As a Hawke's Bay photographer, I had the privilege of creating campaign imagery for Hana Montaperto-Hendry during her successful run for Hastings District Council. Hana achieved an extraordinary victory, securing her position in the Heretaunga Ward by a significant margin—despite never having served on the council before. Her campaign highlighted her vision, resilience, and commitment to her community.

To reflect the unique qualities Hana brings to her role, we broke away from the traditional candidate photo style of flat lighting against plain white backgrounds. Instead, we opted for a timeless, classic portrait style. By photographing Hana against a richly textured dark background, we drew attention directly to her face, showcasing her intent and personality. This approach emphasised the qualities that resonated with voters—her strength, determination, and approachability.

The result was a standout portrait that complemented Hana’s campaign message, helping her connect with her audience in an authentic and powerful way.

If you're looking for creative, impactful portrait photography in Hawke’s Bay, let’s collaborate to tell your story with images that stand out.