What is a lifestyle photography and why is it a good idea to do newborn photos at home?

Have you noticed that I rave about doing your family and newborn photos at home! This style is called lifestyle photography. It’s an easy-going and more candid approach, different from traditional newborn photos taken in a photographic studio. These sessions capture a mix of unfiltered real moments while positioned and captured in a stylised way.

Why have photos taken at home

The images feel more relaxed and they look authentic being in the comfort of your own space. You’ll be able to look back at your photos in the years to come and your children will be able to see the home they grew up in. As a huge bonus to new parents, it also means I travel to you rather than traveling to a location or studio.

Preparing your home for photos

The goal is to capture authentic moments of your family in an everyday life setting. 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 helpful, even if that means moving any clutter to the other side of the room. You get to pick your favourite spots in your home, it could be the nursery chair, so you get to keep some of those memories from when baby was little.

Unposed and natural photography

You’ll be wrapped up in looking at baby and each other, you’ll feel more comfortable with me being there. I don’t have any big lights or equipment so it feels like less pressure to pose for the camera. This style of photography is more about interacting with each other than smiling at the camera for every photo.

What to wear for newborn photos

You’re at home so you want to be comfortable and pick outfits that make you feel good. You can wrap your baby in a swaddle or have in them a one-piece so their feet and hands are free, or do both. My style isn’t to pose newborns in any unnatural sleeping positions.

The day of your newborn shoot

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. The best thing about these sessions is we can book them all year round with no restraints on outdoor weather forecasts!

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.

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.

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.

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…

Family Photos at Home - Wellington NZ

If you’re thinking about updating your family photos, have you considered using your home as the location? I always feel extremely grateful that I get to meet so many families and take their pictures. Being invited into their personal space brings another element into the session. If you have children who are a little camera shy and reluctant, being in their own environment could be an opportunity for them to feel confident and enjoy having their photo taken.

When Candice invited me into their home, everywhere I looked was something out of a magazine. I love the way they have styled the rooms! Absolute goals. Willis thought it was great because he could show me all of his toys and jump on the bed with Mum.

If you have a park or a playground near your home, this is another great location for photos with children. We all jumped in the car and headed to the park where we could run around with their dog.

Amanda's 30th Birthday at Sudbury

I love birthdays! It’s the perfect occasion to get together and celebrate. You can also use it as an excuse to have a ‘birthday month’, if you’re like me.

Friends and family came together to celebrate Amanda’s 30th birthday at Sudbury. I was asked to come along and take some photos. Take a look!

If you’re having a birthday and want to remember the day with awesome photos, get in touch for more info!

Wedding Planning - Top Tips For Brides!

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming at times which is why I like to keep the photography side of things easy! I’ve put together some of my best tips and advice to help with your planning.

YOUR WEDDING TIMELINE

It's best to chat with your vendors about a timeline for your wedding so we can help the day run smoothly. Here are some tips to keep in mind for your photos.

PREPARATION PHOTOS

Get your girls together and open the bubbles! Chat to your hair and makeup stylist about the best time to start your preparations in the morning and take into consideration what time your photographer will be arriving.

If you want photos of the guys suiting up, hold off putting your suits on until your photographer arrives. Sometimes an activity like throwing a ball around or a game of cards can look great in these photos, but if you just want to share a glass of whiskey with the lads that's cool with us too. 

CONGRATULATIONS

Allow some time (maybe 20 minutes) after your ceremony for guests to come up and congratulate you, before jumping into family photos.  This is a special part of the day and your guests will want to hug and congratulate you!

LARGE GROUP PHOTO

Some couples choose to not do a large group photo of everybody. If you decide you would like one, it can be a good idea to do this shortly after the ceremony before guests separate around the venue too much.

FAMILY PHOTOS

The formal family photos can take longer than expected and sometimes it can take 5 minutes per group. It can suit grandparents more to do these groups first so they can then relax.

BRIDAL SHOOT

It's becoming popular to have a 'first look' and your bridal shoot before your ceremony. This is definitely something to consider, I'm all for it. It's less traditional which might work for you, it also calms your nerves sooner!

Talk to your photographer about your own ideas for the bridal shoot. I recommend allowing 1-hour minimum for this part of the day, depending on the size of your bridal party Take into consideration adding on travel time if you are traveling to a different location.

YOUR BRIDAL SHOOT

The bridal shoot is one of my favourite parts of the day! I like to start off with the whole bridal party and then the three of us separate from the group for couple photos, this is a chance for you two to have a breather and say 'Yay we are married!'

KEY TIPS

- What time do you want to have your photos, is this going to provide you with the best light?
- Travel distance from your venue, is this going to give you less time for photos?
- Location, do you want beachy, urban, nature, landscapes? 
- Weather, is the location exposed to wind and is there any shade (bright sunny days require some shade)? 

If you're not too sure about the best time of day for photos or want some recommendations for a location, let me know! Sunset is always my favourite time to photograph, this might not work with your schedule but we can always sneak out during your reception for these shots. 

I love natural shots and I try to keep my directions to a minimum.  While you laugh and be in each others company I will be working my magic.

I’d love to hear from you. Involve your photographer and other vendors as much as possible. After all, we are here to help and make your wedding day awesome!

Vineyard Wedding at Poppies Martinborough - Sofia and Andrew

Sofia and Andrew tied the knot at Poppies Vineyard in Martinborough. They decided to do a first look and have their bridal party photos before the ceremony, I love this idea. Having photos beforehand can ease the nerves and allow you to relax more after the ceremony, plus having a 'first look' is always special. 

We decided to have some of their bridal photos at their new olive grove in Martinborough. What is it about olive trees that makes everything so dreamy? We then made our way to Poppies which is where their ceremony and reception was held.

Twig and Arrow did an amazing job as always of the flowers and venue styling. The cake, made by Cake Friday NZ, was stunning too. I had a lot of fun with the detail shots and there was an epic bouquet toss and the end of the night, take a look! For a full list of vendors, see below.  

Florist/Styling: Twig and Arrow
Makeup: Eileen Donovan Photography & Makeup Artistry
Dress: Karen Willis Holmes
Cake: Cake Friday NZ
Hair: DollHouse Do
Venue: Poppies Martinborough
Second Shooter: Samantha Hamilton

Fun Family Photo Session - Wellington

Time to have some fun, let the kiddies run around and play. My family photo sessions are relaxed and easy going. This session with baby Bodhi, young Sofia, Summer and Joel was a treat! Bodhi has eyes that make your heart melt. Sofia loved showing me all of the flowers, this is why I love these family photo sessions. 

This month I’m running a special on mini portrait sessions. Due to interest, I'm extending the special to run through September as well. Get in touch before they get booked up! 

Highlights from Second Shooting with Jenny Siaosi

I sometimes team up with Jenny from Siaosi Photography. I love being a second shooter,  it's a chance to shoot from a different perspective (which can be challenging at times) and get creative without so much time pressure. Plus I get to meet even more amazing couples! 

I usually bring a second shooter along to my own weddings at no extra charge. You receive a lot more coverage and it's great just having that extra hand to help the day go smoothly. 

Here are some of my favourite moments from the previous season with Jenny. 

Petone Beach Family Portrait Session

Soon after Jane and Jake's wedding we got together again for a family portrait session at Petone Beach! These family photo sessions are fun, relaxed and easy! It's the perfect opportunity to do something fun with your loved ones, while I stand back and capture those moments for you. 

Wellington city photo shoot with Larissa Deana Carlson

Earlier this year blogger Larissa Deana Carlson and her husband Issac asked me to photograph their 3 year wedding anniversary. We decided the waterfront would be the perfect location to mark this celebration as Wellington City has been a symbolic part of their relationship.

The waterfront area in Wellington has so many areas on offer for photos and it’s great in the late afternoon when the light starts to peak over and in behind the buildings. These particular examples were all in one area within walking distance of The Boat Shed. I love the shark wall, I’ve used it a handful of times for photos and every time my clients comment on how it makes a cool backdrop and it’s something different to the other areas.

Rosewood Estate D.I.Y. Wedding - Jane and Jake

Jane and Jake married at Wellington's newest wedding venue Rosewood Estate. I loved the D.I.Y. wedding decor, including their teepee entrance into the reception marquee which later on turned into a photo booth. Check out a few of my favourite moments! 

Power Living Yoga Shoot

Something a little different for me! I was asked by the team at Power Living to take photos for their yoga studio.

Red Rocks Sunset Portrait Session - DollHouse 'Do

I recently teamed up with my friend from DollHouse 'Do, one of Wellingtons talented bridal hair stylists! I love coming up with creative ideas with this pretty lady, she even made the flower crown herself and did an amazing job. This shoot was filled with so many laughs and a amazing sunset. 

The Leo Style - 3 Year Blogiversary

I recently photographed the wonderful Larissa to mark the celebration of 3 years since launching her blog The Leo Style! Leo is a lifestyle blogger and YouTuber who shares tips for women and mums with busy lifestyles. 

We walked around Aston Norwood Gardens carrying a pink balloon in the shape of a number 3, the cutest birthday cake made by Sweet Bakery & Cakery and we even had a glass of bubbles to celebrate! 

Engagement Shoot at the Botanical Gardens - Anita and Leon

Congrats to Anita and Leon who won my engagement shoot giveaway a couple of weeks back! I love meeting couples and hearing about their wedding plans. It's an exciting time and there's no better way to kick of the celebrations with some new photos together.

We met at the Wellington Botanical Gardens and explored a different area to where I usually meet couples at this location. I loved the cactus and succulent garden!

Portrait Session at Aston Norwood Gardens - Natasha (DollHouse Do)

Wooowie. I am surrounded by beautiful people! The gorgeous lady in the pink coat here is my friend Natasha from Dollhouse 'Do. She is a talented wedding hair stylist in Wellington. Brides check her out!

Wellington Waterfront Engagement Shoot - Jane and Jake

I can't wait to start the wedding season with Jane and Jake's upcoming wedding! I love meeting up with couples for engagement shoots, it's a chance to relax and enjoy this special time leading up to the big day.

Bohemian Style Wedding at The Milk Station - Georgie and Andrew

I'm so excited to share images from Georgie and Andrew's wedding with you all! I shot these alongside Jenny Siaosi at The Milk Station in Otaki. The day was so perfect and these two were just the sweetest to photograph! 

Foxglove Venue Wellington - Winter Bridal Shoot

I teamed up with some incredible Wellington wedding vendors to create a winter themed styled shoot. This was something we shot during the winter season as it was the perfect time to team up and do something creative and fun. We wanted to create an atmosphere of love and warmth, to show couples that winter weddings can be really beautiful too.     

Our theme was 'Enchanted Romance'. The 'Enchanted' theme was carried throughout our locations and venue, using continuous rich colours and earthy textures.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day. You are all so wonderful and generous! A special thank you to Melissa for all of your ideas and support during the planning process.

Photographer: Jaymee Photography
Photographic Assistant: Samantha Hamilton Photography
Model/Talent: Voda Model Management (Olga and Kyle)
Florist and venue styling: Melissa Jane Flower Studio
MUA/Hair: Rebecca Connor Makeup and Spraytan Artist
Dress: Sally Eagle Bridal (Marie dress)
Suit: Frank Casey, Wellington
Cake: Sweet Bakery & Cakery
Venue: Foxglove
Stationary: The Wild Ones
White Chairs: Enchante Wedding Design Ltd

I'm really excited to finally show you these images! I hope you enjoy!