photogRaphy for me isn't about the camera or the perfect set up....
it's about seeing
I notice the small, fleeting details most people miss: the joy in a child’s laughter, the quiet glance between loved ones, the way light turns an ordinary moment into art. My gift is witnessing and reflecting these moments back, so you can truly see the beauty, connection, and magic of your own life.
Whether it’s a heart led work in action, sacred gathering, a creative set, or the beautiful chaos of family life at home, I create images that hold emotion, passion, and presence. My camera is just the tool - the real work is in helping you feel safe, seen, and celebrated in your truest moments.
I dont at all see myself as “a photographer,” Yes, I know all about how to use light well, what lenses to use, shoot only in manual mode and raw and im all over all the editing software.... but really I see myself more a witness to the heart-led life. My camera becomes a mirror that reflects your mission, your passion, and the raw moments where your purpose shines through. When you’re doing the work you love, something shifts. Your eyes shine, your body softens, your energy expands - and you forget the world around you.
That’s the magic I capture.
I work with heart-led small business owners, community builders, and visionaries who are bravely following their hearts instead of the “shoulds.” My role isn’t to pose you or stage perfection. It’s to witness you fully immersed in your element - whether you’re gathering people in community, leading a workshop, sharing your gifts, or simply being in the beautiful chaos of family life.
Through my lens, I notice the details most people miss: the way your face lights up when you speak about what matters most, the subtle connections between people, the tiny, fleeting moments that hold the truth of your story.
The camera is only my tool. The real work is in my presence, in seeing you - capturing your passion, your connection, your joy - so you can see it too. These images become mirrors that remind you (and show the world) the heart of why you do what you do.
love notes (a.k.a testimonials)
space to recreate
“Thank you Mel, for the year gone by. You facilitated a space for me to recreate myself and my business. I have more clarity now and I'm looking forward to Mel being part of the growth of the Rise & Shine Studio - Madhu | Rise & Shine Studio”
Here is what my heart wants to photograph
Your Investment
Your story deserves to be captured in a way that feels true to you. Here are the investment options available, created with flexibility so you can choose the path that best supports your vision. When you invest in photography with me, you’re not just booking images - you’re inviting someone to truly see you. I remain in presence, capturing the small details, the raw emotion, and the real connection that often go unnoticed. This is more than photos; it’s your story reflected back with heart. It’s an investment in visibility, connection, and the kind of resonance that draws your people closer.
The Immersion Session (90 mins)
Perfect for: Heart Work Sessions, Family Connection, or small community gatherings.
- A relaxed, flowing session where you can forget the camera and sink into what you do best.
- Enough time to capture both the big moments and the tiny, fleeting details.
- Includes a thoughtfully curated online gallery of 60+ professionally edited images, ready to use and treasure.
- 90 mins hours of relaxed, flowing photography
Investment begins at $550 - Extra for timing over 90 mins
The Half-Day Story (4 hours)
Perfect for: Community Events, Sacred Gatherings, workshops, performances or rehearsals or behind-the-scenes creative shoots.
- Coverage that lets me witness the natural unfolding of your day or event.
- Space for me to notice both the atmosphere and the unnoticed details.
- Includes a beautifully edited online gallery of 200+ images, telling a rich, layered story.
- 4 hours of documentary-style coverage
Investment begins at $850 - Extra for each hour over the 4 hours
The Full-Day Journey (7 hours)
Perfect for: Sacred events, retreats, larger workshops, or creative productions.
- Full-day presence, capturing the story as it unfolds from start to finish.
- From the quiet setup moments to the peak of energy and the soft landing at the end, I’ll hold the whole arc of your day in images.
- Includes a curated online gallery of 200+ professionally edited images that reflect both the grand and subtle beauty of the day.
- Up to 7 hours of storytelling coverage
Investment begins at $1,650
The Ongoing Witness (Monthly payments | Year long commitment)
Perfect for: Heart-led entrepreneurs, community builders, and creatives who want regular storytelling or families that would like consistent memory catching and story telling.
- Quarterly sessions to capture your evolving work, community, creative projects or family life.
- A beautiful way to build a library of authentic imagery for your brand, website, and socials—always reflecting your heart-led story or to create a record of your families story.
- Flexible packages tailored to your rhythm (starting from 90 min sessions).
Investment begins at $150 a month (which works out to be $450 per quarterly session)
FAQ
What if I feel awkward in front of the camera?
That’s completely natural. My style is not about stiff posing or “smiling on cue.” I want you to forget I’m even there. I’ll gently guide if needed, but mostly I’ll let you sink into doing what you love, being with your people, or enjoying the moment. That’s when the real magic appears - and I’ll be there to capture it.
Do you pose us?
Not in the traditional sense. Instead of arranging you into positions, I watch for the natural moments that happen when you’re in your flow. A laugh, a glance, a shared touch - those are the moments that matter.
Do you capture both the big and small moments?
Yes—that’s what I love most. From the energy of a whole room to the quiet detail of a hand resting on a shoulder, I notice both the wide arcs and the subtle nuances that make your story uniquely yours.
WHAT LOCATIONS DO YOU USE?
I live in Coastal Victoria on the Bellarine Peninsula in Ocean Grove. I work across community spaces, homes, retreats, film sets, and sacred gatherings. If your work is led by the heart, I’d love to be there. Travel is possible upon request.
What can I expect after I BOOK?
1. Lets get those calendars of ours SYNCED
$100 (deposit) to secure the date.
Simply reach out via email or through the CONTACT/BOOK HERE link right here on this website. I recommend booking a month or 2 in advance. Choose a time and date that suits, then get excited because once it's booked, its happening.
2. Collaboration & Preparation
Fill in a pre session questionaire and have a short (or longer if you like to talk) phone call or zoom meet will get me feeling your family vibe and wishes/intentions for your photography experience. To support your preparations you will also receive a PDF WELCOME BOOK. This easy preparation guide will ensure a relaxed free flowing session.
3. You LIVE it - I CAPTURE it
You can expect an effortless, relaxed and fun session…. My wish is for our time together to be free flowing and fun.
4. ENJOY your photos and make your choices
All digital negatives will be available for instant download from your online user friendly gallery.
Also included is access to our boutique professional print product shop. Easy to view previews of all products featuring your images and simple online ordering system.
How do we book a session with you?
You can access the online package and booking area from this website simply by clicking on the CONTACT TAB in the menu or you can email me direct on the CONTACT tab to get the process started.
To secure your photography session, a non-refundable $100 deposit is required within 48 hours of the invoice being sent. Once received, this secures your date just for you. The remaining balance is due 24 hours before the photography session. Extra products are an add on to the package cost.
What is your turn around time?
I aim to have your completed digital gallery delivered to you within a 3 week time frame. More often than not, I get so excited about working on clients photos that I start work on them in all my small pockets of time and get you your collection of images within a 2 week time frame. I will stay in communication with you throughout the process. This time frame refers viewable and instantly downloadable digital images delivered to you on your personal online user friendly gallery.
Please understand print products will add more time onto this for production and delivery.
Do I have to order prints through you?
Absolutely not! Once you receive your images they are yours to do what you wish with them. However if you are looking for some unique print products such as torn edge prints, vintage school map canvases or professional quality options we have partnered with an incredible pro print lab in Sydney. You have access to their print lab right from your image gallery. You can view previews and order straight from the comfort of your home and these will be delivered right to your home.
what CAN I EXPECT FROM THE EXPERIENCE?
You can expect a relaxed and fun session…. My wish is for our time together to be free flowing and fun. Your session will be a chance for quality time together. I love to allow you the freedom to be in the moment, to be with one another, taking it all in. The perfect excuse to be present with each other, giggling, cuddling and playing. Sweet quiet moments will be welcomed and encouraged, where you can show your vulnerability and adoration for your family. Of course, sometimes to allow my families to feel comfortable I can gently guide you through a mix of natural positions and fun prompts that allow me to capture your love and connection as it is, in its most visually beautiful form. Naturally those in between candid moments unfold organically on their own from that point forward.
No two sessions are the same - just like no two families are ever alike. I go into every session excited to get to know your crew and take care of your little people just like my own.
wHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?
I am very much for embracing the weather conditions, and we know it can be very unpredictable. I will not move our session date for cold or overcast conditions. I will move it if it is unsafe. Please understand if you have booked for a beach session and it is too windy, we may need to move the location to somewhere more suitable. If the weather is extreme and we are not able to move ahead, please understand there may be a wait to re-book in your session, but of course no extra cost.
WHAT IF I NEED TO MOVE OUR SESSION DATE OR SOMETHING COMES UP?
You understand upon booking and paying the deposit I will secure this date just for you. If you are unable to move ahead with your session, your deposit will be forfeited. If you request to change the date for a booked session, a new booking fee (deposit) will apply, and you will be re-invoiced with the current investment prices. Please understand it is unlikely I am able to cover your session last minute.
WHAT DO WE WEAR?
WHAT DO WE WEAR?
Upon receiving your deposit, I will email you a welcome guide and what to wear guide. These are filled with so many handy tips and information to help us best prepare for our session together. Otherwise we can have a casual chat so I can help choose outfits with ease.
WILL MY PHOTOS BE POSTED PUBLICLY ON YOUR SITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA?
I respect your privacy and allow each client to decide whether or not they want their photos displayed publicly. I’d love to show off you & your images, if you’re game! If not, that's okay, too.
So what is Heart Led?
In a Heart Led Business or Life, the people or person behind it lives and leads from the heart.
Working with values that authentically guide our own life and our business When we work together, heart to heart, we speak the same language, we're on the same page.
The purpose is for your images to speak abundantly and authentically about you.. your business, your brand and your family. So humbled by my clients and families who put their trust in me, to capture their soul essence. I do not take this for granted...but so grateful for our crossing paths.
I love that their images are a reminder and celebration that they too, have landed right within themselves, their business, their life and their truth.
A reminder that they are leading with their heart .
The light in me sees the light in YOU! Soul to soul, eye to eye!
Has your business and life been created from a place of bliss, purpose and passion?
Do you align with a Heart Led Life?
We are likely a good fit. I'd love to meet & enjoy a cosy chat and cuppa with you.
Love, Mel.O xo
THE HEART OF SPLASH OF LIFE
Meet MEL.OMel is a multi passionate, creative, adventurous & sensitive soul from Ocean Grove.
Through an inspired, creative life of Art & Photography she has invited in deeper presence with her world, emotions & essence.
‘Splash of Life’ allows Mel to combine her passions, learnt life lessons, continual conscious self growth & extensive creative, photographic, educator & space holding experience to compassionately & creatively support Heart Leds on their evolving journeys.
Her heart has led her to here!