Growing up in a family of photography enthusiasts, I was surrounded by it from an early age. My dad was an award-winning member of a camera club (I was sometimes the subject), while my mum ran a business restoring old photos using traditional methods. We had a darkroom at home where I spent countless hours watching mum at work.

I got my first point-and-shoot camera at the age of 10, but my passion for photography truly ignited after reading "Where the Heart Is." Inspired by the story of a girl discovering her love for photography, I began to think of how could I shoot that scene differently. I have never wanted to do things the way everyone else was doing them.

My journey into professional photography started with shooting weddings and capturing special moments for friends. In 2008, I landed a job at Footprints Nursery, where I photographed up to eight newborns a day. Eventually, I ended up buying the Footprints Nursery business! What I loved about newborn photography was teaching the brand new mums how to wrap, settle and tips on breastfeeding.

I wound that business down to focus on family during a rough time. But, since I’m not great at doing nothing, Captured by Kirri was born. Wanting to move away from newborn shoots, I found a love for outdoor family shootsand learning how to pose women to show them just how beautiful they are.

Fast forward to today, I focus on photographing the things I enjoy, families, couples, and amazing businesses. I've created a versatile home studio. I adore shooting in natural sunlight but also find fun in gorgeous indoor settings.

On a personal note …

I have watched my brother-in-law lose his battle to cancer with three very young children and an adoring wife (my sister) left behind. I have also watched my mother’s greatest fear of losing her memory to Alzheimers become a reality, and to lose her a few years ago as well. When a loved one is lost, the only thing we have left is photos. When they are gone, no one ever thinks they have too many photos of the person.

I see women not want to get in photos with their kids as they don’t like the way they look (hey, I’m one of them). But I also know that children don’t see that, they see the mother they adore and there will never be enough photos with her.

Please get in photos.

They don’t have to be taken by me, but if you are nervous and don’t like how you look, I can teach you some really simple ways to be happy with photos of you. You will never be as young as you are right now. Get in the photos. Please.