it was, because of two.

I got lost.

I got lost in sleep deprivation and nappies and tryingtocrammoreintoeverydaythanisphysicallypossible.

I've been focusing on two words; simplify.  honesty.

Every time I listen to Bowie I love him even more.  (sorry, got sidetracked)


I have known for a very, very long time what lies in my heart of hearts, but I didn't admit it out loud until I told my husband a couple of weeks ago...  And that is, that I'm saying goodbye to Illy Photography to focus on fine art.

I didn't want to admit this for many reasons.  (It's crazy to turn my back on Illy when I have been building the business for so long!  I always have such awesome clients I'll miss them!  How is this going to work??)  But once I did I felt relieved.  A physical weight off my shoulders.  I cannot believe how much brain space and physical time it has freed up.  I had no idea how long I spent looking at wedding blogs, comparing myself, scrutinising.  I no longer have a list of gear I think I need, I already have plenty.  Resistance creates stress, as my kinesiologist says.  (Ps.  How awesome is kinesiology??  Wish I'd got on that train earlier!)

What does the future hold?  I have no idea which is ridiculously freeing and exciting.  For starters, I have 7 series' worth of work in my head so that should keep me busy for a while.  I'm hosting the first The White Cube Workshop in December which I'm also super duper excited about as I want to help emerging artists.  When I left Uni I was clueless about putting on an exhibition, marketing, grant writing and everything else that comes with it.  I've recently started mentoring which I love and can't wait to do more of.  I'm thinking of doing a workshop for parents who are interested in photography and want to learn handy tips and tricks for getting great shots of their kids (let me know if you're keen!).  There may be an e-book or two at some stage.  I want to keep pushing the limit of what people define a photograph as.  I'm petrified of shooting artist portraits so I'd like to do that.

Oh, and grant writing.  There will definitely be grant writing in my future.

Please stay in touch, you can find me amongst the inter webs here:

www.ilonanelson.com

ilona@ilonanelson.com

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www.facebook.com/IlonaNelsonArtist

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(I didn't really use Twitter properly so in the spirit of simplifying I have deleted my account)

Thank you, thank you to my lovely supportive supporters.  I hope you'll continue on this super exciting and fun and suretobefullofsurprises journey with me xxx

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water, oil and incense (a christening)

I love greek orthodox churches.  The white exterior doesn't give away a hint of the beautiful interior.

SUMMER IS SUPER mini sessions

Would you love a portrait of the kids as they start school?  Or have you always wanted a great photograph of you and your Nan?  Well, you're in luck!  To celebrate my love of summer I'm very excited to announce a special mini session portraiture package!!  This is a once only special so please register your interest by the 30th of December. The SUMMER IS SUPER MINI SESSION includes; ~ 15 minute portraiture  session to be held at picturesque gardens in Yarraville or the city (Melbourne) ~ Digital negatives  presented on disc at high and low resolutions for you to upload, share and print as you please ~ 5 - 10 individually processed photographs  including colour and black & white images ALL THIS FOR JUST $90!! To register your interest please contact Ilona at ilona@illyphotography.com or 0407 802 640 with the following details; * Name * Mobile number * Preferred date - Saturday 21st January or Saturday 11th February    {Saturday 21st January is almost full so be quick!} * Preferred time - morning or afternoon * Preferred location - Yarraville or city This is a once only special so please register your interest by the 30th of December.  And if you know of someone who would also be interested in this offer please do pass on these details.  Thank you! x

Dodging Raindrops {portrait photography melbourne}

Thanks Ilona.  They are brilliant.  We are very happy! These are a few of my favourite photographs of this gorgeous family with the infectious smiles! Illy Photography recently donated a portrait session for the fundraiser at my son's child care centre and I was thrilled to work with this lovely family.  We had cancelled the session the week before as it was bucketing rain and SO dark, unfortunately we were met with rain again the following weekend but this time there was beautiful light outside.  So off we went to the Williamstown waterfront and luckily there was a break in the rain, thank the weather gods! If you're interested in an Illy Photography portraiture session please view more examples of my work and request a price list.  You can always buzz me on 0407 802 640 for a chat as well.

smash the cake! portraiture session

My little man turned one recently so we celebrated with cake. And smashed it!!! Big brother had to get in on the action.. Bye bye cake! If you'd love to celebrate your little one's birthday with some portraits and cake then please hop on over to the Illy Photography website to book a smash the cake! portraiture session x