Hi, I'm Michelle!

photographer, mum, dog-mum, Sunset lover, adventurer.

If you are wanting a relaxed and fun experience, then I might just be the photographer for you!

I have been photographing families and pets for over 10 years and feel this has given me the opportunity to really hone in on my style. I love to capture authentic moments with an artistic yet natural approach, where you don’t feel too posed yet still feel you look your best.

As a Mum myself, I understand how quickly childhood flies by and how special it is to preserve those fleeting moments. I also understand how upsetting it can be to have no photographs with your kids that you actually love and want to display in your home. I have had countless conversations with Mums who miss out on being in photos because they are always behind the camera!

I am also an animal lover who has always found comfort & calm in the presence of family pets. When I was younger I wanted to work at the zoo or be a vet! But that quickly changed when I picked up a camera as a teenager and knew from then on that I wanted to be a photographer.

My work is my strongest passion, but I also love travelling, camping adventures with the family, walks with our dog Jasper, being out in the garden, and chocolate!

The little things that shape my story.

Where it all began

I picked up a camera at 15 years old and never put it down. Our family dog Dusty was my first model! When she passed, I gifted my Mum a framed photo I took of her – her reaction left a lasting impact.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Media Arts), I spent over 10 years working in the film industry—working on film sets with directors like Spike Jonze and actors such as Hugo Weaving and Rose Byrne. It was exciting… but eventually, I craved something more personal.

Coming full circle

I originally loved landscape photography and did a lot of travelling. Then my nephews came along which sparked a new interest. That spark quickly turned into a love of photographing children and families, only to deepen again when I became a Mum myself. 

I started my portrait business just over 10 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Through this journey I have realised that my biggest passion is photographing families with their pets.

My Family

I live in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges with my husband and our two gorgeous kids (yes, I’m bias!) and our Border Collie Jasper— all are growing way too fast and each day I remember how grateful I am to have them. Being a Mum is both beautiful and messy. It’s the most humbling but challenging job I’ve ever had—and it’s also made me a better photographer!

Pets Are Family Too!

Don’t work with animals and children they say! Well, call me crazy then, because I absolutely love it! Yes it can be chaos at times, but something beautiful happens within that where really special & natural moments occur. Kids and pets just being their normal goofy selves and me capturing their true personalities.

I have grown up with pets and it seems only natural to me to have your beloved fur babies included in your family portraits. 

Beautiful locations & light 

The Dandenong Ranges offers so many stunning locations. I have spent many hours scouting beautiful spots for my photography sessions. I’m a little obsessed with the golden light at sunset time and it’s important to me that the locations I use have that magical sunset glow but also give a flattering light on the people I photograph.

Natural Posing

My passion lies in capturing authentic moments —those quiet glances, natural smiles, and genuine laughs that happen when spending time with your family and pets. No stiff posing or forced smiles! Just spending time with each other while I capture the connection between you. I love keeping things relaxed so that natural, candid moments can unfold and this natural style is what I am known for.

who i love to support

starting over dog rescue

Victoria’s largest dog rescue group! I am honestly amazed at the hundreds of dogs they save each month and find forever homes for. I help by photographing dogs for their adoption profile and fundraising for them.

gembrook wildlife shelter

For the past 4 years I have been fundraising for GWS through the ‘Pets Of The Hills’ calendar project. I donate my time to photograph each of the pets featured in the calendar, celebrating the diverse range of pets residing in the Dandenong Ranges. Each year we raise around $4000!

Click here for more information

local schools, animal rescue groups, and the community

I donate gift certificates for fundraising events, often for silent auctions and raffles. I love giving back to the community!  

If you think I can help you with your event, please get in touch.

I would love to capture your memories!

As a Mum myself, I understand just how quickly childhood flies by and how special it is to preserve those fleeting moments. As a dog-Mum, I also understand that special bond you share with your pet and how precious it is to encapsulate their memory.

I have a relaxed, natural approach and aim to put all types of families at ease, creating timeless portraits filled with genuine connection.

From babies to pets, my sessions are safe, calm, and thoughtfully crafted to capture what matters most: the love you share.

© 2025 Captured Hearts Photography

Baby Photoshoot

Families – Studio

Families – Outdoor

Pet Families

Follow Us

Get in Touch