Feeling Over Perfection

Reigniting My Love for Storytelling Photography in Australia

35mm film: Kodak Gold ⬆️

Three weeks. One country we’d never been to. Two kids. Countless beaches.

This February, before the wedding season kicked off, we packed up and travelled the east coast of Australia - starting in Melbourne, winding through Sydney, Byron Bay, Gold Coast and Brisbane, and finishing in the dreamy Whitsundays. It was our first time there as a family, and it felt like one of those milestone trips. One of those “we’ll be talking about this forever” ones. Pure core memories.

Naturally, I brought my camera. But not with the goal of creating anything specific but just documenting. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure if I’d want to take that many photos. But of course, I did. Because as soon as we landed, I remembered why I fell in love with photography in the first place…

Melbourne + Sydney ⬇️

Just us, just as we are

There was no posing. No perfect light setup. No pressure. Just instinct.

Most of my images were completely candid, taken on the move, hair wild from the sea breeze, kids half-covered in sand, weird shadows on faces, and all. The kind of photos that feel like the trip.

And something shifted. Creatively and emotionally.

I found myself reaching for angles I hadn’t used in a while, embracing the harsh midday light one minute and chasing golden hour the next. I was thinking less about “getting the shot” and more about telling our story - the messy, joyful, real version.

I shot quite a lot of film (let’s not talk about me having to ask on every one of our 9 flights if it could be hand checked while my husband rolled his eyes…) which felt so nostalgic, and used my Fuji X100VI for the rest which was a total game-changer. The images were already done in-camera, and I loved that. No faffing, no editing. Just moments as they happened that I could ping right to my phone to share with family.

Byron Bay ⬇️

The feeling is the point

Some of my favourites are the blurry ones. The mid-sprint beach races. The cuddles in between bickers. The kind of photos that instantly take you back.

And it reminded me why I do what I do.

Whether I’m photographing a wedding confetti toss or a newborn cooried up at home - it’s this I’m looking for. The feeling. The movement. The moment that isn’t staged or polished, but still hits you in the heart.

Gold Coast ⬇️

Practising what I preach

Another big part of this trip? I booked a photographer.

In Byron Bay, we had a family shoot with the lovely Kirstie from Wander & Solas. I’d found her on Instagram while searching for someone whose style really embodied this “feeling over perfection” vibe, and she absolutely nailed it.

We met her at Broken Head Beach near Byron Bay one evening, and she captured us just as we were - kids running wild in the waves, snorkles, the chaos and the calm. She shot film too, which added this beautiful nostalgic quality. And when the photos came back? They felt like home.

I’ve actually started doing this on every big trip for the past few years. Because as much as I love documenting other people’s stories, I want to make sure we’re in the frame too. So often we come home with hundreds of photos but barely any with all of us together.

Booking a photographer to help freeze these memories? 100% worth it - I mean, just look!

The wonderful Wander & Solas Photo ⬇️

So what does this have to do with you?

It reminded me that you don’t need the perfect outfit or the perfect weather to capture something special.

You just need a story - and someone who knows how to tell it with honesty, care and a bit of creative magic. That’s what I bring to my shoots. That’s what lights me up.

So if you’ve been meaning to get some family photos, or you’re planning your wedding and want it captured in a way that feels authentic and full of heart, I’d love to be part of that.

You can check out my family and wedding galleries or just send me a wee message. I’ll be here, probably still daydreaming about those Aussie beaches.

Brisbane + The Whitsundays ⬇️