Capturing the chaos, cuddles, and everything in between.
Your moments, beautifully captured
Storyteller. Memory maker.
Capturing your raw and authentic moments with your loved ones.
Moments are fleeting, but can be preserved. I truly believe that all that can be celebrated must be celebrated and that every season of your life is amazing and should be documented.
I want to tell your story.
Services
Maternity. Baby. Couples. Family.
01
Maternity. Newborn. Family. Couples. Or just because you feel like it.
Basically, anything that makes you, you.
I don’t really believe in putting people into little photography boxes. Life doesn’t work that way, so why should your photos?
These sessions are for whatever season of life you’re in — growing a tiny human, welcoming one home, wrangling the kids you already have, celebrating your relationship, documenting your family as it is right now, or simply thinking “we really need some nice photos of us.”
And unlike some photographers, I don’t charge more depending on what we’re photographing.
Newborns generally take longer. Toddlers generally require bribery. Families generally descend into chaos. 😂 But to me, a photo is a photo. Your memories are your memories. I don’t think one stage of your life is more valuable than another, so I’m not going to charge you more for it.
And then there’s the photos.
You get ALL the good ones.
I don’t believe in giving you 20 photos and making you pay extra for the other 87 you love. Instead, I go through your gallery and ask myself:
“Do I love it?” - If I do, you get it.
So expect a helluva lot of photos — the beautiful ones, the funny ones, the cuddles, the chaos and all those little in-between moments you didn’t even realise I was capturing.
Because the “perfect” photo isn’t always the one where everyone is looking at the camera.
It’s the one that makes you feel something.
Your people. Your life. Your now.
INVESTMENT:
$549.
Signature Sessions
02
When the family photo includes more than just parents and kiddos, we call that an extended family session — grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunties, uncles, the whole gang… bring them all!
These sessions are a little different (and, secretly, some of my absolute favourites).
Of course, we’ll get that big group photo — the one where everyone is actually looking at the camera and you can prove you got the whole family together.
But we won’t stop there.
We’ll capture the grandparents with their grandkids, cousins playing together, siblings being siblings, grandparents with their children, and each individual family unit within the bigger crew.
Think of it as a few family sessions rolled into one — more people, more combinations, more memories and, importantly, more bang for your buck.
Because getting everyone together doesn’t happen often. And when it does, you want more than one photo of everyone standing in a line.
You want the hugs. The chaos. The cheeky cousins. The generations together. The little moments between people who have known and loved each other forever.
Bring the whole crew. I’ll bring the camera.
INVESTMENT:
Starting from $649.
contact me to discuss your vision and to put a suitable package together
Extended Family Sessions
03
Because nine months of growing a tiny human deserves to be remembered — and so does the wonderfully chaotic, sleep-deprived, love-filled season that follows.
The Bump to Bub package is designed to capture this little chapter from pregnancy through to those precious early days with your new baby. We’ll document your growing family while your baby is still snuggled safely in your belly, then come back together once they’ve made their grand entrance.
No stiff posing, no pressure to have everything perfectly together. Just you, your growing family, and all the little moments that make this season so special.
Think belly laughs, tiny kicks, newborn snuggles, sleepy cuddles, those impossibly tiny fingers and toes, and the slightly surreal feeling of “wait… we actually made a whole person.”
And the bonus? Booking both sessions together means you get a little discount, too. Because you’re already making the big commitment to document this incredible chapter, so I think you deserve a little something extra.
It’s a beautiful way to tell the full story — from bump to bub, and all the love in between.
INVESTMENT:
$950
Bump to Bub Package
How it works
01. The “we should really do this” moment
You know that feeling when you suddenly realise they’re growing up WAY too fast?
When the baby clothes are getting packed away, the kids’ faces are changing before your eyes, or you catch yourself thinking, “I swear they were this tiny yesterday.”
That’s your sign.
You don’t need a special occasion or a perfectly behaved family. You just need to want to remember this version of your family — the chaos, the cuddles, the giggles and all the little in-between bits that you never want to forget.
A little planning goes a long way: If you’re booking a maternity session, I recommend aiming for around 28–34 weeks and getting in touch early to secure your spot. For newborn sessions, the sweet spot is generally within the first 1–3 weeks, so it’s best to book during pregnancy. We’ll pencil in your due date and lock in the exact date once your little one arrives.
Reach out to book in!
02. Getting to know you
Before we meet, I’ll send you a little questionnaire so I can get to know you.
What your kids are into. What makes them laugh. What your family looks like on a normal Sunday.
Because your session shouldn’t feel like a generic photoshoot. It should feel like your family.
I’ll use what you tell me to help shape a session that feels natural, personal and very you.
03. I’ve got you
I know getting everyone ready for photos can feel like a military operation.
Someone needs clothes. Someone needs a snack. Someone has suddenly decided they HATE the outfit they picked five minutes ago. And somehow you’re meant to arrive looking calm and relaxed through it all.
Don’t worry. I’ve got you.
I’ll help with what to wear, what to bring, where we’ll go and what to expect — so you can spend less time stressing about getting it “right” and more time enjoying the experience.
04. It’s photo day - let’s have some fun!
This is where we ditch the awkward.
There’s no standing in a line saying “CHEESE!” and no pressure to make everyone look at the camera.
We’ll run, play, cuddle, tickle, explore, dance, laugh and probably do a little bit of bribery if required. 😉
I’ll guide you when you need it and step back when the magic is happening naturally.
The goal? For it to feel less like a photoshoot and more like you guys hanging out together — just with me tagging along with a camera.
05. The good stuff
After your session, I’ll get to work turning all those little moments into your gallery.
The belly laughs. The tiny hands. The ridiculous faces. The way your little one looks at you. The moments you didn’t even realise I was photographing.
Then comes the best bit: seeing it all.
You’ll get a little sneak peek asap after your session. You will then receive your full gallery to relive it all — and hopefully have that lovely little “oh my god, look at us” feeling. This is usually within 1-3 weeks.
Because sometimes it takes seeing your family through someone else’s eyes to realise just how beautiful your ordinary really is.
06. You get ALL the good stuff
And by all, I mean all.
Your session includes all of the edited, high-resolution images that I deem keepable. And just quietly… you’re going to get a LOT. 😂
I’m not here to make you choose between the photo where your toddler is belly laughing and the one where they’re giving you the sweetest little cuddle. If I love it and it makes the cut, it’s yours.
Your gallery will also have an online print store attached, so if you’d like to turn your favourite moments into prints, frames, albums or something lovely for the walls, you can do that too.
Because these photos deserve more than a forgotten folder on your phone. Print them. Frame them. Make an album. Put one on your desk. Stick one on the fridge.
Whatever you do, please don't let them live forever on a hard drive.
A little about me
This isn’t just a business — it’s a reflection of what I believe in. That your people matter, the little moments matter, and one day, these photos will mean more than you ever realised.
Hi, I’m Michelle (Chell)!
Mumma. Lawyer. Photographer. Professional memory-maker. And someone who firmly believes the best photos are often the ones where nobody is quite sure I’m taking them.
I live in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, although having spent my childhood on a farm and racing motorbikes, I’ve always felt most at home in nature. I’m a Wills & Estates lawyer by day, a family photographer by golden hour, a avid environmentalist, and a pretty enthusiastic celebrator of all that can be celebrated.
I’ve been behind the camera for many moons (and it shows in our family photos), but my passion for photography really took off during Melbourne’s 7,632 years of lockdown. I started capturing the special, ordinary moments for friends and their families, and quickly realised just how much joy I got from it.
These days, you’ll usually find me chasing families through fields, beaches and backyards — often while someone is running in the opposite direction — and then getting ridiculously excited going through the photos afterwards.
I photograph families the way I want to remember my own: honestly, joyfully and without too much fuss.
I’m not interested in perfectly posed children, forced smiles or everyone looking at the camera at exactly the same time. I want the belly laughs, the cuddles, the crazy hair, the little hands, the cheeky faces and all those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments that make up your everyday life.
Because I know how quickly it all changes.
One minute they’re tiny, and the next they’re rolling their eyes at you and asking for money. So while I can’t stop time (I’ve tried), I can help you bottle up a little piece of it.
My sessions are relaxed, candid and a little bit chaotic — basically, you just need to turn up as you are. I’ll take care of the rest. And if I tell the kids to tackle you, just go with it.
When I’m not behind the camera or helping families plan for their futures, you’ll usually find me with my own family, planning our next holiday (it’s a problem!), or celebrating something that probably doesn’t actually need celebrating.
I hate coffee. Live music and meaningful chats make my soul sing.
So, if you’re looking for someone who will make your family photos feel less like a photoshoot and more like a really bloody lovely afternoon together, I think we’ll get along just fine.
Leave awkward at home. Bring your people. I’ll bring the camera.
What my clients say
“Chell can tame your eldest’s main character energy, wrangle your middle kid’s grumpfest and lull your wired newborn into sleepy bliss. Be prepared for her to say “just one more shot” seventy-four times because she is committed to capturing every perfect pic and will spot an opportunity while she is halfway out the door.”
-- Laura H
“A few years back, after the birth of my first child I organised a shoot with a photographer. It was stiff, awkward - and certainly didn't capture the personality of our family. Despite having captured hundreds of images, the photographer's pricing was such that I only ended up with one of the images. Sadly, following this experience there is a three year gap where there are no nice photos of our family or the kids as young siblings.
Chell of Arlo and Oak however was everything that the previous photographer was not. She is warm, puts everyone at ease and is fantastic with kids. She captured so many beautiful images - and restored my confidence and commitment to documenting the fleeting seasons as our family grows.”
-- Gemma T
“We have had two separate and wonderful sessions with Chell and will continue to do so as my family grows. Her photographs are beautiful and are the most precious keepsakes! I sent her photos to all of my relatives and they have all of the photos up half way around the world. I highly, highly recommend Chell, for not only is she experienced but amazingly talented.”
-- Naomi T
“Being in Chell's presence is like being enveloped in a warm hug. Her gentle and down-to-earth nature instantly puts everyone at ease - even those who strongly dislike having their photograph taken (ahem, like my husband). And that means nothing looks or feels forced.
Chell has a gift for capturing emotion and unplanned moments. The beauty in the chaos. The sparkle in the eyes. The fabric of a family. (She is also skilled at herding runaway children.) When I received our images, my eyes welled up with tears of joy and gratitude. She'd so perfectly captured the spirits and personalities of each individual in our little family, and in doing so, told our story as a whole.”
-- CM
What my friends say
(uh oh!)
“Chell will be booking her next holiday while still on holiday. Then she will convince you that you need that holiday, too!”
“She will always stand up for what she thinks is right/important” (9yo daughter **wipes tears**)
“Will 10/10 cry if you cry, and probably even if you don’t”
“The glue that holds EVERYTHING together, kinda like magic…!”
“Can’t remember what she had for dinner last night, but can remember that place she went to 5 years ago and the exact spot to stand for the perfect photo at golden hour”
Your Questions, Answered
How far in advance should I book a session?
I recommend reaching out at least four to six weeks ahead of your desired date to ensure availability. However, as this is not my full time gig (I am a Wills & Estates Lawyer, too!), I don’t book myself solid so am often flexible.
For maternity and newborn, the earlier the better (and we can move the date as needed).
What is the duration of a typical photoshoot?
There is no stop watch hanging over your head. A typical family photography session lasts approximately 1 hour, but I have been known to go rogue if the light is magical! A newborn shoot is often closer to 2. I block out that part of the day to ensure there is enough time to capture a variety of poses and candid moments. Just know that at that time, I have nowhere I would rather be, so if you need to stop a few times to feed bub, change, EAT - don’t think twice about it :)
Where/when do you photograph?
I’m an outdoor, golden-hour kind of girl. Think fields, beaches, parks and somewhere your kids can actually move around. We will work this out together (I have a few go to spots!). I generally don't shoot in the middle of the day because harsh sunlight and squinty faces aren't really my vibe. 😂
Newborn shoots are typically around 10am - when everyone is fresh and the light is best.
What happens if the weather is rubbish?
If Mother Nature decides to be a jerk, we reschedule. I’ll keep an eye on the forecast and we’ll work it out together. Your photos deserve better than everyone standing in sideways rain pretending they're having fun.
When and how will I receive my images?
A personalised online gallery of all final retouched digital imaged will be delivered within 2-3 weeks of your session (often earlier). These high-resolution images can be shared, downloaded, and professionally printed for personal use. An online print store is also available should you wish to purchase prints.
Can we bring the dog?
YES. Obviously.
Your dog is family too
What should we wear?
Whatever you feel good in! I’m definitely not here to turn your family into a beige Pinterest board. 😂
Neutral, earthy tones photograph beautifully and work really well with the outdoor locations I shoot in. But more importantly, I want you to look like you.
You don’t all need to match. In fact, please don’t. Think complement, not match.
If one person is wearing a pattern, just be mindful of what everyone else is wearing so it doesn’t end up looking too busy. And I’d generally steer clear of big logos, really loud colours or anything that’s going to completely steal the show.
Most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. If you feel good, you’ll look good — and that’s always going to photograph better than an outfit you’ve chosen because Pinterest told you to. 😂
What if I’m awkward, my kids are feral, my partner hates photos and my baby cries?
Excellent. You’ll fit right in. 😂
Seriously though, please don’t stress. Most people tell me they hate having their photo taken, their kids won’t cooperate, their partner needs convincing and their baby will probably cry the entire time.
You do not need to know how to pose, and you definitely don’t need to be “photogenic”. That’s my job.
I’ll give you plenty of direction, keep things relaxed and hopefully have you forgetting the camera is even there. And if your kids aren’t sitting perfectly, smiling on command or generally doing what they’re told? Even better.
I’m very used to chaos, and some of my favourite photos happen when everyone is doing anything but what I asked. 😂
And I’m yet to meet a kid I can’t win over.
So bring your awkwardness, your chaos and your crying baby. I’ve got you.
Do you pose us?
I’ll definitely give you direction, but not in a “stand there, tilt your chin, say cheese” kind of way. I’ll give you prompts, little things to do and plenty of guidance so you’re not standing there wondering what the hell you’re supposed to do with your hands. 😂
For the most part, I’m there to capture the moments as they naturally happen — the cuddles, laughs, chaos and everything in between.
Newborn sessions are very much the same. My style is natural, relaxed and baby-led. I’m not into elaborate props and if you want your baby in a pumpkin, I’m probably not your gal!
Do you do mini sessions?
Not generally. I prefer having enough time to let everyone relax, especially when kids are involved. I’d rather give you a proper experience than rush you through for the sake of fitting in another session.
Ready to create some memories?
It all begins with a thought. Maybe you want some photos to send to the family you don’t get to see often. Maybe you are sick of being behind the camera and not in the family photos. Or maybe you simply want to document these fleeting moments with the ones you love the most.
Whatever your reason is, I will help bring your vision to life and leave you with captured moments in time that you can look back on with a smile.
If you are interested in booking in a photoshoot, please complete the form submission.
Oh, and one more thing…
You might know me as the girl behind the camera, but when I’m not chasing kids through fields with a camera in my hand, I’m a Wills & Estates lawyer at Nest Legal.
Yep. Photographer by golden hour, lawyer by day. 😂
And while they might seem like two completely different worlds, they actually have something pretty important in common:
They’re both about the people and things that matter most.
As a photographer, I get to help you capture your family as they are right now — the tiny hands, big laughs, messy hair, cuddles and all the beautiful chaos in between.
As a Wills & Estates lawyer, I help you put plans in place to protect those people and the things you’ve worked hard for, now and into the future.
Haven’t sorted your Will yet?
You’re definitely not alone.
Maybe it’s been on the “one day” list for years. Maybe you’ve had a baby, bought a house, started a business, separated, remarried, or simply realised that “we really should get around to that” has been sitting on the list for long enough.
That’s where I can help.
At Nest Legal, we make estate planning straightforward, practical and (dare I say it) not nearly as scary or boring as you think it’s going to be.
If you’d like to have a chat about your Will or estate planning, you can book a free, no-obligation chat with me below.
You’ve protected their future. Now let’s capture their present.
Please note: I’m a photographer and a Wills & Estates lawyer, but this website is primarily for my photography business. For legal enquiries, please head to www.nestlegal.com.au.
