Imagine - you’ve just had your second or third (or fourth!) babe, and you’re thinking about photographs. Fact is, if there’s anything your bigger kids have taught you in their young lives, it’s that time freaking FLIES. I mean, in those fist couple years they grow and change basically bi-weekly, so yeah - making photographs is important. Except. You’ve just brought a brand new bundle of cuteness home, and the kids who already share your address maybe have some feelings. Like, LOTS of feelings.

‘Last night while preparing dinner, I phoned my sister. It was the typical type of conversation - she filling me in on the shenanigans of my nephew and niece, and what's been going on at work, and the pretty new lemon tree she got for her birthday. Then me laughing with her about the dog, and the silly thing my son did earlier that day, and describing in all too unnecessary detail the floral chair I'm hoping to find for the corner of my room. I ended the call smiling, and fell promptly and deeply into a thought that left me breathless.’

In this piece Geelong photographer Michelle McKay reflects on sisterhood, and how worthy that connection is of artfully documenting.

‘If I’d kept track of the times an expectant mama has reached out to me to enquire about an in-home newborn story session where the conversation went a little something like “we REALLY want photographs when the new baby arrives, but our toddler, bless him, well he’s a serious DARLING, but let me explain…”’

In this piece, Geelong in-home newborn photographer Michelle McKay speaks to the benefits of in-home sessions when you’re bringing baby home to a spectacular and spirited older sibling.

“You’re busy growing a baby and you’re getting excited about those first week photos. But the big decision is looming - it’s time to decide whether to invite a photographer to come to your home once your little one arrives.”

In this piece, Geelong newborn photographer Michelle McKay answers all the questions you never knew you had about in-home newborn photography, including the big one - is in-home photography for everyone..?

‘If you're wondering today if you are enough, I am here to tell you, you are enough. If you're fretting you're not doing a good enough job, please hear me - you are doing *such* a good job. If you're overworked and overtired and overthinking everything, let me ease your mind. You're doing SO great, mama.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay delivers a message to mothers they rarely get to hear.

‘Shooting in-home is my very best thing.Nothing excites me as an artist like arriving at your home and knowing I’m about to make you artful imagery that is also deeply meaningful and exactly unique to only you.
But there are so many reasons in-home sessions should be your first pick, too. Here are five of them.'

In this piece, Geelong and Melbourne photographer Michelle McKay explores five key reasons why in-home story sessions are so very beautiful.

‘So you’ve booked a photo session and the big day is drawing nearer. Now for the tricky bit - what do we wear?!’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay provides some simple tips and a visual storybook for what to wear to ensure you look your best for your family photographs.

‘I hear it a lot.‘We cannot wait to book an outdoor session with you, just as soon as the weather warms up!’ ‘Just as soon as summer arrives we’ll be booking a beach story for sure!’ In fact, I’ve already started booking beach summer story sessions. After all, the beach and the summer go together like peas and carrots. Right? But. Folks. Winter at the beach is it’s own type of magical, in a way that cannot be overstated.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay stresses the beauty of beach sessions during the winter time.

‘I recently created this simple wall hanging for our dining room and it has quickly become the kids' favourite place in the house. Over every meal we chat about the memories it holds, and I often find my children and their friends gazing up at the photographs, giggling softly and pointing out their favourite pictures.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay shares how to make a simple and cost effective picture gallery to light up any wall of your home.

‘Whether it be baby one or number three, the long standing tradition of gathering with well wishes, wisdom and an assortment of miscellaneous baby goods is a beautiful way to arm new mamas on their journey into motherhood. When the gorgeous day of kindred connection and pastel patterned bunting comes to a close, pregnant women the country over are left with a belly full of cake and a gift table piled high with lotions, onesies, cloth nappies and an assortment of either brightly coloured or wooden infant paraphernalia (depending where you sit on the scale of one to Montessori).’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay introduces the idea of gifting expectant mothers a photo session, rather than baby goods.

‘When I was a child and the weather was fine, sometimes we’d drive into the mountains. To me it was a magical place. The shadow of the mountain stretched across the land, resting against the surrounding fields like a cool sheet. From the second we left the sealed road and hit the tree line it was like we’d entered and enchanted space. Somehow it felt sacred.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay introduces the idea of a family story session in the woods, and the magic that can result.