These sessions are all about connection - no stiff posing, just natural moments captured in a relaxed and enjoyable way
Featured Moments
WHAT TO EXPECT
MY APPROACH
I believe the most meaningful family photographs aren't created by asking children to sit still and smile at the camera. They're found in the laughter, cuddles, curiosity, and beautifully imperfect moments that make your family uniquely yours.
My approach is relaxed, child-led, and focused on genuine connection. Rather than stiff poses, I'll guide you with simple prompts and activities that encourage natural interaction, giving your children the freedom to play, explore, and be themselves.
Your children don't need to cooperate perfectly, and you don't need to know how to pose. Some of the most treasured photographs come from the unexpected moments — the giggles, movement, little personalities, and natural connections that happen along the way.
Every family is different, so no two sessions are the same. My goal is for your session to feel less like a photoshoot and more like time spent together, creating photographs that capture not just what your family looked like, but what it felt like to be together.
Family Photography Investment
Family photographs become more valuable with every passing year. My sessions are designed to capture not only how your family looks right now, but the connection, personality, and moments you'll want to remember long after this season has passed.
To give you complete flexibility, session fees and image collections are purchased separately. This allows you to choose the session length that best suits your family and only purchase the images you truly love.
Session Fee
(Images purchased separately)
30 Minutes
$100
Perfect for smaller families, milestone sessions, or those wanting a shorter experience.
Most Popular
1 Hour
$150
My most popular option, allowing plenty of time for children to settle in and for genuine moments to unfold naturally.
1.5 Hours
$250
Ideal for larger families, multiple generations, or those wanting a more relaxed pace and greater variety in their gallery.
Your Session Includes
A fun outdoor Session
Pre-session planning and support
A family session guide to help you feel prepared
Location recommendations tailored to your family
Access to my family session guide
A relaxed, child-led photography experience
Private gallery of 100+ beautifully edited photos to view and choose your favourites from
After viewing your gallery, you'll have the option to purchase additional favourites or upgrade to a collection.
Additional images - $20 each
Image collections are available for the best value
5 images - $80
10 images - $150
20 images - $250
Full gallery upgrade available (Most popular)
30 Minute Session - $300
1 Hour & 1.5 Hour Sessions - $450
Most families choose the full gallery upgrade once they see all their favourites
What Families are saying
Kind words from families I've had the joy of photographing
Lucy
We had a family shoot at the beach with our 11month old, Nakita was amazing! So friendly and prepared and helped guide us through the session. Turn around time to getting our gallery was super fast, we got them the next day and they were beautiful photos! 10/10 would recommend and will be coming back again! AMAZING!
Ready to Book?
The days may feel long at times, but the years pass quickly. The way your child reaches for your hand, the gap-toothed smiles, the endless curiosity, and the little routines that make up everyday life won't stay the same forever.
Family photography is about preserving this season exactly as it is — not perfectly posed, but beautifully real.
If you're ready to create meaningful photographs that capture your family's connection and personality, I'd love to hear from you.
Whether you already have a date in mind or simply have a few questions, get in touch and let's start planning a session that's uniquely yours.
Or if you need help planning your session?
Get in touch
Dunedin, New Zealand
Best Family Photo Locations in Dunedin
One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Where should we have our family photos taken?" The good news is that Dunedin is full of beautiful locations, each offering something a little different depending on your family's style and the kind of images you love.
When helping families choose a location, I consider more than just the scenery. Things like the age of your children, accessibility, weather conditions, and the overall feel you want from your photographs all play an important role.
Ocean View Beach
Ocean View Beach is one of my favourite locations for family photography. The wide open beach, rolling dunes, and soft evening light create a beautiful backdrop while giving children plenty of space to run, explore, and play.
This location is perfect for families wanting natural, relaxed photographs with a timeless coastal feel.
Tomahawk Beach
Tomahawk offers a wonderful combination of beach, dunes, and grassy areas, making it one of the most versatile family photography locations in Dunedin.
It's particularly beautiful at sunset, with plenty of space for children to move freely and families to enjoy the experience together.
Doctors Point
For families looking for something a little different, Doctors Point provides a stunning mix of coastal scenery, rock formations, and sheltered areas. The unique landscape creates beautiful variety within a single session and works especially well for adventurous families who love the outdoors.
Lovers Leap
Lovers Leap offers breathtaking coastal views and dramatic Otago Peninsula scenery. It's ideal for families wanting something a little more rugged and scenic, with sweeping ocean backdrops and a sense of adventure woven into every image.
Tunnel Beach
One of Dunedin's most iconic locations, Tunnel Beach is known for its spectacular cliffs, rock formations, and incredible coastal views. The dramatic landscape creates striking photographs while still allowing for genuine family connection to remain the focus.
Because of the walking involved, this location is often best suited to families with older children who are comfortable exploring.
Sandfly Bay
For families who love wild coastal landscapes, Sandfly Bay is hard to beat. The expansive beach, rolling dunes, and natural beauty create a stunning setting for relaxed family photographs. The ever-changing light and scenery make every session here unique.
Choosing the Right Location
If you're unsure which location is right for your family, don't worry. I'll help you choose a setting that suits your children, your style, and the overall look you want for your photographs.
Whether you envision barefoot beach adventures, windswept coastal views, or a relaxed evening exploring together, Dunedin offers no shortage of beautiful places to tell your family's story.
Family Photography FAQs
If you're worried about needing perfectly behaved children, knowing how to pose, or what to expect from your session, you're not alone. Most families tell me they feel a little nervous beforehand, but my goal is to make the experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
From the moment we arrive, there's no pressure for anyone to perform. Instead, we'll take a walk, explore our location, chat, play, and create opportunities for natural moments to unfold. I'll gently guide you with prompts and activities while documenting the connection, laughter, and little details that make your family unique.
How long does a family photography session take?
Most family sessions last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the package you choose. This gives us plenty of time for children to warm up, explore their surroundings, and settle into the experience without feeling rushed.
Sessions move at your family's pace, allowing for snack breaks, cuddles, and those spontaneous moments that often become favourite photographs.
What if my children don't cooperate?
Honestly? That's completely normal, and it's something I expect.
Children don't need to sit still or smile at the camera for beautiful photographs to happen. Some of the most meaningful images come from children running, exploring, cuddling with Mum and Dad, or simply being themselves.
My sessions are designed around movement and connection rather than perfect behaviour. I follow your children's lead and use playful prompts that encourage genuine interaction, resulting in photographs that feel natural and authentic.
What happens if it rains?
Living in Dunedin means we need to be flexible with the weather.
If conditions aren't suitable for your session, we'll simply reschedule to another date at no additional cost. I always keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session and will be in touch if a change is needed.
Your comfort and the quality of your photographs are always more important than trying to push through challenging weather conditions.
What should we wear for family photos?
I recommend choosing outfits that feel comfortable, timeless, and reflect your family's style.
Neutral and earthy tones tend to photograph beautifully outdoors and help keep the focus on your connection rather than your clothing. Soft textures, layers, and coordinated colours work well, while large logos, bright neon colours, and busy patterns can be distracting in photographs.
Once your session is booked, you'll receive a detailed style guide with plenty of tips and inspiration to help you feel confident when choosing what to wear.
The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable, relaxed, and able to move freely so we can capture genuine moments together.
Can we include pets in our family photos?
Yes — absolutely! Pets are part of the family, and I love including them in sessions whenever possible. Whether it’s a dog running along the beach or quiet cuddles together, we’ll naturally incorporate them into your family story.
Do you offer sunrise or sunset family sessions?
Yes. Most sessions are scheduled around the best natural light, with sunset being the most popular option. Sunrise sessions are also available and can be a beautiful choice, especially in the warmer months or for families with early-rising children.
Do you help us with posing during the session?
Yes — but in a very natural, relaxed way. Instead of stiff posing, I guide you with simple prompts and interaction-based direction so you can focus on each other. The goal is always to create genuine connection, movement, and emotion rather than forced smiles.
Can we choose the location for our family session?
Yes, you can absolutely choose a location that feels meaningful to your family. Many families already have a favourite beach, park, or special place they love returning to, and I genuinely enjoy photographing families in locations that hold personal significance.
If you’re unsure, I’ll also suggest locations based on light, accessibility, the ages of your children, and the overall feel you’re drawn to. I love helping families choose spaces that feel relaxed, beautiful, and right for their story.
Do you travel outside of Dunedin for family sessions?
Yes — I regularly photograph families throughout Otago. Travel may be included or a small fee may apply depending on the location. This will always be confirmed clearly when you request to book.
How do image purchases work?
All images are purchased after you’ve viewed your full online gallery. This allows you to choose only the photographs you genuinely love once you’ve seen the complete story of your session. There’s no pressure to decide upfront, and many families take their time selecting favourites or upgrading to a full gallery once they’ve viewed everything.
Can we include extended family in our session?
Yes — extended family sessions are very welcome. Grandparents, cousins, and other important family members can absolutely be included.
When booking, I’ll help you choose the right session length and location so everyone feels comfortable and there’s enough time to capture natural groupings as well as individual family connections.