Family Photographer Canberra

Moments and details. Small things that speak volumes even in the silence. Sometimes there are no words to describe how we feel, only pictures. And as time moves on, the images that stay with us, either in our minds, our hearts, or in our heirloom photo albums, are those that emanate the stories of our lives.

To capture the simplest, most beautiful, most natural seconds click-by-click–that is why I love working on family photography in Canberra.

Taking on the role as the photographer for Joan’s 80th birthday gave me a chance to do just that. Two of her children had asked for me to shoot the celebration. Family came from all across Australia to Canberra, to assemble at the Hyatt Hotel.

While the weather that day was not perfect the Hyatt Hotel became the perfect backdrop for Joan and her family. What amazed me throughout the day was that, even though hotels are rarely considered home, when I look at the photographs in their storybook, I would not assume this is a hotel. Aside from that, you would never have guessed how dreary the weather was, because everyone was smiling so openly.

Home and family. These two things cannot be one without the other.
We do not know where we will be tomorrow or in a few years. Yet, despite the uncertainty that surrounds us, we thrive when our hearts are full. 

When I set out to make a fine art storybook, as I did for Joan’s family, I get excited. Pictures say so much, even at the most basic level. I was inspired to show the bonds between the individuals and bring otherwise unassuming scenes to life. That way, when leafing through the pages of the storybook years from now, the image will create a spark, bringing vivid memories from that day back.
There are details, like a look or gesture, that encapsulate feelings. One moment, there is a smile. The next, the eyes shift, and the person sees something that makes their heart full. And you, looking at these pictures, get a nostalgic feeling deep inside too.

I love it when the people I photograph glance away from the camera and let their features settle. To me, there is no “picture perfect” moment, just the image and what is being caught in that moment. That is why I blend motion with stillness, and posing with less structured scenes.

After all, the stories of our lives are not ones of ideal moments, like a sunny day, or smiles all day long. It is the simple pleasantries that we come to cherish.

To capture that, I try not to encroach too much on my families. Doing so would disturb the peace, the energy, and the story that is being written. So I observe and see where the story will take me. It is those who become the characters of the story that write the scenes themselves. I merely live to help you tell it later.
Joan’s 80th Birthday Party was, for me, a moment to reflect on all that I do as a family photographer in Canberra. Storytelling plays such a tremendous role in my work that it is opportunities like this that both excite and inspire me. It is that fusion of natural life coming together with commemorative shots that give my work meaning. I hope that the story of Joan’s 80th becomes the perfect heirloom for the family, because it was I day I will not forget.