"Photography... remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything"
—Aaron Siskind
Hello and welcome!
I'm Charmaine.
I started Golden Locket Photography so I could spend my days capturing memories and moments and freezing them in time. I would love to tell your story and help to capture some cherished memories that you can forever carry close to your heart.
I've been married to my husband for 13 years. I have been a boy mum for 9 years and we welcomed our 4th baby in the middle of 2023 - a girl! My boys are very active and don't really like to sit still, especially not for a photograph; and I don't expect them to! I've spent years candidly capturing photos of them to reminisce over together and build an album of moments to tell our family's story. Occasionally, they'll humour me for a posed shot... with some ice cream in return for their cooperation. So, when it comes time to getting your photos done, you have nothing to worry about! Your kiddos can't sit still? It's not a problem! I promise you we will still get a gallery of photos that represent your family for you to cherish.
Before having children, I was mum to a menagerie of fur-children and volunteered for various pet rescue groups, whilst also working as a high school teacher. I had so much fun, not only spending time with so many beautiful animals, but also photographing them too! I am still a crazy animal lady and I would be overjoyed to include your pets!!
My Photography Gear
The Latest Mirrorless Technology
WHAT TO EXPECt
My main priority is ensuring you and your family are having a good time and feeling relaxed so I can capture your love and connection. Our time together is like two friends coming together - with the addition of a camera. We spend our shoot getting to know one another and that way I can showcase your true and authentic selves in my art. We will laugh and enjoy one another's company while I guide you, prompting you with little things to do together whilst making minor adjustments to ensure everyone is looking their best for that candid feeling you're looking for.
OUR PROCESS
Step 1
Get in touch with me via the contact form on my website.
Sign your contract and put down your retainer to secure your booking.
Before our session, complete a Questionnaire.
A phone call with me before our session.
Your full balance is required 7 days prior to our session date.
Email reminder prior to your session.
Step 2
We will meet at our agreed upon location and have a wonderful and relaxed time together capturing some memories.
You will receive an online proofs gallery to select your final images which is open for 48 hours within 48 hours. At this point, you can choose to upgrade your Gallery to include more images.
Keep an eye on your emails for further communication.
Step 3
Behind the scenes, I will lovingly edit your selected images. Turnaround time for images is up to 3 weeks. Rush orders can be accommodated.
Standard editing inclusions:
- Editing for colour consistent with other images in my portfolio
- Removal of non-permanent marks and blemishes from skin
For anything else, please speak to me.
Step 4
Your final Gallery with your high resolution images will be delivered online.
Your Gallery will be live for 1 week to download and back up your images as well as purchase any Print Products that you may desire.
After that, your Gallery will deactivate and you will no longer have access so ensure you have backed up your images.
I had a wonderful time photographing Sam's extended family - which consisted of 11 adults and 7 children.
They chose for their Gallery to remain private so here are their kind words about their experience with Golden Locket Photography:
Sam's Extended Family Experience Testimonial
We booked with Charmaine in December [2024] for our first family photo session, and we couldn’t have chosen a better photographer. From the start, her style of photography stood out to us, and she delivered beyond our expectations. The consultation process was incredibly smooth—she was attentive, accommodating, and quick to address any of our questions or changes.
On the day of the shoot, it was raining when we arrived, but Charmaine’s calm and reassuring demeanour immediately put us at ease. She even had thoughtful alternative plans ready, but thankfully, the rain subsided, and we were able to proceed.
Charmaine was so accommodating with the different requests we had for shots and always came up with great ideas to make everything look perfect—from the choice of background to how she guided our poses. She has a way of making the whole experience feel natural and relaxed, almost like a casual family gathering rather than a formal photo shoot. Her warmth and patience, especially with our kids, were amazing - it truly felt like we were spending time with a close family friend.
When we saw the photos, we were blown away. They didn’t just capture beautiful images; they captured the heart and essence of that moment. Her ability to preserve the genuine emotions and connection we shared as a family is unmatched. These photos were so emotional to look at and have become a physical memory that we can cherish forever - all thanks to you, Charmaine.
If you’re considering Charmaine for your photography needs, don’t hesitate - you’ll be in the best hands. Thank you so much for everything Charmaine, we'll definitely be coming back for any of our photography needs!
Based in Melbourne's Western Suburbs, I travel to you taking in-home photography or you can come to me for location-based documentary and lifestyle portraits in Werribee.
FAQ
How long will it take to get my photos?
Your online gallery will be delivered within 3 weeks.
How do I book?
All you need to do is contact me! You can do so via the "Contact" section in the menu. I will reply within 24 hours, so please check your junk mail for a reply if you haven't heard from me.
Do you need a retainer to hold our session?
Yes, a $100-$200 non-refundable retainer is payable at the time of booking to secure your session. A non-refundable retainer is payable for each of the Newborn Experience and the Maternity Experience for the Bundle of Joy package. The total balance is payable 7 days prior to your session.
We aren't local to your area, can you still photograph our session?
Send me an email or send me a message via Facebook and let's chat about it!
I'd really love you to shoot my session but I don't want a Maternity, Newborn or Family session?
That's not a problem at all! If you're interested in any sort of photography involving people or animals, please get in touch and I'll let you know if I can be of service.
What should I wear?
That's a very good question.
If you were after a specific look, you could rent a dress. I've partnered with Mama Rentals for a 15% discount off gown hire. I'll supply your coupon code after making your booking with me.
If you head to my blog, you will find a post on the topic of what to wear.
It contains links to Pinterest boards I've saved to give you a great idea of some gorgeous outfit ideas.
Do you photograph events?
Unfortunately, I do not photograph events. That includes but is not limited to weddings, birthday parties, ceremonies, group functions, etc.
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I acknowledge the Wathaurung, Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which I live and work and pay my respect to their Elders past and present.