Families

Melbourne Family Photographer

When was the last time you were in the photo with each other and your kids, looking and feeling loved up and actually loving photos of yourself?

When was the last time you got to spend quality, distraction-free time connecting with each other? Just hanging out, having cuddles, making them laugh?

There’s a lot of joy to be found in those simple, little moments. Those joyful and cheeky smiles; those loud head-thrown-back-nose-scrunchy laughs; the way the wind ruffles through their sweet curly hair; little ones who nuzzle into your neck.

These sessions are more like an experience, a space in time where you can just be with your family and have fun, knowing that someone else is in charge (that’s me 🙋🏻‍♀️).

Stuff like this doesn’t come naturally or easily to most people, especially in front of a camera!

Here’s the good news - it’s my job to guide you & make you feel comfortable. Life isn't perfect, people aren't perfect, and your session would be far too boring if we all sat still and said 'cheeeeeese' a million times.

It's a bit strange at first, because you have no idea what to do or where to look but I'll guide you through that and make sure everyone is relaxed and having fun...because this is when the magic happens. That’s where we get to the good stuff - no, the better than great stuff - the ‘I freaking love this and can’t believe this is a photo of us’ stuff.

And at the end of your session, you walk away feeling incredibly loved up, and with a collection of images that are full of love, life and energy and that will help you remember not only what your love looks like, but what it feels like.

This sounds rad - gimme more info plz!

Worried you’re not photogenic enough? Too awkward?

Right about now, as you scroll through my website, that lil voice in your head is getting loud & telling you there’s no way YOU could get photos like this. That all my clients must be fun, carefree & photogenic people, to be so natural and free like this.

And sure - some of them are! But I can also guarantee you that most of my clients are worried about a dozen different things like:

  • the kids waking up and being super grumpy;

  • double chins & awkward bloating or lumps & bumps;

  • their partner being stressed at having to smile awkwardly and hating every second of it;

  • being awkward & uncomfortable in front of the camera;

  • investing in this experience and then hating the photos.

You gotta remember that this is a highlights reel too - but that doesn’t mean it’s fake. My clients look like they’re happy and having fun, because they are happy and having fun.

Here’s how it works…

  • Multi-tasking Kings + queens

    You can feel awkward & anxious - and still laugh, and feel happy and hug your loved ones tight. We’re going to acknowledge those awkward feelings straight up, and I’ll share some of my pro-tips & tricks that’ll help you feel more confident in front of the camera (and these tips work for ANY time you’re in front of a camera too). I’ll show you photos on the back of the camera as we go. The moment you see a photo you love, and those walls come down, honestly makes me feel high 😍

  • Movin' + Groovin'

    Kids don’t sit still in real life, so let’s embrace that need for movement. We'll go on an adventure looking for fairies or lions hiding in bushes, play silly games, and have tickle fights.  I'll make lame dad jokes, and pull funny faces with your kids - in my experience, no matter how much of a grump someone is (I'm looking at the three-nager's here), they will always join in with the fun eventually.

  • Heartfelt

    Each session is more like an adventure & an interactive experience that you’ll (hopefully) remember forever. And while we’ll be having a lot of fun, there’s also time for some genuine emotional stuff, especially if you've got kids above the age of four. Once you guys have warmed up and gotten used to me, I'm going to start asking your kids what they love most about you, about each other, and what you love most about them - this stuff is real, it's honest, and these moments with your kids will melt your heart as a mum and dad ♥.

  • Krystal

    LECINDA!!! You absolute superstar!!

    Thank-you very, very much from the bottom of our hearts for capturing our little family so beautifully. We are so grateful for your patience (not to mention meeting us so early on a freezing winter morning!) and for taking the time to get to know us a little as it certainly helped us all feel comfortable in your presence. I apologise for not thanking you sooner but please rest assured we absolutely love the photos and have been gushing over them since they arrived, as have our extended families. I'm pretty sure as I type this my Mum is hanging her chosen photos on the wall.

    I'm truly thankful to you that we now have such wonderful memories to treasure.

  • Melissah

    “Her kind warm soul instantly put us at ease, and our hearts melted when we got to see the emotion she captured in us all. I’m so happy we have these images now.”

  • Kate

    “When I saw our photos I was so glad that we had taken the plunge! They are full of love and happiness. My biggest fear was that it would be a waste of time and we wouldn't get any great photos because we were tired, run down or that the kids would be cranky.

    Thank you for capturing photos of us just having fun and enjoying our children, they are the photos I really needed to have.

    And thank you for getting us together for real family time, I loved it so much. I got so much enjoyment out of just focusing on us and making each other laugh, smile and play. THANK YOU!”

  • Kate

    These photos capture the spirit of our family so perfectly. Not only were the photos beautifully taken, they displayed so much more than just the people in them - they embodied the love felt between us all, I was overwhelmed with happiness when I saw them!!

    My biggest fear was not getting any photos I liked. And also myself and family members feeling awkward or shy in front of the camera. But Lecinda was, of course, amazing. Every photo we received was utter perfection and she made us feel so comfortable and at ease throughout the whole shoot. So much talent rolled up into one human 😍

    The best part was taking that time out to just be with each other - no pressure about having to be somewhere at a certain time or having one million things on the to do list. It felt like the world around us disappeared and it was just us (with Lecinda capturing the moment). Lecinda made it so easy to soak up all of that love and happiness, and that shows in the final product. I don’t know how she does it, but it meant everything to us!

  • Corinne

    Oh wow! I love them, they really tell a story of our little family here and now. So many wonderful photos to choose from I wish I could have them all framed!!

    Thank you for always making us feel so comfortable in front of the camera, you are amazing to work with. I don't even notice you are taking photos of us.

  • Natalie

    “Lecinda, you perfectly captured the personalities of our little girls and we will treasure these photos forever. Thank you for being so fun to hang out with, and for capturing such fun moments of us all!”

  • Carol

    “Before booking Lecinda I was worried that I'd be disappointed with the results; the same way I was disappointed with our wedding photos (by a different photographer).

    I love our photos so much, when I saw them for the first time it was a moment of “I should have done this earlier" or "I want to do this every year”.

    My kids were very comfortable with you and wanted to take photos. Also you made sure everyone got their share of photos taken with each other, which I really liked.”

  • Kim

    “I LOVED how you interacted with my three year old. I knew he was going to be “hard work”, but you made him laugh, feel important & comfortable with you - even my husband commented on how not painful it was. We love our photos so much, thank you again!!”

  • Tammie

    “In the lead up to the session I was worried that my husband would be a fool if we were required to pose... but everything was just ‘normal’ us and these moments were captured so naturally.

    When I saw our photos I felt love and relief! I’m not the most photogenic person and I’m always the one behind the camera for my three boys. Lecinda captured our family perfectly and I proudly display so many of her photos up on our wall. I love every photo!”

  • Venessa

    “The way you captured my family was just so lovely. The photos are truly beautiful. The same way I still feel today when I see them... my heart explodes.

    Nothing about the session was awkward and staged, and I couldn't believe how beautiful the photos are. Plus the way you work was comforting too.“

  • Natalie

    “I'm so amazed that you could make us look so good! The first time I was worried that it would be a waste of money because the photos were shit! But of course, we love them all!

    And we love hanging out with you! Because you’re fun and made all of us laugh! We love seeing you make the kids laugh so naturally!

    I love the booking system, installment payments, email with what to wear etc, online contract is ace. Love how easy it to download final photos! It's so good!

    And I love how you usually show a sneak pic on your social media soon after the shoot. Especially with a newborn shoot, because you just are so proud of your new baby and want the whole world to see.”

  • Bec

    “From the moment I first saw Lecinda’s work, I knew that I *had* to get my little family in front of her lens.

    I absolutely adore her style, her incredible ability as a storyteller + her attention to detail.

    Lecinda, I am beyond grateful to you for all that you are + all that you do. Until our next session...”

  • Cherie

    “Nobody shoots emotion + connection + humans like Lecinda does.

    It’s always the happiest surprise when the edits arrive, and you just can’t believe she photographed the chaos of early years parenting, and managed to find all o’ the beauty in that chaos.

    She’s a WIZARD.”

  • Fiona

    “Just wanted to say, these photos are so beautiful, thank you for giving us some amazing memories that have been captured forever. I’m actually crying looking at them, happy tears! THANK YOU!!”

Your Investment

+ 90 MINUTE SESSION

For your and your immediate family* and are held at either sunrise or sunset (depending on location).

*Extended family sessions are available for an additional fee.

+ ALL DIGITAL PHOTOS

You’ll receive all edited digital photos (est 50 - 100) via an online gallery, where you can download a print + web resolution copy of the photographs to keep forever.

$1,300

Let’s Do this!

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

  • 1 / How does it work?

    If this sounds like something you’re interested in, send me an email and I’ll send you the full pricing + info guide! You can reserve a spot in my calendar by paying a non-refundable $220 booking fee, there’s also a questionnaire for you to complete to help me get to know you!

  • 2 / Have the best time ever

    Your session day is here! Each session goes for about 60 - 90 minutes - and y’know what they say about time flies when you’re having fun? Applies to your session too! We’ll be walking and talking, having tickle fights and bear hugs, and it’ll be over before you have time to worry about feeling awkward.

  • 3 / Enjoy the heart explosions

    After your session is over, I’ll edit a few sneak peeks for you while you wait for the full gallery which’ll be ready about three to four weeks after your session. You’ll be able to view + download your photos from your online gallery, as well as purchase any prints, frames or albums that you want.

 

"Evidence of a life replete with love is, in my mind, the greatest gift a photographer can give the world."

Dan Winters

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My weekends are prime real estate, and are always booked well in advance, and it’s best to book in three months before Christmas if you want a school holiday session.

  • Absolutely! All you need to lock in your session is a $220 non-refundable booking fee, and the balance is split into 2 equal payments, due before your session date.

  • As soon as I am aware that I am unwell, or becoming unwell, I will provide you with as much notice as possible. Depending on my symptoms and how unwell I am, I will either completely reschedule your session to the next available date or alternatively provide you with the option to proceed if you would feel comfortable with that (for example if I have a very mild head cold and am otherwise totally fine).

    If anyone in your family attending the session develops COVID like symptoms, I request that you let me know so we can reschedule your session, this helps me protect all my other small newborn clients & their families as well ♥

  • Every package includes access to a gallery of all your edited digital photos, that you can download in print & web resolution. You can always order fine art prints/albums from my pro-lab at any time.

  • We are a rainbow of colours and all of them are beautiful 😍 I’ve photographed several interacial couples, weddings and families and know how important it is for you that I capture and preserve your individual skin tones accurately. My editing style is minimal and I always make sure your skin tones are accurately represented in my final edits.

  • Your photos will be ready in 4-6 weeks, and will be delivered to you via your online gallery. You can also order prints, frames or albums through your gallery!

  • If we are shooting outdoors, the time of day we hold your session is super important. The general rule is that all outdoor sessions are held during the golden hour (either sunrise or sunset). Sunrise is the preferred option, as the weather is more predictable, kids are usually happier and there are less people around. Sunset sessions are available at specific locations.

  • I'm located in Melbourne, and I equally love spending time with my couples in their home, and adventuring off the beaten path for these sessions. I've hiked the YouYangs, photographed my clients cliff jumping at Mt. Martha and wandered the bush with my couples, so I'm open to exploring almost anywhere.

    At the end of the day though, the best locations are the ones that have meaning to you - for example, don’t choose a beach location if you aren’t beach people!

    Some locations attract a travel fee.

  • I sure do! In order to provide you with a customised experience, family sessions are capped at immediate family (you, your husband and children) only.

    If you would like to organise a session for your extended family (for example, your sister & her family + your parents etc) you will need to book an extended family session, which start at $1500.

  • For mama's-to-be, the most important thing is that you wear something you feel comfortable in. If you feel comfortable, it’s best to wear clothes that are tight around your belly, so we can see it (and that way you don’t need to hold your hand on your belly the whole time).

    Simple, neutral colours are best (cream, grey, blues, dark olive greens and other similar colours always work well in front of the camera. After booking your session, you'll access to my preparation guide with more tips and guides for choosing our outfits.

  • Many of my clients love being outdoors and spending time at the park with their family, and they definitely offer the most beautiful light (especially at sunrise). But the reality of living in Melbourne is that we’ll have to deal with unpredictable weather patterns at some point.

    In case you didn’t know, I also moonlight as a weather-girl in my spare time....kidding, but sometimes it feels like it. I’ll always consult the weather the day before our session as this is when the forecast is the most reliable, and text or call you to discuss our options. All I ask is that keep your morning open and flexible, so we can adjust our start time if we need to.

  • I’m a classic over-sharer and an over-shooter - which means I usually take about 1000+ images. Because you’ll be moving so much, I often take multiple images every time I press the shutter - so when I say “blink-and-you’ll-miss-them type photos, I really mean it!!

    You don’t want to sift through all of that! Part of my editing process is to hand select the best of the best of the best for editing, and these images end up in your gallery.

    Before you panic - I’m an over-deliverer too. One of the most fascinating lessons I’ve learned is that the photos in my favourites list, will often be different to the photos in your favourites list. I tend to include everything that’s not a duplicate image, someone pulling a bad face or out of focus.

    Your final gallery will still be huge, and you’ll have PLENTY of images. Everything in your gallery is yours to keep forever, but I find that most of my clients will love, print & share about half of them.

  • YES! Yes, yes, yes, yes! Love is LOVE. I wholeheartedly support my LBGTIQ+ friends, family and wider community. I adore photographing same sex weddings and families! The first time (and second..and third) time I heard the new amended reference that celebrants have to say at weddings (that a marriage is the union of two people, instead of man and woman) made me cry I was so happy!

Access the full pricing & info Guide
  • Where are sessions held?

    View some of my fave locations around Melbourne.

  • What to Wear

    Read my super handy post with 10 tips on what to wear to your family photography session.

  • The Best Time For your session

    If we are shooting outdoors, the time of day we hold your session is super important. The general rule is that all outdoor sessions are held during the golden hour (either sunrise or sunset).

  • When to invest in professional products, and when to head to a budget lab?

    Let’s not beat around the bush – professional photographic products are expensive.

    Controversioal opinion? Investing in professional, fine art photography products is not worth it 100% of the time.

  • For those who feel really camera-shy.

    If you are a little anxious about this whole "photo session" thing - you aren't alone! This post is for you.

  • Before + After Edits

    Curious about my editing process and want to see some before/afters?

Some recent family sessions on the blog.

View more on the blog