Auckland maternity photo shoot {pregnancy-baby-newborn photographer} forest+beach

Im so excited to share with you my recent Auckland maternity photo shoot with Charlotte and Fares. Its so special experience to photograph a pregnancy, couple who expecting their little baby-newborn. Its a big honour for me as photographer to document these special moments!

Couple shared their story: “We met in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in October 2009 on a night out with friends. We've been together since, and got married in March 2016 in Hawke's Bay.” Proposal: “I was living and working back in New Zealand at the time, while Fares was still in Abu Dhabi.  Being a flight attendant, I was working on a flight to Australia and back. Having just completed the first sector we had just started boarding the flight back to Auckland when I was asked to come help at the boarding door. I get to the door and that’s when I look up and see Fares standing there (All on film – ground staff were filming). Shocked I just burst into tears with happiness to see him, little did I know that he was actually about to get down on one knee!  He had made a long journey from Abu Dhabi, to Singapore, to Brisbane and then finally caught my flight from Sydney to surprise me. Luckily I said yes….It would have been an awkward flight back if I had said no! ;)   “ Such a beautiful and emotional moments!

Enjoy these highlights from couple session in Riverhead forest and Muriwai Beach {Auckland}!

Beach pre-wedding - engagement session in New Zealand {Auckland wedding photographer}

I’m so excited to share with you my recent beach pre-wedding - engagement session with Courtney and James in New Zealand {I’m as an Auckland wedding photographer always thrilled to capture for couples so special moment at their pre-wedding photo shoots}. It allow us to know each other better, feel on ease on the wedding day and feel each other, know how we roll.

Enjoy highlights of this photo session:

Muriwai Beach post-wedding session Sneak Peek {Auckland engagement - elopement photographer}

I had such amazing experience on this Muriwai Beach post-wedding session, where I met my couple that I shoot in early February in Auckland Landscendt Garden. Its always a pleasure to meet my couple again as an old friends!

SO much positive emotions! 

Emma brought her two dresses from the wedding day and one extra red dress. You know I just love beautiful dresses and cant help myself to capture this beauty all around in such a stunning location!

Enjoy this sneak peek highlights! Cant wait to move through couple's final gallery!

Winter maternity session in Auckland {New Zealand wedding-family photographer}

I just love to shoot winter maternity session as this one with Charlotte and Farres. Couple come over to Auckland - New Zealand from Abu-Dhabi. Its such a honour for me, wedding and family photographer, to capture so special for this couple moments!

Its so exciting to create these treasured memories of expecting a little miracle. We went to Riverhead Forest and Muriwai Beach, and had such amazing time at stunning New Zealand landscapes.

Enjoy these highlights of sneak peek! Cant wait to move through their final gallery!

Winter engagement session Sneak Peek: Courtney and Jason {wedding photographers in Auckland}

I'm so excited to share with you our recent winter engagement session sneak peek with Courtney & Jason, such adventurous couple. We chose Riverhead forest and Muriwai beach, such a perfect locations to shoot for any wedding photographer in Auckland! It give us a perfect variety for incredible pictures!

This day was so amazing, couple also prepared a little surprise for their pre-wedding session - they brought a few smoke bombs! We had so much fun playing with them!

Enjoy these highlights in sneak peek, cant wait to move through their final gallery!

The Hunting Lodge: Eric and Nono {Auckland wedding photographers}

It was such a beautiful sunny winter day at The Hunting Lodge {Waimauku} where Eric & Nono celebrated their special day surrounded by close friends and family. Such amazing time for us, Auckland wedding photographers, to capture so many beautiful, emotional and real moments!

Couple shared their story: "t was July 7 2016 during a mid year getaway at Raglan. After a home cooked dinner we were relaxing and watching Chocolat starring Johnny Depp. My (Eric) heart was racing and I could barely focus (not because of Johnny Depp…). One hour in I asked Nono to grab another cider from the fridge. She was cosy and did not want to leave the sofa. Thankfully I won the most clutch round of paper scissors rock of my life and she reluctantly went. I had hidden the engagement ring in the fridge next to the drinks and coincidentally, the engagement ring box resembled a small box of chocolate. Thinking it was a welcome gift from our airbnb host she pranced around the room in excitement! She brought it over and was not keen on sharing the "chocolate". I told her that I should open it for her, got on one knee, muttered a few sentences while trying to maintain my composure and proposed to her. I picked the date July 7 so it’d be easy to remember, 07-07." Such a romantic tale!

We had such amazing time on this wedding day! Enjoy these highlights in video slideshow and photo gallery:

Top 50 Best of the Best Destination Photo Contest Winner by Junebug Weddings - L and L {Auckland - New Zealand wedding photographers}

I'm so excited to announced one on my photos with Tina & Tony at Karekare Beach made it in Top 50 Best of the Best Destination Photo Contest by Junebug Weddings. Its such a honour for me L & L {Levien & Lens photography, based in Auckland New Zealand photos by Olga Levien} to be in such talented company of wedding photographers from all over the world.

Its truly unbelievable to make this list of best wedding photographers in the world!

I appreciate this opportunity and truly grateful for this acknowledgement.

Have at look at all these amazing international destination photographers art work and enjoy this photo with Tina & Tony who made their way from Australia to have their photos taken by me, Olga Levien, Auckland based wedding photographer!

We had such a blast! 

How to book your first wedding - Click Magazine {Education for photographers | Auckland weddings photographer}

Im so excited to share with you my new article "9 Smart Ways to Book your First Wedding as a photographer" published in Click Magazine. It such a great feeling to make an input in education for photographers and share everything I know, my heart and soul with not only Auckland weddings photographers, but all over the world.

Enjoy these photography tips and inspiration and let me know if you have any questions!

I also have such amazing news - my big educational project that I've been working on almost one year!!! goes live - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" at Click Photo School. Check it out if you want to improve your photography, find your sweet spot! I poured all my knowledge, my heart and my soul in it!

How to book your first wedding {Auckland wedding photographer}

Quick key moments {find more tips in the Click Magazine Blog}:

1. Build a wedding photography portfolio.

2. Network with other photographers to find opportunities.

How to book your first wedding {Auckland wedding photographer}

3. Give away an engagement session to get your name out there.

4. Do a styled shoot to build your portfolio and your network.

How to book your first wedding {Auckland wedding photographer}

5. Use social media to strategically reach clients.

6. Blog often to help clients find you through SEO.

How to book your first wedding {Auckland wedding photographer}

7. Be willing to pay for advertising to reach your target market.

8. Gain exposure by submitting images for publication.

9. "My best advice to help you book your first wedding is not to put all your effort into any one channel. Use all types of promotions and keep them going. Consistency is key. As soon as you take a break from your social media, blogging and promotional efforts, you will see a drop in your bookings. Keep working until you book your first wedding and beyond! Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy all those beautiful wedding days."

Hope it helps!

How to book your first wedding {Auckland wedding photographer}

Everyday Moments - Family Time {Auckland lifestyle kids - newborn photographer}

You might know very well my wedding and couples | engagement work, but do you know that I also love to shoot different personal projects and document my everyday moments - family time with my little kids and also had sessions as a newborn - baby - maternity photographer {I totally  have only limited spaces available for these lifestyle sessions, as most of my time dedicated to my wedding clients and family ;) }

I decided to put together a gallery with my everyday moments during last few months, including our Zoo trip, holidays up North and daily routine.

Enjoy this highlights with my little ones!

It was amazing year and I also have such amazing news - my big educational project that I've been working on almost one year!!! goes live - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" at Click Photo School. Check it out if you want to improve your photography, find your sweet spot! I poured all my knowledge, my heart and my soul in it!

Best of 2017 | 2018 {Auckland wedding photographers}

Its time to reflect and look back at our amazing season when winter is a half way through and say Thank you to our awesome couples for constant love and support, we treasure every moment with you and so glad you choose us to capture so special for you moments.

Enjoy this Best of 2017 | 2018 {from yours L & L - Auckland wedding photographers}. We cant even count amount of epic weddings and engagement photo shoots, publications in prestigious magazines and awards. We been included in many top lists of best wedding photographers worldwide, such a big honour and such a pleasure to make all dreams come true. Thank you our awesome couples for this experience, it is impossible without you!

Can't wait and see what 2018 | 2019 season will bring {we booked up for most popular dates, but there still some chance your date is still available, don't hesitate to contact us}.

It was amazing year and we also have such amazing news - our big educational project that we worked on during one year!!! goes live - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" BY OLGA LEVIEN with Click Photo School. Check it out if you want to improve your photography, find your sweet spot!

This photo gallery even can't fit all our fantastic engagement and wedding photo shoots!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}


20 Top Wedding Photographers by Hongkiat: TOP 12 Wedding Photographer Society 2017; 100 Photographers to Watch in 2018 by Click & Company; Rangefinder Contest Winner, TOP 100 photographers Shoot & Share contest wedding couple category; NZIPP Iris Awards {9 awards}, Top 60 Elopement Blogs; Lemonade & Lenses International Contest Winner, Editor's Choice 2016-2018


The Traveling Dress Project {Auckland lifestyle photographer}

Im so excited to share with you amazing project that I shared with 8 incredibly talented photographers from all around the world -  The Traveling Dress Collective project {we had photographers from USA, Spain, Australia and New Zealand, yours Auckland lifestyle photographer}.

Its such an exciting way to push your creativity - one dress travelling around the world and different photographers with their own eye for details and creativity need to capture this gorgeous item thinking outside the box.

I had a chance to try something that push me out of normal routine and moved in front of the camera, shooting how if feels with not much control over results. Its for sure a challenging task to be in front of the camera, but so rewarding as its truly allow you to shoot with intent and move with preview and visualisation.

Enjoy these photos from the shoot as well as other amazing photographers that I can call my friends! By the way another exciting project that are live right now is my Online Course "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" at Click Photo School. Get in now!

Olga Levien {Auckland, New Zealand}

 

Cindy Cavanah {Sydney, Australia}

Cindy Cavanah.jpg

Amber Talbert {Dallas, Texas}

Amber Talbert.jpg

Megan Tully Boggs  {Tulare, Ca}

megan tully.jpg

Jyotsna Bhamidipati {Sacramento, California}

jyotsna.jpg

Sarah Gupta {Manhattan, New York}

Sarah Gossak.jpg

Sol Sanches {Madrid, Spain}

sol earanare.jpg

Angie Manns {Ashland, Missouri}

Angee Manns

Holly Nicole {Imlay City, Michigan}

Engagement session on Muriwai Beach - Riverhead forest {Auckland pre-wedding photographer}

This engagement session on Muriwai Beach - Riverhead forest {Auckland} with Aishani & Janak was truly breathtaking. Couple wanted to do a pre-wedding session in New Zealand before they come back to UK after few years live in Auckland. It was a last minute call and Im so happy to be their couples photographer.

We spent amazing time walking around the forest and exploring the wild West Coast New Zealand beach with cave, rocks and stunning landscapes. Couple been so brave and adventurous and even walk in the cold water {its a winter here in NZ!}. I always love when couple brings traditions in their wedding | session so it was a great surprise to see their traditional Indian outfits - sari.

Couple shared their love story: "We met at university 10 years ago, were best friends for 3 years until Janak anonymously sent me flowers on Valentines Day. We pretty much immediately went travelling to India, Nepal & Malaysia as a brand new couple for 3 months. It was intense being with each other 24/7 right at the beginning of our relationship, but it showed us that we were a great couple... and here we are 7 years later!" 

The proposal was so amazing: "He flew me on a seaplane to the winery I really wanted to go to on Waiheke (Man O War). We had a wine tasting, then while we went for a walk on the beach and he got down on one knee! The proposal was a complete surprise as I thought the seaplane experience was a belated birthday gift."

Enjoy this video slideshow and photo gallery:

{by the way if you are interested in improving your photography, wait no longer! My online photography course is available for registration at Click Photo School, grab your seat and enjoy loads of materials: 100+ pages exclusive ebook, bonus materials, 6 shooting and 5 editing videos in Lightroom and Photoshop, culling in PhotoMechanic and introduction videos! Watch me shoot and edit this session! I'm so excited and would love to have you join!}

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Newborn photo shoot in Auckland {New Zealand family-baby-wedding photographer}

I'm so excited to share with you my recent newborn photo shoot in Auckland. I always thrilled to be invited to capture such a special for every family moments as welcoming this baby in the world. Im mostly known as a wedding photographer in New Zealand, but I as a mum of three little ones I always enjoying to document family moments.

Need to mentioned this gorgeous family are my constant clients, and we already became a good friends. I captured moments with their first born baby boy, then one year birthday party and now their second gorgeous baby. Such a honour to be a family historian! Its was a pleasure to see grandparents again {coming over from Russia to support this young family}.

Enjoy these beautiful moments in video slideshow and photo gallery:

{by the way if you are interested in improving your photography, wait no longer! My online photography course is available for registration at Click Photo School, grab your seat and enjoy loads of materials: 100+ pages exclusive ebook, bonus materials, 6 shooting and 5 editing videos in Lightroom and Photoshop, culling in PhotoMechanic and introduction videos! Watch me shoot and edit this session! I'm so excited and would love to have you join!}

Pre wedding session in New Zealand {Auckland engagement photographer} Photography Workshop

Alice & Sam come over to their pre wedding session in New Zealand , Auckland such amazing place for engagement photo shoot and Im so pleased to be chosen to be their photographer and document so special for couple moments!

Need to mentioned I know Alice from Clickin Moms photography forum, such a supportive community of amazing and talented women-photographers. I been so thrilled when she contacted me with their plans to come over to New Zealand from USA.

This moment was so amazing, we had such a blast on Karekare Falls and Piha Beach, such amazing and stunning locations. The love and connections that you can clearly see between Alice and Sam so insane. We had some exploring moments and fun as well. Its so great to introduce to someone so wild and beautiful nature and see their excitement and instant love to this country. Bring back memories!

Enjoy these highlights in video slideshow and photo gallery!

{by the way, if you a photographer and seeking the ways to bring more connection and soul to your photographs, check out my photography workshop with Click Photo School. You can see how I shoot this session, all my tips and tricks - hips of shooting videos, culling and editing videos, and 100+ pages exclusive Ebook plus hips of BONUSES!}

Auckland forest-beach maternity session: Conny and Stewart {New Zealand wedding -family photographer}

Im so excited to share with you a final gallery from Auckland forest-beach maternity session with Conny & Stewart. Im as New Zealand wedding and family photographer truly enjoy capturing so special moments with expecting a little miracle.

Couple shared their story: "We met in 2010.( Been together for 8 years now- time file). at a festival in South Africa I was playing hard to get, however once he convinced me that he is one of the good fish out there we moved in together and a year later he proposed In 2014 we got married and moved to New Zealand the following year. We waited till we felt settled and secure in our Jobs before starting this new and exciting adventure of becoming parents."

We had amazing time on Muriwai Beach and Woodhill forest, so beautiful memories!

{P.S.: I recorded a video screen share with this session culling, have a look at my Online Course "Tales of the moment: Your secret formula for picture perfect", OPEN for registration}

Enjoy this video slideshow and maternity session highlights in the photo gallery:

The Secret Revealed: Tales of the Moment - Education for Photographers {Online course | Photography Workshop}

I'm so excited to announce: The Secret Revealed!

Registration is officially OPEN for a project I been working for a year now - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" with Click Photo School. It's a perfect education for modern photographers working in any genres. This online course include 100+ PDF, two bonus PDFs, 6 shooting videos, 5 editing videos, custom Lightroom presets + my heart and soul!

Learn more at photography workshop registration page.

I would love to have you join! All materials are downloadable and yours to keep. If you snag it in now, before it goes in the store it's not only $10 OFF, but you also get the opportunity to ask me any questions during almost two weeks!

What's Included:

- 100+ pages exclusive Ebook;

- 5 Editing Videos {Lightroom, Photoshop and PhotoMechnic} couples, maternity, newborn, self-portraits;

- 6 Shooting Videos {3 couples & 1 lifestyle newborn | family & personal everyday moments & REAL wedding shot}; 

- 2 BONUS Ebooks:

"In the Moment: a Guide to Couple's Storytelling"

"In the Moment: a Guide to Everyday Family Storytelling"

- 4 of my custom Lightroom Presets and more.

What will you learn?

// SEEING AND USING LIGHT {How Olga uses all types of light to create her images}

// COMPOSITION {How to incorporate different elements of design for stronger composition}

// VISUALIZATION {How to use visualization in your everyday photography to create compelling images}

// STORYTELLING {How to see and shoot through the moment, creating authentic & emotive images}

// CREATING EMOTIVE IMAGES {How to effectively communicate and direct your subjects to create images with heart}

// POST PROCESSING {How Olga finishes her images post-processing using vision and mood}

// PSYCHOLOGY {How to use psychology to create better images}

// FINDING YOUR SWEET SPOT {How to find direction in your photographic journey, refine your style, and stay true to yourself}

Get your copy and learn more at Click Photo Schoolhttps://www.clickinmoms.com/cmu/tales-of-the-moment/

Join me on this adventure!

photography workshop | education for photographers | online course

Kauri Bay Boomrock - Clevedon: Celeste and Leo {Auckland wedding photographers}

Kauri Bay Boomrock {Clevedon} such a stunning location in Auckland, not surprising Celeste & Leo choose this wedding venue to celebrate their special day. It was great honour for us to be their wedding photographers.

The weather was so amazing for this autumn wedding at the end of May. There was still plenty of beautiful colours on the trees. It was so great to spend a day in such an amazing place with everything on one site and to meet the sunset on the hills just before the reception.

Couple shared their love story: "12 LONG Years! Haha! We meet at high school, so yes high school sweethearts. I first caught sight of Leo as he was standing in the bus line. My friend liked his older brother and was pointing him out but all I saw was Leo. I was smitten. Leo first caught sight of me at a Rowing Regatta and during Mufti Day at school. We were friends for about a year and half before we actually became boyfriend and girlfriend. We've never looked back. We definitely have had our ups & downs but each bought our relationship a new memory, a new strength, growth in our love and friendship. We are so alike we can think of each other and one of us will call the other. Just like ESP. Two peas in a pod."

Their proposal was so amazing: "We were on holiday in BC, Vancouver. It was late Jan and still snow was all around. We booked a day trip out to Whistler where in the morning we did zip lining. Absolutely amazing! But Leo wasn't himself. I just thought jetlag. He then said he really wanted to do the peak to peak gondola. I turn and here Leo is down on one knee, and with the cheeky grin I know and LOVE so much he simple said. "Will you marry me". I cried and said "Yessss!" So we're so overcome with love and happiness (Leo because I said yes and me because I'd only been waited 11 years) that we spend the whole day taking photos with the ring on the wrong finger!"

Enjoy this video slideshow and highlights in the gallery!

Congratulations to happy couple! {one of the images in this gallery been featured in LooksLikeFilm, such amazing community of world best photographers}

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Great Creative Team:
Dress: Jessica Bridal
Bridesmaids: Honey Peaches & @Forever New
Suits: Hallenstein Brothers.
Rings: Bride is Pascoes The Jewellers. Groom is KAVALRI 
Bride Braclett: PANDORA and Earrings: Swarovski
Makeup: Kate Solley Makeup Artist
Hair: Boutique Bride
Flowers: Dianna Marie "think flowers"
Celebant: Letitia Voss
MC: Stewart Pinny
Coordinator: Amanda & Yaman Kauri Bay Boomrock
Music: Spotify
and Auckland wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography L & L

Lookslikefilm feature - publication {wedding photographers in Auckland}

It such a honour to be published in LookslikeFilm, get a feature, it's such a great community for photographers around the world {including New Zealand and Auckland}.

This famous blog featuring best international photos on daily basis.

So excited and thrilled to be in the row with so talented photographers. Check their work!

Have a look at this publication in LooksLikeFilm and enjoy the photo from recent wedding {full wedding gallery is coming soon, watch this space!}. I also filmed this amazing wedding and you can see me shooting all parts of the day in my e learning course | breakout with Click Photo School {coming in August}.

OlgaLevien-www.olgalevien.com.jpg - LooksLikeFilm feature publication

Iris Awards NZIPP {top award-winning wedding photographers in Auckland}

So exited to share with you amazing news: one of my images just got an award at Iris Awards by NZIPP {Wellington, New Zealand}, such a honour to be in a row with top award-winning wedding photographers and represent Auckland region.

Im so stocked with amount of talent in each category. Its a pleasure to win a Bronze Award in Wedding In Camera Artistry Category. Congratulations to all my friends-photographers, you are so talented!

Thank you so much for my awesome couples who made all dreams come true!

Iris Awards NZIPP {top award-winning wedding photographer in Auckland}

Contact me with any questions!

Muriwai Beach {Auckland} post-wedding photo shoot {New Zealand wedding photographer}

SO excited to share with you a session at Muriwai Beach {Auckland}, amazing post-wedding photo shoot with Nwe & Rohan. I, New Zealand wedding photographer, ben happy to offer a couples session for them as the weather on their actual wedding day was very rainy.

We had amazing time walking and talking on the beach and taking photos on the way, just before the sunset, when light is most soft and beautiful!

Enjoy this highlights in video slideshow and session gallery: