Mama nurture sessions

NEW SPRING OFFER FOR MAMA'S TO BE!

Introducing…

Mamma photo sessions are a creative way to see yourself. To see yourself captured in an image from someone else’s eye. This time is about creating a space, time, conversation, and support in witnessing your unfolding, to deeply witness all that you are at this moment.

The space for these sessions is a deeply nurturing space, as women we are in flow every day, the heightened emotions, feelings, sensations, light, shadow, and form of this period of initiation for women are as intense and painful as they are beautiful.

Pregnancy and maternity are a transformational period of life.

As women we are the incredible containers of creativity with multiple layers, the experience of pregnancy can be viewed and interpreted in multiple ways tangible and intangible and it is my artistic eye that captures you fully, your blossoming belly, flow shape and movement of your body in this period.

I have created this mama session to honour and witness women in the transition from pregnancy to maternity.

These sessions I have crafted will be held either on location or in your home with a focus on a body of water and the flow of pregnancy, motherhood and our connection to water and flow in this time of our lives.

The package includes 2 sessions - pregnancy and newborn, you have the experience of being honoured, nurtured, and celebrated in the experience of a photo session and you receive a framed fine art print as proof of your body, mind, and soul in its poetic state.

The Details:

2 photography sessions (pregnancy and new born)

4 x 6” fine art prints

A framed fine art print

$1600

I will only be offering a limited amount of these sessions, so get in touch if you would like to book a date.

If you know any friends who might be interested. I would be so grateful if you could forward this email on.

Kind words

"I’ve never found it easy to have my photo taken but Tanya is such a beautiful, generous person - she has always been so helpful in planning the sessions, as well as gently putting us all at ease in front of the camera while she quietly works her magic.”-Diana

“The stars nodded, the ocean agreed, the flowers chorused, bloom now, bloom free.”

-The Stars Nodded, Tess

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what to wear to a Melbourne Family photo shooT

Let’s Explore What To Wear To Our Photoshoot

From maternity shoots within the home to family photography out in nature, the age old question returns.

“What should I wear to my photoshoot?”

Let’s wander down this path together and explore the ensemble that will make you feel at home in front of the camera.

Think of items that ooze comfort

Casual. Comfort. Confidence. 

This is what we’re chasing. We want you to step in front of my lens feeling as quintessentially you as possible. The items you choose to wear are a significant element in making this happen.

Before our photoshoot, slide open your wardrobe and explore what stands out.

Does it bring you joy?

Does it make you feel at home?

Does it exude warmth and calm?

If you’ve answered yes to all, that’s the item we can start with. The key to finding this perfect item is to consider what brings out your calm, comfort and confidence. Whether you’ve done it before or it’s your first time, baring your family to the open eye of a lens can be daunting. By carefully selecting items that bring calm, comfort and confidence, we’re transforming the photoshoot into a more relaxed adventure.

The beauty is in the detail

Fabrics, prints and styles. These are all considerations we need to make.

Materials like linen, denim and light cotton always photograph beautifully. They’re soft, calm and ooze comfort, especially valued in family photography.

Flowing styles and floral prints are also a wonderful option. If you’re considering opting for family photography outdoors, these styles will complement the natural environment exquisitely. 

The only items to steer clear of are those with large writing. This is especially important when capturing those special moments with your children, as their clothing tends to be loud in pattern or in detail. We want you and your loved ones to be the sole focus, so opt for neutral prints where possible.

Sometimes less is more

When we venture into maternity and new born photography, I often find less is more.

Bathers. Underwear. Robes. 

The relaxed nature of these garments, especially when complemented with soft pastels and neutral tones, give the photos a calming quality. This forms an aura of effortless ease, bringing a natural feel to the most intimate and joyful moments of life and family.

It may feel daunting to bare these intimate insights into your life, so we’ll work together to make the experience seamless for you and your loved ones.

a few favourite brands

Oak Meadow clothing

Metta Melbourne

Little Tienda

Goldie and Ace

Peggy Clothing

Dazed and Amazed

Capture the special moments with a family photoshoot. What a session includes or book now.

How We Can Work Together To Achieve A Stress-Free Shoot

A session with your loved ones in front of a lens can raise a range of emotions. Stress. Discomfort. Anxiety. Irritation. Nervousness. 

The list goes on.

I’m of the belief that a session in front of any camera should make you feel as at home as a Sunday morning with your family, complete with a pancake breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. This leads us to the first step in creating a session that is as natural for you and your loved ones as possible.

1 Location Is Everything

While my idea of a stress-free environment may be a pancake breakfast on a Sunday morning with my daughter and partner, it very well might not be yours. For you, it could elicit feelings of stress for the havoc your child is about to wreak on your kitchen floor. It could stir arguments between your children about who gets the last pancake. It could be the exact opposite of a natural, stress-free environment, which is what we want to avoid when planning a session.

2 Plan an activity

This is especially handy if you have young children.

Planning an activity for the session will help keep everyone entertained. Not only is it helpful in helping stress low, it helps capture the candid in-between moments that make for the most beautiful shots.

Instead, think of the environment that brings you and your loved ones joy. The one that has you release that breath you’ve been holding in. Whether this is your home, your local café, that wonderful park you venture to every afternoon for a walk. Find the place that oozes warmth, comfort and calm.

A few special ideas include:

+ Exploring at the beach

+ Your favourite walk in nature

+ Your Saturday morning routine

+ Bath time

+ Swimming

+ Blowing bubbles

+ Reading

+ Arts and crafts

+ Cooking

3 Let Go Of Expectation

Or try as best you can. 

The reality of any session is that you can’t control how things are going to go on the day. You can choose your perfect location. You can plan the activity. You can wake up in the best, calmest frame of mind and things can still come up. 

That’s just how life works, which is why we learn how to work around it.

Often, the magic actually happens when things don’t go to plan or we have to work around imperfectly behaving children. It tells the story of how things are for you and your loved ones right now, in all of its imperfect perfection.

It goes a long way to let go of all expectations, enjoy the moment and know that the end result will reflect your family as they are now.

And that is a beautiful thing.

It you want to capture you and your loved ones in a (mostly) stress-free session, find out more about what a session includes or get in touch to book now.

5 of the best summer photography locations close to Melbourne

I love summer, it’s my favourite season. Beautiful warm evenings and magical sunsets which remind me of being a kid. My favourite thing to do these days is taking my cheeky toddler on little adventures and capturing those moments that I will treasure for years to come.  

So, what are the best summer photography locations close to Melbourne? Here’s my top five.  Hope it’ll inspire you to take some photos of your own family this summer.

1. Cairn Bay, Flinders

A little off the beaten track, this is one of those special, must-see places. It has breathtaking views over the ocean and surrounding cliffs tops – the ideal place for taking photos in summer. You reach the ocean after an easy 15-minute walk.  You can then hike up the little hill near the paddocks filled with cows or head down to the rugged beach. It’s perfect if you want to do some exploring with the kids. It can be a bit windy so make sure you’re wearing the right gear

Cairn Bay is around 1.5 hours from Melbourne, located on Boneo Rd, between Punchbowl Rd and Myers Rd. Location details are here. And if you’re after a little more adventure when you get there, check out this blog.

Cliff tops, Cairn Bay, Flinders

On the beach at Cairn Bay

2. Hanging Rock, Woodend

As you meander up the path to the top of Hanging Rock, you’re surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of rock formations and the sun peaking through the gum trees. There are countless opportunities to stop for photos on the way up to the summit in this magical place.  

It’s great for bushwalking with the kids and there are several picnic spots and a playground for the kids when they are done walking.

Everything you need to know about visiting Hanging Rock can be found here. There is easy parking and it’s around an hour from Melbourne 

Sunset at Hanging Rock

Path to the summit, Hanging Rock

3. Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

These beautiful gardens are such a magical place to visit, especially around sunset. You could spend hours exploring the woodlands and secret little gardens, and of course taking great photos. Bring a picnic basket or grab one ready-made at their little cafe. The botanic gardens are an idyllic spot to enjoy your picnic under the shady trees, surrounded by stunning views over Daylesford.    

There is plenty of room for the kids to run around and explore while you take some photos.

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is about 1.5 hours from Melbourne. It’s open 24 hours a day. Check out the Wombat Hill House website for more information.

Magic woodlands at Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

4. Wye River Beach

If you’re wanting a weekend away, I love this beach for its beauty and family friendly facilities. Ideal for swimming, the Wye River joins the sea here which creates shallows for the littlies splashing around. You can explore its impressive rockpools or build sandcastles by the sea. Once you park the car, everything you need is within walking distance including the Wye River General Store and Beach Hotel (perfect spot to enjoy the beach from above) and a small playground for the kids. This is the most beautiful spot on a warm summer’s evening to have a picnic on the beach –just don’t forget to bring your camera!

Wye River is 2.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne, just past Lorne on The Great Ocean Road.

Check out Wye River General Store and Wye River Beach Hotel.

Exploring the rock pools at Wye River

Wye River

5. Your backyard

Your own backyard is another great option to get some beautiful photos in summer, especially if you get some pretty light at the right time of day. It’s a simple but perfect place for capturing those everyday moments you will one day miss the kids on their bikes, swimming in the pool, under the sprinkler, painting, enjoying a picnic, blowing bubbles or any other activity they love to do.

Backyard fun

Dancing in the sun

Some final thoughts

I saw something the other day about how we only get 18 summer seasons with our kids. If you’re like me and you have a toddler, it’s only 16. That’s just 16 summers left to enjoy seeing her splash in the waves, having a backyard BBQ or running through the sprinkler on a warm day. 

It’s not that far away that one day my little sidekick will be all grown up and no longer want to join me on summer adventures. So here’s to soaking up every single one of them!

I hope this inspires you to get out there this summer and do some exploring of your own. There are so many great photography spots not far from Melbourne. Just don’t forget your camera! If you do, you can always use your phone.

Book your beach sunset session

If you are looking for a Family Photographer in Melbourne.  I’ll be offering a limited number of Beach Sunset Sessions in January 2020 which focus on being in the water. I’d love to hear from you if this is something you are interested in.

Details and pricing can be found here.

Simply contact me if you have any questions!