Authentic, nostalgic, and love-soaked films and photos. Just as you are.
Family Films & Photos in Sydney + all over Australia
If you cherish the messy, magical moments of family life—the cheeky giggles, familiar expressions, windswept hair, and the beautifully imperfect chaos—then I’m here to capture it all for you.
I specialize in creating heartfelt family films and photos that tell the unique story of your family. No stiff poses or awkward smiles—just real connection and genuine emotion. My sessions are relaxed and simple, blending candid documentary-style moments with natural, easy-going direction (think: “let’s hang out here and see where the magic happens”).
With a focus on storytelling, I’ll guide you just enough to feel comfortable while giving you the freedom to be yourselves. Together, we’ll create timeless keepsakes that reflect the humor, joy, and love that makes your family uniquely yours.
WITH ME, YOU CAN RELAX AND ENJOY THE MOMENT.
No need to stress about poses or perfection—I’ll guide you just enough so you feel at ease while leaving plenty of room for your family’s unique dynamic to shine. Together, we’ll create meaningful films and photos filled with love, laughter, and everything that makes your family yours. Let’s turn your everyday moments into cherished memories you’ll hold onto forever.
Do you have specific questions? Let’s chat!
Step by step guide on how to book your family film & photo session
Get to know my work
Take a moment to explore my website and get a feel for the kind of family films and photos I create. You’ll find plenty of inspiration on my blog and Instagram, where I love sharing heartfelt films and recent sessions. If you’re drawn to natural, love-soaked moments and the beauty of everyday life, my approach could be exactly what you’re looking for. Be sure to check out the pricing details and the FAQ section, which has everything you need to know about family films and photos. Curious about me? Head over to the About page to learn more about my journey as a filmmaker and photographer.
Reach out and say hi
Excited to start creating your family film? I’m so glad! Booking your session is easy—just fill out my online booking form here. Share your location, ideal timeframe, and any specific ideas you have for your session. Don’t worry if you’re not in Sydney—I’m happy to chat about other options. Once I get your details, I’ll get back to you with available dates, and we can start planning your session. Pro tip: weekends fill up quickly, so it’s always a good idea to book early!
Prepare for your session
After we’ve locked in a date, I’ll send over everything you need to finalize your booking: a contract, invoice, and a short questionnaire. This questionnaire is my way of getting to know your family better—tell me about your kids, what makes them light up, and any special moments or traditions you’d love to capture. Whether it’s a love for baking cookies together or an obsession with cars, these details help me tailor your session to your family’s unique vibe.
And that’s it! On the day of your session, you can relax knowing I’ll be there to capture the laughter, love, and connection that makes your family so special. Looking forward to creating something truly meaningful for you!
“We booked a family film session with Courtney Holmes and I cannot recommend her highly enough! Courtney’s work is wonderful and to have our family captured on film forever is priceless. Courtney somehow captured the essence of our family - there is something special about being able to see my children laugh, to hear their voices and to see them come to life on screen. Nothing compares. I love that those moments are recorded forever. I can’t watch our film without a smile on my face, a tear in my eye and a very happy heart! Our experience with Courtney was great from start to finish. She made us all feel comfortable from the moment she walked into our home. It was like she had known us all for years. Courtney could handle my full-of-life 5 year old and even our crazy new puppy. Nothing fazed her and she made it easy for us to be be ourselves. We spent a wonderful afternoon together as a family, free from distractions and able to just enjoy our time together. We all loved the experience and I am so thankful we did it. My kids still ask when Courtney is coming back to visit!”
10 Signs a Documentary Family Film & Photo Session is Perfect for You
You Value Authenticity Over Posing
If candid moments bring you more joy than staged smiles, a family film will resonate with you. It captures your family as they are—natural, raw, and beautifully imperfect.
You Want to Preserve More Than Just Photos
Photos freeze a moment, but films bring those moments to life. From the sound of your child's laughter to the way your toddler runs into your arms, a family film immortalizes the essence of your family in motion and sound.
You Find Yourself Watching Old Videos on Repeat
If you already cherish those shaky phone videos of your kids, imagine the magic of having those moments captured in a beautifully edited film, with professional-quality footage and storytelling.
You Love Hearing Your Family’s Voices
A family film preserves voices, giggles, and conversations—things that photos can’t. Whether it’s your child’s first words or the way your partner reads bedtime stories, these sounds become priceless over time.
You Want to Capture the Chaos
Life with kids is messy, loud, and unpredictable—but that’s the magic of it! A family film embraces the chaos, turning it into a story you’ll treasure forever.
You’re Sentimental About Everyday Moments
Do you melt when you see your kids cuddled up on the couch or playing together in the backyard? Family films celebrate those ordinary moments that feel extraordinary in hindsight.
You Want to Remember the Little Things
The way your baby grabs your finger, the silly faces your kids make, or the way your family interacts at dinner—these fleeting details often fade over time. A family film keeps them alive.
You Love Storytelling
If storytelling matters to you, a family film is the perfect medium. It’s not just about capturing footage—it’s about creating a narrative that reflects your family’s personality and connection.
You’re Looking for a Unique Heirloom
A family film is more than a keepsake—it’s an heirloom that can be passed down for generations. It becomes a time capsule, preserving this season of life for your children and their future families.
You’ve Always Wanted Something More Personal
If traditional family portraits feel a bit too formal, a family film is a deeply personal alternative. It captures your family’s love and connection in an honest, heartfelt way.
+15 YEARS OF SHOOTING newborns & families
What makes me different?
Why choose a family film & photo session over all the other options out there?
Because real moments matter. A family film session captures the authentic connections, love, and chaos of your family life as it truly is. It’s about preserving the little looks, the belly laughs, and the everyday magic that makes your family unique.
No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just you, being you. You’ll spend the session connecting with your kids while I quietly document the beauty of it all.
Years from now, these photos and films will remind you of what it felt like to live this season of your life—the way your kids hugged you, their tiny hands in yours, and the joy in simply being together.
If you want photos and films that feel real, honest, and full of heart, a documentary session is for you. Come as you are, and let’s create something meaningful together.
Keepsake session
A heartfelt session designed to capture the essence of one or two people—a mother’s connection with her child, a baby’s milestones, or the tender bond between siblings.
This session focuses on the little details that tell a big story. Choose from a beautifully crafted 1–2 minute cinematic film, a gallery of 30 edited photographs, or a combination of both to preserve these precious moments forever.
Short Story session
A beautifully crafted session that captures the heart of your family’s everyday moments—the laughter, the chaos, the quiet hugs, and everything in between. Imagine documenting pancake breakfasts in the kitchen, backyard play under the golden sun, bedtime snuggles with favorite books, or the joy of a family dance party in the living room.
This session tells your family’s unique story with authenticity and heart. Choose from a 3–4 minute cinematic film, a curated gallery of 50 beautifully edited photographs, or a combination of both to preserve these meaningful moments forever.
full story session
The ultimate way to preserve your family’s story in vivid, heartfelt detail. This session captures a rich collection of moments that reflect your family’s unique rhythm—think a lazy Sunday morning making pancakes from scratch, an afternoon adventure at your favorite beach, building forts in the living room, or a cozy evening around the fire sharing stories and laughter.
This session highlights the essence of your family’s love and connection. Choose from a 5–7 minute cinematic film, a gallery of 75 beautifully edited photographs, or a combination of both to preserve these cherished memories for years to come.
Terms & Conditions
Retainer Fee
All bookings require a 25% non-refundable retainer to be paid in order to secure your date. Remaining payment is due a week prior to your session.
Payment Plans
Flexible payment plans are included for no extra cost.
Travel
Travel is included, up to an hour from North Richmond. Additional travel is charged at $1 per km within NSW.
FAQs
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Your family film session can take place wherever your family feels most at home—whether that’s your actual home, your backyard, or a favorite outdoor location. I recommend choosing a setting where you can relax, be yourselves, and enjoy the moment.
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Keepsake film sessions are 1hr, Short Story Films are 1-2hrs, and Full Story Films are 3-4hrs, giving us plenty of time to capture a mix of candid and intentional moments without feeling rushed. I’ll guide the flow so everything feels natural and relaxed.
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Golden hour—either shortly after sunrise or a couple of hours before sunset—is the most magical time for outdoor family film sessions. The soft, warm light is perfect for creating those dreamy, cinematic shots. For indoor sessions, mid morning or mid afternoon often works well to take advantage of natural light.
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Wear outfits that feel comfortable, reflect your style, and coordinate well without matching too much. Neutral tones, soft pastels, or earthy colors work beautifully on camera. Avoid bold patterns or large logos, as they can distract from the natural feel of the film. I’m happy to help you choose outfits that will work well together.
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Some of the most beautiful films are made on cloudy or rainy days! Overcast skies create soft, even light, and light rain can add an enchanting, cozy feel to your session. If the weather is truly unworkable, we’ll reschedule for a day that works for everyone.
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I let kids be kids! My approach is to keep things fun and stress-free by following their lead and capturing their natural energy and personalities.
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Your completed family film and photo gallery will be ready within 6 months of your session. Keep in mind that each film requires between 15-30hrs of my time spent finding the right music, editing the story, color grading the film, and editing the photos. My films are not quick to create but they are lovingly crafted and worth the time spent on them. During particularly busy times or school holidays it can add more time again. Please be patient, I promise it’s worth it.
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Life happens, and I get that! If you need to reschedule, I kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice. We’ll work together to find a new date that fits your schedule. For last-minute cancellations, additional fees may apply.
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Choosing the right song for your film is almost an art in and of itself. I only use licensed music, so commercial songs you hear on the radio won’t be an option anyway since it would be illegal for me to use them. If you have a genre preference I’m open to hearing more about that, but generally I recommend leaving the song choice with me. I’m pretty good at it, I promise ;)
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I have spent years developing my craft as a storyteller, and thousands of dollars on equipment to be able to shoot and edit video. I spend anywhere from 15-20hrs (sometimes even longer) to create a film, and it’s not something I can sit down and work on in small blocks of time. Video requires a great deal of time spent editing to get things just right, far more time than it takes for photos and an even greater amount of creative energy. It might seem expensive, and for sure it’s a huge investment that not every family can afford, but I guarantee you it's worth it and the value of that film will increase with every year that goes by after you've had it made.