Where belonging begins
Discover Auckland's
Newborn Photographer
Your First Moments in Precious hands
Your First Moments in Precious hands
Discover Auckland's Newborn Photographer
Where belonging begins
The Beginning of Everything
Those first days with your newborn are unlike anything else. Tiny details, sleepy expressions and the extraordinary feeling of finally holding someone you've been waiting so long to meet. A chapter that passes quietly, yet changes everything.
At MANAWA Studio on Auckland's North Shore, newborn photography is a calm, unhurried experience, thoughtfully created around your baby's comfort and safety. With gentle guidance, time for feeding and settling, and space for your family to simply be together, we create beautiful portraits that preserve not only how these first days looked, but how they felt.
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newborn Gallery
"Long after we're gone, it's the photograph on the wall that keeps saying: you were loved."
Emma williams
Behind the Scenes —
Setting the Scene for Newborn Girl
Every prop, every colour, every texture is chosen with one goal in mind — creating a gentle, dreamy space that lets your baby girl's personality shine through in the most beautiful way.
Planning Ahead
book your newborn session
First point of call is to contact myself using the various options displayed throughout the website. Whether you want to book everything now or simply reserve your session with a viewing appointment. the choice is yours
Arriving at the studio
When you arrive at the property their are clear sign posts for parking and the studio entrance. You will hear frogs, don't worry that's my sign that you have arrived! just relax and start taking in the experience your about to embark on. If your a little late, please do not worry! I have had 3 children of my own and understand!
what a Newborn-led session means
The session is booked for an afternoon and is based purely around baby, we stop for feeds, nappy changes and even cuddles if little one needs that. Baby safety is utmost important and I am full trained in newborn safety photographing nearly a 1000 babies. You're in safe and patient hands!
partners and whanau
More than welcome! I encourage family and whanau to come along to experience the session and get involved with images. This fleeting moment only lasts weeks and should be cherished by all. If you prefer a more quiet and intimate session, that is perfectly fine also. I'm here to make you comfortable.
in the studio
My studio is fully equipped with extras you may need, nappies, wipes, cream, pads all catered for. their are also snacks, refreshments and a light lunch is provided for Newborn sessions. The session is relaxed with calm music and warm between 25 - 27 degrees for baby.
After your newborn session
Your images will be ready for your personal viewing appointment at the studio within 7 days. We will arrange this appointment together at the end of your maternity session, so everything is organised and you have something lovely to look forward to.
If you have purchased the all inclusive package, your images will also be available for digital download within 7 days, accessible directly from your own personal profile at your convenience.
products - digital, wall art and albums
All of our wall art and albums are 100% pure New Zealand made, crafted to the highest quality and built to last a lifetime.
When your images are ready to view or download, this is the perfect time to place your order for any physical products you would love to have. You won't need to make any decisions on the day — simply enjoy your session and choose afterwards when you can see your beautiful images in full.
Throughout your session, samples of our wall art and albums will be available for you to view and touch, so you can get a real feel for the exceptional quality before you order.
What do i wear for family images?
Your more than welcome to bring a change of clothing for your family images though
"Emma photographed my newborn and it was a wonderful experience! She was so patient and gentle with my baby, getting him to sleep. The studio was nice and warm and had a beautiful selection of props in all different colour pallets, it had such a calm atmosphere that my partner also dosed off! It was very impressive to watch the way Emma could wrap and pose the baby, I could never have managed it. Definitely recommend!
Everything you need to know
Your Newborn session at MANAWA
When is the best time to book a newborn session?
The ideal time to photograph your newborn is within the first 5 to 14 days after birth. During this window babies sleep deeply, curl naturally into those beautiful posed positions, and still have that perfect brand new baby look. I keep 3 newborn sessions free each week as we never know the exact date baby will arrive.
What if my baby won't stop crying or feeding during the session?
Please don't worry at all — this is completely normal and entirely expected! I have worked with hundreds of newborns and have experienced it all. Newborn sessions are always led by your baby. We never rush, we never force, and we work completely around feeding, settling, and cuddle breaks. A content and settled baby always results in the most beautiful images, so we take all the time needed.
How long does a newborn session take?
Newborn sessions typically last anywhere between 2 to 4 hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding breaks, nappy changes, settling, and capturing a variety of beautiful setups without your baby ever feeling rushed or unsettled.
What should I bring to the session?
Plenty of milk whether breast or formula.
Extra nappies and wipes, some positions can loosen up a blocked baby.
A dummy if your baby uses one,
A spare outfit if you would like baby photographed in something personal. You're also welcome to bring any objects that are personal to yourselves and you would like to include with your images.
Is the studio safe and warm enough for my newborn?
Absolutely — your baby's safety and comfort is our number one priority above everything else. The studio is kept beautifully warm throughout the entire session, all props and wraps are thoroughly cleaned between every session, and every pose is handled with the utmost care and gentleness. You can relax knowing your little one is in the safest of hands at all times.
What should I wear for the session?
We recommend keeping your own clothing simple, soft, and neutral so that the focus remains beautifully on your baby. Think muted tones, creams, whites, and soft greys rather than bold patterns or bright colours. Comfortable and relaxed is always best — many mums opt for something simple and elegant that makes them feel lovely without overpowering the images. Don't overthink it — you are going to look absolutely wonderful. You're also very welcome to use any outfits I have within the studio.
1000+ NEWBORNS
Over 15 years experience in handling newborns.
FREE RESCHEDULE
Reserve your session up to 1 year in advance with free rescheduling
WEEKLY PAYMENTS
From $50/week, interest free, in-house finance
FULLY TRAINED
Newborn safety and First Aid qualified. Fully Insured
FREE DELIVERY
Wall art and albums shipped throughout New Zealand
Book your Newborn session
Choose the way you want to book
Some families prefer to book their session first and choose their artwork afterwards. Others like to pre-book everything upfront, with the option to spread the cost. Either way, the choice is yours.
Reserve now for babies arriving from May 2027
OPTION 1
Single Newborn
Experience & Viewing
- 4 hour professional newborn session
- Full use of our extensive wardrobe, props and wraps.
- Relaxed, warm and completely private studio
- Fully equipped baby changing station
- Guidance and posing throughout to make you feel completely at ease for family images.
- Images previewed throughout your session.
- Light lunch provided with refreshments and snacks available.
- Personal viewing appointment arranged at your session and ready within 7 - 14 days
- Samples of wall art and albums available to view and touch on the day.
- All wall art and albums are 100% pure New Zealand made
$199
OPTION 2
Manawa Newborn Signature Experience
Manawa Newborn Signature Experience
Everything included in the Newborn Session, plus:
- All of your digital images included (30 -40).
- 21 x 16 cm personalised album.
- Medium Chromalux print.
- $250 product credit to spend on wall art or album.
- Digital images available for download within 14 days from your personal secure online profile.
- A complete, lasting memory of this beautiful chapter of your life.
- Available on 0% in house finance from $50/week with a $300 deposit. Use code COLLECTIONPLAN at checkout. (Please See MANAWA Collection Plans)
$1,700
Continue Exploring...
Discover helpful articles, inspiration and expert guidance from the MANAWA Journal, thoughtfully created to support you through every chapter of your family's story.
