‘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.

'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.

'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.

'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.

'As in life, birth is an unpredictable business - you’re not always dealt what you were expecting, that for which you may have planned. Yet when this mama learned she was best to birth in hospital and forego her delivery at The Geelong Birth House, she breathed through it. '

In this piece, Geelong Photographer Michelle McKay shares the courageous and endlessly beautiful birth of a sweet baby girl.