Getting to Know… Bree Bain of Beautiful Little Things Photography

Bree Bain is a lifestyle photographer who loves to capture genuine, unposed connections between people in her images. Her business, Beautiful Little Things Photography, focuses on maternity, newborn and family photography. She also takes actor and corporate headshots and photographs events. She is a highly creative individual with extensive experience as an actor, dancer and singer prior to setting up Beautiful Little Things.

Tell us about yourself.
I’m a mother to two creative little boys and a wife of a beardy Canadian academic and theatre maker. I’m a nature lover, I’m 100 per cent creative and if I’m not taking photos or editing, I’m auditioning for acting roles, being crafty and drawing with my boys. I get together with a friend who plays guitar once a week and we make music and I sing. I love going out dancing and am known to rock a karaoke room.
What did you do prior to becoming a professional photographer?
I started out as a dancer and singer when I was young and then moved into acting. I began on Aussie television when I was 14 years old before landing a role on Home and Away for three years then Always Greener for two. I then moved to Canada with my then-flame, now-husband. I worked as a casting agent in Toronto and kept acting before coming back to Sydney to complete a degree in counselling and human change. I had always been interested in photography so I bought an awesome camera, went to the Australian Centre for Photography to study and never looked back. I still act when the occasion arises.
What inspired you to set up Beautiful Little Things?
My family, my husband. They were all so encouraging! They gave me the confidence to believe I was a good enough photographer to make a career out of it. Also being an actor and a stay-at-home mum meant that I had the time to pursue this dream. I spent most of my days taking photos of my sister’s kids and then my own. I had loved taking photos ever since high school and when I discovered that my style was lifestyle photography, I fell in love with it. I was so inspired by other photographers who were doing it. I still am. I wanted to create honest artworks using natural light, to capture real, unposed connections between people and to tell a story.
What are the various services you offer?
I have two separate photography businesses. As Beautiful Little Things Photography, I offer maternity, newborn and family photography and as Bree Bain Photography I do actor and corporate headshots as well as events. I like to work with a family to create their vision and I help with clothing and location choices. I love taking families to a beautiful location at sunset to get that magical golden light and I photograph newborns in the comfort of the family’s home. I offer different packages and I take care to edit the images myself. Families will be supplied with the digital files so they can print them whenever they like.

Image © Bree Bain

What can clients expect from your services?
Families can expect a relaxed and fun session with me. I’m often told that a family has really enjoyed hanging out together and the photos were just a bonus. My shoots aren’t posed or forced; I want to capture genuine connection. All I do is prompt a connection between them and watch the magic unfold. I often see my shoots as though I’m watching a film, and the editing can sometimes be my favourite part. As a result my photos are artistic and whimsical. My clients can expect to receive something different to the norm.
Have you ever read a book that has changed your perspective or path in life?
I picked up a book on Buddhism in a temple in the mountains on the Sunshine Coast. I’ve been drawn to Buddhism ever since I was little and this book really explained all of the concepts so clearly to me. It inspired me to pursue Buddhism further and I started taking classes. The teachings changed the way I deal with my everyday problems and the way I see the world. Buddhism is better than therapy.
What advice you can offer to mums who are thinking of making a lifestyle change?
I get excited when I hear a mother I know is thinking of changing careers and finally doing something they are really passionate about. I think a lot of mothers have a good opportunity to do that after they have kids. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love. Life is so short. Be brave and take a risk!
As a mother yourself, what is the best piece of advice you have received?
The best mothering advice I’ve ever received is probably from my mother. Once when my kids were driving me crazy and I was tearing my hair out she said to me, ‘Don’t take it so personally. They aren’t out to get you; they are just kids.’ That really stuck with me because it changed my perspective and I was able to be softer and more forgiving in my approach. Whenever I relax and are more positive and playful towards them, they stop pushing my buttons and are happier kids. You get what you give.
Favourite places in the Inner West?
During the summer we spend many of our days at Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain. When the tide is low the kids can play in the sand and then we all get ice-creams and bask on the deck. Black Star Pastry in Newtown is delicious and Bar Italia in Leichhardt is a great place for a family dinner. My favourite place to buy clothes is Lotus Pod in Balmain; my entire wardrobe is from there.

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