

short and sweet...

life is busy...nothing much is different there and it keeps me out of mischief that's for sure. my business cards arrived today...early...i'm not complaining because i was a tad worried that they were still in 'printing process' but nope they're here now. nice and simple which i like and of course works in with my nice and simple approach to all the forms a photographer needs to create and use and anything else. so nicely uniformed!!!

my first pre-session went well today and family photo shoot is set for saturday. my next pre-session is tomorrow with another family and their photo shoot is for sunday. this monday i did a small photo shoot with a young model kayla. she was wonderful to work with and with mum there close by a little less anxious as well.

i also managed several photos at the weekends chrysler car show that came too town and although there are a few photos to still go through the post processing...i can't wait to show them off. i already have one lot up on my website.

anyway a little sneak peek with mondays photo shoot and then i'm calling it a night. :)

 ok that's it from me...enjoy, hugs chris xoxo

simple post...

yep simple post today...although have loads to say...it's a wee bit busy and i just thought i'd take 5 minutes out and do a quick blog update.

it's a long weekend here and i'm enjoying every part of it. right now i'm in the middle of putting some photography welcome packages together for my clients as well as making some more custom handmade CD/DVD sleeves.

for those sharing this long weekend with me...enjoy it and enjoy it well. for me i'm hoping to head off tomorrow downtown as there's a car show on and take photos. then monday i have a photo shoot. so until we cross paths again enjoy the latest batch of photos...

ciao for now...hugs chris xoxo

slowly does it...

they say it's not always wise to jump into things full on and all in one hit...and i couldn't agree more. sometimes we need to take the bull by the horns so to speak and other times we need to move forward more slowly but certainly more surely. that's been my approach with my photography side of things ever since i purchased my very first dslr about 2.5 years ago and have loved learning and growing in all that time and for much of it purely as a hobby...my hobby...yep that passion of mine that seems to have taken a different journey (as mentioned in previous post) to where i ever expected. i'm overwhelmed but i am ever so grateful that there are people who believe in me, who are supporting and encouraging and who are quite proud of where my photography is heading.

yesterday i received another 2 phone calls in relation to my photography with people wanting to clear a spot on the calenders to fit me in. word apparently is spreading and i'm feeling the love...and i'm excited to say the least.

this week i've fine tuned and finished a whole heap of forms for clients...the general run of the mill paperwork that's needed for every photo session. so i'm pleased i have all that down pat. i'm also in awe of viewing some most gorgeous backdrops and floors from a company too far away in the US. i ♥ all there stuff and goodies. although i don't have a studio i am seriously looking into a possible 'mobile studio' and looking at a mobile backdrop system i can take easily on the road and of course props.....yep i realise i have some props already here at home just because i collect stuff...lol and slowly will build on a few good props so i can take them on the road. but that's the beauty of growth...i can do this overtime and not all at once.

ok so last but so not least...a photo or 2 to help chase the blues away seeing as winter has hit with a vengeance. i'm sitting here multi tasking with a heater under the desk keeping me nice and warm...lol...it's blooming freezing!

oh and btw for any locals reading this...i'm available for photo sessions now and am up and running. i have a special on this month...check out my website here for pricing and all that goes with that. the specials are for the month of june only and i do have a couple of spots left for photo sessions for sate 25th and sun 26th of this month. bookings have been filling fast so if you or anyone else you know is interested please contact me.

what's not to like about the above............................................................................................................

ciao and hugs, chris xoxo

chris turnbull photography...

it's official...i've just upgraded to my own domain and now christurnbullphotography is all mine. i feel like a kid in a candy shop...somewhat a little overwhelmed and somewhat a little excited!!!

for those of you who have been regularly following me and my blog, particularly of late, will know that slowly i'm developing and growing a little photography business within the city of greater bendigo...yep where i live. over the past 6 or so months i've had a number of families and individuals not only find out about my photography hobby but ask if i would offer photo sessions for families and children.

in the beginning i simply said no however they continued to ask and i found myself in a situation where an opportunity was right in front of me as plain as the nose on my face. the story goes a little something like this...2 months ago the bendigo advertiser contacted me as president of bendigo autism asperger group (BAAG) and asked it we would like to advertise in this years autism awareness feature for the month of april they were putting together. after taking it to the committee with everyone happy, the idea put forth and with a slightly different angle from previous years everything was in place. with this kind of full page advertising we get thrown into the price a newspaper photographer to come and take pics. photo shoot booked, few parents contacted, all permission given and everyone happy i kinda mentioned that i would also bring my camera and if i got time and parents were happy i'd randomly take photos and share them over facebook and have them printed.

what i wasn't counting on was the stories that really broke my heart and when a couple of parents spoke with me previously about the difficulties, i wasn't expecting more of the same. how many parents with cherubs with autism spectrum disorders and other challenges they faced simply did not have many photos of their kids because their kids didn't cope in a 'studio' environment, they weren't able to sit still for long enough or 'pose' for the camera and the stress and anxiety attached to that came at a cost...both financially and emotionally. photographers they had used in the past simply didn't get the difficulties these kids faced or the families so any attempt usually turned out as a fail. then to listen to others saying that even if they could manage they couldn't afford the price tag...something i personally relate to as a mum with kids on the spectrum and all the 'extra' medical expenses we face and often on a weekly basis. parents that felt guilty because they were able to have plenty of photos of their non asd kids...just weren't able to manage that with their asd kids because it was all far too hard. i get that...so with the support of these parents, the fact that so many have come to me and asked if i would consider offering photo packages and sessions...chris turnbull photography has taken a completely different path to what i could ever have imagined.

my first official photo shoot is scheduled for saturday june 18th and my next on sunday 19th already booked in as well. so although a little nervous i'm really looking forward to everything about this process. i purposely chose to start my bookings half way through june so i could fine tune things a little. although people know i'm just starting out things are moving forward well. as i find my feet, grow and develop with a passion and dedication to offer families in the city of greater bendigo area quality and affordable photography, it's really important to let families with special needs children know that there's someone out there that is able to offer services out there for them as well.

and with that i'll finish up...but before i go completely here's a couple of photo's...

oh i knew i forgot something...i'm filling photo sessions quickly with more already schedule for late in june and then july so if you or anyone you know are wanting to book in a photo session or would like more information please contact me...all info is on my website

w: christurnbullphotography.com
ciao, hugs chris xoxo

this is who i am...this is me...

a new blog post and i'm stuck for a title. i have much to say and usually when i blog...my title is already there sitting in my head ready to go, typed in that empty space above that says 'title'. tonight is different and i'm sure as i put word to paper something will come to me. ever had one of those weeks? i'm sure many of us can pretty much answer that with a flat out yes. yes for me too! it's been an emotional roller coaster to the extreme for me and what's so frustrating about it is it's kinda all been external. in other words not family orientated what so ever. in fact this week the kids are really good and so is the hub. no child of mine has had a meltdown, no child of mine has hurt themselves, no child of mine needed a trip to the doctor or the hospital, in fact it's been a really good week internally. and then the unexpected happens and impacts on my emotional and mental state that sometimes i even find it hard to fathom.

so yep it's been one of those weeks and honestly and truthfully...it really sucks because it's distracted me from my work that really needs to be done and now and i haven't been able to concentrate on that. it's wasted my head space and caused unrest and you know what...i ask myself the simple question of why? but i take it one question further...why does it keep happening?

there are situations in life where you can look back and say although at the time i'm not sure why god thought i needed to go through that but now i know. there are times that you simply have no answer or understanding of but you trust in god because you know he will get you through no matter what and then there are the times that you just want it to stop so you can move forward, not be used and abused any further and not be walked all so others can feel better about themselves.

i was reminiscing with the hub the other day, going back to my school days (a lot of years ago now) in particular my high school days. every thursday afternoon our year level would have a recreational afternoon. part of our school's 'extra curriculum' activities. most of these activities were things one needed to pay for on a weekly basis....roller skating (as it was known then), ice skating, bowling etc etc and most kids opted for these. and then there were the extra school activities listed that i chose. helping within the community, in the local primary schools teaching young children how to read, in nursing homes visiting the elderly and sick, into peoples homes sitting with them listening, learning, keeping or cleaning their homes, enjoying their company as much as they did mine, taking care of those in need, every week, every month, every term. the school supported this in the same way the school supported the kids going off to roller skate for the afternoon and i felt like i was the more privileged. 

many years later not much has really changed. i'm just a few years older, married for the last 25 years with 4 kids. in all the years since then i've been in the community supporting, helping, caring and assisting others in any way i have been able to. kindergarten committees, school councils and committees, fundraising, safety house association, church ministry and support within, caring, supporting, assisting, learning and loving all that comes with that. a strong advocate for my own families and childrens rights due to their disabilities. a dedicated and passionate person in all that i put my hand to and go forth with and someone who finds happiness, joy, warmth and inspiration from so many wonderful people i have had the privilege of knowing...this is who i am...this is me!!!

this is me...i've just turned 44 years of age. i've been married for close to 25 years (to the wonderful mr.t), i have 4 beautiful children and 3 of them have autism, mental illnesses, my younger 2 asd kids are also visually impaired. hubby is visually impaired...woe is me...NO!!! although some days are difficult, i love my family. i advocate for my asd kids right for a fair and happy life...all with a positive future. over the years my heart has been touched by so many wonderful and inspirational people...many within my own community. i'm dedicated and passionate about so many things. i have wishes and dreams just like the next person. i have talents and abilities just like the next person. i have faith in god that he will get me through every day. i see inspiration in so much around me and bring that in to who i am and what i do. sadly because of who i am - my personality and nature, certain people feel they have the right to walk all over me. sadly over the past few years this has left irreversible damage that only by god's grace and love i manage daily. but...yes there's usually always a but...this has only helped mold me into who i am today and that due to those experiences i can be a help and a support to others who are in or have been in the same situation. no matter what, i love what i do.

this is me...i'm the president of the largest asd support group within the loddon mallee region. i have met some incredibly beautiful people and even for me the support from these guys can get a little overwhelming. i am inspired often by not only individuals on the spectrum but all those incredible people i admire who look after, love and care for someone on the spectrum. respect and admiration for parents and carers living life full of challenges and constant day to day battles. how can you not have a heart. i play piano, i sing, i'm a song writer, i've dabbled in courses...dried flower arranging, beginners folk art, intermediate and advanced classes in folk art, i've sold unique one off pieces of work, i've worked at scrapbooking stores teaching classes, i've always wanted to play the clarinet and actually own one and starting learning. i've sung to audiences, i've played piano for audiences, i've written and played my own music to audiences. i've created wall hangings and quilts both by machine and hand sewn, i've made rag dolls and love art. i'm also passionate about other things...for 12+ years i've been a fairly avid paper scrapbooker. the opportunities to be part of design teams, teach classes, enjoy creating some pretty precious memories and meet wonderful people along the way has been fantastic. i've also been an avid digital scrapbooker working my layouts in photoshop for the past 8 years or so. i love so many wonderful mixed media arts, handmade crafts, hybrid projects. i love photography (but then how could a scrapper not) and all that comes with that creatively. i love photoshop and lightroom. i love my canon dslr and camera gear. i love stationary, boots, my husband, my kids, god and all that's good in this world. oh and mostly i dislike tv, wasting time, doing nothing and being idle.

this is who i am...this is me...

last sunday (29th may) i celebrated my 44th birthday. the hub and kids gave me a velbon 600r tripod and canon remote trigger for my birthday. i was also treated to a wonderful day in maldon just with tim, taking photos (with my new tripod) and lunch at a gorgeous restaurant there. it was sooooo busy down there...unbelievably busy but then it was a beautiful day....overcast but not really cold and there i was right in the middle of that busyness with my brand new tripod and my trusty camera assistant (the hub) taking pics right in the middle of everyone. not only did i manage it and well but conquered that fear i thought i would have. people looked, people spoke, people saw us coming...lol and it didn't matter. they were cool with it and so was i. anyhoo i've rambled on stacks tonight...but i'm feeling good. 

oh and if you didn't know (and you've got this far) check this out www.christurnbullphotography.weebly.com

yep website is no longer a free one...i've gone 'pro', and i'm offering photography packages to families as of now. so for any locals in the area who are thinking of having some photos done pop on over, have a squizz, spread and share the love, like me on my about me page (oh and my facebook page chris turnbull photography) and of course contact me if i can help.

outta here...night, ciao, hugs chris xoxo