About Me

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Bio

A little bit about me and my love of all things design and photographic...

01.

When I was young I used to plead with my brother and sister to dress up in the most outrageous outfits just so I could take photos of them on Mum’s little Kodak camera with the little single use bulb flash. They put up with me, and well they really should thank me because now they have some really unique childhood photos of themselves to look back on. Some people go through school and come out the other end with no idea of what they want to do with their life. That wasn’t me. I knew I wanted to be a photographer and once I finished school I joined the Royal New Zealand Airforce to train as one. After seven years serving with the New Zealand Defence Force I decided to do further training in the field of graphic design as well, and after completing this qualification I started my own business doing both. I have now been a professional photographer for over 25 years gaining my ‘Masters’ with the NZIPP in 2018, and a graphic designer for 20! Today you’ll find me doing a variety of projects, interior design, graphic design, arranging flowers or photographing people and places.

I am inspired by beauty. It can be found in the most ordinary everyday details, often going unnoticed. I see beauty in people when they can’t see it in themselves and I love to show that to them through my images. I see it in peeling paint and dinted furniture – ‘things’ that hold the memories of our special people. People and their stories that are so easily lost in our fast paced world. I love listening to people and reading biographies – people inspire me. To often we leave things until it’s too late and that period of life has changed or gone forever. I never got to take portraits of my parents because my Mum passed away so suddenly. We had been planning on taking some photographs but hadn’t quite got around to it and then she was gone…

Photography can keep our stories alive and with us forever – it can capture your life, immortalising a moment in time, EXISTING in photographs. It gives memories not only to you, but to your whole family and those who love you. It truly is a gift for the future.

Awards and Achievements

A few of my achievements over the years...

02.
2019 – NZIPP / Queensberry Bokehrama Competition Winner

2018 – NZIPP Master of Photography Award (MNZIPP)

2018 – IRIS Professional Photography Awards – 1 Silver and 3 Bronzes

2017 – NZIPP Associate of Photography Award (ANZIPP)

2017 – IRIS Professional Photography Awards – 4 Silvers and 2 Bronzes

2016 – IRIS Professional Photography Awards – 6 Bronzes

2015 – IRIS Professional Photography Awards – 1 Silver and 1 Bronze

Clients and Testimonials

Words from my super fabulous clients...

04.

Lynn

"“Being photographed by Viv is as much a memory to treasure as the photos themselves. Her calm demeanour and hands-on, precise direction made for a thoroughly enjoyable photoshoot… and then there was still the delicious anticipation of seeing the final result, which didn’t disappoint!” Lynn "

Haylee

"Can’t believe this was four years ago, best present ever, highly recommend Viv Laursen you were amazing 💗 "

Rachel

"These are AWESOME. Also my brain is spontaneously playing “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight” while I look through them…. maybe it’s all the vining plants?? hahah "

Via Email

Karien

"Thank you so much Viv! I’m obsessed 😍 "

Via Facebook

Asha

"Hi Viv. Thank you so much for doing the photo shoot with the girls this afternoon. Asha is just home and full of excitement with how much fun she had. It is a lovely opportunity to capture the girls as dancers. We really appreciate it and can’t wait to see your amazing work.💕 "

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