ANGELA JONES

Tell us a little about yourself, your childhood, where you live and how you started in the craft of photography?

I’m Angela , I grew up in Blenheim but moved to Christchurch during the primary years. I spent my teens on a deer farm which I absolutely loved, my family also had race horses so animals have always been a huge part of my life . 

My husband and I have 4 children , the oldest Is a high school and is becoming an incredible artist. We live on a lifestyle block In Prebbleton, which is just 20 minutes from Christchurch city. We have horses, sheep, chickens etc. It’s great for my mental health to be surrounded by the fresh air and freedom of animals. 

Our studio is based here, purpose built and it gives my clients a chance to have both studio and outdoor images , as we have the farm and the more formal lawned area.

Before children I worked in Events Management. I loved the challenge and thrill of an event, I moved on to banking and then it didn’t feel right after I had children. I wanted more freedom in my job. 

I started my Business in 2010, I wasn’t particularly good at that point , I had enjoyed film photography in high school and everyday life but I loved photos, I loved to be able to take images and make them even better through good clean editing. So I felt passionate that I could give it a go or have fun trying!

What clients make up your client base? 

I like to think of myself as the studio on the corner, the one you can call up to photograph almost all of your needs. 

I love to work with corporates for their headshots or business images of their products or work space. I work with women for Glamour sessions, I love helping women see their own beauty . 

I capture weddings, working with couples for the most important and beautiful day is so enjoyable and I often get told I bring a real peace and calm to a stressful environment. 

Then I also work with newborns and families , which is so important as children grow so quickly, it’s great to have those moments to look back on. 

Who has influenced you the most? Is there any other photographer that you consider as a kind of idol?

I love Sue Bryce , she is so encouraging and clear in her directions . I also love Sarah Simmons , she is a NZIPP photographer in Auckland .

How did you find your own photography style and what do you find yourself thinking about when you edit your photos?

I love clean , sharp, honest, real photos. I love to capture people as they are but in their absolute best light and angles, I love to enhance colours and keep things looking timeless so that your images don’t go out of fashion. 

What do you think is your biggest accomplishment?

I’m so proud that I have been able to run a business sustainably for ten years , I am not sure I expected it to go so well . But I have wonderful supportive clients, great word of mouth referrals and I feel so blessed to be doing something I love .

The compliment that has touched you the most? 

I love that people just message and say they’ve seen their photos and they can’t believe how wonderful they have turned out , that even if their baby never slept or they felt awkward or nervous that their images exceeded their expectations .

I love to hear that people are proud of their images and will display them on their walls. 

Any words of wisdom for the up and comers?

Just give it your best, study how to use your camera in Manual mode, it is great to have control of an impressive tool,  a chance to work with light and shadow and shape and image . 

Do you have a bucket list for 2020?

I love to travel for weddings. Queenstown is my absolute favourite location, so I’d love a booking down there again soon, if anyone is listening …. 

What are your other passions?

Horses! I love horses, my daughter rides and I’m looking at getting back into riding also. I love animals in general. I volunteer for the SPCA as a foster family for small animals , it’s such a pleasure to look after scared rescues and see them grow into loving friends, ready for new homes. 

Why did you join NZIPP? 

I wanted to know if my images were of a good standard, I had some self doubt early on and I wanted to get qualified through NZIPP, where you submit images and they judge your skills. It was scary but worth it. I also love the support network. It is a great team of other photographers. 

Anything else you would like to add?

If you are coming to Christchurch , check me out, I’d love to work with you.