Chelsea is a NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer based in the Auckland region of New Zealand’s North Island.

 

 

 

 

How long have you been a photographer?

In this particular business, about 7.5 years. But photography in general, I have been doing since I was a child and more extensively from when I was 16 years old.

 

What is in your camera bag?

Canon, 5D Mark IV. 85mm Sigma Art, 24-70mm Mark II Canon, those are my go to lenses. I have 50mm and 35mm Sigma Art lenses as well that I no longer use.

 

What is your favourite piece of gear?

Canon, 5D Mark IV and my 24-70mm Lens because it is versatile. I do love my 85mm for the outdoors though.

 

What genre(s) of photography do you photograph?

Maternity, Newborn, Family and Children.

 

What do you enjoy most about being a photographer?

Creating history, memories, and showing emotions and connections of love.

 

Do you have any funny stories from a shoot?

I once fell straight down into a deep hole in a river and was up to my chest in freezing water with my gear. I came out within a second of falling in with one step with my gear, luckily everything was still working fine. It was quite a shock to the system but I am relieved it wasn’t worse. Everyone was laughing for a long time after that because I was completely soaked for the rest of the session. I have also been known to lay down flat in the wet sand for certain shots, and then I am covered in sand for the rest of the session and clients think it is hilarious what lengths I will go to for the right angle.

 

What is the most memorable moment in your career as a photographer?

Winning first place at WPPI for the Newborn Category second half in 2019, first place at WPE 2020 first half maternity/newborn/family category and first place 2019 second half newborn category.

 

What advice would you give yourself as a new photographer entering the market?

Only shoot what you love, it shows in your work.

 

Why did you join NZIPP and what do you get from being a member?

I joined to become part of a professional body, become accredited, earn points, and to show that I take myself seriously.