Family Sessions
Documenting the beautiful, chaotic rhythm of your everyday life. Just honest, unscripted moments captured right at home or in your favorite island spots, preserving your family’s true history exactly as it feels right now.
Let’s Tell Your Family’s Story
Every beautiful archive begins with a simple conversation. Because I provide a highly bespoke storytelling experience—from our initial time together on the island through to our custom digital curation process—I only accept a strictly limited number of documentary family commissions each month across Waiheke Island and the greater Auckland area. Please fill out the brief form below.
There is absolutely no pressure to book—this is simply a friendly space for us to connect, discuss your household's unique rhythm, and see if we are a perfect fit for your home.
I will personally review your details and get back to you within 24 hours to check calendar availability.
I can’t wait to hear from you.
What you get with every booking.
Hand-Edited Storytelling by Sonja Read
Every single photograph in your gallery is individually culled, color-corrected, and masterfully hand-edited by me. Drawing on 30 years of professional industry precision, your collection is delivered with a classic, timeless finish in emotive black and white.
Full High-Resolution Digital Files
Every edited image is delivered as a full-resolution JPEG file. There are no hidden fees to unlock your photos—they are yours to keep, back up, and download as many times as you like.
Your Private Online Gallery Archive
Your images are delivered via a beautiful, password-protected online gallery website. It is fully mobile-friendly, making it seamless to view, download, and instantly share your favorite moments with friends and family.
An Integrated Premium Print Store
Built directly into your private gallery is a seamless connection to our elite professional print lab, Atkins. You can preview, design, and order stunning fine-art prints, framing, or Atkin’s newest premium lay-flat and hardcover books on your own timeline.
Unlimited Personal-Use License
Print your photographs at any local lab or share them freely on social media. You have full personal-use rights with no expiration dates and absolutely no restrictions.
Your Private Online An Exclusive Print & Album Voucher
Included with select multi-session collectives. Receive a dedicated credit to use directly inside your gallery store, giving you the perfect head start on turning your unscripted digital archive into a gorgeous, physical family heirloom book.
Choose your date & time
— A FEW THINGS TO KNOW Before you book.
Travel & Location
Based on Waiheke Island.
Sessions within a 20-km radius of my base on Waiheke Island are fully covered by your digital session fee (this comfortably encompasses the entire island, Devonport and Auckland central area). For sessions requiring off-island travel further afield or mainland travel coordination, a standard travel supplement applies—please get in touch before booking so we can confirm logistics.
After Booking
I will be in touch personally within 24 hours.
The moment your digital booking workflow is finalized, I will contact you directly to confirm the details, learn a bit more about your home and your children's personalities, and answer any initial questions. You will also instantly receive my beautifully detailed "Embracing the Real" guide to walk you through the lead-up to our session.
Timing
Mornings, afternoons, or full collectives.
My online calendar will display the available time slots for each digital collection. Mornings are often beautifully lively and perfect for energetic toddlers; afternoons offer gorgeous island warmth; evenings are wonderfully gentle by the beach. Having three kids of my own, I understand how unpredictable family routines can be—if you’re unsure which window fits your household's rhythm, I am always happy to chat through the timing before we lock it in.
What to Prepare
Very little—that is entirely the point.
You absolutely do not need to deep-clean your house, hide the toys, or go out and buy matching outfits. Just do exactly what you would normally do on a standard family weekend. My pre-shoot guide covers every minor detail on how to prepare your hearts (and not your house)—ensuring the entire process remains completely stress-free, straightforward, and never feels like homework.
"Fifteen minutes has never felt so easy. We booked a Fall Mini with Taylor, and from the reminder emails to the style tips, everything was effortless. The images landed in our inbox in under a week... Already counting down to the next round!"