creating portraits
that celebrate you
“I wholeheartedly believe everyone is photogenic; it just takes a moment to find the real you and let it shine.” ~ Sarahlee
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Every session is about more than a photograph, It’s about how you feel in that moment and how you’ll remember it for years to come. We want you to leave is feeling confident, joyful, and genuinely seen. Every smile, every glance, every detail is captured with care, because we know these images become a part of your family’s story; a legacy that outlives us all.
Each member of our team has been chosen not just for their skill, but for their heart. We work together to create a space where you can relax, be yourself, and trust that every frame we take will reflect the real, beautiful you adn your family.
OUR COMMITMENT
Quality that Lasts
Every image we create is crafted with care and designed to stand the test of time. Our physical products come with a 75-year guarantee, so you can be confident your photographs will be cherished for generations.
Care in Every Step
Photography is deeply personal, and we know it takes trust to let someone photograph you. Many of our clients are navigating medical treatments, personal challenges, or simply want to feel truly understood. You’re never “just another person” in front of our camera; you’re a human being who deserves care and to be truely seen.
Only What You Love
The choice of what you take home is entirely yours. We believe you should only invest in images you truly adore, and if you don’t love any, we offer a money-back guarantee. With us, your memories are crafted with care and complete peace of mind.
HI THERE
I’m Sarahlee, a professional portrait photographer in Whangārei; the lady behind the camera, a devout creative and someone you’ll love working with.
I grew up on a rural lifestyle block, went to high school in Kaipara, went to Uni for Photography in Auckland, I’ve worked in the Far North and now live in Whangarei.
I love getting my hands dirty in the garden and all things luxury, I love interesting people, listening to life stories, creating moments of joy, and all forms of art and crafts. And yes ‘Sarahlee’ is my first name.
I’m passionate about portrait photography and I’m here to create magic with you.
Sarahlee Cobb
- Owner, Photographer & Inner Beauty Ambassador at Sarahlee Studio
- Board of Directors, New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers
- Northland/Auckland Photographer of the Year 2024
- National Level Photography Judge 2019 - today
-
2025 - Board of Directors of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (Nzipp)
2025 - Awarded Silver and Bronze awards at the National Print Awards the Nzipp Iris Awards.
2025 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Competition the Iris Awards.
2025 - Received Silver Bar for volunteer services from the Nzipp.
2024 - Elected to the Board of Directors of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (Nzipp)
2024 - Awarded Finalist in the Portrait Open Category (Top 3)
2024 - Regional Photographer of the Year for Northland and Auckland with the Nzipp
2024 - Awarded Gold, Silver with Distinction and Silver awards at the National Print Awards the Nzipp Iris Awards.
2024 - Received Associates Distinction and volunteer services Medals from the Nzipp.
2024 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Competition the Iris Awards.
2024 - Team New Zealand team member in the World Photographic Cup WPC.
2023 - Finalist in the Photographic Artistry Category at the Australian Photographic Prize.
2023 - Masterclass Host for Portrait Photographers Business Network, lead international online training in email newsletters.
2023 - Regional Representative for Northland and Auckland for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers.
2023 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards
2023 - Silver in the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Iris Awards, Family Portrait Category.
2022 - Regional Representative for Northland and Auckland for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers.
2022 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards
2021 - Regional Representative for Northland and Auckland for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers.
2021 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards
2021 - Silver with Distinction in the International Portrait Masters Awards, ranked 5th in the Creative Portrait Category
2021 - Workshop host for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Annual Photo Show Conference, Nelson & ‘Tonic’ National Tour, Auckland Event.
2021 - Guest speaker for the Whangarei Business Women’s Network Evening, March Event.
2020 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Online Awards
2019 - Winner Excellence in the Creative Industries - Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
2019 - Finalist in the Micro Business category - Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
2019 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards
2019 - Silver in the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Iris Awards, Portrait Open Category,
2019 - Bronze in the International Portrait Masters Contemporary Glamor Category and Family Category
2018 - Bronze in the NZIPP Iris Awards, Creative Portrait and Family Category
2018 - Selected for two day in-person workshop with Sue Bryce in Queenstown
2017 - Winner Micro Business Category - Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
2017 - Finalist in the Excellence in the Creative Industries category - Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
2017 - Became Accredited member of the NZIPP
2013 - Started Sarahlee Studio
2007 - Diploma of Contemporary Photography, Unitec, Auckland.
meet the team
-
Fran - apprentice photographer
-
Kasey - make up artist
-
Nina - Hair Stylist
-
Kat - Hair Stylist
-
Allie - Retoucher
-
Sue - Assistant
Behind the Scenes
A Studio Shoot
A Outdoor Shoot
Let’s Create Your memories
Some of our awards and accolades
-
2025 - Board of Directors of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (Nzipp)
2025 - Awarded Silver and Bronze awards at the National Print Awards the Nzipp Iris Awards.
2025 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Competition the Iris Awards.
2025 - Received Silver Bar for volunteer services from the Nzipp.
2024 - Elected to the Board of Directors of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (Nzipp)
2024 - Awarded Finalist in the Portrait Open Category (Top 3)
2024 - Regional Photographer of the Year for Northland and Auckland with the Nzipp
2024 - Awarded Gold, Silver with Distinction and Silver awards at the National Print Awards the Nzipp Iris Awards.
2024 - Received Associates Distinction and volunteer services Medals from the Nzipp.
2024 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Competition the Iris Awards.
2024 - Team New Zealand team member in the World Photographic Cup WPC.
2023 - Finalist in the Photographic Artistry Category at the Australian Photographic Prize.
2023 - Masterclass Host for Portrait Photographers Business Network, lead international online training in email newsletters.
2023 - Regional Representative for Northland and Auckland for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers.
2023 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards
2023 - Silver in the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Iris Awards, Family Portrait Category.
2022 - Regional Representative for Northland and Auckland for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers.
2022 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards
2021 - Regional Representative for Northland and Auckland for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers.
2021 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards
2021 - Silver with Distinction in the International Portrait Masters Awards, ranked 5th in the Creative Portrait Category
2021 - Workshop host for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Annual Photo Show Conference, Nelson & ‘Tonic’ National Tour, Auckland Event.
2021 - Guest speaker for the Whangarei Business Women’s Network Evening, March Event.
2020 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Online Awards
2019 - Winner Excellence in the Creative Industries - Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
2019 - Finalist in the Micro Business category - Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
2019 - Judge at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards
2019 - Silver in the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Iris Awards, Portrait Open Category,
2019 - Bronze in the International Portrait Masters Contemporary Glamor Category and Family Category
2018 - Bronze in the NZIPP Iris Awards, Creative Portrait and Family Category
2018 - Selected for two day in-person workshop with Sue Bryce in Queenstown
2017 - Winner Micro Business Category - Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
2017 - Finalist in the Excellence in the Creative Industries category - Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
2017 - Became Accredited member of the NZIPP
2013 - Started Sarahlee Studio
2007 - Diploma of Contemporary Photography, Unitec, Auckland.
