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One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is getting to work with Hawke's Bay businesses and brands that are built on genuine connection and passion—and Ka Tahi Wines is a perfect example of that.

Ka Tahi (meaning "The One" in te reo Māori) is a boutique wine label created by three close friends in Hawke’s Bay. I was commissioned to photograph both their bottle range and a series of lifestyle images for their website and editorial material. But it was the portraits and candid captures of the founders that truly told the story.

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Three Friends, One Vision

It’s not every day you get to document the people behind a brand in such an authentic way. From the outset, I wanted these images to feel relaxed, real, and true to their story. These three aren’t just business partners—they’re longtime mates with a shared vision. That camaraderie was evident in every moment on set, and my goal was to let that natural chemistry shine through.

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We shot across a mix of winery settings—leaning into the moody tones and deepness of the heart of winemakers. The imagery was created with website and marketing use in mind, but I also approached it editorially: moments of laughter, quiet pauses among the vines, and subtle gestures that tell you just as much about the people as a written bio ever could.

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Storytelling Through Atmosphere

We intentionally kept things casual and connection-focused. I looked for those in-between moments—the sideways glance, the shared smile, the confident stance that didn’t feel forced. The brief was about capturing who they are as well as what they do.

In the end, the images became more than just promotional content. They added a human element to the Ka Tahi story—one that aligns with the brand’s values of unity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.

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Bottle Shots with Character

Alongside the lifestyle portraits, I also created a series of bottle shots for use across the website and ecommerce platforms.