your baby is turning 1
What a journey it’s been. The sleepless nights, the tiny milestones, the tears (yours and theirs), and the kind of love that hits you like a wave and never leaves. The first year of parenthood is a wild, beautiful rollercoaster — equal parts joy and exhaustion, filled with growing pains and heart-melting moments you wish you could bottle forever.
This milestone session isn’t just about your baby turning one.
It’s about you, too.
It’s a celebration of everything you’ve made it through — the 2 a.m. feeds, the baby blues, the big transitions, and the fierce, unconditional love that’s carried you all the way here.
Whether we’re capturing your little one covered in cake, taking wobbly steps, or wrapped up in your arms — this session is a reminder: you’ve done something incredible.
Let’s celebrate it all — the softness, the strength, the survival, and the joy. Because this? This is just the beginning.
When to book your 1st birthday milestone session:
I recommend booking your child’s first birthday milestone session around the 6-8-month mark. If you’re super organized, we can even schedule the date during your newborn session to secure your spot early. There's a few options to when to book the date in;
- When they are 11 months old (so you have the whole gallery back before they turn one)
- A week prior to turning one
- On their birthday (If we book on the exact date, I’ll do my best to deliver about 10 sneak peek images that very same day)
Who is involved:
These sessions include you, your partner, your children — and yes, pets are welcome too!
When is the best time for your session?
For the most flattering, magical lighting, I recommend scheduling your session during golden hour – at sunrise or sunset. These times offer soft, dreamy light and a beautiful backdrop - and we can even schedule it in to capture blue hour - when the sky turns pink after the sun disappears or appears. However, I understand that family life doesn’t always align with golden hour. If sunrise or sunset isn’t suitable, we can schedule a session between 10:00am and 4:00pm instead. I’m happy to work around toddler nap times, family routines, daylight savings, or seasonal changes – just let me know what suits your lifestyle best.
What to Bring:
- Please bring along your cake, any balloons or anything else you wanted to incorporate into your session e.g. bubbles, special toys etc.
- For cake smashes, don’t forget a nice plate or dish to set the cake on, wipes for easy cleanup, and a change of clothes for everyone.
What happens during the session?
A typical first birthday milestone session usually starts with family portraits, capturing those precious moments with parents, siblings, and even pets. There’s often a few intimate shots of just mum and dad too, highlighting their special bond. Then, if you’d like, we can spend the second half of the session having fun with a cake smash or any other creative idea you have in mind, making sure your little one’s personality shines through in every shot.
Tips for other Toddlers & young children:
The best tip? Let kids be kids. I always start the session with a classic family portrait — everyone together, smiling at the camera — while your little ones are still a bit shy or curious. As the session progresses and they begin to warm up, I gently guide them into play. That’s when the magic really happens — the giggles, the cuddles, and all the beautiful, natural moments. If your child has a favourite activity, feel free to bring it along! Whether it’s a football, kite, skipping rope, or something they love to do as a family, we’ll bring it out partway through the session to help them feel relaxed and engaged.
A few helpful tips (if you have other children)
- Avoid bringing toys that may cause arguments between siblings.
- Please don’t schedule the session during or too close to nap time — a rested toddler is a happy toddler! Morning or late afternoon sessions usually work best, depending on your child’s routine. Let me know what suits your family, and we’ll work around it.
Remember, there’s no pressure for your children to “perform.” The most meaningful photos are the ones that capture them just as they are.
Client Closet:
While I don’t currently offer a client wardrobe for family sessions, I’m always happy to help with outfit guidance to ensure your photos look beautiful and cohesive.
Neutral, earthy, and soft tones always photograph best — think beige, cream, tan, warm browns, soft sage, or muted pastels. These colors complement natural surroundings and help keep the focus on your family’s connection.
- For mums and daughters, I especially love flowy dresses, soft knits, or layered textures. These add beautiful movement and warmth to your images.
- For partners and dads, a button-up linen shirt in a tone that complements (but doesn’t exactly match) your outfit works perfectly. Avoid bright colors, bold patterns, or graphic t-shirts, as these can distract from the overall look.
- For children, anything in those same neutral or earthy tones works wonderfully. Rompers, knits, or simple dresses with soft textures are great choices.
A few extra tips:
- Please remove Apple Watches, Fitbits, and sunglasses before the session (or leave them in the car). If you're an avid Apple Watch wearer, you may need to apply a little bit of fake tan to your wrists.
- If you're unsure what to wear, feel free to send me outfit options via social media — I’m more than happy to help you coordinate!
Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours exploring, refining, and photographing some of the most breathtaking spots across the Yarra Valley and Victorian High Country. Each location I offer has been carefully chosen for its natural beauty, lighting potential, and the way it reflects my signature style — open spaces, elevated views, and raw, emotional storytelling. You’ll notice many of these spots are perched high, overlooking rolling hills, misty mountains, or vast open skies — this perspective is something that speaks to my soul and is woven into every session I create.
From riverside hideaways and lush fern forests to golden fields and snow-dusted peaks, these locations have been thoughtfully selected to give you a truly unique and unforgettable photography experience. Whether you're planning a maternity session, family portraits, or a romantic elopement, I have options to suit every season and style — all within reach of Marysville, Healesville, Mansfield, Alexandra, and beyond.
Let’s find the perfect place to tell your story.
MT LOFTY, WONGA PARK
Welcome to one of our most loved and sought-after session spots — Mt Lofty in Wonga Park. If you're drawn to open landscapes, golden grass, and uninterrupted skies, this location is for you.
Breathtaking 360 degree views, golden hour magic, open fields, seasonal versatility.
Good to know:
There’s a short but steep walk required to reach the top, so comfortable footwear is essential. We recommend arriving in casual shoes and changing into session shoes or going barefoot at the summit.
Please note there are no toilets or change rooms on site. We recommend coming dressed or bringing easy-to-change layers. No pets allowed
LUCKY MINE LOOKOUT, ALEXANDRA
Lucky Mine Lookout in Alexandra is a breathtaking location that offers sweeping panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. The lookout overlooks rolling hills and valleys, creating a stunning backdrop that works beautifully for you.
Lucky Mine Lookout tends to be quieter than more popular tourist spots, offering a more private and relaxed atmosphere for your session. Available all year round with golden grass during the Summer, and green grass during the Winter.
Good to know:
Best photographed for early morning sessions (before 10am) or sunset. There is parking available near the lookout, pets allowed but please note that Kangaroos are often around.
RJ HAMER ARBORETUM,OLINDA
A forest-meets-field dreamscape in the Dandenong Ranges - RJ Hamer offers wide open grassy hills, dramatic tree lines, and magical woodland sections — perfect for those craving a mix of nature, texture, and depth. From golden sunsets to misty forest light, it delivers stunning backdrops year-round.
Dandenong Ranges mountain views, golden hour magic, open fields, seasonal versatility.
Good to know:
Easy parking on Chalet Rd, Toilets on-site, pets allowed
BY THE RIVER, BUXTON
A wonderful mix of open fields that can look dry and golden or lush and green, depending on the weather—giving us a range of beautiful natural backgrounds to work with. You’ll also find large, majestic trees scattered around, perfect for creating soft shade and adding texture to your photos. Plus, there’s easy access to a shallow, clear river, which adds a peaceful, refreshing element to the setting—great for relaxed, natural shots.
This location gives us the flexibility to capture everything from wide-open, airy landscapes to intimate moments by the water or under the trees.
Good to know:
Parking is easy with a short walk, bring some boots along for the cooler weather, detailed directions will be provided upon booking to preserve the serenity of the space. No pets allowed
THE PAPS, MAINDAMPLE
If you're dreaming of expansive mountain top views with rugged, natural beauty — The Paps in Maindample is the perfect backdrop. Ideal for anyone wanting a sweeping landscape behind them.
360° Mountain Views for sunrise & sunset & beautiful field gully at the bottom.
Once you’re at the top, you're surrounded by uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s raw, peaceful, and breathtaking — perfect for statement shots that feel intimate yet powerful.
Good to know:
4WD access is required to reach the summit. If you don’t have one — no stress! I’m more than happy to drive you up so we can reach the very best photo spots, no toilets, children must be supervised, no pets allowed
IN THE trees, Buxton
This location is surrounded by lush greenery creating a soft, natural carpet and tall tree ferns towering above, adding a magical, forest-like atmosphere. It’s a quiet, private area that feels very intimate and peaceful—perfect for capturing genuine, relaxed moments.
At the back of the ferns, the forest opens up into a wide, open field, giving us the flexibility to shoot in both shaded, cozy surroundings and bright, open spaces with plenty of natural light. This mix will allow for a great variety of photos with different moods and styles.
Good to know:
Parking is easy and close by, detailed directions will be provided upon booking to preserve the serenity of the space. No pets allowed
LAKE EILDON, EILDON
Lake Eildon is a stunning and a very sentimental location in Eildon, Victoria. Known for its sparkling water, rocky shores, and beautiful natural surroundings, it offers unique backdrops for a variety of photo sessions. Whether it’s the warm glow of summer or the serene calm of cooler months, Lake Eildon’s changing seasons offer diverse and breathtaking scenery. The open water and surrounding landscape provide ample natural light, perfect for golden hour.
Good to know:
Parking close by, toilets nearby and bring sandals for the rocky areas. If beautiful in water shots appeal to you, please bring spare briefs and towels. Detailed location directions and meeting points will be provided upon booking. Ideal to book these sessions midweek as it can be a little busy over weekends. Pets allowed.
WHIMSICAL FLOWER FIELD, HEALESVILLE
Hidden in the heart of Healesville, this small flower field feels like something out of a whimsical fairytale. Tucked among tall grasses and surrounded by quiet bushland, it’s a peaceful, almost secret place that blooms briefly but beautifully.
Whimsical & Ethereal, Fairy Forest Vibes
The delicate white onion flowers form a dreamy, textured field that looks straight out of a fantasy. It's soft, romantic, and perfect for anyone wanting a magical backdrop.
Good to know:
Available only in September and October, while the onion flowers are in full bloom. It's a short and special window — sessions book quickly during this time!
The field can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are essential for your comfort.
This hidden gem is located in Healesville. Detailed directions will be provided upon booking to preserve the serenity of the space. No pets allowed.
KEPPEL LOOKOUT, MARYSVILLE
Keppel Lookout is one of Marysville’s hidden gems — perched above the treetops with sweeping views across the Murrindindi region. With panoramic outlooks over rolling hills and dense forest, Keppel Lookout creates a dramatic, cinematic backdrop for your session. From rich autumn colours and misty winter mornings to crisp summer skies — it’s beautiful in every season. And yes, it can even snow here during winter! ❄️
Good to know:
There’s convenient parking nearby and the walk to the lookout is very short. If it is forecasted to snow, the track entry in is only 4wd, you're more than welcome to jump in my car and we can head up there together. The lookout is most magical during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon light).
i'm excited for my pics!! 🍾
- After our session, I’ll send you 10 sneak peeks within a couple days so you can start reliving the magic and have something to post on socials.
- Your final gallery will be delivered in high resolution, and you’ll be able to download and share with family and friends within 2-4 weeks.
album designs & print orders
When it comes to preserving your memories, nothing compares to the quality of a professionally printed album or fine art print. While it might be tempting to order prints from a local store or online retailer, those prints often don’t do justice to the beauty of your photos. Professional labs use high-end materials, ensuring that every image is printed with stunning clarity and color accuracy that will last for generations. The albums I offer are crafted with premium quality paper, durable covers, and custom options that reflect the elegance of your session. These aren’t just photos—they’re heirlooms that will be passed down, telling the story of your journey in the best possible way. Trust me, there’s no better way to showcase your memories than with beautifully printed products that stand the test of time.
I also offer 6x4 prints so you can easily create your own photo collection. Trust me, there’s no better way to showcase your memories than with beautifully printed products that stand the test of time.
any other questions, please ask - this guide is forever getting updated
Your photography session is going to be beautiful, and I’m beyond excited to be there to capture it all! So let’s get ready to make some memories that will last a lifetime. I can't wait to photograph your precious milestone.
