My Story

My photography journey didn’t start with a dramatic moment or formal training; it began simply with scrolling through Instagram, admiring stunning images of Australian birds. I remember wondering if I could create that same kind of eye candy right here at home.

In November 2021, I picked up my first DSLR - a humble Canon 3000D - and began experimenting. Before that, I’d only dabbled with my parents’ old digital camera back in 2018. But once I stepped into the world of wildlife photography, especially birdlife, something clicked. New Zealand is abundant with unique species, and spending time in nature quickly became my source of peace, energy, and genuine connection.

I approach photography as a bystander to the natural world. Sometimes I capture wildlife in a portrait-style moment when they notice me, and other times I’m lucky enough to freeze raw, expressive stills where their personalities shine through. These moments feel honest and real. These are the frames I love most.

What began as a hobby slowly grew into something more. I never set out to turn my work into a source of income, but I’m incredibly grateful that people enjoy my prints and commissions enough to support what I create. Whether I’m producing wildlife prints, shooting events, capturing pet portraits, or offering printing and editing services, my goal remains the same: to help people connect with nature and to inspire others to explore their own creative outlets.

The name Kāhu came naturally. The harrier hawk is a widespread bird of prey across New Zealand, often soaring in the same places I wander with my camera. It felt fitting - a familiar guardian of our open landscapes, and a symbol of the freedom, focus, and quiet observation behind my work. Like the bird itself, my photography is for everyone to enjoy.

I’m entirely self-taught. No courses, no formal arts education. Just passion, persistence, and a lot of practice. Since early 2024, I’ve taken on more commissions through word of mouth, attending small gatherings, parties, and friends’ homes for pet portraits and events. I’ve also volunteered at times, using those experiences to grow and refine my craft. I take pride in delivering work that brings joy, and I love connecting with such a diverse range of people through photography.

Although I grew up in the city, my love for wildlife truly began online, and later through trips with my parents & grandparents to the West Coast, where I first saw birds I would never encounter in my Christchurch backyard. Looking back, those moments planted the seeds for everything I do today.

Through Kāhu Gallery and Kāhu Collective, I’m proud to share my photography, my services, and the beauty of our wildlife with you. I hope my work inspires you the same way nature inspires me.