Nelson | Tasman | Marlborough | Aotearoa, New Zealand | realfamilyphotographer@gmail.com | 020 4177 8469
Get in touch with us at info@new.com
Documentary photography for families who hate awkward poses
about you
You’re a parent, grandparent, or someone who loves deeply. You know that life isn’t always tidy — but it’s always beautiful.
You treasure:
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Authenticity over appearances
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Connection over perfection
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Memory over milestones
You’re not after perfect portraits or staged smiles. You want photos that feel like your family — real, raw, and full of soul.
You believe that the unscripted moments — messy breakfasts, muddy gumboots, bedtime stories — are what matters most. You want your children to look back and feel their childhood, not just see it.
You might be a creative, an educator, a nature-lover, or a small business owner. You may lean toward natural parenting, slow living, or conscious lifestyle choices.
And I am just like you XX
print your photos
Printed photos are anchors — daily reminders for your children that they are loved and belong. On your walls or in their hands, these images ground them in your family’s story and become a legacy they can return to, again and again.
story frame
A story frame is the most popular way families choose to document their story.
This is my signature product, no one else provides these in landscape format!
Nine landscape orientation photos in total, together in one 20" x 30" frame.
Hand crafted in Aotearoa New Zealand.
journal album
Tell your complete story in a soft leather wrapped journey album.
30 pages that "lay flat" which means photos can be seamlessly printed across two pages.
As a qualified graphic designer, I design your album for simplicity, pairing images together to tell your story.
Hand made in Australia.
*Please note the photo of the journal album and the photos printed in the album are taken by other photographers.
framed prints
Classically frame one statement photo over the couch; or group smaller frames together in a dining room gallery. So many options for your home with framed prints.
Individually made in Australia.
prices
All packages include:
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Pre-session chat and online questionnaire so I can understand your family’s values
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A relaxed, documentary session in your home or doing your favourite outdoor activities
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High-resolution digital images delivered by private online gallery download
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Zoom View and Order Appointment to help you choose how best to display your memories
Digital packages start at $695; with families typically spending around $2000 on their photos
about me
Kia ora I'm Sarah Watkins — the heart behind Real Family Photography. Based in sunny Blenheim, I serve families across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough, Aotearoa New Zealand.
what is my why?
After losing my dad as a child, I understood the profound value of preserving genuine memories early on. The last photo I have of us together is staged, looking at the camera awkwardly. I want to make sure other families remember their childhoods, parents and siblings as their true selves.
what is documentary family photography?
Documentary family photography captures your real life as it unfolds — no posing, no staging, no awkward smiles.
My style of photography honours your family's story by photographing what actually occurs in your everyday world. Even if I weren’t there with my camera, these moments would still be happening.
Photos employ a blend of emotional intelligence, years of experience, knowledge of light, composition, and timing. Observation, patience, and presence are key.
Sessions can capture a family BBQ, picnic in the park, trip to the beach, hike up a mountain or anything you love to do together.
a bit about me
When I'm not behind the camera, I'm enjoying time with my illustrator husband, Ben, and our two adventurous young boys, Nicholas and Tommo. We moved from Australia to New Zealand in 2018 in search of our paradise.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Photography, and over two decades of professional experience since 2001.
I'm an Accredited Professional Photographer and Associate of Photography with the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP). I am grateful to have been awarded for my work by my peers.
30 minutes
Short and sweet
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30 minutes of photographing time
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20 edited high resolution digital images
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$100 credit towards prints and albums
$695
1 hour
Classic
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1 hour of photographing time
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30 edited high resolution digital images
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$200 credit towards prints and albums
$950
3 hours
Storyteller
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3 hours of photographing time
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60 edited high resolution digital images
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$400 credit towards prints and albums
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BONUS 8x10" beautifully framed print
$1495
#1
Let's chat
We start with a quick phone call so I can get to know your family, your values, and what moments matter most to you.
#2
Book
Book your session through my online calendar. Complete your questionnaire, sign your contract, and pay for your package.
#3
Take your photos
This is the fun part! I’ll come to your home or meet you where the action is.
#4
View & order Zoom
We’ll hop on a Zoom call to go through your images together. I’ll help you choose the ones that speak to you most, and show you what your memories will look like on your walls.
#5
Artwork delivery
Whether it’s framed prints for the lounge room or a handcrafted leather journal filled with your story, your artwork will arrive lovingly packaged, ready to be treasured.
contact
📍 Based in Blenheim, Aotearoa New Zealand — serving families throughout Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough regions
📧 realfamilyphotographer@gmail.com
📞 020 4177 8469
Ready to document the real moments?
Fill out the form below or drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you.