By Pei Aui – Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer
As a Melbourne branding photographer, I get to meet some of the most fascinating creatives in the city—and Audrey is no exception. Audrey is a brilliant comedian and writer, known for her witty takes on life, and most notably, her hilarious stories about coffee. When she reached out for a personal branding session, she had a clear vision: a photoshoot in a cafe that could reflect her career as both a writer and a humorist. Naturally, I was all in.
We chose Krimper Cafe, tucked away in Melbourne’s CBD, as our main shoot location. With its raw industrial charm, warm wooden textures, and cozy nooks, Krimper was the perfect backdrop to capture Audrey’s vibrant personality and coffee-fueled creativity. Huge thanks to the amazing team at Krimper—they were so welcoming and accommodating, even giving us the freedom to photograph in different areas of the cafe. We made sure to work respectfully and discreetly around other patrons to maintain the relaxed cafe vibe.
Inside the cafe, we styled the session to include coffee as a prop—because how could we not? Coffee is practically Audrey’s muse, showing up again and again in her writing and comedy. These photos weren’t just posed—they told a story. I wanted to capture those small, quiet moments of reflection that every writer knows well: the thinking, the scribbling, the daydreaming over a latte.
We made use of the high stools and natural textures of the cafe for some classic portraits too. As a natural light photographer, I often rely on big windows and soft shadows. Krimper’s ambient, moody lighting definitely posed a bit of a challenge—but it was a good one. I pushed myself creatively, and I’m genuinely proud of how the images turned out. The warmth and character of the space really shine through.
After wrapping up indoors, we stepped outside onto Guildford Lane, one of those hidden Melbourne gems filled with climbing greenery and old brick walls. It was here that I discovered another fun layer to Audrey’s story—her background in dance! She was so playful in front of the camera and full of movement, which gave us the chance to explore more dynamic poses. Drawing on my own dance background in street style and waacking, I guided her through a few dance-inspired poses that turned into some of my favorite shots from the session.
This shoot reminded me why I love being a Melbourne lifestyle and branding photographer. Each client brings their own story, and I get to help translate that into a visual language. Whether it’s a quiet writer in a corner cafe, a vibrant family welcoming a newborn, or a local entrepreneur launching a food styling brand, I’m here to capture what makes you you.