Lauren Ashlee Photography


Authentic award-winning photography based in North Canterbury, New Zealand

Two people share romantic moment overlooking scenic mountain lake vista.
Expectant mother in lace dress stands among tall grass at golden hour.
Heartfelt outdoor portrait of mother and child embracing in tall grass at sunset.
Wedding portrait in front of ornate stone building with Gothic architecture.
A person in a lace maternity gown stands at the edge of the ocean during a pink sunset.
Peaceful sleeping newborn close-up with soft white blanket.
Family with dog posing together on misty hilltop among tall grass.
Maternity photo of woman in lace dress standing on misty beach at sunset.
Running through grassy hillside during golden hour wedding photo session.
A couple shares an intimate moment among yellow flowering bushes on a mountainside.
A romantic portrait outdoors at night features someone in a flowing cream lace dress against a dark rocky background.
Family shares intimate moment together on sandy beach near ocean.
Intimate black and white moment shared under flowing veil.
Intimate embrace captured against scenic mountain and lake landscape at dusk.
Delicate close-up of small baby hand touching adult palm.
Baby resting peacefully on mum's embrace in gentle lighting.
A romantic couple embraces against a mountainous backdrop with yellow flowering bushes at sunset.
Sweet moment with child wearing delicate floral crown made of pink and white dried flowers.
A couple shares a passionate kiss against a backdrop of rolling hills at sunset.
Close-up of hands exchanging rings during mountain wedding ceremony.
A joyful child in a white shirt and brown pants plays in tall grass along a nature path.
Couple embrace in front of rustic brick wall in urban setting.
A person in white lace dress poses for maternity photo at sunset on rocky beach.
Intimate moment captured between mother and newborn baby on white bedding.
Solitary bridal portrait in flowing white dress against sunset mountain landscape.
Romantic moment between two people on rocky mountain overlook during sunset.
A couple toasts with champagne glasses while sharing an intimate moment.
Romantic sunset portrait on rocky mountain overlook in formal wedding attire.
Young child runs joyfully along beach at sunset with family.
Wedding invitation flatlay with pearl accessories, perfume bottle, and white shoes on wooden surface.
Scenic mountain panorama with misty clouds rolling across rugged hills at sunset creating a dramatic landscape.
A woman in a white dress poses on a beach at sunset with waves lapping at her feet.
Black and white portrait of a tender wedding moment on a grassy hillside.
Friends in matching robes share joyful moment on bed during wedding preparation.
Newborn baby resting in caregiver's arms on rattan chair with cozy decor.
A couple runs joyfully through tall grass on a mountainside at dusk.
Close up of hands with tattoos and rings in an intimate moment.
Ethereal maternity photoshoot on a misty beach with a flowing white lace dress creating a stunning reflection in the wet sand.
A couple stands close together in a scenic mountain landscape with tall grass.
Close-up of tattooed hands adjusting a delicate knit baby garment.
Couple celebrating with champagne spray on mountain clifftop at sunset.
Expectant woman in flowing red dress poses elegantly among yellow lupins on sandy path.
Couple in formal attire sharing intimate moment at modern bar with wood and metal decor.
Wedding couple sitting together in stone alcove of historic building.
Family enjoying playful moment together on foggy hillside.
Couple sharing tender moment on bench outside historic stone building.
Group wearing pastel colored robes laughing together during pre-wedding celebration outdoors.
Close-up of tiny baby hands grasping adult finger in tender moment.
A black and white Border Collie dog sits in tall grass with children and family on a misty hillside.
Hands holding a cardboard surface with a simple line drawing sketched on it.
Intimate indoor family portrait showing tender moments with twin babies in a cozy setting.
Intimate moment between parent and newborn baby in soft natural light.
Couple posing under Gothic stone archway of historic building on wedding day.
A Border Collie dog rests in brown grass on a hillside during golden hour.

Proudly awarded 2025 Maternity Category Winner
– Asia Pacific Photography Awards

Finalist for 2024 New Zealand Family Photographer of the Year
– NZIPP Iris Awards

Welcome! I am so glad that you are here.

 

Come on in and get comfy. If you're looking for photography you can feel, filled with genuine connection and the moments that matter most, then you’re in the right place!

Professional photographer smiling while holding a Nikon camera against grey background.

Hi, I'm Lauren.

 

I am a mum of two beautiful boys, a wife to the most amazing man and love of my life, and a multi-award-winning professional portrait photographer in North Canterbury. I am also accredited through the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP).


I specialise in capturing the moments that shape us. That overwhelming love for someone you've never met, felt in the softest kicks and quiet connection only you can share. The way your child melts into you like you're the safest place in the world. The way your whole body leans into the one you’ve chosen, a love that feels steady, certain, and like home. And the comfort of arms that have held you through years of change. These are the fleeting, familiar moments that slip by quietly but stay with us forever. Photography you can feel, now and for generations to come.


So whether you’re here for the first time or we’ve worked together before, welcome! I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.


 

 

 

 

 

 

A toddler in earth-toned clothing laughs while playing outdoors in a sunny garden.
A couple in casual attire shares an intimate moment in a mountain field at sunset.
Tender moment between parent and infant on white couch.

Lauren's Approach

Planning Together

After the Session

What to expect

Lauren's Approach

Planning Together

After the Session

Close-up of an adult hand holding a small hand wearing a cream knit sweater outdoors in soft lighting.

Connection is at the heart of everything I do.


I approach each session as a chance for you to simply enjoy time with your favourite people. It’s not about posing for the camera—it’s about slowing down, being present, and making memories together. I’ll  guide you along the way, offering direction, and documenting the magic as it unfolds. The result? A collection of images that look beautiful and feel even better.

what to expect

Lauren's Approach

Planning Together

After the Session

Two people in white outfits dance together gracefully on a misty beach at sunset.

Every session begins with a chat.


Every session starts with a conversation. We'll chat about what matters most to you, what this season of life looks and feels like, and how we can create something that reflects that. I’ll help you choose the perfect location, guide you with outfit options from my client wardrobe, and make sure everything feels seamless and stress free. You don’t need to have it all figured out. I’m here to walk you through it every step of the way.

What to expect

Lauren's Approach

Planning Together

After the Session

A series of black and white photos showing delicate lace crochet details on a garment against a dark background.

your memories, thoughtfully brought to life.


A little while after your session, I will send you a gallery of lightly edited images or "Proof Gallery." This is when you’ll choose the images you’d love to keep. The final editing process takes 3 to 4 weeks for traditional sessions. Then you can decide how you’d like to display your memories—whether that’s in an album to hold, artwork for your walls, a digital collection to share and save, or something special to pass down.

Let's connect at start planning your dream session

Family bonding moment on a sandy beach with tall grass in the background.

Testimonial

“My family had a wonderful photography session with Lauren! Lauren is so professional but personable at the same time. She is super knowledgeable at all things photography and SUCH a natural! Lauren has a wonderful way with little ones and even had our strong willed, very independent 3 year old cooperating and engaged! Above her technical and creative skills, even more so, Lauren is a super kind and awesome person! And you'll be in great hands. Highly recommend for all your photography needs!“


Beth


Woman in white dress twirls on hilltop with water view behind her.

Testimonial

“Lauren is an absolute gem and master of her craft. She goes above and beyond to make her clients feel comfortable, beautiful, and capture an authentic moment. My pictures are moments I’ll cherish for life, and I’m so thankful for Lauren and her skills!“

Brittany

Candid family moment of laughter and kisses in outdoor setting.

Testimonial

“Lauren is absolutely amazing at the work she does.We absolutely love every single photo. You caught our sweet girls personality so perfectly & our family as whole so well!!! Our session was so beautiful the time of evening, the location, and dresses and being with Lauren as well. Felt like we were friends that have known each other for years. So many laughs and honestly couldn't picked a better photographer to capture our little family. “


Bonni

Family outdoor portrait with their black and white dog among autumn grasses.

Testimonial

“We recently had a family photo session with Lauren Ashlee Photography and we couldn’t be happier! Despite the chaos of our big family and our dog Lauren was professional and patient. The photos are stunning and perfectly capture the moment.“


Courtney

Romantic maternity moment on a rocky cliff overlooking mountain vistas.

Testimonial

“My partner and I had an amazing experience with Lauren for our maternity photoshoot! Her communication is excellent and she’s so easy to get along with! We all had such good banter while we were shooting, she made my partner and I feel welcome and comfortable the whole time. My partner doesn’t like getting his photo taken but Lauren made us feel so relaxed and happy with the whole experience, talking and laughing the whole time. Lauren has an eye for detail and she went above and beyond for us to make sure the photos were perfect! It was such a special moment for my partner and I and I’m glad we had Lauren there to capture it for us.“


Jessica & Hayden

Maternity portrait in flowing purple dress among beach grass at dusk.

Testimonial

“Lauren really made my first maternity shoot a memorable and empowering session. She was an absolute blast. She has such a calm and approachable personality that makes her so easy to get along with! It was non stop laughs from the beginning which helped me forget that there were others on the beach watching. Her direction, professionalism is something I can’t credit her enough. She will be my go-to for future shoots! Especially once baby arrives!“


Tanaysha


Woman in white dress poses gracefully by waterfall and dark rocks.

Testimonial

“Super fun session at the Ashley River. Lauren scouted a beautiful location and provided a stunning maternity wardrobe to get baby bump shots of my dreams. I felt super comfortable the whole time, had heaps of fun and absolutely love the photos. Highly recommend and will be a repeat client for sure.“


Paris

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@laurenashleephoto