Long before I became a family photographer, I lived in the inner north of Melbourne, including in Brunswick and Brunswick East, for ten years. This was during the time I studied at the University of Melbourne and then the first five years of my working life. I was an almost daily user of the gym and pool facilities at the Brunswick Baths. I loved the stores of Sydney Road and backstreet cafes. I immersed myself in the inner urban lifestyle and probably could have stayed there for ever.
However, growing up I dreamt of living in Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges and now I finally do. It is a magical and inspiring place with forests of ferns and soaring gums, gorgeous formal parks and gardens, and miles of walking tracks. I look forward to sharing it with you and your family.
travel time and distances
Brunswick - National Park, Selby and Kallista
52.4km
57 minutes
via Eastern, EastLink and Burwood Highway
Brunswick - Arboretum and Gardens, Olinda
53.3km
58 minutes
via Eastern, EastLink and Boronia Road
Brunswick - Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Sherbrooke
51.1km
55 minutes
via Eastern, EastLink and Burwood Highway
Whether you live in the suburbs of Melbourne, the inner city or beyond a photoshoot with me provides a chance to step away from technology and outdoors into nature. It's an opportunity to embrace fun and adventure, and to spend quality time together as a family without the distractions and pressure of the bustle of daily life. As a photographer my goal is not only for your photos to show great memories but for the session itself to be an enriching and memorable family experience that you will look back on fondly.
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. I can also provide exclusive access to some of the most iconic locations in the Dandenongs including Alfred Nicholas Gardens and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens (formerly known as the Rhododendron Gardens) at Olinda.
There is so much to do and experience in the hills and forests of the Dandenongs and the Yarra Valley beyond. A photoshoot with me can just be the beginning (or end) of a daytrip, a weekend away or a longer stay. Having grown up in the foothills and having lived on the mountain for the last 7 years I am across many of its greatest - and often secret - spots. I love sharing this information with clients and helping them plan their visit to my little corner of the world. Whether you want a cafe recommendation, information on where to stay, options to pick your own farm produce, activities for children or where to go to watch the sunset I can help you with your plans.
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.
They Are totally Relaxed
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.
There's No Expectation Or Judgement
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.
My Child And Baby Led Methodology
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.
I Am Licensed By Parks Victoria
Kate Cashin is a family photographer based in the Dandenong Ranges outside of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
She specialises in nature sessions and forest adventures with the motto "Play. Move. Explore.".
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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