About me
Kia ora, I’m Helen — photographer, tutor, and lifelong storyteller.
My journey with photography began more than 40 years ago, long before it became my profession. As a young journalist, I learned how powerful images can be — how a single photograph can hold emotion, truth, and story all at once. That foundation still shapes everything I create today.
Across four decades I’ve photographed people from all walks of life: professionals needing a confident headshot, individuals wanting timeless portraits, artists seeking something expressive, and those simply wanting to feel truly seen.
What I’ve learned is this: every person has a story worth telling, and every person deserves to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
⭐ Photography as Empowerment
One of the strongest threads running through my work is empowerment — especially for women.
So many women step in front of my camera believing they are “not photogenic,” or that their age, shape, or life season somehow makes them less worthy of being photographed.
I don’t believe that.
And I work to change that.
Through portraiture, boudoir, and my new Senior Ladies concept, I create sessions that allow women to:
rediscover their confidence
reconnect with their sense of self
celebrate their strength, beauty, and experience
feel uplifted and empowered
These sessions are relaxed, supportive, and designed to help women see themselves in a new, positive light — perhaps in a way they haven’t in years.
This work is deeply meaningful to me, and it’s at the heart of why I photograph.
⭐ Portraits & Headshots
My portrait sessions are simple, calm, and guided in a way that feels natural.
Whether we’re outdoors in soft natural light or working with a crafted studio-style setup, my goal is always to help you look your best and feel completely at ease.
I photograph:
updated portraits
traditional headshots
personal portraits
individual and couples sessions
portraits for all ages and all stages of life
There is no pressure to pose — I guide you gently through expressions, posture, and angles that flatter and feel authentic.
⭐ Personal Branding
In a world where first impressions are often made online, your image becomes a form of communication.
My personal branding sessions are designed to create images that feel:
professional
confident
approachable
aligned with your personality or brand values
I work closely with individuals and entrepreneurs to create visuals that help them present themselves with clarity and confidence.
⭐ Boudoir Photography
Boudoir is one of the most powerful and transformative forms of portrait photography.
It isn’t about being bold or provocative.
It’s about feeling:
confident
strong
beautiful
worthy
celebrated
Boudoir sessions are relaxed, elegant, and tailored to every woman — no pressure, no expectations, just an empowering space to embrace and honour yourself.
⭐ The Senior Ladies Portrait Experience (Coming soon)
A celebration of wisdom, confidence, personality, and lived experience — this project is especially close to my heart.
Senior women are often overlooked in visual storytelling, yet they are among the richest sources of strength and beauty.
This experience is designed to honour their stories and create portraits that reflect who they truly are.
It will blend traditional portraiture, gentle direction, beautiful styling, and connection — an uplifting experience crafted especially for women in their later seasons of life.
⭐ Conceptual & Creative Portraiture
Alongside traditional portrait work, I also love exploring expressive, conceptual imagery. These sessions bring together storytelling, emotion, and creativity — from dramatic lighting to artistic themes and stylised portraits.
They offer a space for clients (especially women rediscovering their creativity) to express themselves in bold and imaginative ways.
⭐ Photography Tuition & Workshops
Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
I run courses and workshops for beginners and enthusiasts who want to learn their camera, understand light, and grow their creative confidence.
My teaching style is friendly, practical, and encouraging. No jargon. No overwhelm. Just clear, hands-on learning that builds confidence behind the lens.
⭐ Why I Do What I Do
Photography is far more than images.
It’s connection.
It’s confidence.
It’s memory.
It’s identity.
It’s empowerment.
Every person who steps in front of my lens carries their own history, insecurities, and hopes. My role is to create a safe, supportive space where they can be seen — fully and authentically.
Whether you come to me for portraits, branding, boudoir, a senior ladies session, or to learn photography, my intention remains the same:
to help you feel confident — in front of the lens or behind it.
⭐ Let’s create something meaningful together.
If you're ready for portraits that feel authentic
—or to learn photography in a way that finally makes sense—
I’d love to connect.
Helen
Marlborough portrait photographer & photography tutor