A year of learning, growth, and the love stories that trusted me
Hey guys! It's me Xunhern, the person behind the lens of xhliaw studio!
If you told me at the start of 2025 that I’d end the year photographing couples and families across Melbourne, and even accepting bookings for elopements and pre-wedding shoots in New Zealand — I genuinely wouldn’t have believed you.
But that’s exactly what happened.
This post is my 2025 wrap up: the year I picked up my first professional camera, taught myself the foundations from scratch, and slowly built xhliaw studio into something real — something I’m deeply proud of.
January 2025: The beginning of everything
In January 2025 (14th January 2025 to be exact, which is exactly a year ago today!), I bought my first professional camera and decided to pick up photography as my creative outlet.
I didn’t start with fancy gear knowledge or a clear “style” right away. I started with the basics, learning absolutely everything from ISO, aperture, shutter speed and lighting. Then came the next challenge: figuring out how to actually direct and prompt couples behind the lens, so the photos looked natural, romantic, and story-driven rather than posed. And then (the biggest learning curve of all): editing and colour grading in post on Lightroom- learning how to make images feel the way I wanted them to feel.
Looking back now, I can see how much of my year was built on small, consistent steps. Not huge leaps. Just… showing up, practicing, learning, repeating.
This is my first professional camera and lens bought exactly a year ago today
From free shoots to real bookings
At the beginning, I offered to shoot for free because I wanted to learn everything and needed practice and real couples in real settings, not just in theory. And little by little, I went from charging: $0 → $50 → $150 → $380 → $420!
That growth wasn’t just about pricing, it was about confidence. It was about improving my work, understanding my process, finding my voice, and learning how to create an experience that couples actually enjoyed.
It still blows my mind that in one year, I went from “I hope I can do this” to “people are booking me for this.” Ahhh!!
A dream milestone: Destination shoots in New Zealand
By the end of 2025, I was already accepting bookings for elopements and pre-wedding shoots in New Zealand. How crazy is that!
Never in my wildest dream did I imagine I’d be doing destination shoots in my first year of photography, but here we are!
It feels surreal, and honestly, it feels like a sign that when you keep working at something (even when you feel new, unsure, or behind), doors really do open.
Go behind the scene with me on a shoot in New Zealand
My Most Loved Moments and Locations in 2025
If 2025 had a signature backdrop, it would be Melbourne’s timeless soft blue hour, paired with the dramatic landscapes of the Mornington Peninsula.
If I had to compare sunset to the hour just after sunset (blue hour), I’d say sunset feels like fierce young love. It’s bold, passionate, full of energy. Blue hour, on the other hand, is quiet and tender. It has that softer kind of romance, like a love story that’s been through seasons together and has grown deeper with time.
That gentle low light, especially when we shoot without flash, makes everything feel even more cinematic. It’s intimate, calm, and effortlessly romantic. If I had to pick my favourite moment from 2025, it’s blue hour, no question. I’ve even written a full blog post on Why Blue Hour is Perfect for Cinematic Couples Photography in Melbourne, so if you’re considering a blue hour session with me, you can have a read here.
And as for locations, my heart keeps pulling me back to the Mornington Peninsula. The rugged coastline against the vast ocean, the green rolling hills, the countryside feel. It reminds me so much of the English landscapes I used to visit and hike during my university days in England. There’s one particular spot down there that gives me that same feeling, and I find myself returning again and again for shoots.
Throughout the year, I’ve also been compiling a list of unique locations across Melbourne, and I’m now expanding it to New Zealand’s South Island too. As a travel addict, this is my way of travelling mentally, building little bucket lists of places I can’t wait to explore in my own time.
So if you ever need location suggestions for a proposal or a cinematic storytelling couples session, tell me your story and I’ll help you find the perfect spot. ✨
My most loved
on the blog
Why Blue Hour is Perfect for Cinematic Couples Photography in Melbourne
My favourite
On the blog
A Cinematic Pre-wedding Session in Mornington Peninsula
Couples cinematic storytelling
Elopement &
Pre-wedding sessions
I can't stress enough how grateful I am for couples who trusted me with their love stories through my lens.
(If you'd like to know more about each session type, simply click on the image above)
My Most Requested Sessions in 2025
One thing I noticed was that couples weren’t coming to me just for “pretty photos.” They were booking because they wanted their session to feel like something. They wanted the quiet glances, the nervous laughter, the way someone reaches for the other without thinking, the moment that happens in between the poses.
So many couples told me, “We really love the way you capture feelings,” and that became the biggest compliment of the year. Because that’s exactly what I want my photography to be about. No stiff poses, no forced smiles, but honest moments that look cinematic and feel true to you.
And when couples choose a session type, it’s never just about the occasion. It’s about the story they’re trying to remember. In 2025, the sessions I was most booked for were Couples Cinematic Storytelling, Surprise Proposals and Pre-Wedding Sessions!
I can't stress enough how grateful I am for couples who trusted me with their love stories through my lens.
A message to my past self
January 2025 me would be so proud of December 2025 me. And honestly… 2023 me too!
2023 me moved to Melbourne to start a new life abroad with no connections. I walked away from a professional career I studied for 5 years and worked in for 6 years. That was a terrifying decision at the time, and there were moments when I questioned whether I’d made the right choice.
But I know she’d be absolutely cheering for the 2025 version of me. Everything truly does work out in the end.
Thank you to the couples and families who trusted me
More than anything else, this post is for the couples and families who trusted me with your milestones.
I’m forever grateful:
To the couples who modelled for me when I had no clue what I was doing in the beginning.
To the ones who told me I should be charging more.
To the couples and families who went out of your way to leave the sweetest Google reviews.
To the ones who shared my photos on your socials.
To the couples and families who introduced me to your friends.
And to the people who saw my work and booked me right away.
Thank you for backing me before I even fully backed myself. Your support didn’t just help my business — it helped me believe I was allowed to take up space in this industry.
What’s Coming in 2026
2025 was the foundation year: learning, growing, finding my style. 2026 is the year I’m stepping into it fully.
Here’s what I’m excited for:
1) More destination storytelling (New Zealand + beyond)
I’m officially accepting elopement and pre-wedding bookings in New Zealand, and I can’t wait to create love stories in landscapes that feel unreal.
2) Stronger cinematic direction + editing
I’m continuing to refine the XHLiaw Studio look: romantic, film-like tones, honest moments, and gentle prompting that brings out real connections.
3) Streamlined booking process & elevated client experience
More planning support, clearer guides, and a smoother journey from “inquiry” to “gallery delivered” so every couple feels looked after.
4) Limited bookings + intentional work
I’m focusing on meaningful sessions and giving each story the time it deserves, which means fewer shoots, higher quality, more heart.
2026 — bring it on!
If you’re dreaming up a proposal, engagement session, pre-wedding shoot, or an elopement adventure — I’d love to help you plan something beautiful.
Simply fill in the contact form to tell me more about your ideas! I’d love to hear your story!
