The first few days as a new parent are a crazy learning curve. You’re recovering from bub’s epic arrival, and discovering that swaddling was so much easier on the doll than on a moving baby! Plus, there’s all your well-meaning in-laws and extended family to juggle.

It’s easy to see how finding a newborn photographer can slip between the cracks.

From that first moment in the doctor’s office, the wait to hold your beautiful new baby felt like eternity. But now her arrival’s just around the corner, and already the warm and knowing nurturing bliss of pregnancy is preparing to fade. That oh so treasured glow wont be here much longer.

Michelle McKay, Geelong maternity and newborn photographer talks about how in-home photography can work some memory magic and save these moments to share with your tiny ones, now and forever.

As a little girl I was obsessed with two things: getting a pony for my birthday, and love. I would sit for hours plucking petals from daisies found at the bottom of the garden, daydreaming about glass slippers and sleepy kisses…

So, you’re considering an in-home photography session, but aren’t sure it’s the right fit?

I get it - booking anything with a busy family requires some serious hoop jumping these days – finding a day/time that works for everyone, convince your other half it’s a good idea, and somehow rounding-up the little ones into their photo best - why do all that unless you’re sure it will be worth it..?

We’re all guilty of it.

Life gets busy and plans to print the hundreds of candid family snaps on our cameras slip to the bottom of the to-do list. As a family portrait photographer, it’s a story I hear (and sometimes live!) a LOT.

Truth is though, that this fleeting life, especially with a growing family, only makes displaying cherished memories all the more important.

When it comes to capturing those blissfully hazy first days with your beautiful new addition, preparation is key. We want to do everything we can to make sure everyone, but most especially bub, are happy and comfortable.

That being said, don’t stress if things aren’t going to plan the morning of my arrival. As a mama of two, I know newborns have no regard for your plans, no matter how well laid they are!

Wondering what you and your new bundle of joy should be wrapped up in to help capture that organic, candid family photo?

Your choice of outfit will help ensure your family portraits are meaningful and look forever at home on your walls – so, no pressure!

Um, how have I not yet told you guys about the time I photographed Geelong furniture artists Al + Imo, and their then newest additions (yes, additions - these loved up humans brought home a baby and a puppy in basically the same week. Honestly, you can’t even plan these things!).

One of the things so remarkable about in-home newborn photography is the way it captures something as instantly and intensely beautiful as your bourgeoning love for your baby, while also being deeply and profoundly meaningful - a record of your baby and your personal love story, made in the very place in which you’re falling in love.

What if family photographs could do more than make a record of how your children look right now, and instead were able to catch the essence of who they currently are; their interests, their personalities, and their love for one another.

It was only a hot second ago you arrived home from the hospital with your teeny tiny newborn - not much more than a pretty little ball of sleepiness and warm. You figured out breastfeeding or bottles, changed ten-finity nappies in the dead of night, got busy with the smooching and the cuddling, blinked, and here you are - somehow your sweet little possum is about to turn one!

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.