The woman behind the camera
(and often on the floor playing peekaboo)
Hey Māmā, I’m Cat.
Photographer, mum of three, light-chaser, chaos-calmer, and the kind of person who will 100% reply to your baby spam on Instagram.
I specialise in in-home newborn, maternity, and family photography that feels real, connected, and yes — surprisingly easy. Because here’s the thing: most people don’t actually know what to do in front of a camera. And why would you? You’re not a model. You’re a parent, probably sleep-deprived, juggling snacks and socks and wondering if you even remembered to brush your hair that day.
I’ve been there. I am there. And that’s why I’ve built this whole experience around making it simple.
"But we’re awkward in photos"…
Heard that one before.
What you really need isn’t to “act natural”, it’s someone who knows how to pose you in a way that’s flattering, comfortable, and leaves just enough space for those in-between moments that make your gallery feel genuine. I’ll guide you every step, using light and angles that work for you, while helping your kids warm up and your partner forget they ever grumbled about doing family photos.
The result? Images that look and feel like your family — at its best, not its most perfect.
Calm energy & solid systems baby.
Yes, I’m good with toddlers (having three will do that to you).
But behind the scenes, I’ve also invested deeply into the client experience — from custom preparation guides to thoughtful communication workflows that mean you’ll always know what’s coming next. No guesswork. No surprises. Just good prep and better photos.
You’ll never have to worry if your home is “photogenic enough” or if your baby won’t settle. You’ll never be left wondering what to wear or when your gallery will be ready. I’ve thought of it already, and I’ve got you.
I photograph real families.
Not just the ones who show up perfectly dressed with angelic children (though hey, if that’s you — great!). I photograph the families who arrive flustered, whose toddlers cry in the car, whose husbands would rather be anywhere else, and whose babies have reflux and only one clean onesie left.
And still, we create magic.
If you’re after someone calm, kind, and quietly confident, someone who will direct you without making things stiff, and capture what’s real while helping you feel your best — you’ve just found her.
Me and my family photographed by Ashlee DeCaires Photography x
For the nosy one's who love some fun facts:
(Hi it's me, I'm the one who loves a fun fact)
- My husband and children are Māori and we have our children in Māori-medium education.
- We speak both Te Reo Māori and English in our home. I'm certainly not fluent though and have a lot of catching up to do - it's a journey! (IYKYK)
- I’m the queen of yapping and can often be found getting caught in long conversations with my clients after a shoot.
- We have a dog named Ghost. He’s a mixed pitbull breed and the most gentle soul that tolerates my toddlers beautifully. So yes, I'm also totally fine around dogs and happy to have them at your sessions location permitting!
- I've travelled to Greece, Italy and Spain but one of my favourite places in the world is still the Cook Islands. (we got married there)
- I love all things psychology, marketing & business, and you can often find me listening to a few good mindset and strategy podcasts.
- I was a personal trainer in a previous life. Health & wellness is still very much a part of my personality (Yes I'm a bit crunchy) but transparently, the juggle is real, and I definitely don't fit in as much exercise as I'd like since the kids came along!
- I like hip hop and R&B, especially the early 2000's stuff. You'd never know if you looked at my spotify though (mum life IYKYK)
Sound like the photographer you're looking for?
Let’s create something beautiful, with space for the chaos.
