Think of me as a witness to your most familiar magic
lifestyle photographer - Central West region, NSW
The way your child’s laughter bounces off the kitchen walls, the weight of tiny feet in your lap, the golden hush before bedtime.
My sessions aren’t about perfect poses. They’re about presence. Play. Real life, exactly as it unfolds — messy and magnificent.
Because one day, these will be the moments you ache to return to. And when that day comes, you’ll have more than photos. You’ll have proof it was all as beautiful as you remember.
Because the little things are what we miss the most.
67% of people
say photos are their most treasured possessions — even more than jewellery or heirlooms.
8 in 10 parents
say looking at family photos helps them feel closer to the people they love most.
1,000+ photos
is what the average mum takes in her baby’s first year. Fewer than 2% include her in them.
90% of mums
say they regret not booking a newborn session after the first few months pass.
I’m Sharni wife, mum of four, and the creative behind Sharni Tolhurst Photography. My journey started with a disposable camera and a love for capturing life exactly as it is messy, beautiful, and fleeting. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best photos aren’t posed or perfect they’re the ones that make you feel something.
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create sessions that feel more like play than posing. I guide you through moments of laughter, movement, and connection so your photos reflect who you really are not a polished version, but the honest, joyful, beautiful truth.
I’ve lived the chaos, the cuddles, and the camera roll full of imperfectly perfect moments.
More than a photographer a storyteller, memory-keeper, and chaos-lover
After 15 years of photographing families and couples, here’s what I know: the best photos don’t come from perfect poses. They come from presence. From movement. From the way your child wraps their arms around your neck, or the way your partner looks at you when you’re not looking.
That’s the heart of my approach. Guided sessions that feel more like play and less like performance. We laugh, we pause, we let the moment unfold.
The result? A gallery of timeless images that capture your connection exactly as it is. Full of joy, love, and life.
Photos that look like you and feel like home.
My Approach
A walk down memory lane
→
I remember taking my disposable camera to school, capturing silly moments with my siblings, friends and photographing all my favourite things. That’s where my love for capturing memories really started.
→
2002
→
2010
Launched SM Photography, taking my passion a little more seriously.
2014
→
Suddenly, I was photographing friends and family, diving into photography as an art subject at school—it felt like I’d found my creative home.
Got married, celebrating love in my own storybook way.
→
2008
I got my first DSLR, a Canon EOS 5D.
2021
ne
xt
Life changed forever, and so did my perspective—moments became more precious, more fleeting, and more worth capturing.
I Became a mum.
→
Welcomed our second child.
→
2022
→
2024
Had our third baby. Grew my photography skills further through workshops, focusing on creative shoots that emphasise connection, storytelling, and photographing people as they truly are. Added creative and real estate photography, and built my branding further.
2025
→
I let go of stiff, posed photos and leaned into lifestyle storytelling—raw emotion, real light, and all the messy, beautiful in-between moments.
Finally travelling around Australia, photographing along the way and capturing the stories, landscapes, and people that make this country incredible.
→
2023
Defined my style.
2026
BA
CK
Continued expanding my photography business with three more workshops, including one in Maui, Hawaii. Rebranded, launched underwater photography, and kept chasing authentic storytelling in every session.
I also completed a photography course and relaunched Sharni Tolhurst Photography, turning my creative hobby into a proper business. What started as a personal outlet quickly became a calling: capturing families, maternity, and newborns in a real, unposed way.
Welcomed our fourth child!
How it works
Chat & Book
Start by saying hello and locking in your session with a $150 deposit. We’ll choose the perfect location and chat through styling or creative ideas (mood boards welcome - I adore them).
The Session
Just show up and be yourselves. We’ll play, laugh, snuggle, and let the moments unfold naturally. No awkward posing, just relaxed, real connection. Even if you’re camera-shy, I’ve got you.
The Gallery
After your session, I’ll carefully edit your images and deliver your private gallery. Choose your favourites or download them all, and relive the magic any time you need to remember.
As seen in:
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Based in Parkes, Serving the Central West
"Sharni was nothing short of amazing! She made the whole session fun, interesting and comfortable! The photos turned out fantastic. Would recommend!"
"Sharni is an incredibly talented photographer with a true gift for capturing the essence of her clients."
She has an amazing ability to read body language and knows exactly how to bring out the best in you. She takes the time to ask insightful questions to ensure she understands your vision and even did her homework before the shoot to make sure everything was spot on. Her attention to detail is unmatched
"Beyond her skill, Sharni is an absolute pleasure to work"
She’s approachable, easygoing, and brings an energetic vibe that makes the entire experience enjoyable! Everything was seamless, and I couldn’t have asked for a more professional and fun photographer for my business photoshoot!