Where it all started…
I feel like photography chose me one day, and since then, there’s been no looking back. I’m not sure I was inspired by a particular photographer—more so by the world around me at such a young age. I started off with a film camera; the wait for the photos to be developed was always such a vibe! Once I collected the photographs, it was usually one in a million that turned out to be a good shot. But that’s the beauty of starting off—you learn one shot at a time.Mother Earth inspired me. The sunset, the sunrise, the flowers, the landscapes. The awe of being in nature—the kind that takes your breath away—I needed to capture that feeling.
My vibe…This one is tricky to answer. A couple of weeks ago, I made the heavy-hearted decision to solely focus on my fine art floral photography. My vibe, however, throughout my journey has been authenticity.Finding how you love to photograph your passions in a way that feels true to yourself—that’s such a vibe! My style is elegant, inspired by nature, and I believe it has the ability to transport you to a place of tranquillity. I’m a very relaxed photographer who spent the majority of their journey stumbling, picking myself back up, and teaching myself—until one day I chose to study for my diploma in freelance photography whilst continuing nursing and raising my children.
Dream camera…I think EVERY camera is a dreamboat! I’m not so focused on having the latest gear—more on teaching myself and learning from the camera I have to produce the art that feels right for me.Currently, I have two cameras: one is a Nikon gifted to me by my husband over 10 years ago, and the other is a Canon that a friend offered to me over 5 years ago—it was surplus to her needs, and I’ll be forever grateful for that. I also have a very limited selection of pre-loved lenses and absolutely adore them. Again, these were offered to me over the years. I’m a BIG believer that you don’t need brand-new or top-of-the-line gear to pursue your passion or grow your skills.One day, I’d love to stumble upon a very old working camera in an op shop and figure out how to use it—along with learning about its history!
Who’s supported me…Family, friends, and everyone I’ve met along the way. I started photography in my early teens (though I don't have the best memory!), and I’d say my family and friends have provided a wholesome amount of support, encouragement, and the validation I needed along the journey.Transitioning from a passion into a business can be VERY overwhelming. Focusing on what sparks your soul is the best guide—it’s how you become addicted to a passion that highlights your authentic self. Every single session I’ve photographed has inspired me to continue over the years.
My gear & editing tools…MAC desktop! Man, did I work hard to afford one of these delights! I absolutely love my MAC. Photoshop and Bridge are my choices for post-production. I’m by no means an expert in these—I’ve learned along the way.I prefer to get the photograph as close as possible to what I envision in-camera and use minimal editing.
The challenges…Challenges are inevitable as a business owner following their passion. I believe social media adds another level to this.Aside from my first collection (grown in my friend’s garden), I now grow my own flowers—from seeds, seedlings, bulbs, etc.—in my sun-soaked gardens in Hawke’s Bay. This is a vital part of my process, and it's also an escape from the noisy world that can affect our mental health.All of my “ladies” (floral photographs) are deeply personal and meaningful to me. The beauty of this is when people resonate with the story behind my collections—it’s beautiful. It confirms I’m on the right path, staying true to myself and connecting with others.Most of my challenges come from my inner critic and "comparisonitis." I can be very particular about whether I love a photograph or not, which sometimes slows my creative process—especially when working with fresh, homegrown flowers that don’t always like being moved around too much. My floral collections take over a year to develop—from planting and nurturing to assembling and photographing.
There is an abundance of talented photographers in Hawke’s Bay. We are truly blessed. But with that also comes comparison. Over the years, I’ve learned to stay focused on my why as an artist and truly back myself. I specialize solely in floral photography, and I believe the process I follow—growing, assembling, and photographing my art—is a rare one.What matters to me most is the connection this process builds—with the art and with others.
Final Thoughts for Budding Photographers…Just remember: the process is never a smooth one. You will fail at times. What matters is getting back up and continuing to move forward. You don’t need the latest gear or a huge social media following—you just need a camera, a passion, and the determination to keep going when it gets tough.Have a vision, and remember: it’s about the journey and staying authentic to yourself as an artist.I’ve been at rock bottom with my photography. I’ve made BIG mistakes. My floral photography has even been rejected by galleries because they believed it “wasn’t art”—just a photograph, not a painting. I’ve wanted to give up many times, but I hung in there.Now, I’m an award-winning photographer specializing in fine art floral collections. I had my first art exhibition at the beginning of the year, with hundreds of people coming together to view my work. The connections you build with people who resonate with your art—that’s why I do what I do.
