Hello lovely, and welcome.
I’m so grateful you’re here.
This little guide is designed to help you feel relaxed, prepared, and excited for your photoshoot. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know — from what to wear, to how the session flows, to what you can expect before and after your shoot.
My goal is to make this an experience you genuinely enjoy… not another thing to organise or worry about.
Think of me as the friend holding space for your family — gently guiding, noticing the small details, and capturing the heart of your story.
The heart behind my work
I’ve always been the sentimental one.
The moon-gazer.
The quiet observer.
The woman who believes the soft, in-between moments are the ones that really matter.
Motherhood cracked my heart wide open and showed me how quickly our babies change. How important it is to pause. How precious a single photograph can become.
That’s why I do this.
To help you hold onto the moments that will one day mean everything.
I photograph in a way that’s gentle, unhurried, and connection-focused — capturing your family as you truly are, without stiff posing or awkward smiles.
Just warmth, closeness, and honest emotion.
What to expect
A Relaxed, Natural Session
No stiff poses. No pressure.
I guide lightly when needed, but the best images happen when you’re simply together.
Think cuddles, play, movement, laughter, quiet moments, and all the real bits in between.
A Beautiful Location
I’ll help you choose from my favourite spots around Dunedin and Brighton — soft light, natural settings, and places that feel meaningful or comfortable for your family.
Gentle Direction
I’ll tell you where to stand or how to move when it helps the image — but otherwise I want you to simply be yourselves.
Children are encouraged to play.
Parents are encouraged to breathe.
A Safe, Warm Environment
I honour whatever season your family is in — chaos, shyness, tantrums, feeding breaks, tired toddlers, nervous dads… it’s all welcome.
There is no “perfect behaviour” required for beautiful photos.
An Artistic, Thoughtful Gallery
Within 2–3 weeks, you’ll receive a beautiful online gallery of curated, hand-edited images — ready to download, print, and treasure.
What To Wear
Styling guidelines
To help you look and feel your best, I’ve created recommendations that photograph beautifully:
- Soft, earthy, neutral tones (cream, beige, sand, Orange's, brown, dark and muted greens, dusty blues)
- Do not be afraid of colour but avoid bright/fluro colours, logos, and lots of black.
Layers & textures
- Choose outfits that allow movement and comfort.
- Layers and textures photograph beautifully
- Flowing dresses for mums create movement and romance.
- Fitted tops for dads work well (avoid harsh blacks if possible).
Client wardrobe
You have access to my curated collection of dresses for mums, plus some options for babies and toddlers.
If you need help choosing outfits, just send me photos — I love helping with styling.
Preparing your children
Please know this: Your children do not need to behave perfectly for us to create beautiful photos. Ever.
Here’s what does help:
- Let them know we’re going on a little adventure, not a “photo session”
- Bring water, snacks, and something comforting
- Let them explore the space when we arrive
- Stay calm — kids take their cues from us
- Play with them, hold them, whisper to them… connection is the goal, not perfection
Toddlers especially do not respond well to pressure — but they respond beautifully to play, movement, and cuddles.
And that is exactly what I photograph.
Preparing your home
Only tidy what makes sense — we’re not shooting a magazine, we’re capturing your life.
If possible, open blinds/curtains for natural light and tidy these areas:
- Master bed (neutral bedding if available)
- Couch area
- Nursery (if wanted)
- A clear corner or window space
That’s plenty. Truly.
For maternity sessions
The best time to book your maternity session is between 32–36 weeks when bump is beautifully round but you’re still comfortable.
Partners + children are always welcome.
Wear something that makes you feel radiant. Soft dresses, knits, or flowing fabrics look incredible. I have a full range of dresses you are most welcome to use.
For newborn sessions
Newborns are photographed best within the first 7–21 days, but any time is beautiful — older babies bring more eye contact, personality, and stretches.
I follow a baby-led approach (no forced posing).
Expect:
- Feeding breaks
- Settling breaks
- Cuddles
- Baby-led positioning
- Calm, quiet energy
- Natural, honest images
Wear textured neutrals for a clean, timeless look.
After your session
You’ll receive:
- Your full gallery within 2–3 weeks
- A private online gallery for downloading + ordering prints
- The option to purchase quality prints at any time
Your gallery stays online for a minimum of 6 months, with the option to extend.
Payment + What To Expect Financially
Session Investment
Full Session — $400
Lifestyle Session — $500
Bump to Baby Package — $700
Payment is due by the day of your session.
Credit card accepted. Payment plans welcome on request.
Rescheduling / Weather
I keep a few backup dates aside for weather or unavoidable family needs.
No stress — I’m a mum, I get it.
FAQ
What if my child doesn’t cooperate?
They will — in their own way. Some of my best images come from unexpected moments.
How many images do we receive?
All the best ones, lovingly edited (generally 60–80+ depending on your session).
Can grandparents come?
Full sessions — yes.
Minis — immediate family only.
Do you travel?
Yes, within Dunedin + surrounds. Travel fees apply for longer distances.
Thank you
Thank you for trusting me to document your family.
It is never “just photos” to me — it’s your story, your babies, your memories, your entire world.
I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.
With love,
Tesh x
PS. If you need to reach me regarding your session, please use phone, SMS or email. I’m not always able to check social media messages.