There's something about a bookstore that feels like it was made for love. The quiet corners, the golden light filtering through dusty windows, the way time seems to slow down between the shelves. When I had the opportunity to shoot a couples session inside one of Belgrave's most beloved independent bookstores, Through The Looking Glass, I knew it was going to be something special. And it was.
This is the story of that shoot, and why a cosy indie bookstore in the Dandenong Ranges might just be Melbourne's most underrated couples photography location.
Why Belgrave is a Hidden Gem for Couples Photography in Melbourne
Belgrave is one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret. Nestled at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges, just an hour from Melbourne's CBD, it has a charm that's entirely its own; independent shops, tree-lined streets, and a creative community that gives it a warmth you don't find in the city. For photography, it offers something that inner-city locations simply can't: character, intimacy, and a sense of place.
As a Melbourne couples photographer, I'm always drawn to locations that tell a story, and Belgrave does that effortlessly. Whether it's the iconic Puffing Billy railway, the surrounding Ranges, or the village's indie shops and cafes, every corner has personality. And this bookstore? It's pure magic from the moment you walk in.
Less like a photoshoot, more like your favourite kind of afternoon
The best photographs happen when there's nothing to perform. Just the two of you spending an afternoon exactly as you normally would; sharing favourite books, wandering the shelves without a destination, laughing at the blurbs you'll never read, and getting completely lost in your own little world.
That's why I always encourage couples to choose somewhere that feels like them. Maybe it's the bookstore where you always leave with more books than you planned, the café you visit every Sunday morning, your favourite vintage arcade, or the little traditions that make your relationship yours. Think of your session as an afternoon carved out just for the two of you. There's no pressure to perform or spend the whole time looking at the camera. Instead, you get to slow down, wander, laugh, linger a little longer, and simply enjoy being together while I quietly document everything as it unfolds.
Years from now, I don't want you to only remember what the photographs looked like. I want you to remember how that afternoon felt; the conversations that made you lose track of time, the smiles that appeared before a single word was spoken, and the comfort of simply existing in your own little world. That's the kind of story worth holding onto.
A Nostalgic Aesthetic; Warm, Timeless and Completely Them
From the very beginning, the brief for this session was warm and nostalgic — images that felt like a memory even as they were being made. The bookstore delivered on every level. Aged spines, wooden shelves, worn armchairs and soft window light created a natural warmth that no preset or edit can fully replicate. It has to be felt in the location itself.
For couples who want something timeless, photographs that don't feel pinned to a trend or a particular year, a nostalgic indoor session like this is a beautiful choice. These aren't images that will feel dated in ten years. They're images that will feel like home.
Cinematic couples photography inspired by your story
My photography is inspired by romance films, nostalgic novels and the beauty found in everyday moments.
Rather than directing every pose, I offer gentle prompts that encourage natural movement and genuine interaction. The result is a gallery that feels cinematic without feeling overly posed. Images filled with laughter, quiet glances and the little details that make your relationship uniquely yours.
What to Expect from a Couples Session in the Dandenong Ranges
If you're considering a couples session outside of Melbourne's inner suburbs, the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding villages like Belgrave, Emerald and Olinda offer an incredible variety of settings. From dense forest and waterfall walks to charming village streets and unique small businesses just like this bookstore.
Sessions in this area typically run for one to two hours and are styled around you: your relationship, your aesthetic, your story. I work in a relaxed, documentary style, which means minimal posing and maximum real moments.
The Dandenong Ranges is one of my favourite areas to shoot in, and I'm always looking for new hidden locations that feel genuinely special. If you've got a spot in mind — a favourite cafe, a local art gallery, somewhere meaningful to you both — I'm always keen to explore it.
Dreaming of a Date-Inspired Couples Session?
Your session doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Choose somewhere that feels like home, spend an afternoon doing something you genuinely love together, and I'll quietly document it as it unfolds. If you're looking for a Melbourne couples photographer who believes the best photographs come from simply being together, I'd love to help tell your story.
"THE WHOLE PROCESS WAS INCREDIBLY SIMPLE, AND KEIRA GUIDED US THE ENTIRE WAY. SHE SPENT TIME GETTING TO KNOW US AND MADE US FEEL SO SPECIAL FOR OUR PHOTOS. MY FIANCÉ AND I STARTED OFF QUITE STIFF, BUT KEIRA MADE US FEEL COMFORTABLE SUPER QUICKLY."
-TAYLOR & BAILEY
I'd Love to Hear From You
Some afternoons stay with you long after they've passed. This was one of them.
Not because everything was perfectly planned, but because it felt real. An afternoon spent wandering between shelves, sharing favourite books, laughing at titles that caught their eye, and simply enjoying being together. Those are the kinds of days that quietly become the ones you wish you could step back into.
If this feels like your kind of date, I'd love to create something just as personal for you.
Reaching out doesn't mean you're committing to a booking, so don't hesitate to say hello. Whether you already have the perfect location in mind or you're still figuring out what feels most like you, I'm always happy to answer questions and help you plan a session that reflects your relationship.
If you'd like to learn more about the experience, what's included, and what it's like to spend an afternoon with a camera quietly nearby, you can explore my couples session packages below.
Location: Through The Looking Glass Bookstore, Belgrave, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Season: Autumn
Session Type: Couples Date
Photographer: Keira Paige Photography
The Story in Full
T & A's bookstore date in Belgrave, Melbourne, Australia
A few more moments from this lovely day.
FAQ
Can we have our couples session somewhere other than a park or beach?
Absolutely. Some of my favourite sessions happen in places that already mean something to you. Whether it's a favourite bookstore, café, record store, arcade, art gallery, or the place you had your first date, choosing a meaningful location helps your photographs feel more personal. The best Melbourne couples sessions are often the ones built around your relationship rather than a picture-perfect backdrop.
We feel awkward in front of the camera. Will you tell us what to do?
Of course. You don't need any modelling experience or know how to pose. I'll gently guide you when you need it, but the focus is never on performing for the camera. Instead, I'll encourage you to interact naturally, giving you space to laugh, talk, wander, and simply enjoy being together while I quietly document everything as it unfolds.
How long does a couples session take?
Most sessions run between one and three hours. One hour is perfect for an intimate session focused on couple portraits, while two-three hours gives us more time to explore the location, try different setups and really settle into a relaxed rhythm - which almost always produces the best images.
What should we wear for a bookstore couples photoshoot?
Wear something that feels comfortable and reflects your style. Soft textures, earthy tones, layers, and timeless outfits work beautifully in indoor spaces like bookstores. Most importantly, choose clothing you can move freely in; you'll be wandering the shelves, sitting on the floor, sharing books, and simply spending time together. After booking, I'll send you a detailed style guide with plenty of inspiration to help you feel confident and prepared.
If you're still exploring, here are a few helpful places to get a feel for how I work:
