How far in advance should I book a session?

We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for weekends and peak seasons.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Ōtautahi-Christchurch, Canterbury, and the Coromandel Peninsula including Whitianga, and are available for travel throughout New Zealand.

How long until I receive my edited photos?

Edited photos are typically delivered within 2–3 weeks after your session.

Do you offer packages?

Yes! We offer a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets. Visit our pricing page to learn more.

MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

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MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER 〰️

Emily Barrett, founder of bae studio, holding a fujifilm camera

Kia ora, I’m Emily.

I’m so glad you’ve found yourself here at Bae Studio!

I’m a photographer based in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), where I live with my husband, Andrew, and our three beautiful children. We were just 22 and 23 when we married, and life since has been full of adventure, laughter, and love. Our family thrives outdoors — trail running, chasing new experiences, and soaking up the beauty of Aotearoa.

I grew up in the North Island, beginning in the breathtaking Coromandel Peninsula, and later living in Auckland, Nelson, Napier, and the Bay of Plenty before moving south. Those moves shaped my deep appreciation for people and places — something that continually inspires my work behind the lens.

My journey with photography began seven years ago, when I first picked up my husband’s Canon DSLR. With his guidance and a natural curiosity, I began documenting our family life — the small, fleeting moments that hold so much meaning.

What started as a creative outlet quickly became a calling. I realised my greatest joy comes from capturing authentic emotion — the way a look, a laugh, or a touch can tell a whole story. Since then, I’ve honed my craft through hands-on experience, self-study, and professional courses.

Over the years, I've photographed all sorts of stories — from families and newborns to weddings, studio sessions and live events. But the thread running through all of my work has always been the same: connection.

For families especially, I want to capture the things that are easy to forget. The way your toddler reaches for you. The chaos of everyone getting ready. The belly laughs, the cuddles, the little hands and the moments that happen when nobody is looking at the camera.

My approach is gentle and intuitive. I'll give you direction when you need it, but I don't want you spending your session worrying about posing or behaving perfectly. I want you to feel comfortable enough to forget about the camera and simply be together.

Because the photographs I value most aren't necessarily the perfect ones, they're the ones that take you straight back to how it felt to be there.

These days, my work is centred around family and wedding photography in Christchurch and beyond — creating relaxed, artful images that feel honest, emotive and true to the people in them.