Caitlin Drader Photography

I talk so much about letting go the idea of perfection. About leaning in, loving on your kids, having fun, and embracing...
28/05/2026

I talk so much about letting go the idea of perfection. About leaning in, loving on your kids, having fun, and embracing whatever comes your way.The wind, the mess, the chaos, the kids diving head first into the water fully clothed.

And Erin and Lauren embodied all of that perfectly.

Erin was staying in Piha with her family for a few weeks while Lauren and her family flew over from Canada to visit them. They decided to book an extended friends session together and it turned into the most fun evening.

The kind of session where nobody was worried about everything looking “perfect”. Everyone was just present with each other, soaking it all in. And honestly, those are always the moments that make the best memories.

One of the reasons I love in home newborn sessions so much is because you get to stay where you’re most comfortable, hom...
18/05/2026

One of the reasons I love in home newborn sessions so much is because you get to stay where you’re most comfortable, home 🤍

No rushing out the door, packing the pram or timing feeds perfectly. You get to stay in your safe space while I bring everything to you.

The beautiful thing about in home sessions is that your home becomes part of the story too. The nursery you prepared, the couch you’ve spent days feeding on, the little corners where these early days are unfolding.

They feel slower, calmer and so honest in this season of life. And years from now, you won’t just remember what your baby looked like, you’ll remember the home where it all began 🤍

POV: You’re just casually living the best days of your life and it’s my job to notice it.Running on no sleep, milk drunk...
13/05/2026

POV: You’re just casually living the best days of your life and it’s my job to notice it.

Running on no sleep, milk drunk snuggles and that sweet sweet newborn smell.

Arguably in the thick of the hardest season but also in the thick of the one you’re going to miss the most. So I’m just here to remind you to capture it.

Also, Happy Birthday to this beautiful mum in the frame. I’m lucky to call you a friend 🤍

Turns out winter sunsets are scientifically prettier, let me explain..In winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, so the l...
12/05/2026

Turns out winter sunsets are scientifically prettier, let me explain..

In winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, so the light has to travel through more atmosphere before it reaches us.

This filters out the cooler tones and leaves behind all the dreamy colours. Warm golds, soft pinks, peaches, oranges and purples. Like mother nature edited them herself.

Which is exactly why May–August sunsets in NZ are MAGIC for photos.

And honestly? Winter styling deserves more credit too. The knits, layers, chunky textures, long coats, little boots. It all photographs so beautifully and adds so much depth and coziness to your images.

PLUS:
• Earlier sunsets = kinder bedtimes for little ones
• Locations are quieter and less crowded
• Sessions feel calmer, cosier and more relaxed

If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, this is your sign to give winter a chance ✨

Booking link below:

https://app.studioninja.co/online-booking/portal/0a800fc8-9a49-1ccc-819a-56231f973355/sessions

Photographs : Physical proof I love you with my whole heart.A frame from every single family that came along to my Mothe...
09/05/2026

Photographs : Physical proof I love you with my whole heart.

A frame from every single family that came along to my Mother’s Day minis.

Wishing you all a day filled with love, gratitude and maybe a bit of a break too.

Happy Mother’s Day x

My Romee girl is 5 today! It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing your last baby is no longer a baby.I feel stuck between wan...
30/04/2026

My Romee girl is 5 today!

It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing your last baby is no longer a baby.

I feel stuck between wanting to freeze time and watch her grow.

Her wild, sassy personality has me somewhere between laughing, eye rolling and trying to take a deep breath daily.

We have 3 Wednesdays left together before she starts school and I’m not ready but I don’t think I’ll ever be.

I’m so glad I’ve documented every single year. Here’s to chapter 5 with you 🫶

Happy Birthday my girl x

I always knew she’d have a big family. We’re both the eldest of 4. She’d stop Mums in cafes and talk to their babies whe...
28/04/2026

I always knew she’d have a big family. We’re both the eldest of 4.

She’d stop Mums in cafes and talk to their babies when we were 17. She’s always been maternal. She was always going to be a Mum.

On our 7th shoot together, I got to photograph her third baby. Luella but Lulu for short. I also knew she’d be a Mum that would do all girl L names.

We’ve been best friends for 21 years now and it’s wild how different our lives are now but this is always what I envisioned for her. A home full of babies, a home full of love.

We use to see each other every single day, we use to live together, we’re both kind of busy now. She’s still my best friend but we mostly communicate by sending memes to each other and we catch up when we can.

Grateful to call you my best friend and I’m putting money that the 4th is here within the next 18 months.

I think the reason I love story sessions so much is because I can feel the nostalgia in them before it’s even there.Like...
27/04/2026

I think the reason I love story sessions so much is because I can feel the nostalgia in them before it’s even there.

Like, I know I’m watching moments that are going to mean everything one day.

They’re designed to capture the way your kids play, what they’re into right now, the little dynamics that make your family yours.

Because one day, these are going to be the photos you pull out of the box.

The ones that feel like your version of the good old days. The ones your kids will look back on and say, “that was our home.”

I got to capture Amalia and her family on their land where they’ll one day build their dream home. Chickens, bare feet, all the in between moments.

And I just kept thinking… this is what they’ll look back on.

Winter minis are now live 🌹This is for the mums who are always behind the camera, who keep meaning to book photos but ne...
24/04/2026

Winter minis are now live 🌹

This is for the mums who are always behind the camera, who keep meaning to book photos but never quite get around to it. Who want more then just a selfie to document their motherhood.

You’ll spend 20 minutes with me, that’s all we need for these and then you get your gallery back..

and it’s you in the frame.
Your baby tucked into you.
Your family exactly as it is right now.

The kind of photos that will mean everything to you.

Sunday, July 26th
20 minute sessions
$360
10 edited images

Early bird full gallery upgrade: $500

The last chance this year to be photographed in this beautiful space.

Perfect for families, maternity, or even sneaking the grandparents in (because those photos become the favourites).

I can’t wait to see you there x

Booking link below

https://app.studioninja.co/online-booking/portal/0a800fc8-9bd6-15cd-819b-d9e3dd626e58/sessions

If you didn’t know, my first ever job was the in house photographer for Glassons and Hallensteins. I was there for 4 yea...
22/04/2026

If you didn’t know, my first ever job was the in house photographer for Glassons and Hallensteins. I was there for 4 years before I went freelance so long story short I’ve got some experience shooting eccom and creating branding imagery.

I then had my girls and decided Motherhood was my calling and what I wanted to capture. Funny thing is, nearly all of these brands are founded by Mother’s and people who have turned their passion into their business and every single one of them are a dream to shoot for!

Beyond grateful to be trusted not only to take beautiful imagery but to turn a founders vision into reality, so thank you for having me 🤍

Address

Auckland City
Auckland

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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