Field Notes from a Wandering Photographer Episode 1 | 2026: 39 and a bit Existential
- Hello Ro Photography
- Jan 15
- 6 min read
Do you ever get a bit existential around New Year’s? I always do.
Not in a dramatic way. Just in that unavoidable way where the noise drops out and you’re left with yourself. The calendar pages turn, everyone starts talking about fresh starts, and I notice the gap between where I thought I’d be by now and where I actually am.
New Year’s Eve was spent in Canberra, at a friend of a friend’s house. I didn’t really know anyone except the person I arrived with, which I think made it easier. There was no pressure to explain my life or make it sound impressive.
At some point, I ended up doing tarot readings for a room full of women I’d never met before. It felt oddly grounding. Like something that was meant to happen. They were happy with their readings. We connected. I felt clear in a way I hadn’t for a while.
I was home and in bed by 1 a.m. Sober. Happy. Feeling connected to my intuition, the universe, whatever you want to call it. Like I was exactly where I was meant to be.
And then I got a call to say there were squatters in my home. It’s one of those things you never think would happen to you. One of those things you read about in a newspaper that happened to someone else decades ago that you skim past it because it has nothing to do with your life. A myth. A fable. Something that happens to other people. Until it’s suddenly your life.
Squatters moved into my home. They’d put a pool up in my backyard. They had dogs. They were enjoying their New Year’s in my space. I was worried. About my privacy. About my stuff. About what would be damaged. And about how much mental energy this was going to take when I already felt stretched thin. It was just another thing added to the list.
So I caught the bus to Orbost (home). While I was there going through the mess they left behind it reminded me of this time last year. camping in my backyard for my Coachella-themed birthday with that friend I spoke about in my previous blog posts.
I messaged him to say I’d been thinking of him. That I missed him. That I hoped he was doing well. He wrote back and said he appreciated me honouring that space more than he could say.
We spoke on the phone not long after.
We used to talk for hours.
This call lasted seventeen minutes.
Some realisations don’t arrive with drama. They don’t announce themselves. They’re so silent they’re heartbreaking, and once they land, they’re impossible to ignore. Just a year ago He was helping me cook at my party. We were orbiting around each other the way we always had. Effortless. Connected. Laughing, being silly, completely at home with each other.
Listening to him talk about his life now, I could feel how different our worlds have become. Not better or worse. Just different. The things that feel important to him don’t sit the same way they once did for me, and it was clear how much both of us have changed since we were close.
I still love him.
I don’t know if we’ll find our way back.
But I really hope we do.
In Between Shoots
The day before my birthday, another friend drove up from Melbourne. He took me to lunch and brought me sunflowers. No big backstory. No long catch-up. Just care, offered plainly.
On my birthday, bushfires burned less than ten kilometres away. The power went out. It was 42 degrees. I spent most of the day lying in a cold bath, letting my thoughts wander without trying to solve anything.
I thought about the people who have stayed.
The ones who’ve changed.
The ones I’ve changed alongside.
After that, another friend came up from Melbourne. We went to the beach. Got dressed up for a beautiful seafood dinner. Spent time at the sauna. Heat, water, salt air. Being back in my body instead of stuck in my head.
Then it was back to Canberra. Back to physio appointments. Back to staying with my mum. Back to recovery.
This part of my life isn’t glamorous. It’s practical. It’s repetitive. Some days feel long. Some days disappear completely. I’m learning to live inside it without rushing myself through.
And somewhere inside all of this, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be at home in my body again. And about the collective body pressure and what is beautiful!
Boudoir Session Sundays - February Only
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and this is your reminder that you don’t need a reason, a partner, or a milestone to do something just for you.
I’m opening a small number of Sunday boudoir sessions in February for anyone wanting to feel confident, powerful, soft, sensual — or simply to remind yourself how good it feels to take up space in your own body.
No pressure. No expectations. Come as you are.
Leave feeling fucking amazing.
If this is calling you, you know where to find me ♥️ 💕 ♥️
• Canberra and surrounds ONLY.
Model: @graceetorres
Hair & Makeup: @meganmatijasevichair
Studio: @missarlosalon
This Week I’m Vibing
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.
Long headspace walks without music. Just breath, thoughts, and noticing the world again.
Yoga. Always.
Sol Cleanse Daily Celery Juice. Fresh, hydrating, and the perfect offset to days powered mostly by vibes and adrenaline.
Discount code: ROWENA10
That vanilla matcha latte from Woolworths. The Morning Made Vanilla Matcha Latte. Ridiculously good. Slightly dangerous.
ALL’S FAIR on Disney+. My guilty pleasure. Peak escapism. No notes.
GOODBERRYS! A true Canberra institution. My order is chocolate concrete with flake, almonds, and a maraschino cherry. Comfort food absolutely had a year.
My Rochella playlist, linked here for anyone still loyal to Apple Music.
Sunsets at the Marlo Hotel Fresh air, the best Parma I’ve ever had, and giving myself permission not to hustle. Still adjusting, still loving it.
Sauna sessions at Koho Sauna in Lakes Entrance.
Deep heat. Long exhale 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
I didn’t make resolutions this year.
I made a vision.
I want 2026 to feel steady and expansive.
Movement without chaos.
Growth without burnout.
I want to travel more, internationally and intentionally.
I want my photography income to feel stable.
I want my work booked ahead because it’s aligned, not because I’m chasing.
I want to keep building creative projects beyond client work.
I want a body that feels strong again.
I want connections that meet me where I am now.
Behind the scenes, I am still saving for a new Hello Ro Photography van. After my car was totalled, having reliable transport again feels essential, practically and creatively. A van that carries me, my gear, and wherever this work needs to take me next.
I am also getting ready to launch a few new offerings.
An Audio Guestbook Phone, plus Polaroid, film, and disposable camera options, because some moments deserve to be heard, touched, and imperfectly remembered.
Book your 2026/27 Wedding or Elopement
If you’re dreaming of photos that feel soft, editorial, and real:
I’m now taking bookings for 2026 weddings and elopements in:
• Canberra and surrounds
• East Gippsland and Lakes Entrance
• Melbourne and Regional Victoria
Enquire here → BOOK MY 2026 DATE
Let’s tell your story.
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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