As a photographer, my job is to observe the world—how light falls, how shadows dance, how colours change with the time of day. But a recent work trip to Romanshorn, Switzerland reminded me of something even deeper: our surroundings don’t just shape how we create—they shape how we feel.
The Healing Power of Green Space
Standing by the edge of Lake Constance, surrounded by lush green trees and soft mountain light, I felt something shift. Studies have long shown that exposure to green spaces reduces stress and improves mood, and I could feel that truth with every breath I took.
Whether you’re walking through a forest, sitting in a garden, or even looking at nature photos, the presence of greenery stimulates our brain’s relaxation response. As a photographer, these moments help me slow down and tune into the beauty of simplicity. They also spark creativity—suddenly, I’m not just looking, I’m feeling.
Scents That Shift Our State of Mind
Romanshorn greeted me with the fresh scent of pine, lake mist, and blooming wildflowers. It was more than pleasant—it was grounding. Our olfactory system (sense of smell) is directly linked to the limbic system in our brain, which controls emotions and memory.
This is why certain smells can instantly transport us—calming us, energising us, or bringing back long-forgotten moments. Lavender calms. Citrus uplifts. Earthy scents ground. It’s a quiet but powerful part of our sensory landscape
The Emotional Language of Music and Sound
Sound has a profound effect on how we feel. During my time in Romanshorn, the natural soundtrack—gentle waves, rustling leaves, and distant bells—created a sense of calm that stayed with me long after the trip ended.
Back home in Perth, Western Australia, I intentionally bring that same emotional awareness into my work. Whether I’m photographing newborns in my Subiaco studio or capturing family forever moments during golden hour magic at one of our beautiful beachside locations, I always bring my own speaker and play music throughout the session.
Why? Because music creates comfort. It helps people relax, smile more easily, and feel more at ease in front of the camera—especially little ones. Soft acoustic tunes, laid-back playlists, or even a few upbeat tracks for energy—it all helps set the tone for a joyful and authentic session.
Just like lighting and location, sound is part of the experience. It’s another layer of storytelling, and I love using it to help families feel present, connected, and completely themselves.
How Senses Influence My Photography
When I’m behind the camera, I’m always reading the light—but I’m also paying attention to the mood of a space, the sounds around us, the textures, and how people respond to their environment. I want my work to reflect not just what was seen, but what was felt.
After my time in Switzerland, I’ve been more intentional about incorporating nature and calming surroundings into my sessions. Whether we’re shooting in a local park, by the coast, or in a studio filled with soft music and natural scents, I aim to create an atmosphere that brings out the best in you—not just visually, but emotionally.
Final Thoughts: Reconnect With Your Senses
In a world that moves so fast, it’s easy to forget the simple tools we carry with us every day: our senses. Whether you’re out in nature, lighting a candle at home, or playing your favourite playlist, tuning in to your surroundings is a powerful way to invite positivity, peace, and presence into your life.
Romanshorn was a reminder of that for me. And as always, I carry those reminders into my photography—capturing not just the image, but the feeling.
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Whether you’re after a calming studio session or a nature-inspired shoot, I’d love to hear your vision.
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