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.

‘This is for the mama whose newest addition is already here; life got crazy, and then there was a baby, and you’re only really getting around to looking into photographs now.’

In this piece, Geelong newborn photographer Michelle McKay speaks to why it’s never too late to have your new baby’s story told.

‘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..?

‘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.

‘My daughter's most requested story is what she calls The Story of Us. We might be in the car on the way to kinder, or in the midst of tuck-ins after a drawn out day, and she'll ask to hear it all about the time she was in my tummy, and then about the first days and months and years after she was born. When I reflect it makes sense; these are the days around which she has no personal memory. ‘

In this piece, Geelong and Melbourne photographer Michelle McKay explores the real reason we really should be booking newborn photographs - they’re not just for us.

‘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.

‘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.

‘When it came to making a record of your pregnancy, you found yourself hoping for something a little more understated, a little more relaxed, a little more authentic. Something that went a little closer to catching a little of what life is like for you right now, in these quiet days and weeks of anticipation before your already adored darling arrives, and shakes everything up. You may not quite know exactly what you’re exactly envisioning. You just know you’d like something that’s a little more... you.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay speaks about the importance of maternity photography and announces a gift for pregnant mamas in Geelong.

‘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.