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Triptych of contemporary portraits featuring a stylish woman in a black fitted dress, captured by Christchurch photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

CONTEMPORARY Portraits

CHRISTCHURCH HEADSHOTS, PERSONAL BRANDING + CONTEMPORARY PORTRAITS

Too often, we wait for a reason to step in front of the camera — a milestone birthday, a career update, or a special occasion. But the truth is, you don’t need a reason beyond yourself. You are worthy of being seen, of having images that make you feel radiant and confident and that you just love.

Contemporary portraits are our answer to the formal studio portraits you may remember from your childhood. While those portraits probably seemed stiff and unnatural, ours are lightly posed, capturing connection and the personality of the person being photographed.

Triptych of contemporary portraits featuring a smiling woman a sequin black dress, captured by Christchurch photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

Your session is about more than just photographs — it’s about capturing the people and connections that shape your life. We are documenting your story, your whanau and your friends, captured and preserved for generations.

 

In a world where digital images fade into the background, a beautifully crafted portrait becomes a timeless heirloom, a testament to the relationships that matter most — beautiful, timeless, and entirely yours.

Contemporary Portrait of a teenage girl in a beautiful pink sequin gown Photographs by Christchurch Portrait Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

Our Clients Say

Contemporary family portrait of a smiling elderly couple, captured by Christchurch photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

These photos are incredible, you have captured them so perfectly. Thank you so much for these wonderful photos.

Tyson Family — Contemporary Portrait Session
Ewa Contemporary Portraits.jpg

What to Expect

Wondering how it all works?

These four steps outline our portrait experience, but if you still have questions, let's chat!

Contemporary Portrait of a boy in a blue suit Photographs by Christchurch Portrait Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

1. BOOK

Plan ahead

Book as early as possible to secure your preferred date. We recommend you book at least 4–8 weeks in advance

Choose your package

  • We're transparent — our full pricing is online

  • Pre-book your hair and makeup

Booking is easy

Just contact us by phone or email

Fashion and Editorial Style Contemporary Portrait of a woman in a black dress Photographs by Christchurch Portrait Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

3. SHOOT

It's OK to feel nervous; most people don't like having their photos taken.​ But don't worry — you don't need to be a natural in front of the camera. We'll guide you every step of the way.

When you arrive, we'll have everything ready based on our pre-session consultation. You'll be able to look through our extensive wardrobe, and we'll fine-tune our shot list.

We have lots of home comforts, with hot and cold drinks and comfy couches where you can relax.

Fashion and Editorial Style Contemporary Portrait of a woman in a black dress Photographs by Christchurch Portrait Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

2. PLAN

Pre-session consultation

This enables us to learn more about you and anyone else being photographed. To respect your time, we typically hold the pre-session consultation via phone or Zoom

The planning session will cover:

  • Creating a wardrobe plan

  • Selecting key backgrounds and props

  • Creating a provisional shot list

  • Answering your questions

Contemporary Portrait of a laughing elderly man in a dark suit Photographs by Christchurch Portrait Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

4. SELECT

Your collection will be ready three weeks after your session

You'll choose your images from a fully retouched gallery. Your images will be printed and mounted, ready for you to take home. 

Most clients also choose to purchase wall art and/or some of our beautiful display products.

 

We'll design your artwork during your viewing appointment, and we'll organise everything else.

Easy

Framed Fashion and Editorial Style Contemporary Portraits of a Beautiful Woman hanging in a sitting room. photographs by Christchurch Portrait Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

Common Questions

  • Do I need to book in advance?
    Yes, you should always book in advance. To deliver the exceptional service and personalised attention we are known for, we limit the number of sessions we schedule each month. Consequently, while we occasionally have last-minute openings, we strongly advise booking early to secure your preferred date. ​ We recommend scheduling your maternity session early in your second trimester. Early booking helps ensure we can accommodate your preferred dates and provide the bespoke experience our clients love. ​ You can find more general session and pricing information HERE
  • Can you help me if I feel nervous in front of the camera?
    Absolutely! It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but we specialise in creating a relaxed and supportive environment. We are experienced when it comes to photographing mothers-to-be and will guide you throughout the session. We use clever posing and great lighting to show you at your best and ensure you have photographs of your pregnancy that you will love and treasure. We’ll guide you through every step, from posing to expression, so you feel confident and look your best. By the end of the session, you’ll feel at ease and may even enjoy the process!
  • How long does a session take?
    Maternity sessions typically last 1.5–2 hours, depending on the range of images we’re capturing. This allows time for outfit changes and adjustments to ensure we create a diverse portfolio of images tailored to your needs. You can find more general session and pricing information HERE
  • Are family photos included?
    Yes, family photos are included with all of our collections. We have a client wardrobe with gowns you may wish to borrow and we can provide clothing for boys up to age seven and dresses for girls of all ages. We do not currently have options for men in our client wardrobe. You may like to view our blog on photographing young children with their new sibling, as a lot of the information is equally relevant when preparing children for a maternity session.
  • My husband / partner doesn't want to come?
    That's not a problem at all. For most of our clients, the purpose of a maternity shoot is to capture some beautiful images for themselves. Something they can look back on to remember their pregnancy experience. You can come alone, or a bring a friend. You might like to view our maternity gallery.
  • What should I wear for my session? Can I bring my own wardrobe options or special items to be photographed?
    Women: We have a client wardrobe with many gowns, bodysuits, and flowing fabrics that are ideal for a maternity portrait session. Our wardrobe includes options to suit a wide range of figures and personal styles. We do recommend you bring a range of underwear, including smooth natural coloured pants and bra, a strapless bra, and some more lacy items if you wish them to be photographed on show. Many client choose to bring additional outfit options from home, such as jeans and a shirt. Cultural items should be provided by the client. We love to include korowai, sari and other cultural items in your session, so please bring these with you. You may like to view our blog on Photographing Korowai. Children: We can provide shorts and tee's for children up to the age of seven; and Our client wardrobe include a range of dresses for children of all ages. Cultural items should be provided by the client. We love to include special items in your session, so please bring these with you. Men: We do not currently have options for men in our client wardrobe. Simple white or black fitted t-shirts and jeans photograph nicely and work alongside most gowns. Tips for bringing your own wardrobe options: Avoid busy patterns, logos, or overly trendy styles, as these can date your photos. Please ensure that your clothes are clean and pressed (if required) as wrinkles are difficult to remove naturally in photoshop. I’ll provide a styling guide and help you choose what works best during your session. You may like to view our Galleries to see examples of outfits that have photographed well as well as a selection of the gowns and bodysuits available in our client wardrobe. You might like to check out some of our award winning photographs HERE.
  • Can you organise hair + make-up?
    Yes we can - please enquire when you book as our favourite stylist is very popular and we need to book her early. Most clients for a maternity session book the hair and make-up add on. While not a requirement, it does add a little polish to your images and enhances the overall experience. Many clients have commented that having their hair and make-up done professionally helped them feel beautiful and confident and ready for an awesome portrait session. You might like to view our maternity gallery.
  • Can you edit my images to remove blemishes?
    Yes, all final images include professional retouching. This includes subtle enhancements like smoothing skin, removing blemishes, and brightening your teeth while maintaining a natural and authentic look. Equally, some clients request that we do very minimal retouching and would prefer us to leave the images as shot, for their natural beauty to shine. If you have specific requests, just let us know! You might like to view our maternity gallery.
  • How are the portraits delivered? How long will it take?
    Your portraits will be carefully curated and professionally retouched and ready for you to view approximately three weeks after your session. You’ll receive your final images in both digital and printed format and most clients also choose to add on some framed wall art of their favourite portraits, or perhaps a portrait box, or an album. All of our artworks are designed to become cherished family heirlooms, we use the highest quality materials and experienced craftspeople to create your final pieces. You can learn more about the experience we offer and what to expect HERE
  • Where does the session take place? Do you photograph outside?
    Sessions take place in our beautiful Ferrymead studio where we don't have to worry about the weather and have great light at all times. Photographing indoors enables us to keep you at a comfortable temperature and makes the session really easy as you don't have to walk far; have easy access to a bathroom, and can count on your session going ahead even if it's wet and windy. We also love studio portraits because they are classic and will stand the test of time. We use multiple outfits and can change the backdrop to get lots of variety in your collection. You may like to view some of our Galleries to get a feel for our photographic style.
  • Where can I find information on pricing?
    We believe in being completely transparent, so all of our pricing information is available online. You can access our pricing HERE On this Pricing + Info page you will find: Information on our portrait experience A form to request our full pricing details After you complete the form, you will be taken to our detailed Pricing + Booking info Page. Here you will find: Information on planning your session A guide to understanding our pricing structure Detailed pricing and package information Upgrade options
  • When is the best time for my newborn session?
    We aim to hold the session while your baby is very new and still used to being tucked up inside — usually between days 5 and 14 after birth. Because we can’t predict when your baby will choose to make an entrance, we make a provisional booking on your due date and update this to a confirmed appointment time after they have arrived. We know it can feel daunting to leave the house with a brand new baby, so we have made our studio easy to access, with parking at the door, and very comfortable with everything you might need. You can find more general session and pricing information HERE.
  • Do I need to book in advance?
    Yes, you should always book in advance. To deliver the exceptional service and personalised attention we are known for, we limit the number of sessions we schedule each month. Consequently, while we occasionally have last-minute openings, we strongly advise booking early to secure your preferred date. ​ We recommend booking your newborn photography session early in your second trimester. Early booking helps ensure we can accommodate your preferred dates and provide the bespoke experience our clients love. You can find more general session and pricing information HERE. ​
  • Where will the session take place? Do you photograph outside?
    The session will take place in our beautiful studio in Ferrymead, Christchurch where we don't have to worry about the weather and have great light at all times. We like to keep babies and their families warm and comfortable and to make the session really easy for you. We also love studio portraits because they are classic and will stand the test of time. We use multiple outfits and can change the backdrop to get lots of variety in your collection. You might like to view our newborn gallery.
  • How long does a session take?
    Newborn sessions typically last 3-4 hours, depending on the range of images we’re capturing and the size of collection you have booked. This allows time for baby cuddles, changes and settling as our sessions are baby-led. You can learn more about our newborn photography sessions HERE You can find more general session and pricing information HERE
  • Are family photos included?
    Yes, family photos are included with all of our collections. We have a client wardrobe with gowns you may wish to borrow and we can provide clothing for boys up to age seven and dresses for girls of all ages. We do not currently have options for men in our client wardrobe. You make like to view our blog on photographing young children with their new baby sibling.
  • How do I prepare for my newborn session?
    We will discuss this during your style consultation to ensure you feel prepared for your session. This will include discussing what to wear and planning the style of photographs we are going to take. You may like to read our Tips for Planning the Perfect Newborn Portrait Session, which was originally featured in Issue 15 of 'Pregnancy Bump and Baby Magazine'. However, leaving all prep aside, our goal is to create a calm relaxed environment where you can simply enjoy the moment. You might like to check out some of our award winning photographs HERE. You might also like to view our handy preparation guides HERE
  • Can you help me if I feel nervous in front of the camera?
    Absolutely! It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but we specialise in creating a relaxed and supportive environment. We are very experienced when it comes to photographing newborns with their family will guide you through the session. We use clever posing and great lighting to show you at your best and ensure you have photographs with your new baby that you will love and treasure. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity for professionally taken family photos — even if you feel nervous about it. As a parent you will take lots of photos of your children, but so often we end up with very few photos with ourselves in them. Many of our clients (sometimes to their surprise) find the family photographs are their favourite and these are most often chosen for framed wall art.
  • What should I wear for my session? Can I bring my own wardrobe options or special items to be photographed?
    Women: We have a client wardrobe with many gowns, bodysuits, and flowing fabrics that are ideal for a maternity portrait session. Our wardrobe includes options to suit a wide range of figures and personal styles. We recommend you bring a range of underwear, including smooth natural coloured pants and bra, a strapless bra, and some more lacy items if you wish them to be photographed on show. Many client choose to bring additional outfit options from home, such as jeans and a shirt. Cultural items should be provided by the client. We love to include korowai, sari and other cultural items in your session, so please bring these with you. You may like to view our blog on Photographing Korowai. Babies and Children: We provide everything for your newborn, so there is not need to purchase anything for the session. This includes all outfits, props, headbands and textiles. We can provide shorts and tee's for children up to the age of seven; and Our client wardrobe include a range of dresses for children of all ages. Cultural items should be provided by the client. We love to photograph korowai, special dresses, sari and other items that are special for your family We love to include special items in your session, such as heirloom blankets, so please bring these with you. Men: We do not currently have options for men in our client wardrobe. Simple white or black fitted t-shirts and jeans photograph nicely and work alongside most gowns. Tips for bringing your own wardrobe options: Avoid busy patterns, logos, or overly trendy styles, as these can date your photos. Please ensure that your clothes are clean and pressed (if required) as wrinkles are difficult to remove naturally in photoshop. We'll discuss styling and will help you choose what works best during your session. You may like to view our Galleries to see examples of outfits that have photographed well.
  • How are the portraits delivered? How long will it take?
    Your portraits will be carefully curated and professionally retouched and ready for you to view approximately three weeks after your session. You’ll receive your final images in both digital and printed format and most clients also choose to add on some framed wall art of their favourite portraits, or perhaps a portrait box, or an album. All of our artworks are designed to become cherished family heirlooms, we use the highest quality materials and experienced craftspeople to create your final pieces. You can learn more about the experience we offer and what to expect HERE.
  • Can you organise hair + make-up?
    Yes we can! We work with a team of talented hair and makeup artists to ensure you look your best with a natural, polished finish. It's helpful to know in advance if you are thinking about booking hair and make-up, but you will be able to make the final decision when we schedule your session after baby has arrived. You might like to view our newborn gallery.
  • Where can I find information on pricing?
    We believe in being completly transparent, so all of our pricing information is available online. You can access this HERE. On this Pricing + Info page you will find: Information on our portrait experience A form to request our full pricing details After you complete the form, you will be taken to our detailed 'Full Pricing' Page. Here you will find: Information on planning your session A guide to understanding our pricing structure Detailed pricing and package information Upgrade options

Gallery

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