The Milk and Honey Photography Kindness Project: Review

Milk and Honey Photography has recently launched the Mother and Daughter Kindness Project, raising money for the Generous and the Grateful through family portrait sessions. The $50 fee from each shoot is donated directly to this not-for-profit organisation which helps many in need – boosting survivors of domestic violence, homeless people, refugees and youth at risk.
Based in Summer Hill, Milk and Honey Photography was established in 1996 and is run by married couple Anni Payne and Matthew Duchesne, both highly experienced, award-winning photographers.
In support of this project, I booked a Mother–Daughter Portrait Session together with my two young daughters, who are four and six years old. I’m a longtime fan of Milk and Honey Photography’s work, having previously used their photography services for my wedding almost 11 years ago! It was a blast to see photographer Matthew again after all these years, and this time with my kids in tow.
I’ll admit I had reservations that my two rambunctious yet often camera-shy children would not cooperate for the session. Within moments of arriving, however, my concerns were set at ease as Matthew quickly engaged with my older daughter’s interests. He let my little monkeys be monkeys and explore the set, gently coaxing us all into the occasional arrangement. He was patient and flexible in his approach throughout the shoot, and it is clear that both girls ultimately enjoyed their big moment in front of the lens!

Afterwards, I chatted with Anni about the Mother and Daughter Kindness Project. ‘We’re so excited about this project,’ she said. ‘We wanted to give back to the community and the Generous and the Grateful is a wonderful initiative. So far we’ve had 25 participants in the Mother–Daughter sessions, with each donating $50 to the Generous and the Grateful. We hope more Inner West Mums will take up on our offer; we feel it aligns well with this passionate, caring community’s drive to support those around us in need.
‘We decided to use our Summer Hill studio for this project to capture a different look in our images. Our aim is to really bring out each person’s personality in the images. One of the things that sets Milk and Honey Photography apart is the way we involve our clients in the whole experience, from the shoot to the selection of the final images. We like to help our clients to think about the end result – how they might arrange and display their printed images.’
When I received the final images from the shoot, I couldn’t have been happier. These photographs are so very real. They are warm, natural and dynamic images that perfectly capture each of my little monkeys’ personalities – their cheeky and their pensive sides – as well as the bonds we have with each other. We will proudly display these stunning images and treasure them for many years to come. Thanks so much, Matthew and Anni!

Milk and Honey Photography’s Mother and Daughter Sessions (dads and sons are welcome too!) will take place at their studio in Summer Hill. Print and file packages will be available for purchase and the images will be showcased on the website. You’ll find more information here.
The Generous and the Grateful
The Generous and the Grateful connects generous donations of excellent preloved furniture – beds, fridges, washing machines and the like – the heavy, pricey things that are tough to arrange yourself. It enables a good night’s sleep for mum and the kids, milk for brekkie before school, clean clothes for work, and time together to eat or relax as a family. Everyone needs a home to feel safe and at ease in, not everyone can make it happen themselves. The Generous and the Grateful works through caseworkers and advocates and has an incredible impact on reducing landfill.
All images © Milk and Honey Photography