Piha Beach is a location I regularly recommend for couple and engagement sessions, especially for visitors wanting a true West Coast experience while in Auckland. This young couple were travelling through New Zealand and Australia and wanted a relaxed couple’s photography session that reflected their time here in the Auckland region.

We began the session around an hour before sunset, which is ideal for making the most of the changing light and avoiding any rush. Piha offers plenty of space to move freely, and we embraced that by running along the shoreline, playing in the sand and keeping things light and fun. My approach is always to minimise posing and focus on interaction, which allows genuine, candid moments to unfold naturally. The result is a set of images that feel energetic, honest and full of personality, set against one of Auckland’s most iconic beaches.

I really enjoy working with small to medium businesses, creating visual content that tells their story while showcasing their brand and services. Recently, I worked with Mint Innovation, an Auckland cleantech company doing impressive work in sustainable metals recovery and circular manufacturing.

They approached me for a mix of corporate photography, including staff portraits and candid images of the team at work in both the office and laboratory. Their process extracts precious metals from old circuit boards using innovative biotechnology, and the imagery needed to reflect both the people and the technical environment. We also created artistic shots of a Mint branded gold coin, highlighting the value hidden in electronic waste.

Professional corporate photography is essential for Auckland businesses, helping build trust, strengthen websites, marketing and social media, and communicate clearly with clients. For innovative companies like Mint Innovation, high quality visuals make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

A well-rounded set of images combining portraits, candid moments and detailed shots lets businesses present a complete and authentic picture of who they are. For Mint Innovation, the photography created a flexible image library that supports communications, reflects their team and environment, and aligns with their position as an innovative Auckland based company.

Piha Beach is one of my favourite locations in Auckland for surprise proposals, particularly at sunset. Its vast, open shoreline makes it easy for me to keep my distance and stay unnoticed, which is crucial when one half of the couple has no idea what is about to happen. For proposal shoots, I always communicate closely with the person planning the surprise, keeping things simple and low key so nothing feels staged or suspicious.

This proposal was full of genuine surprise and emotion, made even more special by the fact that family were quietly in on the plan. After the proposal, the session naturally shifted into something fun and relaxed, with time spent running in the water before slowing things down and enjoying the sunset on the beach. Piha’s dramatic black sand, rolling waves and soft evening light created the perfect backdrop for a beautiful and joyful session, capturing the excitement of the moment in a natural, unobtrusive way.

One of the most rewarding parts of being an Auckland portrait photographer is capturing milestones for the people I care about. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing my friends Carmen and Sam during their maternity session at the Auckland Botanical Gardens.

The gardens offered countless stunning backdrops for this special shoot. From lush, tree-lined paths to vibrant seasonal flowers, each setting added a unique touch to their portraits. Carmen and Sam were great fun to capture, constantly making each other laugh and smile, it was such a joy to witness their love and anticipation as they prepared for the arrival of their little one.

Maternity sessions like this highlight how meaningful photography can be, not just for documenting a moment in time, but for celebrating new beginnings. I’d also like to take a moment to congratulate Carmen and Sam on the recent birth of their beautiful daughter—she’s already so loved, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for their growing family.

If you’re looking for an Auckland portrait photographer to capture life’s milestones, whether it’s maternity, couple, or family photos, the Botanical Gardens and other gorgeous locations around Auckland provide the perfect backdrop. Let’s create something special together!

One of the best parts of being an Auckland portrait photographer is working with other creatives. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph Dasha, a talented fellow photographer who specialises in breathtaking couple and wedding photography. If you haven’t already, check out her work at Dasha Photo.

We met at the Auckland Botanical Gardens during the final days of cherry blossom season, and it turned out to be perfect timing. The gardens were alive with soft pink blossoms, vibrant greenery, and a golden evening light that added an ethereal touch to the shoot. Dasha brought such confidence and energy to the session—it’s always a treat to work with someone who truly understands light, movement, and composition.

The fleeting nature of cherry blossoms makes them feel even more special, and this shoot was no exception. Just a couple of days later, I returned to the gardens, only to find most of the blossoms had disappeared. It felt like we had captured something truly unique, preserving those final moments of the season in photographs.

Portrait sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. It’s about celebrating people and moments, especially the ones that pass by so quickly. If you’re looking for an Auckland portrait photographer to document your story, whether it’s at the Botanical Gardens or another stunning location, let’s make it happen.

One of the things I love most about being an Auckland engagement photographer is capturing raw, emotional moments. Cuong’s surprise proposal to Mary at Piha Beach earlier this year was no exception. Despite the unpredictable weather typical of this time of year, Piha’s rugged beauty provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable sunset proposal.

We had it all—strong winds, bursts of rain, and just when we thought the shoot might be over, the sky cleared, revealing a stunning golden sunset. Piha’s black sand beach and dramatic cliffs framed Cuong and Mary’s candid, intimate moments perfectly.

Cuong had coordinated everything with me from Hawaii, and we kept in touch via email and WhatsApp to make sure the plan went smoothly. His clear vision allowed me to blend into the background during the proposal, ensuring they remained the focus.

As Cuong got down on one knee, Mary’s surprise and joy were captured effortlessly. With the wild beauty of Piha and that vibrant sunset, the final images exceeded expectations.

It’s moments like these that make photographing proposals so rewarding—capturing love as it naturally unfolds. If you’re looking for an Auckland engagement photographer to discreetly capture your special moment, feel free to get in touch. Piha and other stunning locations in Auckland provide the perfect backdrop for stories like Cuong and Mary’s.

While I’m accustomed to guiding and assisting individuals and couples who may feel a tad camera-shy, there’s a special joy that comes with photographing couples who exude comfort and confidence in front of the lens. Such was the delightful experience I had with Leia and Bokul, who effortlessly radiated their connection in every captured moment.

Our photography session unfolded against the stunning backdrop of a magnificent sunset, casting its golden hues along the shores of Seven Mile Beach. Leia and Bokul’s chemistry, paired with the natural beauty of the surroundings, made for a truly enchanting shoot. They were at ease with each other, and it translated into the most captivating and authentic photographs.

Although this captivating session didn’t take place in Auckland, New Zealand, where I now proudly embrace my role as an Auckland Couple & Engagement Photographer, it epitomized the essence of what I strive to capture in every couple’s story. It reminded me that the magic of photography isn’t just about images but about preserving the emotions, connections, and unique narratives that unfold during these once-in-a-lifetime occasions.

Every couple has their own extraordinary journey, their unique love story that deserves to be celebrated. Leia and Bokul’s session was a poignant reminder of this fact. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of documenting these stories, and it’s one that I wholeheartedly embrace.

As I look ahead to the days when my lens will focus on the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture of Auckland, New Zealand, I carry forward the invaluable lessons and the warmth of this unique celebration. Each couple I have the honour of documenting enriches my journey as an Auckland Couple & Engagement Photographer, inspiring me to continue preserving the essence of love, one frame at a time.