Cure Rett | Edinburgh Newborn & Portrait Photographer

I'm going to be honest, I hadn't heard of Rett Syndrome until I started reading Elizabeth Halford's blog a few years ago.

Her gorgeous daughter Gracie was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at only 13 months old.

Rett Syndrome is caused by a random genetic mutation on the x-chromosome that can occur in any boy or girl. It becomes apparent between the age of 6 months and 2 years. Boys usually die within their first year. Girls go through a period of regression where they lose the ability to walk, speak, use their hands, and often to eat properly. Seizures can develop as well as breathing problems, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), gut failure and even premature sudden death.  

{Image: Gracie May Photography}

Elizabeth and Kori are hosting Picture the Hope Photography Tour with Gracie May Photography and Cure Rett. They are touring the UK to provide photo shoots to girls with Rett Syndrome free of charge.  Families receive a free session for their girls who may never be photographed otherwise.  They also receive a pack of awareness cards to foster understanding about their girl and Rett Syndrome and an infographic telling their daughter's story to the world.

I was super excited when Elizabeth asked if I would host the Edinburgh portion of the tour.  Not only did I get to spend the day with 2 fantastic ladies, but I got to meet some amazing new families and learn more about Rett too.  

I thought I'd share some 'behind the scenes' images I shot through out the day so you could see what we got up too.

{Image: Gracie May Photography}

Ruby was there too of course!  She loved meeting all the other families too. 

"Girls and women with Rett are known for their fantastic ability to eye point to the things they want. Vikki simply wouldn't look at me and to the untrained eye, may seem to have just been disconnected or -ya know- not there. I could tell that Vikki was eyeballing a bottle of whisky which was left in the studio so when I picked it up, she held her gaze and I got the shot I was after. Never underestimate a teenager with Rett syndrome. Vikki was every bit as cheeky as any other 13 year old may be about a bottle of booze." - Elizabeth Halford

Ruby hard at work...

Thank you to everyone who helped out with a wonderful weekend! A special thanks to Robbie Smith who allowed us to use the studio too.  It was so lovely to be part of such a good cause.  I loved meeting you all and I hope to see you all again in the future! 

{Image: Gracie May Photography}

To find out more about Rett Syndrome click here: Cure Rett
If you would like to make a donation, or purchase some gorgeous Cure Rett goodies then you can pop to the gift shop here: Gift Shop.



Zoe xo

Potty Training | Personal Post

Don't worry, you've come to the right blog!  

I've had a lot of emails over the last few months for more personal posts.  I think you guys will regret that one.

So here we go...

Potty training.  Need I say more?

I have been dreading. this. day. 

But, there was no need for 'training' after all!  She seems to have taken like a duck to water. 

I think she just likes the peace and quiet to read her favourite books!

It's January already.... | Edinburgh Portrait Photographer

January is always a little slow for everyone.  If I am honest, its one of my favourite months.

Everyone is unwinding from christmas.  Everyone has spent quality time with their family and the best part?  Some time off with a cup of tea (in my brand new anthro mug) and a book.

{pinterest}

Like I say every year, I promise to be a better blogger this year.  I plan to spend more time with my family.  I plan to take more 'me' time.  I plan to drink more tea.  I plan to be more organised (one can wish) and I plan to share a lot more this year. 

I'm also taking part in the Project Life 365!  

Feel free to follow me on instagram @lovingthelittlethings

Happy New Year!!

Welcome to 2013 | Edinburgh Newborn Photographer

Happy New Year! 

This post was actually scheduled for yesterday.  The first day I had sat to sit and work and poor little Ruby ended up visiting the hospital.  Thankfully she is ok and is back home, all cosy and safe.

I took a longer break than normal over christmas this year.  I wanted to spend some quality time with my family.  I want to spend as much time with Ruby as I can before she pops off to nursery.  

She's such a beautiful little soul.  

I rested my camera over christmas and only took a select few on christmas morning. 

My husband turns into the biggest kid and was up at 6:30am on christmas morning.  He was so excited and was desperate to wake the whole house!

My birthday is always special.  It falls on New Years Day.  it's not the greatest day for a birthday.  Not many people remember.  But I get to spend it with my little family, and it feels like the fireworks and fuss is always just for me. 

Every year we make my cake (daddy forget the shops are closed EVERY year).

This year Ruby done a lot of the mixing.  Most of it ended up on the floor. 

And no birthday is complete without a trip to feed the ducks! 

Hope you all have a wonderful 2013!!  

Can't wait to meet you all!

Happy Birthday!!

Two years ago I made the huge leap of leaving my full time employment to follow my dreams.  

I feel blessed to have worked with so many amazing clients, companies and small businesses over the last 2 years and I wanted to say thank you for the huge amount of support!

Not only have I got to meet some fantastic people, I've been able to see tiny little babies grow into the most beautiful children.  

Every single day I get to do what I love.  Every single day I get to see my little girl grow up that little bit more & every day I get to meet someone new and leave them with memories that will last their lifetime.

So, as a thank you I am offering a lovely little freebie with Cake Smashes!! 

Book your First Birthday Cake Smash (with deposit) between now and Sunday and you will receive a lovely gift set of 10 - 7x5" prints from your session and a little birthday surprise! 

To book your cake smash email info@zoestewartphoto.com

or visit the website for more details! 

Where have you been? | Edinburgh Portrait Photographer

It's been a long time.  Where have you been?

I've been BUSY!

Spending time with my family, friends and of course my wonderful clients.

I originally typed this up for my other blog but I felt it fitted in perfectly here too as a little update.

I have been getting emails and tweets asking where my blog has gone and why I haven't been posting.  To be honest, life got in the way.  I wasn't spending nearly as much time with Ruby as I wanted and I was always working til the wee hours trying to finish to make sure I could spend the days with her.

My little girl is growing into a beautiful little person.  Complete with sentences and a little bit of attitude.

Her curls are more beautiful than ever and she loves having her nails painted a pretty shade of pink.

It's safe to say, Ruby is no longer a baby.  I am all happy and sad, all at the same time.

look at how she's grown!  Those curls came from now where too!

It's been a busy old time at 'work' too.

I'm blessed with the job I do..  It's not even a job, I feel like I spend my oohing and aahing and getting the best baby cuddles. 

I get SO many newborns coming to see me, cuddles, those little toes and not to mention the smiles.  

Yep..  I love a newborn smile!!

Aren't these just perfect?!

There's also been a spot of charity work.  I was part of a sport relief event that mummies got sponsors to get their tummies painted.

Ruby also ran a mile, and raised a lovely £466.50!

We are so proud of her, and she walked the entire mile herself too....

I've had the honour of attending some of the most beautiful weddings, with more to come in June.

And not to mention newborn season!

Newborns have been flooding in of late, must be something in the water ;)

Not only have I met a lot of brand new families, some gorgeous little ones have been coming to visit with brand new brothers or sisters too!!

And all those newborns from last year are in celebrating with first birthday cake smashes!

I have loved watching all the little ones grow into gorgeous little people.

So, the last few months, I can say have been hectic but have been SO much fun!!  I wish I could share ALL the images with you but there are so many!  I will save them for another post :)

Amongst all the excitement I opened my very own studio too!

I cant wait until it's finished so I can share images with you guys!

So far 2012 has been totally amazing and it's only going to get better!

Zoe xo