One of the moments when the process of birthing becomes etched in maternal memory, like a tattoo is inked into our skin.  Before the pain becomes a distant memory and the expression and fullness of womanhood remains.

Being part of this home birth story brought to light my own birthing stories and gave me a new understanding of what it is to be a woman.  I now see and recognise the many processes associated with the birth (or creation) process, in so many different parts of daily life.

It all happens at theme parties and this one was a beauty!

The divine Rachael, artist, deep thinker and Mama.  Watch out for her wicked sense of humour just under the surface...
Rachael, you have it all, wrapped up in elegance and poise.

Dwayne and Susan, with the help of their wonderful families created a most entrancing wedding day.  The love was palatable and enjoyed by everyone there.  This is their wedding album.  I created to express what I saw as their bliss and connection as a couple.

It's the simple things in life that bring us the most joy, the most often.  A hug from a loved one, a smile or a kind word from a stranger.  Or this, being allowed to just be a kid and have the most fun you can have with a friend, sliding down the summer grass in a cardboard box.  Thanks Shakaia and Lily for being young and full of fun.

What fun it is to organise your own wedding, friends and family gathering around.  And the best thing about a home wedding reception is the relaxed nature of it all.  Everyone, especially the kids can relax and everyone is comfortable with the surroundings.  

My favourite image of this wedding is of the end of the evening, when the brides daughter Lilly and her friend decided 'enough of the pretty flower girl dresses' and went off to get their onesies.  The contrast of the formal wedding attire of the menfolk in the background and expression on the girls faces (one slightly smug still having juice and the other not too impressed at not being allowed more) really sums it all up for me.

Who loves a good, delicious cup of coffee and a bit of convivial time with friends in a beautiful setting?  Me for one and The Huia Foodstore is where I can find all that.  

Georgie and I had such fun on this shoot.  It was play and discovery all at once.  Georgie talked a lot about her heritage and her links back to Raratonga.   She spoke of the homecoming of Huia and the deep feeling of belonging over the ocean at the same time.  We talked about her interest in art and her love of the ocean.  

A man of many talents with a mind of treasure.  The process of photographing Duncan was like having a Matryoshka doll in hand.  The moment you got used to one size doll there was another even more interesting one hidden inside.

I absolutely loved the stories Michele told me, about her life and her way of challenging herself and others.  What a great person to have such sensitivity and softness under what could be taken as a hard shell.  It took the cake was she told me of her 'if only' wish for when she is dead and gone...Imagine walking along the road on rubbish day and seeing these two legs poking out of a rubbish bag at you.