Family & Maternity Photographer in Christchurch & Canterbury

Natural, relaxed photography that preserves your family's story exactly as it is today.

✓ 10+ years of experience
✓ 150+ families, couples & mothers photographed
✓ Replies within 24 hours

More Than Just Beautiful Photos

To me, family photography isn't about perfect smiles or perfectly posed portraits.

It's about preserving the little moments that disappear far too quickly.

Tomorrow your children will be older than they are today, your pregnancy will become a memory.

One day these tiny hands won't fit inside yours anymore.

The photographs we create today will become the memories your children and grandchildren look back on for years to come.

Twenty years from now, these photographs won't just be pictures—they'll become some of your family's most treasured possessions.

I know this because I still look back at my own childhood photographs. They remind me of moments I'd never be able to revisit otherwise, and they're among the most valuable things I own today.

A young girl with light brown hair, wearing a yellow long-sleeve shirt with a bear and a lion design, is sitting against a light-colored wall with a subtle patterned wallpaper. She is smiling slightly and holding a plush Mickey Mouse toy. Two tennis balls are on her lap.

Why Families Love Working With Kate Kish

Children Feel Comfortable Around Me

I genuinely love working with children, and they usually warm up to me very quickly. Every child is different, so I never expect perfect behaviour—I simply photograph them as they are.

No Stiff Posing. Just Real Moments.

I won't tell you to stand perfectly still or smile at the camera.

Instead, I'll gently guide you through little activities:

  • Let's go for a walk

  • Run together

  • Cuddle Mum

  • Dance

  • Play

The result is photographs full of genuine emotion rather than stiff poses.

A multi-generational family enjoying a day outdoors in a lush green field with rolling hills in the background. The scene includes three adults and six children, some holding hands, smiling and playing.

Creative Sessions Designed Around You

Whether you'd love:

  • a sunrise on the beach

  • baking cookies together at home

  • a picnic in the hills

  • your favourite garden

  • your family farm

  • a beautiful forest walk

I'm always excited to create something unique together.

Real Moments Over Perfect Ones

One of my favourite photographs is often the one nobody expected.

A child making funny faces, someone running away, a cuddle after a little tantrum. Those are the moments that tell your family's real story.

A baby dressed in a knitted sweater, being held by a person with a watch on their wrist, with several hands supporting the baby. The photograph is in black and white.

Flexible Around Canterbury Weather

If it's raining or cold, we simply reschedule.

I want your session to be enjoyable—not stressful.

Complimentary Outfit & Styling Guide

Every booking includes my complimentary Outfit Guide.

If you'd like, I'm also happy to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully together.

Bright, Timeless Editing

My editing style is bright, warm and true to life.

Rather than following trends that may look outdated in a few years, I carefully edit every photograph to create timeless images you'll still love decades from now.

Every image is individually hand-edited to preserve genuine emotion, beautiful natural colours and the atmosphere of your family's day together.

A pregnant woman sitting on a blanket outdoors with three young children, flowers, baskets, and a pink fabric backdrop, in a field with a white fence and cloudy sky.

Family & Maternity Photography Packages

Whether you're celebrating a growing family, expecting your first baby, or simply want to preserve this chapter of your life, every session is designed to feel relaxed, natural and enjoyable.

From helping you choose the perfect location and outfits to gently guiding you throughout the session, I'll make sure your experience feels effortless from beginning to end.

Every package includes my complimentary Outfit Guide, location recommendations, professional hand editing and a private online gallery with high-resolution downloads. Travel within 50 km

⭐ MOST POPULAR

The Story Collection

$990 NZD

Capture your journey from pregnancy to meeting your baby

✓ Two separate sessions

✓ Maternity + Newborn

✓ 150 edited photographs

✓ Outfit Guide

✓ Styling help

✓ Location recommendations

✓ Private online gallery

✓ High-resolution downloads

✓ Gallery within 4 weeks

A woman standing by the ocean at sunset, with the sun low on the horizon, reflecting golden light on the water, and a person with long hair in the foreground.
Close-up of a newborn baby yawning and sleeping while being held in an adult's arms, wearing a blue striped outfit.

The Essentials

$550 NZD

Perfect for maternity, newborn, family and couple sessions

✓ 1-hour session

✓ 50 edited photographs

✓ Private online gallery

✓ Outfit Guide

✓ Styling help

✓ Location recommendations

✓ Private online gallery

✓ High-resolution downloads

✓ Gallery within 4 weeks

A boy holding two small fluffy puppies outdoors with greenery in the background
A happy family of three with a dog sitting in tall grass outdoors in sunlight, smiling at the camera.

Family Photography Reviews in Christchurch & Canterbury

Wondering what it's really like to work with me? Here are a few reviews from families across Christchurch and Canterbury who trusted me to capture their maternity, newborn and family photography sessions.

Two women with glasses, wearing white lace head coverings and light-colored dresses, smiling and hugging while sitting on a blanket during a picnic near a body of water. There are picnic items around them, including a watermelon, sandwiches, cookies, apples, thermoses, a camera, and a straw hat.

★★★★★

Victoria

Christchurch , Canterbury

Our photoshoot with Kate Kish was such a beautiful experience! She created such a calm and cozy atmosphere that made it easy for my sister and me to just be ourselves. The photos are everything we hoped for — natural, full of emotion, and captured with so much love.

Kate has a real gift for seeing the connection between people. We’ll cherish these memories forever!

A pregnant woman standing in a field of tall, golden grass during sunset, with one hand on her head and the other on her belly, wearing a white crochet top and jeans.

★★★★★

Mel

Akaroa, Canterbury

Amazing photographer. Super friendly and easy to work with. Fantastic communication and photos are beautiful! Highly recommend Kate to anyone!

Person sitting on the ground in grass, holding yellow sunflowers while wearing jeans and a cream-colored knit sweater.
A family of three standing under a large tree in a park during daytime. The man is wearing a white shirt and shorts, the woman is wearing a white dress and holding a baby, and they are looking at each other. The background features green grass, other trees, and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

★★★★★

Paige

Cheviot , North Canterbury

Thoroughly enjoyed our session and stoked with the outcome of the photos!

Despite the windy conditions, Kateryna did an amazing job at capturing some special moments for us! Highly recommend☺️

I'm incredibly grateful to have photographed hundreds of maternity, newborn, couple and family photography sessions throughout Christchurch, Canterbury and across New Zealand.

Read More Google Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 Google Rating

Family Photography FAQs

Planning a family, maternity or newborn session? Here are some of the most common questions I receive before booking. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, I'd love to hear from you.

Should our outfits match for family photos?

1

Not exactly! Instead of everyone wearing identical outfits, I recommend choosing colours that complement each other. Neutral tones, soft textures and simple patterns photograph beautifully while keeping the focus on your family.

Every booking includes my complimentary Outfit Guide, and I'm always happy to help you choose outfits if you'd like a second opinion.

What time of day is best for a family photoshoot?

2

There isn't one perfect answer.

Every family is different, and the best time depends on your children, the season, your chosen location and the style of photographs you'd love to have.

While I adore the soft light at sunrise and sunset, beautiful family photographs can be created throughout the day. As a professional photographer, I know how to work with different lighting conditions and choose locations that look their best at any time.

My goal is to create a session that works for your family—not the other way around.

My kids never sit still… will you still get good photos?

3

Absolutely!

I never expect children to sit perfectly still or smile at the camera. My sessions are relaxed and built around movement, play and genuine connection.

We'll walk, cuddle, laugh, run, explore and simply enjoy spending time together. Those authentic moments always make the best photographs.

What if my child cries or doesn't want to be photographed?

4

That's completely normal.

I never force children to smile or look at the camera. If they need a cuddle, a snack or simply some time to warm up, we'll take things at their pace.

Some of my favourite photographs have come from those beautifully imperfect little moments.

When is the best time to book a maternity photoshoot?

5

The ideal time is usually between 30 and 35 weeks of pregnancy.

Your bump is beautifully visible, while you're hopefully still feeling comfortable enough to move around and enjoy the session.

Where should we have our family photo session?

6

Anywhere that feels like you.

Whether that's a sunset walk along Sumner Beach, a relaxed afternoon in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, an adventure in the Port Hills, your favourite local park, your family farm, or simply the comfort of your own home, I'll help you choose the perfect location for your session.

If you're not sure where to go, don't worry—I know plenty of beautiful locations throughout Christchurch and Canterbury and I'm always happy to recommend somewhere that suits your family's style.

We're awkward in front of the camera. Will you tell us how to pose?

7

Almost every family tells me this before their session!

Don't worry—I don't ask you to stand in stiff poses or constantly look at the camera.

Instead, I'll gently guide you with simple prompts and little activities that help everyone relax naturally.

A young boy holding a large fluffy dog in a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of a baby being held by multiple hands, with one hand wearing a smartwatch, in black and white.
A group of children and two adults walking through a grassy field with rolling green hills in the background. One man is holding a baby, and a woman is smiling while interacting with the children, all under an overcast sky.
A woman with long dark hair sitting on grass outdoors, holding a young child in the air. The child is wearing a beige outfit and is smiling. In the background, there are several cows grazing, a tree, small shed, and hills in the distance.
A woman stands smiling with her hands on her hips, surrounded by children, holding flowers, against pink and white fabric in an outdoor setting.
A black and white photo of a woman, a man, and a young boy outdoors. The woman and the boy are kissing, and the man is embracing them. The woman has dark hair, and the boy has light hair. The man has short hair and is smiling.
Close-up of a young girl with light blonde curly hair and blue eyes, smiling, resting her head on a soft cream textured pillow, wearing a light-colored shirt with small star patterns.
A woman and two children picking strawberries in a garden. The woman is smiling while crouching near strawberry plants. One child, a girl, stands in the background, and a young boy is in the foreground, holding a strawberry in his hand and a basket i
A young girl wearing a large straw hat and a white dress, sitting on a white fabric, surrounded by wicker baskets, with an outdoor garden in the background.
A pregnant person sitting on a bed, wearing a white t-shirt and patterned pajama pants, with one hand resting on their abdomen and the other hand holding a small rectangular object with stickers, in a grayscale photo.
A happy couple holding hands, standing in a lush, tropical greenhouse with various green plants and ferns surrounding them.
A picnic setup on a blanket in a grassy outdoor area with a wooden platter of cheese, strawberries, chocolates, and sliced meats, a vase of yellow flowers, a vintage camera, and a basket. People are sitting and enjoying drinks, with one person holdin
Two women having a picnic on a blanket in a dry grassy field near the water, with trees or shrubs in the distance. One woman is sitting in a white dress and hat, while the other is sitting and smiling, holding a camera. Picnic items include a woven b
Close-up of two women, one with long dark hair and gold heart-shaped earring, and the other with dark hair and big brown eyes, in an outdoor setting.
A couple holding hands, walking together in a grassy field under a gray overcast sky. The woman is pregnant, wearing a striped dress and sneakers, and the man is wearing sunglasses, a light-colored shirt, black pants, and brown boots.
A woman with braided hair and three young children sitting on a bed with a blue quilt and beige sheets, with blue pillows against a white wall.
A loving older couple with white hair standing outdoors in a lush garden, with the man giving a kiss on the cheek to the woman, both smiling and dressed in white, surrounded by colorful flowers and green trees under a clear blue sky.
A young girl with blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, wearing a white dress and sandals, smiling and holding a pink rose, standing between light pink and white fabric drapes.
A smiling baby lying on a green patterned bed with a white headboard and stuffed animal toys hanging above.
A smiling man and woman holding hands walking through a grassy field with rolling hills in the background.
A couple sharing a romantic moment during a picnic in a grassy area with trees and a red house in the background
A happy family of three with their dog enjoying outdoors in a grassy field during daytime. The man is wearing sunglasses and a white shirt, the woman is in a white polka dot dress, and their young son is in a striped shirt. They are smiling and sitti
A young person with short black hair holding a fluffy golden-colored dog outdoors during daytime.
A man and woman sharing a kiss at a cozy dinner table, with candles, strawberries, and glasses of wine.
Close-up of a woman with blonde hair and fair skin, wearing a beige spaghetti strap top, standing near a rose bush with a large, red rose in focus.
A multigenerational family portrait outdoors featuring an elderly woman, elderly man, and seven young children, all smiling, in front of a large leafy tree and a green garden with purple flowers, under a clear blue sky.
A woman with blonde hair and a white shirt, sitting amongst children, is holding flowers and looking at a young girl sitting nearby inside a pink fabric fort or shelter. There are colorful flowers in baskets and a straw hat placed on a blanket in the
a woman with long hair and earrings is near a tree with white flowers, her eyes closed and her nose close to the flowers.
A couple sitting on a blanket in a grassy field, with the woman pregnant, sharing a joyful moment together. There is a picnic basket with flowers and baby items in front of them, surrounded by trees and rolling hills in the background.
A pregnant woman standing in a grassy field with trees in the background, holding her baby bump and smiling as she looks down at her belly, during sunset or golden hour.
A woman and three children sitting on the grass in a garden, with colorful flowers and a cloudy sky in the background.
Children and adults watching chickens, ducks, and dogs behind a wire fence on a farm with large trees in the background during sunset.
A pregnant woman with long wavy hair leaning against a tree in a forest during daytime, wearing a cream crochet top and jeans.
A woman with blonde hair and starfish earrings is standing near the water with her eyes closed, wearing a beige shirt.
Three men and a young boy outdoors in a sunny, green landscape. All are smiling and wearing white shirts.
A woman with long hair smiling and holding a child's hand while lying on a bed with two children, one laughing and another lying down. The bed has beige and blue pillows.
CONTACT ME TO BOOK YOUR PHOTOSHOOT

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