Hello, I'm Michelle ~ a Mum to two young children and a professional photographer! I live in Emerald with my husband and children and absolutely love living in the Dandenong Ranges!
I also absolutely love my job! Not only because I get to cuddle gorgeous babies & adorable pets and meet many lovely families, but because I'm very passionate about photography and what it means to people. I see with my own eyes every day how fast children grow and therefore understand how valuable photographs are.
My interest in photography started when I was in high school (many years ago!) and it became my creative outlet and passion very quickly. When starting portrait photography, I could never have imagined the impact my work would have on people's lives. This is what drives me to keep going every day... I absolutely love being able to capture memories that parents can't themselves. I not only love using my skills and knowledge to create beautiful photographs of their children and family, but I also love being able to capture tender moments of parents with their children - something that is very hard to do themselves! To be able to give families these memories that they will hang on their walls and treasure for a lifetime is just priceless to me. And I genuinely feel privileged to be asked into your lives momentarily to do this for you!
Photographing newborns and babies is my favourite. I could watch babies forever and not get tired of it! In that first year of their life they change so quickly that you can easily forget what they used to look like. Their first year is a whirlwind for parents and time seems to fly by faster than ever. Capturing your baby's tiny little features, their little toes and fingers... all the things that make you just watch them in awe. And as they grow and you start seeing their personality emerge with their first smiles, laughs, and inquisitive looks as they learn new things. I love photographing all of this so parents can't forget these stages and the feelings that were associated with it. These photographs are also just as special for your baby when they grow up and they want to see what they used to look like - and what you used to look like.
Newborn Safety
When it comes to handling your baby, safety is my top priority. As a Mum myself whose road to motherhood wasn't easy, I understand the huge emotional journey of pregnancy and how precious your little one is to you. When I hold your baby in my arms, I know that I am also holding your heart and soul! Although babies are surprisingly resilient, I still take every precaution to be as gentle and safe as possible. I have photographed over 500 babies and during a photo session I make sure that at all times there is either myself or a parent with your baby. I will not force your baby into a pose that they show hesitation towards. Every baby is different and this needs to be understood and respected. By looking at my gallery you will see that I choose to create beautiful portraits using natural poses. I also believe these poses offer timeless photographs for you to display on your walls for years to come! I also hold a WORKING WITH CHILDREN check and Captured Hearts Photography holds Public Liability Insurance and is committed to a safe working environment at all times.
Michelle first started studying photography in high school at just the age of 15. She quickly became very passionate about it and knew at this young age that this was where she wanted to make a career.
She went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Media Arts) degree and specialised in Photography and Moving Image. It's here where Michelle learnt of her love for film-making. She went on to work in the film industry for over 15 years as a camera assistant, working alongside some of the best Australian and International Cinematographers. She has worked on Hollywood films and local Australian films, working with top directors (Spike Jonze, Tim Van Patten, Spierig Brothers...) and top actors and actresses (Robert DeNiro, Tom Hanks, Ethan Hawke, Bill Nighy, Hugo Weaving, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Snook, Rose Byrne...).
The idea of being a portrait photographer brewed after about 10 years of working in the film industry, when Michelle realised she long missed taking her own photographs. It started with simply taking portraits of her two young nephews. This soon grew into a realisation that she loved taking portraits of children and people, and loved being able to apply her knowledge of lighting and photography that she had gained from the film industry. This passion soon expanded to a love of also photographing pets, and especially pets with their owners/families.
Since then Michelle has gone on to complete various photography courses taught by some of the world's top photographers. She has also completed multiple mentorships with highly acclaimed photographers. She believes in continuing to grow by taking opportunities to learn and to keep improving her skills.