15 Awesome things to do in Mount Maunganui
Discover 15 of the best things to do in Mount Maunganui, from beautiful beaches and sunrise swims to local cafés, surfing, saunas and hidden gems. This is the Lou Lou B guide to experiencing the Mount like a local.
Best places to visit in New Zealand for water lovers: A local’s guide
New Zealand is surrounded by ocean and riddled with rivers, lakes and waterfalls, making it a dream for water lovers. From surfing and wild swimming to kayaking, rafting and diving, these are some of my favourite ways to get out on, in and around the water in Aotearoa.
Best places to visit in New Zealand: A local photographer’s guide
Discover the best places to visit in New Zealand with a local photographer’s guide to the landscapes and places worth prioritising. From Aoraki / Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo to Rotorua, Hobbiton and Mount Maunganui, here’s where I’d go on your first New Zealand adventure!
How to protect your camera at the beach (sand, salt and wind explained)
Beaches are harsh environments for camera gear. Here are my simple, tried-and-tested tips for protecting your camera from the elements, including sand, salt and wind, while photographing the coast.
Live like a local: 8 of the best day hikes near Mount Maunganui
Looking for the best day hikes near Mount Maunganui? These are 8 of my favourite local adventures, from waterfalls and native bush to coastal tracks worth getting in the car for.
13 Best things to do in Rotorua with kids
Planning a family trip to Rotorua? Discover 13 of the best things to do in Rotorua with kids, from the Luge and Redwoods to free swimming spots, easy family walks and local favourites you might otherwise miss.
How to work through ‘that person is copying me’ syndrome as a creative
That feeling when someone else appears to be doing the same thing as you? You're not alone. Here's how to work through it before it leaves your hands.
How to set up your camera for in-water surf photography
Taking your camera into the ocean for the first time can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through the setup process I use before in-water surf photography sessions, from preparing my waterproof housing to choosing camera settings I can trust once I’m swimming.
Do you need a waterproof camera housing for surf photography?
Thinking about taking your camera into the ocean? This guide breaks down when you actually need a waterproof camera housing for surf photography, beginner-friendly alternatives, mistakes to avoid, and why shooting from shore first might make you a better surf photographer.
Camera settings for surf photography from shoreline to in-water shooting
Surf photography settings change depending on where you’re shooting from. This guide walks through the setup I use from shore to in-water shooting and how to work with different light and ever-changing conditions.
Surf photography gear: the essential setup you actually need in the water
Surf photography gear can look complicated at first, but the setup you actually need in the water is simpler than most people expect. This guide walks through the essential equipment that helps you position yourself confidently between sets and start shooting in the line up.
Best lenses for water photography: surf, shoreline and in-water shooting
Choosing the best lens for water photography depends less on gear and more on where you’re shooting from. This guide walks through the focal lengths I use for shoreline, surf, and in-water photography so you can build a simple setup that works across the ocean.
Live Like a Local: Best sunrise and sunset spots in Mount Maunganui
A local photographer’s guide to the best sunrise and sunset spots in Mount Maunganui, with seasonal alignment tips, quiet coastline locations, family-friendly access points, and the best places to watch moonrise over the Pacific Ocean.
Best waterproof camera housings for beginner surf photography
Choosing your first surf photography water housing can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through the natural progression from GoPro and phone housings to mirrorless setups and professional surf systems, so you can decide what actually fits your stage in the water
11 Common mistakes in surf photography (and how to avoid them)
Surf photography can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. These 11 common surf photography mistakes are easy to make when you’re shooting in the ocean, but once you know what to look for, they’re pretty easy to avoid.
Live like a local: The 11 best coffee shops in Mount Maunganui
Start your Mount Maunganui mornings like a local. Sunrise climbs, surf sessions, and the best cafés for coffee, matcha, and gluten free treats.
Moments with Mauao: Mount Maunganui Photography Prints
Mount Maunganui is a place I return to often with my camera, drawn to the changing light, tide, and seasons. Moments with Mauao began as a visual exploration of these shifts, capturing ocean scenes and the quiet presence of the maunga during first and last light. This body of work now continues to evolve, with select pieces available and a new collection of digital art in development.
Behind the scenes of a styled surf shoot: Nostalgic Surf with Fujifilm
Go behind the scenes of Nostalgic Surf, my styled surf shoot with Fujifilm. From sourcing a vintage caravan to coordinating partners and shaping colour direction with film simulations, this post shares how the shoot was planned and delivered as a campaign-style photography experience.
How to print and frame fine art downloads at home
A practical guide to printing and framing fine art downloads at home so they feel like real artwork on your wall. Includes advice on choosing the right file size, paper type, frame style, and where to print in New Zealand.
How to create mood boards for brand photography that align the vision
Mood boards for brand photography do more than collect inspiration. They align creative direction, build client confidence, and streamline your shoot workflow. Here’s how I create mood boards that help clients trust the vision and help me deliver exactly what the brief needs.