Gentle documentary photography for life’s final chapter
My name is Corinna Adams, and I am a photographer based in Albury/Wodonga.
This work grew from personal grief after the sudden loss of my father following a short illness.
It was only later that I realised how few photographs I had of him, and how much those images mattered once he was gone. The last photo we have together is rushed and out of focus, taken shortly before he was admitted to hospital. He passed away three days later.
That experience changed the way I understand photographs, and the role they can hold within memory and loss.
This work is about presence.
It is about quietly documenting time with the people you love when life is changing, and when moments begin to feel more precious, more ordinary, and more fleeting all at once.
These are not staged images. There is no expectation to perform or pose. Instead, I come in gently and document what is already there, connection, love, stillness, humour, tenderness, and everything in between.
What this is
End of life photography is a way of preserving time with the people you love.
It may be a quiet morning at home, a visit from grandchildren, a shared meal, a moment in a hospital room, or time spent together in a hospice or care setting.
Each session is shaped entirely by you, your person, and what feels right in the moment.
There is no script. There is no rush.
Where sessions take place
Sessions can happen in a place that feels appropriate and comfortable, including:
- Private homes
- Hospitals
- Hospices
- Aged care facilities
- Outdoors, if health and comfort allow
Every situation is different, and flexibility is always part of the process.
What a session feels like
Most families describe the experience as calm and unobtrusive.
I move quietly through the space, observing rather than directing. If gentle guidance is needed, I will offer it, but only when it feels appropriate.
Some moments are still. Some are full of conversation or laughter. Some are simply everyday life continuing in a deeply meaningful way.
All of it matters.
You don’t need to know what to do
Many people who reach out are unsure at first.
Unsure of timing. Unsure of what a session would look like. Unsure of whether it is “too late” or “too soon.”
There is no right way to approach this. You don’t need to prepare anything or have it all figured out before getting in touch.
We can simply talk, and go from there.
What these images become
These photographs are often returned to in quiet moments later on.
They hold the ordinary things that are so easily forgotten:
hands held without thinking, familiar rooms, shared glances, people simply being together.
They are not about loss itself, but about the time that was still being lived.
How it works
- You reach out when you feel ready
- We have a gentle conversation about your situation and what feels appropriate
- A session is arranged around care, energy, and timing
- I come in quietly and document the time as it unfolds
- Your gallery is carefully edited and delivered for you and your family
Everything is handled with care and flexibility.
Enquiries
If this feels like something you would like to explore, you are welcome to get in touch at any time.
There is no pressure to proceed, and no expectation that you have everything figured out before reaching out.
I will respond personally, and we can take things one step at a time.
Frequently asked questions
Are End-of-life sessions limited to people?
No, these sessions aren’t limited to people, for many of us, pets are family too. I also offer end-of-life photography sessions for your furry friends
Do all family members need to consent to an end-of-life photography session?
Due to the intimate and sensitive nature of this type of photography session, everyone has to be on board. I need to be welcomed into your world during this time, so everyone’s views are respected, if any family members don’t consent to my being there, I won’t overstep their wishes and we won’t organise professional photos to be taken. If this is the case, I encourage you to take the time to capture these moments, yourself, where possible.
Do you use flash photography during end-of-life sessions?
I don’t have to use a flashing light, like a camera flash, but to ensure I capture the best possible images, I’ll need to enhance the lighting in the room by opening any nearby curtains or turning on any available ambient room lighting. While flash can sometimes help achieve clearer images in low-light environments, I aim to keep the atmosphere as calm and comfortable as possible by using natural and ambient light wherever I can.
What if we need privacy or a break during the session?
Essentially, you and your family are in charge. If it’s becoming upsetting for me to be there, then I will leave, if you or your loved ones need a few minutes, then I will step out or put my camera down for that time.
Do you pose or direct people during a session?
I won’t ever rush the session and I don’t direct or pose people.
How do you approach end-of-life photography sessions?
I am not with you to cause additional stress, amplify your levels of grief, or get in the way. I’m there to capture the moments before they’re gone, so you can be present with your loved one.
What style of photography do you use for end-of-life sessions?
This type of photography session is done in a documentary style. I will take candid photos of the connections and emotions in the room. I capture details like holding hands, soft kisses and hugs, smiles and tears.
Can we request specific moments or images during the session?
If you would like something special photographed, feel free to let me know and I will endeavour to capture that moment as well.
Why do you use black and white photography?
Black and white photos are often more emotive. By removing colour from the moment, we remove the distraction of clashing tones from clothing and surroundings, allowing the focus to remain on the emotion and connection being captured.
When is the best time to book an end-of-life photography session?
If you’ve had the often difficult conversation with medical professionals about a family member’s declining health and approaching end of life, the sooner we can capture them on film, the more likely the images will be remembered as “how you’ve always known them” rather than “just their last moments with us.”
Is it ever too late to book an end-of-life photography session?
All memories, up to their very last breath, are precious, and it’s never too late to record these special moments.
Can we choose the location for our session?
Of course! If your loved one is mobile and enjoys going to the park, we can choose their favourite one.
Where can end-of-life photography sessions take place?
If getting out and about isn’t comfortable or possible, I can visit them at their bedside, at home, or in hospice. I won’t ever rush the session and I don’t direct or pose people, so I encourage choosing a location where they are most at ease.
Why do you ask any questions before a session?
I don’t need to know any medical details that you do not wish to disclose. That said, I do have a few key questions I like to ask before each session so that I am fully aware of the kind of situation I’ll be stepping into. Not only does this prepare me mentally to be there with you during this time, but it also allows me to bring the right equipment to best capture your memories.
