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So its pretty safe to admit that I am a little late to the Infocus conference/Iris awards debrief party.  My tardiness in no way reflects the enormity of my emotions over what was one of the most fabulous few days of my photographylife to date.

I initially wasn't going to enter the Iris awards this year (due to all sorts of reasons - nerves, downright fear, being too busy yadayadayada) but late one night (minutes before the close of entries) I bit the bullet and entered some images.  This resulted in a last minute printing mission for the wonderful team at Queensberry - who were AMAZING as always; a flying visit to the courier and many many days of nervous regret and self doubt.

I flew to Wellington not knowing what to expect from the extended weekend, last year I attended the judging but not the conference - I was on foreign ground.  Slightly nervous and still feeling like the new kid at school the award judging began.  It turns out, I was in no way ANY less nervous than last year - but looking around the dimly lit room I was in good company as we all shifted in our seats, bit nails, wrung our fingers and put on masks of indifference to combat nerves, some of those nervous photographers were the Masters of Photography, people I look up to, their work I have admired for years.  (Cue increased nerves as it further dawned on me that my images were not only being judged by the most talented photographers but alongside their work).

I'm just going to press pause on the  judging and give serious kudos to the amazing photographers who became new friends & better friends over the weekend.  Without them I'm almost certain I would have torn out my hair, bitten every last nail and possibly run home with my tail between my legs!  We had fun, between the stress, the excitment, the celebrations and the odd consolment there was a lot of laughter, a fair few drinks  (that may be an understatement), some dubious dance moves and (I hope) long term friendships fostered.

I was pretty stoked with two bronzes and 3 high professional standards this year on these images.  Although even more beneficial is the inspiration I have to advance my craft, hone my skills and keep doing what I'm doing! 

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So Iris 2016 came to an end & the Infocus conference began.  Nothing I write here will do justice to Infocus, so I'm going to keep it pretty brief.  The speakers were inspiring, thought provoking and uber talented.  There were tears (in a good emotional way), lots of fun, I learnt so much and in short can't wait for next June to do it all again.   What an epic bunch of rockstars!

Thank you all, the judges, the speakers, the friends and the co-ordinators - what a ride!  

This entry was posted in Uncategorized, Samoa, Travel by Emma MacDonald | Leave a Comment

Over the last year or so I have been lucky enough to work with the wonderful Annick from Textstyle a fabulously talented writer and stylist.  

We have been in homes all over New Zealand that are creative, stylish and fully deserving of the house envy they have envoked in me.  I'm thrilled that my photography has been featured in the wonderful Your Home & Garden magazine and I hope to continue contributing to this and other publications.  I have to admit to being over excited at each new issue & seeing my images in circulation makes me feel like a child on Christmas eve!  

I am very fortunate meeting so many wonderful people, home owners with incredible taste and style & some incredible artists who's art, products and wares we have featured.  Here is a small snippet of the inspring interiors (including a couple of Covers!)




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If you're not a subscriber to YHG (you should be!) you can see some of their fabulous features on Homes to Love.  

If you or someone you know has a home or garden that makes you swoon & you would like to be considered for a feature please get in touch with either Annick or myself. 

This entry was posted in Interiors by Emma MacDonald | Leave a Comment
This maternity session was so special for a number of reasons. Firstly the gorgeous Mum-to-be is a dear friend of mine, we've known each other since university days & it was a true honour that she asked me to take some photos of this milestone in her life. Being great friends made this a very relaxed session full of laughter & joy! I also got to explore the beautiful Diamond Harbour & surrounds, on Banks Peninsula where Anna is living - I love shooting in new locations, not knowing what is around the corner and it was absolutely stunning (if a little chilly). Not many very pregnant women would be happy out on a paddle board, in bone chillingly cold water, let alone manage to SUP with grace and a smile! Here are some of my favourites.


I can't wait to meet your wee girl very soon, You & Willie are going to be wonderful parents!
This entry was posted in Maternity by Emma MacDonald | Leave a Comment

Whilst in New Plymouth recently I took some shots of the Te Rewa Rewa bridge - which is something of a New Plymouth icon.  

Not one to be held by normal constraints I wanted my images to be different from the traditional (yet beautiful) images that are usually taken.  

So here they are ... 














This entry was posted in Travel by Emma MacDonald | Leave a Comment
A wee while ago I photographed this sweet wee man & he was such a delight!


This is one of my favourite new born shoots to date... the cuddles were delicious too.

If you are expecting, or know someone who is - I urge you to think about a new born shoot. Newborns are precious and simply perfect so why not capture these gorgeous fleeting moments! It is best to get in touch before your due date to book your session. New born's photograph best between 5 & 14 days old when they are still curly & sleepy like wee Lucas!
This entry was posted in Newborn by Emma MacDonald | Leave a Comment