Let’s have a laugh, shall we? Imagine this: a blurry selfie taken in the car, half-shadowed by the steering wheel, and topped off with a coffee stain on your shirt. That’s your LinkedIn profile pic. Cringe, right?

While that scenario might sound like a joke, you’d be surprised how many East Auckland professionals are using outdated, awkward, or just plain bad headshots to represent themselves online.

This blog is a cheeky walk-through of everything not to do when it comes to headshots — and why investing in a professional one isn’t just smart, it’s essential. At Nicoline Dickinson Photography, we help business owners, real estate agents, and professionals across East Auckland create headshots that open doors — not close them.

Key Takeaways

• Your headshot speaks volumes about your professionalism before you even say a word.
  
• Bad headshots can actually harm your credibility.
  
• Professional photos boost engagement and trust, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.
  
• A little preparation goes a long way in creating a strong first impression.
  
• Nicoline Dickinson Photography offers relaxed, expert headshot photography in East Auckland designed to show you at your best.
  

How to Take the Worst Headshot Ever: A Cautionary Guide

If you’re aiming for an image that screams “don’t hire me,” here’s the playbook:

1. Use an Old Wedding Snap
Nothing says professional quite like a blurry crop from your cousin’s big day… six years ago. Bonus points if you’re holding champagne.

2. Add Sunglasses
Because, of course, nothing builds trust like hiding your eyes — the actual windows to the soul.

3. Pick a Busy Background
A kitchen bench piled with dishes or a messy bedroom? Perfect for distracting the viewer from your face.

4. Let Your Phone Do All the Work
Tilt it up your nose, throw in some overhead lighting, and hope for the best. Maybe even a bathroom mirror shot for that extra “I don’t care” effect.

Why a Good Headshot Actually Matters

Let’s get serious for a moment. A headshot isn’t just a nice photo — it’s your personal brand. It’s the visual handshake you extend to potential clients, employers, or collaborators.

A New Zealand recruitment survey revealed that LinkedIn profiles with professional headshots receive 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages than those without. That’s not marketing fluff — it’s a real advantage in a highly connected, digital-first business world.

First impressions matter. Whether you’re presenting at a conference, pitching a service, or applying for a role, your headshot is often the first thing people see. Don’t let it be the last.

What to Wear and How to Prepare for a Professional Shoot

Here’s where Nicoline comes in. Based right here in East Auckland, Nicoline Dickinson creates relaxed, natural, and polished headshots that capture both your personality and your professional presence.

Wardrobe Tips
Choose clothing that reflects your work style — whether that’s sharp corporate or smart casual. Stick to solid colours that won’t distract, and avoid busy patterns or logos.

Hair and Grooming
A tidy haircut, groomed facial hair, and clean, fresh makeup (if applicable) will help you look your best. Don’t try a new look the day before — stick to what feels like you.

Mindset Matters
Don’t worry if you’re camera-shy. Nicoline’s easygoing manner helps people feel comfortable and confident during their shoot. Most sessions are quick, and you’ll even enjoy yourself.

Shoot Day Expectations
Whether you’re coming into the studio in Howick or booking an on-location session at your office, Nicoline ensures everything runs smoothly. From lighting to posture guidance, she takes care of the technical side — you just need to show up ready to shine.

But I Have a Decent Phone Camera — Isn’t That Enough?

Short answer? Nope. While phone cameras have come a long way, they still can’t compete with the professional quality and eye for detail that a seasoned photographer offers.

Natural light, composition, posing, retouching — these aren’t just “extras.” They’re the difference between a so-so image and one that gets noticed for all the right reasons.

In fact, a recent New Zealand business branding report found that businesses and individuals using professionally shot imagery saw a 45% higher engagement rate across social media platforms. If you’re serious about standing out, your profile photo needs to reflect that same level of quality.

In a world where people Google you before they greet you, don’t let a dodgy headshot be the reason someone scrolls past. You wouldn’t wear jandals to a board meeting — so don’t show up online looking like you’re off to the beach.

A professional headshot is an investment in your personal brand, and it pays off in visibility, trust, and opportunity. Whether you’re an East Auckland local building a business, climbing the corporate ladder, or simply wanting to look like the expert you are, Nicoline Dickinson Photography has got you covered.

Ready to bin that old selfie and step up your image?

📞 Call Nicoline on 027 261 3589
📧 Email info@nicoline.co.nz
💻 Or enquire online at https://nicoline.co.nz/contact-me/

Let’s create a headshot that does justice to the professional you’ve worked so hard to become.

In today’s business world, your headshot often makes the first impression before you ever say a word. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company’s About page, or a conference brochure, a sharp, professional image instantly signals confidence, credibility, and personality.

At Nicoline Dickinson Photography, we’ve worked with hundreds of East Auckland professionals — from real estate agents in Howick to startup founders in Botany — to create modern, authentic headshots that elevate their personal and corporate brands. And the results speak for themselves.

Key Takeaways

• A polished headshot helps you build trust and stand out in competitive professional spaces.
  
• Professional images get more views and engagement, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.
  
• Simple prep — the right outfit, good posture, and a relaxed mindset — makes a big difference.
  
• Nicoline Dickinson offers tailored headshot photography in East Auckland that captures your best side and brand essence.
  
• Updating your headshot regularly keeps your brand fresh and relevant.
  

Why Headshots Matter in the NZ Professional Landscape

In Aotearoa, we like to keep things real. We’re not about over-the-top self-promotion, but we do know the value of showing up well. And that’s exactly what a great headshot helps you do.

According to New Zealand-based career consultancy stats, profiles with professional headshots receive 14 times more views and are 36 times more likely to receive a message on LinkedIn. That’s no small deal if you’re job-hunting, networking, or trying to attract new clients.

People do business with people they trust — and trust starts with visibility. A strong headshot says: “Here I am. I’m confident, capable, and ready to connect.”

Whether you’re leading a team, running your own business, or just getting your foot in the door, investing in headshot photography in East Auckland is a powerful step in building your personal brand.

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

The best headshots look natural, confident, and a little polished — like you’re about to walk into your next big meeting, coffee in hand. Here’s how to nail that balance:

Wardrobe Tips:
Stick with solid colours that flatter your skin tone and avoid busy patterns. Bring a couple of options — think blazer vs. casual shirt — to offer variety. If you’re unsure, Nicoline can guide you during the shoot.

Hair and Grooming:

It’s worth a quick visit to your hairdresser or barber the week of your shoot. Make sure facial hair is tidy and makeup (if you wear it) is clean and natural.

Posture and Expression:
You don’t need to “pose”. Just good posture, a relaxed face, and a little direction from a seasoned photographer can do wonders. Nicoline has a knack for putting people at ease — even the most camera-shy.

What to Expect During the Shoot:
Sessions are typically quick and easy — 30 to 60 minutes. Whether you come into Nicoline’s East Auckland studio or opt for an on-location shoot (like your office or a coworking space), the focus is on making you look and feel your best. No stiff poses or awkward instructions — just genuine, engaging images that reflect your personality and professional edge.

Phone Snap vs. Pro Image: The Real Difference

We get it — everyone has a decent camera on their phone now. But just because your phone can take photos doesn’t mean it should be your go-to for professional headshots.

Phone images tend to have poor lighting, awkward angles, and inconsistent quality. They lack the polish and intention that comes from working with a professional. And according to a Kiwi digital marketing study, businesses and individuals using professional imagery see up to 45% higher engagement across social platforms.

Your headshot is more than a nice photo. It’s part of your digital handshake.

Closing

In the East Auckland business scene — whether you’re pitching to investors, managing events, selling homes, or growing your personal brand — a great headshot isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

With Nicoline Dickinson Photography, getting that headshot is simple, relaxed, and even a little fun. Nicoline brings years of experience, a down-to-earth style, and a deep understanding of how to help Kiwis look their best on camera.

Whether you’re overdue for a refresh or booking headshots for your whole team, now’s the time to put your best face forward.

Want to upgrade your professional image?

📞 Call Nicoline on 027 261 3589
📧 Email info@nicoline.co.nz
💻 Or enquire online at https://nicoline.co.nz/contact-me/

Let’s capture the version of you that shows the world what you’re truly capable of — confident, approachable, and ready for your next opportunity.

Whether you’re an agent listing a million-dollar stunner in Bucklands Beach or a homeowner selling your family’s first house in Pakuranga, the quality of your imagery plays a major role in getting potential buyers through the door. At Nicoline Dickinson Photography, we’ve seen how the right lighting, angles, and storytelling can fast-track a home from “for sale” to “sold”.

Professional real estate photography isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a powerful marketing tool that can make or break your sale — and we’re here to show you how.

Key Takeaways

• Homes with professional photography generate more interest, faster enquiries, and better selling prices.
  
• Professional images build trust and highlight the lifestyle, not just the layout.
  
• Real estate agents in East Auckland who invest in great visuals stand out in a crowded market.
  
• Smart photo prep and planning pays off — every time.
  
• Nicoline Dickinson Photography offers tailored real estate packages that suit the East Auckland property scene.
  

The Power of First Impressions in Property Marketing

Let’s be honest: buyers shop with their eyes first. According to a New Zealand real estate marketing survey, listings with professional photos receive over 60% more views compared to those using phone images. Even more telling — homes with great photography tend to sell up to 32% faster and for a higher price bracket.

It’s not hard to see why. A beautifully composed image doesn’t just show a room. It showcases a lifestyle. A crisp, wide-angle shot of a sunlit kitchen in Half Moon Bay can spark dreams of family dinners and summer get-togethers. A tidy, styled lounge with sea views in Maraetai invites a buyer to imagine their morning coffee ritual.

Phone snaps, on the other hand, often fall flat. They distort proportions, struggle in low light, and can make even the most charming home feel cramped or dull. That’s a risk East Auckland agents simply can’t afford to take in a fast-moving market.

Local Success: Real Stories Behind the Listings

Take Angela, a seasoned agent in Howick. She called in Nicoline Dickinson Photography to shoot a character home that had sat stale on the market for weeks. We did a twilight shoot, captured the warm interior glow, and framed the lush garden in the golden light. Within three days, the property had four offers — and sold above the asking price.

Or consider Tom and Rachel, private sellers in Botany Downs. Their modest home was tidy but lacked wow-factor in the initial online photos. With Nicoline’s help, we rearranged a few spaces, added natural lighting tricks, and used angles that made the rooms feel spacious and welcoming. They ended up with ten back-to-back viewings the first weekend and a signed contract the following Monday.

East Auckland homes have character — but it takes the right lens to capture that character in its best light.

What Makes Professional Real Estate Photography Different?

It’s not just about having a fancy camera (although that helps!). It’s about expertise in framing, lighting, timing, and visual storytelling. At Nicoline Dickinson Photography, we tailor each shoot to the property’s unique selling points.

We consider:

• Time of day for natural lighting advantage
  
• Wide-angle perspectives that make spaces feel open yet authentic
  
• Detail shots that create a visual narrative — think cosy reading nooks or textured benchtops
  
• Exterior framing that positions the home within its local environment
  

We also offer drone shots for properties where views, land, or location are key selling points — a popular choice in coastal suburbs like Beachlands and Whitford.

What you get is a consistent, polished set of images ready to be used across web listings, print ads, social media, and agency portfolios.

How to Prepare Your Property for a Real Estate Shoot

You don’t need a full home makeover, but a little prep can make a big impact.

Start with a clean, clutter-free space. Open blinds, tidy the garden, and make sure all lights are working. Neutral tones and minimal decor help buyers focus on the space, not the stuff. For occupied homes, consider light staging — we can recommend local stylists or guide you through simple tweaks on shoot day.

If you’re a real estate agent, we’ll work with your schedule and marketing plan to ensure your listings hit the market with maximum impact.

And don’t stress if you’ve never done this before — Nicoline brings years of experience, a calm approach, and an eye for what sells. She’s worked with everyone from seasoned agents to first-time sellers, helping them all shine through the lens.

Closing

In the fast-paced East Auckland property scene, presentation is everything. With buyers scrolling through dozens of listings in a matter of minutes, standing out with professional photography is more important than ever.

Whether you’re trying to attract investors, families, or first-home buyers, your photos need to spark interest, build trust, and make them feel something. That’s where Nicoline Dickinson Photography comes in — helping homes put their best face forward and capturing the charm that makes East Auckland so special.

If you’re serious about selling quickly and for top dollar, it’s time to ditch the phone camera and work with a pro.

Want to get your property noticed — and sold?

📞 Give Nicoline a call on 027 261 3589
📧 Email her at info@nicoline.co.nz
💻 Or send an enquiry through the contact form at https://nicoline.co.nz/contact-me/

Let’s showcase your property the way it deserves to be seen. Because in real estate, a picture truly is worth thousands — if not hundreds of thousands — of dollars.

For professionals and small business owners in East Auckland, this isn’t just about looking good online. It’s about showing up with confidence, building trust, and creating instant recognition. And let’s be honest, in a world where you have mere seconds to make a good impression, every detail counts.

Here at Nicoline Dickinson Photography, we’ve helped countless businesses — from real estate agents to fitness coaches — elevate their image with purpose-driven photos that tell a story. Let’s dig into why brand photography could be your business’s best-kept secret.

Key Takeaways:

• Brand photography builds trust and helps you stand out in a crowded market
  
• First impressions count — especially in digital spaces
  
• Professional images outperform phone snaps significantly in engagement and conversions
  
• Local success stories show how East Auckland businesses thrive with a strong brand identity
  
• A little planning before your shoot goes a long way
  

Why Brand Photography Matters in NZ Today

We’re living in a visual-first world. Whether it’s your website, LinkedIn, or a ‘gram post — images are doing the heavy lifting. In New Zealand, 78% of consumers say visuals influence their decision to buy from a business. And here’s the kicker: professional photos get up to 94% more views than ones taken on a smartphone.

It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about brand identity — that cohesive feeling people get when they see your marketing materials. Consistent visuals make your business memorable and trustworthy. That’s massive for East Auckland business owners trying to win over clients in competitive markets like real estate or corporate services.

Real Stories from Right Here in East Auckland

Take Sarah, a freelance interior designer from Howick. Her old online portfolio had mismatched iPhone photos that just didn’t reflect her sleek, modern style. We did a half-day brand shoot across her studio and a styled home set-up. The result? Her new site is now a visual extension of her brand — calm, minimal, yet warm. She’s doubled her client enquiries within six weeks.

Then there’s Matt, a Pakuranga-based mortgage advisor. He wanted to look approachable yet sharp for his new rebrand. We did professional headshots, some working-in-action shots, and even a few relaxed coffee meeting photos. These now live across his LinkedIn, email signature, and print brochures — and clients often tell him they feel like they already “know him” before they meet.

That’s the power of personal brand photography. It’s not vanity — it’s strategy.

How to Prepare for a Successful Brand Shoot

1. Know Your Brand Personality
   Are you corporate and polished? Or relaxed and creative? Your photos should look like your brand feels.
   
2. Choose Meaningful Locations
   Nicoline offers both studio sessions in East Auckland and on-location shoots. Your workspace, a local café, or even your client’s office can all tell a story.
   
3. Plan Your Outfits
   Stick to your brand colours and dress like you would when meeting your best client. Layers and accessories help give variety without needing a wardrobe change.
   
4. Think Ahead
   Where will you use your photos? Website banners? Instagram reels? Business cards? This helps us frame and style your shoot for maximum versatility.
   
5. Be Yourself — But Your Best Self
   Nervous in front of the camera? Don’t worry, most people are. Nicoline’s easygoing style and professional approach make the whole process relaxed and even a bit of fun.
   

Why Professionals Can’t Rely on Phone Photos Anymore

Look, phone cameras are getting better. But there’s no substitute for professional lighting, angles, composition, and post-editing. Phone pics tend to feel inconsistent, poorly lit, and—let’s face it—amateur.

According to a New Zealand business marketing study, businesses that use professional images on their websites see up to 60% higher conversion rates than those that rely on stock or DIY photos. That’s money on the table.

If you’re a real estate agent, a sharp, clean image helps your listing stand out. If you’re an event manager, showcasing past events with dynamic, high-quality shots shows future clients what you’re capable of. And for marketing managers, cohesive brand imagery means less scrambling for visuals and more time driving campaigns.

Closing:

At the end of the day, people connect with people — not logos. Having a library of polished, personality-filled brand photos helps your audience see who you are and why they should trust you. Whether you’re launching a new business, revamping your LinkedIn, or redoing your website, investing in brand photography is a smart move.

And with Nicoline Dickinson Photography right here in East Auckland, you don’t have to go far to elevate your image. From corporate headshots to on-location storytelling shoots, Nicoline brings a blend of creativity, local knowledge, and professional polish that helps your brand shine.

Ready to show the world what you and your business are really about?

📞 Give Nicoline a ring on 027 261 3589
📧 Flick an email to info@nicoline.co.nz
💻 Or send an online enquiry at https://nicoline.co.nz/contact-me/

Let’s bring your brand to life — one photo at a time.

With a life expectancy of 63.7 years for a lawyer, Scott Russell is determined to bring a different culture to the legal industry – and you can see it in his photos.

As a child, Scott says he was argumentative. He was always challenging his younger brother (there were lots of good debates around the dinner table). Both brothers went on to become lawyers – Scott is still lawyering, but his brother opted to get out and become an artist. He found that it was too much stress and too many hours.

Eventually, Scott also struggled with work-life balance, so he started his own firm. His experience in the big firms was a culture of work above everything else, including your life outside work and your teams’ well-being. There was no middle ground, they would take on so much work and endeavour to get it all done with such small teams, he says it’s no wonder the legal industry has a reputation for working all-nighters and weekends, as well as a life expectancy of just 63.7 years!

Scott’s priorities are his family and balanced life. This includes creating a supportive culture within his own business. They still focus on a good result for the client, but the ratio of work to staff is much better. 

There is a triangle in business that represents three things: high quality, low cost, and done quickly. They say you can only pick two, but Scott believes he has discovered the sweet spot for his clients. 

“At our firm, it’s more balanced, we focus on the good result for a client. More staff with fewer hours, but the quality of work and life even though the industry is deadline driven.”

Scott has two firms – Russell Legal, which started in 2018, and a specialised firm, Axis Construction Law which began in 2020.

Clients come to Axis Construction with a problem that has been left for far too long. It’s usually a dispute, where a contract has gone wrong, someone hasn’t paid someone else, an unexpected turn of events, or they don’t understand the legal framework to achieve a good outcome.

All their clients are repeat clients or have come via word of mouth, and Scott’s firm prides itself in doing an excellent job with a reasonable price point that there’s no doubt they’ll be recommended. To ensure this referral system works, Scott recommends having a good website because it is your online business card.

“We engaged Nicoline’s photography services because we wanted to look good on our website – initially, we just needed mugshots, but it turned into more than just that. We wanted a result, where our clients would see that we are professional, our work is complex and of a high level, so we needed the imagery to match.”

Scott used to have photos he had taken on his phone and admits that they didn’t look the part. He didn’t realise it until he compared it to Nicoline’s professional job. Even though Scott and his team know they can do the work, a potential client will still judge you (whether they know it or not) by what they see visually.

“If your photos are not at the same professional level as your business, then they’ll second guess whether you can do the work.”

Nicoline provided a service where she can photograph team members individually and then put them into a group photo. This really helps as the team grows.

The first time Scott organised a professional photo shoot with Nicoline, he wanted a background showcasing New Zealand. The result was a photo of the Auckland skyline from the viaduct. Nicoline also noticed the details – she ensured the Sky Tower was orange to match the Axis Construction Law brand. It’s now a big 6m wall art in the office – and it’s theirs. Nicoline thinks about the end goal throughout the entire process. 

Axis constantly uses the photos throughout presentations, conferences, and their online channels. Scott has had many comments about his LinkedIn photo because it’s so engaging (see the image below).

“A lawyer is someone you need to trust, so a photo that engages someone online is worth its weight in business success.”

Having used Nicoline twice now for his team photos because he knows it is worth keeping them updated – that whom you meet online is whom you meet in person. Scott says they enjoyed the whole experience as a bit of team bonding. You feel vulnerable in front of a camera – and Nicoline made everyone comfortable.

“Nicoline tells you how to sit, and where to look, directs your smile, and just makes you feel at ease. If you look uncomfortable in your photo, people will feel uncomfortable looking at it.”

In the end, Scott says the hardest part is choosing which photos to go with because both times there have been so many good options.

“Nicoline is awesome, definitely the best headshot photographer I’ve ever worked with, and I’ll certainly be using her services again and again.”

Scott Russell,
Managing Director of Russell Legal and Axis Construction Law
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-russell-russell-legal/ 

With a 100% retention rate, it’s clear that Louise Hall-Strutt knows what she’s doing and how to stand out in the corporate world.

Louise Hall-Strutt, in her own words, fell into recruitment. Her background was in fashion, she then started in insurance recruitment. The global firm she was working for wanted someone confident within their walls to build a legal division; eight years later and after successfully building another legal division for another firm, she’s running her own recruitment business in Auckland, New Zealand – Altitude Recruitment.

It’s a different recruiting firm, but not just because they specialise in legal recruitment. Launched in April 2021, Louise’s business began when we all thought the lockdown was over, and then by August, we were shut in again. She quickly realised that it was quite impossible to continue growing the business with a three-year-old in the house, but Louise rose to the challenge and could keep going, crediting the support she had around her.

Some elements of Louise’s business make her firm exemplary. She insists on doing the right thing and outright refuses to be a ‘CV sender’. With a 100% retention rate, you know this is not just a line every recruiter uses.

Louise insists on finding the right fit and longevity and that her relationships with her candidates and networks are worthy of genuine care and support.

“I would never push someone into something wrong for them. I have been tested and made the difficult decision to walk away from some opportunities, but it has always been the right decision.”

Making time for people goes hand in hand with relationship building. She is in constant contact with candidates and has even helped them move from one practice area to another – not the easiest thing to do. But she has utilised her connections to open doors for people. Because that’s what it’s all about – real people with real lives.

Louise attributes her online success in part to the digital imagery she uses. You can see how with nearly 16,000 followers on LinkedIn and a scan of her website.

“My business coach recommended Nicoline. I didn’t want to bother with photos because they feel quite egotistical and uncomfortable. We’re not celebrities who are used to cameras.”

The business coach insisted, and Louise went along. She took with her some corporate clothes and some bright and colourful clothes. Fully expecting stuffy, corporate headshots – so common in the legal industry. But to her genuine surprise, Nicoline made her feel comfortable.

“Nicoline manages to draw out your personality and capture it in the photo. It actually looks like the real me and isn’t forced or stuffy.”

In her fourth photoshoot with Nicoline, Louise’s first was for her headshots, website and LinkedIn profile. The second one included videos that are used on her website currently. And the third was a photo shoot with her daughter Sofia – who happened to be going through a phase of not wanting her photo taken. But Nicoline’s skill to make anyone feel comfortable in front of a camera shone through yet again.

Altitude Recruitment constantly evolves, and Louise believes her brand is very important because a good image will portray who you are. Louise is on LinkedIn every day because it is where she finds many candidates – but it’s not just ‘here’s a job’, ‘here’s a job’; she does topical polls and writes about things going on in the market – interesting and relevant content.

“Quite often, when I get to the point of talking with a candidate, they feel like they’ve already met and spoken with me. That’s how valuable a good photo of yourself is. People buy from people – particularly in my industry, and people need to know, like, and trust me.”

Louise Hall-Strutt
Managing Director of Altitude Recruitment.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/legaljobsnz/ 

“A picture is worth a thousand words, but a memory is priceless.”

Don’t take for granted the time you have with each other. Get those portraits taken every year. Because life gets busy, and you never know when the last chance for a family photo will come.

1. Growth just happens

Children grow up, from baby to toddler, child to teenager. Each year their growth happens, and sometimes we don’t notice until it’s too late. I’ve heard many families wish they’d made time to take regular photos because their children have grown up in the blink of an eye and they feel like they missed it.

2. Change is inevitable

Over the years, families change – we gain people and lose people. Family portraits are a way to see your past and present and feel connected to each other along the journey.

3. Going back in time

Mobile phones are lost or stolen easily with less than 30% of people backing up their photos. In years to come, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will want to see photos of their family – and won’t it be sad if the digital age has stolen that opportunity from them?

4. Increase self-esteem

Did you know that having your family’s photographs displayed in your house increases your child’s self-esteem? Studies have shown that this sends the message that your family is important to one another and that you cherish the memories you’ve created together. The thing about a photo on a mobile phone, or even posted to social media, is that it doesn’t have the same impact.

5. Everyone’s included

Many family photos will have the Mum or Dad missing from them just because they’re the ones taking the photo. They’ve grabbed a phone or camera and captured the moment, but when you look back, you start to realise that there aren’t many with all of you in one shot.

6. Looking good

As professional photographers, we know where to make you sit/stand, deal with heights, groupings within the group, and tips on posing to get your best side or making it comfortable and casual to get genuine smiles and interactions.

We can shoot the family photo on location or in our studio in East Tamaki – whatever is easiest to get everyone together. We also offer vouchers for that last-minute Christmas gift to get you sorted in the New Year.

Check out our January 2023 Family Collections Special…

Why did I become a photographer?

It began at the age of eight

I’m from South Africa, which is where I learned how to be a photographer. I was eight years old, with my family in our car in a parking lot. A man selling three cameras approached my father. Looking back, I now realise they were likely stolen, regardless, my father purchased all three of them. My older sister wasn’t interested, but this is where my passion began. It cost 50 rand and was over 30 years ago, but I still have the camera – an old-school one that uses film (some of which I still haven’t developed).

I loved taking photos and capturing moments. Even into adulthood, I took billions of photos of my son. Someone offered to pay me to take photos for them – my first paying photography job. It was only 100 rand, but I was quite proud of myself. I told my husband I wanted a better camera, so we purchased one through a friend of ours who was a flight attendant. Duty-free brought the price down considerably – I still have that camera too, and now I have a collection of six!

The age of digital photos

Of course, digital made things much easier for people to take care of their own photos, and iPhone cameras are quite good, but I can still tell the difference. I did some experimentation with a phone camera and a real camera. The comparisons resulted in phone photos being… less. They’re good for fun, spur-of-the-moment photos, but corporate shots or family portraits are so much better with a real camera.

One thing led to another

I was an Executive Personal Assistant within a government business in South Africa when I was asked to photograph an event. I loved being behind the camera and picking the moments to capture. I wanted to do better, and my boss offered to pay for me to do a photography course. Did it and loved it even more. Learned all about with flash, and without flash and ended up buying my own lights for studio photography. Then my boss gave me a workspace to set up a studio. I learned from other photographers and YouTube on how to do various setups, and deal with the good side/bad side, shadows, etc.

This led to me shooting all the profile photos and then doing all the photography for the annual report. There were over 200 people in that department. Then I watched the contracted designer putting the report together. I expressed an interest, and my boss sent me on a Photoshop and InDesign course (photography and design software). I combined the skills and ended up keeping the annual report in-house, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

From calm to satisfaction

The thing I love about studio photography is the atmosphere. Outside it’s hectic, but inside I’ve created a space that is calm and comfortable. I don’t think anyone enjoys having their photo taken, so most of my clients come in a bit anxious or scared. I put them at ease and set them up for success – especially with the lights that change shapes and accentuate angles. Once my clients see that first shot on my camera, they realise they look good and begin to relax.

People come in usually wanting just one photo, but they love what they see so much that they end up walking away with eight or so. That’s where I get my feeling of satisfaction. Before taking the shots, I take them through a process of calming, makeup, clothes, getting comfortable, and positioning. My job is to make them feel good about themselves.If you want the Nicoline Dickinson experience, get in touch and get yourself booked in;