Hi there! Let me introduce myself.
I’m the lady behind the camera, photographer extraordinaire and hopefully 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 and luxury things, 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.
“I wholeheartedly believe everyone is photogenic; it just takes a moment to find the real you and let it shine.”
Sarahlee - Northland/Auckland Photographer of the Year 2024 Owner, Photographer & Inner Beauty Ambassador
The sarahlee studio team
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Kasey
Kasey George MUA, is a highly regarded Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist who has been an essential member of our Sarahlee Studio team for nearly a decade. Being both self-taught and having international training, Kasey has mastered across a diverse range of styles—from full glam to super-natural looks. She has an intuitive ability to cater to clients of all ages, spanning from 96-year-olds to the under 6. In addition to her exceptional skills in beauty, Kasey serves as a valuable assistant during our photo shoots and takes on the role of videographer for our "behind the scenes" videos. -
Teresa
Introducing Teresa from ‘Waterfalls and Waves’, a cherished team member at Sarahlee Studio for over six years. Not only is she a highly skilled and fully trained hair stylist, but Teresa's calming presence instantly puts even the most anxious clients at ease. Beyond her hairstyling expertise, she assists and creates BTS videos during certain photo shoots. Her dedication to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment, Teresa is an exceptional person and we are honoured to have her work with our clients. Tersea is also co-Owner of Colthurst Flooring Whangarei. -
Nina
Meet Nina, an integral member of our team at Sarahlee Studio for the past two years and a highly skilled hair stylist. More than just a hair dresser, Nina is a genuine and caring individual whose warmth resonates with everyone she meets. In her time with us, she has worked wonders, making hundreds of people feel beautiful and confident. Outside the studio, Nina operates a specialized home-based salon ‘The UnderCut Hub’, with a particular focus on color treatments, where she excels in creating stunning blond looks. Originally from Germany we are grateful she now calls Whangarei home. -
Sue
Introducing Sue, a recent addition to our team at Sarahlee Studio, bringing a wealth of experience as a retired business owner and accountant. In her role as our administrative wizard, Sue meticulously checks and balances workflows, ensuring smooth operations while Sarahlee works her magic. Don't be surprised if you find an email from Sue in your inbox. Beyond her admin skills, Sue is also trained in behind-the-scenes videography, adding a creative flair to her skill set. With a passionate eye for photography, Sue brings a unique blend of business acumen and creative energy to our dynamic team. -
Allie
Our accomplished retoucher, Allie has been an integral part of our collaborative efforts for the past 8 years. Based remotely in the picturesque Waikato, Allie's skills were honed under the guidance of the internationally renowned photographer Sue Bryce. Every shoot that passes through her skilled hands is under the expert guidance of Sarahlee herself. Her invaluable skills allows us to cater to a wide range of clients each week. Without her assistance we wouldn’t be able to create the natural transformations you see as part of our Classic Shoots.
All our team are independent businesses and we are grateful that they are able to work with us to provide you with an amazing experience and exceptional photos. If you would like to engage with any of them outside our studio please contact them, they look forward to hearing from you.
If you are a hair and/or make up artist and interested in working with Sarahlee Studio, please reach out we are always looking for new members to add to our team.
Awards, educator, judge
Sarahlee Cobb is thrilled to be a 5-time national print judge for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP) and to have recently been named Regional Photographer of the Year 2024 for the whole of Northland and Auckland. Her work has earned her Gold, Silver with Distinction, and Silver awards at the NZIPP Iris National Print Awards, and she was a Finalist in the Portrait Open Category (Top 3 in the country) at this years Iris Awards.
Sarahlee is actively involved with NZIPP, serving as a regional representative, accreditation panelist, marketing group leader, and speaker. She also leads workshops locally and internationally, sharing her expertise. Her dedication is recognised with the Associates Distinction and Volunteer Services Medals from NZIPP, and she has proudly won two categories at the Northland Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
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2024 - Awarded Finalist in the Portrait Open Category (Top 3)
2024 - Regional Photographer of the Year for Northland and Auckland the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers.
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.
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.
