Turning 5


And just like that, my Wellington-based photography business is turning 5 years old. What a ride it has been – first as Debrin Foxcroft Photography and now as Novabella Studio.


Launched on the eve of New Zealand's first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, I really didn't know what to expect. Despite years of small side-hustles, this was my first foray into being an official sole trader.


Before officially launching, I started with maternity and newborn model calls. While I was fairly comfortable with posing adults (though there was still lots to learn!) – the tiny tiny babies were absolute eye-opener. I have never been more nervous in my life. I watched so many courses online to ensure I could capture newborn babies safely. Those first newborn sessions were some of the most difficult sessions I have ever done as I tried to navigate how to keep the wee ones happy and sleepy.


Before I could really get into the rhythm of things, we were in lockdown again (and again). But I was able to gain experience in between the pauses, building a portfolio and a flow with little ones. I also started to build my client wardrobe - focusing on maternity gowns. Those first sessions were done in the lounge of a small rental property in Paparangi. But, by the end of that year, we moved to Johnsonville with a more permanent studio space in our garage.


Over the course of 2021 and 2022, I expanded my photography offerings - doing a few weddings and family sessions along with maternity and newborn portraits. I also had a baby girl (and new photography muse).


I was relatively busy, offering cheap digital-only packages. But by the end of 2022, I realised something needed to change. Being as cheap as I was, I wasn't able to invest into the business or upgrade equipment. As one friend said: I had a very expensive hobby rather than a profitable business.


At the beginning of 2023, I introduced small 5x7 albums into the business. Over the course of the year, I added to my print collection to include canvases, framed prints, collections and wood panels. I also phased out digital products.


In 2024, I started business coaching, exhibited at my first Women's expo and moved the studio (and house) to Wainuiomata. I also changed the name of my business from Debrin Foxcroft Photography to Novabella Studio.


Looking forward, I have some very clear goals for my business. I am focusing on print products, a high end client experience and creating art that is unique to me. I still offer a range of photography services, including maternity, newborn, family, wedding, boudoir and branding. But maternity and empowerment portraits are, by far, my favourite.


To celebrate my business' fifth birthday, I will be rolling out a range of specials over the course of March, including big discounts on print products for past clients and five $5 portrait sessions for children turning 5 in 2025 (phew, that is a lot of 5s).


Keep an eye out and don't forget to follow me on Instagram or Facebook!

Some of my favourite images from the last five years

2020

Smiling baby against a pink and red balloon backdrop during a festive photo session.
Two women in traditional navy blue and gold saris smile together outdoors in natural lighting.
Child wearing black dress with white lace collar and flower hair accessory poses outdoors during autumn.
A child wearing a purple jacket smiles at the camera in natural outdoor lighting.
A happy baby wearing a white towel hood smiles while looking upward with a blue sphere in the blurred background.
A pregnant person in an elegant white lace gown poses on a lawn near stone steps in a sunlit garden setting.
Sweet baby swaddled in gray fabric lying on cream colored knit blanket during professional portrait session.
Sleeping newborn baby posed on pink background wearing gray knitted bear hat.
An expectant figure in a teal form-fitting dress with cape sleeves and floral crown poses in a lush garden setting.
A sleeping newborn wrapped in soft purple fabric against a white background.
A romantic black and white photo shows a couple embracing underneath a large wooden pier by the ocean.
A couple in casual attire embraces on a beach, with a white floral headpiece and red lace top highlighting the maternity pose.
A family enjoys a sunny moment together on a scenic beach with coastal cliffs in the background.
Peaceful sleeping newborn baby wrapped in brown cloth against light blue background.

2021

Sleeping newborn baby wearing a delicate silver crown tiara lies peacefully on soft pink background.
An expectant person in a rusty orange dress stands outdoors, gently cradling their pregnant belly while looking down with a smile.
Baby with thoughtful expression lies on fluffy white blanket wearing dark purple wrap during newborn photoshoot.
Peaceful sleeping newborn baby wearing red bottoms curled up on bright red backdrop during professional photo session.
Expectant mother in white dress poses against dark background with glowing golden bokeh lights creating magical ambiance.
Elegant maternity portrait of woman in emerald green empire waist gown against dark background in soft lighting.
Parent and child share a tender moment embracing outdoors in golden sunlight with trees in the background.
Peaceful newborn baby wrapped in dark green fabric sleeping in curled up position against green background.
A soft portrait in neutral tones featuring delicate lace and a flower crown with burgundy blooms and greenery.
A toddler in a tulle dress celebrates with a smashed yellow birthday cake during a cake smash photo session.
Sleeping baby wrapped in pink swaddle rests in wooden basket adorned with flowers and straw on dark wooden floor.
A family shares an intimate moment together while embracing in a wooded forest setting, captured in black and white.
Baby sits in wooden barrel wearing blue jeans and white shirt with light blue blanket against beige backdrop.
A joyful black and white wedding photo of bridesmaids in elegant dresses holding beautiful floral bouquets.
Sleeping newborn baby swaddled in soft pink fabric on pink background.

2022

A tender embrace between parent and sleeping infant against a dark background with purple floral fabric.
A black and white portrait of a newborn baby sleeping against a tattooed chest.
Adult hands gently holding tiny baby feet in a warm-toned intimate photograph.
Two sleeping newborn babies swaddled in white blankets lie together on a soft cream-colored fur blanket.
Dramatic maternity portrait in flowing purple gown against dark background.
Sleeping baby wearing purple knit bear bonnet rests peacefully in wooden bowl with soft white fur lining.
Three friends in white shirts celebrating a pregnancy with hands on belly in black and white photo.
Black and white silhouette of a pregnant woman in profile wearing an off-shoulder dress against a white backdrop.
Sleeping newborn wrapped in black swaddle rests in wooden bowl with chunky knit blanket backdrop.
Joyful baby sitting in a flying saucer prop with space-themed balloons and astronaut decorations in the background.
Silhouette maternity portrait in black featuring dramatic side profile pose.
Artistic portrait of an expectant mother wearing a dark brown fur wrap against a purple studio background.
Three young children in white lace dresses pose together on a soft ivory fur backdrop.
Peaceful newborn baby sleeping wrapped in dark green fabric against matching background.
Newborn baby sleeping in wooden bowl with pink floral decorations and delicate headband.

2023

Portrait in romantic mauve dress with dramatic ruffled sleeves and flowing fabric against dark background.
A peaceful sleeping newborn swaddled in cream fabric lies on soft white fur wearing a knitted bonnet with tiny ears.
A sleeping newborn wrapped in gray fabric wearing a soft blue knitted hat with pointed top in rustic setting.
A flowing emerald green tulle gown with sweetheart neckline and high slit against a dark moody background.
A sleeping baby wrapped in pink cloth lies in a round basket decorated with delicate pink flowers and greenery.
Someone with magenta hair and glasses wearing a pink floral top sits relaxed on a gray couch.
Small child wearing light blue button-down shirt and khaki pants lies on back against white studio background.
Peaceful sleeping baby wearing a delicate floral headband rests on soft peach-colored fabric.
Baby in denim overalls and white t-shirt smiling at camera during portrait session.
Sleeping newborn wrapped in soft white knitted blanket during professional portrait session.
A dreamy portrait of someone in a flowing peach tulle gown sitting on a rocky beach at sunset.
Portrait of a family in traditional Indian attire posing together on wooden floor against dark brown backdrop.
Baby in grey shirt smiling with cake smeared on face during cake smash photoshoot with white backdrop.
Portrait depicting a tender moment between parent and child in muted tones with soft lighting and flowing gray fabric.
Fine art portrait with floral crown of orange roses against dark background in Renaissance painting style.

2024

Artistic maternity portrait of an expectant mother wearing white shirt against neutral background.
Dramatic low-key maternity portrait with subject in silhouette against dark background.
Black and white photograph of a baptism ceremony with a baby being held over a baptismal font.
Small child sitting barefoot on a grey chair with toys and decorations in the background.
Studio portrait showing joyful interaction between parent and baby against dark background.
Artistic black and white boudoir photo of woman lying on wooden floor near windows.
Intimate studio portrait of mother and baby draped in soft white tulle against dark background.
Intimate black and white silhouette of parents with newborn in tender moment.
Maternity portrait featuring emerald green gown against dramatic dark blue wall.
Twin newborns swaddled in pink and blue sleeping together in wooden bowl.
Black and white portrait showing tender moments between family with tribal tattoo and baby in natural lighting.
Studio portrait of three people in emerald green formal wear against a dark background.
Dramatic portrait of someone laying on green fabric wearing black lace in moody lighting.
Portrait of a child wearing a dark green corduroy shirt with curly dark hair and gentle smile outdoors in soft natural light.
Elegant maternity portrait with couple in formal wear against dark background.