A Life Well Lived: A Cinematic Photoshoot Series
My original intention starting out in business was always to show the vast possibility of photoshoot ideas — that couples can do any activity they want, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, golden hour or harsh artificial lighting, whatever they normally do on dates, and the photos will turn out great. We are very blessed being based in Auckland, New Zealand, and having every option under the sun at our disposal without even having to leave the region — beaches, waterfalls, mountains, as well as the urban landscape — you name it, Auckland has it. (Except snow, I guess)
That’s the beauty of cinematic photography — the possibilities are endless. From The Notebook and Casablanca, to Lord of the Rings and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is a vast catalogue of movies to pull inspiration from. And yes, this applies to couples and weddings, too.
However, I made a classic rookie mistake in the beginning — I waited for it to happen, expecting that people would approach me just because I said it once, a couple of years ago.
So here I am, rewriting the narrative, and creating this opportunity for myself.
It’s not just about the aesthetics and putting pretty things together. I want my couples to walk away feeling like they’ve made the most of the moment, like they’ve seized the day (cheesy as carpe diem sounds, it does have a point), like they’ve lived their life to the fullest. That they’ve loved with all their heart and left it all on the table.
Hence the title, A Life Well Lived.
And I’m proud to introduce the first instalment of the series — dare I say the pilot:
A Bowling and Arcade Adventure with Bel & Gavin
I. Bowling
I feel like bowling tends to be more of an early-dating-phase activity, rather than for couples who have been together for a long time. Bel and Gavin told me that it’s been at least 10 years since they last went bowling, so they really enjoyed themselves here. I personally loved seeing them feel those early-days butterflies again. Who doesn’t love flirting? 🤭
II. Arcade
Basketball, air hockey, and a claw machine (which unfortunately failed despite the hard evidence) — what more could you ask for? Though, actually, I love a good racing game too — but we didn’t get around to that :)
III. Photobooth
Again, this feels a lot like an early-dating activity, but I’m not complaining if my job is to bring back that feeling :)
IV. Milkshake
Gotta finish on a high note and reward ourselves with a milkshake. And it’s not a real milkshake if it’s not outrageously colourful, of course ;)
If this is speaking to you and you’d love to get involved, here are some questions to get the wheels spinning:
What is something you love to do as a couple? Do you love to work out together? Cook? Hike?
What is something you haven’t done before, but always wanted to do? (What’s holding you back?)
What’s on your bucket list? And can I come along to see you tick it off?
Don’t worry if it’s going to look good in photos or not, the challenge is mine to undertake :)
I will also be putting out couple calls for concepts I have up my own sleeve, so make sure you’re following on Instagram to see if any of my concepts suit you.
And finally, if you’re getting married or are engaged, and want photos that are along these lines, then I’d love to hear from you. 🤎
📍Archie Brothers Cirque Electric, Newmarket, Auckland
Special thanks to my friends Kat and Jayden for coming along to this shoot!
