love | light | laughter
AUCKLANd wedding PHOTOGRAPHER | fine art documentary photography
Im so thrilled to share with you amazing West Auckland morning engagement photo shoot with Yvonne & Ethan - forest + beach. Couple come to their pre-wedding session from Singapore, it was such a honour to be their photographer and capture so magical natural moments of love and connection, such romantic time!
Enjoy these memories from couples engagement photo shoot in Riverhead forest and Muriwai Beach.
Contact me with any questions!
I want to share with you my recent travel news, in case if you noticed how quiet lately in our Blog: I been few weeks away , in Oberstdorf, Germany, for ISU International Adult Figure Skating Competitions, at Ice, Mountains, and share the Passion with amazing people from all over the world, with love to ice skating.
It is a honour for me not only be an Auckland wedding photographer, mentor, a mum, and wife, but also continue to do my passion - figure skating, such incredible sport with passion and grace! It always been a dream to participate in international competitions of such a big rank, and Im not shy to chance my dreams and just go for it, even if I back on ice only for a one year, after almost 8 years break with having kids and building a successful wedding photography business in Hamilton and Auckland, NZ, mentoring and running multiple educational projects. Hard work did paid off!
Such incredible rewarding experience with so many new friends, with warm support and cheer!
All dreams can come true if you believe in yourself and really want it to happen.
Enjoy these highlights and chase your dreams!
The location where we met Sara & Matt on their special day was just magical - open space, stunning views on hills and farm land, perfect spot for a ceremony. Couple get married at Kourawhero Estate {North Auckland, not far from Warkworth}, it was a honour for me and Matt to be their wedding photographers and document all beautiful, emotional and happy candid natural moments!
Couple shared their story: “Ours is a story of best friends accidentally falling in love. We met in 2012 on set of NZ's Got Talent and quickly became good friends. In 2016 Matt left his wife and moved to Auckland to be with Sara. One year later we got engaged. He proposed in the middle of a speedway race at Western Springs after a surprise weekend of beach picnics, seaplanes, vineyards and car racing”. This is so romantic!
Enjoy highlights of couple’s special day!
Great Creative Team: MC/Celebrant/Singer/DJ: Aaron Bloomfield Dress: Astra Bridal Jewellery/Watch: Partridge Jewellers Hair/Makeup: Paula Taylor Suit: Barkers and your Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}
It was a rainy day, but weather cant stand on the way of this beautiful celebration - Alyssa & Josh get married in Mantells surrounded by close friends and family. I shot many weddings this season, but doing photography in this rustic venue with character in Auckland is something special!
Everything been just gorgeous on this day! It was a pleasure for me to document the story of the day and capture all beautiful, emotional, real and natural moments with lots of love and laughter.
Couple shared their story: “Met at a bar in Ponsonby. Been together 10 years! Josh proposed in Vietnam while we were on holiday. After dinner at the resort we walked down to the water where he ordered 2 glasses of champagne at the outdoor bar which had been closed for a few days because of bad weather. They only had enough for one glass (which was flat and murky). We strolled down the beach with my flat champagne and Josh with his beer to a sun lounger where he proposed under the stars.” SO beautiful story!
Enjoy highlights of couple’s wedding day!
Great creative team:
Dress - Jessica Bridal Suit - Rembrandt Flowers - Twig & Twine Celebrant - Suzanne Teague DJ - Murray Sweetpants Cake - The Caker and your Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}
Im so excited to share with you highlights of Megan & Daniel celebration in Gracehill Vineyard Estate {West Auckland}, such a beautiful location for a wedding with beautiful atmosphere and everything on one site, such a dream for all wedding photographers! {need to mentioned we had amazing time on couples pre-wedding | engagement photo shoot, so much fun, love and positive emotions!}
Couple spend their special day surrounded by their close friends and family. It was a great honour for me to be their wedding photographer and document all natural and candid moments through the day.
Couple shared their story: “Daniel and I met at university through a mutual friend, soon started dating and then spending all our time together. We've now been together for 6.5 years, and are at a very comfortable stage of our relationship. As Daniel says - it's like we're already married. He proposed while travelling in Japan, we were visiting the snow festival in Hokkaido, which are gigantic snow and ice sculptures. After a fun evening sightseeing and eating, we were walking home down a quiet snowy street and Daniel proposed on one knee in the snow.” Oh such a beautiful memories!
Couple been really excited on their wedding day “Hearing each others vows, and having a really fun day with each other and all our friends and family”.
Enjoy highlights of this elegant wedding in Gracehill Vineyard Estate!
Great Creative Team:
Dress - Sottero & Midgely Suit - custom Flowers - DIY Shoes - Kathryn Wilson Makeup - Rae Sacha (@rae_makeup) Hair - Dry&Tea Celebrant - Kubi Witten-Hannah and your Auckland wedding photographer - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}
Im so excited to share with you my recent sneak peek of pre-wedding photo shoot: Manyin & Mark come over to New Zealand from Hong Kong for this breathtaking session and travel around NZ with first stop in Auckland. Such a honour for me to be chosen before their wedding as their couples photographer.
We had such amazing time - 4-hours session!!! starting from Auckland Domain, Riverhead forest, and finishing meeting sunset at Muriwai Beach. So many incredible moments, love and laughter! We enjoyed every single moment!
Couple shared their love story: “We've been together for about 2.5 years we met during work when I (manyin) travel to HK for a work trip and Mark is local in HK where he studied in Sydney (same place as me) previously. Our hobbies and background was very alike and slowly we were together. He proposed on his birthday (as this was the date we started going out together) he decorated the house and proposed”. Such a beautiful story.
Enjoy couple’s sneak peek! Can’t wait to move through their entire gallery!
By the way, we going to use these amazing locations for our workshop in Auckland LEARN-LOVE-LIGHT-LAUGHTER! Join our amazing group of photographers!
I’m so excited to share with you a recent sneak peek of morning pre-wedding session with Yvonne & Ethan at Riverhead forest and Muriwai beach. Couple come over from Singapore where they planning their wedding, its such a honour they chose me to be their engagement photographer, coming in Auckland specially for this session.
Why it happened on morning? I do love beautiful sunset light, but unfortunately we had a rainy forecast during last two days that couple spent in New Zealand. Luckily, morning was just perfect with no rain!
We walk and talk and better know each other, couple shared their story and we had such amazing connection, photo shoot full of love and laughter!
I cant wait to share all my secrets with amazing photographers on upcoming photography workshops in Auckland and Melbourne. Not long to go now! Sign up today! {limited space is available}
Enjoy this sneak peek!
Such amazing celebration for Jade & Jared in the Northern Club and Kings College Chapel. Such a big honour for us, Auckland wedding photographers, to capture so special for this amazing couple moments.
Even rain cant stand on the way of this beautiful wedding. We had so many emotional moments, full of love and laughter, including unexpected flash-mob at entering the reception and much more.
Couple shared their love story: “We met in Britomarts 1885. We were two young 22 year olds. 8 years later here we are getting married. We have renovated apartments, traveled and been air bnb host together. we have also spent 3 months apart while Jade worked in the states.”
Enjoy highlights of this elegant wedding!
Contact me with any questions!
Im so excited to share with you a great news the Traveling Dress Collective blog just issued a new publication with our photos! We took part in creative project with 8 photographers from all over the world. Its been a big honour for me, Auckland wedding photographer, to be invited in this talented company.
One dress - 8 photographers: dress traveling around the world and get captured in absolutely different environments with a creative vibe.
Enjoy this publication!
By the way, my friend, Juliette Sivertsen kindly agreed to participate in this project and Im so glad to have her on board as a guest presenter for my education for photographers - Live Workshop in Auckland on 26-27 June 2019 {Juliette is a NZ radio presenter and blogger}
I’m so excited to announce L & L next educational project “Learn - Love - Light - Laughter” - workshop for wedding and family photographers in Auckland {New Zealand} on 26-27 June 2019 in Waimauku - Muriwai Beach - Riverhead Forest etc.
Location: West Auckland {cosy cottage with charm}
Dates: 26-27 June 2019*, 20-21 October 2019 {Auckland}; TBC - Melbourne, Australia
Pricing: $850 NZD**
Size: up to 10 people - limited availability; boutique and personal experience
Do you know, before photography, Olga was a professional educator {teacher and lecturer in university, earned PhD in pedagogical science} and passionate about coaching, personal and professional growth & inspiring development.
Olga’s sharing her secrets, knowledge and helping developing professional skills on personal mentoring sessions, workshops and breakouts. Her over 1000 photography students includes all levels from beginners to professionals.
With unfiltered access to Olga’s perspectives on photography, weddings, family, business & life; this workshop delves deep beyond the surface of shooting & weddings, family & personal projects, art & creativity, creating deep & real experience.
This is a no holding back 2-day experience for wedding | family photographers desire to push their craft to another level.
Day One: Your Voice, Creativity, Art, Natural Light {inside and outside}, Off Camera Flash, Composition, Elements of Design, Moments, Storytelling, Working with locations, Posing and Unposing, Creating Connection and Capturing Emotions
Critique {portfolio/images critique}; Q&A, Open discussion
Day Two: Workflow, Post-Production, Your Style, Balance, Business development, Marketing, SEO, Social Media, Blogging
Website/portfolio/images critique; Q&A, Open discussion
and everything else you wanted to know about Olga’s photography & life; expect many more surprises and A-Ha moments including FOUR Creative Shoots over two days {inside, outside, beach, forest}!
Space is limited to 10 photographers in order ensure the best possible experience.
For the latest news and updates, join our group on Facebook.
* Can’t make it this time? Please contact us about next available run! Join the waiting list below when spaces SOLD OUT. Can join only for one day? Make a request below {subject of availability}.
** Breakfast, snacks and lunch included. Coming out of town? $1100 workshop fee with 3 nights of accomodation {limited spaces available on site; first come - first serve basis}.
WORKSHOP | BREAKOUT ALUMNI STORIES
“I have been a huge fan of Olga’s work, in fact I wish I could get married again so she can do my wedding photography!
It has been amazing getting this valuable insight from such a talent and the openness Olga comes with is amazing. I have learnt a lot from the materials and the exercises Olga sets give you a deeper way of thinking, creating and challenging yourself. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to up their game.
Olga thank you so much for pouring your heart and soul into this and really caring!!”
— Caroline
“Olga Levien’s work is absolutely breathtaking! I was so very excited to pursue a mentorship with her and she did not disappoint. Her knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the photography business is top notch. She has helped me build confidence in pursuing wedding photography full time by giving me the knowledge and tools I need for a successful business and she has also helped me to find my photography voice and style through wonderful feedback on my photography portfolio. She’s extremely friendly, and highly encouraging and I cannot recommend her enough. 5 stars for Olga Levien!!!”
— Tanya
“This breakout totally exceeded my expectations! Olga is obviously an incredibly talented photographer but her passion for helping others find their voice is so inspiring and motivating… I cannot wait to get out there and shoot with some new perspective!! Olga really has poured her heart and soul into this breakout and there is such a wealth of information here I will be referring back to it for a long time, I’m sure!”
— Sophie
“Olga is one of those photographers that when you see her work it just stops you in your tracks and you wonder HOW does she do that?? I found this class at the right time during my own personal photography journey. I understand the technical basics but I know my photography is lacking something that isn’t tangible that I couldn’t put my finger on. I’ve heard many great photographers say that you need to find your VOICE. Olga is an amazing teacher and I can tell she really put her heart and soul into the materials of this class. I feel that she really wants everyone to succeed and be the best photographer they can be. I’m so glad I found this course and can’t wait to practice what I’ve learned.”
— Vanessa
“Gosh, where to start?! Olga is truly inspiring. She has really put her whole heart and soul into this. I can tell that she has poured over every.single.detail. If you are drawn to emotive, authentic, and captivating photography…this is for you. Thanks Olga for sharing your heart and your beautiful work and all of the creativity behind what you do!”
— Heather
“This breakout is an absolute GAME CHANGER!! Whether you are brand new to photography or have been shooting for years, you will find countless treasures. Olga is so passionate about helping her participants grow, learn and succeed. She holds nothing back as she shares her knowledge, experience and guidance so freely. Olga provides insight and inspiration to help you dig deep to find YOUR voice, YOUR style and to be confident in it! She covers composition, lighting, colors choices, story, mood, movement, emotion and so many other details that will help you take your photography journey to a whole new level. Thank You Olga for pouring your heart and soul into this! Your generosity is going help so many others discover and embrace their creative voice!”
— Velina
“Olga is a great artist and a great teacher. The way she explains things and all creative exercises make you rethink about your photography and helps you to go forward. Olga is very inspiring and generous.”
— Tania
Im so thrilled to share with you a recent romantic engagement | pre-wedding photo shoot at Muriwai Beach {Auckland} with Hannah & Jordan. I can not wait to be their wedding photographer, not long to go now!
We had such amazing time walking around secluded part of the beach, climbing rocks and getting in the water, meeting a beautiful sunset and chatting about couple’s upcoming wedding.
Enjoy highlights of this session at Muriwai {Auckland} in photo gallery!
Contact me with any questions, especially if you ned a photographer!
Im so excited to share with you recent Shoot & Share contest results {this is a truly amazing competition/awards where only audience voting for best photos}. Its such a honour for me, Auckland wedding photographer to get acknowledgement , be notices from hundred of thousands of submitted photographs.
Quick statistics:
One of my photos got 5th place from 46000 submitted in Couple/Engagement Category; 3 photos became finalists in Engagement, Lifestyle/Documentary and Travel/Landscape category; 12 photos got in top 10% in their categories and 17 photos in top 20 % in their categories. Such amazing results, a bit better then last year.
Im so grateful, thank you everyone who voted and to my awesome couple who made this results come true; also thank you to my little one, her photo got in the finalist in Documentary category.
Enjoy highlights with best photos and contact me with any questions!
5th Place - Couple/Engagement
Finalist - Couple /Engagement
Finalist - Travel / Landscape
Finalist - Lifestyle / Documentary
Im so excited to share with you highlights of Amy & Michael’s wedding at Gracehill Vineyard Estate, such a stunning venue in Auckland, paradise for all wedding photographers with everything on one site {beautiful old style building, gazebo, vineyards, pond, trees and much more}.
Couple shared their love story: “We met during uni - both studied engineering and met through common friends would have been together for 7 years in 2019”, proposal: “We went to Sydney in Aug 2018. I knew he would propose during this trip. Michael suggested to go for a walk in the botanic garden before dinner but I was too lazy. So instead of proposing in the botanic garden at sunset, he just did it in front of the restaurant outside of Opera house. He wanted the moment to be intimate not in front of everyone in the restaurant. “
Creative Team:
suit: barkers flowers: Wildly Madly Deeply shoes: Ziera Shoes Jewelry: Naveya & Sloane (engagement ring). Tiffany & Co (wedding bands), Swarovski (necklace, earrings, and bangle) Makeup: Ellie Choi Hair: Yujin Lee celebrant: Valeria Antipenko coordinator: William Adair MC: none DJ: Mixit DJ
and Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}
Enjoy highlights of this beautiful wedding in photo gallery:
Amazing time in The Hunting Lodge, one of the most exciting wedding venue with modern architecture and barn feel at stunning location with amazing hills and vinery. Such a pleasure to shoot there for us, wedding photographers in Auckland {New Zealand}.
Nicole & Brian come over from Hong Kong to celebrate this special day with their close friends and family. It was amazing day full of love and laugher.
“Their story began in 2014 when they were colleagues at the same company. Their friendship began as friends and the chemistry of love was ignited after a special Christmas boat party. Brian shared that this next step was just natural. They had so much in common, but it was special, and they both realised their friendship had a very special sparkle. They shared the same values, they enjoyed the same challenges, and they genuinely supported each other and trusted each other’s judgements, they were truly best friends. Their relationship blossomed and their love grew and deepened. When Nicole headed to the Netherlands to study, their trust and love was strong, and it sustained them both, and they were able to have a successful long-distance relationship for 2 years.”
Proposal” “In August 2017 Brian planned the proposal, He wanted to make a special surprise for Nicole. He told Nicole he had to work overtime when he was actually decorating their home. After dinner Brian suggested that Nicole go to the ATM, she needed a bit of persuasion but in the end off she went. And a very very relieved Brian had a few finishing touches for the surprise when Nicole walked in the door. Everything went according to plan, except Nicole turned on the lights and reduced the level of romance, but , to Brian’s delight Nicole said YES.”
Enjoy highlights of couple’s wedding gallery:
So incredible news just happened - I been announced in the best couple | engagement photos by Shoot & Share contest based on public votes. Its such a honour for me, Auckland wedding photographer, to receive this award - 5th place from over 46000 submitted photos just in this category. Its a pleasure to be in the row with so talented international photographers. This is an amazing awards with opportunity for audience to choose their favourite photos. To be in the top 20 is a big honour {by the way announcements still going, fill free to watch first places in the video slideshows}
Thank you so much to my awesome couples who make all dreams come true in emotional, artistic, and real photographs!
Enjoy this best photos with winners!
Jo & Regan get married in Rotorua {NZ} Government Gardens - Blue Baths at the Gazebo, such a beautiful location. It was a honour for me to drive from Auckland to be their wedding photographer and capture so many wonderful moments, full of love and laugher!
I met couple before for their engagement session in Auckland Botanic Gardens, so meeting them again on the wedding day was like seeing an old friends! Day went just magical, and so perfect! Dancing took a special part of the day, guests been dancing away right after 7 pm {i never saw such incredible movement with so many people dancing together Macarena, Bruno Mars and so many other songs including a Baby Shark} :)
Couple shared their love story: “We met online (find someone) in June 2014. Our first date was at the Hamilton Lake, Regan bought us coffee and we sat and talked for hours. It was perfect.” Proposal: “At the top of a turret at Warwick Castle, England. He had incorporated our close friend to take photos. It was amazing.” So beautiful memories!
Great Creative Team:
Dress - Astra Bridal Bridesmaids dresses - mix bridal Suits - Hallensteins Flowers - Flaxation Bridesmaid necklaces - stone arrow Make up - Haley Mana Hair - Mel Freeman Hair and Styling Celebrant - Pastor John Ferris MC - Uwe Mana DJ - Pulse DJ’s
and New Zealand wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}
Enjoy this celebration highlights!
Tea & Michael wedding was in The Officers Mess {North Shore} and was just epic, we, their wedding photographers, truly enjoyed such amazing atmosphere with their close friends and family in Auckland. Need to mention not a long time ago we captures Tea’s brother wedding in Kerikeri, bring back memories! So good to see again old friends Elisah & Heremaia and their big friendly family!
Couple shared their love story: “we both meet in the navy 2012 and have been together for 6 years “, he proposed while on a cruise in Fiji . So romantic!
Great Creative team on the wedding:
dress - Maggie soretto; suit - custom made in Singapore; flowers - Wild & Yellow; hair and makeup - Amber from verdo; celebrant - Navy Padre; DJ - Highkings and Auckland based wedding photographers - L & L - Levien & Lens photography.
Enjoy highlights in photo gallery:
Im so excited to capture beautiful, emotional and real moments in any location, not only in Auckland. This time Sybille & Aadil celebrated their special moments at Omaha Beach and had a backyard wedding at their parents property with stunning views to the rocks and ocean.
Informal mingling right after the ceremony and walking on the beach, reception at the marque, so many beautiful memories. Couple come all the way over from UK to New Zealand to celebrate these moments.
Enjoy this wedding highlights!
One of the beautiful venues that I had a honour to capture Nikki & Blake beautiful moments, at The Hunting Lodge Winery {West Auckland}. Its such a pleasure to be chosen as couples’s wedding photographer and capture natural and candid, emotional and romantic moments.
Love story: “We met in 2010 at a wedding, we started dating in 2014 and have been together since. He proposed at Mangawhai Beach, Labour weekend 2017”.
Creative Team:
Dress by Modes Bridal Suits from Barkers Hair & Makeup by Serenity Celebrant is Jennifer Frieling Ceremony Music by Nikau Quartet DJ - Ron Pereria Floristry by Twig and Twine and West Auckland wedding photographer - Olga Levien L & L {Levien & Lens photography}
Enjoy highlights of couple’s wedding gallery:
One of the fabulous venues that I shoot recently is Nocton Woolshed in Clevedon, such a dream for any couple and Auckland wedding photographer. Amazing location on the top of the hill, with stunning views and a great atmosphere!
Lexie & Marcus decided to get married in New Zealand, made their way from New-York {USA} and have such a awesome time with their friends and family!
Couple shared their story: “We met in New York at a bar when we were 23 and spent a week getting to know each other before Marcus left the country for good. After a year and a half of long distance, Lexie moved to New Zealand and we've been together since (7.5 years).” Proposal: “Surprised at Lexie's Finnish ancestor's cabin in New Hampshire. “ Such beautiful memories!
Enjoy this wedding ceremony on the beach following the reception in the Nocton Woolshed {Clevedon, Auckland} - highlights in the photo gallery!
Creative Team: Celebrant: JJ Johnston Day-Of Coordinator: Gail Hackwell MC: Hamish Ellis DJ: MixIt and Auckland wedding photographers - Olga Levien {L & L} - Levien & Lens photography :)
