The newborn days are a blur of broken sleep, constant feeding, tiny fingers wrapped tightly around yours, and quiet in-between moments where you’re not quite sure what time it is anymore.
As a Dunedin newborn photographer specialising in lifestyle newborn photography, I create calm, natural sessions in the comfort of your home. There is no pressure for perfect routines, no need for a tidy house, and no complicated posing. These sessions are designed around real life as it is right now.
Everything is baby-led allowing time for feeding, settling, cuddles, nappy changes, and simply pausing when needed. I'll guide you with gentle prompts, but most of the session is about observing and documenting your family as you naturally are in these early days together.
My focus is not just on how your baby looks, but what these early days feel like — the connection between you, the tenderness in your movements, and the quiet, ordinary moments that will become some of your most treasured memories.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Dunedin
Lifestyle newborn photography is a natural, in-home approach to documenting your baby’s earliest days in a calm and unposed way. Instead of using studio setups or heavily posed prop arrangements, the focus is on real connection, natural interaction, and the environment your baby is growing up in.
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Sessions take place in the comfort of your home, where you and your baby feel most relaxed. I use a combination of natural window light and soft professional lighting to create a gentle, flattering look that feels warm, natural, and timeless while still ensuring consistent quality in all lighting conditions.
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There are no elaborate props or overly styled setups. The focus stays on your baby and your connection as a family, with simple, natural styling that keeps everything feeling honest and real.
You also don’t need to worry about having a perfectly tidy home. I simply work with small, natural pockets of your space — such as the nursery, your bedroom, or any light-filled areas — focusing on the connection and moments unfolding rather than how your home looks.
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Each session is completely baby-led. We follow your baby’s rhythm throughout the shoot — whether that’s feeding, settling, cuddling, or taking breaks when needed. Nothing is rushed, and there is no expectation for your baby to sleep or settle in a particular way.
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The pace is slow and relaxed, giving space for genuine moments to unfold naturally between you, your baby, and any siblings or family members who are part of the session.
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Family is always included. These early days are about more than just your newborn — they’re about connection, closeness, and documenting the beginning of your family’s story together in a way that feels real and meaningful.
My Approach to Newborn Photography
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My approach to newborn photography is calm, gentle, and completely baby-led. Every session is designed to feel unhurried and supportive, allowing space for your baby’s needs and your family’s natural rhythm.
There is no pressure for your baby to sleep, settle, or pose in any particular way. Some babies are sleepy, some are wide awake, and many move between both — all of it is completely normal, and all of it photographs beautifully.
These sessions take place in a calm, relaxed environment where feeding, cuddles, nappy changes, and settling are all part of the process. Nothing is rushed, and we pause whenever your baby needs it.
Parents and siblings are always included. These early days are about your growing family, not just your baby, and I gently guide natural interaction so everyone feels comfortable and connected without forced posing.
Above all, the focus is on capturing real connection — the way you hold your baby, the small details, the quiet moments, and the emotion of this new season of life as it naturally unfolds.
Safety and comfort are always at the centre of every session. I work carefully around your baby at all times, ensuring they are supported, settled, and never placed in any unsafe or uncomfortable positions.
What happens during a newborn photography session
Welcoming a new baby into the world comes with enough unknowns, so I believe your newborn photography session should feel simple, relaxed, and stress-free.
My lifestyle newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your home and are completely guided by your baby's needs. There is no pressure to have a perfect routine, a sleeping baby, or a spotless house. Instead, the session is designed to work around real life as it unfolds.
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When should we book our newborn session?
The best time to book is during your pregnancy, ideally during your second or third trimester. This allows me to reserve space around your due date and gives us flexibility once your baby arrives.
Because babies rarely arrive exactly when expected, session dates are confirmed after birth rather than booked for a specific day in advance.
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What age is best for newborn photos?
Newborn sessions are often photographed within the first two weeks after birth, when babies tend to be sleepier and spend much of their time curled up.
However, there is no strict deadline. Beautiful newborn photographs can be captured throughout the first several weeks of your baby's life, and older newborns often bring more eye contact, expression, and interaction.
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How long does a newborn session take?
Newborn sessions typically last between 1 and 2 hours.
This allows plenty of time for feeding, settling, nappy changes, cuddles, and breaks whenever needed. Rather than working to a strict timeline, I allow the session to unfold at a pace that feels comfortable for both you and your baby.
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What if my baby won't settle?
That's completely normal.
Your baby doesn't need to sleep for beautiful photographs to happen. Awake moments, stretches, yawns, cuddles, feeding, and connection with family are all valuable parts of your story.
Because sessions are baby-led, we simply follow your baby's needs throughout. There is never any pressure to try and get baby to sleep or rush through settling, often I'll simply photograph these authentic moments.
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Can siblings be included?
Absolutely.
Lifestyle newborn photography is about documenting your growing family, so siblings are always welcome and encouraged to be part of the session. Some of the most meaningful photographs come from those first interactions between brothers, sisters, and their new baby sibling. I'll use a lot of fun prompts to keep younger children engaged and involved, to make sure your children feel comfortable in front of the camera.
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What if our home isn't tidy?
Please don't worry about having a perfectly presented home.
I only need a few small areas with good light, such as the nursery, your bedroom, or a cosy living space. The focus is always on your family and your connection with one another, not on how your home looks.
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Do you bring props or lighting?
I keep props to a minimum so the focus remains on your baby and your family.
I do bring professional lighting equipment when needed, which allows me to create beautiful, consistent images regardless of the natural light available in your home. The result is a natural, timeless look while still ensuring your gallery is beautifully lit and professionally finished.
Why choose an in-home newborn session
There is something incredibly special about documenting your baby's earliest days in the place where so many of your first memories together are being made.
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Lifestyle newborn photography takes place in the comfort of your home, allowing your family to relax into the experience without the stress of packing bags, working around nap schedules, or travelling with a brand-new baby.
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Your home is where the tiny details of this season live — the nursery you carefully prepared, the chair where you've spent hours feeding your baby, and the spaces that will one day hold so many memories. Including these familiar surroundings adds another layer of meaning to your photographs and helps tell the story of this chapter exactly as it was.
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Being at home also creates a more comfortable environment for both parents and babies. If your baby needs feeding, settling, a nappy change, or simply some extra cuddles, everything you need is already within reach. There's no pressure to rush, and the session can unfold naturally around your family's routine.
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For families with older children, in-home sessions can feel especially relaxed. Siblings are often more comfortable in a familiar environment where they can play, take breaks when needed, and interact naturally with their new baby brother or sister.
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Most importantly, photographing your family at home allows for genuine moments and authentic connection. Rather than focusing on perfect poses, the session captures the real interactions, emotions, and memories that make this season of life uniquely yours.
Years from now, these photographs won't just remind you what your baby looked like — they'll remind you of what it felt like to bring them home.
Newborn Photography Investment
These first few weeks with your baby pass by so quickly, and the photographs we create together become even more meaningful with time.
To give your family complete flexibility, session fees and image collections are purchased separately. This allows you to choose the session length that best suits your family, while only purchasing the images you truly love after viewing your gallery.
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Session Options:
Choose the session length that best suits your family:​
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1 Hour Session — $150
Perfect for most families, allowing plenty of time for cuddles, feeding, settling, and capturing your baby's first days in a relaxed, natural way.
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1.5 Hour Session — $250
Ideal for families wanting a slower-paced experience, additional time for feeding and settling or simply more flexibility throughout the session.
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Session fees cover your session time, planning, location guidance, professional editing, and the preparation of your online gallery. Images are purchased separately.
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Image Collections
After your session, you'll receive a beautifully curated online gallery where you can select your favourite images.
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Single Image — $20
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5 Images — $80
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10 Images — $150
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20 Images — $250
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Full Gallery Collections
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For families who don't want to choose favourites, full gallery upgrades are available:​​
Full Gallery — $450
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What's Included
Every family session includes:
✓ Pre-session planning and support
✓ Location recommendations tailored to your family
✓ Access to my family session guide
✓ A relaxed, child-led photography experience
✓ Professional editing of your images
✓ A private online gallery for viewing and ordering
If you're unsure which option is right for you, I'd be happy to help you choose the session that best suits your family and the memories you'd like to preserve.
Best Time to Photograph Newborns
One of the most common questions I receive is, "When should we have our newborn photos taken?" The simple answer is that there's no single right time—every stage of your baby's first few weeks has something beautiful to capture.
Traditionally, newborn photography takes place within the first two weeks after birth, when babies are often sleepier and naturally curl into those classic newborn positions. This can be a wonderful time to document just how tiny they are.
However, lifestyle newborn photography is much more flexible than traditional posed newborn photography. Because these sessions focus on your family's connection rather than specific poses, beautiful photographs can be created well beyond those first two weeks.
Older newborns often spend more time awake, make eye contact, stretch, yawn, and begin to show little glimpses of their personality. These moments are just as meaningful and tell the story of your baby exactly as they are.
Rather than worrying about the "perfect" age, I encourage families to book a session when it feels right for them. Whether your baby is a few days old or several weeks into this new chapter, we'll create a gallery that celebrates this season of life in a natural and meaningful way.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography FAQs
Do you photograph older babies as well as newborns?
Absolutely. While many families choose to book during the first two weeks, lifestyle newborn sessions are beautiful throughout the first few months. Every stage brings something unique, and it's never "too late" to capture these early memories.
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When should I book my newborn photography session?
I recommend booking your newborn session during your second or third trimester so I can reserve space around your due date. Because babies arrive on their own schedule, we'll confirm your session date once your little one has arrived.
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Where do newborn photography sessions take place?
Newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your home. Photographing your family in a familiar environment creates a relaxed experience and allows me to capture meaningful moments in the place where your baby's first memories are being made. But I also offer newborn shoots anywhere in the Otago region.
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What should my baby wear for their newborn photos?
Simple is always best. Neutral-coloured, well-fitting onesies, knitted outfits, or a beautiful wrap photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby. Before your session, I'll send you a guide with suggestions to help you choose what photographs best.
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What should parents and siblings wear?
Soft, neutral colours and comfortable clothing always photograph beautifully. Rather than matching exactly, I recommend choosing outfits that complement one another to create a timeless look. After booking, you'll receive a session guide with tips.
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Do I need to provide props or blankets?
No. My sessions are intentionally simple and natural, so there's no need to buy or prepare special props. If there are sentimental items you'd like to include—such as a handmade blanket, heirloom, or special toy—I encourage you to have them ready so we can include them.
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Can grandparents or extended family be included?
Absolutely. Extended family are always welcome to be part of your newborn session. If you're planning to include grandparents or other family members, I generally recommend booking a longer session so there's plenty of time to capture everyone naturally without feeling rushed.
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What if my baby is awake for the entire session?
That's completely okay. Lifestyle newborn photography isn't dependent on your baby sleeping. Awake babies often give us beautiful eye contact, curious expressions, and lovely moments of connection with their family. Some of my favourite newborn photographs have been of babies who stayed awake for most of the session.
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Do you travel outside of Dunedin for newborn photography?
Yes. I regularly travel throughout Dunedin and the wider Otago region for newborn sessions. If you're located a little further away, just get in touch and I'll be happy to discuss travel options.
Becky & Jacob
Thanks Nakita for a creating a wonderful set of photos celebrating the start of becoming a family. Our wee newborn is captured so well and as the photos are natural rather than staged it was such a great experience. We highly recommend using Nakita for your special moments.
Ready to Book?
The newborn stage has a way of slipping by before you even realise it. One day they're curled up in your arms, and before long they're smiling, rolling, and growing into the next chapter.
While many families choose to photograph their baby in the first few weeks, there's no need to feel pressured if life doesn't go to plan. Babies arrive on their own timeline, and those early days are often wonderfully unpredictable. I'll work with you to find a time that feels right for your family.
If you're expecting, I recommend getting in touch during your pregnancy so I can reserve space around your due date. Once your baby arrives, we'll simply choose a day that works for everyone.
Whether you're ready to book or just have a few questions, I'd love to hear from you. Together, we'll create a relaxed, meaningful session that captures this incredible season of life exactly as it is.