And whilst you are here, feel free to look around on my website and view my photo galleries to see more of my work 🙂
Michelle x
(Photographer and owner)
Hi, I’m Michelle! I have been behind a camera since I was 15 years old, studied photography and visual arts at university, then spent more than ten years working as a camera assistant in the film industry. I then decided I wanted to do something for myself again and began to build my portrait business focusing on pet and family portraiture.
My first model during school was our beloved family dog Dusty, a rescue Kelpie cross with the sweetest nature. She would sit still while I practised my camera settings! She was my Mum’s shadow and heart dog and when the time came to say goodbye it was heartbreaking. My first instinct was to go through my negatives (yep, back in the film days!) and find a beautiful photograph of Dusty. I had it printed, framed it, then gave it to my Mum – as you can imagine there were lots of tears, but she also put that photo up on the wall in her bedroom and it has stayed there since. I think at that moment I realised the power of photography and how it could keep a memory alive forever.
These days I combine my professional experience with an understanding of real family life. As a Mum and dog Mum, I feel comfortable working with energetic children, reluctant adults, and pets with very different ideas about how a session should unfold!
My approach is calm, natural and gently guided, with every photograph created to not only to preserve a memory, but to become meaningful artwork within the home.
Here’s what some of our lovely clients have to say about their experience with Captured Hearts Photography
Bring the love home
Your loved ONEs deserve a place on the wall
Claim your gift certificate by booking a Discovery Consultation, and we can discuss any questions you may have before scheduling your photography session.
If it feels right to you, we can then start the process of creating natural portraits and meaningful artwork that celebrate your family & pets and the love you share.
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.
I don’t want your dog or 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 if full of movement, laughter and zoomies! This is when your true personalities shine and they are usually the portraits you will love most.
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 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.
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.