Do you have memories as a kid of photos being a pretty miserable experience?
Were you made to put on formal clothes that were uncomfortable and impractical?
Did your parents tell (or even threaten) you that you better look at the camera and smile?
Did the photographer pose you in some strange, stiff way and expect you to stay as still as a statue?
That's how I remember professional photos in the 1980s too.
As a family photographer I want to offer you a totally different experience.
I want it to be stress free, fun, to capture the real you and to be something you will remember and talk about for a long time afterwards.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THE BUNURONG AND WURUNDJERI PEOPLE WHO ARE THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND ON WHICH I PHOTOGRAPH.
I PAY MY RESPECTS TO THEIR ELDERS; PAST, PRESENT AND EMERGING.
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Hi, I'm Kate. I am a family photographer based in the stunning Dandenong Ranges, 45 minutes outside Melbourne.
Specialising in outdoor sessions allows me to create for you not only stunning images but amazing experiences that you will remember for a long time to come. I want to capture you and your family in all their candid, messy, ordinariness.
There is no need for you to be anything but yourselves - however that presents. My goal is to put you at ease in front of my camera and capture not only how you look but how it FEELS to be part of your wonderful family.
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family photographer
Testimonials
"Kate was such a responsive, agile and calming person to photograph me and my small family. I made a last minute decision and she made it work, talked me through everything and was always so quick to answer my questions - and generous! Such a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it, the photos are just beautiful."
Libby
"It was really easy to work with Kate, she is so friendly and she wanted us to be ourselves rather than someone different. We received beautiful photos and had to upgrade our package as we wanted to have more photos because they all were so pretty, high quality and very natural and it was very difficult to choose the favourites."
Omali
"Cannot recommend Kate enough! Kate is welcoming, friendly, inclusive and creates a safe space straight away which is ideal for photos. Kate was great with kids and supported us to still get great photos with a tricky toddler. Kate stayed cool calm and collected which really was a lovely experience."
Laura
"From our very first contact over the phone Kate was so professional. It's obvious she wants to truly capture what our family was all about, taking the time to talk to me about our circumstance. We were instantly at ease when we met Kate at the location agreed on. Kate is thoughtful, easygoing and brilliant engaging the kids. Our photos are perfect, we couldn't decide which ones to order so bought the whole gallery. Moments captured in time forever!!!"
Craig and Kelly
"Kate truly captured the essence and magic of each member of my family and guided us through such an enriching family experience. We have a special needs son who has sensory and communication issues, and Kate was so prepared and patient with him, and through her lens and expertise she translated and expressed his unique personality and energy in these stunning photos. Thank you Kate for treasuring and seeing my family in the same way I do – I will keep these memories and photos forever."
Tutie
WHAT MAKES MY photography SESSIONS DIFFERENT?
My sessions are low key and casual which means they are perfect for those who don't like having their photo taken or who may have additional or special needs and I pride myself on being accessible and inclusive.
If it takes a little longer for some of you to warm up to the camera or we need to stop and take breaks that is totally ok. I try and make my sessions like hanging out with a friend and I'm certainly not watching the clock.
I'm not fussed about what you wear and want to capture your authentic selves. Feel free to come dressed up or if you prefer come in your jeans and gumboots if that is what makes you feel comfortable.
If you aren't a fan of public displays of affection, have a child who won't hold your hand or there is a tricky or complex family dynamic that's ok. No one is perfect. I'm certainly not and don't need you to be either.
I totally follow the lead of the little people I work with and meet them where they are at. This means you don't have to be concerned or stressed about how your children behave or act during the session. If they are shy, cheeky, clingy or anything else I will embrace it and capture them as they truly are.
You can learn more about exactly how this works and my specific way of working with young people in my child empowerment and wellbeing statement.
I am the first family photographer in the state to be declared a Licensed Tourism Operator (LTO) by Parks Victoria. This means you can be assured that I am authorised to operate in the areas I photograph. My activities have been deemed safe, risk assessed and environmentally sustainable and I meet the government requirements to be insured.
A portion of your session fee is returned to Parks Victoria to assist with the ongoing maintenance and preservation of these precious public spaces.
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More Kind Words
"Kate attended my Mum's 70th garden party at our home and was nothing but amazing to work with. Not only did she take the time to come out and visit prior to the day, she also made it a great experience beyond just getting photos taken and working with some more challenging elements. We still talk about what a great day it was and how much fun we all had together."
Stephanie
"Kate was the photographer for my very small and intimate wedding in the forest, and from the beginning she was nothing but phenomenal. As people who go about their lives very quietly, being in the permanent gaze of a camera felt very daunting. However, Kate's personable and relaxed (but very professional!) approach made our day incredible. The photos are beautiful and we couldn't be happier with how our day was captured."
Bec
"We had such a great time with Kate. She was so respectful and patient with our kids. She really tuned in to what was and was not going to work for our little people and adapted to all the challenges our 3yr old threw at us on the day. The photos are amazing, Kate managed to capture so many precious images it is going to be impossible to pick out our favourites"
Kira
"From our very first contact over the phone Kate was so professional. It's obvious she wants to truly capture what our family was all about, taking the time to talk to me about our circumstance. We were instantly at ease when we met Kate at the location agreed on. Kate is thoughtful, easygoing and brilliant engaging the kids. Our photos are perfect, we couldn't decide which ones to order so bought the whole gallery. Moments captured in time forever!!!"
Craig and Kelly
"Kate truly captured the essence and magic of each member of my family and guided us through such an enriching family experience. We have a special needs son who has sensory and communication issues, and Kate was so prepared and patient with him, and through her lens and expertise she translated and expressed his unique personality and energy in these stunning photos. Thank you Kate for treasuring and seeing my family in the same way I do – I will keep these memories and photos forever."
Tutie
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