stellamonde

Photographed by Stuart Michael Photography

What child doesn’t love playing at the beach? Have a look at our favourites from this recent campaign we shot for Yayme!

Photographed by Stuart Michael

The divine Miss Bailey in Tutu Du Monde

Look 1: Tee: Sudo   Shorts: Rock Your Baby

Look 2: Tee: Alphabet Soup  Shorts: Paper Wings

Look 1: Alphabet Soup 

Look 2: Dress: Incy Wincy, Leggings: Minti and Gumboots Frankie & Lola

Look 1: Tee and shorts: Little Wings, Cardi: Fresh Baked and Kiddimoto Kurve Bike

Look 2: Dress: Incy Wincy holding Aden + Anais muslin mate (toy)

Dress Rock Your Baby

Look 1: Dress Chalk & Cheese and headband Rock Your Baby

Look 2: Tee Missie Munster and shorts Paper Wings 

Look 1: Dress Alex & Ant

Look 2: Dress Coco & Ginger

Look 1: Dress Rock Your Baby

Look 2: Dress Rock Your Baby

Instore now at Treehouse Republic (treehouserepublic.com.au)

I'm sure by now, you know how I feel about Melbourne organic label Samson & Delilah.

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to preview their Summer range, this dress sang a love song to me that I will never forget. It was playful, delicate, timeless and sweet. 

This was also the very first shoot we did, for what I now affectionately refer to as stella. The blending of all my loves - photography, children's fashion and the little people who bring the images to life. 

Love love love the colour Grey!

And with today's weather what could be better than jumping on the bed, enjoying yummy treats like popcorn and lollipops and sharing secrets with your friends?

Children are wearing the summer range from Samson & Delilah Organic available at selected boutiques at the end of August.

Last Friday I was lucky enough to visit Kids Instyle at the Royal Exhibition Building. 

It was a vast array of visual deliciousness for retail buyers and lovers of all things children. 

Stuart came along and snapped these images whilst I ran around like a kid in a candy shop.

My absolute favourite item is this blue 'Peter Pan' dress from Rock Your Baby. Their stand was buzzing with colour, style and awesomeness - exactly what one would expect from RYB.

Milk & Soda have got a new range coming out that every kiddie on the block is going to want a piece of. How gorgeous are these little  leopard shoes? Definitely on my must have list. Along with, of course, more sparkly crowns! 

Some seriously cute and well dressed kids coming to see us! 

Thank you to everyone who entered our Model Competition. Every entrant was special and we wish we could have chosen you all.  Congratulations to our winners :  

MOST VOTES WINNER:

You have won an amazing photo shoot experience with the stellamonde team including: styling and a disc of your best images, your own feature on our blog and an accessory prize pack. 

  JUDGES CHOICE WINNER

You have won an amazing photo shoot experience with the stellamonde team including: styling and a disc of your best images, your own feature on our blog and a 1 year modelling contract.

RUNNER UP

You have won a $50 Hootkid Voucher.

Thank you to everyone who voted during the competition.

We were so thrilled to be given the go-ahead for this post! 

For those of you who aren’t familiar, Cradle Rock is your one stop trendsetter’s shop! The owner Julie knows her stuff – and not just that, she loves it. Cradle Rock stocks the ‘who’s who’ of children’s wear (Kidfolk, Munster, Paper Wings, Minti, Sudo, Oobi, Rock Your Baby and Little Horn just to name a few), shoes, accessories and even gifts. Julie styled our two models in these looks, which suit both of their personalities and can I just say, Cooper you are seriously the coolest of dudes and a great model too!

Oh, this face could melt a thousand hearts! In these shots this cherub reminds me of a young "Michelle" from the 90's hit sitcom Full House.  We loved meeting her and look forward to seeing her again as she grows.

We were super excited to preview the debut collection of Frankie Bird. A new label showcasing timeless designs, allowing you to reminisce your own childhood, whilst providing practicality and adding a sweet taste to the childrenswear market.

Monde was super stoked to score a part in this campaign. Her highlights were having her favourite K-POP songs played via the speakers and muffins at lunch from the catering team!

Cardigan - The Kidstore Tunic - The Kidstore Boots - Cotton On Kids

Jumper - Bardot Jnr Scarf - Decuba Jeans - Osh Kosh Boots - Cotton On Kids Cardigan - Cotton On Kids Jumper - Target Jeans - Target

Duffle coat - Cotton On Kids Scarf - Cotton On Kids Grey top - The Kidstore Pants - The Kidstore

  Beanie - Cotton On Kids

Boy Jumper - Target Pants - Models own

  Cardigan - The Kidstore Shirt - The Kidstore

Can you tell that two of the kids in this shoot didn't have any prior modelling experience? I certainly can't!

Absolutely loved watching magic unfold, and to see the face of one very proud mummy. Well done to all of the kids involved and we know we will be seeing you again soon. Models supplied by Ikonic Kids

How to select the right photo of your child

Agencies, casting houses and clothing labels are using social media more than ever. More importantly, they are using it to source talent.

So whether you are entering a competition on facebook, responding to a casting call or considering signing your child with a model agency, there are some simple principals you should follow when submitting a photo of your child.  These ‘happy snaps’ are often different to what may be your personal favourite photo. Here are a few things to remember when you are selecting these photos.

Keep it current – Make sure the photo is as recent as possible to showcase what the child looks like right now and how they would look, if invited to an interview.

Real – Don’t send in photos:

·      From dancing concerts or beauty pageants, with heavy makeup and hair styling. 

·      With face paint covering their face.

·      That are obviously airbrushed.

·      With a hairstyle that the child doesn’t usually have, i.e. straightened, braided or with a previous haircut.

·      Photos with food on their face, or images from a “Cake Smash”.     Keep accessories to a bare minimum- I would even suggest none. You would not believe how distracting a pair of earrings can be on a young child when you have just seen 50 children without them. 

Age appropriate – Don’t age your child.  Babies should look like babies and not like mini grownups.

Blank canvas – Find a well lit, light coloured background around your house. It could be a wall, the curtains or you could put up a sheet. Just as long as your child is the feature of the photo and not your awesome wallpaper!

Start snapping - Take a photo of your child up-close, but not too close. A photo from your smartphone is fine if you don’t have a fancy camera.  Looking into the lens or as close to is best. Ensuring the whole face including the child’s hair is visible. Head shape is particularly important with babies. Refrain from adding headbands, giant bows or hats that cover half of their face. Do whatever you can to make them laugh. It is during the giggle spree that you will collect some photo gold.Take a full length shot too, for these tighter fitting clothes are best.