Blogs| Eastwood studios, Christchurch |
It’s almost that time of year again — the smell of pine, the sparkle of fairy lights, and yes… the return of Eastwood Studios’ famous Christmas Mini Sessions! If you’ve been with us before, you already know how quickly these sessions book out (faster than kids spot the hidden chocolates on Christmas morning). If you’re new here — welcome! You’re in for a treat. We pride ourselves on making the process fun, stress-free, and full of holiday spirit. Whether it’s your child’s first Christmas or your tenth year joining us, we’d love to help you celebrate the season with portraits you’ll cherish forever. Let’s dive into all the festive details so you can plan ahead and make sure your family doesn’t miss out this year. Why Families Love Our Christmas Minis Every year, our Christmas Mini Sessions are a highlight for families across Christchurch. Here’s why they’ve become such a tradition: • Short & Sweet: With short sessions designed to match your family’s needs, even the busiest little elves can enjoy themselves. • Exclusive Sets: Each year we design a beautiful one-of-a-kind Christmas backdrop, only available at Eastwood Studios. • A Touch of Magic: Everyone gets a sprinkle of extra Christmas “magic” during editing — think twinkling lights, sparkle, and festive wonder. • Tradition Made Simple: No stress, no chaos — just timeless, joy-filled images you’ll treasure (and proudly share in your Christmas cards!). What Kind of Mini Session Should You Book? Not all families are the same, and neither are our Minis. That’s why we offer different session lengths to suit everyone: 1. Individuals (5 minutes, 4-5 images) – Perfect for capturing just your little one — quick, simple, and sweet. 2. Siblings (10 minutes, 6-9 images) – A bit more time for multiple personalities to shine (and for us to capture all the cheeky grins, giggles, and sibling cuddles). We’ll capture the kids all together, and all the kids individually too! 3. Families (15 minutes, 10-14 images) – Because sometimes, you want everyone in on the fun — parents included! These sessions give us space to capture both posed portraits and those candid, love-filled moments. You’ll get a bit of everything with some family group photos, siblings, and individual shots of all the kids too, time allowing. A Little Sneak Peek Into This Year’s Set Lets just say 2025’s set is going to feel like stepping into a cosy, magical Christmas storybook. Think light, warm tones, twinkly lights, and just enough sparkle to make your little ones’ eyes light up. Plus, there’s no scary Santa’s here and enough time to allow your child to ‘warm up’ and really let their personalities shine. Every year, families tell me their kids walk away saying, “That was so much fun!” — which is always the best compliment a photographer can get. What to Wear for Your Christmas Mini Session One of the questions I get asked the most is: “What should we wear?” Don’t worry, you don’t need matching costumes (unless you’re a matching Christmas jammies kind of family — in which case, go for it!). Here are a few tips to keep your photos looking festive, timeless, and natural: • Keep it coordinated, not identical. Think complementary colours rather than everyone in the exact same outfit. • Festive but subtle works best. Reds, greens, creams, and golds always look beautiful against our set. • Avoid busy patterns. They can distract from your faces. Instead, opt for textures like knits, corduroy, or soft cotton. And avoid really dark solid blacks or bright neon colours that will draw the eye too much away from your beautiful smiles. • Dress for comfort if you can. If the kids feel good in what they’re wearing, they’ll relax and smile more naturally. Big puffy dresses can be difficult to manage for little ones, and they can get lost amidst all the extra fabric. A great formula is: one or two people in a patterned piece (like a festive dress or checked shirt), and everyone else in solid, coordinating colours. Simple, stylish, and easy! Why You’ll Want to Book Early Here’s the truth: these sessions are in very high demand and sell out every single year. I’ve had parents tell me they set alarms to book as soon as the dates go live! By signing up to my VIP & Events group, you’ll get first access to booking dates before the general public — giving you the best chance at securing your preferred spot. So even if bookings have opened already for this year, join the group so you can be in the loop for any upcoming events and for next year! 👉 Click here to join the VIP & Events group now Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Mini Sessions
Final Thoughts Christmas is busy enough without adding stress to your to-do list. These sessions are designed to be quick, fun, and full of festive spirit — and the images? They’ll become part of your family’s holiday traditions for years to come. So grab your spot early, bring your smiles (and maybe your Christmas jammies, if that’s your vibe). Let’s make this Christmas one to remember with portraits that bring the magic of the season to life. Spots are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone until next year! 👉 https://www.eastwoodstudios.co.nz/xmasminis.html
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 Step into the radiant glow as we unveil the captivating tale spun by the prestigious 2023 NZIPP Iris Awards. Imagine a world where amazing photos from New Zealand and around the globe come together in a dazzling showcase of talent. This isn't just an event – it's a remarkable experience that goes beyond awards. It's a place where creativity and professionalism meet, guiding me on my journey as a photographer. Believe it or not, I've been part of this thrilling adventure for five years, and each moment has left its mark.
Let's travel back to 2021, a year etched in my memory for its pride and achievements. Being named a Finalist in the Family Category was a moment of triumph. Then, in 2022, a fantastic twist unfolded – I clinched the winning spot in the Child Category at the Asia Pacific Photography Awards, even securing third place overall grand champion! These victories fueled my passion and urged me to improve. Fast forward to now, and I proudly received two Silver with Distinction Awards, four shiny Silver Awards, and two Bronze Awards. These accolades mark my transformation into a NZIPP Master of Photography (with Distinction). Now, step into the world of my award entries – it's like exploring cherished stories through images. I adore capturing precious moments of newborns and families, and I also venture into creative projects, letting my imagination run wild. These personal projects are like secret experiments, and it's exciting to see what experts think. Picture a group of photography masters reviewing my work and sharing their thoughts. Even without major awards, I always learn and gain inspiration for the future. Now, you might wonder: Does winning awards really matter for a photographer? Think of it as a shining star on an exam paper – it showcases mastery. When you choose me as your photographer, you're choosing someone passionate about creating stunning images and always striving to improve. It's like having a friend who adds magic to your moments through photography. In the grand symphony of life, each moment is a note waiting to be remembered. The 2023 NZIPP Iris Awards mark a resonant chapter in my journey, representing growth, passion, and artistry. It's a narrative that goes beyond awards, delving into the pursuit of perfection and the magic of capturing fleeting moments and turning them into everlasting stories. As the curtains close on this captivating event, I carry not just awards but also the essence of creativity and comradery with my peers.The 2023 NZIPP Iris Awards have imprinted a remarkable chapter on my artistic journey – one that beckons toward endless creativity and I look forward to what next year will bring. Newborn photography holds immense power in capturing the intimacy and significance of your little one's arrival. The peaceful, fresh faces of babies serve as a stunning reminder of life's preciousness. But what exactly does a newborn photography session entail, aye?
First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that your newborn session revolves around comfort, safety, and capturing the natural beauty of your pēpi. Your chosen photographer will take the time to get to know you and your whānau, asking questions to ensure they understand your vision and preferences, bro. During the session, they'll guide you through various poses as a family, ensuring that even the older siblings are included and having a good yarn! Once all the family portraits are sorted, it's time to focus on capturing the newest addition to your whānau, using a selection of unique props and swaddles. It's important to note that newborn sessions typically last 2-3 hours, allowing ample time for settling the baby, feeding, and even nappy changes, mate. Our studio provides a laid-back, cosy space where you're encouraged to kick back and relax, letting Angela work her magic and hopefully help the baby settle into a peaceful snooze for those beautiful sleepy portraits of your precious pēpi. Patience is absolutely key during your newborn photography session, for both you and your photographer. Remember, newborns are delicate and need to be handled with utmost care. The photographer will take their time to gently position and move the baby, ensuring that each photo captures their unique personality and expressions as best as possible. Angela, with her years of experience in safely settling newborns, is always happy to share any special tips and tricks she's picked up along the way with new parents. The ideal timeframe for newborn sessions is within the first two weeks of your baby's life, when they're still at their sleepiest and most relaxed. This is the perfect window to capture those tender moments. Make sure to discuss any specific requests or inspirations with the photographer in advance, so each shot beautifully adds to the story of your new whānau. With adequate preparation, planning, and a sprinkle of kiwi patience, your newborn photography session will result in timeless photographs that you'll treasure for a lifetime, bro. If you're on the hunt for newborn photography in Christchurch, allow us to embark on this magical journey with you. Let us create a visual legacy that encapsulates the love, joy, and wonder surrounding your growing whānau. Get in touch today to schedule your personalised newborn photography session with Angela, your dedicated award winning baby photographer. Hey there! Are you expecting? Congrats! You must be feeling over the moon with excitement, but did you know that capturing your growing baby bump can be a wonderful way to cherish this special time forever? If you're wondering how to do that, let me introduce you to Eastwood Studios. Their personalised maternity mini-sessions are an excellent way to capture this time in your life and celebrate the joy of becoming a parent. Pregnancy is a magical time in your life, and capturing your growing baby bump can be a beautiful way to cherish the memories forever. A maternity photo session is the perfect way to document this special time and celebrate the joy of parenthood. At Eastwood Studios, we offer easy and personalized maternity mini sessions that can include your partner, family, and even props from home to make your photos unique and special. Our experienced photographer, Angela, will guide you through various poses that showcase your bump in the most comfortable and natural way possible, capturing your genuine emotions and smiles along the way. In just 20-30 minutes, you can have stunning images that will last a lifetime, and even receive a $50 discount for a future newborn session when you book with us. Plus, what better way to show your little one how loved they were even before they arrived in this world? Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture your baby bump days and create lasting memories. Book your maternity mini session with Eastwood Studios today. You never understand life until it grows inside of you. — Sandra Chami Kassis
All mothers await the time when they would be able to see their baby’s little twinkling eyes, tiny fingers, soft palms and feet, but a mother falls in love with her baby much before its birth. The wait of nine months seems long but worth it!! Every minute flutter, gentle kick and move creates a magical feeling of having a ‘mini-me’ inside. It is a joyful time when a woman feels special and blessed to have been able to bring a new life into the family. This is a journey that everyone should record, so that one day when your baby is grown, you can show them the love and care they were showered with, while they were in the womb.
A studio maternity session is a fantastic way to treasure these memories forever. The cherry on the cake is that we, at Eastwood Studios, can customize it to suit your style and aesthetic. We can do classic posed fine art portraits, beautifully styled and dressed in flowing gowns, or a more casual, light and airy lifestyle portraits. You are welcome with your partner, and other children to be a part of this special time so that we can capture everyone's excitement for the new baby. The best time to do a maternity shoot is 30-35 weeks of pregnancy when the bump is prominently visible, at the same time you are comfortable to move and pose as needed. Plus, there is less risk of the baby arriving early and the session being missed out! We prefer meeting once before the session to know your expectations and plan the session. We also have an assortment of dresses and gowns in the studio available for maternity sessions which can be tried any time before the shoot. So, come in studio checkout our cosy private space equipped with all you might need for your special day and get ready to form long lasting beautiful memories. Newborn photography is one of the most wonderful, yet challenging, types of photography. It is a time of great joy for parents, but can also be a very demanding time. Getting the perfect shots of your newborn bub can be made easier with some advance planning and a little bit of help from a professional. With a little bit of planning and some patience, you can capture beautiful memories of your newborn that will last a lifetime. What To Look For in a Newborn Photographer When booking a newborn photography session, it is important to find a photographer that you feel comfortable with. You will be working closely with them during the session, and you want to make sure that you feel confident in their ability to capture beautiful photos of your baby. It is also important to find a photographer who has experience photographing newborns. Newborns can be challenging to photograph, as they are often fussy and have a lot of needs. A experienced newborn photographer will know how to work with your baby to get the best possible photos. Finally, be sure to ask to see samples of the photographer’s work before booking a session. This will give you an idea of their style and whether it is a good fit for your own vision for the photos. Preparation Tips For Newborn Sessions There are a few things you can do to prepare for your newborn photography session. First, it is important to plan ahead and book your session well in advance. This will ensure that you get the date and time that you want, and that the photographer is available. It is also important to discuss what type of photos you would like with the photographer beforehand. This will help them to know what style of photography to use and what props or backdrops to bring. Finally, be sure to feed your baby before the session, as a full tummy will help them to sleep better and be more content during the shoot. Posing For Newborn Photography There are many different ways to pose a newborn for photos. The most important thing is to make sure that baby is comfortable and safe at all times. Many professional portraits you will see baby in adorable poses - for example baby holding their head in their hands. It's important to realise that these are done by a professional, and are often composite images, and baby is supported at all times then photoshopped to appear like they are doing it alone. Please never try to recreate newborn poses you see online at home. Baby's safety is of utmost importance so always see a professional Newborn Photographer if you want to achieve those types of portraits. These are some ideas you can do at home: - prop baby up on a pillow so they are sitting upright; this is a great pose for showing off cute outfits - always do this on the floor or in the middle of a large bed so there is no risk of falling - lay baby down on their tummy on a blanket; this is a great way to capture those adorable sleepy shots - swaddle baby in a blanket and hold them close; this pose is perfect natural pose for emotional family pictures - cradle baby in your arms; this pose is both sweet and intimate - sneak in and snap some photos while they are sleeping in their bassinet Props and Backdrops For Newborn Photography Props and backdrops can add an extra element of excitement and interest to newborn photography. Here are some ideas for props and backdrops: - blankets in different colors and textures - baskets or crates - buckets or tubs - chairs or benches - rugs or mats - pillows or cushions - flowers or greenery Capturing those Perfect Newborn Moments There are many special moments that happen during a newborn photo shoot, from the first time baby smiles at the camera to when they drift off to sleep. Be sure to capture these precious moments by taking lots of photos! You can also ask the photographer to take video footage of the shoot, which you can watch back later and treasure forever. Photographer and mum: My experience Having a baby is a momentous and life changing event in your lives. It is such a special time when baby is brand new to the world, and you are all getting to know each other as a new family. And truly, this time is so fleeting as babies grow so very fast. Of all the things that I’ve done in my life, it is the one time I regret not having hired a photographer to capture my babies. I wasn't a photographer when I had my boys, and newborn photography was in it’s infancy (pun intended). It wasn’t til after that I realised this was even an option and ultimately a career I wanted to apply myself to. And I very much wish I had considered getting professional photos back then to capture my sweet boys while they were so new, so tiny and fresh to the world and my love for them was bursting from every pore in my body. So don’t let regret catch you later, wishing you had planned ahead and booked a Newborn Session for your beautiful new baby. Book now!  Baby's first birthday photo session This milestone is such a special one, and what better way to commemorate it than with a delicious cake and some adorable photos? If you’re thinking about booking a cake smash session for your little one, read on for everything you need to know. We’ll discuss what to expect during the session, how to prepare, and some tips for making it a sweet and memorable experience for both you and your baby. To get some great shots of your little one enjoying their cake smash, keep in mind that it can be overwhelming for babies to go from eating bland food to something extremely sweet, so getting them accustomed to the sweetness ahead of time can help. Try giving them tiny tastes of cake over the course of a few days leading up to the cake smash session. That way, it won't be such a shock on the day of and you're more likely to get some great photos! Top tips: 1.Try giving them some cake to try leading up to your session. Do it over a few days, with a small taste each time so they get used to the sweetness and it won’t be such a shock on the day. 2. Let them enjoy some sensory play with food, so when it comes time to smash the cake they’ll love getting right stuck into it. 3.You don’t need to spend a fortune on the cake…buy some plain sponges from the supermarket, whip up some plain buttercream icing and make it yourself. Throw some sprinkles on and voilà…the perfect cake smash cake! It’s super easy and the cake is delicately flavoured for baby & also beautifully soft for smashing! 4. Consider booking a Bubble Bath for your session too…it can be a great back up if baby really didn’t go for the cake…most babies will love a splash in the bath! Cake smash Sessions can be so much fun, but every baby is different and will respond differently. So go with the flow and let the fun unfold as it will! See you in the studio soon. |
AuthorAngela Eastwood is an award winning, Accredited member of New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, who loves working with newborns and babies. Categories |
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