My Story

Hey, I’m Stella and welcome to my very first blog post! I thought it was only fitting to begin here—with a little about me, my journey behind the lens, and what photography means to me today.

Photography has been woven into my life for over a decade, but my journey has taken me through some pretty different chapters. When I first picked up a camera, I was living on the Sunshine Coast while studying a diploma in Theatrical Makeup, and later a diploma in Photoimaging in Brisbane. That combination of makeup artistry and photography gave me a deep love for creating images that feel powerful, emotional, and timeless.

For six years I photographed fashion, editorial, and fitness—capturing both women and men at their strongest and most confident. Many of my clients booked shoots before bodybuilding competitions. For the women, the sessions were often styled to feel feminine, sexy, and soft, celebrating their hard work in a way that embraced elegance as much as strength. For the men, it was about stepping into that muscular energy, with bold, deep contrast to emphasise tone and definition. Every shoot looked different depending on the client’s vision and needs, and that versatility became my signature. During that time, I worked under the name Estel Artist (you can still sneak a peek at my Instagram @estelartist), and my images were internationally published numerous times—a really exciting chapter of my career.

Now, Gladstone is my home base, and my focus has shifted toward family, relationships, and storytelling photography. I love creating warm, glowing images that feel like home—moments you can almost step back into when you look at them years later. I’ve also been second shooting weddings over the past few years, and now I’m taking the leap into offering my own wedding and elopement photography, with bookings open for 2026. It feels like a natural extension of what I already love—capturing love, connection, and all the little details that matter.

On a personal note, I’m also a mum to my beautiful son, Casper, and partner to Matt. Motherhood has been the most rewarding role of my life—it’s taught me to see things differently, to slow down, and to notice the little details that often go unseen. I find so much joy in the simple things now—sunny mornings, baby giggles, time spent as a family. It’s these small, fleeting moments that have reshaped the way I photograph: with patience, gratitude, and heart.

This image of us, captured by Moments By Michelle (@momentsbymichelle), means so much to me. It reminds me what it feels like to be on the other side of the lens—something I believe every family deserves. Having these moments preserved is the reason I do what I do.

Whether it’s the glow of golden-hour family sessions here in Gladstone, the quiet beauty of intimate elopements, or travelling back to Victoria to capture love stories, I pour my heart into every frame. Photography for me isn’t just about the image—it’s about telling a story you’ll treasure for years to come. If you’re looking for a photographer who values connection, warmth, and authenticity, I’d love to create something special with you. Let’s capture your chapter together.