Come As You Are

As a mum and a partner, I love the idea of getting family portraits done, but I’ve never been drawn to the traditional versions.

What I really wanted were memories of us outside in nature, at places that meant something to us. At home. At the family bach. Somewhere unexpected our photographer knew about but we didn’t yet.

Styled in a way that actually felt like us.

I wanted the experience captured, not just the outcome.

When I couldn’t find anyone offering this kind of portrait session locally, I realised there might be other families feeling the same way.

So I created Together… a series of story-led sessions designed to document family life in a more natural, personal, and place-based way.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably feel at home here too.

‘Come As You Are’ sessions are seasonal story sessions that happen throughout the year in carefully chosen locations around Mount Maunganui and beyond.

Instead of choosing from traditional packages, you choose the experience that feels most like your family. A slow morning at the beach, time together at home, a winter bonfire, long grass in spring, or golden evening light by the sea.

Each session is offered once during the year and only a small number of families are invited to take part.

They’re relaxed, lightly guided, and designed to capture connection as it naturally unfolds; sandy feet, wind in your hair, children being themselves, and the small moments that become the ones you remember most.

Come exactly as you are.

Sessions are 30 minutes long, relaxed and lightly guided, with plenty of space for children to move, explore, and be themselves.

Rather than posing you into fixed positions, I follow what naturally unfolds like walking together, sitting in the sand, cooking at home, sharing food, or just spending time side by side. I’ll offer gentle direction when needed, but the focus is always on connection rather than perfection.

Each seasonal session has its own rhythm, but they’re all designed to feel easy, natural, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Each seasonal session is priced individually depending on the experience and what’s included.

All sessions include a curated gallery of images, of which you will choose 30 of your faves. Because only a small number of families take part in each session, availability is limited and details are shared when bookings open.

Yes. You can explore recent sessions and story-led family photography in the gallery above.

Each session looks slightly different depending on the season and setting, but they all share the same relaxed, natural approach.

Often, yes.

Some sessions are designed for immediate families only because of timing or location, but others work beautifully for extended families. If including grandparents is important to you, just let me know when enquiring and I’ll help guide you toward the right session.

Come exactly as you are.

Clothing that reflects how your family normally spends time together works best; bare feet, layers, knits, linen, or simple pieces that move easily in the landscape. I’ll send gentle styling notes before your session if helpful, but there’s no need to overthink it.

Because many sessions take place outdoors, weather sometimes shapes the experience.

If conditions aren’t right, I’ll either move the session to a backup date or adjust the location slightly while keeping the same feeling and intention.

No. Come As You Are sessions are designed as small seasonal experiences rather than back-to-back mini sessions.

Time is intentionally spaced so each family has room to settle in and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed.

These sessions tend to suit families who enjoy being outdoors, don’t mind sandy feet, and are drawn to photographs that feel natural rather than posed.

If you love slow mornings, windy beaches, children being themselves, and capturing this season of life as it really is, you’ll feel right at home here.

Bookings open a few weeks before each seasonal session.

Once dates are released, you can secure one of the limited available spots. After booking, I’ll share preparation notes and next steps so everything feels easy and relaxed on the day.

Great! That’s a part of what makes these sessions so special.

The sessions are designed around movement and real interaction rather than stillness. Some of the most meaningful photographs happen when children are exploring, laughing, or doing their own thing. There’s no pressure for anyone to behave a certain way. Big feelings are welcome here!

I’m based in Mount Maunganui, and most Come As You Are sessions take place along the coast or in nearby locations that reflect the way families naturally spend time together here.

Some sessions happen at home, in long grass paddocks, or at carefully chosen local spots that suit the season.

Yes. From time to time I open sessions slightly beyond Mount Maunganui when the location suits the experience.

If there’s somewhere meaningful to your family like a bach, favourite beach, or place you return to often you’re always welcome to get in touch and we can talk about what might be possible.