We’re excited to kick off this conversation with Cara Mand, a photographer whose artistry lies in preserving life’s honest, fleeting moments. Her lens captures the beauty of motherhood and the everyday in a way that feels both personal and timeless. To start, we’d love to hear about your journey into photography and what sparked your passion for the camera.


Hi Sailors, I'm really excited to be part of Don Fisher's Inspiring Women family! So, from a young age, I was captivated by the stories photographs could tell. I spent hours lost in family photo albums and home movies, drawn to the way they connected me to moments I’d never experienced but felt so deeply. Those worn pages and grainy images held entire worlds, sparking a fascination that has stayed with me. When I received my first film camera for my 8th birthday, it was like being handed the key to creating my own worlds, and I’ve been holding a camera ever since.

Can you tell us more about how your life on Boonwurrung land influences your art and perspective as a photographer?


I grew up here after my family immigrated from Europe in the 1940s. After years living overseas, I’m grateful to call this place home again. Life here is ever-changing, much like my work, and I treasure the moments of slowing down with my daughters and extended family. Whether it’s quiet mornings in the garden, lively gatherings with friends, or escapes to the beach or mountains, these messy, fleeting moments are the heart of my photography. They remind me that beauty lies in the everyday and inspire my perspective as an artist.

How would you describe your approach to photography, especially with the unique blend of digital and analogue work you create?


Motherhood is the heart of my work, shaping how I see and capture the world. Photographs mirror our sense of self and connections, and I see each session as a collaboration, exploring the evolving roles of motherhood. This season is messy and unpredictable, but its beauty surpasses words. I aim to capture how our bodies change, how our children grow, and how time both rushes and lingers.

Most of my work is on film because it carries a unique magic—intimate and deliberate. Film demands patience and trust, embracing imperfection. Like motherhood, it’s raw, real, and beautifully flawed.



As a mother and artist, how do these two roles intersect in your work and vision?


To me, motherhood and art are inseparable, shaping everything I do. Motherhood sharpens my eye for small, beautiful moments, deepens my empathy, and roots me in life’s raw truths. Creating art helps me mother with intention, giving me space to reflect and honor the emotions of raising my girls. They’ve always been part of my process—first as quiet muses and now as active collaborators, often suggesting what to capture. Creating alongside them brings me immense joy, keeping my work grounded in wonder and deeply connected to motherhood.



In what ways do you see photography as a tool for preserving family history or legacy?


Photographs are more than images, they are artefacts that capture the lives we've lived, loved, and shared. They freeze moments in time, growing richer with each passing year. These images honor the past, celebrate the present, and connect future generations to the memories that shaped their stories.



What does nostalgia mean to you, and why do you think it’s such an essential part of your photography?


Nostalgia is the ache of remembering and the desire to hold onto fleeting moments that time carries away. In my photography, it’s about capturing the small, meaningful moments that define life, the still mornings, the laughter of children, and the chaotic beauty of motherhood. These images preserve the essence of these experiences, creating lasting memories. As my child nears adolescence, I feel an urgency to capture every moment of childhood. Photography allows me to slow down and honor the now, preserving these moments for the future, creating a legacy that connects us to what truly matters.



For those just beginning to explore documentary-style photography, what advice would you offer on capturing moments with authenticity and depth?


Shoot, shoot, shoot – don’t wait for the perfect moment, capture it all. Press the button and don’t overthink it.

In one sentence, what do you hope your images say about the world you live in?


I hope my images convey a world rich with love, a world that, even as the world outside our own walls may be struggling, reminds us to slow down, to cherish what we have, and to hold onto the magic. There is always light, you just need to search for it.



Thank you, Cara, for sharing your inspiring journey and the heart behind your beautiful photography. Your work truly captures the essence of life’s fleeting moments. We look forward to seeing more of your storytelling through the lens. Be sure to follow Cara’s journey and stay tuned for what’s next!