Whimsy & Wonder Blog | A Soulful Journal by Em Whalan

A Journey Through Motherhood, Loss, Creative Business, and Becoming

A journal & blog of words and wonder, born from a life lived deeply — in all its beauty, ache, softness, and strength.

Here, I share raw and reflective stories of motherhood, womanhood, creativity, and connection — from my home in Medowie, nestled in the heart of Port Stephens and near the wild edges of the Hunter Valley.

It’s a space where stories unfold slowly — led by wonder, shaped by seasons, and stitched from an eclectic life lived with heart. It’s also the beating heart behind Whimsy & Wonder Photography — where storytelling doesn’t end with words, but lives on through soulful imagery, honest connection, and the quiet power of being seen.

Emily Whalan 14/7/25 Emily Whalan 14/7/25

How Photographing Port Stephens Nurture Bar Deepened My Love for Visual Storytelling

Join me behind the lens at Nurture Bar, Bagnalls Beach, where soulful plant-based food and authentic community spirit come to life. Discover how photographing local Port Stephens businesses fuels my passion for storytelling and why visual imagery matters for every brand. See the images, feel the heart, and find out how Whimsy & Wonder Photography Port Stephens brings real stories to the surface.

Photography, Music, and the Art of Not Missing Life Whimsy & Wonder Photography Port Stephens

My eyes have always been drawn quietly to the beauty that so often goes unnoticed in everyday life - the in-between moments, the soft glances, and those gentle waves of meaning most people miss. In Medowie, Port Stephens: it’s these gentle pauses and unspoken stories I love to gather with my camera. Inspired by The Ballad of Cleopatra, I’m learning, over and over, that presence is found in noticing the small things - both in front of and behind the lens. These glimpses, stitched together, become the heart of every story I tell.