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Caitlin Drader Photography

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Caitlin Drader Photography

17/06/2026

I've heard every reason not to book photos.

"I need to lose weight first."
"The kids won't behave."
"Our house isn't nice enough."
"Maybe next year."

I hear you.

There will probably never be a time when life feels perfectly organised, everyone feels confident, and the stars align.
But your family is happening right now.

The messy, beautiful, ordinary moments that fill your days today will be the ones you miss the most one day.

If you've been waiting for the perfect time, this is your reminder that it doesn't exist. So take this as my little nudge to just book the photos. You only regret the ones you don't take.

12/06/2026

This entire newborn session was captured entirely in the smallest room in their home. The nursery. 🤍

They have a beautiful, spacious house, but the very best light was pouring into this one little room, so that’s where we stayed for the whole session.

It’s a good reminder that your home doesn’t need to be big or perfectly styled. I don’t need much at all, just a little pocket of beautiful light, and I’ll do the rest.

So if you’ve ever worried that your home is too small or “won’t work” for photos, please don’t let that stop you. I can almost always find the light ✨

08/06/2026

I made a four hour round trip out to their farm for our third session together.

The girls were waiting in their glittery cowboy boots, ready to show me all their favourite corners of home. Isla had brought her polaroid camera along too, documenting the afternoon through her own eyes. We started at the top of the hill, where the winter light stretched across the paddocks.

We wandered down the gravel road stopping to pat the horses and chat about their dynamic as a new family of 5.

As the sun began to sink lower, we crossed back home and climbed into Dad’s car, heading out into the paddock one last time. The sky turned gold, the girls curled up close and just like that, we’d captured the season they’re currently living.

These are the sessions I dream about. I hope I get to photograph your family for years to come Nat.

If these images have prompted you to finally book your own family session, I have a little winter gift for you.

Book your family session before the end of August and you’ll receive a complimentary pack of 20 printed 6x4 photographs.

Because memories this sweet deserve so much more than being forgotten in your phone’s camera roll. They deserve to be held, displayed, passed around and loved for years to come.

To get in touch visit the link below

https://www.caitlindraderphotography.com/contact

28/05/2026

I talk so much about letting go the idea of perfection. About leaning in, loving on your kids, having fun, and embracing whatever comes your way.The wind, the mess, the chaos, the kids diving head first into the water fully clothed.

And Erin and Lauren embodied all of that perfectly.

Erin was staying in Piha with her family for a few weeks while Lauren and her family flew over from Canada to visit them. They decided to book an extended friends session together and it turned into the most fun evening.

The kind of session where nobody was worried about everything looking “perfect”. Everyone was just present with each other, soaking it all in. And honestly, those are always the moments that make the best memories.

18/05/2026

One of the reasons I love in home newborn sessions so much is because you get to stay where you’re most comfortable, home 🤍

No rushing out the door, packing the pram or timing feeds perfectly. You get to stay in your safe space while I bring everything to you.

The beautiful thing about in home sessions is that your home becomes part of the story too. The nursery you prepared, the couch you’ve spent days feeding on, the little corners where these early days are unfolding.

They feel slower, calmer and so honest in this season of life. And years from now, you won’t just remember what your baby looked like, you’ll remember the home where it all began 🤍

13/05/2026

POV: You’re just casually living the best days of your life and it’s my job to notice it.

Running on no sleep, milk drunk snuggles and that sweet sweet newborn smell.

Arguably in the thick of the hardest season but also in the thick of the one you’re going to miss the most. So I’m just here to remind you to capture it.

Also, Happy Birthday to this beautiful mum in the frame. I’m lucky to call you a friend 🤍

12/05/2026

Turns out winter sunsets are scientifically prettier, let me explain..

In winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, so the light has to travel through more atmosphere before it reaches us.

This filters out the cooler tones and leaves behind all the dreamy colours. Warm golds, soft pinks, peaches, oranges and purples. Like mother nature edited them herself.

Which is exactly why May–August sunsets in NZ are MAGIC for photos.

And honestly? Winter styling deserves more credit too. The knits, layers, chunky textures, long coats, little boots. It all photographs so beautifully and adds so much depth and coziness to your images.

PLUS:
• Earlier sunsets = kinder bedtimes for little ones
• Locations are quieter and less crowded
• Sessions feel calmer, cosier and more relaxed

If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, this is your sign to give winter a chance ✨

Booking link below:

https://app.studioninja.co/online-booking/portal/0a800fc8-9a49-1ccc-819a-56231f973355/sessions

09/05/2026

Photographs : Physical proof I love you with my whole heart.

A frame from every single family that came along to my Mother’s Day minis.

Wishing you all a day filled with love, gratitude and maybe a bit of a break too.

Happy Mother’s Day x

30/04/2026

My Romee girl is 5 today!

It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing your last baby is no longer a baby.

I feel stuck between wanting to freeze time and watch her grow.

Her wild, sassy personality has me somewhere between laughing, eye rolling and trying to take a deep breath daily.

We have 3 Wednesdays left together before she starts school and I’m not ready but I don’t think I’ll ever be.

I’m so glad I’ve documented every single year. Here’s to chapter 5 with you 🫶

Happy Birthday my girl x

28/04/2026

I always knew she’d have a big family. We’re both the eldest of 4.

She’d stop Mums in cafes and talk to their babies when we were 17. She’s always been maternal. She was always going to be a Mum.

On our 7th shoot together, I got to photograph her third baby. Luella but Lulu for short. I also knew she’d be a Mum that would do all girl L names.

We’ve been best friends for 21 years now and it’s wild how different our lives are now but this is always what I envisioned for her. A home full of babies, a home full of love.

We use to see each other every single day, we use to live together, we’re both kind of busy now. She’s still my best friend but we mostly communicate by sending memes to each other and we catch up when we can.

Grateful to call you my best friend and I’m putting money that the 4th is here within the next 18 months.

Address

Auckland City
Auckland

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://caitlindraderphotography.com/

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