I had the pleasure of working with the friendly staff of Helloworld Travel in Ponsonby recently, updating their staff photos for use on their website and in other marketing activity.  If you have itchy feet for travelling then I can highly recommend this team.  www.helloworld.co.nz  

If your own website photos need updating get in touch. The whole process is quick, easy and inexpensive. These photos were taken at 12.30pm, one sunny Thursday, not far from their office and took just 40 minutes to complete. We sheltered from the harsh sun under Hopetoun Bridge and let nature provided the rest - the backdrop and soft light bouncing off the pavement in front. I can also help with photos of your work place, interior, exterior, stylised product images, retail environment, equipment, your manufacturing plant, or anything else you need. Just drop me an email: info@katrinamatthews.com

Karaka Storage Shed facility is such a great addition to the community. With ample room for trucks to move around, generous parking and some of the best security systems around. Definitely worth checking out if you need a storage space https://karakastorage.kiwi

I had such a great time photographing the Pipes family in Cornwall Park, Auckland recently. We met at 11am one sunny Saturday and played under the trees. This is proof that you can achieve great images any time of the day, if you know the right spots and know your camera well.  

It's the fourth time they have trusted me to capture their growing family and I feel very honoured. First for a maternity shoot in The Auckland Botanical Gardens, then Jessie as a Newborn in my home studio. Followed by a Baptism at their church, and now their growing family (I have popped a few of my favourites from the previous shoots at the bottom of this post).

Thanks again Danielle & Tim. 

Another gem from Loveridge Building (http://www.loveridgebuilders.co.nz). If you are looking for a modern family home with all the extras, you should definitely check this one out in Helenvale Road, Pokeno. Beautifully finished, inside and out, and handy to the motorway too. It'll be loaded to Trademe this weekend, so look out for it.

The interior has been staged by Emma Burn Homestaging. She does an outstanding job every time. Get in touch at  http://www.emmaburnhomestaging.co.nz

If you are selling your own home and in need of interior or exterior photos let me know. I have a beautiful wide angle lens to ensure your home is presented in the best possible light, and offer an affordable and prompt service. Just get in touch for a quote at: info@katrinamatthews.com or 027 552 1604. 

It's been a while since I have found time to update my blog. I have been completely absorbed into other projects, and by life itself. I took an unplanned break from families & newborns when we lost mum mid-2018. Grief for a parent is immense and I lost all passion for happy family shots for a while there. I was grateful for a very busy role with a packaging design agency instead - it provided the necessary distraction to get me through a tough first year without mum. I found solace in product and food photography during that time, as well as photographing the occasional buildings for other Clients (interiors, exteriors, commercial, residential). I have loved expanding my skill base and am excited to continue work in this area, but the best part of it all,... in terms of the break.... is that I feeling completely reinvigorated, refreshed and enthusiastic for photography of all kinds once more. Below are three images of my gorgeous kids. My strength, my rocks and my constant reminders of the importance of doing what makes you feel good, because life is too short.

Such a nice way to end the year, my final post, with adorable newborn squishiness.  Below is newborn Liam, who couldn't be more perfect, and his big brother Jake.  Congratulations Ali & Glen on your perfect little family of four. I'm sure you will all have a lot of fun in the years to come.

If you are interested in a newborn photoshoot, please get in touch. info@katrinamatthews.com.  I hold my newborn photo sessions in my studio, located in the Karaka countryside. Newborn photoshoots are best booked whilst you are still pregnant, ideally early in your third trimester to ensure you don't miss out on a spot. I aim to hold your session when your baby is between 5-12 days old - this is once feeding is established, but before all those reflux/hormone spots/colic begin (if they are going to). Newborns are often more settled and sleepy in their first two weeks too, giving us a higher chance of filling your gallery with lots of variety.  Older siblings and parent shots are part of the session.  I use studio lights, which provides consistent, reliable lighting, allowing me to achieve that soft creamy skin, sharp facial features and blurred out backgrounds. I have a range of newborn props and newborn outfits, which means you don't need to worry about a thing.  I also offer gift vouchers - which are a fabulous baby shower gift! Email me today for more information,  or use the contact form on my website.

My first outdoor photography session for this summer and I couldn't be happier with the result. It was a family shoot with under-1 yr old Kailem and his parents Katherine & Wayne (along with his best friend/pet 'Ruby').  We met at St Margaret's Cafe in Karaka, South Auckland, late one afternoon and played in the long shadows. The family were amazing, so natural and lovely to spend time with. Even 'Ruby' was a super star! The location was very pretty too, with all the flowers in bloom. I love this location for a photoshoot, it provides for a lot of variety all within five minutes walk.

If you are thinking about a photoshoot this summer, then be sure to get in touch and book early. I have limited weekend sunset spots and they book up quickly. The season last until approx April. Check out the overview on my packages page and get in touch via my contact form on this website or email me directly on info@katrinamatthews.com. I work in the Auckland, Franklin region, and am happy to travel to a local a beach or  park location (within 35 minutes). My favourite spots for family photoshoots are: Shelly Beach in Beachlands, St Margaret's cafe in Karaka, the Auckland Botanical Gardens in Manurewa, or the wild west coast Kariotahi beach.  Families are best photographed outdoors, as it brings out more natural smiles from mum, dad and the kids, and it provides a lot more variety.  Under 1s and maternity have a little more flexibility - either in my studio or outdoor.  Newborns are 100% catered for in my newborn studio here in the Karaka countryside. 

Check out my Facebook page too for more information: www.facebook.com/katrinamatthewsphotography  

​Ariella-esme, her name is as beautiful as she is - Ariella-esme means lioness of god and loved. Ariella-esme was 14 days old when she and her parents Stacey & Ben came to see me in my newborn studio, based in rural Karaka.  She gave me the most gorgeous photo (the first one shown below), which is quickly becoming one of my favourite photos I have ever taken.  She gave me this before drifting off to sleep for the rest of the session. Peaceful and perfect is the only way to sum this little treasure up. Thank you for coming into see me for your newborn photography Stacey and Ben. I wish you all the luck for the years ahead. xx Katrina

If you know of any pregnant ladies/ mums-to-be, who may be interested in newborn photography, please share my details on. Newborn photos are best book when you are still pregnant. in your third trimester. I have a studio in rural Karaka, Franklin, Auckland. Sessions start at $450. Please get in touch to learn more.  

Introducing Baby Elliot, here at just 9 days old. He was the most wakeful newborn I have photographed in my studio and although that did slow us down a little, the eye contact in the awake photos is amazing and definitely worth it. So much personality. Congratulations on such a perfect little man Kristy & Tom.

tags: newborn photographer. Auckland. Karaka. Franklin photographer. family photographer. baby photos. 

Introducing little Liam, photographed at just 7 days new.  He was so beautifully behaved at his photoshoot, sleeping right through, with just a short breather for a drink. Perfect in every way, even ready with a well timed smile.

Congratulations Laura and William on your first baby boy, and thank you for visiting my studio. I'm looking forward to delivering your prints in the coming weeks - they will look amazing on your walls.  x K
-------
Newborn sessions are best booked in your third trimester, and held when your newborn is between 5-12 days old. If you are interested in visiting my newborn studio, or interested in learning more, please get in touch. Use the contact form on this website or email me at info@katrinamatthews.com .