Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm a fashion & wedding photographer, based in Auckland, NZ. I’m also a self proclaimed vegan food connoisseur who loves documentaries, spontaneous adventures and travel.
1. When did you start photography?
I bought my first DSLR after booking a spontaneous trip to Fiji for 6 weeks. It was my first time so I wanted to document everything. I found that I enjoyed shooting people more; so naturally I dragged my cousin all around Suva as my model; thanks Ligi. Before this, I started a vegan food Instagram [@veganislander] photographing the vegan food from my travels. I know right, what a millennial!
2. How did you know this is what you wanted to pursue?
Photography is an outlet for me, creatively & therapeutically. The shooting process is a form of escapism for me, where I can be in my own world, a creative utopia of sorts. I knew it was something I would try to pursue at the very least and I'm glad to say it’s been an incredible journey thus far.
3. What's the best thing about photography?
That there are no limits. No limits to what you can create or imagine. It’s also the ability to capture a moment in time whether it's a special event, a loved one or a moment in history. My appreciation of clothing and fashion have also grown over time as I get more involved in the industry so it's always evolving and changing.
4. What's the worst thing about photography?
As they say, art is subjective. So like any creative field, it's a struggle sometimes to gauge how your work is improving and if the audience will receive it well. But, at the end of the day, it's an individual journey and the only way to improve is through time and effort.
5. Tips on photography
If you’re dealing with people, taking the actual photo is often not the most important part. It's more the interaction & connection that you have with your subject. That will translate into your images.
6. What's your photography style?
I would describe my style as natural, bold and strong. I always try to portray the subject as powerful and confident.
7. What's your experience on the Eveni shoot(s)?
I would say fun, creative and colourful, to describe the mood and experience on the shoots as well as the beautiful clothing.
8. Among your works, which one is your favourite? Why?
This is such a hard one, but I would say my shoots that I've done in Samoa. Because I feel most at peace and at my happiest when I'm back home in Samoa.
9. Whose work has influenced you most?
10. What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
9. Whose work has influenced you most?
Annie Leibovitz amongst many other fashion/portrait photographers.
10. What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
That sometimes your ideas and concepts aren't always executed as planned, and thats ok. On the other hand, spontaneous shoots sometimes yields the best results.
