BEHIND THE BRAND

What first drew you to photography, and when did you realise it was the right path for you?

I've always been an artist. Before having kids, I exhibited portrait work in paint, charcoal, and graphite pencil. But once the little ones arrived, finding time in the studio became almost impossible, and I realised how much I missed having a creative outlet. My art has always centred around people—hands, faces, expression, emotion, connection—so when I began searching for a new medium that fit this season of life, my husband surprised me with a camera. The moment I held it, it just felt right, like it was meant to be. It was as if I had discovered a way to paint with light. I started by doing a bit of brand repping for companies, then experimented with taking photos for friends—and I fell completely in love. A few wedding shoots came along, and from there it all snowballed into the beautiful business I’m blessed to run today.

How did Naturally Jek Photography come to life, and how has your work evolved since you began photographing weddings?

Originally, Naturally Jek Photography began simply as Naturally Jek—a blog we created to share the journey of building our tiny house on a rural bush block in Tasmania. Through that little blog, brands began reaching out, asking me to photograph their products and stories.Around the same time, a good friend of mine—a professional photographer—went on maternity leave and asked if I could look after her clients while she was away. That opportunity became the platform that allowed me to establish myself as a “real” photography business. From there, I connected with other photographers who generously shared their artistry, referred clients from their overflow, and passed on knowledge and skills that shaped me into the photographer I am today. I officially launched in Cairns in 2018, then moved to Southeast Queensland when my daughter was born with a genetic condition that required cooler weather. We spent five years there, where Naturally Jek Photography truly grew into a luxe wedding and lifestyle brand, working with incredible clients, companies, and creatives. In 2025, we moved again—this time to the Far South Coast of New South Wales—to better support our daughter’s needs. It marked the second time I’ve had to rebuild Naturally Jek Photography from the ground up, but I couldn’t feel more excited or more overwhelmed (in the best way) by how warmly the community has embraced both my family and my business.

How would you describe your photography style, and what do you feel makes Naturally Jek Photography stand out?

My passion is to capture emotion and connection. When you look at the photos I’ve taken, I want you to feel something. With a background in social work—what I did before having children—I learned that people remember moments far more by how they felt than by what they saw. Emotion anchors memory.Because of that, my approach to photography is deeply experience-driven. I want to create sessions where clients feel joy, presence, and meaningful connection—whether that’s holding a grandparent close, knowing it may be one of the last times; kissing their newborn a hundred times over; or bringing the whole extended family together to play, laugh, and share energy. My aim is for people to walk away saying, “That was fun. That was amazing. I loved how I felt during that session.” That emotional experience is what sets me apart. I focus just as much on what it feels like to be photographed as I do on the final images—because when you see those photos later, I want you to remember the warmth of the moment, not just the picture itself. I’d describe my style as artistic, emotive, experiential, authentic, luxe yet deeply relational, and beautifully earthy.

What do you think couples are really looking for when they choose you as their photographer?

One of the biggest pieces of feedback I receive from couples—when I ask what drew them to my work or what stood out in their experience with me—is how deeply supported they felt. They often say I helped them navigate things they didn’t even know they needed to plan for. I can hold space, make decisions on the fly, adapt to changes, and guide them through the day with ease. They appreciate that I can support people who feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, work confidently with everyone from elderly grandparents to dads who’d rather be anywhere else, to energetic toddlers and tiny babies. They value my understanding of timing, light, and location, and the way I create a calm, confident, go-with-the-flow environment.Over and over, couples tell me that my experience gave them complete confidence throughout the whole process—and that, to me, is a testament to years and years of wholeheartedly loving this work.

How do you stay true to your brand while still pushing yourself creatively and exploring new ideas?

When I’ve mentored photographers in the past, there’s always an element of technical learning—workflow, process, equipment. But the truth is, the one thing you can’t teach is someone’s artistic eye. That innate way of seeing the world is what shapes a photographer’s signature style.For me, that creative lens has always been the thread that runs consistently through my work. Even when I look back at my earliest Naturally Jek images and compare them to my work today, there’s a distinct “Jek flavour” woven through it all. I can evolve—add new gear, explore new locations, experiment with different visual techniques—but the way I see people, light, and story remains uniquely mine. And that consistency is something I believe clients value deeply. When someone books Naturally Jek Photography, they want to be able to envision themselves in that world and trust the kind of imagery they’ll receive. That’s what I offer: a recognisable, reliable artistic signature. When you look through my work, that Naturally Jek flavour is there in every frame—warm, earthy, emotive.

What advice would you give couples who want to find a photographer who truly understands their vision?

If you find a photographer who truly understands your vision—and you can genuinely see yourself in their work—book them. Don’t sit on it or second-guess it. Securing the date is the first step in locking them in as your photographer.Then, bring your photographer on the journey with you. As a photographer, I absolutely love helping with timelines, scouting locations, answering questions, and offering guidance that brings more ease to your day. That support is part of the experience. And at the end of the day, trust. If you’ve booked someone with solid experience, they’ve photographed weddings countless times. They know what’s coming long before it happens—often more than you do, because for most couples, this is their first time.So trust them. Enjoy your day. And allow yourself to fully lean into the experience they’re there to create for you.

What’s next for Naturally Jek Photography? Any exciting projects or plans coming up?

Having been on the beautiful Sapphire Coast for only 11 months, I’m genuinely blown away by the support and love my business has already received. I’m still very much in the rebuilding stage, and looking ahead, I’d love to see more weddings come through the door. I’m absolutely loving the number of family sessions I’ve been photographing, so I’d love to continue that momentum—along with sprinkling in some creative shoots to keep the artistic fire burning. One area I’m eager to grow in is building stronger connections with local vendors. I’m really looking forward to what 2026 will bring, especially with several weddings already booked for next year. It excites me to step deeper into this community—to create, collaborate, and establish myself more firmly on the Sapphire Coast.