Expect to have a good time.

(Yep, you read that right.)

As an actor, I've had my photo taken A LOT for work.

Initially, I used to find it excruciating.

Then I got lots of practice doing it and eventually I noticed something:

when my photographer was funny or kind, I had a great time and this showed in my photos.

Some people love cameras. Loads of people don't mind either way. But lots of us feel nervous when it comes to having our photo taken, especially if they're "headshots".

The most important thing for ANY HUMAN needing their picture taken is that WE ENJOY OURSELVES.

Portraiture is an experience, one that can help you grow in courage, confidence, and self respect.

You'll be in an art studio.

My studio is in a 1960's office building in Grey Lynn. It's not fancy, which makes it an ideal space for making art and being creative.

I can make a mess and play around and this is one of the things that makes my studio the perfect place to have your photo taken:

it's not perfect so you don't have to be either.

I use natural light.

The room may not be perfect but the lighting really is. I don't need to use lamps or flash in my studio because there's quite enough sun coming through the windows, even on a rainy day.

Instead of using lights to create my set-ups, I work with the conditions on the day, crafting the incoming sun by blocking it, funnelling it, bouncing it, reflecting it.

The process is a creative one, in response to what's happening. It can get a little chaotic but hey - that's kinda like life. I find it easier to work this way than to get technical with lights (and flash can be intimidating).

I find it creates a sense of ease and flow on the day.

Natural light makes for beautiful images that enhance who we are on the inside.

Treat yourself.

As my photography practice has evolved, I've come to see the inclusion of hair & makeup not as a "nice to have" but as an essential component of the portrait experience.

You don't have to include HMU in your shoot or even have it done somewhere else before you come to the studio. But if you do decide to include it in your studio session, you'll be so glad.

It's worth it to your business and your personal brand to make the investment in the elegance and polish that elevates our portraits.

You deserve so much to be treated with care. And it's just so lovely to have someone like my friends Alison and Nikki make you look and feel special.