Welcome to Racheal Trail Photography
A little about me, the journey that brought me here, and the beautiful memories I love creating for Auckland families.
Hello, I'm Racheal, the photographer behind Racheal Trail Photography.
If you've been looking through my website and wondering who I am, what my studio looks like or what it's actually like to book a session with me, I'd love to give you a little introduction.
I'm a multi-award-winning maternity and newborn photographer based in Drury, South Auckland, with more than eight years of experience photographing babies, expectant mums and families.
My business has grown and changed so much over the years, but my love of creating beautiful, timeless photographs has remained exactly the same.
Whether I'm photographing a tiny newborn in their own home or welcoming an expectant mum into my studio, I want every client to feel comfortable, cared for and completely guided throughout their session.
Take a Look Around My Drury Photography Studio
Before I tell you more about my journey, I'd love to show you around the studio.
In this video, you'll get a look behind the scenes at Racheal Trail Photography, including the different photography areas, my maternity wardrobe and some of the spaces I've created for clients.
I also share a little about how my business began and how it has evolved over the years.
Step Inside My World
Come and see where the photographs are created, explore my studio spaces and get to know the person behind the camera.
Watch my studio tour below.
My Photography Journey Started in Clients' Homes
Long before I had my studio in Drury, I was travelling around Auckland photographing brand-new babies in their own homes.
I'd pack up my photography equipment, wraps, fabrics and props, then create beautifully posed newborn portraits in the comfort of my clients' homes.
Every baby was different, every home was different and every family had their own needs.
Those early years taught me so much about working with newborns, adapting to different spaces and creating beautiful photographs while keeping the experience calm and comfortable.
Even after opening my studio, I never stopped offering in-home newborn photography. It's still a very special part of my business today.
My studio may have grown, but my love of photographing those tiny newborn details began long before it.
Professionally Posed Newborn Photography at Home
One of the things that makes my newborn photography a little different is that I can bring the professional posing experience directly to your home.
These aren't simply casual lifestyle photographs. I bring professional lighting, posing equipment, wraps, fabrics and carefully selected props so I can create the traditional posed newborn photographs you see in my portfolio.
You don't need a perfect house or a beautifully decorated nursery. I'm used to working with different spaces and finding the best area for your photographs.
My in-home posed newborn sessions generally take approximately two to two and a half hours at most, depending on your baby's needs.
For parents who would prefer to stay home during those first newborn weeks, this can be a lovely, convenient experience.
A Flexible Option for Family Photographs
With my Signature and Legacy in-home collections, I also offer a split newborn session. I photograph your baby at home first, usually taking around two hours, then you can return to my Drury studio approximately two to four weeks later for the family photographs.
Inside My Photography Studio in Drury, South Auckland
As my photography business grew, so did my dream of creating a beautiful, dedicated space where clients could come for their photographs.
Today, my Drury studio allows me to offer a range of photography experiences, from elegant maternity portraits to beautifully wrapped newborn sessions and relaxed family photographs.
I've created different areas within the studio because I love being able to offer more than one style of photography.
There's my traditional studio photography space, a dedicated maternity wardrobe, and a softer lifestyle area for natural, connection-focused photographs.
I wanted to create a space that feels welcoming, comfortable and full of possibilities.
My Maternity Client Wardrobe
One of my favourite parts of the studio is my maternity client wardrobe.
Over the years, I've built a large collection of maternity gowns, beautiful fabrics and statement pieces in a variety of colours and styles.
You don't need to buy expensive dresses that you might only wear once. My studio maternity collections include access to my client wardrobe.
I can help you choose gowns that suit the style of photographs you love, then guide you through your poses so you feel comfortable and confident.
Partners and children are welcome too, allowing your maternity photographs to celebrate both you and your growing family.
From choosing your gowns to positioning your hands, body and face, I'll guide you throughout your maternity session. You don't need any modelling experience. That's what I'm here for.
Celebrating This Incredible Chapter
Pregnancy is such a short chapter in your life, even though it doesn't always feel that way when you're in the middle of it.
I love creating maternity photographs that help women see just how beautiful this stage of their journey can be.
Whether you're drawn to elegant, dramatic studio portraits or something softer and more relaxed, I'll help you create photographs that feel special to you.
Two very different styles, both created in my South Auckland photography studio.
My Natural-Light Guided Lifestyle Space
Another area of the studio that's become very special to me is my lifestyle space.
While I love traditional posed photography, I also love photographs that feel softer, more relaxed and full of connection.
My Guided Lifestyle newborn sessions take place in this studio area and focus on your baby and family together.
Think beautiful cuddles, gentle moments with your baby, little sibling interactions and photographs that feel natural while still being carefully guided.
You don't have to worry about knowing where to stand or what to do. I'll help you throughout the session while keeping everything relaxed.
Guided Lifestyle Newborn Photography
My in-studio Guided Lifestyle collection includes baby and family photographs, approximately 60 to 90 minutes of photography and 15 professionally edited images.
Three Beautiful Ways to Photograph Your Newborn
Every family is different, which is why I offer more than one style of newborn photography.
Whether you'd prefer to stay home or visit my Drury studio, there's an experience to suit the photographs you're hoping to create.
In-Home Posed Newborn
Professionally posed newborn photography in the comfort of your own home, with studio-style lighting, wraps and selected props.
Family-inclusive collections and the split-session option are available.
Wrapped Newborn
Beautifully styled newborn portraits with your baby remaining wrapped throughout the session.
A lovely shorter experience, with baby-only and family-inclusive collections available.
Guided Lifestyle
Relaxed, connection-focused newborn and family photographs in my dedicated lifestyle area.
Natural-looking photographs with gentle guidance throughout.
More Than Eight Years of Photographing Babies and Families
Over the years, I've had the privilege of photographing thousands of babies and families across Auckland.
I've continued to learn, refine my newborn posing, develop my editing style and invest in the equipment and experience I offer my clients.
My work has also received international recognition through photography awards, something I'm incredibly proud of.
But what matters most to me during a session isn't an award or a title.
It's the tiny baby in front of me, the expectant mum who may feel nervous about stepping in front of the camera, and the family trusting me to capture something they'll never get back.
That's why I put so much care into both the photographs and the experience of creating them.
Experience
Years of photographing newborns, maternity sessions and families.
Guidance
Clear, gentle direction so you never have to wonder how to pose.
Care
Calm, baby-led photography and thoughtful attention to detail.
The Studio Has Changed, but My Reason for Doing This Hasn't
When I think about how far Racheal Trail Photography has come, I'm incredibly grateful for all the families who have trusted me with their memories over the years.
The studio has grown, my maternity wardrobe has expanded and my photography style has evolved.
But the reason I started photographing these special stages of life is still the reason I love doing it today.
Pregnancy passes. Newborns grow. Those tiny fingers and toes don't stay tiny for long.
Photographs give us something beautiful to look back on when those moments have passed.
That's what I want to create for every family who comes to me.
The moments are fleeting. The memories deserve to last.
I'd Love to Welcome You to Racheal Trail Photography
I hope this little look behind the scenes has helped you get to know me, my photography and the studio I've created here in Drury.
Whether I'm arriving at your home for a professionally posed newborn session or you're walking through my studio doors for maternity or newborn photographs, I want you to feel comfortable and confident that you're in experienced hands.
My studio is based in Drury, South Auckland, and I welcome families from Papakura, Karaka, Takanini, Pukekohe, Manukau and throughout the wider Auckland region.
I look forward to meeting you and creating something beautiful together.
Racheal 🤎
Your Story Deserves to Be Beautifully Remembered
Explore my maternity and newborn photography experiences, or get in touch if you'd like help choosing the perfect session.
