‘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.

‘Catching memories is my life's work, matched only by two things - an apparent compulsion to help and encourage others to see and be present in their own #beautifulordinary lives, and a soul-deep conviction that printing and displaying candid photographs is a keystone for happiness, identity and belonging.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay announces she’s giving away a Fiji Instax, and explains how to enter.

‘Fresh 48 Story - A session documenting those first few hours of a newborn's life in the world. Freshie sessions takes place within the first 24-48 hours of your baby's life, and are a perfect way to ensure you remember that first day forever.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay showcases a Fresh 48 Story Session, captured at St John of God Geelong Hospital.

‘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 began printing and displaying my family’s photographs, it was for no other reasons than that seeing my children and our beautiful ordinary life on our walls made me crazily, dizzily happy. But when I saw the impact it had on my daughter to see herself large as life in the hallway, in the bedroom and above the kitchen bench, I was hooked.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay talks about selecting wall art that is not only a beautiful representation of your family, but that is also artistic.

'My preoccupation and profound regard for motherhood runs deep. It’s one of the things I am most drawn to in my photography of families - the acutely familiar, almost magical connection shared between a child and his mother.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay explores why it's so crucial for mothers to have photographs with their children.

'As a family photographer who specialises in birth and newborns, I have the extreme privilege of meeting babies when they’re at their very beginnings. But babies don’t always arrive this way - on time, well baked and ready for the world. Sometimes they come early, all too eager to meet the family who already love them so fiercely.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay announces a passion project for 2018 - gifting a newborn session to a family who have birthed a preemie baby.

'In the name of documenting a significant and life changing piece of your family's story, let’s catch those memories as soon as possible! : ) Whether this is your first or final babe (or perhaps one in between!), those first few days of bring home baby will be exciting, formative and incomparable, as well as amongst the most fleeting of eras in your long life.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay explains the importance and beauty of catching the memories of the first week home with a new baby.

'My memories of childhood playtime are vague, but oh so precious. In them, my sister (who was just 11 months my senior) plays a pivotal role. She was my best friend and side kick when we were small.'

In this piece, Geelong Photographer Michelle McKay explores the gift that is documentary photography - especially for children once they've grown.

'Love and romance look a little different these days. We once celebrated with flowers and candy, but it’s hard to connect such things with what we know now. The truth is, love isn’t glamorous, and it looks nothing like the ads on tv.'

In this piece, learn about Geelong photographer Michelle McKay's Valentine's Day promotion.

'Book and secure a 2 hour Story Session for a date within the first three months of 2018. As well as the session, you’ll receive an 8x12 fine art work, professionally mounted and ready for framing (artist’s choice).'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay introduces the 21 Days Until Christmas Story Session Special.