THE NURSERY WITH TIM COULSON

I first stumbled upon Tim Coulson through Jodi, when he photographed their little family. I was even more enchanted when he returned to their home shortly after Poet was born to photograph them now as four, where he beautifully captured the magic in their everyday.

I have always loved photography, sitting for hours on the laptop looking through photographer's blogs and websites, and recently I decided I wanted to improve my own photography skills so I could better document these precious days at home with Everly, and to remember what I'm grateful for - family, happiness and love.

On Saturday I attended The Nursery, a photography workshop, where I finally met Tim in person (as well as the lovely Kesh, and the beautiful Roo who has the brightest blue eyes and the cutest smile!) After following their life through Tim's blog and instagram, it was almost surreal walking into The Reading Room at the beginning of the day and seeing Tim, Kesh and Roo in the flesh. It oddly felt like catching up with friends you haven't seen in a long time - a little awkward at first, but quickly just like old times.

Tim talked to us about emotional shooting - the key to his art (there were quite a few teary eyes during this part of the workshop). He explained shutter speed, aperture and ISO. We learnt about all the different settings on our camera (who knew?!) and the best way to edit and file our images (something I'm terrible at and aiming on improving!). We went outside for a live shoot in an alley to watch Tim work his magic, and then we walked to nearby Light Square to practice our newfound photography skills.

I have been through primary and high school, three years of university, numerous workshops and courses, and Tim is hands down the best teacher I've experienced yet. He has this amazing ability to create calm in the room, to lift the mood with a little joke, to ease fear, to explain potentially confusing technical elements in such a way it's absorbed quickly and easily.

Tim wholeheartedly believes he has found his purpose. And I believe it, too. Because it shows in his voice when he talks, it shows in the raw emotion he captures in his work, and the way he so generously and humbly teaches his craft. Kesh talked to us at the beginning of the workshop about Tim, how he got to where he is today, how he quit his unfulfilling job in marketing, how they sold their house, how they sacrificed so much to go on this journey. I am the same as Tim - I can't work in a job that doesn't make me happy. I have to be truly passionate about what I do, to my core. At the moment, that's being a wife and a mother. But one day, I'd like to do something more. I don't know if photography is it, but I can feel I'm getting closer and closer to my purpose each day I put myself out there, take risks, and meet new people who are truly passionate about what they do.

Thank you Tim, for sharing your knowledge and passion. I am so very grateful to have learnt from you.

Above are some of my favourite shots from the day, I hope you enjoy them.