Field Notes from a Wandering Photographer Episode 3 | 2026: The Lola Era
- Hello Ro Photography
- Mar 4
- 6 min read
Okay wait.
So I’m slightly disappointed that I didn’t get Hilary Duff tickets. I really thought this was going to be my full circle moment. I’m still holding out hope for an extra date in Australia, and in the meantime I’m absolutely watching the tickets in Auckland like it’s a part-time job. I’m overdue for a trip to New Zealand anyway, so honestly, it feels meant to be. Or at least that’s the narrative I’m running with.
But in actual life-altering news, I picked up the van.
Which feels like the real headline.
I wound down the windows and played Hilary Duff’s new album, Luck… or Something, on repeat. I’ve basically had the whole thing playing every time I get in the car. There’s something about driving with a full album soundtrack that makes even a Woolies run feel cinematic. Like I’m 39, buying a sofa, but somehow it still feels like the opening scene of something.
Driving it feels solid, smooth, grounded. Like something dependable underneath me. Not flashy. Not chaotic. Just steady.
I named her Lola.
And here’s the part that feels huge.
In order to get the van, I had to get a business loan. And in order to get that business loan, I had to register for GST.
Which means I’m backing myself in a way I never have before.
It feels like I’ve officially moved from side hustle energy into this-is-my-actual-career energy. Not a maybe. Not a backup plan. Not a we’ll-see.
I drove myself home, slept in my own bed, woke up and just sat there for a minute taking it all in.
It felt big. And it felt right.
It wasn’t dramatic. It was practical. Independence. Mobility. Freedom.
It feels like upgrading from survival mode to cruise control.
And yes, I bought a new sofa, which feels equally adult and slightly thrilling. The van says freedom and the sofa says stability, and apparently I’m embracing range this year.
I also finally did the two Front Door Sessions that were scheduled for last year and had to be postponed because of my car accident. They’d been sitting in my calendar like bookmarks, just reminding me that I wasn’t ready yet.
It felt really good to finally be able to stand on someone’s front step again, camera up, knowing my body could handle a full session. Just me back where I belong.
And they were magic.
I shot a beautiful family session in February too. The kind where the first ten minutes are chaos and then something clicks and everyone relaxes into themselves. The sun was setting, someone was laughing too loud, someone probably tripped, and it just flowed.
Then I did my branding shoot at Twyllo Flower Farm.
Golden light. Dahlias everywhere. Brown boots. Lace skirt. My camera sitting in the flowers like it belonged there.
I haven’t had professional photos taken of myself in years. And the last time I did, I was freshly brokenhearted. Like, really brokenhearted. The kind where you’re smiling in photos but going home to eat a large Goodberry’s chocolate concrete and cry like you’d just been personally victimised by love itself.
It was very “I’m fine” energy.
I was still trying to prove that I could make it as a photographer. Trying to convince myself that this life I was dreaming of would actually work. I was building a business like it was a flotation device.
This time felt different.
No frantic undercurrent. No internal monologue trying to prove anything. No emotional splinter hijacking the room.
Just clarity.
Just me, grounded. Certain.
The sneak peeks already feel like a marker of something new.
March rolled in and with it came Duntroon House.
An eight-hour formal wedding. Guard of honour. House and garden portraits. Polished energy with warmth underneath it.
The couple have impeccable taste and it was such an honour to photograph their day. It’s one of those weddings where you can feel yourself levelling up in real time.
And somewhere in the middle of all of that, I photographed my nephew’s OzTag team earlier in the season. They went on to win their grand final, which I am absolutely claiming partial credit for as emotional support photographer.
I’m such a proud auntie.
Also I have news!
I launched After the Yes.
This one feels big.
It’s an intimate, application-only celebration for eight newly engaged couples here in Canberra. Sunday, May 3rd. Daytime.
Not a fair. Not a styled shoot. A real date.
Each couple gets a short cinematic editorial session woven into the atmosphere of the day. Natural, modern and intentional. Champagne. Shared cheese platters. Music playing.
We’re literally paying for your date.
The waitlist is open. If you’re engaged or know someone who is get them to join the waitlist.
In Between Shoots
Paloma’s in Braddon with one of my besties. Oyster shots. Ceviche. Being dressed up on a random weeknight.
So many lake walks.
Countless matchas.
Long editing days at the National Library in the beautiful reading room.
Yesterday I wandered through the National Gallery of Australia with my friend Ciara. We saw After the Rain, which is honestly stunning. If you’re in Canberra, go.
Also, I forgot to mention, I had a podcast interview come out last week.
I sat down with Behind the Veil and talked about photography, weddings, building a business, all of it. Listening to your own voice on a podcast is a deeply humbling experience. I truly don’t know who that girl is or why she sounds like that.
But I’m really proud I did it.
It feels like another little stretch. Another room I walked into and didn’t shrink in.
If you feel like listening to me talk for an hour, I’ll link it below. Please be gentle. And tell me what you think. Should I do more podcast interviews? Is this my radio host era?
(I’m SEASON 3: EPISODE 3 which I’m pretty sure is a good sign)
Tonight I’m going to see Wuthering Heights and I’m ridiculously excited.
And in between all of that, I’ve been planning my pre-40th birthday Central America trip for September.
This Week I’m Vibing
Hilary Duff’s new album Luck… or Something on repeat in Lola
Officially registering for GST and meaning it
Buying furniture like I’m staying
Guard of honour wedding exits
Being strong enough to shoot full days again
My JOVS Laser Face Mask - I’ve actually been using it. Dry, sensitive skin needs consistency more than miracles, and this has felt genuinely supportive.
Collagen powder stirred into whatever I am drinking, because future me will be grateful.
Sol Cleanse Daily Celery Juice. And my barrel jeans fitting different.
Discount code: ROWENA10
That vanilla matcha latte from Woolworths. The Morning Made Vanilla Matcha Latte. Ridiculously good. Slightly dangerous.
GOODBERRYS! A true Canberra institution. My order is chocolate concrete with flake, almonds, and a maraschino cherry. Comfort food absolutely had a year.
Saying no without over explaining and protecting my energy.
My New Skincare Ritual - I have dry, red, sensitive skin and I am determined to make it better! All the things I’m using are linked below if you’re interested:
Morning
Water
Barrier Serum (The Ordinary)
Mineral SPF50 (I’m still figuring out what sunscreen I like so if you have any suggestions drop a comment below!)
Night
Warm water / washcloth / Mukti Cleansing Balm
What’s Next
April is already lining itself up.
I’ll be at the I Do I Do Wedding Fair at Lardner Park in East Gippsland on Sunday the 26th of April.
It’s 2026 and I’m booked and busy.
Weekday lifestyle sessions are open between now and May. Newborn, maternity, family.
From May through to September. Fully booked.
2026 weddings.
Two dates left in October.
Two in November.
One in December.
2027 is already booking up.
That’s it.
If you want me in 2026 or 2027, get in touch. Don’t linger.
BOOK ME ♥️
Windows down.
Steering wheel in my hands.
Still looking for the LOML. And that’s it! The life behind the scenes of Hello Ro Photography an Australian lifestyle and wedding photographer. If there’s something you’d love me to write about, maybe a behind-the-scenes topic, a favourite shoot, or even what I’m packing for my next trip — leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram at @hello.ro.photography. I’d love to hear from you.
If you’d like to see more of my work, visit www.hellorophotography.com or find me on Instagram at @hello.ro.photography.
Ro xo
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