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Maternity Photography: Where their Story begins
This season of life is fleeting, but the beauty of pregnancy deserves to be remembered forever.
Whether you want timeless simplicity or a statement portrait, we create an experience that is effortless yet deeply personal. Using a lighthearted and supportive approach, we guide you every step of the way, from planning your session to styling and posing, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury where you can feel at ease and truly shine.
These portraits will hold meaning not just today but for years to come. This is the beginning of a new chapter; you'll want to remember it.
Our Clients Say
"Kirsten was absolutely fantastic during our maternity shoot!
I was quite nervous, being very pregnant with an almost 2-year-old running around, but Kirsten was so warm and put us all at ease quite quickly. The photos we received are amazing, and we will cherish them forever"
Evette, Maternity Session
The Experience
Taking place in our Ferrymead studio around 30 weeks into your pregnancy, we create a calm and welcoming space where you can relax into the session.
Your maternity photography session is designed to be effortless, elegant, and entirely personal to you.
Taking place in our Ferrymead studio around 30 weeks into your pregnancy, we create a calm and welcoming space where you can relax into the session.
Before your shoot, we’ll discuss the style you love
Whether you’re drawn to timeless simplicity, soft drapery, or bold editorial looks, we want every detail to reflect your taste.
We provide an exquisite collection of maternity wear, from couture gowns and flowing fabrics to figure-enhancing bodysuits, with styles that flatter every shape.
We can style children and have a selection of beautiful gowns for teenage girls. Many of our clients choose to have their hair and makeup professionally done for the session, adding a touch of indulgence that allows you to relax, feel your best, and enjoy every moment in front of the camera.
We love incorporating outfits and items that are special for you
These might include your Whānau Korowai, Sari, heirloom jewellery, or other cultural pieces.
But, we also have everything you need, so you don't need to rush out and buy anything for the session.
You’re welcome to come alone or bring loved ones to share in the experience
During your session, we’ll guide you through three or four outfit changes and a selection of backdrops, ensuring a beautifully varied collection of images.
The session lasts up to two hours, allowing time to create something truly special — portraits that will hold meaning not just for today but for years to come.
Are you the kind of person who likes more detail?
The four steps below outline what to expect from your portrait experience, but if you still have questions, let's chat! You can call Kirsten on 027 523 3939 or use the button above.
1. BOOK
Plan ahead
Booking in advance is essential, and we recommend that you book early in your second trimester. Your session will take place in our beautiful Ferrymead studio around 30 weeks into your pregnancy — when your bump is well formed, and you still have lots of energy.
Choose your package
We're transparent — our full pricing is online.
Booking is easy
Just contact us by phone or email.
3. SHOOT
It's OK to feel nervous; most people don't like having their photos taken. But don't worry — you don't need to be a natural in front of the camera. We'll guide you every step of the way.
When you arrive, we'll have everything ready based on our pre-session consultation. You'll be able to look through our extensive maternity wardrobe, and we'll fine-tune our shot list.
We have lots of home comforts, with hot and cold drinks and comfy couches where you can take a break between shots.
2. PLAN
Pre-session consultation (Phone or Zoom)
This enables us to learn more about you and anyone else being photographed.
The planning session will cover:
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Creating a wardrobe plan, including any cultural outfits and items we can include
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Selecting key backgrounds and props
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Creating a provisional shot list
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Strategies for helping young kids feel comfortable on the shoot
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Understanding any needs you or your family may have during the shoot
4. SELECT
Your collection will be ready three weeks after your session
You'll choose your images from a fully retouched gallery. Your images will be printed and mounted, ready for you to take home.
Most clients also choose to purchase wall art and/or some of our beautiful display products.
We'll design your artwork during your viewing appointment, and we'll organise everything else.
Easy.
Wall Art
One of the things that makes us different is our focus on helping you create beautiful artwork for your home. We know you are busy, so we do all the hard work in designing, creating, and even delivering your artwork. So all you need to do is hang it on the wall; and we can recommend someone for that too.
All of our wall art is heirloom quality, designed to be passed down to your children. We use the highest-quality materials, and our team includes a Master Framer with decades of experience.
Don't worry if you don't have room for frames on your wall; we also offer albums and our unique portrait boxes, which are both space-efficient and heirloom quality.
Resources
We have compiled a set of maternity resources to help you navigate these early months of pregnancy.
You can also find more ongoing information in our blog.
These Government and Not-for-Profit support services are very useful
FAQ
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Do I need to book in advance?Yes, you should always book in advance. To deliver the exceptional service and personalised attention we are known for, we limit the number of sessions we schedule each month. Consequently, while we occasionally have last-minute openings, we strongly advise booking early to secure your preferred date. We recommend scheduling your maternity session early in your second trimester. Early booking helps ensure we can accommodate your preferred dates and provide the bespoke experience our clients love. You can find more general session and pricing information HERE
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Can you help me if I feel nervous in front of the camera?Absolutely! It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but we specialise in creating a relaxed and supportive environment. We are experienced when it comes to photographing mothers-to-be and will guide you throughout the session. We use clever posing and great lighting to show you at your best and ensure you have photographs of your pregnancy that you will love and treasure. We’ll guide you through every step, from posing to expression, so you feel confident and look your best. By the end of the session, you’ll feel at ease and may even enjoy the process!
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How long does a session take?Maternity sessions typically last 1.5–2 hours, depending on the range of images we’re capturing. This allows time for outfit changes and adjustments to ensure we create a diverse portfolio of images tailored to your needs. You can find more general session and pricing information HERE
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Are family photos included?Yes, family photos are included with all of our collections. We have a client wardrobe with gowns you may wish to borrow and we can provide clothing for boys up to age seven and dresses for girls of all ages. We do not currently have options for men in our client wardrobe. You may like to view our blog on photographing young children with their new sibling, as a lot of the information is equally relevant when preparing children for a maternity session.
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My husband / partner doesn't want to come?That's not a problem at all. For most of our clients, the purpose of a maternity shoot is to capture some beautiful images for themselves. Something they can look back on to remember their pregnancy experience. You can come alone, or a bring a friend. You might like to view our maternity gallery.
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What should I wear for my session? Can I bring my own wardrobe options or special items to be photographed?Women: We have a client wardrobe with many gowns, bodysuits, and flowing fabrics that are ideal for a maternity portrait session. Our wardrobe includes options to suit a wide range of figures and personal styles. We do recommend you bring a range of underwear, including smooth natural coloured pants and bra, a strapless bra, and some more lacy items if you wish them to be photographed on show. Many client choose to bring additional outfit options from home, such as jeans and a shirt. Cultural items should be provided by the client. We love to include korowai, sari and other cultural items in your session, so please bring these with you. You may like to view our blog on Photographing Korowai. Children: We can provide shorts and tee's for children up to the age of seven; and Our client wardrobe include a range of dresses for children of all ages. Cultural items should be provided by the client. We love to include special items in your session, so please bring these with you. Men: We do not currently have options for men in our client wardrobe. Simple white or black fitted t-shirts and jeans photograph nicely and work alongside most gowns. Tips for bringing your own wardrobe options: Avoid busy patterns, logos, or overly trendy styles, as these can date your photos. Please ensure that your clothes are clean and pressed (if required) as wrinkles are difficult to remove naturally in photoshop. I’ll provide a styling guide and help you choose what works best during your session. You may like to view our Galleries to see examples of outfits that have photographed well as well as a selection of the gowns and bodysuits available in our client wardrobe. You might like to check out some of our award winning photographs HERE.
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Can you organise hair + make-up?Yes we can - please enquire when you book as our favourite stylist is very popular and we need to book her early. Most clients for a maternity session book the hair and make-up add on. While not a requirement, it does add a little polish to your images and enhances the overall experience. Many clients have commented that having their hair and make-up done professionally helped them feel beautiful and confident and ready for an awesome portrait session. You might like to view our maternity gallery.
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Can you edit my images to remove blemishes?Yes, all final images include professional retouching. This includes subtle enhancements like smoothing skin, removing blemishes, and brightening your teeth while maintaining a natural and authentic look. Equally, some clients request that we do very minimal retouching and would prefer us to leave the images as shot, for their natural beauty to shine. If you have specific requests, just let us know! You might like to view our maternity gallery.
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How are the portraits delivered? How long will it take?Your portraits will be carefully curated and professionally retouched and ready for you to view approximately three weeks after your session. You’ll receive your final images in both digital and printed format and most clients also choose to add on some framed wall art of their favourite portraits, or perhaps a portrait box, or an album. All of our artworks are designed to become cherished family heirlooms, we use the highest quality materials and experienced craftspeople to create your final pieces. You can learn more about the experience we offer and what to expect HERE
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Where does the session take place? Do you photograph outside?Sessions take place in our beautiful Ferrymead studio where we don't have to worry about the weather and have great light at all times. Photographing indoors enables us to keep you at a comfortable temperature and makes the session really easy as you don't have to walk far; have easy access to a bathroom, and can count on your session going ahead even if it's wet and windy. We also love studio portraits because they are classic and will stand the test of time. We use multiple outfits and can change the backdrop to get lots of variety in your collection. You may like to view some of our Galleries to get a feel for our photographic style.
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Where can I find information on pricing?We believe in being completely transparent, so all of our pricing information is available online. You can access our pricing HERE On this Pricing + Info page you will find: Information on our portrait experience A form to request our full pricing details After you complete the form, you will be taken to our detailed Pricing + Booking info Page. Here you will find: Information on planning your session A guide to understanding our pricing structure Detailed pricing and package information Upgrade options
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When is the best time for my newborn session?We aim to hold the session while your baby is very new and still used to being tucked up inside — usually between days 5 and 14 after birth. Because we can’t predict when your baby will choose to make an entrance, we make a provisional booking on your due date and update this to a confirmed appointment time after they have arrived. We know it can feel daunting to leave the house with a brand new baby, so we have made our studio easy to access, with parking at the door, and very comfortable with everything you might need. You can find more general session and pricing information HERE.
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Do I need to book in advance?Yes, you should always book in advance. To deliver the exceptional service and personalised attention we are known for, we limit the number of sessions we schedule each month. Consequently, while we occasionally have last-minute openings, we strongly advise booking early to secure your preferred date. We recommend booking your newborn photography session early in your second trimester. Early booking helps ensure we can accommodate your preferred dates and provide the bespoke experience our clients love. You can find more general session and pricing information HERE.
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Where will the session take place? Do you photograph outside?The session will take place in our beautiful studio in Ferrymead, Christchurch where we don't have to worry about the weather and have great light at all times. We like to keep babies and their families warm and comfortable and to make the session really easy for you. We also love studio portraits because they are classic and will stand the test of time. We use multiple outfits and can change the backdrop to get lots of variety in your collection. You might like to view our newborn gallery.
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How long does a session take?Newborn sessions typically last 3-4 hours, depending on the range of images we’re capturing and the size of collection you have booked. This allows time for baby cuddles, changes and settling as our sessions are baby-led. You can learn more about our newborn photography sessions HERE You can find more general session and pricing information HERE
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Are family photos included?Yes, family photos are included with all of our collections. We have a client wardrobe with gowns you may wish to borrow and we can provide clothing for boys up to age seven and dresses for girls of all ages. We do not currently have options for men in our client wardrobe. You make like to view our blog on photographing young children with their new baby sibling.
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How do I prepare for my newborn session?We will discuss this during your style consultation to ensure you feel prepared for your session. This will include discussing what to wear and planning the style of photographs we are going to take. You may like to read our Tips for Planning the Perfect Newborn Portrait Session, which was originally featured in Issue 15 of 'Pregnancy Bump and Baby Magazine'. However, leaving all prep aside, our goal is to create a calm relaxed environment where you can simply enjoy the moment. You might like to check out some of our award winning photographs HERE. You might also like to view our handy preparation guides HERE
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Can you help me if I feel nervous in front of the camera?Absolutely! It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but we specialise in creating a relaxed and supportive environment. We are very experienced when it comes to photographing newborns with their family will guide you through the session. We use clever posing and great lighting to show you at your best and ensure you have photographs with your new baby that you will love and treasure. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity for professionally taken family photos — even if you feel nervous about it. As a parent you will take lots of photos of your children, but so often we end up with very few photos with ourselves in them. Many of our clients (sometimes to their surprise) find the family photographs are their favourite and these are most often chosen for framed wall art.
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What should I wear for my session? Can I bring my own wardrobe options or special items to be photographed?Women: We have a client wardrobe with many gowns, bodysuits, and flowing fabrics that are ideal for a maternity portrait session. Our wardrobe includes options to suit a wide range of figures and personal styles. We recommend you bring a range of underwear, including smooth natural coloured pants and bra, a strapless bra, and some more lacy items if you wish them to be photographed on show. Many client choose to bring additional outfit options from home, such as jeans and a shirt. Cultural items should be provided by the client. We love to include korowai, sari and other cultural items in your session, so please bring these with you. You may like to view our blog on Photographing Korowai. Babies and Children: We provide everything for your newborn, so there is not need to purchase anything for the session. This includes all outfits, props, headbands and textiles. We can provide shorts and tee's for children up to the age of seven; and Our client wardrobe include a range of dresses for children of all ages. Cultural items should be provided by the client. We love to photograph korowai, special dresses, sari and other items that are special for your family We love to include special items in your session, such as heirloom blankets, so please bring these with you. Men: We do not currently have options for men in our client wardrobe. Simple white or black fitted t-shirts and jeans photograph nicely and work alongside most gowns. Tips for bringing your own wardrobe options: Avoid busy patterns, logos, or overly trendy styles, as these can date your photos. Please ensure that your clothes are clean and pressed (if required) as wrinkles are difficult to remove naturally in photoshop. We'll discuss styling and will help you choose what works best during your session. You may like to view our Galleries to see examples of outfits that have photographed well.
-
How are the portraits delivered? How long will it take?Your portraits will be carefully curated and professionally retouched and ready for you to view approximately three weeks after your session. You’ll receive your final images in both digital and printed format and most clients also choose to add on some framed wall art of their favourite portraits, or perhaps a portrait box, or an album. All of our artworks are designed to become cherished family heirlooms, we use the highest quality materials and experienced craftspeople to create your final pieces. You can learn more about the experience we offer and what to expect HERE.
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Can you organise hair + make-up?Yes we can! We work with a team of talented hair and makeup artists to ensure you look your best with a natural, polished finish. It's helpful to know in advance if you are thinking about booking hair and make-up, but you will be able to make the final decision when we schedule your session after baby has arrived. You might like to view our newborn gallery.
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Where can I find information on pricing?We believe in being completly transparent, so all of our pricing information is available online. You can access this HERE. On this Pricing + Info page you will find: Information on our portrait experience A form to request our full pricing details After you complete the form, you will be taken to our detailed 'Full Pricing' Page. Here you will find: Information on planning your session A guide to understanding our pricing structure Detailed pricing and package information Upgrade options
Booked clients may like to view our handy quick reference 'what to expect' preparation guides.
Maternity Gallery
