I live in a part of Auckland that offers the most spectacular view of the city.  Yes it's at a distance, but it can't be escaped as when you leave Te Atatu, it's very hard to avoid clocking the harbour bridge, Sky Tower, Rangitoto or city landscape.  The view never gets old on me, or many locals for that matter.

So when a local family asked me to capture them, we found a local park that basks in this view and had a play together.  Thanks, Revell family for getting me back again and spending more time with you.  See you on the school run!  
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I know that family photographs seem like a chore, and an uncomfortable one at that.  Yes, it can be like that at the start, but as soon as you are you, and you let your family be themselves, photos are never boring. 
We smile, we play, we giggle, we cuddle, we tickle.
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Everyone leaves with a full heart.  Even me.  

While this was a destination wedding - halfway between Auckland and Christchurch - for many of the guests, the Blenheim location held a special place in the bride's heart from her childhood.  

The scenery was superb - damn I am lucky to live in this stunning country - as was the wine and food.  All of which was thoroughly enjoyed over the weekend.  The bride and groom organised so many details for the occasion - logistics of travel, accommodation, entertainment - but everyone enjoyed themselves and many (me included) did not want to get back to reality!  Blenheim is beautiful!

This olive grove backyard wedding was pretty special.  This young couple shared their day with their young son along with less than 80 people - friends and family - some who had travelled from UK for the day.  The smiles flowed, the devotion was evident, the months of organisation paid off and the bubbles kept on flowing.  xx

A family photo session doesn't need to be formal and posed.  It can be a simple Monday afternoon at the beach.  That is what this was.  We splashed, we explored caves, we jumped, we cuddled.  

This was this family, on Pt Chev beach, in November.  Love them.
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Photography is a lovely little community.  There are some fantastically supportive people that I liaise with and at least once a year we hang out for a few hours without clients to snap at our pace and
have a few chats.
 
The objective of ClickinWalk is go spend a period of time simply walking and capturing the
environment around you.  Last year we chose Auckland CBD which provided structures, 'hard'
surfaces and plenty of people.  This year, we chose the landscape route and went to Muriwai beach
in the late afternoon.  With time to watch the environment around you and not worry about time
​pressures, we all snapped away and got a range of shots.  

Below is my selection from the day.

This family were all into having their photos taken!  It wasn't a new experience for them which did
make it easier as they were comfortable with a camera around them and happily let me lead them
around the park as we found gorgeous pockets of light, had some cuddles and laughs and most
​importantly exercised the furry family member :)

Meet little (hungry) Samantha.  

She was an alert two-week old at this shoot and slept for a brief 10mins of our time together.  
Her parents adore her and are adjusting to life with a new family member and they are doing great!
​Check out those dimples!