She Hunts Op Shops

I’ve been exploring some of my old work recently, and this chapter of my photography career always gives me goosebumps.
It’s one I never tire of revisiting ♥️🥲

Photography has always been about people for me, and some of the most meaningful work I’ve ever done happened as a volunteer photographer in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital.

My connection to the NICU began long before I ever picked up a camera in the ward.

When I was 15, I had cancer. Ever since, I’ve carried a quiet hope that one day I’d be able to give something back, particularly to children and families navigating difficult seasons of life.

Years later, during my pregnancy with our daughter Frankie, I was diagnosed with a rare condition called Vasa Previa and spent five weeks on hospital bed rest at Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital.

Vasa Previa affects around one in 2,500 pregnancies and occurs when a baby’s blood vessels lie across or near the cervix without the protection of the umbilical cord or placenta. If labour begins naturally, those vessels can rupture, creating a life-threatening emergency for the baby.

Because of this, Frankie was delivered by planned caesarean section five weeks early and spent her first two weeks in the NICU.

I was admitted to hospital for 5 weeks bed rest prior to her birth just in case I went into an early labour, a contraction could have been the worse thing to happen to us.

The care we received during that time was extraordinary.

Sean and I were held so gently by the nurses, doctors and support staff who surrounded us. Their compassion left a lasting impression on me, and I knew almost immediately that if I ever had the opportunity, this was where I wanted to give back.

At the time, I had already spent years working as a lifestyle newborn photographer and had photographed hundreds of families through my business, Pixie Rouge. I knew how important photographs become as the years pass, particularly during life’s most significant moments.

It took nearly ten months of emails, proposals, meetings and very gentle persistence before the hospital finally approved the idea.

Then one evening I received the call.

“We love your idea. It’s all going ahead.”

From that point on, every third Wednesday, I volunteered my time photographing babies and families free of charge, capturing moments that might otherwise have gone undocumented during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

I would wander the NICU corridors, gently introducing myself to families and offering something simple but meaningful: professional photography, completely free of charge.

Most parents couldn’t believe it.

They assumed there was a catch.

They thought I was a contractor.

They thought there would be a bill at the end.

When I explained that the sessions were entirely free and that I’d simply email the photographs a few weeks later, many mums cried.

Sometimes I cried too.

The babies occasionally joined in.

Because I know what it’s like.

When your baby is in NICU, organising photographs is often the last thing on your mind. You’re focused on survival. On feeding schedules. On hospital rounds. On getting through the next hour.

Yet the photographs we have of Frankie’s first days remain some of our most treasured possessions.

During my years volunteering, I was invited into some of the most intimate chapters of a family’s story. I photographed first cuddles, tiny milestones, growing strength, hopeful homecomings and moments of extraordinary love.

I also witnessed heartbreak.

Some families invited me back after our first session so I could quietly document the final hours they would spend with their baby.

Those moments were tender, sacred and unforgettable.

Every story mattered.

Those experiences changed me deeply and reinforced my belief that every baby’s journey, no matter how short, deserves to be seen, remembered and honoured.

This work remains some of the most meaningful photography I have ever been privileged to create.

It wasn’t about creating perfect photographs.

It was about preserving connection.

It was about giving families something lasting.

It was about honouring those raw, real, beautiful first moments.

And it was about giving back to a place that once cared for my own family when we needed it most.

This volunteer work was undertaken in Australia prior to COVID and remains one of the greatest privileges of my photographic career.

Many of the families photographed have kindly given permission for me to share a small selection of these images over the years. I remember every baby, every face, every image. It’s something special indeed!

*Disclaimer - zero AI was used in the creation of this post or the images, I’ve no idea why that AI note is on my post, it is rather annoying as I put hours into my words and these images yet it can be swiped away with one click. 🫣🙋🏼‍♀️🙌🤸🏽‍♂️ Maybe it’s because it’s too good to be true? 🤣🤪♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Are any other creators also coming up against this?

The Red Cross Shop Papanui in Christchurch is so flippin’ amazing! Like… would you look at all this treasure just sitting there waiting for your perusal?! 😭✨

Honestly, this place is elite op shop behaviour.

I especially love how the clothing sections are beautifully laid out and organised by size. The dream. The luxury. The absolute respect for my time and sanity and my ADHD! 😂👏

Every rack feels like a treasure hunt, but without the usual “why is this size 8 hiding in the size 18 section?” chaos.

If you love a good rummage, unique finds, pre-loved fashion, and that little dopamine hit when you spot something amazing for five bucks… this place is for you.

And the best part?

They’re open every day, so there’s really no excuse not to pop in for a browse or to refresh your tee towel collection. 😌🛍️✨

Come on in, Christchurch. Your next favourite thing is probably waiting on a rack somewhere. 💃🌿✨

Heading in for a browse?
Tell them Anna from
She Hunts Op Shops sent you ♥️

Red Cross Shop
31 Main North Road
Papanui
Christchurch

New Zealand Red Cross 💚🕺

My little family was scarily harassed
for 5 long tortured years.
We went to the police 9 times trying to get help, to feel safe, to be protected.
The police didn’t help.

These new laws would have protected us.
I’m so happy to see they are finally here!

I really hope these laws are strong.
And I really hope they matter.

A tiny clap for basic human safety becoming law. 👏🥲

Stalking and harassment destroy people’s sense of safety long before physical violence happens.
Really glad to see this FINALLY being taken seriously. ♥️

To anyone who’s ever needed protection from someone scary who wouldn’t leave them alone…
I love you.
I understand how you feel.

New Zealand Police