The beautiful ordinary: just you and your little crew at home, catching the memories of real life, right now. It wont matter if it's raining, windy, chilly, or sunny; we're not making plans, we don't need them - what we're seeking is as old and true, and as easy and effortless as time. The secret that can't be unseen..? Magic is made in the in-betweens.

My pop turned 94 this week, and I went to visit with him in the home of my mother’s childhood - a place that continues to vibrate with many of my own earliest memories.

To sit again in these rooms brought back pieces of myself I’d forgotten to miss. It was like opening a time capsule, and being met with the many precious relics I’d once carefully tucked inside.

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.

‘Picture this. You’ve just brought home your brand new baby - maybe this week, maybe last, or maybe almost more than a month back now (um, where did THAT month go..?). Maybe you little one is a late night party-pants, and you’re up from the small hours and into the early morning. Perhaps your babe is still growing used to feeding, and possibly burping takes longer than you’d possibly hoped to plan…’

In this piece, Geelong Photographer Michelle McKay explores the benefits of in-home photography for families bringing home a brand new infant.

‘When I was small, my dad took photographs. I guess you could call him an original family documentarian; he didn’t just take photos of clean kids siting neatly on the porch, or in front of the church before Sunday School. He took photographs of everything. My toddler brother in his high chair, eating Vegemite toast. Me and my sister picking mandarins off the fruit tree in the backyard, or shelling peas at the picnic table with mum. The washing line, heavy with tiny pastel singlets and cloth nappies on washing day, stark whites flapping lazily in the sunny breeze.’

In this piece, Geelong and Melbourne photographer Michelle McKay explores the true value of unposed photography and the way its value only grows over time.

‘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.

‘The months and weeks you spend lovingly awaiting the arrival of a pretty new baby are beyond compare. You hold your little darling within you like a secret - close to your heart and ever on your mind. It’s why having the time documented is so special; the excitement, the anticipation, the raw and unapologetic adoration is written all over you; the tenderness is tangible.’

In this piece, Geelong and Melbourne maternity and newborn photographer Michelle McKay shares the beauty and importance of having both your pregnancy and your first days with your newborn documented. She introduces and discusses the baby to bump collection, which includes both of these remarkable story sessions.

‘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.

‘Not all photographs are created equal. Some are beautiful.  Pretty. Cute. Expertly executed. Perfectly composited. Skilfully processed. Artfully composed. Others take you some place.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay reminds us of the importance of capturing more than just your baby’s likeness in her photographs.