From Foggy Mornings to Forever Memories: A Photographer’s Love Letter to Moonah

Welcome, Moonah Mates!

If you’ve ever walked down Main Road in Moonah on a chilly, fog-kissed morning, you’ll understand the feeling that first captured my heart back in November 2019. It reminded me of my hometown, Kathmandu, during the festival of Dashain — cool, calm, and rich with unseen stories. I traded the sweaty buzz of Western Sydney for this peaceful nook in Tasmania, and from the first step I took down Moonah's main street, I knew: this place would be my canvas.

Everything was new to me then — even reading the public transport timetables felt like an adventure. Shops closed early, streets went quiet, and I walked past the sleepy lanes feeling like I was strolling through the countryside, yet surrounded by solid, well-kept roads. It felt like home, but with fresh air and wide skies perfect for art. And that’s when my photography journey here truly began.

Why Moonah?

Why set up my photography business here and not somewhere flashier? Because Moonah is real. It’s where people know you by face — like the lovely Julia at Sault Café, who nails my cappuccino every time — and where small businesses shine bright with big hearts. When I saw this, I knew I wanted my photography (and my sketches and paintings) to help Moonah families and businesses capture their real, beautiful stories.

I started photography with a compact camera my father bought in Kathmandu. My sister later brought home a camcorder from Sydney, and that was it — I was hooked. After studying photography in Kogarah, NSW, I landed here. And in Moonah, surrounded by familiar warmth and scenic beauty, my camera and paintbrushes found their true home.

The Hidden Corners That Inspire Me

While I’m a little shy — which probably makes me a better observer — I’ve found joy in capturing Moonah's alleyways, wall art, riverways, and architecture. The light that bounces off rooftops in the afternoon, the faces behind the shop counters, and even the stillness that settles after 5 pm — they all whisper stories.

Unlike the whirlwind of trendy social media posts, my photography aims to hold onto these authentic local moments. I want my work to feel like Lavender — distinct, calming, and perennial. I want my photos and paintings to mirror the unique emotions people here carry, keeping their stories alive in vivid color.

More Than Just a Photo: Where Sketch Meets Snap

Here’s my secret sauce: I turn photographs into personalized sketches and acrylic paintings. Imagine receiving a painted version of a candid family moment or a dreamy landscape that you love, delivered on a special date. That’s the kind of magic I bring — where brush strokes add life and 3D texture, turning fleeting moments into forever keepsakes.

I once created a portrait sketch that made a client feel like their past had come alive again — those are the reactions that fuel my passion.

The Way, I See It

For me, a meaningful photo isn’t just a pretty picture; it tells layers of stories. Like a playful child photographed with an eye on the surroundings that add depth — not distraction — to the frame. I don’t batch-edit my photos. Every image gets special care because every scene, every smile, and every bond deserve its own color, its own light.

My past clients, like the Koirala family back in 2017, appreciated this personal touch — and it’s something I continue to pour into my work today.

My Dream for Moonah

I dream of a studio right here in Moonah — a cozy space where I can do portraits, process photos without interruption, and have a small team supporting local art. A place that smells like fresh print paper and brewed coffee, with the soft hum of creativity in the air.

Because for me, photography isn’t just about images — it’s about keeping emotions alive. Your laughter, your quiet moments, your family’s unique spirit — they are colors only you own. And I’m here to help you paint them into forever memories.

To My Moonah Mates:

Next time you pass by Goodwood Park or sip your coffee on Main Road, remember: your story is worth capturing, not for trends but for timeless beauty. Whether you're camera-shy or feeling unseen, my lens sees the authenticity in you — and turns it into art you’ll treasure.

Let’s make memories together, the Moonah way.