In a world obsessed with “content,” brands are starting to forget what great imagery really does. Photography isn’t just about filling a feed, it’s about building visual credibility that lasts. Here’s why crafted photography still outperforms content creation, every time.

Conferences are where ideas are shared, partnerships formed, and brands come to life. Capturing that energy requires experience, timing, and attention to detail. At the 2025 Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Federation Conference, I had the privilege of photographing delegates, speakers, and celebrations — earning praise from MC Greg Ward for a seamless, professional approach.

The new Hawke’s Bay Regional Research & Archives Centre is both a vital archive and a bold architectural statement. I photographed the building at dawn to reveal its form and textures, then used AI to animate the imagery — bringing the play of light and shadow to life.

Google’s AI-powered search is rewriting the rules for online visibility. With AI Overviews summarising answers directly in search results, businesses face a new challenge: fewer clicks from generic searches. The key to staying visible and attracting qualified clients now lies in building clear, authoritative content and investing in high-quality visuals that get you cited by AI. This post outlines your new strategic baseline for success.

Hastings District Council has won at the NZ Events Association Awards for the 2025 Hastings Meatball Festival. Rooted in Dutch tradition and first made famous at Hastings’ Lilac Bakery in the 1950s, the meatball has become a local icon. I had the privilege of photographing the vibrant festival celebrations in March 2025.

Your headshot is often the first impression people have of you. Learn what to wear, how to prepare, and why a fresh business portrait builds trust.

At dawn, the Hastings community gathered to bless and reopen the new Moteo–Puketapu Bridge, a vital link lost to Cyclone Gabrielle. From the emotional procession across the river to the joy of reconnecting, this milestone event symbolised resilience and recovery, and I had the privilege of capturing it through my lens.

Honoured to celebrate a big week at the 2025 NZIPP IRIS Awards in Christchurch, bringing home 2 Silver Distinctions, 5 Silvers, and 4 Bronzes across multiple categories – and being named a finalist for New Zealand Professional Travel Photographer of the Year award!

As we roll into August, now is the time for NZ businesses to start to get their branding sharp and ready for the busy Spring and Summer seasons ahead. Get your FREE Brand Photography Starter Guide HERE!

Last night, I had the privilege of photographing the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards, an evening that brought together some of the most innovative and hard-working businesses from across the region.

As of late May and early June 2025, the New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) introduced new guidance regarding photographing and filming children at events. Here’s what’s new…

March 2025 saw Hawke’s Bay come alive with the vibrant energy of the Food and Wine Classic (F.A.W.C!), a festival that has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s culinary calendar. Over ten days, the region played host to more than 30 events, each offering a unique blend of local flavours, international inspirations, and the unmistakable charm of Hawke’s Bay’s landscapes.

Discover expert advice on enhancing the value of your event photography from Simon Cartwright, Hawke's Bay event photographer. Learn how to optimise conferences and AGMs with updated professional headshots. Read more on our blog!

The Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards, proudly owned and managed by the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society, is New Zealand’s longest-running regional wine competition. Check out some of the images from the latest awards evening here.

The Hawke’s Bay Forestry Awards, held at Napier War Memorial Centre in November, celebrated the resilience and innovation within the forestry sector. Check out some of the images from the evening here.

Recently the Hawke’s Bay business community came together to experience a wave of inspiration and innovation with The Profit Unleashed, the first of a must-attend business event series held at The Atrium @ Tribune in Hastings.

A stroll around our backyard... Te Mata Peak, Havelock North at sunset. Magical views and light that never grow old!

In the realm of digital assets, the valuation of a website is a topic of great interest, particularly for those looking to buy or sell a business. It's quite illuminating to learn that a website's worth is commonly gauged by the profits it generates.

Over recent months, several friends have sought my advice on choosing cameras for their young adults who are about to embark on an overseas experience after graduation. Here are my insights…

Recently completed interior photography for Studio DB at Motus Hydraulics in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay by Simon Cartwright.