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Working out your wedding day Priorities

If you’re finding yourself in these shoes – first thing to do is to take a deep breath.While it can seem like a massive undertaking, there are plenty of professionals who can guide you along the way. Enlist the help of your family, friends and bridal party. Remember to take time for yourselves as a couple. And, most of all – sit down together and figure out your wedding day priorities. It’ll clarify the most important aspects of your wedding day to you as a couple, and make it easier to ...

Baby Progression Photography – What to expect

It’s one of my favourite times to capture – and rather than offering a monthly pop-up style session, I go for something a wee bit different for baby progression photography; four photo sessions spread out over their first year. AT THE BEGINNINGWe start when bub is brand new! Your first baby progression photography shoot will be done within the first two weeks after your baby is born. These sessions take 2-3 hours, usually in my studio, and I photograph a range of photos of your little o...

What to wear to a newborn photography session

A few weeks ago I touched on what parents should wear during a newborn photography session, so I thought I’d elaborate on this today. It’s one of the most common questions I get asked before a shoot, and it’s a good question to ask – you want to be looking your best and prepared for anything! I’m sharing my top three tips for choosing your own outfit for a newborn photography portrait session, so you can arrive at your shoot feeling confident, excited and ready to go. PLAIN, ...

Entering photography awards- why I do it

I have been entering a range of professional photography competitions over the last decade. I have also had the opportunity to judge at a national level for the past 5-6 years. There are a huge variety of competitions out there – some giving away prizes, some giving away titles. Some exchanging prizes for what we call ‘rights grabs’ (where they have an okay prize, but they then get to use your images however they like). Some that purely dish out bragging rights and allow you to call yourse...

How to get epic night photography at your wedding

It’s something that Mel Waite Photography has become known for. Sparkling, moody, creative shots taken under the night sky, these images make for the perfect end to the night, and look stunning framed up and showcased on your wall. So today, I’m sharing a few tips and tricks to help ensure you get that epic night wedding photography shoot you’ve been dreaming about (followed by plenty of night photography eye-candy for a little inspiration!). ALLOWING TIMEMake sure you allow at least ...

How to create a fun family location photography session

Don’t get me wrong, studio photography has its place, and is incredibly essential in a city like Wellington where the weather is unpredictable. It’s also the perfect space for newborn photography, as I have complete control over the temperature and light, to keep things as cosy and calm as possible for the wee ones. But there is just something so special about finding a stunning location, or shooting in a place that is of real significance to you and your family. With spring well underw...

10 ways to have a more child friendly wedding

So, without further ado – here’s my list of the top ten ways you can make your wedding a fun day for the little ones and grown ups alike!1. SET ASIDE SOME TIMEWedding days are all go from start to finish, and you’ll feel a wee bit run off your feet. Setting aside a five minute window to spend some quality time with your kids is a great idea when planning your child-friendly wedding. It lets them know how much they mean to you, and helps them to feel like an important part of the day. Wheth...

Spring wedding time!

Number one: the days are longer! The shortest winter days are over, and the sun sticks around past 5pm. For you on your wedding day – this means plenty of light for your photo session. No more rushing back inside as the darkness takes over in the late afternoon. You can make the most of those extra hours while still getting that magical golden light at a reasonable hour.  Spring weddings also mean plenty of gorgeous, in-season florals! This wonderful season brings with it the best bo...

Why I suggest winter family portrait photography

Like with winter weddings, people often avoid having family photo sessions around this time of year due to the cold and the weather. However, if you ask me, there are plenty of positives when it comes to winter family portrait sessions. So – make yourself a hot cuppa and snuggle up, while I convince you that a winter family portrait session is the way to go. 1. BETTER AVAILABILITYThe cooler months are a wee bit quieter for photographers – which is great for you! With less weddings booki...

Wedding Albums, what are the different types we offer

Wondering what different types there are, and what they cost? I’m here to help! I’m breaking down the basics when it comes to wedding albums and books – and telling you why you should get a pro to take care of it. I offer two different types of albums and  a book options as add-ons to my photography packages.  THE BOOK This is a 10 inch square wedding book with beautiful matte fine art pages, a translucent title page and a buckram cloth cover. The cover comes in a range of c...

Newborn photography session and the 10 things to expect

One of the questions I often get asked is – what should I expect during a photography session? After years of photographing the cutest little humans, there are so many things I have learnt, so I thought the best thing to do would be to share the top ten things you can expect at a newborn photography session with me – so you can rest easy, feeling prepared and ready for your shoot!1. SHOULD I LOCK IN A DATE?As I’m sure you know – babies have their own schedule, and no one else’s! Don’...

A Wild Wellington Wedding on the Waterfront

Seb and Emily are a dream couple – two gorgeous humans with gorgeous souls. And their friends and family who surrounded them on their dreamy Wellington wedding day were just as wonderful.  We do love a cityscape backdrop. Wellington’s architecture is iconic, with its eclectic mix of modern and traditional, and it’s the perfect city for finding hidden spots for photos that are a little bit different. Whatever the weather – there are spots that make the most of blue skies, and th...

Planning a Backyard Wedding? Here are my tips and tricks

Backyard weddings are some of my very favourites to shoot. Not only do I get a chance to shoot at a new location (with its own quirks, magic, and, of course, photo spots!) but I’ve found that people are always more relaxed in a space that’s familiar to them. There’s something so special about capturing a couple’s connection to a location too!It’s important to consider that a backyard wedding often involves a bit more work for you, your family and friends. You’ll need to pop your wedd...

A Winter wedding

Winter weddings have never been hugely popular in New Zealand – the summer months are more often booked solid. However, winter is certainly a great time of year to have a wedding for a number of reasons. First  tipWhen it comes to booking your venue and vendors, you’ll normally be able to get your chosen date without competition from hundreds of other couples. Many venues will also offer special winter wedding rates, so your budget will thank you too! Another perk of a winter ...

Having a wedding with no bridal party

Here’s the thing – you don’t have to have a bridal party, having no bridal party is an option. Traditionally, the bridal party will have a group on each side of 1-8 people. However that is by no means wedding law. Legally, you need two witnesses to make the marriage binding, but otherwise, you have complete and utter control.  First of all:No bridal party = no wedding drama. No narrowing it down to your favourite people. No awkward moments. No favouritism. Just love. Share your d...

How to plan a post COVID-19 wedding

Nicole and John tied the knot the weekend before New Zealand went into COVID-19 lockdown. These two, honestly, are such gorgeous people – and their wedding was certainly a testament to their amazing network of family and friends.However, in all the months of planning, Pinterest-ing and organising – they certainly never thought they’d be hosting their wedding in such uncertain times. With this in mind, I thought it’d be an appropriate time to break down some key things to remember when pl...