Charming stone cottage with a metal roof surrounded by lush garden and trees in autumn colors, featuring a central fountain in the foreground.
Husband and wife celebrating their new baby in their kitchen during a lifestyle photography session in Toowoomba. The couple smiles as the husband pours red wine into glasses, capturing a relaxed, candid moment. This in-home session reflects the warm
Victorian-style red brick house with ornate white trim, arched windows, and a garden with hedges and flowers.
A family sitting together on a sofa with a woman, a toddler in a denim shirt, a sleeping newborn, and a man looking at the baby.
When you book a lifestyle photography session at home, every photo tells a story. This is of a person setting up a game on a billiards table in a room with antique decor, stained glass windows, and a large painting above the fireplace.
This personal branding session features a woman with long hair, wearing a white blouse and a dark jacket, sitting on a wooden bench. Behind her is a row of indoor plants as a good background for contrast.

Capturing the Heart & Soul of Homes, Gardens, Families & Brands

Natural, Relaxed & Beautifully Real

Getting your photo taken can feel a little awkward - I get it! But my sessions are designed to be anything but. No awkward poses, no pressure, just genuine moments, beautifully preserved. Whether I’m capturing the heart of your home, the story of your family, or the essence of your brand, I focus on the little details that make your world uniquely yours.

Based in Toowoomba, I specialise in storytelling-style photography that blends lifestyle and documentary elements. My goal? To give you stunning images that don’t just look good but feel like you.

What I love to photograph

Choose a session that speaks to you.

Bringing your Home to Life through Storytelling Photography

There’s a certain magic in a home with history and heart. The kind where light dances through original leadlight windows, where antique timber carries the stories of decades past, where every carefully chosen detail reflects a deep appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and timeless design. These are the homes that inspire, the ones you see gracing the pages of Country Style and Home & Garden magazines. The ones that draw you in, inviting you to slow down and savour the moment.

If you have created a home that is more than just a place to live, but a true reflection of your style and the way you love to gather, entertain, and unwind, I would love to document it.

Through a refined, editorial approach, I capture not just the architecture and interiors, but the way life unfolds within. The warm glow of afternoon light spilling across a grand dining table set for an intimate dinner. The inviting comfort of a beautifully styled lounge where conversation lingers late into the evening. The scent of jasmine drifts through open French doors as laughter carries from the garden, where children play beneath the trees and a loyal pet watches over them.

This is not real estate photography. It is a celebration of your home, your story, and the effortless elegance of your lifestyle. Whether you have restored a heritage treasure, designed a striking architectural masterpiece, or own a luxurious accommodation property, your place deserves to be seen as you experience it. Filled with warmth, life, and personality.

Let me photograph a collection of images that capture the beauty and atmosphere of your home in a way that feels like it belongs in the pages of your favourite design magazine.

Victorian-style brick mansion with multiple chimneys, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a fountain in the foreground. This is an example of a beautiful home and garden photography session.
Three-tiered wrought iron fountain with water cascading down, set in a garden in front of a historic brick house with ornate architecture. A perfect example of a house and garden photography session.
An ornate chandelier with floral designs and glowing lights in an elegant room. An example of decor and architectural fixtures showcased in a home and garden photography session.

Personal Branding & Small Business Photography - Capturing the Essence of Your Brand

Your brand is more than just a business. It is an experience people want to be part of. The carefully chosen textures and tones in your boutique accommodation make guests feel at home before they have even arrived. The effortless way you move, hands styling, creating, or caring for clients with expertise and warmth. The inviting atmosphere of your space, the confidence in your presence, the passion that fuels every detail of what you do.

Through refined, storytelling imagery, I capture your business the way a customer sees it; as something they want to step into, experience, and invest in. This is more than just a headshot or a product photo. It is the emotion behind your work, the trust you build, the lifestyle you create. The soft morning light spilling into your studio, the thoughtful details in a waiting room that make clients feel instantly at ease, the quiet confidence of a business owner who truly loves what they do.

Whether you are a health professional creating a warm and trustworthy space, a creative entrepreneur bringing artistry to life, or a boutique accommodation inviting guests into a world of comfort and style, these images are your visual first impression. They are the connection that draws in your ideal clients and makes them want and need what you offer.

Let me create a brand presence that is inviting and impossible to ignore.

Not sure which session is right for you? Let’s chat!

A small business owner is sitting opposite a customer during a personal branding session. They are both smiling and talking in front of a world map. The business owner is holding a laptop on their lap, discussing the customer's travel plans.
A young woman is applying makeup with a gold brush in front of a mirror. She has booked a personal branding photography session to use for small business portfolio.
A small business owner is having a branding session for their small . She is we a pink shirt sitting on a couch, a writing in a notebook with a pink pen. She is also wearing glasses and a beaded necklace. Shelf with books and boxes in the background.
Man in suit with yellow tie smiling, abstract painting in background.

Family, Maternity, Couples & Individual Photography

Imagine this: a sunlit park in Toowoomba, where the laughter of your little ones fills the air. The kind of laughter that’s infectious, making everyone around you smile. You’re all together, running, playing, and in between those moments, there’s that perfect pause, a bear hug from your partner, a glance that speaks a thousand words, a gentle moment with your newborn, or a quiet touch on your growing belly.

This isn’t just about family photography. It’s about capturing the moments that tell your story, like the ones that make your heart swell when you look back years from now. A lifestyle family session with me is an invitation to create memories you’ll cherish forever: the contagious giggles, the playfully chaotic moments, and those quiet, tender ones in between. Whether we’re chasing the light at a local park, documenting the sweet calm of a newborn photo shoot at home, or celebrating your pregnancy with a maternity session, I’ll be there to capture your essence.

And for those milestone moments, like your child’s school formal photography, let’s make sure you’ve got stunning, personality-filled images that will take you back to that moment every time you look at them.

If you’re ready to create those memories, I can make it happen with professional photography that tells your story.

A couple lovingly holding a baby in a warmly decorated room.
A couple in formal attire walking on rocks near a waterfall.
A newly engaged couple embracing in a park, both smiling, wearing light clothing, with trees and grass in the background. They chose Laurene as their engagement photographer because her style is relaxed and authentic.
Pregnant woman and man playfully bite into a cupcake together in a kitchen.
Couple embracing outdoors at sunset, wrapped in string lights.

I don’t just take photos, I capture moments that mean something. Here’s what my clients love:

Why choose me?

A relaxed, fun experience

No awkward poses, just natural moments.

Storytelling-style photography

Real connections, real emotions, real beauty.

Over 10 years in tourism & marketing, plus a deep love for Queensland’s landscapes, architecture, and lifestyle. My experience in visitor services supports my understanding of what customers want. Whether it’s capturing the heart of a home, the warmth of a family, or the personality behind a business.

Local knowledge & expertise

Woman in pink blouse holding a camera, smiling
“We had a fun afternoon with Laurene capturing some beautiful photos and special memories of our extended family. She was very understanding and flexible in accommodating us - part of our family was from out of town and the day we initially had booked in it absolutely poured rain, Laurene readily worked in with us for when the family would next be able to visit. Thanks Laurene!”
— Lynette

What others are saying

Family of three posing in a green park with trees, wearing casual outfits, leaves on the grass.
“We were recommended to contact Laurene for our family photos (by another photographer who was unavailable) and we could not have been more happy with her service and her work. Our photos are beautiful. She has captured our family together with the nature, views and beautiful late afternoon light of our property. She works with kids and animals with understanding and patience and we have beautiful shots of them all together. She is great value, professional, and very quick with getting the photos to us. We would definitely recommend Laurene.”
— Kate
A couple sitting in a grassy field, surrounded by trees, in a relaxed pose, with the sun shining.
“My husband and I really enjoyed our sunset session with Laurene Bardsley Photography. Laurene was professional but also extremely creative in capturing photos that were natural but also magical. Laurene listened to what we were wanting and made us feel really calm and comfortable- which shows in our photos. We also couldn’t believe how efficient Laurene was in getting our photos back to us. Thank you Laurene! We highly recommend Laurene Bardsley Photography.”
— Sam & Steph
Couple embracing in a field at sunset, with the woman lifted off the ground by the man, surrounded by trees and a warm glow.

What happens next?

Booking a session with me is easy and stress-free. Just like the photos we’ll capture!

1

Get in Touch – Send me a message and tell me what you’re after. No pressure, just a friendly chat.

Let’s Chat – I’ll get back to you within 24 hours with all the details about pricing, session info, and answers to any questions.

2

Lock It In – Once we finalise the details, we’ll set a date and make it official.

3

Enjoy the Experience – Show up, be yourself, and have fun & I’ll take care of the rest!

4

Simple!

Outdoor patio with wicker chairs, geometric tiled floor, brick wall, and planters with shrubs.
Coastal scene with lighthouse, dark clouds, and ocean waves

Got Questions? Here’s the quick version!

I’ve answered a few common questions below to make things easy, but if you’re looking for more details, click the button below to explore my full FAQ page. Still unsure? Feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to chat!

Do you travel beyond Toowoomba?

Yes I do! I may ask for a small fee to cover fuel, but I will travel throughout South East Queensland.

What is a Lifestyle Photography Session?

A lifestyle photography session is all about capturing real, natural moments as they unfold. I focus on documenting genuine interactions such as showcasing the beauty of your home and garden and capturing the essence of your everyday life (think Country Style magazine). Depending on the session, Deluxe and Mini lifestyle photography sessions may also take place in a park, reserve, charming streetscape, or among beautiful heritage-listed buildings.

Do I need a contract for a Family photo shoot?

Yes, a contract is required for all family sessions and every other session type. It outlines the details of your session, including what’s included, rescheduling policies, and how your photos can be used. This ensures we’re on the same page and that you have a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.

Black and white photo of a baby being fed with a bottle while cradled in someone's arms. Every family session reveals the essence of each family and how they naturally interact with one another.
Two young brothers are sitting together on a log in an open field during their family photography session. They are having a fun time and laughing towards the camera.
Newborn photography sessions are mostly taken at home. This photo is of a proud dad holding his newborn baby and kissing him on the forehead. The background is white, highlighting the father and son image.
A family of four lying on the grass, including two adults and two children, smiling outdoors. Laurene chooses poses that reflect the essence of a family, making each family photography session unique.
A family of five leans on a wooden fence in a rural outdoor setting, having chosen their home for the photography session.
A couple sits on the grass in the park, smiling. A man in a blue jacket and a woman in a red coat and scarf rest on her husband, looking happy and relaxed during their couples' photography session.
A young mother is holding her newborn baby next to a window. She is kissing him on the forehead. The room is dark but the light from the window is glowing on their faces.
A young woman in a flowing pink dress stands on a grassy lawn during the day, with trees in the back
A couple sits on a bed with their baby, smiling as they look at him. The man is wearing a dark shirt, while the woman is dressed in a light blue dress. The baby is in a green outfit. They are having a family photography session.
A young couple are celebrating their school formal and posing in front of a green shiny classic car in the late afternoon sunshine.
The mother is holding her sleeping baby indoors during a newborn photography session.
Elderly couple smiling and holding hands in a garden setting.
A family group photo with adults and children, outdoors in a garden setting.
Black and white photo of adult hands cupping a baby's feet.