From an Old Animal Trough to My Favourite Winter Ritual
This old cast-iron bathtub wasn't designed to become the heart of our off-grid evenings, but somehow it has.
It began life as an old animal trough before I dragged it into its new home with a truck and a winch. It wasn't glamorous, and there were moments I wondered whether the effort was worth it. It was.
Every bath begins the same way. Light the fire. Fill the tub. Wait patiently while the water slowly heats. Living off-grid teaches you that good things can't be rushed.
By the time darkness settles over the paddocks, the water is finally perfect. I throw in a generous handful of salt, sink into the warmth, and let winter do the rest.
The air is icy.
The water is steaming.
The contrast is pure magic.
Above me, the moon quietly watches while the clouds put on their own ever-changing performance. I think clouds are the most creative artists in nature. Tonight I found a cow, a wolf, a fox, a pony and even a Border Collie drifting across the sky before they disappeared again.
The soundtrack couldn't be better.
The gentle footsteps of my horses wandering nearby.
Frogs calling from the dam.
The last birds settling in for the night.
My dogs sleeping soundly after another day of adventures.
No traffic.
No notifications.
No deadlines.
Just stillness.
It's another reason I've fallen in love with winter. Most people hide from the cold, but I've come to appreciate it. There is something incredibly satisfying about breathing crisp country air while soaking in steaming hot water under a sky full of stars.
As a photographer, moments like these remind me why I love storytelling. Beauty doesn't need expensive locations or perfect styling. Sometimes it's simply an old bath, a wood fire, the smell of smoke in the air, and enough imagination to find animals hidden in the clouds.
Those are the moments that stay with us.
Those are the stories worth telling.
If you've enjoyed this little glimpse into life on our property, you might also enjoy:
• My family photography sessions
• Wedding photography across Victoria
• Behind the scenes of life as a photographer
Or browse the rest of the blog for more stories from behind the camera.
