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!
