Text messages back and forth, a constant eye on the RFS website, and by 2pm, we decided we would go ahead. I jumped in the car, and headed for Bingara. The haze from the smoke hung low and heavy over the mountains. The further I drove from Inverell, the heavier the smoke got. I drove past scorched earth, covered with nothing but ash and blackened trees. Reaching my destination, I realised it was merely the colour that changed – from scorched earth covered in nothing but dust and a few spindles of dried grass. Like many areas in rural NSW, the drought is clinging on tenaciously around the Northern New England region, sucking any and all moisture from the ground.

As the heat beat down upon as, we blitzed through the shoot, creating images destined to become stock images in a commercial photo library, before dashing back to the shelter of the farmhouse, and a very cold glass of water. Never have I been so glad for air-conditioning, as I packed my bags and turned the car towards home.

This is the outlook from the farm where we were shooting between Bingara and Warialda.

And this landscape is a more personal image, shot closer to Delungra. This is an image for me, and my mum, shot very near the property she grew up on. It is alot more heavily processed than most of my images, but isn’t that what personal shots are all about?

Isn’t he a little cutie?

And my favourite type of family portrait – relaxed and comfortable

More to come soon!

{as an aside, if you are in year 12 & are interested in a mini-session, the next round is happening on October 7, in various locations around Inverell. Email me at rachel[at]rachelmeszaros.com.au for more info or to make a booking. Year 11 students, I’m now taking a waiting list for early next year! These sessions are lots of fun, and I also offer gift vouchers if you are looking for the perfect gift for a student finishing year 12.}

We started at one of Inverell’s many lovely parks, and photographed some lovely relaxed, casual portraits.

Isn’t she beautiful?

After a quick trip back to the salon, I met a very glamourous Debie at our second location for some fashion-inspired portraits

This girl oozes style!

Debbie, I had a blast doing your portraits, I’ll be in touch soon with the rest of your photos.

Witha veiw like this, I’m not surprised they want to take as much of it with them as possible:

One of the essentials in the brief was to capture the old railway line that runs through the base of their property

And just for fun, I got this shot of a delightful, free-spirited little two-year-old who holds a special place in my heart.

Not a traditional portrait, by far, but it is very “her”. I also did baby photos for this wild soul almost two year ago now, which I blogged here.

Dearest K, you will be greatly missed. I hope these images help to ease the transistion to your new home. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Rxx

*This* one is my favourite, with a late aternoon glow, and the beautiful Kings Plains Castle in the background:

And I’m a bit partial to this one, from earlier in the day, when Ang’s dad came in while the girls were getting ready

For someone who is supposed to sleep 23 hours a day, he was awfully awake!

Finally, in the comfort of mummy’s arms, he drifted off

(notice the new frames/watermarks? More about that later in the week!)

Ang taking in the hub-bub below as she prepares for the ceremony

An informal portrait of the beautiful bride

A simple potrait of the newly-married couple

A fun shot with the bridal party

I think this one is one of my favourite wedding shots ever!

Congratulations again, Jon & Ang. Your wedding was absolutely lovely, and it was an honour to be there to capture your special day.

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of shooting some maternity portraits for Megan, and little Miss Two wasn’t quite sure of me at first, but it didn’t take long and she was posing for the camera like  pro!

(as a side note, it’s a good idea to take the camera off high speed action mode before inviting the two year old to “press that button there” – let’s just say it’s a good thing I wasn’t shooting with my film camera!)

Megan has a cute little “basketball” belly – so neat and round!

Big sister showing me where baby is – just in case I wasn’t sure!

Thanks for having me around Megan, I look forward to meeting the little person hiding in there in a few weeks!