love | light | laughter
AUCKLANd wedding PHOTOGRAPHER | fine art documentary photography
Excited to share with you wonderful news: photograph from Kara & David's wedding became a winner of Wedding photographer society award {June'17}, such a big honour for me, Auckland - New Zealand wedding photographer} to be in company with such a talented wedding photographers from all around the world.
Enjoy this picture and have a look at other winners at Wedding photographer society!
Contact me with any questions!
Just want to say Happy wedding anniversary to Sherrie & Simon who made their way from Australia last year to celebrate this special day with their friends and families in Highwic - historical house {Auckland, New Zealand}. Their winter wedding had such a special feel and vibe, it was a pleasure to be their wedding photographers and capture so special for couple moments!
Happy future together!
Enjoy a few highlights from their wedding day!
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Did you look at the last issue of Click Magazine {an international print magazine for the modern photographer}? You can find there two features: breathtaking image with Megan & Chris pre-wedding photo session in Auckland, New Zealand and some words in Wise Up rubric where Im answering on one of the questions about second photographers.
Here is a fast sneak peek, enjoy the publication if you signed up for this beautiful and inspiring magazine for photographers and everyone loving to see beauty and harmony in moments!
If you are interested in your photography development have a look what Im offering at my lifestyle site www.olgalevien.com: there wide range of mentoring | tutoring from online session, video website review and portfolio feedback, plus photography business development and Q&A sessions. I happy to share everything I know as an open book!
Click Magazine
Click Magazine
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I met with Nikki & Josh cloudy Saturday morning on Papamoa Beach {near Mt Maunghanui} - such a great spot in Tauranga {Bay of Plenty, NZ}. Couple contacted me as wedding photogpraher looking for engagement session at winter time. I been really excited and happy to capture special for them moments.
Couple met each other: "at a youth group pool party. Best frIends for years. The day we met, the day Josh asked Nikki out and the day Josh proposed are all the same day. He proposed 7 years exactly from the day we first met at the beach at sunset". Their ideal date night: "Fireplace in winter, stars in summer". It's so romantic! I love when couples sharing with me their special moments and their story, its helps a lot to understand their vibe and relationship and capture photographs what truly shows the story, emotions and candid moments along with some portraits.
Its was freezing, windy and rain starts right after 20-30 min of our photo shoot. We still managed to get some beautiful and emotional photographs before that, I love and enjoyed every single moments with these amazing people, so excited about their upcoming wedding in Hamilton Gardens in September {watch this space!}.
Enjoy these highlights in the gallery:
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So excited to see Ilinke & Shaun's wedding in Bracu {Auckland, NZ} published in Truly Engaging blog | magazine {"Pale pink and mint green New Zealand wedding}. We as their wedding photographers been happy to document every little happy candid moment and so many beautiful shots in such a stunning Auckland venue as Bracu.
Enjoy this publication in Truly Engaging and have a look at couple's wedding highlights in our Blog.
Great Creative Team:
Dress- Alma J Bridal Boutique
Suit- Barkers
Flowers - Twig & Twine
Jewelry- Roman & French ( earrings / bracelets) and Michael Hill (rings)
Make up - Lipstick and Co
Hair - McInnes & Co
Wedding sign - Wild Co
and Auckland wedding photographers @Levien Levien & Lens Photography
Contact me with any questions!
I been surprised when I found out one of my images from international Clickin Walk just won 1st Runner Up - Best All Around contest winners.
I recently told you about our amazing Clickin Walk on Muriwai Beach {Auckland} with talented women-photographers. This inspirational walk running all around the world in the same weekend and organised by ClickinMoms - great community of women-photogprahers {full of support, advice, learning and inspiration}. I been one of New Zealand organisers.
Its a great honour my image been chosen from thousands of photos all around the world. I really appreciate it, but the best thing ever - we had amazing time all together, so good to catch up and talk photography, babies, kids and life.
Look forward to our next catch up in some beautiful, wild and amazing location around New Zealand}.
Have a look at the details of Clickin Walk contest winners and full gallery with highlights from our walk.
Clickin Walk 1st Runner-Up winner
Contact me with any questions!
Winter time is coming and we are having a blast here in Hamilton {Waikato, NZ}, more time to spend with kids and family and capture everyday moments, who else can do it as not mum-photographer {my kids probably already had enough of my camera, but they still really enjoying to see their baby images come up o Facebook, so cute to see how they grow}.
June was amazing month, we had some time off shooting weddings as its off wedding season in New Zealand, but there still so much things to do, we are heading to exciting changes, watch this space for more info.
Enjoy these documentary everyday moments in 365 Project and let me know if you have any questions!
x Warmly,
Olga
Great news coming from Wellington {New Zealand} - Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards: our prints won Silver + 2 Bronzes in Wedding Creative category and 2 Bronze awards in Wedding Classic category.
Its a good experience. Winning awards not make you a better photographer, but the process of evaluating your own images, moving through your weddings and engagement session, picking photos what best speaks to you and according to your Voice and Style, re-editing them many times till its feels right and sending off to the public, share with photographers community, listen to their feedback definitely make you step up and became stronger. I totally recommend it to everyone.
I would love to say "Thank you" to my awesome clients who supporting me all this time {its pity I can't submit images from each wedding | pre-wedding session, every one of them so special and unique {NZIPP limiting the number of prints entering, but I still can keep them for the next year :)}.
Also Thank you to judges for valuable feedback {i especially appreciate their discussing over my Silver award image in Wedding Creative category, good to listen it online, so valuable feedback} - approximate quote:
Nathan: "Strong and obvious story... We are seeing the bride at the end of her photo shoot and she put a lot of effort... Its more like an anti-wedding shot, not staged candid moment. Its great photographer shared this images with our community." Sarah: "Its not just about the bride, groom there too..."
Enjoy these aware-winnig images and let me know if you have any questions!
Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - SILVER {Wedding Creative}
Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - Bronze {Wedding Creative}
Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - Bronze {Wedding Creative}
Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - Bronze {Wedding Classic}
Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - Bronze {Wedding Classic}
{I shooting weddings mostly around Auckland - Waikato - Bay of Plenty and surrounding areas, but also happy to travel around entire New Zealand and overseas, especially off-summer season in New Zealand}
Exciting news coming from overseas: How he Asked by The Knot just published Megan & Chris's engagement session in Hamilton Gardens {Waikato, New Zealand}. Such a great honour to be featured in such prestigious publication for us - Waikato, Auckland and Bay of Plenty wedding photogprahers..
Megan & Chris's pre-wedding engagement session was just amazing, full of positive emotions and romantic atmosphere.
Take a look at publication and more images in our Blog highlights from couple's photo shoot.
MEGAN & CHRIS
Contact me with any questions!
Excited to share with you amazing news: Shantelle & Kelly's lilac garden wedding {Rosenvale, Waikato, New Zealand} just been published in Whimsical Wonderland Weddings - beautiful UK & International wedding blog.
Its a great honour for me, their wedding photographer see pictures goes live in such a prestigious publication.
Enjoy these beautiful highlights, have a look at extended couple's gallery in our Blog and let me know if you have any questions!
Contact me with any questions!
Photographers | Levien & Lens Photography with Olga Levien
Dresses | Thalia Boutique
Suits | Dorset Suites
Flowers | Petite Posy Florist
Hair | Mint Hair Design
Make-up | Lillybeth: A Beautiful Education
Celebrant | Sue Collins
MC | @Warren Willmot (brother in law)
Caterers | Classique Caterers
Venue | Rosenvale
Naked cake | BJ’s Cake
Décor | Cake Flowers: Florabunda & Cake
Wedding timeline is one of the most important things on the wedding day and many clients ask us how better to plan photography events and how many hours of coverage do they need for capture all important moments. As wedding photogpraher who captured many weddings around New Zealand & International Im happy to share my experience and give some time frames for orientation.
Of course each wedding and their timelines are unique. Following information just something what can be considered for make your wedding day more enjoyable and create perfect conditions for stunning photos. Take on only those points what suits your situation!
Getting ready: Maya
1. Getting ready - 1.5-2 hours. Minimum time for getting ready photos is 1 hour {we usually start shooting when make-up, hair half way through. If you would like us to capture some special events as first look with dad, family portraits, lots of pictures with bridesmaids, many details shots etc you need to add on time. Better prepared beforehand all special for you items what you want us to capture {it will save the time and make morning less stressful for you}. Groom getting ready photos usually faster ones {as there no make-up and hair done :)}, but if groom planned something special with his groomsmen {as play golf on the morning, fishing, shooting etc.} definitely let us know, we would love to capture a complete story of your wedding day.
First look: Madeline & Barry
2. First look - 30 min - 1.5 hours. First look is a special event which became more popular lately {not for traditional couples}. Its a moment when groom seen his bride before the ceremony {turn back to her walking towards him and then turn around}. First look is emotional moment and flow into the bridal party and couples photo shoot {thats why its up to 1.5 hours long}. This event allow to save some time between ceremony and reception when couple traditionally doing photo shoot on location, or add on extra location and variety for images.
Wedding ceremony: Ilinke & Shaun
3. Ceremony - 30 min {outdoor} to 1 hour {traditional church ceremony}. Ceremony usually take between 30 min and 1 hour. We need to arrive on site 20-30 min before ceremony starts to capture details, guests arriving, groom waiting etc. Also allow yourself at least 10-15 min after ceremony for greetings, relax and hug your family and friends.
Family formals: Kara & David's wedding
4. Family photos - 20-40 min {depending on amount of groups}. Something to consider: big group with all guests can take up to 10 min, each small group up to 3 min. We usually recommend to have up to 10 groupings as its can be exhausting for couple to wait for everyone and keep tuned {they are usually starving and thirsty at this moment {needed provide some drinks and snacks}. Also good idea to have a shepherd - a person who know well the family and can gather people together {which save a time}. Good to have a little breath after family photos {drink and snacks} to refresh.
Bridal party: Kathleen & Steve wedding
Bridal party: Hana & Aidan wedding
5. Bridal party and Bride & Groom intimate session - 1.5-2 hours. Minimum time for photo shoot is one hour {20 min - tidal party photos and minimum 30 min bride & groom photos with basic amount of photos}. Extra time give more opportunity to be creative, walk and talk, relax and go with the flow. Also allow extra time if there few locations or travelling involved. Many couples worried about their guests waiting for them, but believe me your guests are fine, they talking, enjoying outdoor games and other activities, snacks and drinks. If you would like to mix & mingle with your guests its a good idea to arrive to reception 30 min before its starts and have a good chat with all family members and guests.
Bride & Groom session: Georjarna & Gareth
Best time for photos: morning or during two hours before the sunset. Placing couple photo shoot in this time frame can be ideal but often impossible at the wedding day. We used to work with different lighting conditions. Solutions can be: moving ceremony to later time during summer as 3.30-5 pm {later is better for outdoor ceremonies, otherwise there can be tricky lighting situation with light and shade and hot spots on the faces}. Winter weddings usually scheduled with 1-3 pm ceremonies.
Sunset Bride & Groom intimate session: Jenny & Andrew
Other option: have a separate photo shoot just before the sunset during summer time - sneak out of reception while guests eating their dinner, relaxing, chatting.
One more option for night lovers - get creative photos when sun go down, at late evening with dark and moody atmosphere:
Night time photos: Ellise & Wasim
Reception: Megan & Chris wedding
6. Reception {coverage depending on amount of events planned, usually its around 3-4 hours, including speeches, dinner, cake cutting, first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son, guests dancing + any more cultural traditions}. You can move these events around to suit your needs and what you like to do, its your time to enjoy rest of the day.
First dance: Chauntelle & Jayden
Full day coverage {from getting ready till guests dancing usually around 9-10 hours {if there late evening events planned its comes to 11-12 hours which is rare}. Small weddings, elopements usually take around 3-5 hours.
Hope this orientation and tips with wedding timeline will help your planning. Let me know if you have any questions! As I said each situation is unique, just allow yourself time to breath and move from one part of the day to another without rush and enjoy every moment!
Sony & Ryan
Its your time, time of your life!
{Other thing to consider - having a wedding planner can make you life so much easier and save lots of hours planning, putting things together, looking for wedding vendors and communicating with everyone. Experienced wedding planners know exactly how make your day run smoothly and allow you fully enjoy your time}.
Wedding reception
We will help you with everything run smoothly!
x Warmly,
Olga & Matt
Guests dancing {Langham}
Time goes so fast, one more wedding season in New Zealand just fly away. Its a great time to reflect, look back and say Thank you to my awesome clients for amazing time and support! Its not even possible without you!
We shot over 20 weddings in Auckland, Kerikeri {Northland}, Russell {Bay of Islands}, Leigh, Kumeu, Tauranga, Lake Taupo, Gisborne, Wellington; we been all around New Zealand, on South Island as well {Queenstown, Wanaka}. Also there was many beautiful and emotional engagement sessions {pre-wedding photo shoot} which made our hearts sing.
Matt, my second photographer and husband been always next to me in the wedding team. We work as a clock - understanding each other without words, support each other and share creative ideas. Its made our journey easy, flawless and more exciting. Our two little ones stayed at home well looked after by nana. Thank you so much all these amazing people for help.
Also need to mentioned great wedding photographers community, many meetings with creative minds for tea/coffee, its so great to share common passion, share ideas and recharge with positive vibe. Not forgetting an amazing vendors {venues, make-up artists, hair stylists, wedding dresses designers {we having amazing partnership with talented designer Trish Peng}, flowers, suits, and all wedding suppliers, the list is endless!}.
Also need to mention two wedding workshops what I visited {yes, learning never stops and they are a great way to get some inspiration and learn a new tool box}: Two Mann {amazing husband and wife team from Canada, Erika and Lanny a true inspiration!} and Free the Bird {Jai from Australia is a creative mastermind}. So good to met them and other inspiring photographers!
As you see past season been productive, positive and full on! We are so excited to recharge {not so we have much free time at this winter months} and looking forward to our next season 2017 | 18 {fully booked, but there always a spot for epic wedding :)} and even 2018 | 19 {as bookings are already open and filling up fast}. Its can be hard to imagine we plan so far in advance but its world of weddings :)
Enjoy this video slide show with highlights and our favourite photographs. Let me know if you have any questions!
x Warmly, Olga {Levien & Lens Photography} - Auckland, New Zealand wedding photographers.
Contact me with any questions!
Wedding Album is one of the real things what can remind you of great moments on your wedding day. Its a treasured memories for years to come!
Thats why I feel its really important wedding photographers offering this option to our awesome wedding clients. I renewed my Welcome Guide with pricing and decided to offer my couples an option to upgrade their wedding packages with Album included. Its a Lifetime option.
To get feeling of the album and real wedding story unveiled have a look at following videos which I specially recorded for you! - 12 x 12 " Wedding Album from Kara & David's wedding on Waihi Beach {Waikato, New Zealand} and Photo Book from Madeline & Barry's wedding in Leigh {another awesome thing - photo book can be a great present for your parents or for you to keep your memories in light and easy way}.
You can get a real feel and touch on upcoming Waikato Wedding Expo {25 June, Hamilton Gardens} or Wild Hearts Wedding Fairs {22 July, Auckland}. Come and say Hello and get a feel for it!
Contact me with any questions! {Auckland - New Zealand wedding photographers}
We had such amazing time in Highwic {Auckland, NZ} where Danae celebrated her 30th birthday with close friends and family. It was unusual event to shoot for me as a wedding photogpraher, as usually Im capturing beautiful weddings around North and South Island, but this event was a real treat and gem, it was such a pleasure to capture all these special for Danae and her family moments!
This venue have such a special warm and cosy atmosphere, some traditional and rustic feel. Guests been entertained by games outdoors and indoors, snacks and drinks under the tent; and special part of the day - irish dances. There was so much fun - all people really enjoyed to learn new steps and patterns, move in the rhythm and just feel the music.
Need to mentioned we also had a following session in Cornwall park where we had opportunity to capture some extra portraits with girls :) {I been stuck in traffic before then, I had no idea it was an Adel's concert on, so been terribly late for the shoot, I been so sorry but we still manage to get beautiful and treasured pictures with Danae's close family}.
GREAT CREATIVE TEAM:
Raj tent club - {4m pavillion tent to go outside the Billiard House}
La Lumiere - festoon lights{to hang in some of the trees}
Pop Roc Parties - miscellaneous party supplies from them
Highwic House - Venue
Little Bird Unbakery and Raw Kitchen - cakes/slices
and Auckland wedding photographer - Levien & Lens photography
Enjoy this video and gallery!
Excited to share with you some news: one of my images just won Wedding Photographers Society Award May'17 {Best wedding photographers worldwide}. So honoured to be in the row with such a talented international & destination wedding photographers from all around the world and represent New Zealand wedding photography {Im serving mostly Auckland, Waikato, Northland and Bay of Plenty areas, but travelling everywhere in NZ and around the globe}.
Enjoy these amazing images on Wedding photographers society website and have a look at our image from Kara & David wedding on Waihi Beach. It was such a beautiful and emotional, warm and cosy atmosphere. Couple been ready to do adventures things, climb up the rocks and its totally paid off in great memories and stunning photographs {which as you see get acknowledgement around the world}. I appreciate every minute with this couple and wish them all the best, happy future together in Canada.
Kara & David, Waihi Beach
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Excited to share with you amazing news - just found out Art of storytelling featured image from Kara & David's wedding in their weekly contest in theme {The Point of View}. Its definitely was unusual point of view directed by vision and inspiration. Love to create something different but connected to the couple's story, which was obviously a beach theme as Kara & David travelled all way from Canada to New Zealand to have amazing beach wedding on Waihi Beach {Flat White cafe}.
Enjoy this feature publication and let me know if you have any questions!
Hi everyone! Wedding season in new Zealand is coming to the end and i been crazy busy to catch up on editing and other things but manage to get a few images with my personal lifestyle everyday moments with kids and family for my "mostly 365 Project" :)
Enjoy this gallery with my everyday moments in May 2017 around Hamilton, Auckland {ClickinWalk at Muriwai Beach and surroundings:
Contact me with any questions!
Jenny & Andrew
I'm so excited to share with you highlights of my last wedding of this summer season in New Zealand - Jenny & Andrew get married in Castaways resort {Auckland, NZ} surrounded by their close friends and families. It was amazing outdoor wedding {as its get close to winter season we had such a cold wind on the top of the hills and freezing weather, but its not stand of the way of this beautiful couple celebrating their special day with their guests}. Couple contacted me looking for their wedding photogpraher just few months ago, I just love these sort of short notice weddings! I been happy to provide them a custom wedding photography coverage.
It was great to meet all their friends and families {some come from all around the world, including China}.
Couple's romantic story: "On May 4th 2017 we will have been together for 3 years.. We met at a party through a mutual friend who has a habit of setting people up without them knowing! Andrew took me out for an ice cream at the Auckland Domain where, as Andrew's good fortune would have it, we happened upon a jazz band that was playing. We then went out on a hike in the Waitakere and watched the sunset."
How was made a proposal: "Andrew took me on a surprise long weekend holiday to Paihia and Russell - it was a warm November Guy Fawkes evening and he proposed under the stars on the balcony where we could see the fireworks across the harbour in Russell. He admitted later he was supposed to propose when we hiked up the Pinnacles in the Coromandel a few weeks earlier - but his plans got rained on - literally!" Such a romantic story!
Great was to have an amazing day in Castaways! Enjoy this video highlights and gallery with my favourite photographs!
Great creative team:
Cake - Isabelle Edmonds
Band - Twistin’ The Swing
Make-up - blush baby (Nicola May)
Rings - Andrew's is made from Dinosaur bone, meteorite and titanium
Bouquets and boutineers - made by JJ Luo
Dress - tailored by Christine Taylor
Celebrant - Cameron Stuart
Suits - Hallenstein Brothers
Castaways Resort staff were amazing - especially Kim and Kyle {notes from the bride :)}
and Levien & Lens Photography - New Zealand and destination wedding photographer
Let me know if you have any questions!
Congratulations to Maya & Andy celebrating their one year anniversary! So excited for you guys :)
Your wedding in St Margarets Cafe {Karaka, Auckland} was just amazing: full of positive emotions, love, warm and cosy atmosphere. Such a perfect way for us, Auckland wedding photographers to finish off one of the best wedding seasons. We met so many great, warmly welcoming people - your close friends and families. It was such a pleasure to capture all beautiful and emotional moments.
Enjoy some highlights from Maya & Andy's special wedding day in St Margarets Cafe {Karaka}.
Contact me with any questions!
Thank you so much to everyone for coming to hitch'd Wedding Fair in Corbans Estate Art Centre {Auckland, New Zealand}. We had an amazing time and hope you did too. It was a pleasure to meet lovely brides & grooms looking for their wedding photographers, talk through your wedding details and thank you so much for kind words about my work, Im appreciate it!
I am delighted to announce the lucky winners of our Spectacular Giveaway:
Joneet Lal, Rochelle Davy, Megan Jamieson, Tayla Davies and Danielle Cuthers.
Congratulations to our winners!
Please claim your prize via email: info@levienphotography.com or contact through the website.
It was great to see all amazing vendors and find a new friends as well. Look forward to future meetings and collaborations!
I've been so busy talking with brides & grooms with their close friends and families so totally forgot to take camera in my hands and capture some moments around. Only had a few images from the stand set up {better something then nothing :)}
Great time at Conbans Estate Art Centre!
Look forward to next year Hitch'd wedding fair!