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Trash talk from your gal

What to Wear for Winter Family Photos in Melbourne (Without Freezing Halfway Through)

Not sure what to wear for winter family photos? This guide covers practical outfit advice for Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula families, from staying warm and comfortable to why matching outfits really aren't necessary. A few simple tips can help you feel relaxed, look like yourselves, and enjoy your session without overthinking the wardrobe.

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You Wanted Candid Photos… So Why Are You Trying To Run The Show?

A gentle reality check for the mums carrying the pressure of family photos. Why trying to manage every moment can make shoots harder than they need to be, how your energy affects the whole family, and why trusting the process (and your photographer) might be the best thing you can do.

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Gallery Deep Dives JESSIE GALAGHER Gallery Deep Dives JESSIE GALAGHER

Mud kitchens and a new baby brother

Big brother ran laps around the backyard like he had important business to attend to, we drew on the concrete, dug through Lego, and worked around the lovely chaos that comes with bringing a new baby home. Exactly the kind of session I love most - real life, a bit messy, and full of the small stuff that ends up meaning everything later.

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I’d Love Photos, But My House Isn’t ‘Nice Enough’

“I’d love photos… but my house isn’t nice enough.”

It’s one of the most common things I hear - and one of the biggest reasons families put this off.

This post is about why your home doesn’t need to be perfect (or even tidy), what in-home sessions actually look like, and why the photos you’re worried about taking are often the ones that matter most.

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Yet Another 3 Family-Friendly Photo Spots on the Mornington Peninsula

Yet another 3 family-friendly photo spots on the Mornington Peninsula - this time with epic ocean views, dramatic cliffs and one classic, easy-access beach that never fails. From windswept back beaches to pram-friendly sandy stretches, I’m sharing the practical details (because planning with kids is a sport) plus why each location works beautifully for relaxed, candid family photos.

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Got a Shy Kid? Cool. Let’s Not Make It a Thing. (+ Free Download!)

A calm, low-pressure look at photographing shy kids - and why “slow to warm up” isn’t something that needs fixing. A practical, no-drama approach to supporting quiet personalities during photo sessions, plus a free guide filled with gentle prompts to help kids join in on their own terms.

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WTF is the Difference Between Lifestyle and Documentary Photography…?

Wondering what actually separates lifestyle photography from documentary photography? Here’s the goss. This blog breaks down the difference in a way that actually makes sense - with examples, honest commentary, and why I’m leaning hard into the real, unposed, everyday stuff. If you’ve ever wondered which style fits your family best, this is the one to read.

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Truth Bombs JESSIE GALAGHER Truth Bombs JESSIE GALAGHER

Welcome to My Documentary Era (I’m Scared, It’s Fine)

I’m entering my Documentary Era and honestly? I’m scared, excited, and maybe having a mild identity crisis about it. But it’s time. 2026 is the year I chase honest photos, big feelings, and all the beautifully chaotic real-life moments. Curious what’s going on in my brain? Click through and have a stickybeak.

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Another 3 family friendly photography spots on the Mornington Peninsula

Coming at you with another 3 fabulous, family friendly spots to check out on the Mornington Peninsula - they are so worth the visit and have the added bonus of being absolutely EPIC locations for your next family photoshoot. I’m sticking with the theme of the last blog and giving you another 3 incredible beach locations to visit any time of year…cos beaches work ALL YEAR ROUND. You’ll see I’ve included as much info as I can to help you plan your trip and get those awe-inspiring pics…mostly because I know as an anxious mum that’s what I appreciate the most when making plans!

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Truth Bombs JESSIE GALAGHER Truth Bombs JESSIE GALAGHER

10 years, And Still a Hot Mess (but with great lighting)

Sitting down to write this still feels surreal - ten whole years since I nervously claimed an Instagram handle and charged fifty bucks for a full shoot (bless 2015 me, truly). What started as a way to capture moments for families like mine - ones who didn’t fit the “picture perfect” mould - somehow grew into this beautiful, chaotic, soul-filling biz. I never planned it. And now? I get to show up for families, embrace the mess, and capture the kind of magic that doesn’t need posing. The kind that’s real. And the kind that actually matters most in life.

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