hello

Im Anitra; A mum to identical twin boys, married to my best friend Ben and a photographer (that's why you're here right?). For me the line between work and play is a blurry one and for that I am extremely grateful. With so many talented photographers out there today, I thankyou for being here, reading this, considering me! Trusting someone to capture your wedding/family/business is a big consideration and not one I take lightly.

My honeymoon in NYC, 2011.

My honeymoon in NYC, 2011.

A little about me

Dad loaded me up with his old Kodak before heading out the door on a school trip to the zoo one day. I took many photos that day but one shot of a group of pelicans stood out to me. When I got the prints back I would proudly exclaim to anyone that would listen that "I got the sun in just the right place". I was 7. And that fascination with light has never wavered.

After considering becoming a police officer, forensic scientist and graphic designer it was after an overseas trip that I realised my childhood obsession with taking photos could become a career. So I studied a degree in Commercial Photography at RMIT and spent the first 10 years of my career working predominantly in the advertising realm of photography, working both as a stylist and photographer in some of the biggest studios and on some of the biggest accounts in Melbourne. And while I still do (and love) this style of work (you can see some of that stuff here) I found that in my "down time" I was seeking out opportunities to capture stories, photograph real life and document the everyday; I wanted to relinquish the control I had in the studio.

So a few friends who wouldn't take "no, I don't shoot weddings" for an answer, a few "life is too short" moments, dozens of dance-floors and many happy couples later here I am, shooting weddings.... and families, and businesses, and catalogues, and food. And loving it.

When I'm not out and about, I work from a little weatherboard studio at my home in Croydon, Victoria, just on the edge of The Yarra Valley.

 

 
Ben + Elliot, 2014

Ben + Elliot, 2014

 
Elliot + Lloyd, 2015

Elliot + Lloyd, 2015

The Studio

The Studio

 

My style, your day.

I often tell my clients when we first meet that this is not my photoshoot, its your wedding day. And I treat it as just that. While I can advise you along they way to ensure you get the best shots possible, I will capture whats in front of me as it unfolds while you smile, dance, chat and enjoy. I love and embrace the unconventional and am not one of these photographers that will dictate what needs to be done and when.

I want your photos to be an honest, connected, creative record of your day in all its detail. I want you to feel something when you look back through the photos. I look for the beautiful in the ordinary; the little "in between" moments that you barely see while your day flies by are some of my favourite things to capture. I won't steal you away from your party for hours while I make you stand awkwardly for 1000 portraits. I like to blend in like an old friend, have a laugh with you and endeavor to make even the most camera shy feel and look their best in front of the camera.

You can have me there for as little or as long as you need on the day; I understand that having a camera there all day is enough to evoke a little anxiety in some, and likewise, I understand that you might like me there from dawn to dusk so that no detail/event is missed.

Have a look through the FAQs for more on how I like to work.