It’s the last couple of days of spring vacation. It’s been a crazy whirlwind week. Working on the feedback we received on the book, walking through Gouda testing the walk myself with a real tourist and in between all of this doing fun things with little V.

Today my heart is bursting with joy because a dear family friend is getting married and it’s our anniversary on Sunday.

Thinking of weddings brings me back to this image, the City Hall in Gouda, where countless people have pledged their love.

Wishing you all a LOVEly weekend!

Since Persephone asked me to join her on the book  the picture taking part was made into a family event. Wherever I went the herd came with me.  Our weekends were filled with walking around Gouda breathing in all the beauty. Having a 5 year old son, we had to figure out ways to make it interesting for him. After a while her figured out it was to his benefit tagging along with us. Gotta love the benefits of the job!

Yesterday, the February postcards of  news&tidbits went out  to my readers who signed up for it went out. I would like to thank you for signing up and sending me your kind words about receiving them. If you would like to start receiving  news & tidbits directly to your inbox from March, please sign up here.

After having a long chat with a dear friend over lunch yesterday afternoon, I headed home to take care of supper and the usual evening routine. A wonderful surprise awaited me at my doorstep. I saw the package, squealed and drove off to the Bee’s house to open the package. We both stood at her window since I was parked dubiously and opened the package. The book had arrived! I find it difficult to explain the rush I felt and continue to feel holding the book, and turning it’s pages. The book is ready for the proof readers and the walkers and once they are done with it, we will do some fine tuning. I cannot wait to share the finished book with all of you. Thank you once again for all the encouragement and support. We will keep you posted on the launch details. In the meanwhile don’t miss the action on our Facebook page.

Growing up, I remember pouring through our numerous family albums that my father loved to put together. Now that my father is no more, these visual memories are a treasure and has a special place in my heart.

Going through my archive of my own family images, I started seeing a pattern emerge.  I noticed that there were very few images with all three of us in them.

It is my off own doing; I am comfortable being behind the camera and would rather document what is happening in that moment then insert myself in the image.

After being inspired by Angelica’s post on self-family portraits  , I reflected and realised that since this time wasn’t going to come back, I better get moving, with or without weight issues.

Starting January, I have started a new project, which is taking  portraits of my own family every month.

This is us on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Nothing spectacular, just capturing a fleeting moment.

Don’t forget to sign up to this list for small surprises in the month of February too. I have received some really kind words from recipients who have enjoyed their January surprise.

"The Art"

My first love has always been travel photography. That’s why I was extremely delighted when Persephone Abbott (aka The Bee) asked me to collaborate with her on a book of Gouda.
As a photographer I’m constantly looking out for beautiful locations to have sessions in and that is how I’ve looked at Gouda, from a lifestyle photographer’s point of view. Truly, a gorgeous city.
Combined with Persephone’s impeccable research and her “outsider” view of an insider set me on a lovely journey exploring the city I have been living in for 12 years.
Places, sculptures, and gorgeous architecture I have passed by and never given a second thought to, have all of a sudden come alive.
I’m so excited to announce our book, a culmination of both our blogs, a guide-magazine on Gouda; The Bee’s Tour of Gouda, Buzzing Through Vinita’s Lens is scheduled to be out in March 2012!

We have a Facebook page  set up and have been sharing updates over there, so please hop on over and have a look.
A huge thank you first of all to Persephone for this wonderful opportunity and to all of you who have been extremely supportive and encouraging in this whole experience! I hope you enjoy the teeny tiny sneak of the images that will be published in the book!
p.s. Forgive me for I must share my suffering of the art I’ve been subjected to in this post! (just couldn’t resist!)

Having a little one running around here, I’m time and again subjected to Disney movies.
One of my all-time favourite is Finding Nemo. Apart from being called Dory by my nearest and dearest (yes I forget what they just said), I just love Dory’s character. Her words of wisdom strike a chord.
Yesterday, I sent out my first postcard to people who signed up for the list. It was a nerve wracking moment, wondering whether people would take to it or not. I went through the motions of all things that could go wrong. It was time to let go and press send.
That’s what Dory says:

I’m delighted to say I got some really nice reviews on it and will continue to send them every month. If you would like to receive News & Tidbits straight to your inbox please sign up here.

What would we do in life without them? Please meet V&E. They are my dear friends. V taught me to take the stairs whenever I can, she says if you make small changes and stick with them for 30 days they will eventually become a habit. V is a nutritionist and has a spiffy food blog with a twist. They have been together for 14 years which is reason enough for a session.
Super romantic E chose the location. This is where his parents were married here 45 years ago . . . I even had the pleasure of pouring through his parents vintage wedding album kept in immaculate condition. V&E were such troopers after this, I was wondering what would happen. Our perseverance paid off and we were rewarded with a very special unforgettable day together.

Please don’t forget to sign up on this list if you would like to receive news, tidbits and small surprises. My first letter to you will be delivered to you next week.

Living in The Netherlands, we spend a lot of time thinking and talking about the weather. As a lifestyle photographer who relies on natural light, I’m constantly wondering about the weather especially a day before a session.
In the middle of the stormy weather we have been having, I thought to myself, what if I just embraced the weather we are have having no matter what?

Don’t forget to sign up to the list to receive news and tidbits through out the year with a couple of surprises thrown in.

Along with this blog, throughout next year I will be sharing news, tidbits, and small surprises, to those who sign up to this list I look forward to interacting with you in your inbox. Please note that the small surprises are exclusive to the ones who sign up on this list.