Back to Blog

How to Make Rain on Your Wedding Day Work for You

But here’s the big thing to remember - rain on your wedding day isn’t a disaster. In fact, with the right mindset (and a solid backup plan), it can make for some of the most magical, romantic, and downright stunning wedding moments. Think soft, moody skies, dramatic reflections on wet pavements, and cosy, intimate vibes. So, let’s talk about how to embrace a rainy Wellington wedding and turn it into something unforgettable - because even though you can’t beat Welly on a good day, you can...

Everything You Need to Know About Planning an Autumn Wedding in New Zealand

If you’re drawn to the idea of warm colour palettes, golden-hour portraits, and the romance of a slightly cooler day, an autumn wedding might be your perfect match. So today - I’m deep-diving into my ultimate autumn wedding tips, just for you! Yes - I know we’re in the middle of summer - but now is prime-time to put the finishing touches on your autumn wedding plans. Let’s dive into the timing, colour palettes, venue options, and all the little details that will make your autumn wed...

Family Photos with Teens: A Guide to Capturing Precious Memories (Without the Eye Rolls)

Those fleeting teenage years, full of personality and individuality, are moments you’ll want to look back on. And, believe it or not, your teens will too - maybe not today, but definitely down the road when they’re feeling nostalgic.So, how do we make the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible? Here’s everything you need to know about booking in a family shoot when you have teenagers.Don’t worry - I’ve seen the eye rolls.If you’re already dreading the pre-shoot resistance, don...

It’s Time for a Branding Refresh: Why Your Business Photos Need a Top-Up

You’re using them across your website, LinkedIn, and social media, and they’ve served you well. But as time passes, you might start feeling like they don’t quite reflect where your business is now. Maybe your style has evolved, your brand messaging has shifted, or you simply want more variety in your content. Maybe you’ve had an epic new haircut and the photos of you just aren’t representing you the best way possible. That’s where a branding refresh comes in. Updating your brand...

Why it’s worth investing in a professional photographer for your wedding day - and why photographers charge what we do

For many couples, wedding photography is an afterthought, or they think a friend with a decent camera can handle it. But wedding days are fast-paced, emotional, and full of unpredictable moments. Trusting those memories to a professional ensures that nothing - absolutely nothing - is left to chance.This blog post is inspired by recent stories I’ve been hearing. I’ve had an influx of clients booking in for last minute wedding dates - because their friend who promised they could take some phot...

Wedding Inspriation: The dreamiest summer garden wedding

Chip and Adriana’s summer garden wedding was a perfect example of why summer weddings in New Zealand are so special (especially when the weather plays ball!). Lush landscapes and long summer evenings - oh, this one’s a goodie!Today, I’m talking about the best bits of choosing a summer wedding (including tonnes of gorgeous visual inspiration from Chip and Adriana’s wedding day. Keep in mind though - Wellington and the rest of Aotearoa offer so much in every season! People tend to opt...

Branding Shoots: What They Are, and How to Incorporate What You Do into the Shoot

Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or a creative professional - incorporating elements of your work into your branding shoot can make all the difference, and help tell the story you want to convey. If you’ve been thinking about booking in a branding shoot (yes! A thousand times yes!) - you can make the most of your shoot by carefully considering location, props, and more - so I thought I’d pop together a few tips to get you started.Location, location, locationChoosi...

Sunflower shoots are back in January 2025!

Well - lucky for you - this January, I’m offering a unique opportunity for family photos, couple portraits, engagement shoots, or you know what - even epic branding photos - in a stunning field of sunflowers in Gladstone, Wairarapa. If I’ve piqued your interest and you’ve gotta know more - it’s time to whip yourself up a cuppa and settle in for a read, because here’s everything you need to know about this one-day-only sunflower shoot.The detailsMark your calendars for January, with the...

Choosing to Do a Family Shoot at Home

While studio shoots have their perks (like consistent light, a controlled environment, and a selection of backgrounds and props), there’s something wonderfully relaxed and candid about a photoshoot in your own home, surrounded by your own things, and in a space that reflects your family.So - if you’re stuck on location ideas for your family shoot - this one might convince you to go for an at-home photoshoot!Part one: the perks of a photo shoot at homeRelaxed and candid: Home is a place of co...

Embracing Authenticity: Why you might not like photos of yourself (and how to change that)

My job when you book a photoshoot with me is to empower you, make you feel confident and comfortable. But we’re all up against so much pressure - especially with social media and unrealistic beauty standards these days.I recently watched Teri Hofford's TEDx talk, "5 Reasons You Look Bad in Photos." - and boy oh boy, did it resonate with me. It resonated so deeply because it aligns with what I've been discussing with clients for years. It’s all about mindset, expectations, and self love.I'd h...

What is Birth Photography and Should You Consider It?

Look - I’ll start out by saying it’s not for everyone - and that’s okay! The birth of a child is a time filled with raw emotion, strength, and love. Some people might choose to have a photographer present to capture documentary images of their child’s birth, and this is a deeply personal decision - so today, I thought I’d share a bit about what birth photography is, what it involves, and why you might consider it if you’re expecting your wee one!What is birth photography?Birth photog...

Do I Need to Do a Maternity Shoot?

Pregnancy is a unique and transformative time in a woman’s life. It’s a period filled with anticipation, excitement - and, of course, a bit of nervousness, let’s be honest. You might be on the fence about a maternity shoot - maybe you’re not feeling your best, or you aren’t sure whether it’s worth the investment. I believe that a maternity shoot is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about celebrating the incredible journey you’re going through, and it’s ultima...

Embracing Uneven Wedding Parties: Why It's No Problem and How to Make It Work

Whether you have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, or vice versa - or you’re doing something a bit different for your bridal party - it’s important to remember that this is not only okay but can also add a unique and personal touch to your big day! Some of my favourite weddings have had uneven bridal parties.So, to ease your mind - here’s why having an uneven wedding party is no problem at all, along with tips on making it work in photos, at the top of the aisle, and throughout your special...

Why You Should Book a Sibling Photoshoot (at Any Age!)

Document the unique relationships that grow and evolve between you over the years. Whether you’re keen to book in a shoot for your newborn and their older silbing - or you’re big kids now and want some photos with your brother or sister - here’s why booking a sibling photoshoot, no matter the age, is a fantastic idea (plus some tips and suggestions to make it truly special!)First up - why it’s a great idea!Sibling relationships are often the longest-lasting bonds we have in life! A photo...

What to Do If Your Wedding Venue Cancels: Stay Calm and Get Creative

So here’s hoping the worst doesn’t happen - but if it does, here are some creative ideas and backup plans if you find yourself needing to quickly find a new venue, inspired by recent clients who embraced the craziness and rolled with things, to ultimately have a romantic, love-filled, gorgeous wedding day.Step One: Stay Calm and Assess Your OptionsFirst and foremost, take a deep breath. Panicking won’t help the situation, and a clear mind is essential for problem-solving. Once you’ve had...

Time to update your corporate headshots? I’m here to help!

The importance of having an up to date corporate headshotUltimately, it comes down to making sure your headshot reflects your current self, and presents you in the right light. An outdated headshot can be misleading and unprofessional - even if you mean well and choose an old corporate photo, you want to be genuine, and it’s essential to ensure that your headshot reflects your current appearance and style. It shows people - whether it’s potential clients, interviewers or colleagues - that yo...

Choosing a family photoshoot location with meaning

I’m always happy to suggest location ideas for family photoshoots - it’s one of my most often asked questions! But if you’re trying to think of spots that tell a little of your family’s story, I’ve popped together a bit of a guide to point you in the right direction. Plus, I’ve included a few of my favourite locations in the Wellington area, as a little bit of inspo!How to Choose the Perfect LocationChoosing the right location, and time of day, can make all the difference in your pho...

Styling a first birthday shoot: capturing the magic of your baby’s first year!

Here are a few reasons why it’s worth booking in a first birthday studio session with me - plus some ideas and inspiration for how we can style the shoot to add some of your little soon-to-be-toddler’s personality!Celebrate the milestone and make some memoriesYour baby’s first year has been packed with so many “firsts” – first smile, first steps, and now, the first birthday! A photoshoot is the perfect way to capture the magic of this special time. Whether it’s bub’s eyes lightin...

Elevating your business with corporate photography (your FAQs answered!)

It’s coming into that time of year - where plenty of businesses are thinking about updating their websites, inducting new team members, or generating annual reports. So I thought - what better time to pop together some of my most frequently asked questions around corporate and business photography! First of all - what exactly is corporate photography? Essentially, it’s an umbrella for photos that businesses and corporates might need for their websites, social media, marketing materials,...

FAQ- Your wedding photography questions answered!

How far in advance do I need to book in my wedding photography? Got your wedding date sorted? Perfect timing to lock in your photographer too! In terms of booking and confirming your vendors, I recommend prioritising your venue and photographer, as because they typically can only take one wedding per date, they’re in high demand and can quickly get booked up! The ideal timeframe for booking me in varies, but I would aim to secure your photographer at least 9 to 12 months in advance i...

My top 5 ideas for a small intimate wedding

From a photographer’s point of view, it means I can really focus on capturing the special people you’ve chosen to be there – enjoying every moment, celebrating, laughing, all those gorgeous candid shots. With less guests to cover, things have a more relaxed vibe, and there’s more flexibility and time to focus on those intricate details and touches that make your wedding day special too. Today, I’m sharing my top small wedding ideas, tips and tricks, to inspire your wedding plannin...

5 tips to get the best Wedding day family photos

Today, I’m here to talk about my five favourite ways to make wedding day family photos fun – as they should be! I want the whole process to be enjoyable, engaging, and (most importantly) I want you to have images you want to display on your wall, your parents wall, or show off in a snazzy new photo album! Family photos make the perfect gift to the parents. (Handy hint – it’s a great way to please the new in-laws at Christmas!).1. Planning your wedding day family photosA little bit of tim...

Studio Maternity Shoot – What to Expect

Like most photographers who offer pregnancy and maternity photography, I offer options for both location-based shoots and studio-based maternity shoots – so today, I’m diving into all the best bits of choosing a studio maternity photoshoot.What the difference between location and studio maternity photography, and which is right for me?It’s all in the name, really – but each shoot has its own benefits and perks! A maternity studio shoot with me tends to be more structured with more poses ...

My top 5 Tips for planning a New Zealand wedding from overseas

Are you living overseas, and dreaming of the perfect New Zealand wedding? I’ve got great news for you – because your dreams are finally able to come true! To get you even more excited, I’m sharing my top five tips to help you plan your dream New Zealand wedding from afar. 1. Get in early when planning a New Zealand wedding from overseas New Zealand is a small place, with a lot of small industries – and that includes the New Zealand wedding industry! Vendors and suppliers tend t...

The importance of having family photographs taken

Life moves fast. Kids grow fast. Scarily fast. As someone who sees my clients only as their families grow and they reach huge milestones, I really get to see how fast things move more than most.Most clients will book me in on their wedding day, and then I’ll get an excited call when they find out they’re pregnant and want to book in for a maternity shoot. Next – it’s their newborn! Then first birthday, fifth birthday and maybe every few years from then on. I am always blown away to see a...