Birth and Beyond Photography

The birth of Brodie ✨

Despite labouring for over a day, Dani remained positive. The intense back pain suggested that this wee poppet was sunny-side up (a.k.a posterior) but this Māmā refused to let it get the best of her. At one point in the dark of the night she yelled out “Don’t doubt yourself, just do it”. Now Dani wasn’t giving herself a pep talk, nope, this lady, in the middle of labour, was encouraging her support team 😂

What an absolute trouper!

Birth is magical ✨

Just under two weeks ago I had the privilege of attending my first ever VBAC. It was a long labour with hardly any rest but this Māmā smashed it. There was so much love and support filling the room that it was only natural that everyone started crying once baby girl arrived.

Anyone who is on the fence about birth photography, just do it, let me capture your special moments so you can remain present 🤍

Send a message to learn more

It’s tiring being this cute 🥹

Extra rad maternity shoot ✔️

These ladies are too cool. When they told me they had a vision of their maternity session involving a motorbike I got so excited. Photographers love a good creative session!

The Autumn sunset mixed with the colour changing leaves were the cherry on top.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million times over, I’m here to capture YOU! If you design clothing, wear some of your items, if you’re an avid reader then let’s set up a picnic and get pictures of you reading, If you have just learned to juggle, bring ya balls 😄

More sessions like this please.

Vitamin K 💉

One of the first decisions you will need to make as a new parent is whether or not to give your newborn the vitamin k injection. No parent wants to see their baby in pain, especially one they just worked so hard to birth, so why do we do so many people do it?

At your prenatal appointments you might lightly touch on the subject of Vit K, but chances are that box you checked on your birth plan or that pamphlet you were given to read over has now slipped your mind. 😅

So let’s go over some facts to help you decide.

What is Vitamin K?
In short, Vit K (Vitamin Koagulationsvitamin) is the vitamin stored in your fat tissue and liver which helps build bones and clot blood. 🩸

Is my baby born with Vitamin K?
Yes, there is small amounts of vitamin k present in newborn babies. This small amount was transfered over from the placenta during pregnancy. Until babies start eating solids and they are exposed to the bacteria that creates vitamin k, their levels remain low. 🥦🥬

What are the side effects in babies who have low Vitamin K? 🤔
A rare, but life threating disease that goes by the name of ‘Vitamin K deficiency bleeding’ - this is where babies organs start to bleed and there is little that can be done, eventually leading to lifelong difficulties or death. VKDB most often happens in the first 1-7 days of a babies life but can occur anytime in the first 6 months of life.

Did your baby recieve the Vitamin K injection?

When Berdine and Dane told me they only had 2 weeks left until their due date and that they’d be traveling over to Ōhope from Pāpāmoa, I was thinking “this babies going to be born in the car” 😂

I’m happy to say that their baby boy stayed tucked away for a little longer though so we were able to capture some awesome shots. Honestly, the way this couple supported each other throughout our session is a clear example of how amazing they are going to be as parents.

Such a dream team 🥰

Patiently awaiting the arrival of the newest little Viking ✨🇸🇪

Such a great community to be a part of 🥰

I can’t believe it’s been 8 weeks since gorgeous Addison Ramsay entered the world 👼

This 7lb 5oz package of perfection is so loved. Addie girl was super alert from the moment I met her, taking in this new strange world. I swear she even smiled!

If birth photography isn’t for you then I highly recommend a fresh 48 session. These sessions capture all the little details and newborn goodness that fades way too fast.

Taz xx

It’s the late 70’s 🌻
Fleetwood Mac is playing loudly from the radio of Mums Ford Pinto and you haven’t a care in the world. You’re off to the field for lunch. The lid on the mustard coloured tupperware is ajjar and the smell of leftover quiche radiates throughout the car.
Life is good.

How flawless does this TWIN māmā look!? 😍

When Nicola told me there was two babies growing inside that puku I was stunned, she is such a ball of energy and makes growing humans look like a walk in the park.

Loved every minute with this whānau.

“I might be having contractions” is the text I received at 6.30pm.

As I entered the birth suite, running water and encouraging words echoed out from the bathroom. Te mana o te wai (the power of water) was used by Māmā to soften the intense contractions. Each contraction pushed her baby boy closer to their greeting.

By 9.49pm Kyzah was born into Pāpā’s patient hands.

Ant and Kate 💍

I love the nontraditional approach this family took on their wedding day. It shows that love has no pricetag and celebrating with the people closest to you is what matters most.

Spot the difference 👀

I have realised over the last couple of months that I have very little self control and will ALWAYS send out WAY MORE photos than I originally planned. So I have updated my price guide to give you a more realistic idea of how many precious moments you will recieve.

I specialise in maternity, family and birth but it’s also important to note that if you have something else in mind just reach out. I love a creative season!

Can’t wait to hear from you,
Taz xx

Awhi the Māmā, she is carrying the greatest taonga 🤰

In just a few weeks this whānau will be snuggling up with their baby boy. So lucky to be able to capture these moments. ✨

This is just a snippet of this glorious gallery, so hold tight, there’s more to come.

Holding out for more glorious sunsets 🌞

Another extra special shoot 🥹

Half of this whānau travelled over from Sweden to spend Christmas and New Years together, so it was only right to get some family photos taken.

This group had me laughing and feeling all the warm fuzzies with their silliness.

It’s wild to think that the next time they all see each other there will be a new addition ✨

Ed and Rach 🌸
This kind-hearted couple are patiently awaiting the arrival of their sweet baby girl and you can just feel the love.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎉

Let’s aim to play, laugh and enjoy each others company as much as this whānau does.

Cancer free 🙌

What an extra special session this was.
This year was supposed to be Harvey’s first year of school but sweet Harvey Boy spent more hours in hospital rooms than in the classroom.

I was lucky enough to be asked to capture the moment he announced that he had won the battle against cancer!

What a joyous evening 🌊🥹

What a powerful whānau 🌿

As we were wandering through the forest Toi began talking to us about the medicinal properties of surrounding plants. When we came across the mamaku he pointed out the furry middle shoot. His youngest daughter listened intently and repeated what her Pāpā was saying, taking from him the greatest gift, the gift of knowledge.

With Māmā’s strength and Pāpā’s understanding of the whenua - these kids are going to go far 🙌

Sunset session ☁️😅

This session was supposed to be a beautiful sunset but unfortunately the clouds came in and bought the moody vibes. Nethertheless I was blown away by how well this whānau took it in their stride, not to mention how happy their little people were.

So cross your fingers for less clouds and more pretty sunsets 🤞

Do you ever meet people and feel like you have known them forever? ✨

Last week I got to hang out with this tightknit family and it wasn’t until the following morning I recieved a text saying “Sorry for the early morning message.. I do know you.”

Madde, the beautiful women with red hair, used to manage our go-to grocery store. Every week she would have treats to gift my baby and 2 year old daughter. At the time these gifts meant more than you could imagine. Me and my husband were young and didn’t have any money to spare after purchasing our first home. Our weekly grocery shop was kept to a maximum of $65, with no room for treats.

So thankyou Madde for spoiling our babies when we couldn’t 💗🥹

The Lacy whānau 🥹

We spent 5 minutes trying to get a nice posed family photo but quickly realised that wasn’t going to happen. So we walked down to the beach and just played 💗

What do you guys like better? Posed or playful?

“Aroha mai, aroha atu”

Mereana and Tama have known each other for half their lives. They welcomed their first pēpē into the world when they were just teens and have showed so much strength and support for one another from the beginning.

The aroha these two have for each other is something out of a fairytale. 🪄✨

I honestly felt like crying when photographing these guys 🥹 This whānau - ātaahua!

Last week I had to reschedule so many shoots due to the unpredictable weather - but this fun loving family braved the rain and we managed to get some awesome pictures 😄

Their silly faces are the best 🙌

To all of you I have had the privilege of meeting, you may have noticed how long my hair is - it is hot and heavy and I am very lucky to have it. But it is time to say goodbye to 36cm of it 💇‍♀️👋

On the 7th of December 2023 myself and another māmā will be donating our hair. The luscious locks have taken over two years to grow to the length they are today and will be donated to the New Zealand company ‘Freedom Hair’ who creates wigs for those going through chemotherapy and living with alopecia or other medical conditions.

Too many of us have all felt the effects of cancer and that is why any money raised will be donated to the Dream Chaser Foundation and Sweet Louise.

So haere mai! 10am at the Knox Church Whakatāne thanks to the support of Virtual Eastern Bay Villages/Te Kokoru Manaakitanga to watch the chop happen or donate directly to Edgecumbe Playcentre.

Bank account number:
12-3253-0088155-00.

Every cent counts.

Nga mihi.

✨ Nine days new ✨

It’s the delicious details of the newborn squish that we sometimes forget. Their tight finger grip, the fluffy hair that covers them from tip to toe and the way they curl into a ball when snuggling.

Such precious memories that fade so fast 🤍

Anyone else get extra emotional with the idea of breastfeeding your last pēpē? 🥺

After some feeding struggles and medical issues at the beginning of the journey, this Māmā refused to give up. Now baby boy is thriving. Just look at that smile.

Well done team 💗

“Run along, and don’t get into mischief”.

Sweet Riley made her way back and forth from the kai table multiple times, each time carrying an unopened Peter Rabbit cookie. It didn’t take long for Riley to realise that she had a party full of people, ready and willing to open cookies for her - all she had to do was hold out the unopened cookie, look at the adult…and never ask the same adult twice.