As a photographer for newborns and young families in Geelong, I’m so honoured to step into people’s homes and capture those organic, meaningful moments that make up a family love story.
Enjoy some snippets of my professional photography, made with families residing in the greater Geelong region and beyond.
Family Identity and the Importance of HOME. Geelong photographer documents an afternoon with the Lynch family.
"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.
A little note on why I shoot - Geelong photographer Michelle McKay speaks about documenting life.
'What I relearned is that whether or not I’ve shot this scene before isn’t the point. I photograph to document our lives, to tell our beautiful ordinary story. Not to satisfy some non-existent set list.'
In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay explains the reason she shoots, and gives the reminder that time is always speeding quickly by.
An open letter to dads everywhere for Father's Day, 2017
'No matter how you slice it, parenthood is a crazy, hazy, shock of a thing. It’s both the spinning round in circles and the moment you stop, reaching desperately for something so you don’t fall flat.'
In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay heroes dads in honour of Father’s Day weekend in Australia.
The baby’s first year milestones you’ll want to document - preserving the memories of your little one’s first year.
'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.
Lifestyle Portraits - 3 compelling ways they’re better than traditional portraits, by Geelong photographer Michelle McKay
'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
Geelong Photographer - Introducing the Storytelling Collections!
'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.
The Truth about Motherhood - Geelong Photographer Michelle McKay explains why documenting motherhood authentically is so important.
'I want to document motherhood. Real motherhood. The quiet motherhood, the intimate motherhood, the profoundly personal and familiar and instantly recognisable motherhood - so that we women can see it and own it and cherish it forever.'
In this piece, Geelong Photographer Michelle McKay explains and explores why documenting authentic motherhood through photographs is so important.
“My house is too dark for an in-home session.” Watch this Geelong photographer prove you wrong.
'Storytelling photography is a new style of lifestyle photography in the Geelong area. As a result, when I speak about what I do, people often express their reservations about having someone shoot in their home. They worry their space is ‘too dingy’ or ‘too cluttered’, or ‘not bright and airy’ enough. I’m sharing these photographs to demonstrate that none of that matters.'
In this piece, Geelong Lifestyle Photographer Michelle McKay demonstrates that many spaces, however unlikely, can be perfectly suited to documentary and storytelling photography. You just need to know how to find the light.
Six compelling reasons to decorate your home with lifestyle photographs - Geelong Lifestyle Photographer.
'Storytelling photography is the newest style of lifestyle photography. It’s authentic and real and it documents your actual life, transforming the ordinary into something beautiful and captivating. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose storytelling photographs for your personal picture galleries.'
In this piece, Geelong lifestyle photographer Michelle McKay explores why lifestyle photographs make evocative and meaningful wall art for every home.
This Old Love. The Bold and Beautiful Bond of Motherhood.
'Motherhood is a meditation. It is a prayer to the universe and to the darkest, innermost depth of our selves. Motherhood is a mantra, spoken over and again and not always tenderly.'
In this piece, Geelong lifestyle photographer Michelle McKay explores motherhood, and the fleeting nature of time. She also announces the introduction of Intimate Motherhood Storytelling Sessions for the residents of the greater Geelong and Melbourne regions of Victoria.
Why choose storytelling photography? Documenting life vs traditional portraiture.
'Storytelling photography allows for the creation of images that capture the essence of a family, documenting this season of their lives in a way that so accurately depicts them that they feel intrinsically bound to the images, that they sense an innate and undeniable pull toward them in their soul.'
In this piece, Geelong lifestyle photographer Michelle McKay explores the benefit of lifestyle and unposed storytelling photography, as compared to traditional portraiture.
The importance of printing photographs - childhood, identity, and a history made in pictures.
'I cannot wait for her to see her tiny self, as large as life on the walls of our home. What a testimony to her importance, to her value as a cherished member of our family.'
In this post, Geelong lifestyle photographer explores the importance of printing photographs and displaying them around your home for your children to enjoy and cherish.