An actor’s headshot is their calling card. This one photo is expected to show an agent or casting director a glimpse of what they can expect when you walk into the room, and what you might be capable of given an opportunity. It’s a lot to expect of a single frame, so it’s no wonder that actors angst over their headshots. When it comes to creating a compelling acting headshot there’s some debate about whether it’s always better to shoot in the safety of a studio. After all, outdoor locations can add a unique, eye-catching dimension. Shooting outdoors has its challenges, though. So before you th ..read more

Your Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist what to pack when you’re heading to the delivery suite As a newborn photographer I meet lots of parents in the days immediately following their baby’s arrival. I’ve seen the full spectrum of hospital baby bags - from over prepared to travelling light. In an effort to help soon-to-be-mums figure out what you actually need, I’ve enlisted the help of three experts in the field. Each of them have given me their top tips for the the most useful items to include in your hospital maternity bag. Scroll to the bottom for your Pinable list, or read on for full detai ..read more

This blog post first appeared as a learning Forum Tutorial that I wrote for ClickinMoms What makes a strong storytelling image? What are those elusive elements that combine to produce narrative? I'm not sure there are any hard and fast rules (after all photography is subjective) but I do believe there are some basic tenets that define good storytelling across all media. Universally Relatable  A powerful story will resonate because we can either identify with the hero or empathise with the situation. When you're planning your shot, think about which elements within it are universal. Is it ..read more

In an age where your online presence means everything, personal branding is the key to elevating your entrepreneurial game. Personal branding photography is like your visual autobiography. It's about capturing your unique vibe, style, and who you are through carefully curated visuals. But what separates personal branding from everyday headshots, and how can you use it to your advantage? It's high time you got acquainted with what personal branding photography is all about. What is Personal Branding Photography? The Harvard Business Review highlights the difference between a reputation and a pe ..read more

Brand photography is a powerful tool in a world where we have just seconds to pique the interest of potential clients. Captivating personal brand photos are a window to your professional persona and a chance for your dream clients to connect at a deeper level. But getting the most from your brand photo or headshots shoot does require some attention to detail, and that includes your hair and make up. I’ve teamed up with one of my favourite Auckland based Hair and Make Up Artists, Greer Melrose, to bring you our seven expert tips to help you look and feel your absolute best in front of the camer ..read more

Are you a modern business owner, director or entrepreneur in Auckland, tired of the same stuffy, boring headshots? It's time to shake things up and make a statement with personal branding photography. In this blog post, I’m sharing why contemporary cool is the way to go when it comes to capturing your unique personality, style, and brand essence. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter headshots and hello to engaging, modern personal branding photography. Why Traditional (boring) Headshots Are So Yesterday Let's face it – traditional headshots are as dull as a rainy day in Auckland. Those generic, stiff ..read more

#1 Standing out from the crowd First impressions count! Digital Marketing experts suggest that the average person is exposed to thousands of ads per day (like 4,000-10,000!). So it’s little wonder that it feels as if competition is more fierce than ever. In the years since the start of the pandemic many businesses switched to or upgraded their online presence. Making the digital marketplace an even more cluttered space and increasing the need to stand out online. A personal branding photo shoot is one way to differentiate yourself from others and make a lasting impression on your ideal client ..read more

Got a gadget loving adventurer to buy for this Christmas? I might just have the perfect gift suggestion. In fact, in my opinion a GoPro is one of the best, most fun, investments you can make as a gift for the whole family this year. Need some convincing? Let me run you through a few of the pros and cons as this photographer and mum sees them. Please note that my own GoPro (a Hero7 Black) is already over 4 years old, newer models have even better resolution and features than the camera that took the photos in this post. All opinions are my own and are not in any way sponsored. The Pros Durabil ..read more

“Where should we have our family photo shoot?” It’s one of the questions I field most often from families looking to book an outdoor session for the first time. Luckily, Aucklanders are spoilt for choice with a variety of beaches, urban landscapes and parks right on our door steps. For dramatic scenery and glowing sunsets you truly can’t go past Auckland’s ruggedly beautiful west coast beaches: Muriwai, Bethells Beach, Anawhata, Piha, and Karekare. But those locations call for long and winding drives for most city dwellers and the unpredictable winds and weather systems of the west coast mean ..read more

So you’ve finally persuaded your partner that a family photo shoot is worth their time and the investment. You’ve bribed organised the kids. You’ve found clothes that are 1) mostly stain-free and 2) kinda, almost, co-ordinated. And yet with minutes to go before your family session you find yourself sweaty palmed with a knot in your stomach the size of the Lego set you promised the kids. Why did you bother booking this shoot? The kids will only misbehave anyway. And your partner looks like they’d rather be doing their taxes than joining you for what is bound to be a screaming sh*t-show of an ev ..read more