As winter truly settled into Melbourne, June brought me into three beautiful homes — each filled with love, personality, and that magic I’m always chasing behind the lens. From tiny newborn toes to sassy toddler expressions, every family I photographed this month reminded me why I love what I do: capturing honest, emotion-filled moments that will only grow more precious with time.
Here’s a little recap of the stories I had the honour of photographing this month.
There’s something so grounding about newborn sessions. Time slows down. Voices soften. Everything centers around this brand-new little person who’s just joined the world. That’s exactly the feeling I stepped into when Baby H and his family arrived at my Croydon studio — just 14 days new.
The morning light was soft and warm, streaming through the curtain and wrapping them all in a beautiful glow. Baby H was a dream — sleepy, calm and oh-so-snuggly. I gently led Dad to hold him up and place mum in a cosy snuggle, her face beaming with pride. We kept the session relaxed and natural, posing Baby H comfortably on the beanbag by the window in the studio. Little brother H was more than entertained throughout the session with plenty of my daughter's toys to play with. With a gentle (and many, many) encouragement, we managed to get a sweet pose of the brothers together.
One of my favourite images from the morning? A quiet black and white shot of Dad holding him on his arm, her eyes closed and lovely peck on his forehead, natural light basking the scene. I don't rush from pose to pose, in fact, I encourage the parents to get comfortable, enjoy each movement as I gently lead them in place and focus on connecting with their babies and each other.
Newborn sessions like this one are such a gentle reminder that you don’t need too many props or perfect poses. You just need love, trust and a photographer who knows how to find the beauty in the quiet.
Three-month-olds are in their own special lane of babyhood — past the sleepy newborn phase, but not quite on the move yet. And Baby A was the perfect reminder of just how magical this age can be.
I joined her lovely parents in Dad's parents' cosy home in Burwood for a family portraits session. Baby A is the smiley-est girl — captivated as she was watching dad making funny faces and noises to get her attention. She's a strong queen too! Rolling on her tummy and lifting her head high as her face beams with pride on getting there on her own.
What made this session even more special was how laid-back her parents were. We danced, we dangled toys and we flowed with whatever Baby A needed. We captured her tummy time, her loving snuggles with Mum and Dad, and the moments when she stared at Mum like she hung the moon.
It’s such a sweet age to photograph — more emotions and growing personalities. For families who feel like they missed the “newborn window”, I always say: don’t stress. Every chapter is worth documenting, and the three-month mark is still full of magic.
Let me tell you — Miss M knew exactly what she wanted, and I was there for it. I adore photographing toddlers because you never know what you’re going to get, and that’s part of the fun.
This session, held at a their house in Rowville, was full of energy, laughter, Toy Story, and sass. From the moment we met, Miss M took charge of the session. She made it clear that this wasn’t going to be a sit-and-smile kind of photoshoot — she's on the move everyone!
She led her parents on little adventures around the living room, on the Pikler set, giggling as her parents lift her up and down. She read books, recites perfect Toy Story lines and danced to mis Rachel as she went. Her parents embraced the chaos with open arms (and patient sighs), trusting me to capture the joy in movement, the mid-chase cuddles, and the little glimpses of tenderness in between the energetic moments.
One of my favourite images from this day? Mum clears Miss M to jump on her bed, hair wild in the air, as Dad looks at her with eyes full of love and joy. It wasn’t perfectly posed — her hair was wild — but the emotion? Pure gold.
Sessions like this are reminders that family photography doesn’t need to be about perfection — it’s about presence. It’s about embracing the unfiltered moments, celebrating your little ones just as they are.
June’s sessions were so different — a brand-new baby, a growing infant, and a big toddler personality — but each one was a beautiful reminder of how every season of parenting brings its own kind of beauty.
And what I love most — helping parents see the beauty in their now. Because the days are long (especially when sleep is in short supply), but they truly do fly. The newborn scrunches, the first giggles, the wild world of toddlerhood — these are the things worth remembering.
If you’re thinking of booking a session, but worried your kids won’t cooperate or the house isn’t perfect — come as you are. That’s exactly where the magic lives.
If you’re new here, I’m Nyssa — a Melbourne-based family, newborn and maternity photographer, based in Croydon and photographing across the eastern suburbs. I offer in-home sessions and relaxed outdoor photoshoots designed to reflect your family just as you are.
My approach is gentle, child-led and connection-focused. I gently lead you into flattering poses and use intentional prompts to evoke real emotions.
I photograph across suburbs like Croydon, Ringwood, Lilydale, Mitcham, Bayswater, and beyond — and I’m always happy to travel within Melbourne’s east.
📸 Get in touch to book your session or ask me anything — I’m always happy to chat through ideas or help you choose the best time to document your family’s story.
📍 Croydon VIC | Serving Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs
Thanks for following along with my June recap — I’ll be sharing more stories from behind the lens next month. Until then, stay warm and hug your people close. 🤎