Blog
Trash talk from your gal
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.
Backyard Chaos and a Very Good Dog
A sunlit backyard session celebrating a much-loved family dog, captured exactly as life unfolds - noisy, affectionate and completely real.
Fun Fact: You Don’t Need to Be “Interesting” for Documentary Photography
If you’ve ever looked at your own life and thought “yeah but… we’re not that interesting,” this one’s for you. A gentle reality check on what documentary photography is really looking for.
A sun-drenched gallery filled with Indigenous Art
A quiet, sun-filled branding session inside Sorrento Contemporary Gallery on the Mornington Peninsula, capturing the space, the light, and the calm presence of Indigenous art.
Why Documentary Photography Just Makes Sense for Neurodivergent Families
A gentle look - speaking from experience - at why documentary photography can be a calmer, more accessible option for neurodivergent families, with less pressure, less performance, and more room to just be yourselves.
Drizzly mornings and a new addition
A cosy, real-life newborn and family session spent dodging rain, reading books, playing with toys, and letting a new baby quietly slot into the everyday rhythm of family life.
What Actually Happens During a Documentary Family Session
Curious about documentary family photography but not quite sure what actually happens? This blog walks you through the reality of a documentary session - what it feels like, why it can feel a bit confronting at first, and why letting go of performance can be quietly powerful.
Is Family Documentary Photography Actually Your Thing?
Lifestyle photos feel safe. Documentary photos feel true.
This blog explores the difference - and how to know which one actually suits your family.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Salty Air and Sweet Expectations
There’s just something about a sunset, a bump, and a bloody gorgeous beach that makes magic happen, don’t you think? This golden hour maternity photoshoot on the Mornington Peninsula brought all the vibes. Think salty air, happy kids and one seriously radiant mama-to-be totally enjoying this moment before her family grew again. We played, we laughed and she even braved the cool water for the final hero shot of the session - I flippin love shoots like this. Give me happy parents, squealing kids, sandy toes and an epic beach any day.
Gentle Prompts for Neurodivergent Kids in Photo Sessions (+ Free Download!)
Neurodivergent kids experience the world differently - and that matters during photo sessions. In this blog, I share how to create inclusive, sensory-aware photography experiences that feel safe and joyful for every child. Plus, grab a free download of prompts that actually work with neurodivergent kiddos - perfect for parents and photographers alike.
Branding Deep Dives - Catherine Brown Acupuncture
Such a joy working with Catherine on the Mornington Peninsula - she’s all about calm energy, real connection, and helping women feel their best. Her brand shoot was warm, simple and totally her.
Welcome Earthside, little one.
Coming into this gorgeous new family's newborn bubble was just so DREAMY. Records were playing, bub was feeding and their fur baby watched over peacefully as we went about celebrating the arrival of their first bub. Filled with love and laughter, we moved around the space easily while she happily enjoyed the snuggles and play time with mum and dad. I left the shoot feeling such a lovely sense of peace and happiness, knowing that this little gal had nailed her first photoshoot and this huge moment had been frozen in time through my lens.
I love and hate photography
Photography is one of my passions. Its also a puzzle. And honestly? A bit of a pain.
Here are 5 things I love aaaaand 5 things I hate about this choatic, funny, beautiful career.
Branding deep dives - Lottie V Nutrition
Mornington Peninsula Branding Photography
After some chats before the shoot, and some fab Pinterest board inspo we were going for a minimal clean wholesome look - and a plan to capture content for all facets of her biz. Website, socials, branding - we were walking out with it all covered.
Pesky anxieties that stop you getting photos
I mean…no wonder we hesitate to book and try and ease our feelings in the moment with jokes and photoshop requests. You’d have to be the most secure person on the planet to calmly walk into a shoot, full of confidence, no negative inner chatter and see the results with no critiques. I don’t know about you - but that seems bloody unrealistic.
Never fear though - I would never leave you hanging after exposing all of your fears! There are some small, gentle ways to ease the anxiety the best we can.
Bubble machines and Autumn light
This shoot though - this one was an autumn afternoon filled with waning light, incredible gardens and a family that fully embraced the chaotic, relaxed candid style I love. I walked out of this shoot on a cloud and couldn’t wait to edit the magic moments and share it with them all.