Guiding you toward your best self
inclusive, affirming photography for wherever you are in life
Based in ōtautahi Christchurch, serving all of Aotearoa & beyond
57 sessions, and counting!
Stepping in front of a camera doesn’t have to mean stepping outside of your comfort zone
Being in front of a camera can feel like having a spotlight shining on you. But what if that light showed who you truly are? What if you could feel seen and understood and comfortable just as you are? What if you had photos that reflect your true self?
Adventure-loving, book-reading, coffee-drinking weirdo
As someone who is both queer and neurodivergent, I know firsthand the importance of being seen, understood, and respected. That’s why I prioritize creating a safe, comfortable environment for all my clients. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, embracing your identity, or simply wanting to capture a moment in time, I’m here to make sure you feel celebrated, empowered, and truly seen.
What Sets Me Apart
Be seen just as you are.
With Photos with River, you get to step in front of the camera with ease.
I’ll take care of all of the details and make sure you and those you love feel comfortable and cared for. From choosing a location, to helping you decide what to wear, and guiding you through our time together with patience and expertise, I’ve got you covered!
01.
Get in touch
Send me a message and let’s get the conversation started! I want to get to know your story and who you are, so I can give you the best possible experience. We can chat on the phone, over Zoom, or at local cafe.
02.
Session Day
Time to have some fun! You’ll feel prepared after reading through your custom pre-session guide, so you can relax and enjoy yourself while I capture every moment as it unfolds naturally.
03.
In 1-2 weeks, you’ll receive your hand-edited images via a curated gallery. Download your favorites, share with friends & family, and order prints through my professional lab, all right from your gallery! Too easy.
Relive the moment
How it works
We make the most of our time together following these three easy steps!
Hover over each picture for all of the details.
Send me a message and let’s get the conversation started! I want to get to know your story and who you are, so I can give you the best possible experience. We can chat on the phone, over Zoom, or at local cafe.
Time to have some fun! You’ll feel prepared after reading through your custom pre-session guide, so you can relax and enjoy yourself while I capture every moment as it unfolds naturally.
In 1-2 weeks, you’ll receive your hand-edited images via a curated gallery. Download your favorites, share with friends & family, and order prints through my professional lab, all right from your gallery! Too easy.
From New Zealand to Colorado, and anywhere else your story might take me, I’m here to help you see yourself in the best light.
Photography has always been more than just a job for me—it’s a way to connect with others and express myself creatively. Growing up, I often felt out of place, like I didn’t quite fit into the boxes the world wanted to put me in. Art became an important outlet for me. I tried painting, ceramics, drawing, writing, and finally found my flow behind a camera. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft to not only capture stunning images but to tell stories that resonate deeply with offbeat people like me.
Hi! I'm River
a queer and neurodivergent photographer, with a passion for uplifting others
based in Ōtautahi Christchurch
traveling worldwide
Upcoming Travel Plans
Remainder of 2024 in New Zealand
June-August 2025 in Colorado
Return to New Zealand in August/September 2025
Remainder of 2024 in New Zealand
June-August 2025 in Colorado
Return to New Zealand in August/September 2025
Tentative schedule
Want more details?
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real talk
Your Photographer, and Maybe Even Your New BFF
I'm more of a chill, one-on-one convo type than a wild party person. I love spending time in nature, enjoying quiet moments at home, and nerding out over things I’m passionate about (DnD? Tree biology? Chappell Roan? Let me hear your special interest infodump!).
If you’re someone who values connection, authenticity, and a little bit of fun, we’re going to get along just fine.
PS: If you bring your dog to your session, I will jump for joy and give them lots of cuddles.
Let’s create something amazing together.
Ready to get started? Whether you’re interested in a family session, an empowerment shoot, or documenting your special day, I’m here to help you preserve those memories in a way that really feels like you.
family & Couples
INDIVIDUALS
EVENTS
Weddings
A Note on Koha & Pricing
If my work speaks to you and you would benefit from a koha/trade/barter arrangement, please feel free to reach out so we can discuss options.
As someone who has lived in the poverty cycle for years, I understand how difficult it can be to escape or to allow yourself to”luxuries”. Photos should not be a luxury! Everyone deserves to have their memories preserved.
I never want money to be a barrier that prevents someone from getting photos of the most important moments of their life.
For my American friends (or anyone else new to this term), koha is a term often used in Aotearoa, and it is a Te Reo Māori word meaning "gift, present, offering, donation, contribution - especially one maintaining social relationships and has connotations of reciprocity." Definition from the Te Aka Māori Dictionary.
