‘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.

‘Last night while preparing dinner, I phoned my sister. It was the typical type of conversation - she filling me in on the shenanigans of my nephew and niece, and what's been going on at work, and the pretty new lemon tree she got for her birthday. Then me laughing with her about the dog, and the silly thing my son did earlier that day, and describing in all too unnecessary detail the floral chair I'm hoping to find for the corner of my room. I ended the call smiling, and fell promptly and deeply into a thought that left me breathless.’

In this piece Geelong photographer Michelle McKay reflects on sisterhood, and how worthy that connection is of artfully documenting.

‘Making this family’s story went like all others; I arrive, and we let it all unfold, all on it’s own. It’s relaxed and low key, with its own ebb and flow. The kids show me around, and I ask them lots of questions to discover all the best mischief they happily make; that way I can be sure to get all that goodness documented, packed full of all your YOU-NESS.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay speaks to what you can expect from a family story session.

‘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.

“This understated piece is as stunning as it is timeless. A 12x18 enlargement on a textured cotton, fine art, archival quality paper, it is simple, elegant, classic.”
In this piece Geelong photographer Michelle McKay shares a growing gallery of the wall art of her happy client families.

“Woman. Let me remind you of a truth you already know.”

In this piece, Geelong newborn and family photographer Michelle McKay speaks to the deepest and mostly unspoken fears held by women and mothers at the thought of being photographed.

“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.

“When I strolled through the door into this morning's story session, I discovered a mama and her newly arrived little lady snuggling to the melodies of the eternally spectacular Stevie Nicks. It struck me there could be no better soundtrack for early motherhood, that there could be no set of love songs more perfect for playing for yourself, or to your beautiful baby.”

Enjoy this piece on the melancholy beauty of motherhood by Geelong photographer Michelle McKay

‘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.

‘If you're wondering today if you are enough, I am here to tell you, you are enough. If you're fretting you're not doing a good enough job, please hear me - you are doing *such* a good job. If you're overworked and overtired and overthinking everything, let me ease your mind. You're doing SO great, mama.’

In this piece, Geelong photographer Michelle McKay delivers a message to mothers they rarely get to hear.