By Brendan Rees
Giving back through photography is something Sarah Richardson is passionate about.
In the past six years the Cranbourne resident has turned her hobby into a successful newborn photography career.
Ms Richardson also volunteers her time to Heartfelt, an important charity photographing babies who are stillborn or terminally ill.
Her stunning work was recognised in the inaugural ‘Find a Photographer Australia’ awards in July where she won the philanthropy category.
“I certainly didn’t expect to win,” she says.
“I don’t do it for recognition … and it’s good to be able to draw some attention to some of the organisations I help.”
As a neonatal nurse, Ms Richardson explains she’s had “a lot of experience with people’s grief” and says this is one of the reasons why she dedicates her time to Heartfelt photography.
“I like to capture the connection and love – that’s my main drive,” she says.
“I capture everything you would want to remember – all the little details, all the little wrinkles on the fingers and little eyelashes.”
Ms Richardson, who runs her Dart Newborn Photography business from her Cranbourne home, also photographs fostered newborn babies so that they have precious photos of their early life that they would not otherwise have.
“I do a lot of photos in their home settings – in the nursery or in the master bedroom,” she says.
She also donates her time to photographing rescue animals that are in need of rehoming via Dreamer’s Hen Rescue and Teddy’s Team.
And incredibly, she has also found time to photograph children for the T21 Down Syndrome project.
If you wish to donate to Heartfelt please visit: https://www.heartfelt.org.au/
