Portrait session information – FAQ
What is a pre-shoot consultation?
A pre-shoot consultation is a valuable opportunity for us to connect before your portrait session. It allows us to discuss your vision, preferences, and goals for the shoot, ensuring that we capture images that truly reflect your family’s personality and style. We’ll also cover practical details like your location, wardrobe ideas, session flow, and how to best prepare little ones (or big ones!).
This discussion helps me understand your unique story and enables us to plan a relaxed, meaningful experience. You’ll arrive at your session feeling confident, prepared, and excited — and that always shows in your portraits.
‘Where will my session be held?’
Family sessions – take place at your home or a meaningful outdoor location of your choice — think beach, bush, park or somewhere unique to your story.
Maternity sessions – are held at my natural light newborn studio in Papamoa, at your home, or outdoors.
Newborn sessions – are held either in your home or in my warm, calm newborn studio — fully equipped and designed for comfort and connection.
If you’re unsure where would suit your family best, I’ll happily guide you.
‘When should I book my maternity and newborn sessions?’
Maternity sessions are ideally booked when you’re around 34–36 weeks pregnant, when your bump is beautifully round but you’re still comfortable enough to enjoy the experience.
When we do your maternity shoot, I’ll pencil in a tentative date for your newborn session — usually just after your due date. Once baby arrives, we lock in the time that suits best.
To get the best from your newborn session, the ideal window is between 4–14 days old — during this stage, babies are still nice and sleepy, making it easier to settle into natural, relaxed poses. After this stage, they become more alert and things like colic or baby acne may start to appear.
‘How long will my shoot take?’
Family sessions are about 1–1.5 hours. Relaxed, playful and full of movement — perfect for capturing natural connection. You’ll not only love the photos, but also the fun experience with your family.
Maternity sessions run around 45–60 minutes, giving us time to connect, explore different looks and keep things relaxed and joyful.
Newborn sessions take 2–3 hours, allowing time for feeding, cuddling and settling so the session remains calm and baby-led. I never rush.
‘What is a viewing and design appointment?’
A Viewing & Design Appointment is where you get to experience your portraits for the very first time — and it’s truly special. We meet in person at my Papamoa studio, where I present your images in a curated, cinematic-style reveal.
From there, I’ll guide you through your favourites and help you visualise how your artwork might look in your home — whether it’s a stunning wall piece, an album, or a collection of prints for gifting. You’ll be able to see and feel all the beautiful options and we’ll design everything together.
This process ensures you walk away with artwork that feels meaningful, suits your space, and becomes a treasured part of your home.
“Do you offer digital-only packages?“
I specialise in tangible, finished artwork — so I don’t offer digital-only packages. Your family deserves more than files sitting on a USB.
However, matching digital files are included with every physical piece you purchase — whether it’s a framed print, canvas, matted collection, or album. That means you still get the flexibility of sharing online and archiving your images, while also investing in beautiful heirlooms designed to last.
“What does it cost?“
My portrait experience is designed to be flexible so you can choose what suits your family and your space. Most families choose to invest in custom wall art or albums, and everyone walks away with artwork they adore.
Please see scroll down the page for further info on pricing.
“Why should I book with you?“
Because I’m not just here to give you pretty photos — I’m here to help you preserve your story in a way that lasts.
I offer a high-touch, fully guided experience from start to finish: from planning your shoot to choosing your favourites, and creating stunning, professionally finished artwork. Your portraits are lovingly edited and printed to the highest standard, then beautifully presented in handcrafted frames, albums, or ready-to-display formats.
I don’t hand over a gallery of files and leave you to figure it out — I’m with you every step of the way. I make sure your family’s legacy doesn’t get lost on a hard drive — it lives on your walls, in your hands, and in your hearts.
Portrait – Pricing
The following sessions are bespoke photography experiences:
Family / Generation Session – $125
Maternity Session – $125
Newborn Family Session – $125
These include the following sessions:
– Pre-shoot planning and styling session
– Approximately a 1-2 hour shoot at my Papamoa Beach home (maternity & newborn only) or location of your choosing; beach, park, urban setting, your home/property etc.
– Viewing and design session at my home studio, with personalised product recommendations. This is where you will choose the photographs you wish to display in your home.
***All artwork is sold separately and there is no minimum purchase requirement***
Ready to hang individual Wall Art starts at $678, Matted Art Collections and Wall Art start at $1278.
Everything is designed together at your design appointment, with flexible payment options available.
For more information on pricing please send me an enquiry through the CONTACT page.
Finished Products
At Caroline McKenzie Photography, I hold the belief that your photographs are precious heirlooms, destined to be cherished by generations to come. They capture the essence of how you and your children appeared, loved, and engaged during specific phases of your lives. No longer will these images remain unseen on a USB or hard-drive; photographs are meant to be experienced, felt, and embraced with smiles. My ultimate objective is to assist you in determining the ideal way to safeguard these cherished memories. While the option to have digital copies remains available, my primary aim is to ensure your photographs are immortalised on your walls, or within an album, to forever be admired at.
By having a viewing and design ordering session after your photoshoot, you can touch, feel and fall in love with these keepsakes as I guide you in making choices that align with your preferences and requirements.
Matted Artwork
Framed Wall Art
Albums
