Michelle and Maz booked a family shoot to celebrate life with their first baby, Mika. The original plan was to do this when Mika was first born, but after storms and a week without power (hello, unexpected Airbnb stay), we ended up rescheduling. By the time we met at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Mika was three months old. Now he was more alert, more expressive, and still totally snuggly.


The shoot was booked as a gift (thank you Carey!) and Michelle made it count, booking hair and makeup and planning for light, neutral outfits.


Although the Chau Maskor family hadn’t done a photo shoot before and weren’t sure what to expect, it was clear they wanted these photos to represent this season of life. Not overly styled or posed, but something Mika could look back on one day and know how deeply he was loved. The gummy smiles, slobber, tiny fingernails, big eyes, and the kisses. All the little things they want to remember, and for him to see too.


Close-up family portrait with parents smiling at each other while holding baby during Mt Coot-tha family photo session in Brisbane
Baby laughing while being gently held upright by dad during Brisbane outdoor family shoot
Dad lifting smiling baby up into the air under a large tree at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens at sunset

Sessions like this are a reminder that it doesn’t need to be “perfect” timing to be worth documenting. Three months old wasn’t the original plan, but it turned out to be a sweet spot. Mika held his head up, locked eyes with the camera, and soaked up all the cuddles like a pro.


In the end, it’s the fact these photos exist that matters most. A small pause, a moment documented, something to hold onto as everything keeps changing. That’s the kind of nostalgia that lasts.


Parents kissing their baby on both cheeks during a sunset family photo shoot at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens in Brisbane
Mum holding baby close while he looks at the camera during a natural family photo session in Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Baby smiling while being held by parents during an outdoor family session at Mt Coot-tha in Brisbane
Family of three sitting on rocks surrounded by native greenery during golden hour at Mt Coot-tha Brisbane
Close-up of a baby’s tiny hand holding onto mum and dad’s fingers during a Brisbane family session with Joanna Kate Photography.
Baby boy giggling between mum and dad during a joyful family photoshoot at Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane by Joanna Kate Photography.
Mother holding baby boy in soft golden light during a natural family session at Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane by Joanna Kate Photography.
Father holding a laughing baby boy during a relaxed outdoor family photoshoot at Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane
Close-up of a happy baby boy smiling with his hand in his mouth during a Brisbane family session with Joanna Kate Photography.
Father and baby boy sitting on rocks during a family photoshoot at Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane, captured by Joanna Kate Photography.
Mother holding her baby boy and smiling softly during golden hour at Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane, captured by Joanna Kate Photography.

Quick tips (if you're booking a shoot with a bub)


  1. Three Months is a sweet spot: Plenty of eye contact, little expressions, and snuggles, with a baby who’s just starting to show their personality.
  2. Choose a location with easy access: Mt Coot-tha Gardens is great for pram access and short walks. Always something to think about when babies are involved.
  3. Neutrals always work: Soft, textured fabrics in neutral colours blend beautifully with nature and keep the focus on your faces.
  4. Hair and makeup can be a game changer: Michelle booked hers, and it meant one less thing to worry about on the day.
  5. Sunset light makes everything softer: Late afternoon at Mt Coot-tha provides us with warm, natural light that makes skin tones look amazing.
  6. Keep it simple: This shoot was stripped back and all the better for it. No props, no pressure, just connection.