Extended family photos with Grandparents, Parents, Siblings and Grandchildren - Wellington

Extended whānau sessions are one of the best ways for everyone to update their family photos. Not only will you receive pictures of everyone together (which often only happens on rare occasions), but each family will also receive photos of their immediate family and other group photos like cousins all together with their grandparents (or any group combination you like). During these 1 hour photo sessions, we also do a mix of photo styles that show everyone looking at the camera and more candid, fun and natural-looking photos.

It also means you can split the cost between a few of you! The pricing for groups of 6+ people starts at $890 inc GST (* this price is set as of October 2024, travel is not included and the price varies depending on the number of people). Between a few family members contributing this works out to be cheaper than booking your own smaller session.

Tribe Archipelago Summit, LXC, Tempest, Wayfarer and Quest 05 Preset Reviews

Purchasing Lightroom presets is a personal choice that can help enhance your photographic style and speed up your editing time. I have a small pick of creative presets that I use for my work and also a heap of presets that I don’t use at all (but they were purchased as part of a pack). It’s a lot of trial and error figuring out which look you like and finding a style that suits your RAW files without it looking over-processed.

So far the most successful presets for my work have been made by Archipelago, a community of professional photographers who have spent the last 10+ years refining their presets. Their preset styles are earthy, modern, true colour, film and moody. I think almost everyone would find a look they like in their presets but it can take time to find the right one depending on what you want to achieve. I’ve purchased about 5 different packs over the years and have settled on one that I really love in 2024 which feels like I have found my editing style.

My favourite and most commonly used preset is from a set called Archipelago Quest 05. Over the years I have also used their Summit, LXC, Tempest and Wayfarer packs. Here is a run-through of each of these preset packs and how I have found the process of developing my editing style over the years. At the time of updating this blog post in 2024, I don’t believe any of these packs are available for purchase but you will get a feel for the diversity in their range (and also see the development in their presets over the years!)

Archipelago also offers a ‘Quest preset membership’ which gives you a new preset and creative profile monthly, plus a discount for their main shop. This was how I found my current preset and got to learn more about my own editing style. This is a really clever way to test out their products before purchasing some of their more expensive packs.

Here is a RAW image, this is what all of my images look like before editing. I shoot in RAW format to get the most detail and highest sized files from my images. The best way to describe a RAW file is comparing it to an unbaked cake, it has all the right ingredients but you need to bake the cake to get to the final result which is the process of editing.

It’s really important to note that every time I apply a preset to an image I will tweak it to get the best out of each image. In these examples I share, I haven’t done any tweaks in colours/hues so you can see the presets as they are in their original form.

Tribe Archipelago Quest 05 Presets Review (current edit style)

This is currently my most used preset pack and almost all of my work is edited with AQ05 ii or AQ05iii. All of the presets in this pack have only slight changes that can be hard to spot but I like the subtleness of them all. In my experience of using Archipelago presets over the years they have improved the colours in skin tones and lowered the high contrast, which I love. Everything feels more natural. In some of their older packs, I found I was always having to decrease the saturation of the orange/red in people’s faces as well as the hue, often the skin just looked too unnatural and orange.

AQ05 i - This preset is quite close to how the RAW image looks, so it’s natural but it has taken away some of the vibrancy.

AQ05 iii - This would be the preset I use to deliver an image like this. It has my signature ‘film’ look while preserving the natural look and feel that their home had in real life.

AQ05 ii - This is one of the presets I like to use, but not for this image. It has a slight green tint to it which can look really good in certain environments.

AQ05 iv - I love that this pack includes a dreamy black-and-white preset! I find I need variety for finding the right B&W preset, this will only suit some images.

Tribe Archipelago Tempest & Wayfarer Review (current edit style)

I currently still use the black and white presets from the Tempest and Wayfarer packs. Here are some examples! I tend to switch between all 3 black and white options depending on the photo and scenario. I haven’t included all of the examples of the colour presets in these two packs as I only sometimes use these 4.

Tempest 06 - This B&W preset has a warm colour grading added in the shadows which I quite like!

Tempest 03 - The only colour preset from this pack that I sometimes use

Wayfarer 08 - This B&W preset has a warm colour grading added in the shadows which I quite like!

Wayfarer 09 - You can tell the difference with no colour grading added. it is cooler toned.

Tribe Archipelago Summit Presets Review (retired presets)

The Summit presets are more saturated in colour and higher in contrast. You will notice the skin tones look more saturated than the Quest 05 pack, which is something I have moved away from in recent years. Overall you will see that these images look more processed. Looking back on my older work edited using these presets I can see the higher contrast in editing, everything used to feel quite bright. I don’t believe this pack is available for purchase at this time.

Summit 01

Summit 02

Summit 03

Summit 04

Summit 05

Summit 06

Tribe Archipelago LXC Review (retired presets)

LXC is no longer available to purchase which is why I call it my OG Tribe presets but I believe they have released LXCr, I’m not sure if this is an updated version of these older presets that I own.

LXC 01

LXC 04

LXC 03

LXC 05

LXC 02

LXC 06

Wet weather options for photo shoots in Wellington

We all know that saying Welly on a good day.. just as well as we know how unpredictable our weather can be here in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington. Sometimes plans for photo sessions may change if the weather is rainy or too windy for the desired location but I will help you navigate this! I have learned that checking the forecast days in advance before your photo session can only add to sometimes unnecessary worry. While it is best to wait until the day before (or the day of) to confirm plans there are a few options we can discuss when making your booking for a backup plan.

WINDY OPTIONS

Certain locations, like Whitireia Park in Tītahi Bay as the main example, are more exposed and vulnerable to strong wind forecasts as it is on a hilltop. This scenario can mean changing to a different location with better shelter on the day. I try to keep my day flexible on photo shoot days, so if we need to we can move our appointment to the morning we can. If clients are mindful of their commitments and other plans on the day of a photo shoot we may have more flexibility to pivot our plans last minute for a more suitable option.

RAINY DAY OPTIONS

With the weather forecast changing so frequently (and sometimes being unreliable in advance) we can leave it to the last minute to make a call about your photo session going ahead.

If it is raining on the day of your photoshoot

• We can reschedule to a new date on a weekday with no additional fees, please note my weekend availability is limited and usually booked out weeks to months in advance so rescheduled appointments usually take place on a weekday. If moving your shoot to a new date on a weekday isn’t an option here are some ideas below for going ahead on the day of your photo shoot.

If rescheduling is not an option

• Photos at home
  Some clients like to move their photo sessions indoors into their own homes if it’s a rainy day. In your home we only need one or two spaces to create beautiful imagery, usually the living room for bigger groups or the master bedroom if you are a smaller family. We may need to change the time of day for your session if we originally planned a sunset session (a more ideal time indoors would be mid-morning or early-mid afternoon at home due to lighting conditions).

• Parliament Buildings (permission required in advance)
  When you think of Parliament don’t just think of the Beehive in the background, the photos I take here aren’t touristy and the surrounding areas are quite beautiful! There is a semi-sheltered area at Parliament Buildings near the old library that can be helpful for photos. There is a roof cover to be out of the rain but on a windy day, this too can be a little exposed, so I recommend bringing a warm jacket. This area is suitable for extended family groups and if the rain stops even for 5 minutes we can pop out to nearby garden areas for more variety of locations. For permission at this location, I can email security to pre-arrange this option in advance. This is a great option for those booking in for photos with extended family members who may be traveling from out of town.

• Begonia House Wellington Gardens (permission required in advance)
  At the Wellington Botanic Gardens, there is a fully enclosed glasshouse which is great for photos, however, it often isn’t the best option for families and I don’t often recommend this location to clients due to the extra fees and admin required to get permission.

  We need permission to take photos at this location and there is an additional fee that clients will need to pay directly to the Gardens/Wellington council for use of the grounds indoors and outdoors (these fees go towards their heritage plant collections and future projects at the gardens). In my past experiences the fee to photograph at the Wellington Botanic Gardens has been $110-$210 depending on the time of year and where we are (this fee also applies to outside areas). Their hours are limited to 9am - 4pm in the Begonia House. This information I’ve provided could change based on their policies updating over time. You can contact them directly here - bookings@wcc.govt.nz

TIME-SENSITIVE PHOTO SESSIONS

If your photo session is time-sensitive, like a maternity shoot, and you would like some additional reassurance going into your booking please reach out as I may be able to reserve an additional weekday space as a backup option for your photo session.

THE BOOKING PROCESS

Once we have discussed your location and any backup plans that we may want to have, I will usually be in touch 1-2 days before your session for us to confirm our options and the weather forecast. Feel free to reach out before this timeframe with any concerns. I will be watching the weather forecast leading up to the day, however, we likely won’t know what the weather will do for us until the day before or the day of your photo session. On the day of your photo session if we need to change plans last minute I will contact you via text or call (as my email notifications are turned off and only checked at certain times of the day in my working schedule). You can reach out to me at any time via text message, I am here to help and make this process as easy as possible!

HELPFUL LINKS FOR PHOTOGRAPHER FRIENDS!

If you’d like more information on how to enquire about permission at Parliament see their website here. It is really easy to email the Speaker’s office and they usually reply within 1 business day. They will also sometimes suggest a suitable time based on any events taking place near or at Parliament like protests etc.

The best outdoor photo locations for family photography in Lower Hutt, NZ

Petone Beach Photos

Petone Beach is an easy-access location with great views of Wellington City. I usually meet clients in the old wharf car park which is easy to park in with children. On one side of the wharf is the dog beach, so there is a dog-friendly area and on the other side of the wharf there are usually no dogs off leads. In the summertime, this popular spot is covered in cute bunny tail grass and there are a lot of different backdrops within walking distance from the car. The best time for photos here is about 1-1.5 hours before sunset depending on the time of year and weather forecast (particularly in winter the light gets lost behind the hills a bit quicker than expected).

Eastbourne Beach Photos

Eastbourne is a popular location because of its long grass and beach setting. It can be a little windy though so bring a jacket and hair tie (like most areas in Wellington). Best time for photos here is usually 1 hour before sunset. This location is also dog friendly.

Percy Reserve Photos

Percy Reserve is a great location for families with younger children who aren’t able to stay up late for a sunset session at Petone or Eastbourne Beach. It’s also great on a windy day rather than doing photos at the beach as it’s more sheltered. There are a few areas within walking distance of the car park that I like to use and I’ll often finish the session at the duck pond so children can enjoy that part of the reserve. This reserve is also great because of the open spaces and concreted pathways, it’s not overwhelming with green tones which can sometimes affect the colour of skin in photos if it’s a highly dense bush area. Best time of day for photos here can be morning or early/mid afternoon.

belmont recreation reserve - Lower Hutt River

Lower Hutt river has a few different areas that are suitable for photos but I love Belmont Recreation Reserve! It has good parking and multiple spots for photos including a garden lawn setting and then the river bank. There is also a playground area that kids can play on after the photo session. The best time of day for photos here can depend on the weather forecast and time of year but as a rule, anytime from about 2.5-2 hours before sunset is suitable before the light is lost in behind the hills.

Extended family photo sessions Wellington

Extended family sessions are the best way to get updated photos of the whole whānau and also your immediate family members. These sessions are 1 hour long and during this time we can do as many combinations as you’d like to do. This means you get your own set of family photos with your kiddies and partner, plus the extended group photos so it’s like having a few mini shoots all in one. You can also split the cost between a few of you which in return does save you some money, smart! These sessions with larger groups start at $990 plus travel (price set as of May 2023), which works out to be really affordable when there are a few people contributing to the session.

Have fun and embrace the process of having photos taken! Preparing for stress free photos with children.

My favourite jobs are always the ones when parents let their children have fun! Yes it’s important to get a staple photo of everyone smiling and looking at the camera but what a lot of people don’t realise is that sometimes the best photos are when you’re not looking at me and you’re in the moment. Having your family photos taken does not need to be stressful. Here’s one of the best family sessions I’ve done in 2022 and a few simple ways you can prepare to have the best experience on the day of your photo shoot.

FIRSTLY - IF IT TURNS TO SH**, IT’S OK

I’ve seen it all.. there’s not anything that will shock or bother me when photographing kids. Don’t feel like you need to apologise for a tantrum or something that your kid said. I’m there to work through all of that, I have thick skin and I have a few tricks up my sleeve. When you don’t realise it I’ll be capturing moments. Every time when the photo shoot feels like it’s gone terribly for parents they are always pleasantly surprised by the photos taken in between the chaos.

PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN

Start talking to your children about the photoshoot a few days prior to get them familiar with the idea. Talk about it with excitement but also make it sound normal and fun, you don’t want to overwhelm them with expectations of how you think it will go. Tell them what to expect from your photographer. You can tell your children that your photographer is a friend, so they don’t seem like a stranger.

EXPECTATIONS

If you go into your photoshoot feeling stressed and nervous about how your toddler or kids are going to behave, the chances are they are going to pick up on this tension. They might not want to sit still, look at the camera and smile. If you put pressure on them it might make it harder. My best piece of advice is to go with the flow and work with your photographer to capture natural moments together, these are often the best photos! You might need to make it fun and let your child play, be convincing that its fun!

LISTEN AND GO WITH THE FLOW

Towards the end of your session let your kids run in the sand and roll in the grass, create a fun memory with them. Children will go through different stages and phases. They may only want one parent to hold them and getting them on their own isn’t going to happen without tears. The best way to work with children is to not force them but to comfort them, they might be nervous! Work with what you can. Sometimes bribes can work, or perhaps they just need their favourite toy.

Would love to hear if this post resonated with you or eased some of your worries going into your photo session! Also let me know if you love this style of photographer over the more formal and posted look of family photos!

What to wear for your family photos in winter?

START WITH YOUR LOCATION

In winter the weather can work against us for these outdoor photo sessions. Sometimes it’s a matter of waiting for the right day for a particular location or picking a safer option that’s sheltered from extreme winds. If you’re at the top of a hilltop location you would want to consider wearing your hair tied back and avoid anything too floaty like a dress just in case it is too windy and cold. Parks are great with children because they feel calmer/more entertained and we can shoot during the day when the sun is out (rather than waiting for sunset when it gets too cold for little ones).

STAY WARM AND BE PREPARED

Don’t be afraid to layer up with thermals and multiple layers. Put on a wool jumper or puffer vest/jacket, especially on your children so they don’t get cold and grumpy. If jumpers are too casual for your style then wool coats are a good alternative. Pants are a great option, save the dresses and skirts for summer. If you can try to wear coloured pants rather than black (for example, blue, grey, navy etc), but if you only own black jeans then that’s ok too!

ADD IN TEXTURES AND A POP OF COLOUR

Add in some textures if you are going for a matched look, sometimes too much of the one colour starts to blend together too much, but you can break this up with either a different type of fabric or a small pattern. Avoid big and bold patterns (like logos or large text), simple patterns like in the images above are ok, the reason being you don’t want your clothing to distract your attention away from your expressions. Don’t be afraid to add in a pop of colour somewhere, could be on your child's jacket or jumper! No matter what style you pick, go for a look that suits your family. If your vibe is more relaxed and comfortable then keep it authentic.

WHAT COLOURS WILL BE IN THE BACKGROUND

Think about what will the colours be in the background, from here you can start to think about clothing and how these will blend or contrast with the background. The colours could be seasonal but most importantly, try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright vs. earthy). The grass and trees worked perfectly with the earthy tones this family above chose to wear.

MUM PICK YOUR OUTFIT FIRST

Mums you might find it easier to start with your outfit first! I know how hard it can be to find clothes or an outfit that you love. You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. You can then style your children’s and partner’s outfit around what you’re going to wear. You might think it sounds a bit selfish but you also deserve this moment to shine.

Wellington family photography at home!

Photos at home but lets make the most of your own back yard! These are the images that your little ones will look back on and think ‘remember our garden, the playhouse, that stream and the bridge’, this is a part of their childhood memories. You can capture great family photos in your own space, it doesn’t need to be at a location!
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Here are some of these moments I’m talking about! This is my third photo session with Ellie and her family. I’m so grateful to have captured their family over the past couple of years.

Best Photography Locations in Wellington for an outdoor family session

I’ll often get asked where the best spots in Wellington are for photos. We’re really lucky in Wellington as we can easily travel from the city to hills with a view or the coastline. I’ve put together a few of my favourite locations for photos. Keep in mind that the time of day that you go to these locations plays a huge factor in getting the best light. Read more to find a suitable location for your session!

WELLINGTON BEACH PHOTO LOCATIONS

Best time of day for photos: 1 hour before sunset

AT THE SEASIDE - PETONE BEACH

Petone Beach is an easy-access location with great views of Wellington City. In the summertime, this popular spot is covered in bunny tail grass and there are a few different backdrops within walking distance from the car park.

LONG GRASS - EASTBOURNE BEACH

Eastbourne has been a popular spot because of its long grass and beach setting. This is a beautiful spot at sunset. It can be a little windy though so bring a jacket and hair tie (like most areas in Wellington).

THE BEST AFTERNOON LIGHT - REDROCKS Owhiro Bay

A little off the track and it feels like you’re no longer in the city, the entrance to Redrocks a great location which is only a short drive away from central.

SUNSET AND VIEWS - WHITIREIA PARK

Whitireia park is one of those spots that make you feel extremely grateful for living in New Zealand. The view is incredible and it’s an easy spot to get to that gives you some height - great for sunset. It can get a little windy here because of how exposed it is so bring a jacket and a hair tie just incase!

BREAKER BAY - WAHINE MEMORIAL PARK

Looking out over the cook straight this South Wellington location is the perfect out-of-town beach spot. There is something a little wild and rugged that I love about this coastline! It’s great for children who want to run around and much safer than some of the higher lookouts with cliff edges. The car park is really close so there isn’t a hike to get to the best spots. Because of the location, it can be exposed to the weather, this is one of those locations that really need to be visited right before sunset and when it’s not too windy (bring a hair tie just in case).

INNER WELLINGTON CITY PHOTO LOCATIONS

Best time of day for photos: mid-morning or late afternoon if there is tree cover.

WELLINGTON STAPLE - PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Wanting a more urban city vibe? Wellington’s parliament buildings are a mix of historic and modern backdrops. This is a location that you require permission to use for professional photos but I can arrange this for you!

CITY LIFE - INNER CITY AND WELLINGTON WATERFRONT

Walking around Wellington there is almost a quirky backdrop in every direction! If you’re wanting some creative urban vibes in your photos let’s explore the city. A great place to start is near Cuba Street or near this shark wall before going across the road to the waterfront.

PARK OR GARDEN PHOTO LOCATIONS IN WELLINGTON

Best time of day for photos: we can get away with almost anytime if there is tree cover

BROOKLYN CENTRAL PARK

Central and shaded from bright sun, this location is perfect for mid day family sessions. Bright sunny days aren’t usually the best light for photos, the shade from the tree cover is a helpful way around this. The park is also dog friendly!

HISTORICAL AND STUNNING - TRUBY KING PARK

This historical site is the former home of Sir Truby King and Lady Isabella King, the founders of the Plunket Society. I love the old brick archways and paths. The garden sweeps around the building giving you a number of spots to pick from. In the late afternoon, you can hear the lions at the zoo roaring.

PERCY SCENIC RESERVE

A nature recreation area with walking tracks and a duck pond. This location is conveniently located Lower Hutt and is perfect for children to run around.

My favourite photo sessions with pet dogs!

We love our furry companions, so much that we treat them as if they are members of our families. Our two cats Maple and Fig will always be our ‘firstborn babies’ even after/if we have children.

When clients ask if they bring pets along to their sessions it’s a big YES from me. I’ll usually suggest bringing along an extra person to help lead your dog if you know they will get really excited during the photo shoot. Most of the locations I use are dog friendly or have a car park nearby so it makes it easier to bring them along even if it’s just for some of the photos. Here are some of my favourite shots from photoshoots (and weddings) with dogs! Take your pick and vote for the best-photographed doggo.

Tips for making your photoshoot with a toddler and newborn easier!

You’ve just welcomed your baby into the world and you’d love to document this special time with your growing family, but you’re not sure how to make this happen with a toddler or older children. The first few weeks are an adjusting period for everyone in your family, which is why I love and highly recommend doing your newborn photos at your home. Being at home takes the stress out of having to prepare a day bag of snacks, spare clothes, toys, nappies etc. Even the thought of trying to get everyone dressed and into the car on time is enough to put parents off leaving the house in those first few weeks.

LET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER HELP OUT

The best thing about coming into your home is we can stop and start photos again at any time. If you need to change and feed your newborn halfway through the session your photographer and partner can entertain your toddler with fun photo ideas in the meantime. Some helpful hints I use with children are “let’s read a book with Dad” or “can you show me your favourite toy”? This gets them excited and gives you a 5-minute breather from photos.

MAKE IT FUN AND LIGHTHEARTED

The last thing young children want to do is be told to sit still and smile at the camera. It’s a rare moment when this happens! You’ll see at the beginning of this blog post I got a great photo of their toddler looking at the camera and smiling. This was at the start of our photoshoot which is often when I can grab their attention straight away for that key shot, the rest of the session you’ve got to go with the flow while making it fun and interesting. To mix things up try taking photos in a different room, this is often a good way to reset your toddler’s attention span. Also, give them a break while you have some photos separately with your newborn.

What to wear for your family photo session

Booking a family photoshoot is an important milestone for your family and I understand why you want to plan your outfits in advance. I’ve put together some easy tips and ideas to help plan what your family is going to wear.

START WITH YOUR LOCATION and ask yourself these questions:

Will your photo session be indoors or outdoors?

What time of year are you having photos taken, do you need to dress warm and comfortably? I photograph all year round, which means some families will need to dress appropriately for the season.

Do you want your outfits to look natural and cohesive with the environment? For example, if we’re going to a beach, it makes more sense to wear shorts or a dress and flat shoes, rather than dressing in a formal suit or heels.

MUM PICK YOUR OUTFIT FIRST

Mums you might find it easier to start with your outfit first! I know how hard it can be to find clothes or an outfit that you love. Is this a reason to buy the dress you’ve been eyeing up? You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. You can then style your children’s and partner’s outfits around what you’re going to wear. You deserve this moment to shine!

WHAT COLOURS WILL BE IN THE BACKGROUND

Think about what the colours will be in the background, from here you can start to think about clothing and how these will blend or contrast. If your photos are in a garden setting with lots of green, you might want to avoid wearing all green but you could add in one element of the same colour. Try to pick colours from the same palette or similar in tones (bright and bold vs. earthy and neutral).

If your photos will be at home, grab inspiration from your decor and the colour of paint on the walls. You might like to grab some options from your wardrobes and lay them out on the furniture to see how they look in the environment.

ADD IN TEXTURES AND A POP OF COLOUR (AVOID TOO MUCH BLACK AND TEXT/LOGOS)

If you can, try to avoid black. While black can make us feel confident, it doesn’t always photograph the best if there’s too much of it. If your only option is to wear black pants, pair them with a coloured or textured shirt to break it up. This is important for maternity sessions, black (or even dark navy) coloured dresses can make it hard to see baby bumps.

Add in some textures if you are going for a matched look (everyone wearing the same colour). You can break this up with either a different type of fabric or a small pattern. Avoid big and bold patterns (like logos or large text). Small and delicate patterns are ok, the reason being you don’t want your clothing to distract your attention away from your expressions.

Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour somewhere if that is more your style! No matter what style you pick, go for a look that suits your family. If your vibe is more relaxed and comfortable, then keep it authentic.

IF IN DOUBT, WEAR WHITE

White, beige, creams, and any light-coloured dresses or shirts always photograph incredibly well during sunset. White can sometimes be misunderstood to look too bridal or too bold. Lighter colours are perfect for engagement sessions, maternity photos and family sessions (maybe not as suitable for younger children who might want to run around and play).

DRESS LIKE YOURSELF

Dress like yourself most importantly! If you don't like wearing dresses, then definitely don't wear something that doesn't feel like you. Pull out your best pair of trousers and a t-shirt if you need to.

There are no rules for what is and isn't acceptable. It may be a professional photo session but don't let that intimidate you or make you feel like you have to dress a certain way. You want to recognise yourself in the future.

If you're having a tricky task convincing your little ones to wear a particular item, give them a few options that suit and then let them decide, it will get them more involved with the process.

RECAP

• For a more natural look, think of your location and what clothing would make sense to wear there in the current season.

• Try to pick colours from a similar colour palette or similar in tones (bright and bold vs. earthy and neutral)

• Mums, pick your outfit first!

• If you can try to pick outfits that aren’t all black (especially avoiding black or dark-coloured dresses for maternity bump photos)

• Avoid big and bold patterns (like logos or large text)

• Add in some textures if you are going for matching coloured clothing

• Dress like yourself

• If in doubt, white will always be a colour that suits everyone and will be forever timeless

STILL NOT SURE? BRING OPTIONS!

Still not sure, bring plenty of options or send me some pics beforehand for some ideas! Sometimes picking an outfit can be a last-minute decision. It really can come down to the weather on the day. Don't overthink or overcomplicate it. Wear what feels good and is practical enough to help you feel comfortable during your photos.

Bring options for children, especially if you need to have snacks on hand in the car ride on your way, you may want to change into outfits when you arrive. But also, a little mess on clothing isn't ever really a big deal and usually won't show up in photos anyway.

Bring coats and jackets, plus a hair tie in case the weather turns it on for us. Wellington can be highly unpredictable, which always keeps me on my toes!

Winter Family Photo Session - Eastbourne Wellington

Eastbourne is a popular Wellington spot for its long grass, beach setting and harbour views. Here are some of my favourite photos taken at this location from a recent session with Hannah, Josh and Archer, who had the best smile! This session was to celebrate Archer’s 1st birthday.

Wellington Newborn and Family Photography at Home!

My at-home newborn sessions are perfect for parents who have recently welcomed their newborn into the world. The reason I offer this type of photography and not studio photography is that being at home feels truly authentic and natural, while also making it so much easier for parents to get professional photos!

You may still be figuring out your baby’s routine while possibly feeling like you haven’t quite had enough sleep. I’ll be able to take away the pressure of having to be somewhere and the logistics of planning an outing with a newborn. If you have a toddler or younger children, they may feel most comfortable and settled being at home for these photos. We can also include any pets, which is a nice bonus!

I also really love that these sessions are taken in a space that is personal to your family, so in years to come your little one can see the home they grew up in (I know I feel nostalgic looking at my old family photos). Your space doesn’t need to be stylised or overly tidy. I’ll use 1-3 spaces that have minimal clutter and can help clear away anything that isn’t suitable when I arrive. I can make any home work for photos if there is enough natural light.

I like to capture moments of your family interacting in your everyday life setting while keeping things relaxed and easy-going. When your little one needs a feed or if your toddler wants a snack we can pause photos and since you’re at home you’ll have everything you need right there. We can also use any props or special blankets in the photos so you’ll get a lot of variety (Grandparents and Aunties love seeing their knitted gifts being put to good use).

At this point in time, I don’t offer studio portraits for newborn photography but if you're wanting natural and less posed photos taken in your home, this kind of session might be what you're looking for! These sessions are available all year round, so you can pick any time to update your family photos (weekends are limited during summer so do get in touch to find out more about my availability).

Here are some reviews and testimonials from families I’ve photographed! You can also check out my Google reviews for more up-to-date feedback.

“Jaymee took some family photos of us with our 4 month old. We are so happy with how they turned out and will treasure them for many years to come. Thank you Jaymee for your prompt communication and turnaround, as well as your fun and easygoing nature during our shoot.”

“We are so happy with our photos and would 100% recommend Jaymee and go back to her again. The shoot was super relaxed and we were really impressed with Jaymee’s quick turnaround, great communication and professionalism.”

“Jaymee took some incredible photos for us. But not just that, she was friendly, calm and created a great atmosphere, which really helped make the session in our home with two young kids a success!”

Using two different locations for your family photo session!

Celebrating turning one year old with baby Teo and his proud parents Daisy and Diego. To remember this time in their lives they booked a family session with two locations, starting with their new home!

If you can’t choose between having photos at a location or in your own home, my 1-hour sessions often allow enough time for an indoor and outdoor setting within the same area. Look for a park or a reserve close by to your home, or even your own backyard might be suitable. Here are some of my favourite moments from the first half of our shoot together (before we braved the freezing cold winter weather at the park.

This was our second location, I often drive past this reserve which was only a 5 minute drive from their home so it worked out perfectly for a second location.

Wellington Family Photographer - Newborn Session at Home

Having your photo taken isn’t something we do every day which is why my family and newborn sessions are easy-going, less about industry trends and more about the experience I can provide.

REASONS TO HAVE YOUR NEWBORN SESSION AT HOME

You're probably still figuring out your baby’s routine so being at home will make it that little bit easier for you. All you need is one or two spots that are tidy enough with minimal decorations and distractions (you don’t need all rooms to be perfect or clean before I arrive).

The best thing about being at home is your little one will feel more settled, having a stranger pointing a camera at you is one thing, so it’s good to keep it as comfortable as possible. If you need to feed or change an outfit then we can also make that happen with no stress!

Wellington family photography and styling tips for your photo shoot

Woooowie, how beautiful is this family! I had so much fun with Sam, Stefan and their two boys. They also gave me the best testimonial which seriously made my week! I freaking love my job.

"Jaymee did an amazing job with our family photos, I am so glad to have found her. She felt like a part of our family and was a true hero in making the whole experience a calming and sentimental time for us. Jaymee was so good with our two boys, she is a natural with children!"

I wanted to use this session as an example of different ways you can style your outfits. Booking a family photoshoot can be an important milestone for your growing family. It’s an important event and I understand why you would want it to be perfect because it’s not often you get professional photos taken.

Planning what your family is going to wear is going to add an element of styling to your photos. To form a cohesive look start with your location. Where will you have your family photo shoot? What kind of vibe are you wanting - do you want the environment to be outdoors like this session here, or do you prefer an in-home session?

Next think about what will the colours be in the background, from here you can start to think about clothing and how these will blend or contrast with the background. The colours might be seasonal but most importantly, try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright vs. earthy).

Mums you might find it easier to start with your outfit and then style your children around what colour you’re wearing. I know how hard it can be to find clothes or an outfit that you love so do a little research and spend an afternoon trying on some options (might be a good excuse to buy a new dress). You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. No matter what style you pick, go for a look that suits your family. If your vibe is more relaxed and comfortable then keep it authentic.

Feeling nostalgic and the best types of family photos at home - Wellington family photographer

When I think about what best represents a family photograph it's more than just a posed image. It's your home that you've built, the space that you are most comfortable in, and your most favourite place. I look at photos of myself as a kid and the images that speak to me the most are the ones where I am sitting on the couch with Mum and Dad, or playing outside wearing gumboots and farm clothes. These photos give me a feeling of nostalgia.
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If you've been thinking about updating your family photos, an in-home lifestyle shoot might be perfect for you! One day your children will have the same feelings looking back on old photos. I offer these sessions all year round and I travel to you, so it's perfect if you have a newborn or younger childen.

This is my third time photographing Amanda and her family, it’s such a pleasure seeing clients again as their family grows.

Lifestyle Newborn Photos At Home

Having your photo taken isn’t something we do every day which is why my family and newborn sessions are easy-going, less about industry trends and more about the experience I can provide. Here are some cute moments with Ange, Rory and Marlow. The great thing about being at home for their photos was they were about to feed Marlow between shots and settle her throughout our whole session.

Bringing a baby into the world is the perfect reason to have your pictures taken. I’ve had lots of newborn sessions lately! They are one of my favourite kind of photo sessions.

Titahi Bay Family Photos!

Family is everything. I think a lot of us this year have reevaluated our priorities and been reminded of how important it is to stick together and make time for our family.

My cheeks hurt from smiling so much while editing my family session with @merlephotographs. These photos and the beautiful people in them bring me so much happiness! The doggos loved the beach and being involved too.