Sarahlee Studio

06/10/2026

SNEAK PEEK ~ 12 WOMEN

Sometimes, life gives us a reason to pause and think about the woman we are today, the woman we have been, and the woman we are still becoming. For Tania, reading another woman’s story from The Twelve Women Project really resonated with her.

Having lost her mum just last year, she found herself wishing she had captured more moments together. Loosing a loved one makes us think about how much the people in our lives mean to us, and how precious those photographs become as time goes on. So with a significant birthday coming up in November, she was thinking about capturing this particular chapter of her life. A moment in time that will never come around again.

When I asked Tania what this experience would mean to her, she shared that she is so used to doing things for everyone else that she would probably feel guilty about having a photo shoot just for herself.

I think many of us can relate to that. We tell ourselves we will do it when we feel ready, until someone else can join us, or when we feel a little more like the person we want to be. We wait for a moment that feels worthy, and then realise those moments are all around us everyday

How often do we put ourselves last? How often do we feel guilty about doing something simply because it is for us? The 12 Women Project is here to change that.
To Tania, I am so glad you put yourself forward for The Twelve Women Project. I hope this experience gives you the chance to celebrate the woman you are today, before you step into the next chapter.

The 12 Women Project is now closed to applications and we can't wait to share the results in the coming months.

28/09/2026

IMPORTANT DATES FOR CHRISTMAS

ARE YOU A PLANNER?

Make time stand still this Christmas... because the years may fly by, but the memories don't have to. It’s time to think about giving your loved ones a gift that grows more precious with every passing year.

Important Christmas Cut-off Dates:

If wanting to gift a framed portrait as a gift, your shoot must happen before November 1st,
If wanting to gift the session, please book early as last shoot option is December 15th,
If you want to gift a gift voucher for Christmas, last chance is December 24th,
Beat the holiday rush and ensure your heartfelt gifts arrive on time!

24/09/2026

Come say HI! at the Northland Home show. You’ll find us here today tomorrow and Sunday!
check out a work, ask questions and enter to when you’re very own photo shoot.
Great way to spend a day or just a few hours. 📸

23/09/2026

12 WOMEN PROJECT ~ SNEAK PEEK

This beautiful lady is Stacey, one of our incredible women taking part in this fabulous 12 women project. And her inspiring message is that you get to choose to refuse to believe that life has an expiry date.

I first photographed this beautiful woman years ago, when she came in with her friends, and it was such a joy to have her back in front of my camera again. But this time, she is stepping into a very different chapter, one that's about empowering herself and others.

After reflecting on life she decided to make some big changes in life. Recently discovering a real passion for fitness and is now working as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Coach, helping others like her, become the best version of themselves.

There is something really special about finding a new direction later in life, taking a chance on yourself, and discovering that you are capable of so much more than you imagined.

Now she is embracing the attitude that everything is worth a go.

This session was about celebrating the woman she is today; proud of what she has achieved, excited about what comes next, and completely unapologetic about taking up space in this new chapter.

It was so lovely to photograph you again. Thank you Stacey, for trusting me with this moment.

Hair and Make up by

Applications for the 12 Women Project are now closed, I can't wait to share the final 12 portraits with you in the coming months.

12/09/2026

I’m really looking forward to being at the Northland Home & Lifestyle Show this year, and I’d love for you to come and find me. Booth A3, near the rear door of the stadium, before the marque.

There’s going to be so much to see with more than 130 exhibitors covering everything from new builds, kitchens and bathrooms to interiors, gardens, furniture and all those lovely things that make a house feel like home.

And while everyone else is talking about what you can do to your home, I’m going to be encouraging you to do something for yourself.

WIN A SARAHLEE STUDIO PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE
I’m giving away 40 Sarahlee Studio Gift Vouchers worth $399 each.
Each voucher includes:
• A portrait session for up to 10 people
• A personal consultation before your session
• $169 towards your chosen images
I know getting in front of the camera isn’t something everyone feels comfortable with. But that’s exactly why I love what we do.
It’s about taking a little time for yourself, feeling amazing, and seeing yourself in a completely different way.

And there’s an incredible bonus prize too.

THE HOME SHOW’S $1,600 GRAND PRIZE
I’ve donated a $1,600 Sarahlee Studio Portrait Experience to the Home Show’s Grand Prize Competition.
This is a separate competition run by the Home Show, so you’ll find the entry for that at their competition area.
So if you’re coming along to the show, please come and say hello.

Come and enter our competition, have a chat, see what we do, and maybe take the first step towards doing something really special for yourself.

I’d love to see you there.

09/09/2026

NORTHLAND HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW 2026, booth A3

We’re heading back to the Northland Home & Lifestyle Show this year, and I’d love you to come and see us!

There’s going to be loads to see with 130+ exhibitors covering everything from new builds, kitchens and bathrooms through to interiors, gardens, furniture and lifestyle.
But we’re there for something a little different.

COME AND WIN A SARAHLEE STUDIO PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE
I’m giving away 40 Sarahlee Studio Gift Vouchers worth $399 each.

Each voucher includes:
• A portrait session for up to 10 people
• A personal consultation
• $169 towards your images
Because sometimes you don’t need another thing for the house.
Sometimes you need to do something for yourself.
Come and have some fun with us, enter the competition, and see what a Sarahlee Studio portrait experience is all about.

AND THERE’S A $1,600 PRIZE TOO
I’ve also donated a $1,600 Sarahlee Studio Portrait Experience to the Home Show’s Grand Prize Competition. This is a separate competition run by the Home Show, so you’ll need to enter that one at their own competition area (near the door).

So if you’re heading along to the show, make sure you come and find me.

I’d love to see you there!
https://www.homeandlifestyleshow.co.nz/northland

07/09/2026

SNEAK PEEK

These two beautiful ladies are the glamorous half of the fabulous Browne family. And we started their first family photos in seven years with a little hair and makeup pampering for the girls. With three sons, a husband and a business in the automotive industry, it was something special to spoil these two for a moment of feel good girl time.

Then, once everyone else had arrived, it was time for all the combinations: the family together, the siblings, a couple of shots, individuals and, of course, each child with both parents. Something small today that will mean the world to each kid when they inherit it in the years to come.

We started casual, moved on to dressy and, by the end, it was all laughs, jokes and the banter of family filling the air. A truly special moment to have everyone together before all the children are grown and move away from home.

Hair Hair on the Move
Make Up

04/09/2026

SNEAK PEEK

This fabulous family had ten kids spanning eighteen years, and together they were some of the most fun I have ever had on a session. Along with their parents, each and every one of them had a unique personality, a spark of life and found their place within the group.

Having not had family photos in a good few years, not only did they gather everyone together, including the oldest, who was visiting for a few days, but they were perfectly colour coordinated, full of joy and just happy to be together and creating memories that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.

I love this image, a moment of calm before the running races started, the funny faces came out and we captured all the other combinations. Thank you Mellissa & Mark for choosing us to create such priceless memories for you!