“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” – Oscar Wilde In this series we shine a light on artists expressing their individuality, documenting what they love, working hard on their craft, and sharing it with the world. We spoke to Auckland-based Marie Valencia about what makes her art, self described as dreamy and curated, special to her. So, How did you get started in photography? It sort of naturally progressed — I studied and did all kinds of art when I was younger, eventually ending up as a photographer and graphic designer. My travels To View More >>

“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” – Oscar Wilde In this series we shine a light on artists expressing their individuality, documenting what they love, working hard on their craft, and sharing it with the world. We took a deep dive into Auckland-based landscape and automotive photographer, Josh Hilliam’s mind to discuss his process of chasing down the wild coastline. How did you get started in photography? For me, photography started with playing around with a GoPro and a building obsession for aesthetic looking photos. It became a To View More >>

After coming across Paul and Puyan’s wedding, we knew we had to chat with the photographer behind their beautiful photographs. Documenting love stories both in France and abroad, Jérémy  Boyer has only been in the wedding industry for around four years, and says he's been taking it seriously for the past two! But with his clear vision and creative outlook he's already well recognised for his work. We discussed all things weddings, from mixed cultures and traditions, to the clients you attract, and of course Puyan's one-of-a-kind dress, made by herself. To View More >>

Travel photographer Lola is a Kiwi born and bred, and her work inspires the adventurer in all of us. She has a bubbly and life-affirming attitude that shines through her photography, and motivates us to get out and explore. We’ve partnered with Lola in her photography exhibition, Aqua Frizzante. Driven by the calmness and solitude the ocean can bring, she focuses on movement and textures as she floats alone, with a more abstract approach than we’re used to. We can’t wait to see what she’s installed. Details below.  Lola got into photography at a pretty young age, To View More >>

Spring Smith lives in the mountains of Maine in north east New England, USA, and her location impacts both her photography and the events she covers. “We don’t have many ballrooms, so most of my images are taken outside, and when we are inside typically it’s a large barn or a tent.” She thinks living in a rural area makes for a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. Weddings aren’t the high end, over-the-top luxury type. “We are surrounded by the creatives, nature lovers, the couples who want to be outside or want to bring the outside in.” But she To View More >>

“This project simply reminds us of how fragile we are. Many cultures portray men as strong – physically and emotionally.” When Ilan from Ilan Wittenberg Photography set out to create his exhibition piece, “The Bare Truth”, he hoped he would break down this stigma and expose and reveal the real man through a series of raw black and white images. “One of the goals of this project is to give men freedom to express their feelings and connect to their emotions. This fresh look at men is an eye opening opportunity to see the real people without the 'shield' of To View More >>

I have a friend going back to work full time after working part time for six years to raise his kids. Some weeks ago he phoned me, incredibly disheartened after many job applications and many knock backs. No one wanted him. I encouraged him to stop treating each job interview as make or break, and to start playing. To apply for jobs he thought he couldn't get. At salary ranges he thought he couldn't justify. To mix it up, try something different each time and see what worked. The trick, I said, was to remember that his next interviewer would know nothing about his past interviews, and it wouldn't To View More >>

I have read so many photographer interviews that started out, "I was given my first camera when I was ten". Hands up those who can say that? Certainly I can. I was given a beaten up old Yashica by my father for my tenth birthday. Pity it isn't that easy these days because, let's face it, when film was king an image taken on a 50 year old twin reflex could still create a beautiful neg. So why did we start taking photos? I bet it wasn't for money. It was the love of capturing the image. This is where every photographer starts leaving the crowd behind. The passion and the excitement of taking the To View More >>

Click here to watch on Vimeo. I've never met Crash Taylor, but I've been looking forward to interviewing him because of this endearing habit he has of poking his head above the parapet and getting shot at. As in this post, for example, which I published because he was nice enough to call Queensberry "the Tiffany of wedding albums". I didn't mean to buy into a storm, but I did anyway – as you can see from the post comments. You can read the full brouhaha on DWF if you're keen. For the record, I think it's hard to argue with "cheap publicity" (is there any other kind?) and when I spoke to him To View More >>

Welcome to the second interview in our series featuring clients whose businesses are thriving despite the current economic climate. Click here to read the first interview with Christian Oth. In the same year they had their first child, Chris and Darcie Siiteri started their Austin (Texas) photography business, Innovative Photography. Fifteen years later they’re still at it and doing better than ever. I gave an initially nervous Darcie an early morning call to chat about how they approach their album sales, and what they do to ensure their clients have an amazing experience and to foster relationships To View More >>