Real Family Photography

Real Family Photography I provide real families who hate awkward poses with documentary photography in Nelson and Tasman, Aotearoa New Zealand.

I am an NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer. Finalist Documentary Photographer of the Year 2025.

When most people think about family photos, they picture bright spring flowers, golden summer sun or autumn leaves.But h...
31/05/2026

When most people think about family photos, they picture bright spring flowers, golden summer sun or autumn leaves.

But have you considered winter? It’s my favourite time of year to photograph families because winter slows life down.

No, you do not need a Pinterest-perfect house or beautifully behaved children. I document real family life as it unfolds. Unposed, at home, emotive and uniquely yours.

I've written a blog "Five reasons winter family photos are secretly the coolest"

👉 Read more: https://www.realfamilyphotography.com/post/5-reasons-winter-family-photos-are-secretly-the-coolest

❄️ Winter newborn day-in-the-life photography giveaway👶This winter I'm celebrating the newborn babies and their amazing ...
29/05/2026

❄️ Winter newborn day-in-the-life photography giveaway👶

This winter I'm celebrating the newborn babies and their amazing parents. Because you're doing an incredible job every single day! You deserve to have this chapter of life recorded.

Not posing for milestones to be photographed. Not fake smiling for the camera when you've had 2 hours sleep. Not pretending you're on top of everything when you're not.

I'm here to preserve what a real day in your life is like. So you can remember the grit, wonder, love and coffee. They do grow up. And one day you can look back and be reminded you can do hard things. Your body is incredible, giving life to your precious child.

Why? I'm drawing on my own experience learning to be a mum, with the added layer of keeping baby warm! We loved (and still do!) hiking in forests, beaches and farms with our babies.

📷 Major Prize: valued at $800
- A signature 3 hour Real Family Photography at home day-in-the-life newborn session in Nelson or Tasman
- One 8x10" print OR $300 credit towards more photos and artwork​​​

🏡 ​Five Runner-Up Prizes: valued at $450 each​
- A 1 hour Real Family Photography at home day-in-the-life newborn session in Nelson or Tasman
- One 5x7" print OR $250 credit towards more photos and artwork

Additional photos and artwork will be available to purchase if you wish, there’s no obligation.

Closes midnight, Sunday 7th June 2026

Enter here: https://www.realfamilyphotography.com/competition

Congratulations to this incredible Mum who is the Major Prize Winner of my Mother’s Day Competition.Recently separated, ...
10/05/2026

Congratulations to this incredible Mum who is the Major Prize Winner of my Mother’s Day Competition.

Recently separated, having just lost her mum and received a terminal diagnosis herself; last year was a tough one. Focusing on living her best life with her kids as her blessings that are her sense of purpose XX

She has won beautiful prizes kindly donated by:
Real Family Photography
Dancing With Becks
Botanical Skincare
Spencer Wines

My Mother's Day giveaway closes on Saturday night!Win beautiful gifts from the wonderfulReal Family Photography Dancing ...
06/05/2026

My Mother's Day giveaway closes on Saturday night!

Win beautiful gifts from the wonderful
Real Family Photography
Dancing With Becks
Botanical Skincare
Spencer Hill Wines

This Mother’s Day, I’m handpicking a small number of mum's to receive the gift of being present in your family photos (a...
22/04/2026

This Mother’s Day, I’m handpicking a small number of mum's to receive the gift of being present in your family photos (and a basket of local goodies!).

Most of the photos of your family are taken by you. Beautifully. Lovingly. But you’re rarely in them.

This is your invitation to change that. Without performing, posing, or pretending. It’s time to document your real life that is uniquely yours. Toddler tantrums, teenage tenseness and everything in between.

Why? Because I believe you’re already living something worth remembering. And because I love supporting Tasman locals doing wonderful things.

Major Prize: total value $925+
📷 A signature 3 hour Real Family Photography documentary session in Nelson or Tasman (in-home or outdoors, wherever your real life happens)
🖼️ One 8x10" print OR $300 credit towards more photos and artwork
🛀 Botanical Skincare Bubble bath citrus flower + watermint
💃 Dancing With Becks 5 pack dance classes at the Moutere Hills Community Centre
🍷 Spencer Hill “The Wild One” Pinot Noir 2021

Five Runner-Up Prizes: valued at $450 each​
📷 A 1 hour Real Family Photography documentary session in Nelson or Tasman (in-home or outdoors, wherever your real life happens)
🖼️ One 5x7" print OR $250 credit towards more photos and artwork

Additional photos and artwork will be available if you wish, there’s no obligation. Photos start from $250 each with most families spending an average of $1000.

How It Works
1 Complete the short application form
2 I’ll personally read every submission
3 Entries close midnight, Saturday 9th May 2026
4 Winners contacted and announced: Mother’s Day Sunday 10th May 2026

https://www.realfamilyphotography.com/competition

11/04/2026

Supporting local cinema Girl's Night Out in Takaka!

12/02/2026

Our family adventure this week was to Pupu Hydro Walkway. So unique with a water race rushing beside the path, often a narrow suspended bridge with a sheer drop off on the other side! With with 5 and 3 year old! They did such a great job and loved every minute xx

Nelson/Tasman families who want to document your story and hate awkward poses: this is for you! 👩‍👧I’m looking for famil...
02/02/2026

Nelson/Tasman families who want to document your story and hate awkward poses: this is for you! 👩‍👧

I’m looking for families who hate having their photo taken and value authenticity over appearances.​

Your real life might be two under two; busy school schedules; moody teenagers; caring for elderly parents or anything in between.

Why? Sharing these stories helps show what real family photography can be. Participating families will be happy for their images to be shared on my website, social media, and in awards.

There is one major prize winner with five runner up families.

🏆 Major prize includes a FREE 3 hour documentary family photography session and an 8x10” print or credit to say thanks. Valued at $750.

🏆 The runners up prizes include a FREE 1 hour documentary family photography session and a 5x7” print or credit to say thanks. Valued at $350 each.

And YES, you will have the opportunity to purchase more photos after the session, if you like, but there's no pressure.

If you know a family who don't have any photos, make sure they don't miss this.

Competition closes 9.00am Monday 9th February 2026.

​​To enter, just complete this 3 minute form
https://www.realfamilyphotography.com/competition

Terms and Conditions
- Photography session must be completed by 30th April 2026
- Zoom View and Order Appointment must be completed within two weeks of photography session
- Prizes include one photo each, additional photos can be purchased
- Included photo can be exchanged for credit towards more photos
- Photos start from $150. Most families spend an average of $1000
- A fully-refundable $75 booking fee is required to reserve your session
- Real Family Photography believes in the power of printed photos displayed in your home. I do not sell individual digital files. Every print ordered comes with it's matching high resolution digital file
- By entering you agree to receive the periodic Real Family Photography eNewsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time
- Prize is non-transferrable
- Prize is unable to be redeemed for cash or further credit
- Credit must be redeemed at this session only (cannot be banked for future sessions)

I'm making a new year's resolution to share more real stories :)Like Aleisha, Grant and their brood! They have been toge...
26/01/2026

I'm making a new year's resolution to share more real stories :)

Like Aleisha, Grant and their brood! They have been together for years, juggling two children each in their blended family. They approached me requesting "photos with all of us in it as we really don't have any nice ones". It's rare that everyone is all together, as each child has their own unique hobbies. I joined them on a walk in Miyazu Gardens, Nelson. The kids enjoyed exploring old and new parts of the gardens, chatting away with each other along the paths.

There are tonnes more real family stories in my ongoing blog post: What is your story?

https://www.realfamilyphotography.com/post/what-is-your-story

Address

432 Bird Road
Motupipi
7183

Opening Hours

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

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