GET TO KNOW LOLA
I have been a Photographer for nearly 15 years and I feel like I have the best job in the world because it never feels like work.
As a Nikon New Zealand Ambassador, I know my gear like the back of my hand, and still take photo’s just because I enjoy it. Not just because someone hired me to do it.
With a super creative and imaginative brain, I love weighing in on the planning process with campaigns. If I can incorporate my unique ocean photography into a job, you better bet I’ll be jumping into the sea with my underwater-housing setup no matter the time of year. I create my best work in and around nature.
Outside of photography I love camping, beach days, surfing, off-roading adventures, music, hiking & raising my gorgeous little boy with my partner in crime.
I am outgoing, cool headed and adaptable. Bringing a fresh and candid perspective to shoots is how I roll.
“CAPTURE THE ORDINARY, BUT MAKE IT EXTRAORDINARY”
It all started when…
My Mum bought me a disposable camera for my 10th birthday and I was hooked. I took photos of anything and everything and used all my pocket money on more disposable cameras and getting film developed. I was hungry to get my hands on any capturing device, any opportunity I got. With each birthday I slowly upgraded to bigger and better cameras, including some of the first ever “waterproof” cameras when I was a teen so I could snap away in my favourite place: the ocean. I quickly became the one to count on to capture special events, day trips and family getaways and loved that people counted on me to nail it every time.
How it developed…
Despite all advice against pursuing photography by my high school Careers Councillor, I applied to study a Diploma In Contemporary Photography at Unitec. I got accepted in with only 25 others and really had no idea what I was doing. I had passion, but no direction. My style of photography wasn’t really a thing back in 2009 and I didn’t connect with many of the traditional forms of photography.
I spent the next few years assisting for some local studio photographers and quickly confirmed that was definitely not my jam. All the while I was trying to figure out how to photograph surfing and started shooting a few weddings. It wasn’t until I landed some assistant work with Nikon Ambassador Chris McLennan, that I realised it was possible to make a career out of both my style of photography and my love for travel.
How it’s going…
When I started landing some of my dream clients, I knew I must be doing something right. I’ve worked with the likes of Tourism New Zealand, Land Rover, American Express, Lululemon, Hawaii Tourism Oceania, the Tiaki Promise Initiative and so many more.
Here’s a handful of my favourite clients I’ve worked for:
In 2019 I became Nikon New Zealand’s newest Ambassador - a huge honour as my first semiprofessional DSLR was a wee Nikon D80 in 2007 and my gear has never failed me all these years.
I’m also honoured to be a Peak Design New Zealand Ambassador. Using and testing the best gear available means I can focus all my energy into shooting high quality imagery.
I’ve had the privilege of travelling all around the world with brands that align with my adaptable, organic style of working. If you’re on the hunt for an easygoing yet highly skilled and passionate photographer, then I’m your gal.
