Katrina Hutchens Photography

  The “6, 7” Phase — (and Why Smart Parents Document It) If you have a teen or pre-teen, you’ve heard it. “6, 7.” No explanation. No context. Weird and Random. You don’t need to understand it — and honestly, that’s the point. What is worth understanding is this: childhood moves fast, and the families who look back with the most clarity are the ones who were intentional about documenting it. That’s not sentiment — that’s strategy. Trends Change. Phases End. Time Doesn’t Pause. The “6, 7” trend will disappear as quickly as it arrived. Just like: their Lego phase their Disney Princess phase the era where sandwiches HAD to be cut into triangles As a photographer and as a business owner I see this clearly - parents rarely regret what they documented. They regret what they assumed they’d remember. Every Stage Has Value (Even the Awkward Ones) Six-year-olds speak in imagination. Seven-year-olds speak in questions. Teens speak in trends, sarcasm, and inside jokes ...

  5 Things to Do With Your Kids These School Holidays (and Why You’ll Want to Remember Them) School holidays can feel equal parts magical and overwhelming. The routine disappears, the days stretch long, and suddenly you’re responsible for filling weeks with memories — not just screen time and snacks. As a photographer (and a parent who understands how fast this season flies by), I’m always thinking about two things during the holidays: How can we enjoy this time together? How can we actually remember it when it’s gone? Here are five simple, meaningful things to do with your kids these school holidays — all low-pressure, budget-friendly, and worth remembering. 1. Plan a “Yes Day” (and Let It Be Imperfect) Pick one day where your kids get to make most of the decisions — within reason. Pancakes for lunch? Sure. Bike ride before breakfast? Why not. Movie at the beach exploring rock pools? Absolutely. These days don’t need to be big or expensive. What makes them special ...

What Is a Fresh 48 Session?  Everything You Need to Know Bringing a new baby into the world is one of life’s most magical moments—and capturing those first precious hours? That’s what a Fresh 48 session is all about. If you’re on the Central Coast and wondering how to preserve those raw, beautiful memories, you’re in the right place. What Is a Fresh 48 Session? A Fresh 48 session is a special type of newborn photography that happens within the first 48 hours after your baby is born. Whether it’s in the hospital, birthing center , or even your cozy home, this session captures the genuine, tender moments right after birth—before life gets busy and routines kick in. It’s all about those candid, raw, emotional snapshots. Why Are Fresh 48 Sessions So Special? These sessions focus on the little things that melt your heart— wrinkly newborn toes , the first sleepy yawns , tiny fingers gripping yours , and those sweet snuggles as your baby nestles close. The Fresh 48 captures these ...

Why Maternity Photography Is Totally Worth It (From One Mum to Another) Let’s be real — pregnancy is amazing , but it’s not always glamorous. Some days you’re glowing and feeling like a goddess. Other days? It’s sweat, sore muscles, and wondering how you’re going to get through the next 10 minutes. Here’s the thing: looking back now, as a Central Coast maternity photographer , I wish I had invested in professional maternity photos with my own three pregnancies. I have one blurry, pixelated image from each — right before I was about to pop. And honestly… that’s all I’ve got. No beautiful lighting, no carefully captured moments. Just a tiny reminder of something truly special. Bring Your Inspiration If you’ve seen a pose, style, or image you love, bring it along! Showing me what inspires you is the best way to make your maternity photography session feel personal and exactly what you want. Poses, Styles, and Ideas There are so many ways to capture pregnancy beautifully: Soft, natural...

How to Actually Enjoy Your Family Photography Session (Yes, Really!) Let’s be honest — not many people think they’ll enjoy having their photos taken. In fact, most dads (and some mums) arrive at my sessions looking like they’ve been dragged along. 😅 But here’s the fun part: the same people often leave saying things like: “That was so easy!” “Thank you for making it relaxing and fun!” “I’m so glad we did this!” No one wants awkward photos. Not me, not you, and definitely not your kids. Here’s how we make your family photography session relaxed, fun, and full of real connection. 1. A Location That Works for YOUR Family You don’t need to force a beach session if your family aren't “ beach people .” Love the bush? A local field? Or just want to stay cozy at home? Perfect — we can shoot there. Safety, comfort, and familiarity = natural, relaxed photos. 2. Time of Day Matters Full sunlight can be gorgeous , but let’s be honest — it's hot and glarey and people just want...

“Why Are Family Photos So Expensive?” Let’s Talk About It — Honestly + With Love This is something I hear all the time … and honestly? I totally get it. Life is full of expenses — groceries, kids’ activities, surprise school fees, hair appointments, streaming subscriptions (because apparently we need all of them). So yes, booking a family photography session can feel like a big investment. But hear me out for a sec. Family photos are not just pictures. They’re memories frozen in time — the toothless grins, the toddler cuddles, the way your baby holds your finger, or the chaotic fun of having teens. These moments matter , and they deserve to be documented beautifully. Let’s Be Real… We Spend Money on Lots of Things How much do we spend on: 💇‍♀️ hair appointments? 🍔 takeaway dinners? 📺 multiple TV subscriptions we barely use? No judgement here — I love a good treat-yourself moment too. But when we talk about priorities, the things that truly stay with us are health, time...

Top Tips for an Amazing Family Photography Session (From a Central Coast Family Photographer) Thinking about booking a family photography session ? Or maybe you’ve already locked one in and you’re in full “what do we wear / how do we behave / will my kids cooperate?” mode. Don’t worry — you’re not alone! As a Central Coast family photographer , I’ve seen it ALL… and trust me, the best sessions are the ones where families show up, relax and enjoy the chaos a little. Here are my TOP TIPS to help you make the most of your session and get photos you’ll absolutely love: 1. Be Realistic (aka: embrace the beautiful chaos) Here’s the truth: kids are kids. They wiggle, they wander, they get distracted by rocks, bugs, and the sudden urge to tell you a very long story. And honestly? That’s where the magic happens. Some of the best moments in lifestyle family photography are the unplanned ones — the giggles, the cuddles, the tiny hand holding yours. Don’t stress about perfect smiles or eve...