SARAH CHURCHER
I had these little square photos on my wall years ago, one image from every golden moment I had since leaving school. They took me on a journey, every time I looked at them. They had a way of keeping me focused on what was important … so on those days when you are pretty sure you made all the wrong life decisions, they helped remind me otherwise. As the years passed they became so much more precious to me. That is when Muka was born, that is when my photography business focus shifted from delivering only digital images into so much more. I want art pieces on your wall, I want you to walk by your images everyday and glow from the inside, flooded with precious memories and reminded about what is the most important thing in this crazy life we live.
I am fascinated by family structure and the importance of belonging. This is what I strive to photograph with every family who comes in front of my lens. Family photography is everything to me, I will spend the rest of my life developing my art with families as my subject.
I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where I work, the Boon wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. I pay my respects to the Elders, past and present, and thank them for sharing their land with me.
I am an inclusive business with a commitment to diversity. I embrace all cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. I am committed to providing a safe and nurturing experience for all my clients.
MY FAMILY
My treasures include my son Hen (Henry), who is an observer and a cuddly, funny little boy. And Flo (Florence), who is three and is constantly astounding us with her way in this world. We also have a dog, Molly, who I think might be the most stubborn of the tribe, and more recently have added two fish, named Fish and Chips.
WHY MUKA
In Maori mythology the harakeke (flax) plant represents the whanau (family). The rito (shoot) is the child and it is protectively surrounded by the awhi rito (parents). The outside leaves represent the tupuna (grandparents and ancestors). Muka is the fibre taken from the strongest leaves and woven into kete (baskets). The perfect symbol of family structure and connection.