Nestled upon the shores of the serene oceanscapes of the East Coast is Gisbourne, home of Zara Staples Photography. Inspired by love, nature’s details, and ever-changing landscapes. Zara captures tangible love-drenched moments of anticipation, joy, and intimacy — a unique gallery of magical moments.
Zara confidently uses natural elements to enhance the unrefined beauty of wild love stories. Her ability to not confine herself to one palette, and explore with an array of backdrops, colour palettes, textures, and aesthetics, is a hidden gem in Zara’s photoscapes and imagery.
Get to know Zara a little more as we talk with her below about her humble beginnings and favourite parts of wedding photography.
Tell us about yourself and how Zara Staples Wedding Photography began.
Most of my childhood memories are from my grandparent’s farm where I spent a lot of my time growing up. I had an interest in nature and animals and noticed the little details the world has to offer. Which I think had helped me with my photography, I love details that pull a wedding or elopement together. I started taking photos at age 10 of butterflies and flowers which then led to taking photos of my friends and brand collaborations through Instagram. At 17 I went along to my first ever wedding second shooting, just to get a feel for weddings and if I enjoyed photographing these special events. And I’ve never looked back since. There’s no place I’d rather be, surrounded by all the love and happiness that comes with a wedding/elopement.
Describe your style of shooting in three words.
Natural
Relaxed
Fun
How early do couples need to book for your services?
1 year to 18 months is ideal. Especially with the summer months or popular dates like public holidays
What really gets to you at weddings? Makes you emotional. Makes you laugh.
When the bride or groom sees their partner walk down the aisle. That really gets the tears going! And the first dance is another time I love – you can see how loved up the couple is and they’re really just in the moment.
What is something you have been reading, listening to or watching lately?
I’ve been loving podcasts lately, I listen to some photography and business-related ones but my favourite is ‘Extremes’ by Vice as it’s true stories told by the people who experience them.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the wedding industry?
If I didn’t find photography I would probably be pursuing a career in architecture or a vet/vet nurse.
How do you pick yourself up when you’re in a creative lull?
I would take my 3 dogs for a walk at the local park, write down some goals and refocus. Your creative diet is also really important, so prioritise books, music, old film work by photographers. Rather than being absorbed in a cell phone or Instagram.
Follow all of Zara’s beautiful love stories on Instagram at @zarastaplesweddings x
