‘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.

‘My favourite time to visit the beach is during the off season. Picture it - it’s a seaside town but all the tourists have gone home for the winter. The beach is empty save for the gulls, the wind swept ocean and you - rugged up against the brisk autumn breezes in your woolies, a thermos of cocoa in hand and the humans of your heart wrapped around you.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay speaks on the benefits of a story session at the beach in autumn.

'It’s so simple to plan photographs that are not only beautiful, but also possess untold meaning for your precious family. Select a ritual or routine from your daily life. It may be something you often overlook or take for granted - bathing the baby in the kitchen sink, for example.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay suggests how simple it can be to make photographs that are meaningful, as well as beautiful.

'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.

'On the day I met my daughter, the axis of my entire world shifted. Here was this tiny baby - this completely perfect, breathlessly beautiful little girl. And for a little while, she was mine to keep.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay describes the way having photographs taken of the milestone that is welcoming new life is just one more way to show your new addition just how valuable and important they truly are.

'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?

"It's said that you can never go home again, and it's true enough, of course. But the opposite is also true. You must go back, and you always go back, and you can never stop going back, no matter how hard you try."

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay speaks on the importance and the role of home in shaping personal identity. For this reason, photographing people in their homes is so important - it tells a part of their unique story.

'Documenting your children’s milestones through photographs is perfect for creating a tangible record of your family history. It’s such a powerful way to tell the story of your child's life in a way that not only encourages a deep sense of self, but will also foster feelings of belonging and place as they grow.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay compiles a list of first year milestones for expectant parents.

'Although they might seem more unpredictable, the portraits resulting from a lifestyle photography session may just be more valuable, more meaningful and no less framable than your standard traditional portrait.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay discusses just three of the the reasons you should consider lifestyle portraits over a more traditional alternative

'As a photographer and a mother, an art lover and a sentimentalist, it's no secret I'm passionate about photographs - actual hold-in-your-hands photographs. Tangible products that remind you of the life you have lived, that celebrate the the milestones as well as the every day moments.'

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay explains the benefits of printed photographs and introduces the Storytelling Collections she offers as part of her services.