A Day in the Life of an Adelaide Photographer:
Join Me in the Studio!
Life as an Adelaide photographer is never dull. You get to meet so many amazing families, cuddle beautiful squishy newborn babies and shoot in our beautiful city and picturesque surrounds. But of course, that’s only part of the story. As a working mum, I’m doing my best duck impression: gliding through the water on top, but my little legs are kicking furiously beneath the surface! There’s no such thing as 9-5 when you’re a photographer, but honestly, this is all just the way I like it. No two days are the same. No two families are the same. And I couldn’t be more in love with what I do – I get to capture each family’s ‘right now’ forever every day. Join me for a peek behind the curtain as I take you through a typical ‘day in the life’…
6.30am: Up and at ‘em
First thing in the morning is technically ‘me time’. In theory I’d hit the yoga mat for a soulful start to the day, although good intentions and life’s plans don’t always combine…
I love the way the sound in the house gradually builds as my three sons emerge from their beds and start their own daily rituals. Sometimes I take a beat just to appreciate the bustle and chaos of a beautifully busy school day.
8.15am: And then… silence
Once the boys head off to school and training, the work day starts officially! I’ll do a bit of a tidy around the house before heading to the studio to prep for the next newborn shoot. (this includes picking out some special wraps and blankets, restocking snacks and a clean of the studio and bathrooms. Ahh, the glamour never stops for this Adelaide photographer!)
9.30am: They’re here!
No matter how many newborn sessions I’ve run, I still get a little buzz of anticipation before my families arrive. It’s such an honour to be brought into the most special times in their lives. To capture these moments forever? Well, that’s the biggest cherry on top imaginable.
The family arrives (sometimes a little late thanks to their gorgeous bundle’s own ideas about how the day should run! But that’s totally fine – I’m usually surprised if new parents are on time) and gets settled.
I’ll set about making bub comfortable and sneak a little cuddle while mum and dad relax for a minute and let the magic unfold (maybe with a snack and a much-needed coffee or tea…).
11.30am-12.30pm: A fond farewell
Depending on the bub, and the size of the family, we’ll wrap up and have a chat while feeds are happening in preparation for a calm ride home. There’s always a tiny corner of my brain that’s desperate to get straight to work – I can’t wait to see all the beautiful snaps we just created together. But of course, there’ll be time enough for that later, and hanging in the studio with the family is such a joy.
Once everyone’s cleared out, I head out back to my office, download the files and sort the washing of the bits and pieces from the session.
Then… lunch! (usually at my desk)
1pm: The best bit
Once I’ve had a quick bite, I finally get to the best part of any Adelaide photographer’s day: going through the images… I’ll sort through them, rate them and select the best ones to form a gallery. Then I’ll move onto the sneak peek I’ll be sharing on social media (if permitted to do so by the family). It’s hard not to spend some time picturing the family’s reactions as I do this. I think this moment is the highlight of the day.
Then, onto more functional things like the business admin, editing, packaging and unpackaging orders and backing up my files… Nowhere near as fulfilling as the earlier parts of my day, but it’s gotta be done, right?!
But some days it may be a selection appointment which is super fun. Families get to see their images for the first time and we can create something special just for them. Maybe a wall collection or an heirloom album.
3.30pm: The return of the chaos!
My boys arrive home from school and immediately bring a flurry of noise and activity (SONshine #1 has finished school he’ll either be home from training before I get home or he has headed off to uni). I get to hear all about their days, as they fill their bellies (which seem to be never ending in teenage years), help them with homework if needed, or just hang out with them for a few minutes before they all split. My time with them is such a beautiful contrast to the work day I’ve just had, and I try to make the most of it. Occasionally, work will call and I’ll need to sneak off, but mostly, it’s in the kitchen catching up on their days and beginning meal prep in preparation for the night’s training sessions/activities.
6pm-8pm: Taxi and maybe chasing the sun!
Mum’s taxi service is always running. Shuttling boys around Adelaide for their various trainings, sporting commitments or work is pretty standard. However, the past few years have been a little different as my eldest has his P’s (oh my yes!!) When I’m not doing that, though, I’m off to some beautiful Adelaide location to spend time on an outdoor shoot for families, or families to-be. Capturing the last gorgeous light of the day is, without a doubt, actual magic and getting to share the moment with loving families and soon-to-be parents is just so special. I absolutely would not trade this time for anything!
Once the last hints of light have faded, it’s time to pack up, head home and squeeze some final tasks into the day before collapsing on the couch for a cuppa and a chat with the hubby.
The days may be long, but they’re full of such magic and wonder, I never tire of being an Adelaide photographer. Every day I have the absolute privilege of capturing love in its purest forms, and I’m honoured to be brought in to the family fold. I hope this gives you a bit of an idea of what it’s like to do what I do every day, and how I fit it all in as a mum and Adelaide photographer with a busy business! If you’d like to schedule your own time with me, just head to my booking page and you’ll get a front-row seat to a day in the life with me. In the meantime, have a look through my gallery for inspiration, and a little bit of magic…
~ Melissa xo
