Life with a growing family is a whirlwind of beautiful chaos, filled with laughter, milestones, and cherished moments.

Amidst this ever-evolving journey, capturing the authentic essence of your family's life becomes a timeless treasure.

In-home photography sessions offer a genuine and relaxed way to freeze these fleeting moments, documenting the beauty of your family's story as it unfolds.

This is the third instalment of my Geelong Locals to Love initiative, and I’m chatting with the ever lovely Daisy from As Daisy Does.

This absolute firecracker of a human and her gorgeous staff are some of the most down to earth providers of flowers, plants and giftwares in the Greater Geelong region. Wandering through Daisy’s colourful, eclectic store is a delight - there’s always music, laughter and a friendly face to help you out - which is no doubt why it’s my fella’s favourite places to go when he wants to gift me something a bit special!

I’ve recently begun experimenting with reels on Insta, and I’m discovering they’re a great way to gift a feel for what an in-home newborn photography session really feels like.

I’ll be honest, it took me a second to accept the challenge of this new medium, but if they help catch even a little of the spirit of having me come visit you at home, I’m all for it - I mean, who isn’t broken open by sweet new baby goodness, set to sentimental tunes..?

This is the second instalment of my Locals to Love initiative - Great Western Wooden Toys.

Great Western has got to be one of our local treasures - a little known family owned and run natural wooden toy store with next to zero online presence, where the toys are made carefully in a workshop on site, the toys are timeless, and the quality is beyond compare.

This is the first instalment of my Locals to Love initiative - Bellarine Botanical.

These clever women are committed to creating keepsakes as forever as photographs, and you KNOW I’m going to be ALL about that!

‘What’s in-home photography like?’

People ask me this all the time, and for the sake of an elevator pitch (a description of a thing that’s concise and to the point) I used to try to sum it up quickly.

At some point in my old age though (ha!), Ive let go of the temptation to speed everything up.

Now when people ask me what to expect from their in-home family session, I tell let myself answer honestly, from the depths of my romantic heart.

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!