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About Louise
Creating heirlooms that celebrate family, legacy, and love.
I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m Louise — a mum to three beautiful girls, and a photographer with a deep love for capturing the fleeting moments of family life.
As a parent, I know how quickly these days pass — from the first sleepy newborn stretches to the whirlwind of childhood and teenage years.
With over 15 years of experience photographing babies, children, and families, I’ve learned that the best images come when everyone feels relaxed, connected, and cared for. My studio sessions are designed to be calm, guided, and full of heart.
How It All Began
My photography journey started in the most unexpected way — with my own wedding photos.
When I received them, I felt disappointed. They didn’t capture how the day felt. Determined to make them better, I dove into Photoshop, trying to fix them myself — but quickly realised that beautiful photos start behind the camera, not on the computer.
While pregnant with my second baby, I decided to take a photography course to truly learn the craft. Naturally, my newborn daughter became my favourite practice subject! Soon friends began asking for baby photos, and what started as a small hobby grew into something much more meaningful.
That was over 15 years ago, and I’ve loved every moment since.
The Heart Behind My Work
Around eight years ago, another moment changed the way I saw photography forever.
When my grandparents moved into a retirement home, our family gathered to clear out their house. Hanging on their wall was a beautiful Victorian portrait of my great-grandmother.
As we admired it, a friendly argument broke out about who would get to keep it — and that simple moment made me realise how precious a single photograph can be.
We take thousands of digital pictures these days, but so few become heirlooms. That portrait of my great-grandmother had become part of our family story — something tangible, treasured, and deeply meaningful.
That’s what inspired me to create Heritage Portraits — timeless fine-art images designed to last for generations, blending my love of history and art with the innocence and character of childhood.
🌿 Photography began as my creative outlet, but it became my purpose when I realised its power to preserve legacy.
Today
Now, nestled beneath the beautiful Kaimai Ranges near Matamata, I welcome families into my cosy home studio.
Here, I specialise in two areas close to my heart:
Newborn Portraits — gentle, baby-led sessions capturing the tenderness of those earliest days.
Children’s Heritage Portraits — elegant, fine-art style sessions where children are guided through an experience that’s both fun and creative, resulting in timeless portraits that look like painted heirlooms.
Each session is relaxed and personal, with guidance on styling, posing, and presentation so you can simply enjoy the experience. Every image is hand-finished in my signature fine-art style — soft, detailed, and full of emotion.
✨ Because one day, these portraits will tell your story — just as that old photograph told mine.
A Little Thank You
Choosing me to photograph your family is something I’m deeply grateful for. Every session is personal to me — I know how special these moments are, and it means so much to be trusted to capture them. My goal is for you to not only love your portraits but to feel truly seen and cared for throughout the entire experience.