Time2Shine Photography loves life and everything about it. We photograph all the wonderful stages of family life from Pregnancy, Newborns, Babies, Children, Families and Pets. Also we love to capture special events, business and products.

Our photographic style is based around beautiful, soft natural light, vibrant colours and a focus on real, candid moments mixed in with a splash of guided poses. I love to capture emotion and relationships in beautiful, soft, evening light outdoors or in our lush studio.

Both! We love being outdoors and have a few outdoor locations that are regulars love, even close to the studio so we can also do in studio and on location. We also have a wee studio garden area that we are currently making beautiful.

Our goal for every photo session is for it to be a fun experience! We have a laid back, easy-going nature and am very patient with little ones, so we’ll chat, have a bit of a giggle and we’ll even take breaks when the kids need it – I promise we’ll have a great time taking beautiful photos! Please don’t worry about your kids behaviour at your session, I’m not at all worried about kids being perfectly behaved and I find I can get the most authentic shots when kids are just being kids!

The right clothing choices will add so much to the look and feel of your completed images. As a rule it’s best to avoid clashing colours and too many patterns when being photographed. Simple, classic dressing is ideal and ensures your images won’t date quickly. It’s also important to make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, so whether that’s jeans or dresses is completely up to you!

Being nervous is completely normal! I think everyone is to start with and because of this I like to capture a mixture of both posed and natural interactions at each session, usually starting with the more posed images so you get an idea of what looks good in camera. Lots of my client’s who start out nervous, end up looking like pros by the end of the session!

For Portraits, anywhere within the first 10 days is what the professionals say. But anytime within the first 7 weeks is when they are “newborn” For me personally within the first two weeks.
Castings is much the same. It is always up to you, if you wish for teeny tiny, earlier the better. Chunky wunky, around 3 months.

The best time to schedule an outdoor session is during the golden hour which is during the last 1-2 hours before sunset – yummy, delicious light! As a natural light photographer I rely on the best quality of light to produce the very best images for you. Capturing this sunkissed and glowing light could mean a 4pm shoot in Winter, a 7pm shoot in Summer and a session time somewhere in between during Spring and Autumn. Most of my outdoor sessions take place at this time and I highly recommend it for the best images.

If the day is just lightly overcast we’ll generally go ahead with your session but pouring rain is another story. Heavily overcast skies and rain means that I will get in touch with you on the day of your session to reschedule to a new date or we can arrange to have a studio session if that would be preferred. The option is all yours.

Of course! We love creating images that you love and if there is a special item that has meaning to you or your child you are very welcome to bring it along to be included in part of your session.

Once your session is over you can expect to wait three to four weeks for all your images to be edited and retouched. Once they are complete I will contact you to let you know your beautiful images are ready for viewing and the selecting process. Once you’ve selected the images, I will send a link for you to download your beautiful collection within 24-48 hours.

Prints and packages are delivered or posted within 5 to 10 working days.

Castings sessions are bespoke one of a kind pieces, these take around 8 to 10 weeks but we do aim for less. We work with local suppliers making these possible to create at an affordable price. Please note these times are to ensure quality work that we pride ourselves in aswell as working around family in our home studio.

Our process is easy, our sessions starts with explaining what we are doing. Following a chat about what you want. Then we either get started or lock in your plans.

Chatting in person is much easier, and it is easier to do on the day.

Sleepy baby is best, we use water first to see if baby or child is ready, and mix the mixture that is non-toxic and safe for our skin. From here we pop the hand/foot into the mix, wait a minute or two and slowly I help release the hand/foot out.

The longest part is testing and ensuring we are comfy and baby/child is able to pop there hand/foot in relaxed without moving for a few minutes, this does sound crazy but it is achievable. And we have achieved many beautiful castings. From here I can tell if the casting will be a good one, if it is we will continue and finish our set. If not we will attempt another mould, the water test is when it is good to do another one or not. Once finished all the castings, I do the final part when you are gone which needs time to set. Then cure.

We offer castings for all ages. Price is based on size, frame and layout requirements. Bigger hands require bigger frames but we are also reasonable and love being able to create bespoke pieces.

Yes, I do travel and very happy to do so. Travel during business hours to the Christchurch CBD is free. Other locations may incur a fee. Please get in touch with Laura and have a chat.

To book you can use the form to get in touch with your session details, if you don’t know what you are after but wish for Laura to do her thing, be sure to let her know. She will be happy to help.

Times and days are flexible. You can also text or email. Please note Laura tries to reply within 48 hours Monday to Friday. If you haven’t heard from her please try another method (text if email had no response).

Great question! We have a beautiful studio fully equipment at the front of our home in Bexley. Making late night appointments easier and creating a more relaxing environment for you and your family. Our address is 125 Marlow road, Bexley. Through the wooden gate you will find our studio door. Don’t stress we do have a sign so you know you’re in the right place. We are only available by appointment only and we welcome you to give us a call or email and get in touch for your free consultation.

Yes! I can come to you for lifestyle portraits. This service includes a small basket of wraps. A window and white wall will be needed. Travel cost may occur if travel to you is further than 30km. Please use my contact form for more information.