HI, I'M KHATE

 A South East Victoria photographer creating space for you
 to feel seen, supported, and remembered.

THE ONE photo I NEVER TOOK

When I was expecting my first baby, I often thought about booking a maternity shoot, something to mark that chapter before life shifted completely. But I never followed through. It felt too expensive. I didn’t feel beautiful. And while my husband gently encouraged me, no one really pushed me to go for it. No one helped me find a photographer who truly resonated with me. Looking back now, it’s one of my biggest regrets.

After my son was born, I quickly realised how fast time moves. Every day brought a change, a moment I wanted to hold onto. So I picked up a camera — to document his milestones and the life we were building together. But somewhere along the way, I noticed something, I was always behind the lens. I was taking the photos, but never in them. That feeling stayed with me. It’s what brought me here.

Why I Photograph

I photograph mothers, couples, and families who are often the ones capturing the memories, but rarely in the photos themselves. I also work with people who simply want something more meaningful than a phone snapshot but portraits they can truly treasure. I know what it’s like to put yourself last, to keep saying “maybe next time,” or to wait for the perfect moment. I’ve lived that hesitation, and I know the quiet regret that can follow.

That’s why I approach photography a little differently. I don’t believe in perfection. I believe in presence — in capturing the small in-between moments that are often the most meaningful: a soft glance, an unplanned laugh, the way your child leans into you without thinking.

I’m not here to pose you into something you’re not. I’m here to gently guide you into being present with the people you love most. So that when you look back, you see more than just an image. You feel something.

Picture by Choi Alcabasa

A bit ABOUT me

When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably chasing after my toddler or walking our golden retriever, Bailey, who brings just the right amount of chaos to our days.

I’m also a software engineer by background, and between work, motherhood, and running a home, I know what it feels like to juggle everything at once. The constant switching of roles, the pressure to show up in every space, and the struggle to find a moment to breathe — it can be overwhelming. But photography is where I slow down. It’s my way of seeing life more intentionally. It helped me notice the little things that often pass by and that is what I’m drawn to most.

• seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are •  seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are •seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are • seen and celebrated • your story matters • be in the frame • show up as you are •

Ready to be in the frame?

LET'S talk ABOUT THE season YOU'RE in,
AND THE memories YOU WANT TO hold ONTO.

Whether it’s quiet moments, growing love, or family chaos, I’d love to help you turn them into something you’ll always come back to.

LET's CONNECT

"Had the best photoshoot experience with portraitsbykhate! Super easy to work with, very professional, and made the whole session feel relaxed and natural. What could’ve been stressful turned out to be fun and effortless — and the photos turned out amazing. Highly recommend!"

neil

NOTES FROM the HEART

Why they said, "I'm so glad we did it."

KM

Melbourne Photographer

studio@portraitsbykhate.com

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