This week we are delighted to sit down with Tegan Reilly, the beautiful face behind Mrs Kevins Photos. We discuss her photography journey, inspiration and shed some light on an increasingly relevant topic, breast cancer.
Tell us a little bit about you and your photography journey, how did you get started in this space?
I first started taking photos when my son Romeo was born 7 years ago and fell in love with the process. As I shared photos friends began to ask me to photograph their family's and my little business grew from there.
I have very few photos of my own early childhood. And not a single photo of just my mother and I. She died when I was 4. I take such pride in my job as a photographer, making sure that mothers are in the pictures. I want my clients to look back on their photographs and remember how it all felt. Mothers are responsible for so much of the magic; it's important that they are documented in their story.
We've read about your mothers battle with breast cancer - could you share a little more about your own journey?
I sadly lost my beautiful mother to breast cancer when I was just 4. She was breastfeeding my younger brother at the time she was diagnosed. Once I began my breastfeeding journey my health anxiety grew. I couldn't bear the thought of having to leave behind my little ones. With regular screening every 6 months, I was anxious before, during and after the appointments, wondering if this was the day I would be diagnosed. After I finished breastfeeding my 3rd child, I knew I was ready to begin the preparation of having a preventive double mastectomy with reconstruction. As scary as the process was, the surgery was a success and recovery has been fantastic. I'm 6 weeks post surgery and feel strong and healthy. I'm so grateful and relieved that I had this opportunity given to me. My heart goes out to anyone that has lost someone to breast cancer, and know that there are options to help you on your journey.
What or whom do you take inspiration from in your line of work?
My biggest inspiration comes from other creatives; photographers, artists, fashion designers. I adore shooting mothers in beautiful clothes such as Kinga Csilla and giving them the opportunity to feel absolutely beautiful behind the lens.
Being based in Perth, do you have any favourite go-to spots, for both shoots and everyday life?
We are surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in Perth and are so unbelievably lucky with our landscape. I'm lucky to live in Scarborough and spend most of my spare time at the ocean with my little ones.
Do you have any goals/dreams for the future of Mrs Kevin’s Photos?
My goal is to continue to help women feel seen. I would love to see my business grow purely in film photography. I adore the nostalgia of film - it helps me to create imagery that stands the test of time.
