Port Noarlunga photographer Kirsty McVey captures dying wishes with end-of-life pictures for terminally ill patients

A photographer in Adelaide’s south has made it her life’s mission to give the terminally ill something priceless: a final photo to be remembered by.

Tracy Tozer on her wedding day with her husband Daniel O’Halloran. Tracy died the next day. Picture: Kirsty McVey Photography

Capturing what is likely someone’s final photo before they pass away is no small task – but for Adelaide photographer Kirsty McVey, it’s a “beautiful” moment documenting a lasting legacy.

For the past five years Ms McVey, of Port Noarlunga South, has offered her services free of charge for those with a terminal diagnosis – from pets to people.

In March, she was photographed 50-year-old Tracy Tozer’s dying wish of getting married to the “love of her life” Daniel O’Halloran, surrounded by their friends and family. The next day, Ms Tozer sadly succumbed to her breast cancer.

Ms Tozer with her son Tyson. Picture: Kirsty McVey Photography

Tracy Tozer with her new husband Daniel O'Halloran on their wedding day. Picture: Kirsty McVey Photography

“I’ve never liked the idea of charging someone when they’re obviously going through grief or they’re upset,” she said.

“When I did Tracy’s wedding, that was just extremely emotional because she was battling with cancer and she was so young. You definitely do get a much deeper understanding of people through doing it because you’re looking at someone, knowing that they haven’t got long to go. That’s a big thing to witness.

“I think it’s just really beautiful to be able to capture the love you see with the families, and just being able to make sure they feel seen.

“I want people to know that they’ll be seen and celebrated in these photos – that they have a legacy … that they know they’ve left a stamp on the world.”

Earlier this month, Ms McVey met Helen – a “rascal” battling end-of-stage liver failure, soon to be transferred to a hospice.

Helen was surrounded by her children and grandchildren during the shoot. Picture: Kirsty McVey Photography

Helen with her grandchildren Brodie and Ebony. Picture: Kirsty McVey Photography

“She is a really lovely, funny lady,” Ms McVey said.

“When I went in, I immediately said to Helen, ‘you’re a rascal aren’t you?’. ‘A little bit’, she replied.”

A self-portrait of Kirsty McVey, who has been doing end-of-life shoots for the past five years – starting with pets. Picture: Kirsty McVey Photography

Outside of end-of-life photography, Ms McVey makes a living shooting pet and family portraits, as well as lingerie shoots and weddings.

Fulfilling one’s dying wish is the biggest honour of all – something “not lost” on the 47-year-old.

“I’m so honoured to do it for people, and I’m humbled that they ask me in the first place,” Ms McVey said.

“You get into the car (afterwards) and you kind of have a little cry, but that’s just part of it – you’ve got to just put that aside and get on with what people have asked you to do.

“I’ve been doing the end-of-life photo shoots for pets for five years, and so as a natural extension people have asked me if I would do them for their loved ones as well.”

Bookings can be made via Ms McVey’s Facebook or website – free of charge for anyone wanting “memories of their loved ones before they pass”.

Originally published as Port Noarlunga photographer Kirsty McVey captures dying wishes with end-of-life pictures for terminally ill patients