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.

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.