A backyard family film with two babies on the way, with Sydney Photographer Courtney Holmes

This is the third film I’ve made for this family, and their life is just more and more beautiful each time I go there. The mango tree in the middle of the garden feels like an anchor of support for the kids to play under, for them to climb and the family to eat from. The garden has always been a source of pride for them, but this was filmed last January in the middle of our bushfire season when the fires were spreading and rain was scarce.

My favourite parts of this film were the spray bottle on the trampoline, the gentle way Sarah would hold her children and play with their hair. The airplane rides on their Daddy’s feet (who also happens to be a pilot which makes this game extra special in my eyes). The tree swing and the game Daddy would play, playfully telling them to go away as they came back to him. Seeing Mum heavily pregnant with twins, and still carrying her youngest in her arms, providing patience and support even though she’s probably tired and exhausted. Sarah and Nick are inspirational parents to be around and I’m truly honoured each time I go to their house.

Side note - we also filmed BTS of me creating this film from shooting it through to editing it every step of the way, and it’s available now over at FilmingLife®. If you’d like to learn how to make family films, or you already make family films and you want to get better.... this is the place for you. I hope you’ll join us!