Holiday family photoshoot at the Beautiful Orewa beach

How amazing to go on a family holiday and book in a family photography session while you are at it! Photographing families when they are on holiday visiting Auckland is always such a joy and something I really love to do. The images below, shot at Orewa beach in Auckland really reflect how emotions, family essence and connection can be captured in a family session. I was thrilled to be able to capture these memories for this beautiful family while on their holiday in New Zealand.

If you have been reading this blog as you are thinking of booking your own family photo shoot when you are on holiday in Auckland, then do check out some other recent blog posts of mine to see some of Auckland’s most beautiful beaches and forests. I hope you will like what you see and be keen to book your own family vacation session. Just drop me a line via the contact form. I look forward to hearing from you.

When to Book a Family Photography Session in Auckland

I often hear families say, “We’ll book a session when the kids are older,” or “Maybe next year when things settle down.” But here's the truth: there's never a "perfect" time. Life with kids is a whirlwind of beautiful chaos, and while we wait for the "right" moment, time keeps moving. Our children grow, the years fly by, and before we know it, those precious little moments become memories.

Imagine 20 or 30 years from today—your kids flipping through old family photos, seeing the joy, the love, and the togetherness frozen in time. The giggles, the hugs, the sheer happiness of just being together—that’s priceless.

So, instead of waiting for the "perfect" time, let's capture the magic of now.

Sibling photography session at Mount Eden, Auckland

I had the pleasure of photographing these two sisters at sunset on top of Mount Eden late in the summer. The grasses were long, the sun still warm and the light just magical. The location was perfect as it gave us lot’s of options to shoot in. Overgrown meadows, tall trees providing shade and soft light. Photographing teenage siblings is incredibly special and I really wanted to document the sisterly bond between them.

Capturing Sisterhood in the Soft Light of Mount Eden

One of my favourite places to photograph in Auckland is Mount Eden. This session with two sisters as the summer light faded was particularly memorable. The long grasses swayed gently, the late-summer warmth wrapped around us, and the way the light filtered through overhanging trees made every image feel soft and golden. It’s locations like this—quiet, elevated, and filled with natural textures—that bring out genuine emotion and connection.

Why Mount Eden Makes a Perfect Setting for Sibling Portraits

Mount Eden offers so much more than just a scenic view. The grasses create textured layers, and the trees offer pockets of shade that help avoid harsh light. It’s spacious enough for older siblings to move naturally—think laughing, twirling, or stealing quiet moments together—without feeling staged. This setting allows me to catch the in-between moments, like a teasing glance or a gentle touch on the shoulder, that truly show the bond you share.

Tips for Authentic Sibling Photography

Let them interact naturally: I often start by suggesting a simple game—tell them to whisper something silly or share a memory. And then I step back. That’s when the magic happens.

1. Keep them moving: Walking, climbing, or even just running through tall grass keeps the session light-hearted and helps siblings forget the camera is there.

2. Timing matters: Evening light like this is unbeatable. If you can’t make sunset work, aim for the hour before—the soft light lasts longer than you think.

3. Be patient and playful: Give breaks. Let them wander. Sometimes the best photos happen while they catch their breath or giggle uncontrollably.

Look How Far You’ve Come – and Why These Moments Matter

Years from now, these images won’t just be photos. They’ll be time capsules of sisterhood—raw, real, and beautifully imperfect. That’s why I love sibling sessions. They don’t need to be perfect to mean everything.