Hi I’m Kat, mum to Milo (4) and Billie (2) living in Coogee. We moved to the East a few years ago, from the north shore after 12 years overseas in Singapore, Hong Kong, London and then Melbourne. My husband is from Melbourne but has fallen in love with Sydney thankfully and very happy to call it home now. Pre kids I worked in Marketing but during my second maternity leave I studied photography and started a family photography business. I love outdoor adventures with my clients, chasing sunsets and just capturing it all, the love, the fun, the chaos and everything in between. I also wanted to offer shorter sessions (ie 30 minutes) because the idea of booking a photography session less than this with two under two was very stressful! I’m super passionate about capturing the moments and making it affordable and easy to do so, year after year.
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I’ve lived in the East for 4 years now, we moved when Milo was just a few weeks old. I grew up in the northern beaches so I was resistant of the move at first, but my husband talked me into it and now I can’t imagine leaving. There is just so much happening all the time and I just love that we can wander to the end of our street and get a coffee/bite to eat/go to the park and not need the car.
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Vibrant, Beautiful, Busy!
How many children?
I have 2 fun-loving, cheeky chops, super hero obsessed Milo who is 4, and Emma Memma obsessed Billie is 2. I was in the two under two club which was rather hectic, so I’m really loving these ages and the little bond they have.
Favourite Park?
Our favourite park is probably Queens Park because it has equipment which caters for both ages and most importantly has a coffee shop right next to it.
Favourite Beach?
Hard to choose, Clovelly because it’s so close to us, but we also love the South Maroubra rockpools on the weekends.
Favourite kids friendly cafe?
Centennial Park’s Greenhouse Café, it’s right near the playground and bike track so the kids can run wild.
Favourite Coffee Spot?
We live just off Clovelly Rd and spoilt for choice, Clodeli and Cut Lunch Deli are my faves though!
Favourite date night place?
We are so lucky to have some favourites so close to home, Una Mas, Sugarcane and Louie, all in Coogee are absolutely delicious and perfect date night spots.
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?
We haven’t spent as much time on the harbour side of the east, would love to explore those beaches and playgrounds more.
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
I would actually love to see some innovation and upgrades to popular playground parks. Some are so old and boring! My husband is from Melbourne so we spend a lot of time down there and the playgrounds are unbelievable in the Bayside area.
Favourite Local Shop?
All the coffee shops 😉
Favourite wet weather location?
Gunyama Pool in Zetland or a Sushi Train for lunch!!
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
In Summer we of course love going to the beach, particularly the South Maroubra rock pools, and in Winter we love Centennial Park, brunch at the Homestead which is pretty kid friendly, a big bike ride, and playing at the playground.
Work or SAHM?
I started my family photography business on my maternity leave and absolutely love what I do now. I offer affordable shoots from just 30 minutes long, at some favourite Eastern Suburbs spots.
My website is www.kathatfield.com and Instagram is @kathatfieldphotography
Motherly advice?
I love the saying, ‘the days are long but the years are short’ – and I’m feeling this loud and clear lately as they are getting older and trying to embrace the moments with them, no matter how chaotic they may seem because they’ll be a distant memory one day.
