Alexis & Patrick
Bondi bubble Maternity photoshoot
One of my most cherished client connection stories takes me back to 2015, a year that changed everything for me. That was when I left Brazil, my home country, and moved to Australia with nothing but a camera and a dream. The dream? To become a full-time photographer, capturing love stories and beautiful moments that would last a lifetime. But it wasn’t just about photography—it was about building a successful business in a land where I didn’t know anyone, didn’t speak the language, and had no network to rely on. The odds were against me, but when your dream is big enough, you find a way.
Landing in Australia was an emotional rollercoaster. Everything felt unfamiliar: the streets, the culture, and most of all, the language. I’ll never forget the overwhelming feeling of walking through Sydney's busy streets, hearing English all around me and not being able to understand a single word. It was humbling and, at times, discouraging. But, in those moments, I reminded myself why I had come so far. I wasn’t just chasing a job—I was chasing a purpose, a vision of creating something meaningful with my photography.
I always say that my dreams speak louder than my fears. It was that inner voice, that unwavering belief in myself, that pushed me forward. In that first year, I knew I had to start somewhere, so I began working within my Brazilian community, offering my photography services. It was a good start, but it wasn’t enough. I still had to make ends meet, so I took on jobs in hospitality. Waiting tables, working in kitchens, doing whatever it took to pay the bills while nurturing my bigger dream on the side.
Then came a day I’ll never forget. My agency sent me for a shift as a supermarket sample promoter. I remember being nervous because I still wasn’t confident with my English, and one of the products I had to promote was a strawberry-flavored probiotic. Now, for a non-native English speaker, “strawberry probiotic” is tricky to pronounce! I must have practiced it a dozen times before my shift, but even then, I was still stumbling over it. Still, I accepted the challenge. After all, it was just another step in my journey, and I wasn’t about to back down.
While I was promoting the product, I saw Alexis approaching me. She had this radiant energy, the kind of grace only a mother-to-be can have. She smiled at me, and in that moment, I knew I had to say something more than just, "Would you like to try a probiotic sample?" There was an instant connection. I gathered my courage and asked her if she had found a photographer yet. To my surprise, she hadn’t. In fact, she had just started her search that very morning! The synchronicity of it all gave me chills. It was like the universe had aligned perfectly for our paths to cross.
We started talking, and Alexis shared her vision for a maternity shoot. She wanted to capture the essence of her relationship with Patrick, her partner, and their love for Bondi Beach, where their story had begun. I could see the excitement in her eyes as she described the places that held so much meaning to them. We decided to start at their apartment in Bondi Beach, where they had created so many memories, and then move to Tamarama Beach, a spot they cherished for sunbathing and dreaming about their future.
The shoot was magical. There’s something so special about capturing people in the places they love, where their stories are written. Every photograph was filled with emotion—Alexis glowing with the anticipation of becoming a mother, Patrick beaming with pride and love. These weren’t just pictures; they were the visual representation of a new chapter in their lives.
The photos at Tamarama Beach were glorified with an incredible sunshine, providing this amazing soft backlight that is every photographer dream. Just after a very claudy day.
What made this shoot even more meaningful was the fact that Alexis and Patrick were about to move out of Bondi. They were leaving behind the place that had been the backdrop of their love story to find more space for their growing family. It was as if we were capturing their final moments in that bubble before life moved them forward into a new adventure.
The Connection is the most important CLICK!
Fast forward a few years, and I received a call that filled my heart with joy. Alexis told me that Patrick had finally proposed, and they wanted me to photograph their wedding. But this time, it wasn’t just the three of them—there were now four! Their family had grown, and I was once again invited to be part of their story, this time capturing the love and celebration of their wedding day.
Standing there on their wedding day, camera in hand, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The journey from that supermarket, where I nervously offered a probiotic sample, to now photographing their wedding, was a testament to the magic of human connection. It reminded me why I do what I do—not just to take photos, but to create art that tells the story of people’s lives.
To this day, I am grateful for every soul that the universe brings into my life through photography. Alexis, Patrick, and their beautiful family will always hold a special place in my heart. This journey has taught me that when you follow your passion, stay open to the world, and believe in the power of connection, the universe will always guide you in the right direction.
Memories, Photographs, & Art—that’s what I’m here to deliver. Always!