HEY IT'S ME. DAVID.
Thank you for being here. The comments I hear all the time from my couples are: 'We aren't camera people' or 'I don't like getting my photo taken' or 'We are very awkward in front of the camera'. It's perfectly normal to feel that way. I do believe that pictures have the power to alter us in a positive and nurturing way. Let me show you how totally fun and magical that process really is. I'm here to help you feel totally at home in front of the camera.
Let's get really real, okay? Rarely in your life will you have a photographer-type person follow you around for a day, so I figure, it's gotta be totally relaxed and fun, and I hope that you walk away feeling a lot more confident and better about the whole process.
My approach is simple - no awkward poses that don't feel like you, and no big long portrait sessions that keep you away from all the fun stuff. I want to just photograph your day as it is and capture that natural energy. Not only will you have some incredible photos of you and your people, but I hope that you feel present enough in your day so that you can have some amazing memories as well.
Let’s Have Fun
Let’s Have Fun
Let’s Have Fun
Let’s Have Fun
Let’s Have Fun
Let’s Have Fun
Let’s Have Fun
Photographs are
Beautiful reminders of places we’ve been and people
we have loved
I gotta feel it to believe it! It's totally what I fall in love with in making images - that emotional quality. I believe that a truly great image is real expression of who you are - and, truly who you want to be. I have been taking pictures now for over 20 years in various forms. I started taking pictures of people because of that emotional connection. And it is that 'connection', that authentic energy that I work hard to capture. When you are taking pictures with me, I want you to get swept up in that feeling - a feeling that you can be yourself. Hopefully you will walk away feeling transformed and so much more confident in who you are.
A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT ME
I AM A TEACHER
I love to nurture and encourage anyone getting the most out of learning how to be in front of the camera. Part of that means teaching others how to be their best 'self' within that experience. I am here to teach you about posing, expression, light, and the transformative experience of photography. There may just be a moment when say: 'Aha! This is awesome'.
01
I AM A PICTURE TAKER
I have been doing this gig for twenty years. I only stopped briefly to complete a PhD in cognitive psychology at Victoria University in Wellington. Otherwise, I've lived in both New York City and Toronto, Canada following my dreams of being a full time photographer. I got my experience firstly in fashion and commercial work overseas. But I returned to NZ for a more peaceful lifestyle, turning my gaze to capturing the personal moments in others' lives.
02
I AM WRITER
I got the writing bug. After I completed my PhD I haven't put the pen (or keyboard) away really since. Following a tenure as an arts and culture columnist for Stuff.co.nz, I continue to contribute to blogs, marketing campaigns and also write copy for media and press. Words go so well with pictures, so why not?
03
FALL IN LOVE AGAIN
I have this beat up cardboard sign sitting right next to my computer in my office. It's my compass, my map, my emotional bearings when I am compiling and editing your wedding photos. Why?
I heard it from a bride a few years back, telling me: "Whenever times are challenging or hard, I sometimes look back on our wedding photos and I feel like I could fall in love again."
It was a lightbulb moment and reminded me of how powerful images can be. So this little sign has followed me around ever since. And it reminds me how lucky I am to have a job like this - one that is a positive force in people's lives.
KIND WORDS
"David was one of the highlights of our wedding day. His infectious positive attitude and engaging work kept our guests laughing and kept us happy through our photo shoot sessions; even when we were starting to get hangry! David searched around our venue searching for the prettiest spots for photos, and he found so many! David constantly checked in with us to make sure we were getting photos we wanted. We were most impressed with how he went to great lengths to ensure we had a chance to complete an engagement shoot together first so we could feel completely comfortable around him on our wedding day—it worked!"
- Sarah
ALL THE LOVE
ALL THE LOVE
ALL THE LOVE
ALL THE LOVE
ALL THE LOVE
ALL THE LOVE
ALL THE LOVE
ALL THE LOVE
"David felt like another wedding guest who happened to be taking lots of stunning photos. I would recommend David to anyone for any event 1,000,000 times over."
"As an ‘out of towner’, organising a wedding photographer could have been daunting but after looking at previous work of David’s the decision was easy. Right from the get go David was patient and helpful. On the day, he went above and beyond his call as a photographer. We had so many guests commenting on how much of a great character he is and after seeing the photos for ourselves we can see that this great character made for relaxed and natural shots which is exactly what we were after. His style and personality was a huge bonus! We can’t fault David at all and would highly recommend him to anyone out there in need of a photographer."
Sarah - Bride
"As a Wellington-based wedding celebrant, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with David multiple times for weddings in Wellington and Marlborough. He pushes himself creatively, focuses on preserving amazing memories, and is an all-round fantastic human. He's always willing to chat about plans and be flexible, as well as use his broad expertise to suggest options to suit all. I have no hesitation in recommending David."
Sophie - Bride
"David was a superstar.. A lovely friend recommended him and I was so grateful to her for doing so! David was so wonderful on the day and made us feel at ease and comfortable to have our photos taken (cos who likes their photo being taken, let’s be honest!) We has such an amazing day and the photos keep that memory alive for us as they were just stunning. Thank you so much for being you, doing an incredible job and providing an amazing service! We both highly recommend David."
Testimonials
Rachel - Bride