Wellington photographer

Couples engagement sessions in Wellington!

If you have recently celebrated your engagement, congratulations! This is an exciting time for you and your partner! Having an engagement shoot is a special way to introduce yourself to the photography side of things and celebrate this time together before you are married. Here are some reasons why I love these photo sessions with couples!

meet your photographer & get some amazing photos with your partner!

It’s a great opportunity to meet with photographers before making a final decision about who you are going to pick. Every photographer will have a different style and approach to how they direct couples. It’s important you find a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and fits with your aesthetic. It’s also the perfect time to get some photos with your pets because how often do we get the chance to have professional photos taken with them (I’ve done photo shoots with both cats and dogs before!)

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Learn how easy photos can feel

I get it, I get super weird when a camera is pointing at me. Your photographer should be able to help you relax and overcome that awkward feeling. This is a great practice run for your wedding day. You might even have fun and when you look at the photos you will realise it wasn’t that bad.

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WEDDING INVITATIONS

Use your new photos to announce your news online or to design your wedding save the dates or invitations, it will get people really excited!

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MEMORIES

Let your engagement shoot be one of the milestones leading up to your wedding day. This is a chance to hang out with the person you love and celebrate new beginnings!

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Ohariu Farm Wellington Wedding - Abbey and Anthony

When your clients are from Taranaki (where I grew up) and you instantly click 😍 I’m so grateful that Abbey and Anthony asked me to capture their engagement photos and wedding day! The girls had a great Airbnb near Ohariu Farm, so if anyone needs a recommendation for accommodation please check out Ohariu Alpaca Farm Stay. If you have pets and you’d like some creative ideas for including them on your wedding day, scroll down to see how Abbey and Anthony incorporated their doggos into their wedding reception.

There is an incredible list of vendors from their wedding!
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@jaymiejarvis.makeupartist
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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).

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photo locations in Wellington

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.

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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.

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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.

Wellington family photography at Petone Beach
Family photos at Petone beach Wellington

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!

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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.

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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!

Public Trust Hall Wedding - Inner City Wedding Wellington

Wellington’s Public Trust Hall was refurbished in 2019 and this is my first wedding at the new wedding venue! Rachel and Tim had their ceremony and reception here all in the same room, it’s the perfect space for an all-in-one wedding venue (ideal if you want an indoor ceremony).

We actually had rain all morning and thought there was zero chance of doing any waterfront photos as we planned, but thankfully during their ceremony it started to clear up! We took a few family photos before heading outside with their bridal party. We ended up having a very special guest called Oscar (their pet dog) meet us on the waterfront for photos!

Rachel and Tim picked my middle package which is currently 6 hours total and they managed to fit their first dance into this amount of time. If you’re clever about how you do your timeline there is a lot you can fit into 6 hours!

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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.

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.

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Newborn photography Wellington
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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!

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Natural newborn photos
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Old Saint Paul's Ceremony and Foxglove Reception - Mia and Phuong

Mia and Phuong originally had me booked for their wedding in 2020 but going into lockdown, unfortunately, meant rescheduling. I’m so grateful to have been a part of their planning and seeing it all come to life after the anticipation of waiting patiently for their new date. It really was an incredible day and the best way to end my busy season.

They had their ceremony at Old Saint Paul’s Wellington followed by bridal photos at Moa Point on the windy coastline. We then made our way to their second location for bridal photos along the waterfront which was the perfect way to go into their reception at Foxglove.
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Thanks so much Mia and Phuong! Here are a couple of my favourite moments from the day.

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Old Saint Paul’s wedding ceremony Wellington
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Old Saint Paul’s Wellington
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Old Saint Paul’s Wedding Wellington
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Moa Point wedding photos Wellington
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Wellington waterfront Wedding Photos
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Wellington waterfront wedding photography
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Wellington wedding photography
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Foxglove wedding reception
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Foxglove wedding Wellington
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First dance at Foxglove Wellington
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Cutting of the cake photos
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Wellington wedding anniversary photo shoot

Suné and Mark celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary with a portrait session! I'm so grateful to have documented this special time for them. We met at Truby King Park in Melrose for a 45 minute portrait session as the sun was setting. This is such a beautiful location for photos and sometimes you can hear the lions at the zoo roaring, just an added bonus.

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Wellington photography
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Wellington photography

Relaxed Maternity Photos at Petone Beach Wellington

If you’re expecting a baby there are a few reasons why you should consider having a maternity shoot! A maternity session allows you to book in a time that is dedicated to you and your partner celebrating your little bundle of joy. It’s actually a great chance to just hang out at an epic location and enjoy some quiet moments together.

Petone Beach maternity session Wellington
Wellington maternity photography
Maternity photos Wellington

To the Mums, this is your moment to shine and appreciate how amazing and beautiful your body is. Around 30-34 weeks is usually a good time to have photos taken as this is when your bump is showing but it’s not too uncomfortable for you to be walking around.

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Petone beach photography Wellington
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I loved this relaxed maternity session with Holly and Sam at Petone Beach. We took their photos right before and during sunset, the light was so beautiful and they looked incredible together! My maternity shoots are 30 minutes long, which is actually plenty of time for a photo shoot with two people (perfect if your partner isn’t too keen on having photos taken). You’ll receive a bunch of beautiful photos like in this blog post, delivered to you in an online gallery ready for you to use as you please.

Wellington maternity photos
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Maternity photos Wellington, NZ

I offer these sessions all year round during weekends and weekdays. Get in touch for pricing!

Styling your maternity session - Island Bay beach

Pregnancy is one of the biggest life-changing experiences you will go through. It’s incredible that our bodies can grow and nurture a new life. I loved this relaxed mini maternity session on Island Bay beach with Meron and Jordan. This was a quick and easy-going 30-minute shoot, which is often plenty of time for maternity photos. I’ve put together some tips for couples who are thinking about booking a maternity session and how you can style it in a way that is made easy.

Wellington maternity photographer - styling tips for your maternity shoot
Wellington natural photographer
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FIND A SPECIAL LOCATION AND CHOOSE APPROPRIATE COLOURS

Let’s make the most of your shoot by choosing a location that’s going to inspire you (and your photographer) and make you feel good. Turn the session into a memory, somewhere you think you will enjoy the scenery. Light is everything, so talk to your photographer about the best time of day at a particular location.

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).

styling tips for your maternity shoot
Maternity shoot Wellington
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HAVE OUTFIT OPTIONS

We managed to do one outfit change in 30 minutes. While you and your partner don’t want to look too matchy-matchy, pick outfits that will complement each other. Neutral colour pallets tend to work best, or fabrics with some texture but not overly patterned. Flowy dresses look stunning but keep in mind the length if it’s going to be windy at your location. Don’t be afraid to soft and light colours, this looks great during sunset.

Maternity photos Wellington, NZ

What to expect from your family and newborn photography at home

My newborn and family photo shoots capture a mix of unfiltered real moments done in a stylised way. These sessions are a personal favourite of mine, especially if you have younger children as they feel more relaxed and the images look more authentic being in your own space. It also means I travel to you rather than traveling to a location or studio.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR SPACE FOR FAMILY PHOTOS

A home is made to be lived in and no one is expecting every room in your house to be clean or tidy, especially if you have younger kiddies! There is absolutely no pressure to prepare your entire house for photos but having one or two spaces ready to use is key. Often your bedroom, living area, or children’s bedroom/nursery is a great space to use for this style of session. You may want to put away some toys or hide clutter but you definitely won’t need to clear everything out of the space, you still want it to look like your home and not something out of a flashy magazine.

Newborn photography Wellington, NZ
Wellington family photographer
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WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS

You’re at home so you want to be comfortable but pick outfits that make you feel good. My style isn’t over-the-top swaddled baby poses but if you want to you can wrap your baby in a special blanket and have a one-piece underneath so we can do a mix of outfits for baby, some with hands and feet out because there is something about seeing a baby’s little toes and fingers!

Coordinate your outfits with each other and with your space, think of using similar tones and complementary colours. I personally love earthy and light tones, whites and creams are particularly great for a newborn session. Avoid busy patterns and text on shirts.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF YOUR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

It’s ok if your newborn isn’t settled when I arrive. These sessions are usually 1 hour long which is always plenty of time to feed, nappy change etc in between shots. While parents finish getting ready I normally ease into the session by sitting down and building trust with toddlers/younger children, rather than jumping straight into taking photos which can be a little intimidating. I might ask your children to show me around the house or show me something that interests them which helps everyone relax while I scope out the best spots and the best lighting. You can also prepare other children by telling them you have a friend coming to take photos.

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EXPECTATIONS

If you go into your photoshoot feeling stressed and nervous about how your toddler or baby is going to do, the chances are they are going to pick up on this tension. Your toddler might not want to sit still, look at the camera and smile for every photo, which is completely normal. While your newborn may need some settling, take your time and do what you need to do in order to help soothe your little one. I’m not in a rush during these sessions and 1 hour is usually plenty of time to get the photos we need.

My best piece of advice is to go with the flow so we can capture natural moments together, these are often the best photos. You might need to make it fun and let your child play! I’ll also provide some guidance and suggestions for getting moments of everyone looking happy and interacting.

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Family photography Wellington
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Styling your maternity session - Paraparaumu Beach, Wellington

Pregnancy is one of the biggest life-changing experiences you will go through. It’s incredible that our bodies can grow and nurture a new life. I loved this relaxed maternity session on Paraparaumu beach with Steph, Anthony and their two dogs. The Kapiti coast always feels special to me, I lived there for three years while I studied at The Photo School.

Couples are deciding to have maternity photos before their baby is born for lots of reasons, one being pregnancy comes with its own challenges and excitement, this is a chance to embrace all of those emotions and document this time with your partner. I’ve put together some tips for couples who are thinking about booking a maternity session and how you can style it in a way that is made easy.

Wellington maternity and newborn photographer

FIND A SPECIAL LOCATION

Let’s make the most of our shoot by choosing a location that’s going to inspire you (and your photographer) and make you feel good. Turn the session into a memory, somewhere you think you will enjoy the scenery. Light is everything, so talk to your photographer about the best time of day at a particular location. Steph and Anthony’s pet dogs loved the beach because it meant they could run around while we took photos.

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Maternity photography shoot Wellington
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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).

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Paraparaumu beach maternity shoot
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HAVE OUTFIT OPTIONS

While you and your partner don’t want to look too matchy-matchy, pick outfits that will complement each other. Neutral colour pallets tend to work best, or fabrics with some texture but not overly patterned. Flowy dresses look stunning but keep in mind the length if it’s going to be windy at your location. Don’t be afraid to wear white, this looks great during sunset. If you’re not sure, bring along some options and we can pick together. If you’ve booked a 1 hour session there may be time for an outfit change.

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Wellington maternity shoot at the beach

Tips for styling your engagement session - Whitireia Park Wellington

Jessica and Nathan spent a week in NZ and to celebrate the end of their trip before heading back to the US we met at Whitireia Park in Porirua for an epic sunset and engagement photos. When this location was first mentioned in our emails leading up to the shoot it made me so excited. Being an engagement session I knew how important this experience was for Jessica and Nathan which made me so grateful to be taking these photos for them while they were in NZ.

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Couples photographer New Zealand
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Couples are deciding to have an engagement shoot before their wedding day for lots of reasons, one being it’s great practice getting used to having a photographer take your photos and then you have some really great photos that can be used to announce your engagement. I’ve put together some tips for couples who are thinking about booking an engagement session and how you can style it in a way that is made easy.

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FIND A SPECIAL LOCATION

Let’s make the most of it by choosing a location that’s going to inspire you (and your photographer) and make you feel good. Turn the session into a memory, somewhere you think you will enjoy the scenery. Light is everything, so talk to your photographer about the best time of day at a particular location.

Whitireia park Porirua, Wellington
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Whitireia park Titahi Bay, Wellington

HAVE OUTFIT OPTIONS

My engagement sessions tend to be 1 hour long, which is plenty of time for an outfit change. While you and your partner don’t want to look too matchy-matchy, pick outfits that will complement each other. Neutral colour pallets tend to work best, or fabrics with some texture but not overly patterned. Flowy dresses look stunning but keep in mind the length if it’s going to be windy at your location. Don’t be afraid to wear white, this looks great during sunset.

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Sunset at Titahi Bay Whitireia Park

Maureen's 80th Birthday Dinner at Ruth Pretty Catering

Have you been to Ruth Pretty’s Springfield House in Te Horo? Maureen had her 80th birthday there last and I was asked to document the occasion. Here are a few of my favourite moments from the evening.

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80th birthday dinner party at Ruth Pretty’s Springfield House in Te Horo

It was my first time visiting this venue and I loved it! The beautifully restored 1910 homestead is perfect for a small event and dinner party, as well as the gardens which made a great backdrop for family photos.

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Outdoor lifestyle maternity shoot - Wellington Eastbourne, New Zealand

Pregnancy is a special time for expecting mothers and their family. If you already have children, this is the perfect time to have a maternity shoot combined with family photos. These photos will be a momento of the ‘time before baby arrived’ and as your children grow you can look back at this time of your life together.

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If you have a toddler and you’re worried about how they will find the photoshoot, look for a photographer who has experience working with children. You may only have a short period of time to get key photos and your photographer may need some tricks to get children on their side. A lifestyle session is perfect for capturing real moments and interactions between family, this works well if children aren’t interested in posing or are too young for directions.

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mother and daughter photo shoot
beautiful lifestyle maternity session at Eastbourne beach New Zealand

Finding a photographer who has a style that speaks to you is important! When Claudia and Steph contacted me about their vision for this shoot they were looking for a lifestyle session near the beach where they live. Claudia put together a Pinterest board of inspiration. I knew straight away that we were a great match and I could bring their vision to life.

I recommend following a few different photographers on social media and over time you will start to see who connects with you best!

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daughter kissing mothers belly during maternity session
toddler maternity shoot
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Claudia is extremely photogenic! I think I said ‘gorgeous’ about 100 times during our session. I love the way their outfits were styled and the use of adding in a denim jacket for Coco because it was extremely windy/cold and the shawl around Claudia’s shoulders.

beautiful maternity session Wellington NZ
maternity photographer Wellington
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Being on location can be really hit and miss if the weather isn’t great. It took 5 days of scheduling and rescheduling to get the weather right for us. We originally planned for a nice, sunny evening with a sunset, but decided to go with an overcast evening last minute which actually worked out really well. The cloudy sky adds a dramatic quality. Finding a photographer who can be flexible around weather definitely helps for an outdoor maternity session.

mother and daughter maternity session
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father and daughter photo session
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Stress Free Family Photos

Family photoshoots always bring me so much joy. They remind me why my job as a photographer is so important. I always feel so accomplished when parents come back to me with feedback saying they love the photos and appreciated how easy going the photoshoot was.

Some parents feel anxiety leading up to their family session as they want the day to go smoothly and hope their children will behave for photos. If you’ve got children there is some planning that can help ease this feeling. Going into your session with an open and positive mindset is the first place to start! I’m definitely one to go with the flow and get children on my side before I take photos of them. Heres how you can have a stress free photoshoot.

Wellington family photographer capturing natural moments
Wellington family photo shoot

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.

fun family photos
in-home family photos
lifestyle family photo shoot

DAY OF THE SESSION

On the day of your shoot, make sure everyone is fed and not coming into the session hungry. Wait until everyone has eaten before changing into your outfits for the shoot. You may want to wait until you arrive at your location before changing younger children or toddlers into their outfits.

Wellington family photographer NZ
lifestyle family photos Wellington

EXPECTATIONS

If you go into your photoshoot feeling stressed and nervous about how your toddler is 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!

stress free family photos
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LISTEN AND GO WITH THE FLOW

Toddlers 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 toddlers 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.

LIFESTYLE FAMILY PHOTO SESSIONS

My family photo sessions are fun, relaxed and easy going. I’ve photographed families with children of different ages and every session will be slightly different. I use all of the tips mentioned above in order to capture the best moments of your family.

Dockside Wellington wedding venue - Kath and Anthony

Wellington city has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a wedding venue to host both your ceremony and reception. Dockside is a venue and restaurant located on the edge of the Wellington waterfront. The Main Deck downstairs features an opening roof, so it’s perfect for any weather and large enough to host your ceremony and reception.

Kath and Anthony asked for mostly candid photos throughout their wedding as it was important that they could enjoy these moments with their guests and not feel too distracted by the photos. I was able to focus all of my attention to capturing moments of Kath and Anthony with their families and friends.

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Dockside wedding venue Wellington
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candid wedding photography
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wedding ceremony celebration
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Wellington wedding
Wellington wedding ceremony venue
Dockside Wellington wedding venue
Wellington wedding photographer NZ
Dockside wedding venue Wellington New Zealand
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Wellington wedding photography
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Wellington waterfront wedding photos
Wellington photographer

After the ceremony I joined guests and the wedding party upstairs for speeches, while the team at Dockside set up downstairs for the reception dinner.

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wedding speeches
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Kath and Anthony picked Dockside as they loved the atmosphere and their food/wine menu. Their theme was minimalist and classic, mostly white with touches of greenery.

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Dockside Wellington

We were not after traditional wedding photos and didn’t want to be away from our guests for long to take family pics. Jaymee totally listened to what we wanted and we hardly noticed her roaming around taking photos throughout the night. She was also warm and engaging, we had lots of comments from our guests about how great she was. So happy with our photos! Would recommend Jaymee for your wedding photos, especially if you’re not normally keen on having your photos taken. She captures moments naturally when you’re not expecting it.
- Kath & Anthony

If you’re not after full day coverage with all of the bells and whistles, we should talk! Each wedding is unique which is why I offer bespoke photography packages, this makes it easier for couples to find what they are looking for.

Wellington Headshot Photographer - Unposed and Candid Headshots

When was the last time you updated your professional headshots? You are probably thinking of the kind of photos taken in a white studio, am I right? Clients are starting to move away from the classic look of a studio headshot. Depending on your needs, you could consider an on location lifestyle shoot. This is a better opportunity to showcase your personality and fun side.

Wellington headshots
Wellington portrait photographer

When Nick contacted me about updating his headshots he wanted a mix of candid moments and locations. We picked a number of urban/city locations like a coffee shop and bar.

photographer Wellington NZ
portrait photographer Wellington

When picking a location, ask yourself what the message is that you would like to convey in your headshots. If the photos will be used for a CV, a bar may not be the best location but a coffee shop could be a winner. The reason being, the activity of drinking a coffee is relatable to most people and a coffee shop usually has a friendly atmosphere. To add some variety, we also picked an outdoorsy location. Moa Point is a great representation of Wellington’s rocky coastline.

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Moa point Wellington

Have you been to ParrotDog in Lyall Bay? This is such a cool space! I’m a fan of the vintage 70s look wallpaper and industrial lights. These shots were so much fun. Nick was even able to enjoy a beer while shooting, now thats my kind of shoot…

headshot photos Wellington
Candid headshots
ParrotDog Lyall Bay
Wellington headshot photographer