Whatever Happened to Anne Geddes' Flower Pot Babies?

Remember those adorable infants dressed in animal outfits, draped in floral headwear and placed in pots? Anne Geddes, the Australian photographer behind those iconic images of the 90s has made it her mission to find out.

You won’t believe just how much these chubby-cheeked cherubs have grown!

BABY, LOOK AT YOU NOW! Look what cute little yellow chicks turn in to! 22 years ago when I was shooting for my first book “Down in the Garden”, sweet little Brittany came to the studio with a yellow pacifier firmly in place, and she had that look on her face as if to say “remove it at your peril” ? So I just went with the flow, thinking what a stroke of luck that it was the perfect color! She was just learning to sit so we propped her up underneath with a soft foam pad. Here’s Brittany today a beautiful bride at her March 2016 wedding. She works in aged care, assisting the elderly in their own homes on the Gold Coast, Australia. Congratulations Brittany – you look gorgeous ? I have some wedding news as well – my own daughter Stephanie is getting married this weekend too so I’ll be mother of the bride for the 2nd time! Over the year I’ll be regularly posting updates on where my earlier babies are today, so if you were one of those babies and you’d like to take part I’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Send a recent photo of yourself and tell me a little about what you’re doing today. Brittany’s wedding photo by @kissthegroomphotography XOAnne #protectnurturelove #annegeddesbaby #babylookatyounow #downinthegarden
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Jan 19, 2017 at 6:35am PST

Geddes’ calendars, books, puzzles and photo shoots set the benchmark for adorable newborn photography. I’m sure we all can admit to having an Anne Geddes poster hanging in our bedrooms at one stage or another.

But whatever happened to those babies?

They grew up (naturally).

Ok I remember the day we shot this image way back in 1995 – the studio was overflowing with beautiful peonies and the image became known as the “Peony Angel”. I especially loved Danielle’s little plump tummy and the way she thought a peony petal to be especially tasty ! 21 years on and BABY, LOOK AT YOU NOW! Danielle is currently in her last semester studying at the University of Auckland doing a Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in Population Health. She’s passionate about traveling and helping people, and wants to pursue a career in the health sector, striving to improve the health of individuals, groups and populations. So obviously my little peony angel is going to make a difference in our world … I’m very proud of you Danielle ?. Each week in this ongoing series I’ll be posting one of my early images, with news of what the babies are doing today, so if you were one of those babies and you’d like to take part, email me at [email protected] Attach a recent photo of yourself and tell me a little about what you’re up to today XOAnne #babylookatyounow #protectnurturelove #annegeddesbaby
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Sep 15, 2016 at 6:18am PDT

My, Have You Grown!

The Australian photographer has taken on a truly unique project as she aims to track down her models from the past.

Every week she shares the before and after shots of her flower pot babies on her Instagram page, complete with a brief blurb about the photo shoot and what the model is up to now.

Take a trip down memory lane with this extremely unique and incredibly special photo series, titled Baby Look At You Now.

BABY, LOOK AT YOU NOW! Remember this sweet little pansy baby from my first book “Down in the Garden”? Well here’s Gracie today – 22 years old, with a passion for the arts. For the past 7 years she has performed on “The Revolution Tour” based out of her church in New Zealand. For 2 weeks each year they visit and perform at schools throughout the country with an anti bullying campaign and a goal to spread hope to victims. From Gracie … “It’s such a privilege to have been given an opportunity to influence and give hope to so many young people. To build relationships with them year after year and see how they’ve grown is so special, and so inspiring! I’m passionate about my generation and the generation to come, and love to do every little bit I can – especially when it’s so much fun!” Well done to you Gracie! I share your passion! And if you were one of the babies in my early images I’d love to hear from you as well – send a recent photo and tell me your story at [email protected] XOAnne #protectnurturelove #annegeddesbaby #babylookatyounow
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Feb 3, 2017 at 5:55am PST

Have a look at the lovely Gracie, who starred as a sweet little pansy from Geddes’ first book 22 years ago!

Wow! Happy 23rd birthday to beautiful Maneesha, who I photographed in 1993 in a NICU Unit in Auckland, New Zealand. At the time of the shoot Maneesha weighed 2.2lb (just under 1kg) – she was born at 28 weeks gestation (weighing 680g/a little under 1.5lb). Maneesha you should be so proud of everything you’ve achieved and know that you’ve been such a symbol of inspiration and hope to so many families of preterm babies ? OK I need to say it! You’ve come a long way baby! With much love XOAnne & Kel #protectnurturelove #annegeddesbaby #marchofdimes #nicu
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Nov 2, 2016 at 2:00pm PDT

Maneesha’s story is certainly inspiring, especially for parents with premature infants. Maneesha was photographed in 1993, in the NICU in Auckland. Born at 28 weeks gestation and weighing just 680 grams, Maneesha is now 23 years old and a stunner!

BABY, LOOK AT YOU NOW! On the left is Christopher at 7 months back in 1995 … and look at him today, 22 years old and at University studying Law, Information Systems & Marketing. I remember at the shoot there were 5 babies and Christopher was the only boy. The girls were more or less happy to pose in the vase but Christopher was simply rocking that hat! Every week in this ongoing series I’ll be posting one of my early images with news of what the babies are doing today – so if you were one of those babies and you’d like to take part, email me at [email protected] Attach a recent photo of yourself and tell me what you’ve been up to! XOAnne #protectnurturelove #annegeddesbaby #babies #babylookatyounow
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Oct 13, 2016 at 5:35am PDT

Little Christopher probably doesn’t remember the day he was dressed in a hat made of flowers and placed in a vase of silver balls. But Anne certainly does! 22 years later, Christopher has certainly blossomed!

BABY, LOOK AT YOU NOW! Well good grief – my little “Wet Sparrow” has well and truly flown the nest (or the bird bath to be more precise!) I’m sure many of you remember my first coffee table book “Down in the Garden” (around here we just call it DIG) in which this image of little Tyla featured. I remember the day of this shoot very clearly – how cute the chubby little 6 month old looked in her gorgeous costume. 22 years later and here’s Tyla today – and I was thrilled to hear what she’s been up to … plenty it seems! In Tyla’s words “I have recently been named in the first ever Rugby Sevens Team to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games in Rio – something that I am extremely honored and privileged to be a part of. Not only do I get to compete on the world’s greatest sporting stage, but I get to do so representing myself, my family and my country”. Go Tyla!!!! I can’t wait for the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games to begin because I’ve met so many incredible athletes from around the world over the past few years and I’m ready to cheer them on! Every week in this ongoing series I’ll be posting one of my early iconic images, with news of what the babies are doing today. So if you were one of those babies and you’d like to take part – I’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Send a favorite recent photo of yourself and tell me a little about what you’re up to today XOAnne #babylookatyounow #protectnurturelove #babies #peace
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Jul 27, 2016 at 2:27pm PDT

You might recognise Anne Geddes’ ‘wet sparrow’, also known as Tyla, who recently competed in the 2016 Olympics Games for the New Zealand Rugby Sevens.

1994 was a very good year! And tiny twins Brooke and Starcia were 8 months old when I photographed them in a Slipper Orchid for “Down in the Garden”. I remember them at the shoot because they had the cutest eyebrows for little babies and totally identical expressions. Hmmm … BABIES, LOOK AT YOU NOW! The girls are now known as @theoneilltwins and work in the entertainment industry – they love love love singing, dancing and acting. They’re recording artists who have danced for Jennifer Lopez, opened for Ciara, opened and danced for Stan Walker (am I getting old? Who are some of these people?), featured in New Zealand’s 1st ever dance film “Born to Dance”, signed with Sony Music NZ and have danced for The Royal Family, Request Dance Crew! I think I want to lay claim to sowing the creative seed for these two 22 years ago! Well done to you girls – I love the videos on your website too! Each week in this ongoing series I’ll be posting one of my early iconic images, with pics and news of what the babies are doing today. So if you were one of those babies and you’d like to take part, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Send a recent photo and tell me a little about what you’ve been up to XOAnne #protectnurturelove #babylookatyounow #annegeddesbaby #beautifulbabies
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Sep 22, 2016 at 5:04am PDT

Twins Brooke and Starcia stepped out of their slipper orchid and into the spotlight. 22 years after being photographed, the girls are now regulars in the entertainment and music industry, dancing for Jennifer Lopez and Ciara to name a few.

BABIES, LOOK AT YOU NOW! Way back in 1994 I photographed Alesha, Chantelle and Kailee, tiny identical triplets, each sitting in a green bucket. I called the image “Pool Party”. A lot of people probably thought I’d photographed the same baby 3 times! And I couldn’t blame them for thinking that because they also had pretty much identical expressions. Even their mother said sometimes she had trouble telling them apart. They were so sweet sitting there and looking around at each other. Hmmm … they wouldn’t fit in a bucket now that’s for sure! Here are the girls today – beautiful 22 year olds! And I notice they all still have those similar expressions ???. They have all just completed Commerce degrees at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand (with differing majors – Marketing, HR and Management) and have headed off to Florida to work at Walt Disney World on a Cultural Exchange. Good for you girls and I hope you’re loving your summer experience! Every week in this ongoing series I’ll be posting one of my early iconic images, with news of what the babies are doing today. So if you were one of those babies and you’d like to take part – I’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Send a favorite recent photo of yourself and tell me a little about what you’re up to today. XOAnne #protectnurturelove #babylookatyounow #babies #peace
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Jul 21, 2016 at 5:13am PDT

Triplets, Alesha, Chantelle and Kailee popped out of their pots and into the world of education. All three have degrees in commerce and still look strikingly similar!

BABY, LOOK AT YOU NOW! Hi everyone – I don’t know about you, but this week has flown by and now it’s my favorite day of the week again, when we revisit one of my earlier iconic images and show you the babies all grown up! And look who’s featured this week … one of my early flower pot babies, Emma, and she has a little daughter of her own who we think looks exactly like Emma did 21 years ago! Here’s Emma’s message to me … “Hi Anne, I was one of your flower pot babies from “Down in the Garden” and I thought I’d let you know what I’m up to. I’m 21 years old and a very proud mother to my 15 month old daughter Aaliyah, who is trying to help me type this message. I remember that when Aaliyah was a week old, I looked you up to see if it would be possible for you to photograph her! Who knows, maybe one day we will get that opportunity! I currently live in Hamilton (New Zealand) with my partner, daughter and my partner’s parents. My life at the moment is pretty full on as I’m studying for a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at The University of Waikato and working part time as a swimming instructor. My grandparents still buy the Anne Geddes calendars that have my strawberry pot image in them. Over the years they’ve collected strawberry pot puzzles and cards too. I hope you enjoy the photos of Aaliyah and I, kind regards, Emma”. Wow – how gorgeous that one of my early babies now has a baby herself! Well done Emma, Aaliyah is too cute! Love to you both, and best of luck with your studies. Every week in this ongoing series, I’ll be posting one of my early iconic images, with news of what the babies are doing today. So if you were one of those babies and you’d like to take part – I’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Send a recent photo of yourself and tell me a little about what you’re up to today. XOAnne #protectnurturelove #babies #babylookatyounow #annegeddes #annegeddesbaby
A photo posted by Anne Geddes (@annegeddesofficial) on Aug 18, 2016 at 5:23am PDT

One of Anne’s flower pot babies even has a baby of her own. Strawberry sweetheart Emma is now a proud mum to her own daughter, just 21 years after the photo was taken.

How old do we feel now?

These are only a few of the images featured in the series. Have a look at Anne’s Instagram for the full series.

She aims to post another flashback photo every week or two. And, in case you miss the classic Anne Geddes, she is still busy photographing infants in animal and flower attire and working on a number of different photography projects, including her 2017 Signs of the Zodiac calendar.

For more cuteness check out Photographers Capture Precious Things We Mums Do Every Day.