“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” – Oscar Wilde In this series we shine a light on artists expressing their individuality, documenting what they love, working hard on their craft, and sharing it with the world. We spoke to Joel McDowell, a Taupo based photographer who aims to evoke emotion in people through his work, and capture the hidden gems our beautiful country has to offer. How do you stay inspired?  That is a good question. Surrounding myself with other creatives, in all mediums and experience levels, is a good way to bounce To View More >>

Well, another year is over — our 50th! — and it’s time to express our gratitude, as always, to the people who make it happen. Thank you first to our clients. Your support, friendship and sometimes patience are very much appreciated. We're honoured that you choose to make us part of your own and your clients' stories. Thank you to our regulars, and to the people who joined us for the first time this year. Thank you also if you’ve just rejoined us. It’s great to have you back. And thank you to our amazing staff! Everything we produce is handmade. Work doubles, trebles To View More >>

You've seen Amanda King's By the Horns photographs in large format prints, but they look so dramatic in albums too! This is a 15x12 vertical Q-Book Medium with offset printing on Tintoretto to give that textured, watercolour look.  The creamy, 'Eggshell' cover is a vegan-friendly micro leather, appropriate considering the subject matter. ( Amanda, who's based in Canterbury, New Zealand, says anybody who knows her will tell you of her love for animals. "If only I could keep them all as pets.") A full bleed image in this 15x12 vertical album creates To View More >>

Pagemount vs Overlay We offer a few types of matted album — Overlay Matted, Duo and Musée —and one of the important differences between them is whether the prints are mounted Overlay or Pagemount style. So what's the difference? Overlay: Industry-wide, almost all matted albums are overlay mounted, so overlays may not be new to you. Details may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the photographs are attached behind the mat, which covers and conceals the edge of the prints. You can see this clearly in the first photograph. To View More >>

If you want people to come looking for what’s desirable, not what’s cheapest, build your studio on high-end values. I recently visited an Audi dealership, not to buy a new car, but to learn how Audi sell their beautiful vehicles. Predictably I left desiring something I'd never considered before, and sold on Audi. My intention was to test drive the Audi Q5, but the salesperson suggested that the Q7 might be more comfortable for my height, so out in a Q7 we went. But not just any Q7, a Q7 Premium Plus with sport options! It was more amazing than I can describe … To View More >>