Pet, family and baby photography, Melbourne

Capturing the memories, love & pawprints your heart will hold forever!

Nestled in Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges, award-winning photographer Michelle specialises in pet photography, family photography and baby photography. Whether in the studio or surrounded by the natural beauty of the hills, Michelle’s style is warm, natural and authentic, honouring the connection you share with those who mean the most, fur and all! She is passionate about capturing your family’s “now”, so you never have to let these memories slip away with time.

From first cuddles and childhood giggles to the loyal paws that stay by our side, at Captured Hearts Photography we believe every family story should also include its furry members—and a portrait without them just wouldn’t feel complete!

With beautifully crafted artwork, Captured Hearts Photography transforms your memories into timeless treasures for your home-ensuring every chapter of your story lives on, beautifully and forever.

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Signature Sessions

Family Photography Sessions

Wall-worthy portraits that include EVERYONE, as well as your fur babies! Whether in the calm of the studio or surrounded by nature in the Dandenong Ranges, family sessions are all about celebrating your unique bond.

While I love a beautifully lit, classic portrait, my heart is in capturing the laughter, tenderness, and genuine moments that unfold when you simply enjoy being together. Guided by your preferences and child’s play, every session is designed to capture the true essence of your family, leaving you with cherished memories of this chapter in your family’s life.

Pet Photography Sessions

“Remember them furever.”

For many people, pets are their main family. Dogs in particular have an amazing way of becoming our best friend and filling our lives with joy! The bond that we share with our pets is so special and deserves to be captured and treasured for a lifetime.

Having priceless photographs of your pets means you will never forget their gorgeous face and cheeky ways! Pet photography sessions are for couples or single owners to celebrate this chapter in their life with their beloved fur babies.

Newborn and Baby Photography

That first year with your baby goes by so fast! Having professional photographs captured allows you to freeze this precious time in your child’s life and treasure these memories forever.

Whether a newborn session, celebrating their One Year Milestone, or somewhere in-between; every stage is special and adorable as you watch their personality emerge. These sessions are a beautiful way to celebrate your love and reminisce how small they once were. If you also have a fur baby, bring them along!

Babies, children and pets rarely follow the plan, and that’s often when the best moments unfold

Natural direction, gentle guidance and room for everyone to be themselves.

About Michelle | Captured Hearts Photography

Photographer, Mum, dog-Mum, sunset lover and your calm person during your session

Michelle has been behind a camera since her teenage years, studied photography and visual arts, and spent more than a decade working in the film industry before building Captured Hearts Photography.

During school, the family dog Dusty was her first model! Years later, Motherhood gave her an entirely new appreciation for the portraits that capture connection, personality and love. Especially for Mums, who give so much but often find themselves behind the camera.

With experience photographing hundreds of families and animals of all personalities, Michelle knows how to create a relaxed experience and beautiful photographs without expecting anyone to be perfect.

Photography made to be lived with

Artwork made for everyday joy

stunning photographs for the wall, that still feel like you.

The photographs you love most should be somewhere you can see them. Somewhere they can catch your eye on a busy morning, make you smile after a long day and quietly bring you back to what matters most.

Michelle guides you through selecting the portraits, sizes and artwork that feel right for your home, taking the guesswork out of what to print and where it belongs.

The result is more than something beautiful for the wall. It is a daily reminder of the people, pets and memories held closest.

Real Words From Real Clients

Here’s what some of our lovely clients have to say about their experience with Captured Hearts Photography

"Michelle was absolutely phenomenal with capturing our special little boy! She was attentive and transparent. She made us feel so comfortable. Her talent is second to none and that is represented in our forever perfect pictures that we get to cherish forever! Thank you so much! We'll be back for more family memories as our family grows!"

"We had such a great experience with Michelle, she made both my partner and myself feel so at ease and was able to coax smiles out of our tired and grumpy 4 month old. The final prints are gorgeous and excellent quality. Could not recommend her more highly for beautiful family memories."

"Michelle was able to take beautiful photos of our Deerhounds, Stirling and Fraser. Despite them both been typical Deerhounds and wanting to lick the camera and photographer and only co-operating on a limited basis. No bribery would be entertained! Thankyou Michelle for your patience and wonderful photos."

"We had a fantastic experiencing working with Michelle for our family photoshoot! She was super friendly, easygoing, and made the whole process feel relaxed and fun - even with our chaotic cat in the mix. The shoot went smoothly from start to finish, and the final photos turned out absolutely perfect. My mum loved them, and so do we. Highly recommend Michelle to anyone looking for a talented and patient photographer!"

"I’m so glad I decided to get some photos with my little man, Bruno. The session was fun and relaxed and we were able to get so many gorgeous photos! My little man is getting older and it was the best decision to capture some beautiful memories to have forever! I absolutely recommend :)"

"If you’re looking for a photographer to capture special moments in your life I would highly recommend Michelle, she did such an amazing job with our photos! Michelle was so lovely to work with & made us all feel so comfortable! We absolutely love our photos & will cherish them forever!"

"What a fun experience having our photos taken of my pets and me. Michelle, from Captured Hearts Photography, was very relaxed and spent time to ensure that the photos would be fabulous....... and they were! I can highly recommend Captured Hearts Photography. My framed prints are in pride of place in my home and a lasting memory of my precious pets."

"Our photos are amazing! Michelle was able to capture some gorgeous photos that captured the personality of our children perfectly, despite some difficulty sitting still and many a brightly coloured tourist turning up in the background. She was great at providing advice on what to wear so the pictures turned out well and also listened to what we wanted both in terms of the style of photos but also in the selection so we could choose the best prints for our home and for others. Highly recommend!"

"I had never had professional photos done for our family before because with 4 littles the idea seemed too stressful but Michelle made it such an easy experience and actually managed to capture such beautiful photos despite the fact that not all the little ones were co-operating on the day. Her communication leading up to the shoot on what to expect, weather, timing and even help with what to wear was above and beyond what I expected. I am so happy we went with Captured hearts photography."

"Our family, including two dogs, had a wonderful experience in Michelle’s studio. She is a very patient and calm photographer which is exactly what you need with two dogs running wild! Our photos came out great and there are many affordable packages to choose between. Highly recommend!"

"Michelle was fantastic to deal with, very responsive to arranging a suitable date and time and understanding of my complicated life schedule. The day of the shoot was very relaxed, in spite of trying to wrangle a 3.5 year old, a cat and 3 chickens! She is extremely talented and her photographs are phenomenal. I will definitely be back in the future for more shoots."

FAQ

What if my children don't behave on the day?

This is probably the thing parents worry the most about! I have many processes in place to guarantee the best results possible.

Baby sessions are planned so bub arrives with a full belly. These sessions are very much about going with the flow and working with what your baby gives me on the day. It is not uncommon for babies to be unsettled, but please be assured that this is normal! With some patience and persistence we can still capture beautiful portraits during the in-between moments.

Toddlers and young children can sometimes be a challenge but I find the key to photographing them is making them feel comfortable. I keep the session relaxed and introduce games when needed. When they are having fun, it definitely produces the most natural smiles! I do advise parents to talk to their child about the photo shoot leading up to the day so they know what to expect, and offering a small reward at the end of the session works well!

My kids and pets won't stay still for photos!

I don’t want kids and pets to sit still, I want them to be themselves so I can capture their true personality! Although I always aim for one beautiful, traditional looking-at-camera portrait where everyone sits still, most of the session allows for movement, laughter and zoomies! This is when your true personalities shine and they are usually the portraits you will love most.

What if my dog can't be off lead?

Dogs can definitely stay on lead during a session. In fact, I recommend it unless you are super confident in your dog’s recall. We can tuck the lead away when possible, otherwise I can remove the lead in the edit. For dogs and pets that are very anxious, a studio session may be the best option. Upon enquiry, we can discuss your dog’s personality and what setting is best for them and your family.

Why is it best to photograph newborn babies under 2 weeks old?

It is ideal to photograph your baby within their first 2 weeks to give me the best opportunity to capture a great variety of deep sleeping portraits plus those gorgeous curly, womb-like poses. At around 3 weeks old, babies go through a growth spurt and become a lot more aware of their surroundings. This is also when they can start suffering from colic (wind & reflux), which makes it harder to settle them into a deep sleep. Baby acne also starts appearing around 3 weeks old and will last for about 2 weeks.

In saying this, I quite often have parents contact me once bub is born because it’s only then that they realise the importance of preserving this precious time! It is also common for parents to feel quite overwhelmed in those first couple of weeks, so they don’t even look into booking a photographer until bub is a few weeks old. If this is you – don’t stress! Every baby is different, and I believe that the perfect time to photograph your baby is when YOU are ready. Depending on how settled your baby is will depend on what poses are achievable, but in any case I can still capture beautiful photographs of your little one! For babies who have been born premature, it is likely they will stay settled for longer than 2 weeks old.

Please feel free to contact me to have a chat about your baby and I can advise you of what type of photos I can achieve for you. If you simply want to capture them while they are as small as possible, book in as soon as you can!

How much does it cost to have portraits taken by you?

For a standard session I only ask for a reservation fee of $225, in studio or outdoors.

I believe that clients can only decide on what purchases they would like to make upon seeing their photographs, so this is decided during your Ordering Session approximately 1-2 weeks after your photo shoot.

Most families invest between $800-$2900 which gives you 5-20 of your favourite photographs fully edited and in a combination of Wall Decor, Professional Prints or Digital Files. Payment Plans are also available.

I'm worried I will love too many photos, what if I can't afford them all?

I try my best to make the Ordering Session an easy and enjoyable process. After the photo session, I go through your photographs and carefully select 20-50 of the best. I present these to you in your Ordering Session where you decide what purchases you would like to make.

Most clients decide to select 10-20 of their favourites, and I’m there to help you with this process and work out what is the best option for you that also fits within your budget.

If we come to a decision that is slightly above your budget, you are welcome to take up a payment plan to help you.

What if I need to re-schedule my appointment?

For all photography sessions, you can re-schedule within 2 business days of your appointment without losing the session fee. Under unforeseen circumstances or when a family member becomes sick, we ask for you to please give notification ASAP, so we can re-schedule. Session fees being refunded or transferred for last-minute changes is at the discretion of the photographer and also based on availability.

Sunset sessions are weather-dependant and you will not lose your session fee if we need to re-schedule due to bad weather.

Bring the love home

Your loved ones deserve a place on the wall

Book your family, pet or baby photography session with Michelle and begin creating natural portraits and meaningful artwork that celebrate those you love most.

Complete the contact form with a few details about your family & pets, and Michelle will be in touch to guide you through what happens next.

Baby Photography Melbourne

Gentle, Natural Baby Photography That Captures Real Connection. At Captured Hearts Photography, we specialise in calm, connection-rich baby photography in Melbourne that honours your child’s first year from sleepy newborn days to playful toddler milestones.

Our sessions are designed to feel relaxed and personal. We don’t chase stiff poses or perfection — we follow your baby’s lead and capture natural, emotion-filled moments that reflect their personality. Whether you’re cuddling a newborn, watching your baby sit up for the first time, or celebrating a crawling milestone, our goal is to freeze these fleeting stages in timeless, heartfelt portraits.

Every shoot is handled with warmth, patience and experience. We offer both studio and outdoor settings across trusted Melbourne baby photography locations, helping your family feel at ease and truly seen. This is photography baby Melbourne families come back to because the results go beyond a photo — they preserve a feeling, a memory, and a love you’ll want to remember forever.

Why Choose Captured Hearts for Baby Photography Melbourne?

Choosing the right studio for baby photography Melbourne is about more than just the images; it’s about how the session feels. At Captured Hearts, we create a gentle, respectful space for both parents and babies, so you can enjoy the moment and trust the results.

With over 20 years of experience, we’ve photographed hundreds of families across all stages — from brand-new babies to cheeky toddlers and growing siblings. Our calm, baby-led approach means every child is treated with patience, empathy, and care.

We’re known for delivering consistent, natural Melbourne baby photography that reflects real emotion. You’ll receive full guidance — from planning to wardrobe — and we work closely with you to make sure every detail is covered. Whether in our peaceful indoor studio or a scenic outdoor location, the experience is crafted to fit your baby’s needs. That’s why so many families trust us with their most important memories — and return year after year. This is photography baby Melbourne made simple, meaningful, and stress-free.

Milestones and Baby Photography That Grows with Them

Your baby changes so much in that first year, and every stage is worth remembering. Our milestone sessions offer flexible, heartfelt baby photography Melbourne that helps you preserve the joy, curiosity, and wonder as your baby grows.

From tummy time and sitting to crawling and standing, each shoot is planned around your baby’s abilities and personality. We focus on creating a relaxed space where natural moments unfold, whether it’s in the studio or one of our soft-lit Melbourne baby photography outdoor locations.

Families often begin with newborn photography and continue with milestone updates throughout the year. These sessions are a beautiful way to build a complete visual story of your child’s early life. Every detail from lighting to pacing is designed with your baby in mind. We know how to wait for the right moment, capture the subtle changes, and deliver images that feel full of love. That’s what makes this photography baby Melbourne experience so memorable — it grows with your child and reflects the love that surrounds them every step of the way.

Families Included in Baby Photography Sessions

Family is at the heart of every photo we take. Our baby photography Melbourne sessions can include parents, siblings, and even extended family members helping you capture the relationships that matter most.

We encourage natural interaction and laughter — hugs, play, and the quiet in-between moments that say everything. Whether you're gathered in our indoor studio or outside at one of our favourite Melbourne baby photography locations, the focus is always on connection.

These sessions aren’t about sitting still or posing perfectly. They’re about reflecting your life as it really is — joyful, sometimes chaotic, always filled with love. As a trusted provider of photography baby Melbourne, we guide families gently throughout the session while leaving space for genuine emotion and spontaneity. Every gallery includes a variety of close-ups, group shots, and sweet unscripted moments. Adding your family into your baby’s session not only creates beautiful memories but also helps tell the whole story of this season in your life.

Pet Families and Baby Photography That Includes Every Member

Our furry friends are part of the family too, and many parents choose to include their pets in baby photography Melbourne sessions. Whether it’s a gentle dog curled next to a newborn or a curious cat watching over a crawling toddler, these moments are full of heart.

Pet and baby sessions are flexible and low-pressure. We allow pets to interact naturally and capture them as they are — playful, protective, or just quietly present. Many families love seeing the bond between their baby and their animal in timeless portraits.

Whether you want a full family session or a short series focused on the bond between your baby and your pet, we’ll help you plan a comfortable, meaningful shoot. With access to safe indoor spaces and pet-friendly outdoor Melbourne baby photography locations, your session will feel smooth and supported. We bring the same care, patience, and detail to your pets as we do to your children. This is photography baby Melbourne that includes everyone and celebrates the love they bring into your home.