Reid Family Portrait Session

When the Reid Family had a big reunion, they made the most of the occasion by having some family portraits taken. The weather was blustery and showery, but we found a sheltered field and had fun!

Megan wins Overall Champion Digital Image

I'm a member of the Auckland Photographic Society and we had our end of year competition and prize giving recently. All six of my entries got "honours" (the top ranking) and I was stoked to win three trophies including the Overall Champion Digital Image of 2008. Now I just need to find a shelf out of the kids' reach!

This is the winning image - definitely one of my favourites this year.

Dominik and Sue's engagement shoot

It's not often that a dog features in one of our blog entries... but Dom and Sue brought their gorgeous chocolate lab, Sparky, to their engagement shoot this evening.

We made the most of the beautiful evening light and the long grass to get some sun-kissed romantic shots at Cornwall Park.

Renay and Julian's wedding at Woodlands

Renay and Julian got married on Saturday in a day filled with joy and sunshine. I had the pleasure of Marijke Smith (http://www.photographybym.co.nz/) working with me as second photographer for the day.

Renay looked absolutely stunning, and the Atrium on Ulster hotel provided some great backdrops for the pre-wedding shots.

Renay had three very special bridesmaids: Carina, Valeria and Mayra, her host-sisters from the year she spent as an exchange student in Argentina.

The special bond between Renay and her lovely Mum Gaye was also obvious.

Julian and his groomsmen, Sean, John and Andrew, were dapper and relaxed.

The ceremony and reception took place at Woodlands, a stunning historic house with extensive gardens, near Hamilton.

To Renay and Julz, and the Thorp and Broadbent families, thank you so much for inviting us to capture your special day!

Later, we got this lovely note from Renay and Julian:

Thank you so very much for photographing our wedding. We had such a fabulous day and looking back at all the photos brings all those wonderful memories back.

Thank you for your amazing, gorgeous work. We love our photos and the canvas is outstanding!

Love, Julian and Renay Broadbent

Thanks Julian and Renay, it was absolutely our pleasure!

Mordaunt Family Portrait Session

We had a busy studio session on Saturday morning with Sharilyn, Matt and their four cutie preschoolers. New baby Naomi was the star of the show.

Her big brother and sisters were so sweet and had fun dancing and playing in our studio, and we took a few photos too.

Jan's portrait session at Cornwall Park

Summer is definitely here... we had stunning weather for our late afternoon session in Cornwall Park yesterday with Jan. It's hard to believe that glamorous Jan recently celebrated her 50th birthday!

Lisa's family shoot

Lisa and I recently were talking about how, as photographers, neither of us have really had family photos taken. So we've been planning to do each other's for a while. At the weekend we managed to find a time when neither of us were working so the studio was free too.

I had lots of fun with Lisa, John and the kids. Both kids showed off their dance moves and Zachary performed an impromptu haka. I think cheeky Zachary looks a lot like his daddy in these photos. If you're ever having a studio session bring along your favourite cds, it really helps to relax and have fun.

Lisa also played model for me so I could try out some new lighting styles. I think she did great for someone who is usually behind the camera.

Megan's boys

I've recently upgraded my camera and lenses and am totally loving my 85mm 1.8 prime lens. It lets me get gorgeous soft focus backgrounds like this one (the technical word is bokeh). I managed to persuade my four year old to stand still long enough to grab a couple of photos when I was trying it out.

His little brother never seems to stand still for long, but I guess that's to be expected when you're two. I'm pretty used to following the boys about and waiting for the right moment, preferably when they're not giving me the "cheese" grin. Lisa helped me to get this photo on the weekend, it was a one camera, two photographer shoot!

Gregory Family Portrait Session

We had a wonderful studio session with Suzette, Drew and Baby Ella yesterday. They really don't come any cuter than Ella... at times like this I think about what I do, playing the clown to make a stunning little human being laugh, and capturing her different expressions for her to one day show her children, her grandchildren... and I think 'I love my job!"

Pamper Yourself - Special Offer from Tamara Spa

We have a wonderful special on offer... book portrait or wedding photography and receive a $50 discount voucher from Tamara Spa.

Tamara Spa, in Ponsonby and Devonport, Auckland offers both women and men a spectrum of authentic and traditional spa wellness treatments and experiences in a stylish and soothing ambience. The spa treatments include a choice of Indian, Ayurvedic and holistic experiences. Visit their website at www.tamaraspa.co.nz

With the stresses of the season, it may just be the perfect time for some pampering and relaxation. Contact us on (09) 419 4019 or info@imageme.co.nz to find out more.

D-Photo Magazine: Lisa's cover and 6-page spread

The latest issue of New Zealand's photographic magazine, D-Photo, hit the shelves yesterday. I'm very excited that a photo I took of my daughter Jasmine dancing in the long grass is on the cover. Inside the magazine there is a six-page 'D-Folio' display of my work.

Also on the magazine shelves this month: an article about my 'People Photographer of the Year' award, and one of my award-winning photos on page 13 of Her Magazine, and a mention and one of my photos on page 22 of ProDesign Magazine.

Woodbridge Family Portrait Session

Megan, Stuart and their adorable little boy, Benjamin had a family portrait session in the studio. Benjamin's gorgeous smiles just kept on coming, and his big shiny eyes twinkled... a photographic dream!

Farewell Kate - we will miss you!

Kate has been a part-time member of the ImageMe team since the start of the year, and a very valued one! Some for you may have met her on the ImageMe stand at the Parent and Child Show, or you may have heard her friendly voice on the phone. Kate flew back to her hometown, Wellington, this afternoon, to start studying Law in the New Year. This morning, before she headed to the airport, we did what we love to do best - take photos!

Bye Kate, we will miss you!