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.

“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..?

‘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.

‘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.

‘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.

'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.

'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.

'I'm pleased to announce I have a super special offer for friends and fans of Zoe George and The Subtle Mummy. If you’re a resident of Geelong or Melbourne and you secure a Storytelling Session for your family for any time between now and December of 2018, you can enjoy and Storytelling Session for the super special price of $599.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay announces a special promotion for readers and followers of Zoe George and The Subtle Mummy.

'As a storytelling photographer my most dearest desire is to be a memory catcher. I want to come to your home and I want to hang with you while your children play, giggle, pout, and squabble. I want to be there to witness their idle wonder at the world and the way things work, to see their curiosity, their sense of adventure, and their sweetness.'

In this piece, Geelong Photographer Michelle McKay answers the frequently asked question - will you take my family's portrait?

'There’s no denying that the makings of a strong and stunning photograph happens in camera - the talent and experience of the artist is so important in shaping the vision of the resulting capture. But in order to create a photograph that transcends the humble snap and moves into fine art, a lot happens behind the scenes.'

In this piece, Geelong Photographer Michelle McKay reveals the transformation of a SOOC image to the completed piece of photographic art.