brisbane

Beautifully Strong... Boudoir photography with a bodybuilder: Brisbane Fitness & Boudoir Photography

We recently had the honours of working with the beautiful Bodybuilding WBFF Fitness Pro Bec on a boudoir photoshoot at Noosa Trails Estate. We had a vision for these images, inspired by the the unbelievable colonial location we had to work and Bec's classy and elegant look and the result is breathtaking. 

Come behind the scenes on the photoshoot below with our Vlog as well as the end result through the stunning images achieved. 

It was a great collaboration between Andy & I as photographers, Bec as the model, Camilla on hair and makeup and the location Noosa Trails Estate. 

Em x

The Inspiring Weight Loss Transformation Stories, from REAL Women! Brisbane Fitness, Boudoir & Lifestyle Photography

Be inspired by the weight loss transformations of these amazing women! At any age you can love your body, be confident in yourself & embrace your progress….

Documenting unforgettable moments in people’s lives is one of the main reasons why I LOVE being a photographer and absolutely love what I do. I am so grateful to have captured a number of weight loss transformation photoshoots and shared these moments with women on an unreal journey in their life; making a choice to live a healthier life and prioritise their futures with their families.

Below I want to share with you some of those stories by REAL LIFE WOMEN! Women with kids, women with high level jobs, women that don’t have many hours left to spare of their days, women who lose 40kg+, women who we should look to as REAL inspiration for what’s achievable when you set your mind to a goal; be inspired, never give up on your goals and remember that your health is everything!

These stories fill me with so much emotion, I hope you can take away some great lessons from these women and be inspired to never give up on your own journey.

PRISCILLA'S STORY...

After a health scare, Priscilla embarked on this weight loss journey with the mindset of doing it for her and her family!

“I started my weight loss journey just over 12 months ago, I was severely overweight and I just became depressed and started to withdraw from weekend activities with friends.

I embarked on this journey with the mindset of I’m doing this for me and my family!

I was using this as a preventative before I became medically unwell. I was lucky enough that my blood pressure, diabetes etc were not being affected. So I saw it as a sign that it was now or never to take control of my life.  Over the last 12 months I have had to battle a lot of mental issues around the stigma of being obese and what life hurdles I had In front of me to tackle. The first 10kg was amazing! I felt so good I knew I had made the best decision in my life. After the initial drop things became really hard and I truly had to work every day to change my mindset and life style. I joined a gym and had a personal trainer and started to really meal prep and take control of what is being put in my body. It is still a daily struggle for me. Exercise has become easy, but the nutrition side is still a weakness of mine. My goal over the next 12 months of my journey is to take some time aside to reflect on nutrition and really learn what my body needs to fuel its self. I love my body. I am proud of all of my stretch marks and body parts as they genuinely tell a story of my life. I was able to naturally bring a child into this world and loose a tremendous amount of weight and still stand tall at the end of each day knowing I did this! To this date I have lost 36Kg. I would love to lose another 20 

To celebrate my 12 month anniversary of my journey I approached Em from Life Portraits about an in-between fitness, boudoir photo shoot to commemorate my journey thus far. I was a little hesitant to make the commitment but I was eager to understand how the process worked! I can’t tell you how many times they re assured me it was going to be fine and it will be such an amazing experience and they were 100% on board to help me celebrate!

From choosing the location to helping create the vision em was there with me every step of the way! On the actual day of the shoot I got there way earlier then expected and em was quick to rearrange her plans and meet me there which was so awesome to feel like I was the most important person that day.

 I was super nervous to get these photos taken as I wanted an element of raw/ but also really wanted to celebrate how far I had come and look at them and feel good. I loved what we created together and I walked away feeling really empowered! I am just your average girl sharing her average story to people. But in fact, I am sharing a story that SO many of us walk and I want everyone to know that they are not alone in the battle of obesity! Its time for us all to break the stigma and embrace our bodies!!  I am beyond excited to see what the next 12 months bring! And I hope with working on my nutrition my body shape will change!”

Priscilla Farry

AILSA’S STORY

At 40, with 3 kids and determination that smashed her goals, Ailsa won the Maxines Transformation Challenge Grand Champion in 2018!

“The phrase "stuck in a rut" is appropriate way to describe how I felt prior to undertaking the January Maxines transformation challenge. I WAS exercising but was not seeing or feeling the benefits of my endeavours. Life was busy with 3 children, days just clicked by and I could feel my physical health declining not to mention my mental well being as well.

My 4Oth Birthday was fast approaching (Eek!) it was time to take control of things for myself and I committed to jumping on board for 12 weeks of hard training and getting comfortable with feeling "uncomfortable". This was teamed with more consistent nutrition, encompassed more food and better choices than I had made previously fuelling the demanding training sessions that I did.

It was a struggle at times to get through things, tears did get shed and a lot of self doubt hung in the air but those "transformation" changes that I thought only happened to "other people" started happening to me which was amazing!

In (almost!) no time the end of 12 weeks was closing in. My husband who had supported me throughout, surprised me with a fitness photo shoot with the lovely Emily at Life Portraits. When Emily called to spring the surprise I think I must of sounded very blunt... yes I was surprised but I was actually internally freaking out about being in front of the camera like a "model"! (what have I just said yes to ??!)

My fears were very much alleviated when we met in person. Emily was very professional and extremely personable, it did not take me too long to get comfortable with the photo shoot environment. Emily helped me to relax and gave wonderful guidance as to what I should do (as I had NO IDEA!)

I had AMAZING photos and with so many favourites that it was so hard to choose which ones I would submit for my entry into the Maxines transformation challenge. The images captured those changes I was after when I started my journey and a few days later, after submitting my entry (to my surprise) I was told that I had won!

Never did I EVER think that I would be able to call myself a Grand Champion. So not only now do I have an amazing opportunity being a ongoing challenge ambassador but I have beautiful and "OMG that's me" images to reflect back on thanks to Em and her photographic expertise.

My life has changed a LOT - I have since competed successfully on stage and fitness is now a permanent fixture which celebrates my strong body for what it can do not for what it can't.”

Ailsa Dicarlo

SABINE’S INSPIRING STORY...

At 47 years of age, Sabine is down 30kg, loving her new passion for Crossfit and living a healthier life!

“This is the photo that started it all...

This was the moment I realised I had let myself get truly unhealthy, overweight and suffering from so many allergies that a box of tissues for all the sneezing was a constant companion. The journey started with a change in lifestyle, first removing food groups to see what my body was being sensitive to, end result I'm now gluten, dairy and sugar free. Some of the unhealthy weight started dropping but I still didn't feel I had a balance of food an activity so next step was heading to the gym were I was introduced to an amazing coach who started one on one personal training Crossfit style.

I completely surprised myself by falling in love with Crossfit and more recently Power Lifting and now 4 years on, 30kgs lighter than this initial picture. I found myself wanting to mark this achievement somehow and what better way than to do a photo shoot to mark this moment where I am the healthiest, fittest and honestly the most sexy I have felt in decades. I'm 47 years old, I never thought I could reach this goal but I'm super happy that I chose to celebrate this version of me in pictures with Life Portraits.

Thank you Em you made me look as beautiful as I finally feel.”

Sabine Goeman

PEARLY’S STORY...

Pearly hasn’t let Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) get in her way of reaching her goals and letting her true self shine through!

“I’m an old hat when it comes to photo shoots. I’ve always loved getting in front of the camera - it comes very naturally to me. But I’m often told that it takes a certain kind of bravery to bare yourself in a shoot, to be totally vulnerable. I’m lucky to have this built-in bravery, but I do have a different kind of obstacle I battle against every day, which could prevent me from getting in front of that camera- but I’ll never let it- Generalised Anxiety Disorder.

I’ve had GAD since i was a child, and I’m still working today to create positive neural pathways to replace the ones that my brain has formulated growing up. Negative thoughts like ‘you’re a failure’ ‘you won’t achieve your fitness goals’ and ‘you’ll never look as good as you could’ are examples of what thoughts I may experience when prepping for a shoot. But the reason I do this, the reason I exercise is to foster endorphins and show myself that I can set a goal and reach it (even when my brain is telling me I can’t). I still get in front of that camera, in spite of the negative thoughts, in spite of the anorexia I was diagnosed with half my lifetime ago (induced by GAD)- I shine in my photographs because I am celebrating how far

I’ve come, and how much I’ve grown. It’s so important to have an established trust with my photographer- someone who knows my doubts and knows how to bring my inner shine out to banish those negative thoughts. This is why I shoot with Emily- she has an understanding of the female disposition, of the human disposition- and she has a creativity that can’t be quashed!”

Pearly Tasker

RENEE STORY...

“I was 96kg the day I gave birth, I lost 20kg then I let the 20kg creep back on again.” Renee decided to take charge of her weight and had a gastric sleeve procedure and then undertook the Maxine’s Challenge. “I am now 42kg down from the day of the gastric sleeve but now I am also fitter and stronger, mentally and physically.”

“In 2017 I decided to take charge of my weight and I had the gastric sleeve. For years I had battled my weight, yoyo with different fad diets.

Babies are what always saw me get to my highest weight. It was after the birth of our 3rd baby that I made the decision to have to procedure done.

I’d had a 5 year gap between child 2 and 3, which meant I was a bit older, and to put on all of my weight again really affected me mentally.

I was 96kg the day I gave birth, lost 20kg then I let the 20kg creep back on again.

Being 96kg and only 160cm I was as round as I was tall and you could see the angst in my eyes.

Our 3rd was a surprise to say the least as my husband had a vasectomy after the first 2 (but didn’t go back for the check up!!), our marriage was on the rocks we were eating rubbish and drinking to deal with the situation.

When Charley was nearly one we decided we couldn’t carry on this way and  we knew we need to do something to save our family and I knew and I needed to do something for me. SO along with buying a caravan, I had the gastric sleeve.

This was the decision that changed my life forever.

The surgery wasn’t easy, recovery was long and tough and I had days that I’d regretted my decision but as the weight started to melt away my heart stared to lighten the chip on my shoulder was no longer there.

After loosing a considerable amount of weight I still felt there was more to my health, so I decided that my 2019 New Years resolution was to get a healthy body and healthy mind so I committed to doing the Maxine’s 12-week challenge

You can lose weight with the gastric sleeve without being healthy and whilst I wasn’t terrible I wanted to be better and a exercise and eating plan always helps me keep on track.

I have done 2 Maxine’s Challenges this year the first was to get in shape before our 10 yr wedding anniversary in Vegas and let me tell you what a celebration that was, celebrating that we made it and didn’t give up! Then when we got back from Vegas I decided to do it again but this time give it my all.

I was so happy with the challenge, which is why I decided to have a photo shoot with Em from Life Portraits. I had come such a long long way in 2 years and at the end of my challenge I was 42kg down from the day of the gastric sleeve but now I was also fitter and stronger, mentally and physically.

I feel like Em really captured this in my photos, I was smiling and felt like a woman I could be proud of. I was able to see my body in a way I never thought I could, I looked happy, strong and fierce.

I love being fit and healthy, my kids and husband love me being fit and healthy.

I’m never going back, I’m not committing to a 12 week challenge, I’m committing to the rest of my life!”

Renee Houston

MAZ’S STORY

“I decided that I wanted to be role model for my children so they can understand the power and benefits of a healthy lifestyle.” Maz smashed her goal showing her kids that Mummy can have a 6-pack!

“I started my journey towards the photo shoot by simply wanting to challenge myself and to set an example for my children. I see so much obesity and unhealthy ways and not enough time outdoors and to many excuses people need to get off there ass and do something about it. I decided that I wanted to be role model for my children so they can understand the power and benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Not only food but exercise by setting a goal and achieving it even though you might have so many things to juggle. Life can be so hectic between work, school, sporting commitments and finding the time to spend with family.

For me, it was to see how lean I could get and for my kids it was to see me have a 6 pack and achieve my goal. Believe me it wasn’t easy when I was in the gym at 4am and I was struggling I would simply focus on my children and how I tell them each and every day you set your goals and you push through it, nothings easy but it’s worth it, to show them if you put your mind to it you can simple do anything. I have a motto I live by and it’s so simple but so very true “there is no such thing as can’t it’s will or won’t”.

I choose Life Portraits to capture my hard work. I have never done anything like this and I was out of my comfort zone. Em & Andy were amazing!! My photoshoot was exactly how I wanted it to be captured. They both were so professional, accommodating and guided me through everything I had no idea how to pose Em made me so relaxed and it was an amazing experience and am looking forward to doing another one.”

Marilyn Goolagong

AAGYA’S STORY...

“I started my journey at 89.7kg and was able to lose 33kg to get me down to 56.3kg for the photoshoot” Aagya learnt how a team of a personal trainer and nutritionist can change your life, your food habits and your training.

"I started my journey on the 11th September 2017 when I approached personal trainer Ryan Short to help me with strength training. Since starting this fitness journey I was just able to lose 10kgs in a year, however there came the point where the progress stopped. Ryan asked me about my diet and at that point i was on a flexible diet and never wanted to give up on food. He suggested me to see his dietitian Adam to help me with my food regime and he worked his magic. I started my journey at 89.7kg and was able to lose 33kg to get me down to 56.3kg for the photoshoot!

Adam and Ryan together changed my life. Adam got me lean and Ryan got me stronger everyday. I have never in my life felt this healthy, strong and confident! Thanks to them and I will be forever grateful! I always wanted to look like a model and pose in front of the camera, particularly now that I was at my leanest I really wanted to capture all the hard work. I approached Em from Life Portraits to capture all the moments for me and my hubby. Thanks to Emily for making us feel so comfortable and myself, so beautiful for the day! It takes so much confidence to pose for a camera it was such an amazing experience ️and I will always keep myself fit and strong ️ Never give up, life is beautiful”

Aagya Manandhar

Capturing the Beauty & Motion of a Dancer: Brisbane Health & Fitness Photography

Capturing the Beauty & Motion of a Dancer:
Brisbane Portrait Photography

Over my years of photography, I have never had the opportunity to capture a dancer in studio, performing, dancing, letting their body guide them to music. This is something I have always wanted to capture! I was honoured when the beautiful Rachel, enquired about a photoshoot with us. This talented woman is a dancer, actor, singer, choreographer and teacher - and she’s a Brisbane Broncos cheerleader!

We had a one hour studio session where we created a number of different looks for her dancing portfolio, social media and for promotion for herself. It was mesmerising to watch Rachel just let go to the music and move…. I felt a sense of relaxation, I had goosebumps, I was moved! Here are some of her finals below that we captured!

Em x


Brisbane Portrait Photographer | Brisbane Dance Photography | Brisbane Dancer




7 tips to Nailing your First Fitness Photoshoot - Brisbane Health, Fitness & Boudoir Photography

So you’ve achieved a weight loss goal, you’ve just competed or you’ve reached a health milestone and you want to capture your efforts and physiques with a photoshoot…… GREAT DECISION!

A fitness, boudoir or fashion photoshoot captures this time in your life and documents your hard work, sacrifices, motivation and time through imagery. We take a moment in time and freeze how you felt and how strong you are as a person to reach your goals. We all need to remember to celebrate our successes and reflect on our journey and investing in a photoshoot is a wonderful way to do so.

Having competed in figure bodybuilding in the past, reaching this high point in my physique and then not capturing this moment was the biggest regret I ever had! So if you’re daunted by the cost, how to be prepared, what to wear, where to shoot….. we can help you! We’ve gone into 7 tips to nail your first photoshoot below:

1. Prepare for the investment of a photoshoot it’s worth it! Budget this into your competition costs or weekly budget or opt for interest free payment plan

We find with a lot of clients that price is off-putting and people do not see the value in spending the money on capturing this moment in time. After all the hard work you’ve put in, time, sacrifices, hard hours in the gym… what are you doing to document you reaching this goal? Yes you can tick it off the list of things you’ve done and write about it on social media, but nothing outweighs the captured image and freezing this successful moment in your life. In order to prepare for the cost of a photoshoot, budget this into your costs for competing, or when you start a weight loss journey, start putting money away each week for this. At Life Portraits, we allow our clients to pay $150 upfront and then fortnightly/monthly payments, leading up to your shoot. The cost is worth the value and joy it will bring to your life looking back at these moments for years to come, and for generations to come!
Download our pricing and see our work on our fitness page HERE!

2. Watch our BTS Vlogs on tips to prepare for your fitness photoshoot
These Vlog features how to prepare, tips on posing, outfits and behind the scenes fun. This will give you a good idea of how we work at Life Portraits.
Watch them both BELOW:

1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOo6bh9XuIA
2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp0IEBlyquY&t=3s

3. Narrow down the style of imagery you want - Boudoir, fitness gym, fitness fashion, beach, lifestyle
The first step to planning a photoshoot is to determine the style of imagery you want. Once you have secured this style we can then guide you in choosing your location, outfits and types of posing. We provide a pinterest gallery of examples to help you decide what you’d like to do.

4. Find a location that suits your style and your personality
At Life Portraits we provide our clients with a full suburb breakdown of locations around Brisbane for options for their photoshoots. Sometimes, choosing a location is the hardest part of the photoshoot process as their are so many themes you can channel. Once you have the style of imagery that you want, we can then match a location to this style. Common locations include; gym, beach, graffiti walls, coloured walls, street style, lifestyle greenery open spaces, apartments/houses for boudoir. You can see lots of great examples on our instagram page

5. Narrow down your outfits to 2/3 options that matches the style of imagery you want and your location
Once you’ve nailed steps 2 & 3, we will guide you with pinterest boards and through email communication what outfits to use for your photoshoot. Common ideas include bikinis, one pieces leotards or body suits, booty pants, fashion wear, fishnets, lingerie, sports wear, leather jackets and boots, body crystals etc. We help you match your outfits to the colours of your location.

6. Preparing for the photoshoot day with hair, makeup & tan
You’ve done all the hard work to get to this point, now you want to look a million dollars for your photos! We always suggest to our clients that you get your hair, makeup and tan done professionally so that you are looking 10/10 for your photoshoot. Having this done reflects in your photos, looks a million dollars, boosts your confidence. We work with some great professionals in the industry, one of our most recommended is Shique Beauty in Brisbane - specialising in hair, makeup, tans, nails etc.

7. Photoshoot day - Have a bag packed with outfits, snacks, water and MUSIC
It’s photoshoot day! Make sure you have a bag packed the night before so you’re not rushed for the photoshoot and you’re calm and ready for the day. We always suggest that you play music on your shoot to help you relax, get into the motion of posing and enjoy the experience. We will guide you with posing, positioning your body in the best way possible to make you look your best.


Now all you need to do is relax and enjoy the experience! If you’ve been thinking about a fitness photoshoot in the Brisbane or Gold Coast area, we’d love to hear from you. Life Portraits specialises in portraiture, weddings and commercial but has a sub brand LP Fitness where we work with fitness competitors, weight loss transformations and capture people in a state of celebration of their health and wellness.

We’d love to hear from you! Email us at info@lifeportraits.photography to book your shoot. Or contact us on our website.

Let's create something beautiful!