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About Me

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Hey, I'm Cindy - Your Portrait Photographer

I’m the person behind the camera at Captured Moments — a mum, a former Child Psychologist, and someone who genuinely loves capturing the real, tender, joyful sides of family life.

If you’re here, you’re probably looking for portraits that mean something — images you’ll look at and feel, not just see. And that’s exactly why I do what I do.

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I Capture More Than Photos — I Capture Connection

Photography isn’t just about posing and lighting (although those things are important) but it’s about feeling — the connections, the emotion, the little moments that make life so precious.

I love photographing:

  • Maternity moments that celebrate the joy of creating new life, and celebrate how amazing your body is!

  • Newborn beginnings full of warmth and softness

  • Families in all their beautiful, imperfect, heart‑full ways

Every session is designed to help you feel at ease, confident, and present — so your portraits reflect real emotion, and your family's unique personality. With my background as a Child Psychologist, I understand children’s behaviour, and I have seen it all. I know how to create a calm, playful, and engaging environment for children of all ages — whether they’re toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between. You won’t need to worry about “sitting still and smiling” — I guide kids naturally so their personalities shine, and every parent can feel confident the session will be enjoyable for everyone.

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Your Comfort Matters — Especially In Front of the Camera

You might be thinking:

  • “I’ve never felt photogenic.”

  • “My kids won’t sit still.”

  • “I don’t know what to do with my hands!”

And that’s okay — My goal is to help you feel confident and relaxed so your portraits capture real love — not just perfect poses.

 

With my experience working with children professionally, I can:

  • Read moods and anticipate behaviours

  • Calm or redirect fussy or energetic children

  • Make sessions fun and engaging for kids (and adults!)

  • Ensure everyone leaves with portraits that feel joyful and authentic

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 My goal is to help you feel good in your portraits, not just look good.

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Why This Experience Is Different

Some photographers capture moments.
I capture the feeling behind the moments.

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What sets this experience apart:

  • Thoughtful Planning - Before your session, we talk about what matters most to you — so your portraits feel intentional, personal, and meaningful.

  • Relaxed & Guided Sessions - You don’t need to know how to pose — I’ll gently guide you to natural moments that feel authentic.

  • Support Every Step of the Way - From planning and styling to your online reveal and choosing portraits that honours your family, I’m here with you for the whole journey.

  • Art That Lives in Your Home - Your memories deserve more than getting lost in your phone gallery — they deserve to be enjoyed every day. We offer a range of options to suit your needs so we offer digital products as well as heirloom-grade wall art, and albums.

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A Little About Me — Beyond the Lens

I’m based in Nelson, New Zealand, and my photography has always been about more than pretty pictures — it’s about heart.

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My background as a Child Psychologist shapes how I work with families. I understand the unique challenges of photographing children and know how to set realistic expectations, manage behaviour, and still capture beautiful, natural moments — while making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

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Being a mum myself, I also understand the tender, messy, joyful, and sometimes chaotic moments that make a house feel like home. Whether it’s calm cuddles with a newborn or bursts of laughter with toddlers or teens, I know how to capture the real love in your family.

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Your Portraits Should Feel Like You

This experience is for families who want:

  • Portraits that feel authentic and heartfelt

  • Memories that go beyond typical snapshots

  • A photographer who understands children and guides them naturally

  • Artwork that becomes part of family life

 

You don’t have to be perfect to have beautiful photos - You just have to be you.

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I’d Love to Meet You

If you’re here because you want portraits that feel meaningful and filled with emotion… You’re in the right place.

 

Let’s start a conversation — I’d love to hear your story.

[Enquire Now]

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What others are saying?

"Photos with a newborn and toddler isn't easy but Cindy makes the whole experience so simple and even fun. She's calm, patient and talented. We treasure every photo she took for us." - Amelia

"Our whole family love to visit with Cindy at Captured Moments Photography. Cindy always works with our family to capture exactly what we had hoped for. She has a special way with kids, and manages to get the absolute best shots. Her set ups are beautiful, and Cindy has a great eye for the right spots on location shoots also! We appreciate the care Cindy puts in to her work, her professionalism (while having such fun!), and the speed at which our photos are always returned. Not to mention the high quality of all the photos. Over the last 4 years Cindy has captured many moments for our family, and these photos are such special keepsakes." - Amanda

"Cindy sent through super handy info of what to expect and take along, but we were still a little nervous heading to the studio. First time parents with our brand new baby, what if he was tired? Wasn't tired? Didn't want a bar of it? Pooped? We needn't have worried, Cindy provided such a beautiful and calm space when we arrived, and I'm sure will attest she's seen it all! Her magic wrapping, and swaying, and rocking, and posing, got us beautiful photos of our firstborn to treasure forever, with it being no problem at all to include special sentimental pieces in her lovely styling" - Cindy W

"How Cindy manages to get such amazing photos of my 3 busy boys each time amazes me! Every time she produces such lovely photos without fail for our family to share and enjoy. I can’t recommend her highly enough." - Amy

"Cindy is always professional, friendly and warm. She made us all feel relaxed, she works so well with babies and toddlers even when they aren’t being easy. We have done several family shoots both in the studio and on location; We will love and cherish our photos now and for years to come!!" - Mary

"Thanks again - you are a fun-filled photographer of whom provides a wonderful stress-free service and of course beautiful photographs.  Thanks so much!" - Emma

Want to know more? Contact me 

Cindy Hargreaves

027-2219571

capturedmomentsnelson@gmail.com

What type of session are you wanting?

Thanks for your message! I will be in touch soon

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© 2026 by  Cindy Hargreaves - Captured Moments Photography         Proudly created with Wix.com

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