The stables portrait day
It’s been photogenic since 1884. Now it’s your turn.
I don’t run these often. Every so often I find somewhere too good not to share, and I open it up for one day only. And every year it sells out.
There have been Studio Minis at Inspiring Design Studios , Mother’s Day Minis at Wall Street Mall, and Pop-Up Portraits at AYU Community Space. Each one was a different place with a different feel, and once the day was done, it was done.
This year it’s a 142-year-old stone horse stable tucked away on a private farm in Clarendon. It has hand-shaped stone, red brick, old timber and a quiet you can’t get in town. It’s honestly one of the best spots I’ve ever had the chance to shoot, with an abundance of simple, rustic backdrops for us to utilise.
It’s one Sunday only. If you’ve been meaning to get photos done, this is the one.
Just you. When did you last have a photo of yourself you actually liked?
You and your person. Partner, mum, sister, best mate.
Your crew. Kids, siblings, the whole small family (up to five).
Work. A headshot that doesn’t look like a passport photo.
Your profile pic. LinkedIn, Instagram, the dating app. No judgement.
Your walls. Or someone else’s, since it makes a bloody good gift.
You don’t need an occasion. Wanting good photos is reason enough.
Who’s it for? Honestly? Anyone.
Horseshoe Bush Stable, 1884
Hand-shaped local stone. Red brick doorways. Timber that’s been standing there since before anyone’s great-grandparents were born. Honestly, it’s one of the most photogenic buildings in South Otago, and most people have never seen it.
That’s because it’s on a private farm. No traffic, no randoms wandering through, just you, me and a whole lot of old stone and quiet.
Every corner gives you a different look: stone walls, doorways, timber, rural views. We’ll move inside and outside, weaving our way through all the shots we can in your 10 minutes, so you leave with real variety and nobody has to hold still for long. Wrigglers of all ages welcome.
1. Book your time. Pick your session and pay online. Payment is in full at booking, and your spot is yours as soon as it’s paid.
2. Turn up and enjoy it. You’ll get 10 relaxed minutes in front of the camera, and I’ll guide you the whole way. You don’t need to know how to pose.
3. Choose your favourites. Your private gallery arrives within 2 weeks. The gallery remains open for 6 months leaving you plenty of time to choose your faves.
how it works
After your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery of 15+ edited images. From this gallery, you can choose your 3 favourite images, included in your $99 session fee.
Love more than three? You can purchase additional digital images for $20 each, or order beautiful prints and canvases directly through your gallery.
what you get
One session suits one person, a couple, or a small family group of up to five people.
Got a bigger crew? Book sessions side by side and we’ll work together to fit everyone in. If you’re not sure how many sessions you need, email me before booking.
Group sizes
No toilets on site. Go before you leave Milton or Waihola. Trust me.
No dogs, sorry. It’s a working private farm.
Please arrive on time. Sessions run back to back, so arriving early or late affects everyone else.
Directions and parking are sent with your booking confirmation. The short version is that you turn off the highway at the old brick phosphate factory.
Weather: Rain, wind or full Otago sideways drizzle, we’re sorted. The stable has plenty of indoor spots, so your session goes ahead whatever the sky’s doing.
Cancellations: Cancel at least 48 hours before your session and you’ll get a 50% refund. Within 48 hours, sessions are non-refundable.
Can’t make it? You’re welcome to pass your session on to someone else.
things to note
$99
10min session
3x edited digital images
only 15 sessions available, one day only.
Sunday 15 November The Stables, Clarendon.
client testimonials
“Kerry Hodge Photography is amazing! It took me a lot of courage to book for the photo shoot and that was the hard part! Kerry is such a vibe and made me feel really relaxed throughout the shoot - and the photos that she took are fantastic! Really happy - 100% recommend!”
Mel B.“Kerry helped me feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera and I'm thrilled with the photos that we captured.”
Angela D.“Kerry is an absolute artist of memories and a magician of capturing moments. She made us feel so relaxed that we could be just be in the moment (as ourselves). She brought fun, cheekiness and calm in all the right places, quietly guiding and clearing the way so we could breathe into the moment”
Heidi R.
Mothers Day Minis 2025 at Wall Street Mall.... proving that the best photos can't be captured sitting still in just one spot
questions?
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Whatever feels like you. Solid colours and soft neutrals look great against the stone and timber. Avoid big logos and bright neon.
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Yep. I’ll have it all planned before you even get out of the car, so we’re not standing around wondering where to go. You’ll come away with 15+ edited images to choose from, and you’ll be done before anyone gets bored, cold or bribed with a lolly.
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Not at all. That’s exactly why this venue works: lots of spots, and nobody has to stay in one place.
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Please do. Solo sessions are some of my favourites. No wrangling anyone else, no compromising on outfits, just ten minutes that are entirely about you. When was the last time that happened?
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Yes. Tell me what it’s for when you book, whether that’s LinkedIn, your website or a new business, and I’ll make sure you leave with shots that actually suit the job. Not stiff, not cheesy. Just you, looking good at what you do.
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Yes absolutely, but please check with them that they are able (and willing) to attend on the day before you book
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You will receive your full gallery within 2weeks. The album remains open for you to select favourites, and purchase extras or prints, for 6 months
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I’m so sorry but for these sessions dogs can’t come. I adore fur babes but as this is a working farm, and private property, we need to be respectful of the rules of the space.
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Other than seats, no I wont be bringing any props. But if you want to bring some - Christmas theme, Cowboy theme, blushing bride theme…. I’m here for it all!
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Minimum 3, maximum… as many as we find!
25% of the day’s profits go to the Tokomairiro Toy Library.
We used toy libraries while my boys were little, and honestly, they were a lifeline.
For my autistic son, the toy library meant access to developmental toys I couldn’t have afforded to buy, let alone keep swapping out as he grew. For both boys, it meant new things to play with, learn from and explore every few weeks. And for me, it meant connection. It was somewhere to meet other parents and feel a bit less alone in the chaos.
Toy libraries quietly do a lot of heavy lifting for families. This is my way of giving some of it back.
Make a day of it
Clarendon is 10 minutes from Milton and 7 from Waihola. You could make an outing of it with a wander at Sinclair Wetlands, a stop at Lake Waihola, the Milburn Whale Fossil Lookout, a stretch of the Clutha Gold Trail, or an ice cream on the way home.
Everything you need to book is right here, so hit the button and grab your spot.
Got a question this page didn’t answer? Email kerryhodgephotography@gmail.com
Find out more about kerry here
