What kinds of sessions do your photograph?
I photograph all the wonderful stages of family life from Pregnancy and Newborn through to older Babies, Toddlers, Children, Families and Couples. My first love and specialty is working with young families that have babies and children aged from newborn to 5 years.
Do you photograph events or do commercial shoots?
Yes, all event and commercial photography is booked on a case by case basis. Contact me (info@kirstymckayphotography.com) about your event/commercial work to see if we are a good fit and ask for a quote!
How would you describe your style of photography?
My style focuses on love, connections and emotion and combines a mix of naturally posed and candid shots to give my clients the perfect balance of real, unscripted moments and classic family imagery. My outdoor images are wrapped in beautiful, natural light and vibrant colours. My indoor photography is more delicate and muted and captures your sweetest emotions and relationships in beautiful, soft light.
I’ve had clients excitedly tell me they can’t believe it’s their family in the photos as they look like ‘something from a magazine!’ and I think that’s amazing! My love for the creative arts, from photography to fashion and interior design, helps me envision each client’s shoot from clothing to location, so we get fantastic results each time.
Are you a professional Photographer?
Yes. I started out with a natural eye for photography and a desire to learn my craft and was originally self-taught. However I have since invested hundreds of hours into photography workshops and training both on-line and in-person and am also a proud member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographer’s (NAPCP). Learning is something that never ends in this industry and I am continually investing in education, to ensure my clients get the very best.
Do you photograph sessions outdoors or in a studio?
I am exclusively an outdoor and on-location/in-home photographer and love the creativity involved with working with families in gorgeous, natural light at locations that are meaningful to them.
What can we expect at my photo session?
My goal for every photo session is for it to be a fun experience! I am easy going, patient and respectful of your little ones, taking my time to gain their trust. I have worked with all kinds of children from the very shy right through to the most outgoing and I tailor each session to the family I am shooting. I like to chat and get to know your personalities, get playful and silly with the kids and am happy to take breaks whenever they are needed throughout the session. Please don’t be worried about your children’s behaviour at your session, I’m not concerned with kids being ‘perfectly behaved’ and I find I can get the most authentic shots when kids are just being kids!
What should we wear?
The right clothing choices will add so much to the look and feel of your completed images. It’s best to avoid clashing colours, distracting logo’s and loud patterns when being photographed. Simple, classic dressing is ideal and ensures your images won’t date quickly. It’s also important to make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, so whether that’s jeans and t-shirts or beautiful dresses is completely up to you! I will discuss ideas with you during your pre-session consultation to ensure you all feel comfortable and look great on the day.
We’re nervous about being in front of the camera! How will we know what to do?
Being nervous is completely normal but I promise I am not an intimidating photographer by any means and you will relax and start giggling (probably at me!) quickly. I like to capture a mixture of both gently directed and natural interactions at each session, starting with the more directed images so you get a good idea of what looks great in camera. Lots of my client’s who start out nervous, end up being pros by the end of the session and even come up with some great ideas of their own, especially the kids!
What is the best time of day to schedule an outdoor session?
The best time to schedule an outdoor session is during the golden hour which is during the last 2 hours before sunset – yummy, delicious light! As a natural light photographer I rely on the best quality of light to produce the very best images for you. Capturing this sunkissed and glowing light could mean a 4pm shoot in Winter, a 7pm shoot in Summer and a session time somewhere in between during Spring and Autumn.
Our session is outdoors, can we reschedule if it rains?
Yes, we all know that changeable weather is often a factor in Auckland! If the day is slightly overcast but dry we’ll generally go ahead with your session but rain is another story! Heavy skies and rain means that I will get in touch with you on the day of your session to reschedule to a new date. Wet, muddy locations don’t make for the best photos and it’s always worth waiting on clear skies and good light to capture your memories in.
After our photo session how long will we wait to receive our images?
Once your session is over your images will be hand selected, edited and retouched then uploaded to your personal online gallery within two weeks. Once they are ready for you to view, a link will be sent to you to access your gallery where you will be able select and download your favourite images. The gallery also has a shopping cart so you can download your images directly and also view and purchase print enlargements, framed prints, canvases and more from my wonderful professional print lab.
Sounds great! So how do I book a session with you?
Please use the Contact form on my website or email info@kirstymckayphotography.com and I will be in touch to discuss your session via e-mail or phone. Once we have chosen your session date a 50% deposit and signing my online contract secures your date.