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An Australian family-owned business extending from Fortitude Valley, Richmond, to Alexandria, the Verve experience is a family experience, like no other. I sat down with Verve founder Holly, on her journey building Verve portraits over its years in operation, and what the business means to her and her family today.
“Our family is a very tight-knit family, and we’ve always (and still do to this day) celebrate together. Through our three generations, we’ve always remained really close, through sharing our connection to the business together as well. Family has always been first and foremost for us, so to be able to deliver an experience for other families, and capture the special connections that they share, is incredibly important to all of us.”
– Holly, Verve founder.
For Holly, she wants the experience of having your portrait taken to be so much more than simply the photos themselves. It is the aim of the team to ensure that your session provides you with so much more than simply photographs alone.
“I’ve always wanted our family portrait studios to be a place where people feel, once they’ve stepped inside, that they are guests within our home. The studios are fitted out with comfortable couches, and guests are served refreshments as they soak up the atmosphere and get to know their photographer. We’ve always wanted an environment where people feel totally at ease. Where clients are so comfortable that they forget they are having a photo shoot. They (the photographers) are giving you an awesome, fun experience. SO enjoyable that before they know it, the shoot is over!”
Our team is passionate about hearing our clients’ stories and what makes them unique. There’s no cookie-cutter experience to be seen here! For each and every family, they want to fully customise, dig deep, and showcase what truly makes them the way they are. This is evident in their photography, as the individuality of each person truly shines through.
They recognise that minutiae of everyday life, and our constant busyness, so often get in the way of time for special moments of connection, so they have been driven to create something that helps facilitate those moments of true bonding.
For Holly and the family, building true connection has always been a priority.
“One thing that’s always been a thread from day one when we opened is that you would see clients hugging the photographer as they walk out the door. Each and every one of our photographers are gifted storytellers as well as being technically skilled. But most importantly, they are passionate about people- about human connection.”
“When observing these portrait sessions, I see phones are put down, and hearts are opened as family after family comes through the Verve studio doors, to experience something they seldom get to enjoy- uninterrupted time together.”
“What we want for any family who takes up a portrait session, our ultimate aim, is that they receive an incredible experience to enjoy with their entire family. To take time outside of their busy world, step inside the Verve world, and take their moments to enjoy together. Our aim is also that everyone gets an authentic experience.”
Due to the hectic nature of everyday life, we often want to ‘fast-forward’ to the final scene. The final product, the end result. At Verve, they want to challenge this thinking and slow down into the power of being present in the moment, allowing their guests to experience just how powerful that can be.
“Our hope is a feeling of connection. I hope they feel pride when they are in the design room and when they see their images displayed for the first time. Parents often don’t get to have this kind of uninterrupted time together, to experience this time as a whole, seeing the entire family unit connect through the photoshoot, and seeing their photos come up on the screen in front of them afterwards. Especially for the parent who normally takes all the photos, to see themselves up there together, with their family. I don’t want them to miss out looking back, and realise they weren’t in the images.”
Verve clients often describe their finished photography as “The emotion is hanging on the wall.” This is exactly what Verve believes in. They customise every piece of artwork they send out, and everything is made right here in Australia- so that the images can be displayed in a way that allows their guests to relive the emotions they felt on the day, every time they look at their portraits hanging in their homes.
“The emotions that come out, depending on where you hang them on the wall, will really change the mood of the home.”
Going beyond just the beautiful aesthetic, it’s also the experience that sits behind every frame. The moments they enjoyed together at Verve sit with the photograph and evoke different emotions every time.
The customer journey for every guest at Verve is one that has been ever changing and evolving. They are consistently looking at the lifestyle of modern families and how to best meet their needs. The process is constantly changing with the times to suit the lifestyle of their clientele.
“We are constantly refining and constantly looking at the lifestyle of families. It was very different when we started the business. A few years ago, we started doing home delivery of the artwork, for example…Wherever we can make it easier for the family, we want to do that.
We added in design consultations, which can be held from the comfort of your living room. We often have families that come from rural areas to our family portrait studios in the city, because they want the Verve experience; it’s something that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
When it comes to each photographer at Verve, they’re not just skilled photographers, they truly understand human relationships and the psyche, and they are chosen to be part of the team for these important reasons. They each possess a unique ability to bring emotion and laughter, creating a really safe space for families to be themselves and be affectionate with one another.
A family business, with heart at the centre of everything they do, the Verve experience is so very special.
A professional photo studio is a purpose-built space designed for storytelling. From expert lighting and high-end equipment to a calm, welcoming atmosphere, everything is carefully curated to help you relax and be yourselves. This allows genuine emotion, connection, and personality to shine through—something that’s hard to capture in quick, everyday snapshots.
Not at all. The studio experience is designed to be stress-free and enjoyable. Our photographers gently guide you into natural poses, encourage interaction, and create an environment where you can laugh, connect, and simply be present. Nothing is forced—it’s all about capturing authentic moments.
Lighting is one of the most important artistic elements in a professional studio. It shapes mood, highlights expressions, and adds depth to every image. Our photographers use light creatively to enhance your features and bring emotion into each photograph, turning simple moments into beautiful, timeless artwork.
Your experience begins before the camera comes out. We take time to understand your story, your family dynamic, and what matters most to you. We guide you through wardrobe choices, styling, and preparation, and on the day, we handle all the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience together.
A professional studio session is more than just photographs—it’s about preserving meaningful moments with care, artistry, and intention. These images become lasting pieces of art that live on your walls, in albums, and across generations, growing more valuable with time as they continue to tell your family’s story.
