New 2021 workshops dates announced! {Education for photographers | Auckland - New Zealand}

I’m happy to say New 2021 Workshop dates are announced! Education for photographers is going ahead live {in Auckland, New Zealand and hopefully soon in Australia, when borders will be open} and online {don’t forget to secure your spot for 4-weeks workshop at Click Photo School and push your photography to another level!

2021 Workshop Dates Announced!

15 February - 4-weeks Online Workshop at Click Photo School.

11 April - 1-day shooting and editing workshop in Auckland;

TBC {3 run per year} - 4-weeks Online Class at Click Photo School;

TBC {September} - 1-day shooting and editing workshop in Auckland.

Personal face-to-face Mentoring Sessions/Q & A/Portfolio and Online Website Reviews are available on request!

Contact Us with any questions!

1-day Live workshop will include creative shoot on location, posing and editing tips, Q & A session! Spaces are limited to ensure best possible experience!

Let the adventure begin! I can not wait for it!

x Olga Levien

Photo by Olga Levien

Behind the scene - Muriwai Beach location shoot {photo by Chloe Lodge}

Shutterstock: Photographers share lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic {Auckland family-wedding photographer}

Im so excited to share with you a recent publication in Shutterstock where Photographers from all over the world share lessons learned from the Coronavirus Pandemic, such a tough time fore any small business owner. Its such a honour for me, Auckland family-wedding photographer to be featured in this publication.

Enjoy the wisdom advice from many photographers and their directions!

Here some of my words published:

“Coronavirus pandemic affected the wedding photography industry in a big way, as so many weddings have been rescheduled/postponed and some are cancelled. The amount of income dropped significantly. But, I learned to enjoy the downtime during lockdowns. I spent more time with my family and, work-wise, I decided to shift my focus on online photography education and also started offering more branding and lifestyle shoots. Wedding inquiries recently started to pick up again, but I truly enjoy the variety of different genres that allow me to switch perspective and atmosphere, and to refresh.

One of my most valuable lessons I learned through the coronavirus pandemic is that there’s no need to lock yourself in a box. Be open to different opportunities that come your way and stay positive. That is, keep working hard to get where you want to be or take a break and refresh your vision. Also, you need to have a safety pillow. Secure yourself. Have some savings and financial security, and also, special conditions in your contract to protect yourself from any unforeseeable situation—such as a global pandemic. Stay calm and carry on!”

together with one of my photos:

Tales of the Moment {Online class and Instagram Hub}

Hello Beautiful People!
It happened totally unexpected, but our “Tales of the Moment” {our online class and Instagram hub as well} just featured 2202 images and reached over 20k followers in less then 2 years! Who could’ve think it’s possible when we been starting this adventure with creating this hub to support our online learning, featuring talented artists and creating a community!
We have such an amazing community of artists-storytellers and great team of moderators: Tania Fragoso , Tatiana Dely, Megan Bochette, Manuela Franjou, Hollie Jeakins, Alana Green and curator Olga Levien. Congratulations to our community!
Thank you so much for your constant support and love! We have over 250k beautiful, emotional and real moments under the main tag #talesofthemoment !
This week theme is #totm_backlight 
Our Ebook/Online class “Tales of the Moment” transformed and grow into the online workshop “Love, Light & Laughter” with more deep learning and personal experience with individual assignments video feedback and live chats. I’m so excited to teach again soon {next run of the 4-weeks workshop 8 June at Click Photo School, registration open NOW! Spaces are limited, only 24 are left at this moment}.

Tales of the Moment ebook is still available in Click & CO store for a short amount of time!

Monthly favourites on Instagram:

Tales of the Moment: featured artists @ksenia_belanger @megsausted @olessmi @momma.sea @m.art_fotos @julieaudouxphotographie

Learn More - Visit:

Announcement - L & L {Auckland wedding-family photographer}

Hello beautiful people!
As you may know New Zealand government announced Alert level 4 {Covid-19} which means we move to self-isolation and no gathering are allowed {indoors or outdoors}.
What it means for my photography clients? All scheduled sessions will be postponed {you have right to choose a new suitable date based on availability}.
I will be working with my wedding clients to find the best possible date that suits our calendars {you will receive a credit towards the new date, scheduling preferably one year from the original wedding date, but can be stretched further based on your needs and government advice on Covid-19 situation}. New contract may be required to secure your new date {all money already paid will be applied to the new date}.
I already announced a week ago my live workshops in Auckland and Sydney are postponed till next year.
Luckily, my online workshop Love, Light & Laughter still go ahead - begin 23 March at Click Photo School www.clickphotoschool.com/love-light-laughter
Only one day to go! Last Call, get in quickly! :)
My heart feels for everyone who have a big loss in this situation {all my friends, couples, small and big businesses etc}, but we need to come together and support each other!
Stay safe and healthy! #stayhome

P.S.: schools are closed from tomorrow, so my young kids are at home - homeschooling and Im sure getting crazy stuck inside. I will try to do my best to deliver all recent wedding galleries in a timeframe stated in the contract {8-10 weeks from the wedding}, but can’t guarantee it yet. Also expect some delays with editing services , as well as albums design. Thank you so much for understanding!

2020 Photography Education Schedule Announcement - New Zealand | Australia | UK | Online {Auckland wedding-family photographer}

Hello Beautiful People!

Happy New Year! This year was so amazing for me with 3 live workshop and one online one and many more exciting plans awaiting ahead. As you asking about 2020 plans, Im happy to do a Photography Education Schedule Announcement:

New Workshop Dates 2020 Announced!

7 February - one-day mini-workshop in Melbourne, Aus;

20-22 March - class at Phlock Conference in Manchester, UK;

23 March - 4-weeks online Class at Click Photo School;

26-27 April - Auckland, New Zealand;

8-9 June - Sydney, Aus;

November - TBC, New Zealand;

- 4-weeks online Class at Click Photo School.

More Details and Sign Up at workshop page, or Contact Us with any questions!

It’s going to be an amazing experience! I can not wait to share my knowledge, my heart and my soul with all incredible artists and support your development.

Please share this info with your friends-photographers who may be interested.

Let the adventure begin!

Hope this year brings more openings, discoveries, harmony and balance with new directions!

P.S.: I still will be taking limited number of weddings and sessions as I love my beautiful couples and families and I would love to document so special for them moments in a beautiful, emotional and real way!

Warmly,

Olga

Auckland Workshop

Top Nine - Best of 2019 {Auckland wedding - engagement - maternity - newborn-family photography}

This year was just amazing and Im so excited to share with you Best of 2019 - beautiful, emotional and real moments from wedding - engagement - maternity - newborn and family photography.

It was amazing and crazy busy year: with shooting 24 weddings and 17 photo shoots, including one styled shoot, traveling to Bali, Germany, Austria {Europe}, Melbourne, Australia and South Island of New Zealand {Christchurch, Auckland, Gore}; running 3 live photography workshops {two in Auckland and one in Melbourne}, and 4-weeks online workshop Love, Light & Laughter at Click Photo School. Such a beautiful time! I just loved to share my knowledge, my love and my soul!

I progressed in my ice skating, participating in Adult World Championship in Oberstdorf, and won some gold and silver medals on New Zealand Nationals, as well as participated with my synchro team in Australian Nationals, where we got very close to 3rd place with just 0.1 points of difference in scores!

Lot of hard work for the next year and exciting plans ahead! Practice and progress in everything I do!

I can not wait to see what next year brings!

My focus for the next year is harmony, balance, capture only limited number of weddings and sessions, concentrating on personal and educational projects/photography workshops, family and myself, keep doing ice skating and participating in international competitions. I hope to improve my level in everything I do. Having a good sport hobby allowing not only keep healthy body and mind, but also come back refresh to my photography and business. So important to find time for yourself!

Enjoy this look back in some favourites from the last season - best of 2019, including my Top 9 on instagram - on my Personal and Business accounts!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

{CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS}

Love, Light & Laughter workshop in Melbourne - Australia {Auckland wedding photographers}

This experience at Love, Light & Laughter in Melbourne - Australia was just unforgettable. Its not been traveling from Auckland, New Zealand, meeting all the amazing photographers and share all the knowledge, information, skills, but also sharing my heart and my soul.

They took something from me and I learnt from them as well. So much memories in these two days full of learning, inspiration and new friendships.

I truly appreciate this experience and look forward to the next run of Love, Light & Laughter. Keep an eye on online workshop at Click Photo School {maybe in March 2020}.

Enjoy highlights of our creative exercises, shooting a small family session with Steph and her adorable kids and impromptu session with Jess & Tam {Jess been a workshop participant and step up to be a model, when our planned couple not turned up}. Everything happening for a reason.

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Before and After | Editing Workflow and Post-processing {Auckland engagement | wedding photographer

I never shared here my Before & After, what I do in my editing workflow and post-processing. There a lot of magic and work to enhance the world around, bring some colours, pop the subject, make background looks beautiful and my couples look their best, and add some contrast, as our cameras just can’t often translate how we see the world and how we feel it! Of course it all starting on location with getting it right in the camera, creating connections, compose boldly and choosing the right angle and perspective to translate emotions. But it also a lot of time afterwards working on details and bringing your vision to reality!

As an Auckland engagement and wedding photographer I traveled all around and visited many beautiful places at photo shoots, but my heart belongs to stunning West Coast Beaches {Piha, Muriwai, Karekare, Bethells etc}.

As an Artist Im bringing my vision in the final process creating beautiful, emotional and real photographs that connects to couple love and storytelling.

Enjoy my Before & After to see what I changed in post-processing Jess & Jason pre-wedding session. Watch me shooting and editing this photo shoot in my online workshop “Love, Light & Laughter” at Click Photo School {registration open now, spaces fill out quickly, get in first}.

Before {SOOC - straight out of camera image}

AFTER - EDIT

BEFORE

AFTER {EDIT}

BEFORE {SOOC}

AFTER {EDIT}

BEFORE {SOOC}

AFTER {EDIT}

Let me know if you have any questions!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Love, Light & Laughter | online workshop for photographers - Registration Open {Auckland wedding-family photographer}

***The Secret Revealed!!!***

The project that I been working on for almost a year, putting all my knowledge, my heart and my soul, "Love, Light & Laughter", is LIVE now!

Registration for Online Workshop for photographers is officially opened at Click Photo School!

* Reserve your spot early to ensure availability! Spaces are limited for best possible experience!
It will be amazing ride full of learning, inspiration, soul searching and discoveries, new friendships and individual feedback on assignments and portfolio! Let the adventure begin!

Learn more below:

FIND YOUR LIGHT AND SHARE THE LOVE!

Learn to create emotive imagery that speaks from your heart by working with visualization and intuition, using landscape marks, and finding ways to connect to your subject. Olga will provide tools for personal and professional growth by teaching you new techniques, workflows and tips, as well as encouraging and supporting your development as an artist and storyteller.

“This workshop is about YOU, your passion and struggles, your journey and discoveries. I'm simply here to help you find your strengths, to enable you to discover and translate your unique voice, to improve your photography and storytelling. I’ll help you grow and progress, as you discover your Voice, learn a solid understanding of the elements of the frame, bringing light, composition, elements of design, moments and storytelling together, while keeping your photography and home life in harmony, enabling to connect to your audience, and continue progressing.”

The course aims to discover the student's personal strengths. It will provide tools for personal and professional growth by learning new techniques, as well as encouragement and support for the student’s development as an artist and storyteller. This course is not genre specific and all photographic interests are welcome.

This course is beneficial for both new and experienced photographers.

You will learn:
-           how to develop and refine your personal photography voice and style

-          how to effectively communicate and direct your subjects to reveal the heart of your  photoshoot

-           how to create emotive imagery and showcase connection

-          how to use psychology in photography

-          how to use location and landscape marks in your photography

-           how to incorporate different elements of design for stronger composition

-          how to see and make the most of light

-           how to see and shoot through the moment

-           how to finish in post-processing in line with your style

-          how to put your work “out there” and connect to your audience

-           how to find the direction of your photographic journey

-           how to create a “photography map”, to keep progressing, continuing to stay true to yourself as you develop your skills and talent

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Olga Levien is a New Zealand artist, mum, mentor, and a successful award-winning wedding and family photographer. You’ll often meet Olga on the wild Auckland beaches capturing connection between couples, or at the ice rink mastering her spins and jumps in adult figure skating competitions.

She’s also an everyday storyteller seeking adventures and loves to capture family activities with her three active little ones. “I love to capture the beauty in the details and harmony in moments”. Olga connects her passion for photography and teaching in her educational projects. She earned her PhD in pedagogical science and has worked as a teacher and a university lecturer. Originally from Saint-Petersburg in Russia, Olga met her Kiwi husband overseas, in Europe, and moved countries for LOVE.

Her class aims to help students discover their authentic voice and their strengths as a photographer and artist. Learn from Olga’s world of creating powerful connections and emotions in her photographs, learn to shoot on location in any type of light and environment, be inspired, gain practical knowledge and skills and ... many more surprises!

Join Olga on this exciting and inspiring adventure packed with tips and fresh techniques!

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Best of the Best Destination Contest winner by Junebug Weddings; Best Couple Photographer by LooksLikeFilm; RangefinderFamily Contest Winner, 5th placeShoot & Sharecontest {couple category}; TOP 12 Wedding Photographer Society;100 Photographers to Watchin 2018 by Click & Company; The Voicecollection finalist 2018 {Womanhood category}; NZIPP Iris Awards{8 awards}, Top 10 New Zealand wedding photographers by Junebug Weddings; 20 Top Wedding Photographers by Hongkiat, Top 60 Elopement Blogs; Best of 2018 by Dear Photographer; Lemonade & LensesInternational Contest Winner, Editor's Choice 2016-2018 etc.

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Phlock photography conference - Manchester UK {Auckland wedding photographer}

Im so excited to be invited to a Phlock photography conference in Manchester UK, on 20-22 March 2020. Its a largest photography conference for women!

I will be sharing as an Auckland wedding photographer the ways to connect to couple and create a strong message and connection to the viewer, translating your photography voice in the photograph.

I just had the two most incredible days on my live workshop in Auckland with 10 amazing creatives {L & L: learn - love - light - laughter}. I just don’t wanted it to end, so hard to say goodbye as we had the most unforgettable experience. Watch this space for photos and details! We have another run in October this year in Auckland and in December, February in Melbourne {the spaces are very limited, please inquire early to ensure availability!}.
Hope to see you there, share the love, inspire and learn as well!

Im happy to be back in Europe to teaching and inspiration at Phlock!

Contact me with any questions!

How to book your first wedding - Click Magazine {Education for photographers | Auckland weddings photographer}

Im so excited to share with you my new article "9 Smart Ways to Book your First Wedding as a photographer" published in Click Magazine. It such a great feeling to make an input in education for photographers and share everything I know, my heart and soul with not only Auckland weddings photographers, but all over the world.

Enjoy these photography tips and inspiration and let me know if you have any questions!

I also have such amazing news - my big educational project that I've been working on almost one year!!! goes live - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" at Click Photo School. Check it out if you want to improve your photography, find your sweet spot! I poured all my knowledge, my heart and my soul in it!

Quick key moments {find more tips in the Click Magazine Blog}:

1. Build a wedding photography portfolio.

2. Network with other photographers to find opportunities.

3. Give away an engagement session to get your name out there.

4. Do a styled shoot to build your portfolio and your network.

5. Use social media to strategically reach clients.

6. Blog often to help clients find you through SEO.

7. Be willing to pay for advertising to reach your target market.

8. Gain exposure by submitting images for publication.

9. "My best advice to help you book your first wedding is not to put all your effort into any one channel. Use all types of promotions and keep them going. Consistency is key. As soon as you take a break from your social media, blogging and promotional efforts, you will see a drop in your bookings. Keep working until you book your first wedding and beyond! Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy all those beautiful wedding days."

Hope it helps!

{CONTACT ME}

Everyday Moments - Family Time {Auckland lifestyle kids - newborn photographer}

You might know very well my wedding and couples | engagement work, but do you know that I also love to shoot different personal projects and document my everyday moments - family time with my little kids and also had sessions as a newborn - baby - maternity photographer {I totally  have only limited spaces available for these lifestyle sessions, as most of my time dedicated to my wedding clients and family ;) }

I decided to put together a gallery with my everyday moments during last few months, including our Zoo trip, holidays up North and daily routine.

Enjoy this highlights with my little ones!

It was amazing year and I also have such amazing news - my big educational project that I've been working on almost one year!!! goes live - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" at Click Photo School. Check it out if you want to improve your photography, find your sweet spot! I poured all my knowledge, my heart and my soul in it!

{CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS}

Tawharanui Winter Wedding - Koru House: Christie and Jason {Auckland elopement-engagement photographer}

Im so excited to share with you this Tawharanui Winter Wedding in Koru House {near Matakana} - where Christie & Jason get married surrounded their close friends and family with two little ones, such a beautiful day with cosy atmosphere! The weather was just perfect!

It was a pleasure for me, Auckland photographer, to drive out to country side to shoot this amazing wedding at a short notice {love spontaneous adventurous couples} between winter elopement and engagement photography.

Im so excited to share with you how I shot this wedding, my husband Matt filmed me shooting, and Im so excited to share all me tips and advice to wedding photographers worldwide. Watch me capturing these beautiful, emotional and real moments in my Online Course "Tales of the Moment", get in quick, this photography workshop on a high demand and even been extended till 21 August, then materials go in the Click Store and you can learn it at your own time!

Enjoy this video slideshow and photo highlights in a gallery. {I also excited, one of these photos been featured in LooksLikeFilm, amazing community with top international photographers! Such a honour and an award!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Best of 2017 | 2018 {Auckland wedding photographers}

Its time to reflect and look back at our amazing season when winter is a half way through and say Thank you to our awesome couples for constant love and support, we treasure every moment with you and so glad you choose us to capture so special for you moments.

Enjoy this Best of 2017 | 2018 {from yours L & L - Auckland wedding photographers}. We cant even count amount of epic weddings and engagement photo shoots, publications in prestigious magazines and awards. We been included in many top lists of best wedding photographers worldwide, such a big honour and such a pleasure to make all dreams come true. Thank you our awesome couples for this experience, it is impossible without you!

Can't wait and see what 2018 | 2019 season will bring {we booked up for most popular dates, but there still some chance your date is still available, don't hesitate to contact us}.

It was amazing year and we also have such amazing news - our big educational project that we worked on during one year!!! goes live - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" BY OLGA LEVIEN with Click Photo School. Check it out if you want to improve your photography, find your sweet spot!

This photo gallery even can't fit all our fantastic engagement and wedding photo shoots!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

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20 Top Wedding Photographers by Hongkiat: TOP 12 Wedding Photographer Society 2017; 100 Photographers to Watch in 2018 by Click & Company; Rangefinder Contest Winner, TOP 100 photographers Shoot & Share contest wedding couple category; NZIPP Iris Awards {9 awards}, Top 60 Elopement Blogs; Lemonade & Lenses International Contest Winner, Editor's Choice 2016-2018

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Engagement session on Muriwai Beach - Riverhead forest {Auckland pre-wedding photographer}

This engagement session on Muriwai Beach - Riverhead forest {Auckland} with Aishani & Janak was truly breathtaking. Couple wanted to do a pre-wedding session in New Zealand before they come back to UK after few years live in Auckland. It was a last minute call and Im so happy to be their couples photographer.

We spent amazing time walking around the forest and exploring the wild West Coast New Zealand beach with cave, rocks and stunning landscapes. Couple been so brave and adventurous and even walk in the cold water {its a winter here in NZ!}. I always love when couple brings traditions in their wedding | session so it was a great surprise to see their traditional Indian outfits - sari.

Couple shared their love story: "We met at university 10 years ago, were best friends for 3 years until Janak anonymously sent me flowers on Valentines Day. We pretty much immediately went travelling to India, Nepal & Malaysia as a brand new couple for 3 months. It was intense being with each other 24/7 right at the beginning of our relationship, but it showed us that we were a great couple... and here we are 7 years later!" 

The proposal was so amazing: "He flew me on a seaplane to the winery I really wanted to go to on Waiheke (Man O War). We had a wine tasting, then while we went for a walk on the beach and he got down on one knee! The proposal was a complete surprise as I thought the seaplane experience was a belated birthday gift."

Enjoy this video slideshow and photo gallery:

{by the way if you are interested in improving your photography, wait no longer! My online photography course is available for registration at Click Photo School, grab your seat and enjoy loads of materials: 100+ pages exclusive ebook, bonus materials, 6 shooting and 5 editing videos in Lightroom and Photoshop, culling in PhotoMechanic and introduction videos! Watch me shoot and edit this session! I'm so excited and would love to have you join!}

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Newborn photo shoot in Auckland {New Zealand family-baby-wedding photographer}

I'm so excited to share with you my recent newborn photo shoot in Auckland. I always thrilled to be invited to capture such a special for every family moments as welcoming this baby in the world. Im mostly known as a wedding photographer in New Zealand, but I as a mum of three little ones I always enjoying to document family moments.

Need to mentioned this gorgeous family are my constant clients, and we already became a good friends. I captured moments with their first born baby boy, then one year birthday party and now their second gorgeous baby. Such a honour to be a family historian! Its was a pleasure to see grandparents again {coming over from Russia to support this young family}.

Enjoy these beautiful moments in video slideshow and photo gallery:

{by the way if you are interested in improving your photography, wait no longer! My online photography course is available for registration at Click Photo School, grab your seat and enjoy loads of materials: 100+ pages exclusive ebook, bonus materials, 6 shooting and 5 editing videos in Lightroom and Photoshop, culling in PhotoMechanic and introduction videos! Watch me shoot and edit this session! I'm so excited and would love to have you join!}

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Pre wedding session in New Zealand {Auckland engagement photographer} Photography Workshop

Alice & Sam come over to their pre wedding session in New Zealand , Auckland such amazing place for engagement photo shoot and Im so pleased to be chosen to be their photographer and document so special for couple moments!

Need to mentioned I know Alice from Clickin Moms photography forum, such a supportive community of amazing and talented women-photographers. I been so thrilled when she contacted me with their plans to come over to New Zealand from USA.

This moment was so amazing, we had such a blast on Karekare Falls and Piha Beach, such amazing and stunning locations. The love and connections that you can clearly see between Alice and Sam so insane. We had some exploring moments and fun as well. Its so great to introduce to someone so wild and beautiful nature and see their excitement and instant love to this country. Bring back memories!

Enjoy these highlights in video slideshow and photo gallery!

{by the way, if you a photographer and seeking the ways to bring more connection and soul to your photographs, check out my photography workshop with Click Photo School. You can see how I shoot this session, all my tips and tricks - hips of shooting videos, culling and editing videos, and 100+ pages exclusive Ebook plus hips of BONUSES!}

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

The Secret Revealed: Tales of the Moment - Education for Photographers {Online course | Photography Workshop}

I'm so excited to announce: The Secret Revealed!

"Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect"

Registration is officially OPEN for a project I been working for a year now - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" with Click Photo School. It's a perfect education for modern photographers working in any genres. This online course include 100+ PDF, two bonus PDFs, 6 shooting videos, 5 editing videos, custom Lightroom presets + my heart and soul!

Learn more at photography workshop registration page.

I would love to have you join! All materials are downloadable and yours to keep. If you snag it in now, before it goes in the store it's not only $10 OFF, but you also get the opportunity to ask me any questions during almost two weeks!

What's Included:

- 100+ pages exclusive Ebook;

- 5 Editing Videos {Lightroom, Photoshop and PhotoMechnic} couples, maternity, newborn, self-portraits;

- 6 Shooting Videos {3 couples & 1 lifestyle newborn | family & personal everyday moments & REAL wedding shot}; 

- 2 BONUS Ebooks:

"In the Moment: a Guide to Couple's Storytelling"

"In the Moment: a Guide to Everyday Family Storytelling"

- 4 of my custom Lightroom Presets and more.

What will you learn?

// SEEING AND USING LIGHT {How Olga uses all types of light to create her images}

// COMPOSITION {How to incorporate different elements of design for stronger composition}

// VISUALIZATION {How to use visualization in your everyday photography to create compelling images}

// STORYTELLING {How to see and shoot through the moment, creating authentic & emotive images}

// CREATING EMOTIVE IMAGES {How to effectively communicate and direct your subjects to create images with heart}

// POST PROCESSING {How Olga finishes her images post-processing using vision and mood}

// PSYCHOLOGY {How to use psychology to create better images}

// FINDING YOUR SWEET SPOT {How to find direction in your photographic journey, refine your style, and stay true to yourself}

Get your copy and learn more at Click Photo School: https://www.clickinmoms.com/cmu/tales-of-the-moment/

Join me on this adventure!

Magmod - a life changer | Photography products {Auckland wedding photographer}

I happy to share with you a recent publication in Click Magazine, where 21 pros {including me, Auckland wedding photographer} sharing their favourite photography products that became a game changer for them.

For me the answer was simple - Magmod Kit and Sphere. Its such amazing tools that allows you to master the artificial light  and control it {on or off camera flash}, get soft and beautiful light. There is no more fair of reception or dark spots {outside and inside indoors}. 
Have a look at this publication and enjoy all these amazing photography products, maybe you can find something new for yourself!

Contact me with any questions!

Tips on wedding planning for our awesome couples {Auckland - New Zealand weddings photographers}

It's time to reflect last season and create some tips on wedding planning for our awesome couples {as we shot so many Auckland, New Zealand weddings and as photographers can see what can help you to make your wedding day go flawless!}. Let the adventure begin:

Before the wedding day:

1. Delegate tasks. {ask your parents, bridesmaids, and even groom!!! to help you with different tasks, it can make your wedding planning less stressful. You know they would love it! You can find their secret talents and passions {organise flowers, dance teacher, invitations etc.}
2. Be well prepared for the wedding day and be ready to go with the flow {expect the unexpected!}. Get water, snacks - you will be starving after the ceremony!!! Prepare gifts for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and letters for each other {its a nice touch and allow us to capture more emotional moments}
3. Think about your timeline - allow yourself to have time to breathe and not rush into every event of the day. Consider to do a first look with Dad {it is such a particular moment when dad sees you for the first time in the wedding dress}.
4. Let's go for an adventure on your pre-wedding | engagement photo shoot {we recommmend to schedule it at least 2-3 months before your wedding, earlier is better!}. You can choose a different to your wedding venue location {beach, waterfall, city landscape, lake, river, farm, lifestyle at home or cafe | library etc.}
5. Plan a photography coverage: start getting ready at least 1-1.5 hour before leaving for the ceremony and finish time 0.5-1 hour after your first dance. First, things can run late and second, it helps to add to the story some moments before the ceremony - backstage and let you get used to the cameras and after the first dance - fun and party spirit with guests dancing - to tell a complete story of your wedding day. Note, we no need to have 2-3 hours for dancing photos as often same people are dancing and equal people are not dancing! :) You can extend your coverage if you feel you want to capture some special events {boys play golf or shooting at morning, girls do something special together, or there sparkles exit, many traditional dances at the reception, etc.
6. Send us a complete questionnaire one month before your wedding. Create a family groups list. We recommend to limit it by up to 10 groupings as each group take 3 minutes and big groups up to 10 minutes each. Make sure you have a shepherd - the person who quick will gather the family together.
7. Check the weather day before the wedding and get clear umbrellas for bride and groom or full wedding party {just in case}, you can get them in 1-2-3 dollars shops.
8. Get plenty of sleep and rest before the wedding day to look your best!

Wedding Day

1. It's time to relax and go with the flow. No matter how the weather looks like, or if something goes wrong {celebrant lost in the middle of nowhere, the band is few hours late, or caterers taking their time. You will be fine! Just enjoy this time of your life!
2. It's not a photo shoot; it's your wedding day! We need you to feel relaxed and allow yourself to go with the flow. Its the happiest day of your life {you will have sparkles in your eyes, and we will capture it}.
3. Try to spend time with important for you people. Firstly, they appreciate it, second, we can get special for your family and friends photos of natural, candid moments where you are talking with them.Take your time to take congratulations and hugs right after the ceremony. No need to jump into family formals photos right away. Enjoy this time! It will give us the opportunity to capture more natural and candid moments!
4. Don't forget to eat and drink. We found if you drink enough water on the wedding day you feel much better next morning!
5. Try to have some time away from the bridal party during our photo shoot. You no need any audience for such intimate photos of two of you along.
6. We can also sneak out of reception during the epic sunset {weather permitted}, you can plan around 20 min for it, while guests are eating or enjoying their conversations. There also a chance of nighttime creative photos with flash if wedding coverage allows.
7. We will come to you 10-15 min before our finish time to check if there any more photo requests, to not miss anything significant for you.
8. Relax, enjoy the party and dance away! We will make sure to document these moments!

After the wedding day

1. Sneak peek with your wedding highlights will be ready in 2-3 days after your wedding.
2. Enjoy your honeymoon, time of your life.
3. The link will be sent to beautiful online gallery 8-10 weeks after your wedding. You can share it with your friends and family {in New Zealand and overseas}.
4. The package will come your way a few weeks after online gallery went life: USB with artistic retouched high and low-resolution images and hand-picked 6x4" prints on fine art paper. I love this real touch!
5. We will start working on your custom album design. Choose your favourites in an online gallery or let us decide on the final look. Its so good to hold something real in your hands, treasured memories for years to come!
6. We appreciate all your kind words to your friends and family as well as testimonial | reviews on Social Media, our Website and Google. We so in love with our awesome couples!
7. Don't want to say good buy? We too! We are offering a limited number of maternity | birth| lifestyle newborn | family sessions during our off wedding season time. Let's catch up again for other unique moments!
8. Thank you for sharing such special moments with us!

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

Remember, we will be there for you!