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.

‘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.