The Dreamers - Banabae x Emma Wand - With Photographer Sophie Blair

14 days ago

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Written by

The Dreamers - Banabae x Emma Wand - With Photographer Sophie Blair

14 days ago

·

Written by

Welcome to the new Dreamers series, created in collaboration with Emma Wand Photography—where we celebrate the beauty, chaos, and magic of real family life. This month, meet Sophie Blair: talented photographer, mum of three, and creative soul from Balgownie, NSW. Just in time for Mother’s Day, Sophie shares her reflections on motherhood, creativity, and the golden moments in between.

Hey Sophie! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your family?

I’m Sophie—wife to Shaun and mum to Daisy (6), Dusty (4), and our newest little love, Valley Rue (7 weeks).

You’ve just welcomed a new little soul into your family. How has this chapter shifted your rhythm as a mother, partner, and creative?

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how smoothly we’ve adjusted to Valley’s arrival. I’ve learned to let go of routines and embrace the beautiful chaos that comes with having three kids. Shaun and I have found a great rhythm in sharing the load, which has given me the space to scratch my creative itch and slowly ease back into shooting again.

Your photography has such a nostalgic softness. Do you think motherhood has influenced how you see the world through the lens?

Absolutely—100%! I don’t think photography would’ve been on my radar if I hadn’t become a mum. Motherhood made me realise how fleeting childhood is and how important it is to document these little moments. I always aim to create a fun, relaxed energy at shoots so I can capture those real, heartfelt connections between families.

Sophie Blairs photography. @happydaisephotography

What does a ‘happy day’ look like in your home? What small, sacred moments bring you joy?

We’ve noticed that the happiest days are when we’re fully present with our kids—phones away, no distractions. Lately, we’ve been focused on creating those core memories. Our cheap little Amazon projector has been a hit! We set it up in different spots around the house or yard, and the kids absolutely love it. Watching their pure joy over something so simple is what fills my heart the most.

How does your local environment and community shape the way you raise your children?

More than anything, we want to raise empathetic kids—ones who stand up for others, especially the underdog. We also encourage them to lean into their fears, knowing that growth often lives on the other side of discomfort. Recently, Daise overcame a big fear and let us take the training wheels off her bike. Seeing her ride solo, beaming with pride, was a moment I’ll hold onto forever.

How has growing your family changed your relationship with yourself? Has motherhood expanded or redefined your identity in unexpected ways?

Running our own businesses means teamwork is everything—for both our careers and our family life. Shaun is an incredibly hands-on dad, always willing to take the kids out so I can have some quiet time or get stuck into editing. Motherhood has definitely deepened my sense of self. It’s shown me strength and softness I didn’t know I had.

You’re raising three little dreamers—what values or philosophies do you hope to pass on to them?

It might sound cliché, but motherhood has taught me how quickly time slips away. I want our kids to grow up knowing that every day together is a gift, and to live with gratitude and presence.

As both a mother and a creative business owner, how do you balance the chaos and the calm? Do you find time for yourself?

This season of life is wild and wonderful. What’s helped me is learning to surrender—to embrace the mess and noise instead of resisting it. One day, these challenges will be a distant memory, and what will remain are the little moments we allowed ourselves to slow down and savour.

Describe your perfect Mother’s Day.

A perfect Mother’s Day starts with all five of us snuggled in bed, a hot coffee in my hand, and lots of giggles. A slow day by the beach or hanging out in Mum and Dad’s big backyard is my idea of bliss. And yes, I’ll be playing the “Mother’s Day” card to skip out on chores—haha!

And finally—what are your favourite Banabae pieces?

So hard to choose! But you can never go wrong with a Banabae cap. When I found out Dusty was a boy, it was one of the first things I bought. All of my babies have been bundled in Banabae wraps since day one. I still remember being so excited to use one for Daisy’s birth announcement. Muslin wraps are also my go-to baby shower gift—practical and beautiful!

Shop Sophie's family favourites: