After 15 years of life (and shovelling snow) in Canada, we’ve packed up our lives, said goodbye to Tim Hortons, and made the big move back to Melbourne.
Why?
Well, the short answer is: sunshine, family, and the ability to leave the house without layering up like the Michelin Man.
Let’s rewind a bit to how I ended up in Canada. Like many Aussies, I had the itch to travel, so at 21—fresh out of uni and full of (let’s be honest, slightly broody) grunge-era angst—I set off for England.
I know, how original.
That was the start of an 11-year journey, working and, well, drinking (sorry, liver) my way around the world. As I approached 30, I decided I had one more big adventure in me. The mountains, lakes, and rugged beauty of Canada called to me, and I thought, yes!
So off I went… to Toronto. Ha!
After a couple of years in Toronto, I met my husband in a coffee shop, fell in love, and before I knew it, we had two gorgeous kids. Suddenly, I was knee-deep in a whole new kind of adventure.
My professional background was in teaching Art and Photography, but after having my children, family photography quickly became my true passion.
One of my reasons for moving is availability. I definitely found my groove in Toronto, with stunning and safe locations for family photos—beautiful pine and maple trees, no snakes lurking in the undergrowth, that sort of thing.
The only catch?
There were only a few months a year when shooting outdoors was actually comfortable. Sure, I had some brave families who ventured out in November when it was a crisp 6 degrees, but let’s be honest—Melbourne, for all its wind and unpredictability, offers far more opportunities to shoot year-round.
Now, I’m bringing that experience and love for storytelling to Melbourne families. The light here is different, casting a warm glow over the stunning landscapes—from the rich greens of the ferns in the Dandenong Ranges and the soft hues of the gum trees in the Australian bush and the serene beaches.
My background in Art allows me to truly see and match colors in a way that creates a magical combination in photos. I’m excited to help families capture timeless images, all without the risk of frostbite!
Moving internationally with kids is not for the faint of heart. Between the visa paperwork, shipping containers, packing up our whole life, not to mention explaining to our kids why they suddenly have to wear a uniform to school, it’s been a real work-out.
But I’m so happy to be home, back in Melbourne, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of this beautiful city (though I could do without the spiders, but let’s not dwell on that!)
I'm also back with my family—my aging parents and brother, who have missed me during the 15 years I spent in Canada. It's the simple moments that bring so much comfort, like sharing a cuppa with them in the evenings, visiting on weekends, or going to Bunnings to grab a sausage sizzle and look at the plants (and buy a few).
Of course, there are things I’ll miss about Canada. The people, the fall colours, poutine. But there’s nothing quite like an Aussie summer evening, the sound of magpies (when they’re not attacking you), and the feeling of home.
So here we are—new chapter, new adventures, same me (just with a stronger sunscreen game). If you’re a Melbourne family looking for relaxed, natural photography, I’d love to capture your story.
And if you have any tips for keeping a straight face while saying “thongs” instead of “flip-flops” again, I’m all ears.
ความคิดเห็น