Photographer Zara Staples shares her home between New Zealand and London each year. With first hand travel experience exploring the South Island of New Zealand, the Italian Dolomites, the United Kingdom and France, she loves to share her knowledge with her couples planning destination weddings. Zara Staples specialises in smaller celebrations such as elopements and micro-weddings.
What would you like couples to know about you?
Analogue film is something I’m deeply passionate about,I love seeing a wedding celebration through my film lens. I’ve been taking photos since I was a young teenager, I started in fashion/editorial style photography and still do this. I have been capturing weddings for the last 7 years and I feel so lucky to do what I do and meet so many wonderful couples. I couldn't be more excited for the future of weddings with so many now thinking outside the box and creating their own traditions.
Where are you based?
I’m based in both New Zealand and London, UK depending on the month! (NZ typically Oct/Nov-May and the UK in May-Sept/Oct)
Do you travel for weddings?
Of course! I love to travel, which is why I base myself in London for part of the year as this is a more
convenient base for travel for Europe and nearby regions. I’ve visited over 25 countries in the last 2 years.
How would you describe your style?
Authentic, playful, natural, photos that remind you of what you felt in that moment. I love to capture the
moment in a documentary-editorial style, my background in fashion influences this approach.
What inspires you?
Light, everyday life, old movies or music videos, details and all the in between moments.
What motivates you to do what you do?
I just love to create and to capture memories and this is what keeps me going! I honestly don't know who I’d be without my cameras. But, also hearing happy feedback when couples receive their photos is the icing on the cake!
How would you describe your working style?
It’s important we get along well and could be friends outside of me being your photographer! This is
important to me, as this is how I capture couples being their true most relaxed selves.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I often shoot both film and digital for a wedding. My partner Jared shoots the Super 8 films for me.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Yes! I’ll often work with couples to customize one of my base packages depending on what they need.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Block out all the advice and noise for a minute, sit down with your partner and talk about your ideal wedding day, how this would look and what would mean the most to you as a couple. Nothing is off limits!
