I'm Sharlein

For my eighth birthday, I asked for two things: a tape player so I could record songs off the radio, and a camera. The camera stuck.

The only problem was the film. I’d have little canisters lined up on my desk for weeks, saving every bit of pocket money until I could afford to have them developed. Looking back, I think I’ve always loved the idea of holding onto a moment, of being able to return to a little piece of time long after it has passed.

I grew up along the coast of South East Queensland, close to the sand and the water, and it’s still where I feel most at home. Before photography became my work, I spent my days in a creative role in housing development. But it wasn’t until I had a family of my own that I found my way back to the camera. I bought a proper one, started photographing my own children, and somewhere along the way, I fell in love with it all over again.

Perhaps it’s because being a mum has taught me just how quickly the seasons of family life pass. How the little hands that reach for yours today will one day be reaching for the world. How the ordinary afternoons, the familiar cuddles and the beautiful chaos of having everyone together become the moments you wish you could bottle up and keep forever.

It’s a big part of why I photograph the way I do. I’m drawn to the connection, the movement, the in-between moments and all the little things that make a family yours. Not just how life looks right now, but how it feels to be right here, in this season, together.

Outside of photography, I’m married to a man who loves an adventure as much as I do, and we’re raising four kids, each wonderfully quirky in their own way. Life in our family is full of its own beautiful chaos, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m a firm believer that the moments worth remembering aren’t always the ones we plan. Sometimes they’re the ones happening right in front of us, while we’re too busy living to realise just how special they are.

And if I can help another family hold onto a little piece of that, I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.

Mum with her two daughters, heads together and eyes closed
Black and white photo of a smiling little boy with a grandparent's hand resting on his shoulder
Little girl with her arm around her mum's shoulders, looking out over the water

Every family has a wonderful story to be told.

How I work

I’m not big on posing. I’m drawn to the moments that happen in between. The toddler wriggling out of Mum’s arms, Dad making everyone laugh, little hands reaching for yours, and the fleeting moments of affection that happen without anyone thinking about the camera. Those are always my favourites.

I’ll gently guide you when you need it, tuck a stray piece of hair behind an ear, and help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. But mostly, I want you to forget I’m there. To be present with your people, to laugh a little louder, hold on a little longer, and let your family simply be.

My editing is warm and natural, with soft tones, honest shadows and the occasional black-and-white frame when a moment feels right for it. I want your photographs to feel just as beautiful years from now as they do today, bringing you back not only to how everything looked, but to how it felt.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, have a look at how a session works and a few recent families.

Mum pressing her cheek to her son's in a warm hug
Black and white photo of a mum holding her toddler on the rocks by the sea
Kind words

"Sharlein was calm, kind, respectful and made [us] all feel so relaxed instantly. I love getting candid moments photographed rather than photos that are too posed, and she did just that."

Katie

"Sharlein was faced with two lads who were very anti photos yet through her beautiful nature and ability, captured their smiles, happiness, love and laughter perfectly! He went on to purchase them all."

Lissy

"We have had 2 shoots with Sharlein, a maternity session at an outside location and a newborn session in our home. 2 totally different experiences but both equally as fun and enjoyable."

Faye

Let's chat

I believe beautiful photographs come from slowing down and being present. That's why I only take a few families each month, so there's time to really connect with you and edit every gallery without rushing.

Book a sessionEmail me