12 Months | 12 Families ... 1 of 12

Meet the big-hearted, fun-loving, all-or-nothing Martin Family. Mama Peta is one of my oldest friends. Her family lived across the road from our family from when I was around two years old - or perhaps I was younger. In any case, she's been in my life forever. One of my earliest memories was going over to her place to play with her amazing collection of Barbies. Lots of well kept outfits and shoes for days - all matching pairs! I spent days and days of my school holidays with her, smuggled a puppy we named Puddles home with her, and cuddled two of her four babies at only days old (she's a wonderful mama). Like I said, a lifetime of memories.

For anyone who reads this who knows the Martins, will nod along in agreement here ... They're one of the most down to earth families around, they welcome you with open arms and would literally take their shirt off their own back for you. No questions asked. They're loyal to the end, they cherish those they keep extra close and fun always seems to find them - if not, they bring it with them.

The last time I photographed them, was Peta & Dean's wedding day. It was such a genuine honour to photograph almost all of them all these years later, though we missed Jesse on the day of our session. I only hope I did them justice, especially Peta - I want her to properly believe everyone who tells her how beautiful she looks in these photos. And especially Tiarna. Being a teenager is no joke, we're hard on ourselves and on others as we're dragged from childhood to an adult. I wish I had a beautiful photo of myself as a teenager, I hope that Tiarna sees her own beauty in these photographs.

Thank you for trusting me with photographing your family, my friends. I loved spending the afternoon with you all - proof that Facebook is not a good enough replacement for seeing someone in the flesh and having a well overdue natter at the car afterwards. So much love to you all xx

Pentax 645n | Acros 100

Nikon F4 | Fuji 400h