
Dressing for a
professional
photoshoot
TOP TIPS for photoshoot dressing
(I've also created seasonal inspiration boards for you)
SPECIALIST IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN + BABY PORTRAITURE

I'm mum to two energetic boys under seven, so I know it's impossible finding time for newborn and family portraits; let alone do anything with your images when they arrive (yes, I also have USBs full of images sitting unseen in my office drawer).
Let me do the heavy lifting for you. All of my collections include printed images as well as digital files. I will help you design the perfect wall collection or album and will take care of everything else.
I also know you don't want to get in front of the camera, it's not my favourite thing either, but it's so important to 'exist' in family photographs. Your kids will cherish these images, and one day they may be the most important portraits they own. I'm an expert in shaping with great lighting and posing; I will look after you and ensure you look your best.
You will receive a collection of images that you love, and most importantly you and your family will have fun during the session and make new memories together.
My name isKirsten
Kirsten
THE STUDIO
Lynley and I look forward to welcoming you to our studio in Ferrymead, Christchurch. Clients have told us that they immediately feel at home on entering - and that's definitely the vibe we want to create.
Relax in one of our seating areas and watch the session - more than one tired Mum has taken a nap on our comfortable couch! We also have a small play area if you need to entertain older children.
Cold drinks, as well as tea and coffee facilities, are available. For our littlest clients, there is a changing area with plenty of spare nappies, wipes and muslins.
We have a large studio wardrobe with everything you need for your baby, smaller children (up to age 7, with a few options for older girls) and gowns and other options for maternity session or for Mum's who want to feel a little glamorous!
While you are visiting make sure you have a look at all of our beautiful products. We have framed wall art on display, glass portraits, portrait boxes and albums. We are big believers in the importance of being able to "touch and feel" the quality that we offer, so feel free to 'look with your fingers' as well as your eyes!
QUALIFICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
I have been a Qualified Newborn Photographer with the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI) since 2018
The accreditation process includes submitting a newborn portfolio for critique + achieving 100% in an exam on the safe handling of newborns
I am also an Accredited Professional Photographer with the New Zealand Institute for Professional Photographers (NZIPP)
To become accredited I submitted a portfolio for critique by recognised NZ photographic leaders. I also demonstrated that I had met technical, creative and business standards, adhere to the Code of Ethics + undertake regular professional development
in 2022 I achieved my Associate Accreditation with the International Portrait Masters, joining just a handful of New Zealand photographers to hold this qualification
To reach Associate I built a portfolio of 50 Awarded Images, based on scores from the Portrait Masters judging panel. The judges on the panel are all internationally recognised photographers who specialise in portrait photography across a range of genres
BABY SAFETY
your baby's comfort and safety is my top priority
I have been fully trained in the safe handling of newborn babies as well as on the technical aspects of newborn posing. This is something you must insist on when you choose your photographer, as newborn posing should not be undertaken without the right training, safety practices and equipment.
During the session my assistant will support and watch your baby closely at all times. In many situations she will have a hand on your baby to provide comfort or security.
Where appropriate for safety or baby comfort I use photoshop techniques to create composite images or edit out supporting hands.
Both my photography assistant and I have undertaken newborn specific safety training with world renowned newborn photographer Kelly Brown.
In addition, I have been assessed and credited as a Qualified Newborn Photographer by the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI). The programme focuses on the unique physiological and psychological needs of a newborn infant, providing the knowledge that is necessary for the safe handling of newborns during a posed portrait session. The rigorous accreditation process includes submitting a newborn image portfolio for assessment and achieving 100% in the newborn safety exam.

EXPERIENCE A NEWBORN SESSION
No one likes walking into an unknown situation - so make life easier and check out a newborn session in action
You will get to look around my studio and see how we wrap, soothe and photograph newborn baby Arthur, while using props and my newborn posing bean bag
Spot how Lynley stays close to Arthur at all times, ensuring he is safe and comfortable, so you can sit back and relax (more than one Mum has taken a nap!) and enjoy watching us work