Field Notes from a Wandering Photographer Episode 2 | 2026: She’s Back
- Hello Ro Photography
- Feb 17
- 6 min read
Okay. Guys. She’s back.
On Friday, I shot my first wedding of the year. I was so nervous.
I hadn’t taken on any work while I was recovering, so stepping into a full wedding day again felt really big. Like, okay. Deep breath. We’re doing this.
It was a small Viking wedding. The bride wore black with a lace cape and she looked fucking incredible. Not costumey. Not theatrical. Just fucking hot and completely herself.
We went up to the Arboretum for golden hour portraits. It was windy and definitely a bit rushed, but the light delivered.
I’m really hoping they love their photos. I get so nervous delivering wedding galleries. It doesn’t matter how many I shoot — I still care so much about how they’re going to feel when they open it.
They had two cakes, and she made them herself. One was red velvet. One was pecan pie. I tried the pecan pie cake and I’m not exaggerating when I say you need this in your life.
At the end of the night she handed me a little thank you gift, two cookies, and it was so cute.
I got in my car and just thought, yep. This is it. This is the life I want.
Last Sunday, I shot a newborn session at Miss Arlo Studio in Canberra. Little Quinn was two weeks old. That stage where they still feel impossibly new.
I finished editing that gallery today and I am so proud of it. The parents were completely wrapped up in their own little world.
A few days after the wedding, I did a rooftop creative shoot with two women I’ve known for years. Tulle. Cheesecloth. Blue sky. And us literally running between parked cars because we were shooting in the middle of a rooftop car park while cars were still using the road.
It was chaotic in the best way. Creative. Expansive. We were laughing. It felt alive.
My editing has shifted lately. Moodier. Grainier. More nostalgic. I care less about technical perfection and more about whether it makes you feel something.
And honestly? The work feels good again.
Also I have news!
Hello Ro Photography bought a van.
A Peugeot Partner. Less than five years old. I pick it up in a few days and I’m not even pretending to be nonchalant about it.
I went back and forth about waiting until October and doing the responsible thing. But I realised I don’t want to live cautiously anymore. I need my independence back. I need to be able to get in my car and just go.
In my first year of photography, I made $13,000 before tax and expenses. I was living in a van because that’s what made it possible. I genuinely believed that might always be the trade-off.
Financing this van feels stable. Grown. Like I’m actually backing myself.
And oh my gosh, I am absolutely not pretending to be chill about this either. Did you know Hilary Duff is going on a world tour and she’s coming to Australia?
My sister and I used to watch Lizzie McGuire when we were teenagers and I am absolutely a closet fan and I will not apologise for it.
Tickets go on sale Thursday and I am setting an alarm like it’s 2007 and my entire personality depends on it.
When I pick up the van, the windows are going down and Roommates is going on full volume.
That song is this entire era. Feeling stuck. Wanting things to shift. Knowing they will.
Next week I’m going home. And I’m driving myself.
That feels huge. Can’t wait to show you what she looks like!
In Between Shoots
Recovery is still part of the story.
Physio is slow. Some sessions wipe me out for days. I want to be fully back already.
Instead, I’m learning patience. And discipline.
I’m also taking my health seriously in a way I didn’t last year. Lake walks. Better food. Fitting into clothes that didn’t fit me a year ago.
That version of me didn’t exist twelve months ago.
And I really like her.
On Valentine’s Day, I went to Wakefield’s Bar and Wine with my friend Maddy. Pasta. Olives. Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. Candlelight.
I wore a fitted cream one-shoulder dress and the gold earrings I got for my birthday and I don’t know… maybe I was hot that night.
I bought her a chocolate heart, and she brought me flowers from her backyard.
Galentine’s vibes.
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.
Moodier edits and planning creative shoots just because.
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.
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.
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
On Wednesday I have a branding session at Twyllo Flower Farm with Branded by Kim and Jacqui.I haven’t had professional photos taken of myself in years. And I am not the same person I was the last time I did.
Back then, I was still figuring out if this would work. Now, I know it works.
This shoot feels like a marker. Not just new headshots. A new era. A more grounded version of Hello Ro. More intentional. More confident.
I’m excited to show you what I’ve come up with.
On March 1st, I have a wedding in Duntroon and it’s going to be amazing. Formal military energy. Guard of honour. House and garden portraits. The couple have impeccable taste and the vendor lineup is stacked.
It’s one of those weddings you’re so excited to shoot, slightly nervous because you know it’s going to stretch you, but in the best way. The kind where you walk away sharper.
Honestly, the lead-up is just as full.
She is booked and busy.
This week alone I’ve got a family session on Saturday, a client meeting tonight with someone who just got engaged, a catch-up next weekend with a couple getting married in May, another family shoot, and a front door session in Orbost.
So if you’re thinking of booking me, here’s the current situation:
I have one Short Story wedding package left for 2026.
Still booking Long Story weddings for 2026 and 2027.
Taking on a limited number of elopements this year.
Fully booked May through September.
Wild.
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
In the meantime I’ll be driving around windows down.
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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