Melbourne NICU photography
Here’s something you might not know about me — for three years, I volunteered in the NICU at Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital. I photographed premature babies and their families, capturing their quiet, powerful beginnings and gifting them a beautiful online gallery — completely free of charge. Why? Because I could. And because those moments matter.
It remains one of the most heartwarming and humbling experiences of my life.
When I was 15, I had cancer — and ever since, I’d often thought about volunteering with the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
But life had its own way of guiding me.
Before Frankie was born, I spent five weeks on hospital bed rest due to Vasa Previa, and she arrived five weeks early. Our tiny warrior then spent her first two weeks in the NICU. The love, care, and compassion we received during that time blew both Sean and me away — and suddenly, I knew exactly where I wanted to give back.
Volunteering in the NICU became my way of saying thank you. Of paying forward the tenderness we were shown in the most vulnerable weeks of our lives.
‘I am the mother of an extremely premature baby. Just like any new mom, I wished to have a photo-shoot of my first newborn, but that just seemed impossible given the physical, emotional and financial demands of the NICU. Anna provided so much relief and happiness to me and my husband by volunteering her time and giving us beautiful photos of our precious baby. Her creativity despite the very limited space and materials in the NICU setting is truly amazing!’ – Christine Tan – NICU
Putting my plan in place with the Women’s took a solid 10 months of persistence — and a whole lot of heart.
It was the perfect mix: my experience as a lifestyle newborn photographer, two years working in Melbourne’s maternity wards when I was just starting out, my mum’s 25-year midwifery career, and of course, our own journey with Frankie in the NICU.
And let’s be honest — a hefty dose of relentless emailing and pitching my little dream didn’t hurt either.
Finally, one evening, I got the call:
“We love your idea. It’s all going ahead!”
One of the best moments of my life.
Every third Wednesday, I’d cruise around the NICU ward, chatting with families and offering them free photography.
I know firsthand how stressful and surreal that time can be. When Frankie was in NICU, the last thing on our minds — emotionally, physically, financially — was organising photos. But now? The ones we do have are some of our most precious.
That’s why this work means so much to me. I get to give something back. A small gift during a big moment. A way to honour the love, the strength, and the quiet magic in those early, uncertain days.
Yay to volunteering. Yay to NICU. And truly — all we need is love. ????
See more about my newborn photography HERE
