Best Photographers in Dunedin: Top 5 Experts to Capture Your Moments with Artistry
Finding the best photographers in Dunedin ensures your special moments—whether a wedding, family milestone, or professional headshot—are captured with creativity and precision. Dunedin, with its stunning coastal landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, provides a perfect backdrop for photography. The city’s top photographers combine technical expertise with a passion for storytelling, delivering images that resonate with emotion and authenticity.
In this guide, we highlight five of the top photography services in Dunedin, NZ, each with a verified website and a reputation for excellence. Ideal for couples, families, students, or businesses, these professionals offer tailored solutions to meet diverse needs. Let’s explore the best photographers in Dunedin to immortalize your memories!
1. Simone Jackson Photography
About the Business
Simone Jackson Photography, based in Dunedin, is a multi-award-winning studio led by Simone, a passionate photographer known for her dynamic, emotive imagery. With a focus on weddings and commercial photography, her work captures the essence of each moment, blending creativity with technical precision. Her reputation for directing shoots with ease makes her a standout in the Dunedin photography scene.
Key Services / What They Offer
They specialize in wedding photography, engagement shoots, and commercial photography for businesses, including product and editorial work. Services include full-day wedding coverage, high-resolution digital images, and fine art prints. Simone also offers photo print sales for clients seeking wall art, with options for custom framing.
Who It’s For
Perfect for couples planning weddings, businesses needing professional imagery, and art enthusiasts in Dunedin seeking high-quality prints for home or office decor.
What to Expect
Expect a vibrant, organized shoot with Simone’s expert direction, ensuring natural, candid moments are captured beautifully. Wedding packages include pre-event consultations to align with your vision, and commercial shoots are tailored to brand needs. Her studio provides a relaxed setting, and on-location shoots leverage Dunedin’s scenic spots like St Clair Beach or Larnach Castle. Images are delivered promptly, edited with a stylish, timeless aesthetic.
Standout Features
- Multi-award-winning photographer with international recognition.
- Expertise in directing large groups for flawless wedding shots.
- High-quality fine art prints available for purchase.
- Customized commercial photography for brand storytelling.
Customer Feedback
“Simone captured our wedding day perfectly. Her direction was brilliant, and the photos are stunning treasures we’ll cherish forever,” says Jae and Nana. Another client notes, “Her commercial shoot for our business was professional and creative—our brand looks amazing!”
Why Choose Them?
Simone Jackson Photography combines award-winning skill with a personal touch, making her ideal for capturing life’s milestones. Her versatility and artistry make her a top choice for photography in Dunedin.
Location & Contact Details
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Website: www.simonejacksonphotography.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
2. Kimberley Cheyne Photography
About the Business
Kimberley Cheyne Photography is a Dunedin-based studio specializing in authentic, love-filled family and wedding photography. Kimberley’s approach is pure and timeless, capturing raw, heartfelt moments that reflect the real connections within families. Her work emphasizes emotional storytelling, making her a beloved choice in the Dunedin photographer community.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer family portraits, wedding photography, and engagement sessions, with a focus on natural, candid imagery. Services include on-location shoots in Dunedin’s scenic spots, high-resolution digital files, and premium wall art prints. Kimberley provides pre-shoot guides to help families prepare, ensuring a relaxed experience.
Who It’s For
Ideal for families, couples, and parents in Dunedin wanting emotive, connection-driven photos that capture the beauty of everyday moments or special occasions.
What to Expect
Expect a warm, stress-free session where Kimberley creates a comfortable environment, especially for kids and camera-shy adults. Shoots are held in natural settings like Tunnel Beach or local parks, with an emphasis on genuine interactions. Post-session, you’ll attend a viewing to select your favorite images, which are crafted into stunning wall art or digital collections.
Standout Features
- Specializes in authentic, candid family and wedding photography.
- Pre-shoot guides for a seamless, enjoyable experience.
- Premium wall art prints to elevate home decor.
- Expert at capturing emotional, heartfelt moments.
Customer Feedback
“Kimberley’s photos of our family are pure magic. She captured our kids’ personalities so beautifully,” says a Dunedin parent. Another client shares, “Our wedding album is full of love and joy—Kimberley’s work is timeless!”
Why Choose Them?
Kimberley Cheyne Photography is perfect for those seeking emotional, authentic images that tell a story. Her dedication to real moments makes her a top pick for photography in Dunedin.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: www.kimberleycheyne.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
3. Edith Leigh Photography
About the Business
Edith Leigh Photography, led by Edith Pont, is a Dunedin favorite for natural, heartfelt family photography. With a knack for making clients feel at ease, Edith captures real, unposed moments without ever asking for forced smiles. Her approach is raw and artistic, creating images that evoke love and connection.
Key Services / What They Offer
They specialize in family, newborn, and maternity photography, with in-home or on-location sessions. Services include personalized pre-shoot planning, a viewing session for artwork selection, and premium prints or digital files. Edith’s newborn shoots focus on capturing babies in parents’ arms, avoiding props for authenticity.
Who It’s For
Suitable for families, new parents, and expectant mothers in Dunedin seeking relaxed, natural photography that celebrates genuine family connections.
What to Expect
Expect a fun, relaxed session where Edith’s warmth puts even the most camera-shy at ease. Shoots take place in your home or scenic Dunedin locations like Sandfly Bay, with guidance on clothing and timing. After the session, a personalized slideshow reveals your images, and you’ll choose from contemporary wall art or digital options, delivered with care.
Standout Features
- Never asks clients to smile, ensuring authentic expressions.
- In-home newborn sessions for a comfortable experience.
- Contemporary, artistic wall art for modern homes.
- Over 100 families photographed with glowing reviews.
Customer Feedback
“Edith made our family shoot enjoyable, even with two kids and a dog. The photos are breathtaking,” says a client. Another shares, “I cried seeing our newborn photos—they’re so real and beautiful!”
Why Choose Them?
Edith Leigh Photography excels at capturing raw, emotional moments with a natural flair. Her client-focused approach makes her a top choice for photographers in Dunedin.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: www.edithleighphotography.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
4. Acorn Studio
About the Business
Acorn Studio, led by Erin Isaacs, is a Dunedin-based photography service specializing in romantic, heartfelt wedding and portrait photography. Erin’s love for capturing genuine connections—tight hugs, candid laughs, and tender moments—infuses her work with warmth and authenticity, earning her a loyal following in the Dunedin photography community.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer wedding photography, engagement shoots, and portrait sessions, with packages including full-day coverage, digital galleries, and fine art albums. Erin provides location scouting in Dunedin’s iconic spots, like Otago Peninsula, and tailored editing to reflect each couple’s style. Pre-wedding consultations ensure a personalized experience.
Who It’s For
Ideal for couples, engaged partners, and romantics in Dunedin seeking emotive, storytelling photography for weddings or milestone moments.
What to Expect
Expect a romantic, stress-free shoot with Erin’s knack for capturing unguarded moments. She blends candid and posed shots, using natural light to highlight Dunedin’s beauty. Couples receive a detailed timeline for wedding coverage, ensuring every moment is documented. Images are delivered in a beautifully curated online gallery, with options for prints or albums.
Standout Features
- Romantic, heartfelt style capturing genuine connections.
- Tailored location scouting for iconic Dunedin backdrops.
- Full-day wedding coverage with curated digital galleries.
- Personalized pre-wedding planning for seamless shoots.
Customer Feedback
“Erin’s photos of our wedding are pure love. She captured every laugh and tear perfectly,” says a Dunedin couple. Another notes, “Our engagement shoot at Tunnel Beach was magical—Erin’s talent is unmatched!”
Why Choose Them?
Acorn Studio’s romantic, authentic approach and Erin’s dedication to storytelling make it a top pick for photography in Dunedin. Her ability to capture love shines in every image.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: www.acornstudio.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
5. McRobie Studios
About the Business
McRobie Studios, established in 1968 and now led by Charlotte and Paul Dowson-Trevathan, is a Dunedin institution for professional photography. With a legacy of excellence, they offer a wide range of services, from portraits to commercial shoots, maintaining a reputation for quality and innovation in the Dunedin photographer market.
Key Services / What They Offer
They provide portraiture, graduation photography, wedding shoots, school and group photos, commercial photography, and photo restoration. Services include quick, affordable graduation sessions (5–10 minutes), high-resolution digital files, and custom degree frames with embossed University of Otago logos. They also offer video-to-DVD conversions.
Who It’s For
Suitable for students, families, businesses, and schools in Dunedin needing versatile photography services, from quick graduation shots to detailed commercial projects.
What to Expect
Expect a professional, efficient experience with a team that caters to your needs. Graduation sessions are streamlined, requiring no booking, while wedding shoots are meticulously planned for comprehensive coverage. Their studio in central Dunedin is welcoming, and on-location shoots utilize local landmarks. Images are delivered with high-quality editing, and restoration services revive old photos with care.
Standout Features
- Over 50 years of photography expertise in Dunedin.
- Quick, no-booking graduation sessions for convenience.
- Custom degree frames with embossed logos.
- Photo restoration and video-to-DVD services.
Customer Feedback
“McRobie Studios made my graduation photos quick and stunning. The frame is a perfect keepsake,” says a student. Another client shares, “Their restoration of our old family photos was incredible—such care and skill!”
Why Choose Them?
McRobie Studios’ legacy, versatility, and commitment to quality make them a trusted choice for photographers in Dunedin. Their wide-ranging services cater to every photographic need.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: www.mcrobie.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
Conclusion: Capture Your Story with Dunedin’s Best Photographers
Choosing the best photographers in Dunedin ensures your memories are preserved with artistry and care. Simone Jackson Photography, Kimberley Cheyne Photography, Edith Leigh Photography, Acorn Studio, and McRobie Studios offer diverse, high-quality services, from heartfelt family portraits to stunning wedding albums. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or building your brand, these top five photographers deliver images that resonate for years to come.
Ready to capture your moments? Contact one of these Dunedin photographers for a consultation or booking and bring your vision to life today. With their expertise and passion, you’ll receive photos that tell your unique story. Don’t wait—trust Dunedin’s finest to create lasting memories now!
Helpful Information About Dunedin Photographers
Dunedin is known for its dramatic coastline, historic architecture, and vibrant creative community—making it an exceptional location for both professional and personal photography. From the iconic Larnach Castle to the windswept cliffs of Tunnel Beach, the city offers diverse backdrops that elevate photoshoots with distinctive local character. Whether you’re planning a wedding, capturing family milestones, or seeking commercial photography for your business, choosing a skilled photographer in Dunedin ensures your memories are preserved with artistry and expertise.
Local photographers in Dunedin often offer personalized sessions in scenic neighborhoods such as St Clair, Roslyn, and the Otago Peninsula. Many specialize in natural light photography, capturing candid, emotive moments unique to each client. With access to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes and a tight-knit creative community, Dunedin photographers deliver a blend of technical skill and heartfelt storytelling. Their services often include digital galleries, fine art prints, and professional editing tailored to their client’s style and needs.
Choosing the Right Photographer in Dunedin
- Consider what style of photography best fits your vision—candid, editorial, documentary, or traditional—and review photographers’ portfolios for consistency in their approach.
- Ask about location expertise; many local photographers know hidden gems throughout Dunedin, from bush trails in Flagstaff to serene beaches in St Kilda.
- Look for photographers who provide pre-shoot consultations to understand your needs, whether it’s a family portrait, graduation session, or branding shoot.
- Inquire about what’s included in each package, such as number of edited images, delivery timelines, and rights for sharing or printing your photos.
- Read reviews and testimonials from past clients in the Dunedin area to gauge professionalism, communication, and overall experience.
- Check if the photographer is experienced in handling the specific type of photography you need, such as newborns, events, or commercial projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunedin Photographers
What types of photography services are commonly offered in Dunedin?
Most Dunedin photographers offer a mix of services including wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and maternity sessions, commercial photography, and graduation shoots. Some may also offer fine art prints, photo restoration, and event coverage.
How far in advance should I book a photographer in Dunedin?
It’s recommended to book 3–6 months in advance for weddings or peak-season family sessions. For smaller shoots like headshots or graduation photos, photographers may offer more flexible scheduling with shorter notice required.
Do Dunedin photographers offer on-location shoots?
Yes, many photographers prefer working on location to take advantage of Dunedin’s picturesque scenery, such as Sandfly Bay, the Botanic Garden, or Signal Hill. They may also offer in-home sessions or studio options, depending on their specialty.
What should I expect to pay for a photography session in Dunedin?
Pricing varies depending on the photographer’s experience, session type, and package inclusions. For example, a standard family session might range from $300 to $600, while full-day wedding packages can start from $2,000 and go upwards.
Are digital galleries and print options usually included?
Most Dunedin photographers provide high-resolution digital galleries as part of their packages. Many also offer heirloom-quality print products such as albums, framed prints, and canvas wall art for an added cost.