About ESTHER
Listen in and hear about Esther’s creative story on Creative Matters Podcast, 2024.
Hi, I'm Esther.
I’ve been photographing people for over 30 years, and I still love the magic of it — the moment when a photograph reveals something deeper than what we see on the surface. And one thing I've learned is that most people don't particularly love being photographed.
Especially women. We become very good at noticing the things we don't like about ourselves. But that's not what I see.
My work has a dreamy, artistic quality, often with a little quiet magic. I love experimenting with light, perspective, lenses and other creative techniques to create portraits that feel personal, layered and a little unexpected. My work has always been about connection.
About creating photographs that ‘feel’ like something.
Beautiful, yes.
But also personal.
Real.
Sometimes a little magical.
My new Unapologetically projecct was created for women who are ready to give themselves permission to be really seen.
Not as they were.
Not as they think they should be.
But as they are now. And to back themselves, and own their brave.
I’m a Nikon Ambassador for New Zealand and an Asukabook Ambassador for Australasia, and my work has been recognised both here in New Zealand and internationally. I’m also a double Grand Master and an Honorary Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP).
But really, photography for me has never just been about taking a beautiful photograph. It’s about creating something that feels like you — and something you’ll want to live with.
Some recent awards and accolades…
WINNER: Highly Commended Award | Sotherby’s International Realty | Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History | Art Review 2023
FINALIST: Changing Threads, New Zealand Contemporary Textile Fibre Awards 2024
FINALIST: Waikato Museum National Contemporary Art Award 2023
FINALIST: Parkin Drawing Prize 2022 and 2021
HONOURABLE MENTION and ‘TOP 5’ Jurors choice at the IPA International Photography Awards 2021
WINNER: NZIPP Creative Photographer of the Year 2023, 2021, 2020
WINNER: NZ PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2020
NZ Pacific Studio 2020/2021 ANZAC Bridge Fellow
FINALIST: NZIPP Illustrative Photographer of the Year 2022
WINNER: Highest Scoring print award 2021 with 100/100 for The Secret Keeper book
HONOURABLE MENTION and ‘TOP 5’ Jurors choice at the IPA International Photography Awards
WINNER: NZIPP Portrait Open Photographer of the Year 2020
FINALIST: HeadOn International Portrait Award May 2020
