Tell us a little about yourself 

I’m a photographer who’s been living in the Byron Bay region for the past 15 years. We just got back from travelling 10 months around Australia in a 17ft caravan. We sold our first house while we were away and are about to build our second on 6 acres, so l can fulfil my dreams of riding horses everyday like l did in my childhood. There has been a bit happening! 

Who is in your family? 

Myself and my partner, Al, our four daughters, Arlo 10, Agnes 7, Ottilie 5 and Una almost 3. We have three horses and two dogs as well.

When did you first pick up a camera? 

Around high school. I took photography as a subject and we had a dark room to process our photos. 

What’s the first photo you took that meant something to you? 

Probably a photo l took of my first born in our old garden, she was just about to turn 1 and l remember being completely obsessed with documenting every little stage of her life. I was marvelled by her.

Why do you like photography?

I like that it captures a moment in time, a memory that might else be forgotten. A feeling, a smell, a love, a place, a time - you look at an old photo and it can take you right there to that moment. Not many things can do that. It’s pretty special.

Who were you before you became a mother?

I was 23 and very free, l loved partying with my friends, l was studying at university and working at a retail store. I’d just got back from a trip to Myanmar with two girlfriends.

How has motherhood changed you?

It’s made me a little more boring, I’m not as selfish anymore, everything l do, I’m always thinking about them. It’s absolutely terrifying being completely and utterly in love with something outside of your body. You wear your heart on your sleeve every day. There are so many lessons I’ve learnt on letting go, of forgiveness, of patience, of trusting the timing of your life. Deep, deep love can only be felt with a certain amount of pain and that is what motherhood has taught me.

What do you find to be the most challenging aspects of motherhood?

As your children grow older, there is a certain amount of reflection that comes up. My kids are a constant reminder of how important my presence and connection is to them

What are the most joyous?

Watching them grow in to who they are, their four little personalities are all so different. I could kiss them a thousand times a day and it still wouldn’t be enough. The love is completely intoxicating. All I’ve ever wanted to be is a mother and it really does feel like such a privilege.

What have you learnt about yourself by becoming a mother?

That sometimes the only thing that can help is a glass of red wine.

What advice would you give your younger self about mothering?

Probably to ask for more help, I’ve never been good at that. Al and l do it all mostly on our own, we don’t have family around to help us and l think that’s put a lot more stress on our relationship over the years. Although, I do think we’ve probably grown stronger as a family unit for it. 

What is special about taking family portraits?

I’m really enjoying taking the portraits at this stage of my life. I’m watching my own children grow and the younger years feeling so fleeting. It just feels really lovely to be able to give back something to people that they can cherish.

What excites you about shooting The Motherhood Series for Nature Baby?

Meeting all the families! It’s such a treat.

For the opportunity for your family to be photographed (and take home a Nature Baby outfit) on Friday the 31st of March, apply here. 

- Article by Louise Bannister, Co-Founder and Editor of Lunch Lady