Based in beautiful Bardon in Brisbane's leafy inner-western suburbs, Smile Photographics is a boutique portrait studio.
I am Melissa, an accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers, and a State, National, and International award winning photographer, who specialises in finished photographic artwork.
At Smile every client receives a unique and personal service. From our first contact, to our wardrobe styling session.... From our photography session, to our viewing.... From the bespoke pieces that are individually crafted for you, to the ribbons that wrap them for delivery.... Your experience will make you smile.
For as long as I can remember, I've been taking pictures. I can still remember the first time mum and dad let me use their polaroid instamatic - snapping my two little sisters on the steps of our caravan whilst on holiday at Ulla Dulla on the New South Wales coast. In the years that followed, I carefully dissected their trusty Minolta SLR, pulling it apart and putting it back together again, and absorbing with wonder the mechanisms that allowed us to freeze moments in time.
When I take your photograph, I want your true character to be evident. Everyone knows what you look like. But that sparkle in the eye, that hint of a smile, that touch between people who love and understand each other intimately..... that is your true self. And that is the stuff of magical memories.
The family sessions are about you, in your own space, doing what you do - life.
Whether it's at home, in your garden, at the beach or at your favourite park, I will come to you, and capture you as you are.
Tiny fingers, flaking skin, soft downy hair... these moments are so fleeting, and deserve to be preserved forever.
Come to me to my studio in Bardon. You can put your feet up and let me get on with the business of doting on your precious.
Most people have professional portraits taken only once or twice in their life, so I understand that it's a big deal, and that it can be a very daunting experience.
That's why I like to hold my clients' hands every step of the way.
We'll have a pre-shoot consultation, which will include a detailed discussion about wardrobe. And then closer to the day I can give you styling advice on your clothing options, and the best ways to display your beautiful artwork.
At the shoot I won't just leave you standing there….. I talk a LOT, and give very specific instructions about where and how to stand/sit, in order to make you look your very best.
When the photos have been taken, I'll take you through the best of them, and can help you make decisions about what you would like to purchase. I can even take a photo of your wall, and show you what different layouts will actually look like on it!
I have great personal relationships with all of my suppliers and will keep you up to date on the progress of your order.
And then I will deliver your order to you personally. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing my clients photographs on display in their own homes
Your portrait session fee is $200, which covers our pre-shoot consultation, our photography session, and our in-person design and sales appointment.
Wall art, portrait collections and digital files are available, with print prices beginning at $150 for an 8x10 matted print, and $495 for a 12x12 canvas. Most clients order wall art, individual print packages, and gift prints for family members.
I am a very strong believer that beautiful photographs should be enjoyed every day. In this digital age many of us are falling into the trap of stockpiling thousands of digital images, and displaying only very few of them, if any. And then often only on a computer screen or smartphone.
Whether it is in the privacy of your bedroom, or for all to see on the lounge room wall, statement pieces that constantly remind you of the one you love or that never fail to bring a smile to your face should be mandatory! This is why I am so passionate about my products.
You already know that I take photographs, but what you may not know is that I can also offer you design advice regarding layout, positioning, and the custom creation of heirloom pieces that showcase your photographs in your home.
Matted prints | $150
Includes images up to 8"x12". These make great gifts for family and friends.
Framed, canvas and acrylic prints | from $495
Sizes start at 12"x12". Prices are the same regardless of the media you choose.
Collections | from $1,495
These are individually designed for your home, and are the best way to tell a story with your portraits. Choose from a wide variety of designs and finishes.
Custom photo album | $1,495
This 20 page, custom designed album is an immediate heirloom. Sizes 11"x11" and 11"x14".
Acrylic blocks | from $120
These blocks have great visual impact and make excellent gifts for family and friends. As they are free-standing, they require no hanging system or framing.
" I was so afraid of being photographed and thought I would hate every photo with me in it because I would look terrible. But that wasn't the case at all! I now have photos that I love. Photos that make me smile when I look at them because I remember the happiness I felt at that exact moment. "
0410 699 133
melissa@smilephotographics.com.au