Oceania International Figure Skating Competitions (Auckland NZ sport-event photographer)

Sport—and figure skating in particular—has always been one of my greatest passions alongside photography. When those two worlds come together, magic happens.

In many ways, it's not so different from photographing weddings. What draws me to both is connection—the emotions, the energy, and those fleeting moments that tell a story. Whether it's a couple sharing a quiet glance on their wedding day or a skater expressing emotion through movement on the ice, the challenge is the same: finding that perfect moment when everything comes together.

Connection can be communicated in so many ways, from body language and eye contact to movement and expression. That's one of the reasons figure skating fascinates me. Every performance tells a story, and every movement carries meaning. As a photographer, I love capturing those moments when technique, emotion, and artistry align to create something unforgettable.

Photographing the Oceania International Figure Skating Competition was an exciting next step in my journey as a sports photographer in Auckland. Over the years, I've covered many local skating events, including club championships, North Island competitions, and New Zealand Nationals. Being invited to photograph an international event as an official photographer was truly an honour.

The competition brought together incredible athletes from around the world, including Josefin Taljegård from Sweden, Dimitra Korri from Greece, and Skye Frances Patenia from the Philippines, alongside many talented skaters from Australia and New Zealand. Over three days, the rink was filled with extraordinary performances, emotion, and world-class skating—a true celebration of the sport.

It was a privilege to witness and capture these moments on the ice. As the winter skating season gets underway, I'm looking forward to photographing even more beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable performances in the months ahead. It's the perfect way to stay inspired during the quieter months after wedding season, while continuing to tell stories through my lens.

Enjoy some of my favourite highlights from this incredible event!

Winter forest and beach photoshoot (West Auckland wedding photographer) - Jane & Nick's Winter Honeymoon Photoshoot in Auckland

There is something truly special about celebrating a new marriage with an adventure together, and that's exactly what Jane and Nick chose to do.

Travelling all the way from Singapore, they spent their honeymoon exploring New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and creating unforgettable memories together. As part of their journey, they wanted to capture this exciting chapter of their lives with a post-wedding photoshoot surrounded by the beauty of a New Zealand winter.

We started our session in a beautiful forest location, where we were greeted by pouring rain. While the weather was certainly dramatic, New Zealand had other plans for us. After a short wait, the rain moved on and gave us the perfect opportunity to continue our shoot outdoors.

Our next stop was Muriwai Beach, one of West Auckland's most spectacular coastal locations. With its rugged black sand, dramatic cliffs, and moody winter skies, it never fails to provide a stunning backdrop for photography. The soft, cloudy light created a beautiful atmosphere that perfectly complemented Jane and Nick's relaxed and joyful energy.

One of my favourite parts of every photoshoot is getting to know the people in front of my camera. Throughout the afternoon, we chatted about their wedding celebrations, their honeymoon adventures around New Zealand, and the places they were most excited to visit—including the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. I also loved hearing the story of how they first met while studying in Los Angeles and how their journey together eventually led them to this unforgettable honeymoon adventure.

Despite the unpredictable winter weather, we had an amazing time exploring, laughing, and creating images that reflected their connection and love for one another. These are the moments I love capturing most - genuine emotions, shared adventures, and the unique story that every couple brings with them.

Enjoy some highlights from Jane and Nick's post-wedding photoshoot in beautiful West Auckland.

Lydia & Anthony's Summer Wedding at Markovina Vineyard Estate (West Auckland wedding photographers)

Markovina Vineyard Estate is one of the most popular wedding venues in West Auckland, and it's easy to see why. With its beautiful gardens, charming atmosphere, and everything conveniently located in one place, it offers countless opportunities for creating stunning wedding photographs and unforgettable memories.

Lydia and Anthony celebrated their special day surrounded by their closest family and friends, including their daughter Maddison, who played an important part in their wedding day. The celebration was filled with love, laughter, and the joy of bringing together the people who matter most.

Every couple has a unique story, and I always love hearing how their journey began. Lydia and Anthony shared that they met on Tinder and have been together for seven years, building a happy life and a beautiful family together.

When asked about the proposal, Lydia's answer perfectly reflected their relationship:

"We were at home, in our robes, and he was giving me plants for my birthday. Then he proposed in our living room."

Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen in the simplest settings. No grand gestures, no elaborate plans - just two people who knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

It was such a privilege to capture this beautiful chapter of their story at Markovina Vineyard Estate. From the heartfelt ceremony to the joyful celebrations that followed, every moment reflected the love and connection they have built over the years.

Enjoy this sneak peek from Lydia and Anthony's wedding day. More beautiful moments from their celebration will be coming soon!

Sunset engagement session - Muriwai forest and beach (Pre-wedding photographers Auckland): Jonathan & Sarah's Sunset Engagement Session at Muriwai

As many photographers will agree, sunset is one of the most beautiful times of day for an engagement session. The light becomes soft, warm, and flattering, creating a magical atmosphere that is perfect for capturing genuine moments between couples. When combined with a stunning location like Muriwai, the result is simply unforgettable.

Muriwai is one of my favourite places in Auckland for engagement and pre-wedding photography. The combination of peaceful forest trails and dramatic West Coast beaches offers incredible variety without requiring long travel times. Within just a few minutes' drive, couples can enjoy two completely different landscapes, making it the perfect setting for a relaxed two-hour photoshoot.

For Jonathan and Sarah's engagement session, we began in the forest, where beautiful golden light filtered through the trees and created the most incredible backdrop. We spent time walking, chatting, and getting to know each other while capturing natural and authentic moments along the way.

As the sun continued to drop, we headed to the beach. Muriwai's rugged coastline provided a spectacular setting, with dramatic rocks, rolling waves, and endless views creating a breathtaking backdrop for their photos. Nature truly put on a show for us that evening.

One of the things I love most about engagement sessions is that they give couples the opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together, and simply enjoy being in the moment. Jonathan and Sarah were so relaxed and easy-going, making the entire session a pleasure to photograph.

Congratulations to this beautiful couple on their engagement! I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.

Enjoy some highlights from their engagement session - a little sneak peek from a perfect evening at Muriwai.

More pictures coming soon!

Steve & Desiree's Magical Hobbiton Wedding (New Zealand photographer)

There are wedding venues, and then there are places that feel like they belong in a fairytale. A wedding at Hobbiton is exactly that - a truly magical experience and one of the most unique places to get married in New Zealand.

When Steve and Desiree travelled all the way from Michigan, USA, to celebrate their wedding in Hobbiton, they turned their dream into reality. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they exchanged vows in one of the most iconic and enchanting locations in the world. It was an honour to be their photographer and to be part of such a special celebration.

For many people, visiting Hobbiton is a dream come true. Rolling green hills, charming Hobbit Holes, beautiful gardens, and the unforgettable atmosphere make it feel as though you've stepped into another world. As a wedding venue, it offers something truly extraordinary, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Steve and Desiree's journey together began in 2011 when they met through a mutual friend while in high school. Although they attended college together, life took them in different directions before they reconnected in 2021 when Desiree moved back to Michigan and they were both living in Grand Rapids. Since then, their relationship has continued to grow, leading to an engagement and ultimately this incredible wedding day in New Zealand.

Their proposal was just as memorable as their wedding location. Knowing Desiree had always dreamed of being proposed to in front of a waterfall, Steve planned a special trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. After a short hike, he proposed at the base of a beautiful waterfall - creating a moment they would never forget.

When asked what they were most excited about on their wedding day, the couple shared:

"To start the beginning of the rest of our lives together while enjoying it with family and a wonderful venue."

And that is exactly what their day was about - celebrating love, family, friendship, and the exciting future ahead.

From heartfelt moments with loved ones to exploring the magical landscapes of Hobbiton as newlyweds, every part of the day was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Congratulations to Steve and Desiree! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and love together.

Enjoy the highlights from this magical Hobbiton wedding in New Zealand.

Alex & Stephen's Rainy Piha Beach Elopement (West Auckland photographer)

There is something incredibly special about beach elopements. Stripped back to what truly matters, they are all about celebrating love, connection, and the start of a new chapter together. And sometimes, a little rain only makes the story even more memorable.

Alex and Stephen travelled all the way from Denmark to New Zealand to exchange their vows on the stunning black sands of Piha Beach, one of Auckland's most iconic coastal locations. Surrounded by their closest family members, they embraced everything that makes an elopement so beautiful - an intimate ceremony, breathtaking scenery, and a focus on the people who matter most.

Piha is famous for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and wild West Coast atmosphere. On this particular day, the weather added an extra touch of magic. The rain, mist, and moody skies created a romantic backdrop that perfectly suited the adventure of the occasion. Rather than letting the weather get in the way, Alex and Stephen embraced every moment, making their celebration even more unique and unforgettable.

Their journey together began through work and mutual friends while both worked within the same area of a bank. At the time, Alex was still living in Poland while Stephen lived in Denmark. What started as conversations between colleagues quickly grew into something much more.

As Alex shared:

"We immediately clicked and ever since started talking more and more. This somehow evolved into chatting outside of work, regular video calls and eventually visiting each other in Poland and Denmark. Somewhere along the way we made the decision to give it a shot and I moved to Denmark. That was about five years ago and it was the best decision ever."

Their proposal story is just as charming.

For Alex's 30th birthday, Stephen planned a surprise trip to Prague. Well... almost a surprise. Unable to keep the secret, he revealed the destination a couple of weeks before the trip. After exploring the city, enjoying great food, and visiting a local brewery, the couple ended their evening with a drink at their hotel bar. Just after midnight, Stephen returned with the ring and proposed right there and then.

As Alex described it:

"Very much on brand."

From a long-distance relationship spanning countries to a destination elopement on the other side of the world, Alex and Stephen's story is a wonderful reminder that love often takes us on the most unexpected adventures.

Congratulations to this beautiful couple! It was an honour to capture such a meaningful and heartfelt celebration.

Enjoy this quick sneak peek from their rainy and romantic Piha Beach elopement.

Kathy & James' Beautiful St Michael's Church Wedding (Auckland photographers)

Traditional church weddings hold a special place in my heart, and Kathy and James' beautiful ceremony at St Michael's Church in central Auckland was a wonderful reminder of why I love photographing them so much.

Surrounded by family and friends, the couple celebrated their marriage in a heartfelt ceremony filled with love, faith, and meaningful moments. There is something timeless about a church wedding—the anticipation as guests gather, the emotional walk down the aisle, and the joy shared between loved ones as two people begin a new chapter together.

Kathy and James have a beautiful story of how they met.

The couple first crossed paths at a Christian camp organised by StudentLife in June last year. As James tells it, they met because they were both "teacher's pets." Looking for a seat during lunch on the second day of camp, he found an empty chair near the main lecturer. What he didn't realise at the time was that sitting nearby was Kathy - and that one simple decision would change his life forever.

Although his first impression was that she was "the annoying person talking to the lecturer," they quickly struck up a conversation and ended up talking for more than an hour. After the camp, they remained friends for several months, messaging every day and spending hours on video calls while James was living in Wellington.

Eventually, he flew to Auckland for Kathy's birthday, and the following day asked her to be his girlfriend. Not long afterwards, James moved to Auckland, and their relationship continued to grow until he proposed in July this year.

The proposal was every bit as thoughtful as their love story.

James carefully planned a two-day date filled with activities that represented different parts of their relationship. The adventure culminated with a hike to the top of a mountain, where he proposed at sunset—in Afrikaans, Kathy's native language. As Kathy is originally from South Africa, James had been learning Afrikaans, making the proposal even more meaningful and personal.

Following their beautiful ceremony, we spent some time exploring the area around the church for a relaxed couple's session. We didn't need to travel far - just a few quiet spots nearby were enough to capture some intimate moments and celebrate the excitement of their first hours as husband and wife.

It was such a pleasure to be part of Kathy and James' wedding day and witness the love, friendship, and faith that brought them together.

Congratulations to this wonderful couple, and thank you for allowing me to capture such a special chapter of your story.

Enjoy some highlights from this beautiful St Michael's Church wedding in Auckland.

A Surprise New Year's Eve Proposal at Muriwai Beach (Auckland engagement-wedding photographer): Oliver and Taylor

Muriwai Beach is one of the most spectacular locations in Auckland for engagement and proposal photography. With its dramatic black-sand coastline, rugged cliffs, impressive rock formations, and famous gannet colony, it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery on New Zealand's West Coast.

When Oliver contacted me about planning a surprise proposal for Taylor during their trip to New Zealand from Oregon, USA, I knew Muriwai would provide the perfect backdrop for such a special moment.

The plan was simple: stay hidden and avoid attracting attention until the big moment arrived. As their photographer, I spent some time blending into the surroundings, pretending to photograph the local birds and landscapes—which, to be fair, are absolutely worth photographing on their own!

As Oliver and Taylor arrived and began exploring the beach together, everything unfolded perfectly. They wandered along the coastline, taking in the incredible views, completely unaware of what was about to happen.

Then came the moment.

Oliver dropped to one knee and asked the question he had travelled across the world to ask.

Thankfully for all involved, the answer was a very enthusiastic "Yes!"

After the excitement settled, we spent some time walking around the beach, chatting, laughing, and capturing the joy of their newly engaged adventure. It was such a pleasure getting to know them and hearing more about their travels around New Zealand.

Originally, we had planned to photograph the proposal at sunset, but Mother Nature had other ideas. With thunderstorms forecast for the evening, we quickly adjusted our plans and moved the session to the morning instead. While the light was stronger than we would normally have at sunset, the stunning scenery, genuine emotions, and excitement of the occasion more than made up for it.

At the end of the day, photographs are about much more than perfect conditions. They are about preserving real moments, genuine reactions, and memories that will be treasured for years to come. And this proposal was full of all three.

Congratulations to Oliver and Taylor on their engagement! Thank you for allowing me to capture such an unforgettable moment in your journey together.

Enjoy some highlights from this beautiful surprise proposal at Muriwai Beach. Contact me with any questions!

Gen & Gerald's Relaxed Kumeu Valley Estate Wedding (Auckland wedding photographers)

Kumeu Valley Estate is one of West Auckland's most popular wedding venues, and it's easy to understand why. With its beautiful rustic charm, relaxed atmosphere, and picturesque surroundings, it provides the perfect setting for couples looking to celebrate their wedding day with family and friends.

This time, it was Gen and Gerald's turn to say "I do."

Surrounded by their closest loved ones, they celebrated a beautiful and heartfelt wedding day that focused on what mattered most to them - spending quality time with the people who have been part of their journey together.

The couple has a wonderful story that spans more than a decade.

Gen and Gerald first met in the United States at a New Zealand Embassy party on election night in 2014. At the time, Gerald had just started his PhD, while Gen was working at the Embassy. As they got talking, they discovered they shared mutual friends and had actually attended the same wedding three years earlier, sitting back-to-back without ever meeting.

Eleven years, two children, and countless memories later, they finally made their way down the aisle together.

Their proposal was just as genuine as their relationship.

As Gen describes it:

"Rather last minute and, in true us style, slightly awkward! We were having a picnic in Manchester Garden Park and Gerald tried very hard to keep it a surprise. He gave a lovely speech before proposing."

Not every proposal needs grand gestures or elaborate plans. Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the ones that perfectly reflect who you are as a couple.

Their wedding day itself was a wonderful example of celebrating in a way that felt authentic to them. Although rain made an appearance throughout the day, it certainly didn't dampen the atmosphere. Friends and family gathered together to celebrate, laugh, reconnect, and create new memories.

One of the things I particularly loved about this wedding was the couple's approach to photography. Rather than focusing on formal family portraits or a dedicated couple's session, Gen and Gerald chose to prioritise documenting the day as it naturally unfolded. They wanted to spend as much time as possible with their guests and capture genuine interactions, emotions, and moments with the people they love.

As a documentary wedding photographer, these kinds of celebrations are always a joy to photograph. There is something special about stepping back, observing, and allowing the story of the day to unfold naturally.

The couple also requested that photos of their children remain private, a wish I was very happy to respect. While they played an important role in the celebration, preserving their privacy was a priority for the family.

Despite the rain, the day was filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments—everything a wedding should be.

Congratulations to Gen and Gerald! Thank you for trusting me to document such a special chapter of your lives.

Enjoy some highlights from this beautiful Kumeu Valley Estate wedding.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year | 2025 Highlights (Auckland family-wedding-couples photographer)

As another year comes to a close, it's time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by. Looking back through my galleries, I'm reminded of just how many incredible people I've had the privilege of photographing. From family sessions, maternity and newborn photography to graduations, couples, surprise proposals, elopements, and weddings, this year has been filled with beautiful stories and unforgettable moments.

One family even booked three sessions with me this year—a personal record! It is always such an honour when families continue to trust me to document different chapters of their lives.

What I love most about photography is the opportunity to meet amazing people and preserve memories that will be treasured for years to come. Every session is unique, and every family, couple, and celebration brings its own story.

This year also brought incredible variety beyond weddings and family photography. I was fortunate to continue working as an official photographer for New Zealand Ice Figure Skating, covering major competitions throughout the season, including the North Island Championships and New Zealand Nationals. Watching athletes from across the country come together to share their passion for the sport is always inspiring, and photographing those moments remains one of my favourite challenges.

Many of you know that figure skating is not only something I photograph- it's also one of my personal passions. As an adult skater, I was incredibly grateful to enjoy one of my most successful competitive seasons to date. Highlights included placing second at the ISU Adult Competition in Oberstdorf, Germany, first at WinterSun in Brisbane, third at the Hollins Trophy in Sydney, and fourth at the Crystal Challenge in Melbourne.

These experiences created memories I will cherish forever and allowed me to spend time with wonderful friends from around the world who share the same love for the sport.

It has also been a big year for my own family. My son earned a place in the Auckland United development football programme, while my daughter worked tirelessly on her skating, mastering all of her double jumps and earning a silver medal at the New Zealand National Championships in the Basic Novice Under-12 division. Watching their hard work and dedication pay off has been incredibly rewarding.

As always, balancing work, sport, travel, and family life remains a challenge, and I know there are times when I wish I could spend even more time with those closest to me. But I am deeply grateful for every moment shared with my family, friends, and the wonderful clients who invite me into some of the most important days of their lives.

Another highlight of the year was continuing to teach my online photography workshop, Love, Light & Laughter, through Click Photo School. Since launching the course in 2018, it has been a privilege to help photographers develop not only their technical skills but also discover their own voice, purpose, and passion behind the camera.

As I reflect on the year, I feel incredibly thankful for every couple, family, athlete, student, and friend who has been part of this journey. Your trust, support, and friendship mean more than words can express.

Below is a collection of some favourite moments from the past season - a mix of weddings, couples, families, and events. Messy, real, emotional, and full of life - just the way I like it.

Thank you for following along and supporting my work.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas, a safe holiday season, and a New Year filled with happiness, adventure, and beautiful memories.

I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Contact me with any questions!

A Surprise Proposal at Sanders Reserve (Auckland pre-wedding photographer)

Surprise proposals are always incredibly special to photograph, and Ishan’s thoughtful plan at Sanders Reserve in North Auckland was no exception.

Ishan got in touch with me ahead of time to help document his proposal and make sure everything unfolded smoothly. Together, we planned the details carefully so the moment could be captured naturally without raising any suspicion.

With the help of family and friends, a beautiful setup was created at a quiet spot on the edge of Sanders Reserve. A white carpet, framed couple photos, flowers, and a camera set up on a tripod for video all came together to create a stunning and intimate proposal scene.

My role was to blend into the surroundings and pose as a random passerby, quietly photographing the natural beauty of the reserve while waiting for the moment to unfold.

Everything went exactly as planned.

The bride-to-be had no idea what was coming. As they arrived at the location, the moment quickly became emotional and unforgettable. Ishan got down on one knee, and in an instant, joy and surprise filled the air. Moments later, their friends and family joined in to celebrate, many of them moved to tears.

It was one of those beautiful moments where everything feels real, emotional, and completely unforgettable.

After the excitement settled, we continued with a relaxed engagement session around Sanders Reserve. The location offered so many beautiful backdrops - lush greenery, open views, and soft natural light - perfect for capturing their first moments as an engaged couple.

It was such a joy to be part of this surprise and to document such an important chapter in their story.

Enjoy highlights from this beautiful surprise proposal at Sanders Reserve.

Gisele & Kelsey’s Engagement Session at Muriwai Beach (Auckland wedding photographers)

Exciting times at Gisele & Kelsey’s engagement photoshoot at Muriwai Beach—one of the most breathtaking locations in West Auckland for pre-wedding photography.

With its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and ever-changing light, Muriwai is truly a dream location for any photographer. On this evening, everything came together perfectly: soft golden sunset light, beautiful textures in the landscape, and the glow filtering through the high rock formations created an incredible backdrop for their session.

Gisele and Kelsey had just gotten engaged after seven years together, having met all the way back in high school. It’s always so special to photograph couples who have grown together over such a long period of time - there is a depth of connection, comfort, and love that naturally shines through in every frame.

The session was filled with so much warmth, laughter, and genuine emotion. You could truly feel the excitement of this new chapter in their lives.

As a little unexpected bonus, there was also a wedding happening on the beach at the same time as our shoot. As a wedding photographer, I couldn’t resist capturing a few candid moments from their celebration as well. Later, we even shared one of the images with the bride, as Gisele happened to know her through a wedding community group - it really is a small world sometimes!

Enjoy highlights from this beautiful engagement session at Muriwai Beach, one of Auckland’s most iconic photography locations.

Baby Hugo | Newborn Lifestyle Session in Green Bay (Newborn photography in Auckland)

It was such a joy to finally meet baby Hugo after capturing his parents’ maternity and graduation sessions earlier this year. It’s always incredibly special to return and document the next chapter as a family grows, especially after so many meaningful moments have already been shared together.

This newborn session took place at Haggie’s home in Green Bay, Auckland, on a beautiful Sunday morning. We started with relaxed lifestyle photographs indoors, capturing those quiet, natural moments that make newborn sessions so special - soft light, gentle interactions, and all the little details of a new family life together.

Afterwards, we stepped outside to a nearby park just a short walk away. It was the perfect extension of the session, offering beautiful natural light and plenty of variety without needing to travel far. We spent time walking, talking, and pausing for baby feeding breaks, keeping everything calm and unhurried.

One of the things I love most about lifestyle newborn photography is exactly this - no rush, no pressure, just documenting life as it unfolds in a natural and honest way.

It was such a pleasure to capture this beautiful stage for Haggie’s family. I already look forward to seeing them again, perhaps for Hugo’s one-year milestone, continuing what has become a very special tradition.

Enjoy highlights from this lovely newborn session in Green Bay.

A Surprise Proposal in Pollok | Richard & Vivian (Auckland pre-wedding photographer)

Such an exciting proposal unfolded in Pollok, South Auckland, where Richard planned a beautifully thoughtful surprise for Vivian.

Richard got in touch many months in advance to carefully organise the moment, ensuring everything would be perfect. As part of their getaway, he arranged a stay at a nearby Airbnb overlooking rolling hills and peaceful water views - an ideal setting for such a meaningful occasion.

On the day, everything came together beautifully. In front of a stunning flower wall, Richard got down on one knee and asked Vivian to marry him. It was a heartfelt and emotional moment filled with joy, surprise, and happy tears.

After Vivian said “yes,” the celebration continued with a champagne toast, making the moment even more special as reality slowly sank in.

Following the proposal, we took a short walk down to the waterfront for a relaxed and intimate couple session. The surrounding landscape provided a beautiful backdrop, with soft light, open space, and a calm atmosphere that perfectly reflected their excitement and connection.

It was such a joy to witness and capture these genuine emotions - simple, honest, and full of meaning.

Enjoy highlights from this beautiful surprise proposal in Pollok, South Auckland.

New Zealand Ice Figure Skating Championships 2025 | Auckland Highlights (sport-event photographers)

It was a true honour to be invited as an official photographer for the New Zealand Ice Figure Skating Championships 2025, held in Auckland this year.

This major national event brings together skaters from both the North and South Islands, as well as competitors from overseas, all coming together to showcase their passion, dedication, and artistry on the ice.

Over four incredible days, the rink was filled with energy, emotion, and outstanding athletic performances. From powerful jumps to elegant spins and expressive choreography, every program told its own story. It is always a privilege to capture these fleeting moments where strength, precision, and grace come together in such a visually striking sport.

What makes this event even more meaningful for me personally is my own connection to figure skating. As an adult skater myself, and with my daughter competing in the Basic Novice category, this sport holds a very special place in our lives. Watching her commitment and progress throughout the season has been incredibly rewarding - she worked extremely hard and was proud to finish the year with a silver medal in her category. A wonderful achievement that reflects her dedication and perseverance.

Being on both sides of the sport - both as a photographer and as a skating parent - gives me a deeper appreciation of every performance, every training session, and every moment behind the scenes.

This year’s championships featured many talented skaters representing New Zealand and beyond, including Yahao - Dwayn Li, Petra Lahti, Renee Tsai, and many other inspiring athletes who are shaping the future of the sport.

A huge thank you to New Zealand Ice Figure Skating for the opportunity to document such an important event in the skating calendar. It is always inspiring to witness the passion and community that surrounds this sport.

Enjoy highlights from the New Zealand Ice Figure Skating Championships 2025.

A Rainy Elopement at Piha Beach (Auckland wedding photographers)

This beautiful couple travelled from overseas to New Zealand to celebrate their marriage in one of the country’s most iconic coastal locations - Piha Beach.

Even with the rain, nothing could stand in the way of their intimate and meaningful elopement. Piha has a wild, raw beauty that often becomes even more atmospheric in wet weather, and on this day it added a powerful sense of romance and adventure to their story.

We began the ceremony in a sheltered outdoor space at their Airbnb, with the celebrant Valeria ensuring everyone stayed as dry as possible while still keeping the moment personal and heartfelt. It was a calm, intimate start to an unforgettable day.

After the ceremony, the couple signed their marriage papers, with me honoured to act as a witness for this special occasion.

Once the formalities were complete, we headed down to the beach for a relaxed and emotional portrait session. Despite the rain and moody skies, the coastline looked incredible - waves rolling in, mist in the air, and the dramatic landscape creating a cinematic backdrop for their newlywed moments.

These are the kinds of sessions that truly stay in memory for years to come- authentic, emotional, and deeply connected to the environment around them.

The couple has chosen to remain anonymous, and I fully respect their wish for privacy, while still being grateful to have documented such a meaningful celebration.

Congratulations to this beautiful couple, and wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness together.

Enjoy highlights from this rainy Piha Beach elopement.

Lysea & John | Muriwai Beach Maternity Photoshoot (Auckland family-wedding photographer)

We first met Lysea and John during Lysea’s graduation photoshoot, and during that session they shared some incredibly exciting news - they were expecting a baby. From that moment, we started planning both their maternity and future newborn session, and it has been such a joy to follow their journey into parenthood.

Muriwai Beach is one of my favourite locations for maternity photography. With its dramatic West Coast scenery and the possibility of soft golden sunset light, it creates a truly beautiful and natural setting for such a special chapter in life.

On the day of their session, the weather was a little cloudy, but that never takes away from the magic of Muriwai. In fact, the soft light and moody skies often add a calm and intimate feeling to the images. Despite a very wet September with many rescheduled sessions, we were lucky this time - the weather held just enough for us to go ahead and enjoy a relaxed shoot by the beach.

It was a wonderful afternoon spent walking, talking, and capturing this exciting season of anticipation for Lysea and John. There is something very special about maternity sessions - the quiet excitement, the connection, and the sense of new beginnings just around the corner.

I can’t wait for their upcoming newborn session - it won’t be long now!

Enjoy highlights from this beautiful maternity photoshoot at Muriwai Beach, Auckland.

Allegro Championships (sport photography in Auckland)

Winter in New Zealand often brings quieter months for weddings and outdoor couple sessions, with unpredictable weather and frequent rain. However, it also creates the perfect opportunity for indoor events and sports photography—especially figure skating competitions.

I’m always incredibly grateful for the chance to stay connected to the skating community and to continue documenting ice figure skating events across Auckland. As both a skater myself and a parent of a young skater, this sport holds a very special place in my heart. It’s always inspiring to witness the dedication, discipline, and artistry that skaters bring to the ice. Every program is a blend of strength, grace, and emotion, and capturing those fleeting moments is something I truly love.

The Allegro Championships is one of the highlights of the winter skating calendar. These club competitions bring together skaters of all ages and levels, each performing with passion and commitment in front of their coaches, families, and supporters.

This year’s event was once again filled with beautiful performances, emotional moments, and incredible progress from skaters who have worked tirelessly throughout the season. It’s always rewarding to see not only the big technical elements, but also the small expressions and personal achievements that make each performance unique.

For me personally, this season feels like a natural transition point. As the winter skating competitions wrap up, wedding season is just around the corner - bringing a completely different kind of storytelling. From icy arenas to outdoor celebrations, it’s a shift I always look forward to.

It’s a privilege to move between these two worlds - sports and weddings - both filled with emotion, movement, and meaningful moments worth preserving.

Enjoy highlights from another wonderful winter event at the Allegro Championships.

Glenburn Championship Highlights - Ice Figure Skating Photography New Zealand

It has been a little quiet here on the blog recently, as I’ve been away in Europe taking part in adult ice skating competitions in Oberstdorf, Germany - one of the most special events in the adult skating calendar.

The conditions were certainly a surprise, with summer heat reaching 30–35°C. It felt almost surreal to step out of the rink and into such extreme warmth, where the best place to be was either inside the ice arena or high up in the mountains. Thankfully, the gondolas to Nebelhorn were running, and we managed to escape the heat a few times, even taking photos in our skating dresses at the top with breathtaking alpine views.

Beyond the competition, it was a wonderful time filled with training camps, reconnecting with old friends, meeting new skating communities, and of course, enjoying all the amazing European cakes and food along the way.

I was incredibly happy to come home with some beautiful memories from the event, including 2nd place in my free skating program and the opportunity to perform my artistic program for the first time at an international level. It was truly a rewarding and inspiring experience.

If you'd like to see more from the trip, you can also find highlights on my Instagram: @olgalevien.

Shortly after returning home (and slightly battling jetlag), it was straight back into my usual role behind the camera—this time photographing another exciting local competition in Auckland.

The Glenburn Championships brought together skaters of all ages and levels for a weekend full of passion, energy, and beautiful performances. From the youngest beginners to experienced adult skaters, everyone shared the same love for the sport, creating an incredible atmosphere on the ice.

It’s always inspiring to witness the dedication and progress within the skating community here in New Zealand. Every program tells a story - of hard work, persistence, and joy for skating.

After the intensity and inspiration of Europe, it felt very special to return straight into this local competition environment, continuing to capture those powerful, fleeting moments on the ice.

Enjoy highlights from the Glenburn Championships - another beautiful weekend of skating in Auckland.

Clucas Cup - Ice figure skating photography

As many of you already know, ice skating is one of my greatest passions - alongside photography - and whenever those two worlds come together, it truly feels like a dream job.

It was a real honour to be invited by the New Zealand Ice Figure Skating Association to photograph the Clucas Cup, one of the selection competitions marking the start of the new skating season in New Zealand.

This event brings together some of the country’s top skaters, opening the season with powerful performances, technical precision, and beautiful artistry on the ice. It’s always exciting to see athletes returning to competition after the off-season, bringing fresh programs, energy, and ambition to the rink.

Among the competitors were many incredibly talented skaters, including Dwayne Li, Petra Lahti, Renee Tsai, Cara Tang, Mirika Armstrong, Nicca Wu, and Mia Chen, along with many other inspiring New Zealand skaters- including my own daughter, Anna-Bella.

The rink was full of energy from the very first warm-up to the final performance. It was truly “fire on ice”—a combination of passion, grace, determination, and artistry that makes this sport so special to witness and capture.

What I love most about photographing competitions like this is the variety of emotions and moments happening in a split second: focus before a jump, relief after a clean landing, joy in performance, and the connection between skaters, coaches, and families.

It was such a privilege to document the start of the season and to be part of such an important event in the New Zealand skating calendar.

I’m already looking forward to photographing more competitions throughout the season, especially the upcoming Nationals in October.

Exciting times ahead!

Enjoy highlights from the Clucas Cup.