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Adam & Eve - a story of one apple.

Adam & Eve - a story of one apple.

Adam & Eve - a story of one apple.

Mar 31 min read

Heatwave Love - a Couple Photoshoot at Okitu Beach, Gisborne

Heatwave Love - a Couple Photoshoot at Okitu Beach, Gisborne

Heatwave Love - a Couple Photoshoot at Okitu Beach, Gisborne

Feb 111 min read

Rainy Romance - a Cinematic Couple Photoshoot in Gisborne

Rainy Romance - a Cinematic Couple Photoshoot in Gisborne

Rainy Romance - a Cinematic Couple Photoshoot in Gisborne

Feb 111 min read

Couple Adventure Session in Gisborne

Couple Adventure Session in Gisborne

Couple Adventure Session in Gisborne

Feb 101 min read

Golden Love at Makorori - A Surfing Sunset Session in Gisborne

Golden Love at Makorori - A Surfing Sunset Session in Gisborne

Golden Love at Makorori - A Surfing Sunset Session in Gisborne

Dec 17, 20251 min read

Between Light and Shadow - Dark Romance Sunset Session in Gisborne

Between Light and Shadow - Dark Romance Sunset Session in Gisborne

Between Light and Shadow - Dark Romance Sunset Session in Gisborne

Oct 29, 20251 min read

8 Easy Outfit Tips for Beautiful Family Photos

8 Easy Outfit Tips for Beautiful Family Photos

8 Easy Outfit Tips for Beautiful Family Photos

Jun 12, 20252 min read

Love in Focus: a Golden Engagement Session in Gisborne

Love in Focus: a Golden Engagement Session in Gisborne

Love in Focus: a Golden Engagement Session in Gisborne

Jun 12, 20251 min read

Top 10 Family Photography Spots in Gisborne

Top 10 Family Photography Spots in Gisborne

My Top 10 Family Photography Spots in Gisborne

Jun 11, 20254 min read

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You couldn’t possibly think I was done with this session, right? 🍎🐍
Which one is your favourite - 1–17?

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#somelightmag #cinematicphotography #newzealandphotographer #gisbornephotographer

You couldn’t possibly think I was done with this session, right? 🍎🐍
Which one is your favourite - 1–17?

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#somelightmag #cinematicphotography #newzealandphotographer #gisbornephotographer

The most magical session. I’m always so honoured to be a part of such special moments 🥹

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotography #engagementphotographer

The most magical session. I’m always so honoured to be a part of such special moments 🥹

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotography #engagementphotographer

When you’ve only been in this world for two weeks… and already been part of something so special.

These early days can feel soft and hazy - a blur of tiny moments - but they’re incredibly beautiful too.

Every mama deserves to hold onto memories like this.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#newzealandphotographer #newbornphotographer #gisbornephotographer

When you’ve only been in this world for two weeks… and already been part of something so special.

These early days can feel soft and hazy - a blur of tiny moments - but they’re incredibly beautiful too.

Every mama deserves to hold onto memories like this.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#newzealandphotographer #newbornphotographer #gisbornephotographer

Whoever came up with the “one wedding dress per lifetime” rule…

I just KNOW that was a man.

Because respectfully… absolutely not.

Rule officially cancelled. Rejected. Returned to sender.

If you find your second dream dress 10 years later and feel like being wildly dramatic in it… who exactly is going to stop you??

Certainly not me. I’ve already committed.

Follow along to see my 10 year anniversary shoot in this very unnecessary, very iconic, slightly life-altering dress.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#weddingphotographer #newzealandphotographer #gisbornephotographer

Whoever came up with the “one wedding dress per lifetime” rule…

I just KNOW that was a man.

Because respectfully… absolutely not.

Rule officially cancelled. Rejected. Returned to sender.

If you find your second dream dress 10 years later and feel like being wildly dramatic in it… who exactly is going to stop you??

Certainly not me. I’ve already committed.

Follow along to see my 10 year anniversary shoot in this very unnecessary, very iconic, slightly life-altering dress.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#weddingphotographer #newzealandphotographer #gisbornephotographer

The moment. The meaning.

— “Pure Gold” preset. Link in bio. —

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #engagementphotographer #cinematicphotographer #newzealandphotographer

The moment. The meaning.

— “Pure Gold” preset. Link in bio. —

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #engagementphotographer #cinematicphotographer #newzealandphotographer

You deserve more than “just” anything mama.
You deserve your own fairytale.

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotography #newbornphotography

You deserve more than “just” anything mama.
You deserve your own fairytale.

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotography #newbornphotography

Just a few favourites from Jorjia and Torey’s beautiful day. What an epic one. I’m still keeping my wedding bookings to a bare minimum, but days like these make me question that. 🤍

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#newzealandphotographer #gisbornephotographer #weddingphotographer

Just a few favourites from Jorjia and Torey’s beautiful day. What an epic one. I’m still keeping my wedding bookings to a bare minimum, but days like these make me question that. 🤍

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#newzealandphotographer #gisbornephotographer #weddingphotographer

You don’t need to look for magic when it’s right there, in your arms.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotography #newbornphotography

You don’t need to look for magic when it’s right there, in your arms.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotography #newbornphotography

Still in awe of this gorgeous family. And that kind of connection you can’t fake or force, no matter how much you plan.

They are the movie themselves. Full of feeling and little in-between moments that say everything.

My role is simply to shape the light, the space, the rhythm of it all - and let their story unfold in the most honest, beautiful way.

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

Still in awe of this gorgeous family. And that kind of connection you can’t fake or force, no matter how much you plan.

They are the movie themselves. Full of feeling and little in-between moments that say everything.

My role is simply to shape the light, the space, the rhythm of it all - and let their story unfold in the most honest, beautiful way.

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

Mother’s Day, reimagined.

Not minis.
Not rushed.
Not a box to tick.

This is time.
Space.
Attention on you.

No kids. No roles to play.
No expectations to meet.

Just you - as you are.

These sessions are private.
Intentional.
Completely yours.

I don’t want the version of you that holds everything together.
I want the one underneath.

Let’s see the real you.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#mothersday #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotographer

Mother’s Day, reimagined.

Not minis.
Not rushed.
Not a box to tick.

This is time.
Space.
Attention on you.

No kids. No roles to play.
No expectations to meet.

Just you - as you are.

These sessions are private.
Intentional.
Completely yours.

I don’t want the version of you that holds everything together.
I want the one underneath.

Let’s see the real you.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#mothersday #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotographer

My most-saved session on Pinterest. For a good reason I’d say. Forever obsessed. 🖤

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #cinematicphotographer #newzealandphotographer #dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag

My most-saved session on Pinterest. For a good reason I’d say. Forever obsessed. 🖤

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #cinematicphotographer #newzealandphotographer #dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag

It’s called MYSTERY, look it up.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

It’s called MYSTERY, look it up.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

The new Couple Adventure package is already on the website. Where will your story take us?🌓

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

The new Couple Adventure package is already on the website. Where will your story take us?🌓

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

There is only one secret behind every strong session.

And it’s in moving beyond a “let’s see what happens” mindset.

Luck is not a workflow.

Become a true director of your session.
Plan the concept.
Write a script.
Build a mood board.
Source perfect outfits.
Learn to control the light.

A camera is not a plan.
A vision is.

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

There is only one secret behind every strong session.

And it’s in moving beyond a “let’s see what happens” mindset.

Luck is not a workflow.

Become a true director of your session.
Plan the concept.
Write a script.
Build a mood board.
Source perfect outfits.
Learn to control the light.

A camera is not a plan.
A vision is.

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

If this is your vibe… you’re my vibe.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#somelightmag #dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag

If this is your vibe… you’re my vibe.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#somelightmag #dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag

A story of one apple…

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotographer #gisbornephotographer #authenticlovemag #dirtybootsandmessyhair #somelightmag

A story of one apple…

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotographer #gisbornephotographer #authenticlovemag #dirtybootsandmessyhair #somelightmag

Editing - the glow-up stage of every photo.
It took me a long time to stop treating it like a magic band-aid for everything though. Turns out… if you love your photo in camera, you’ll love it even more in editing. Getting it right at the start is still the real secret sauce.

That said, editing is my happy place. I love playing with colours like a mad scientist until I find the perfect recipe for each session. And this is the base I always come back to.

Pure Gold. I can’t describe it any better.

I’d love for you to try these settings and see what you create with them - and I’d really love to see your results too.

And if you want to save time (don’t we all), my new Pure Gold AI Lightroom preset is ready and waiting - link in bio.

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

Editing - the glow-up stage of every photo.
It took me a long time to stop treating it like a magic band-aid for everything though. Turns out… if you love your photo in camera, you’ll love it even more in editing. Getting it right at the start is still the real secret sauce.

That said, editing is my happy place. I love playing with colours like a mad scientist until I find the perfect recipe for each session. And this is the base I always come back to.

Pure Gold. I can’t describe it any better.

I’d love for you to try these settings and see what you create with them - and I’d really love to see your results too.

And if you want to save time (don’t we all), my new Pure Gold AI Lightroom preset is ready and waiting - link in bio.

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

Ahhh this shoot, you guys… THIS ONE.

I will never get tired of singing odes to the beauty right at our back door here in Gisborne. This session had everything - a whole field of wild flowers right by the beach, the most gorgeous golden sunset, and of course the sweetest mama and baby daughter duo.

Heart is full. More of this please.

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag #gisbornephotographer #familyphotography #cinematicphotographer

Keywords: Gisborne family photographer, sunset session, mother and daughter, beach session, storytelling photography, real moments, cinematic light, flower field photoshoot, family love, visual storytelling

Ahhh this shoot, you guys… THIS ONE.

I will never get tired of singing odes to the beauty right at our back door here in Gisborne. This session had everything - a whole field of wild flowers right by the beach, the most gorgeous golden sunset, and of course the sweetest mama and baby daughter duo.

Heart is full. More of this please.

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag #gisbornephotographer #familyphotography #cinematicphotographer

Keywords: Gisborne family photographer, sunset session, mother and daughter, beach session, storytelling photography, real moments, cinematic light, flower field photoshoot, family love, visual storytelling

Sweet pea season. My favourite time of the year.

Tiny postcards to your future self - straight out of a fairytale.

Sweet pea minis are now booking.
Message me if you’d love your family photos among the blooms. 🌸

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#authenticlovemag #gisbornephotographer #dirtybootsandmessyhair #cinematicphotographer #bitesandtickles

Sweet pea season. My favourite time of the year.

Tiny postcards to your future self - straight out of a fairytale.

Sweet pea minis are now booking.
Message me if you’d love your family photos among the blooms. 🌸

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#authenticlovemag #gisbornephotographer #dirtybootsandmessyhair #cinematicphotographer #bitesandtickles

Roses fade. Chocolate disappears.
But these moments stay forever.
💌
...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotography #newzealandphotography #lovephotography #couplesphotography #gisbornephotographer

Roses fade. Chocolate disappears.
But these moments stay forever.
💌
...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotography #newzealandphotography #lovephotography #couplesphotography #gisbornephotographer

Your little pieces of forever. ✨

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotographer #newzealandphotographer #gisbornephotographer #familyphotographer

Your little pieces of forever. ✨

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotographer #newzealandphotographer #gisbornephotographer #familyphotographer

Behind the scenes = sand everywhere, wind in our faces, and way too much laughing 🎥🌊
This is what your session actually looks like.
Every shoot = one big love story (plus chaos).

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotographer #couplesphotographer #familyphotographer #newzealandphotographer

Behind the scenes = sand everywhere, wind in our faces, and way too much laughing 🎥🌊
This is what your session actually looks like.
Every shoot = one big love story (plus chaos).

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotographer #couplesphotographer #familyphotographer #newzealandphotographer

My very first BTS reel is here 🎬
Ask me anything about how I shoot and create.
Tell me if you like this kind of content -
I spent half my day filming this… so be nice 😅

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

My very first BTS reel is here 🎬
Ask me anything about how I shoot and create.
Tell me if you like this kind of content -
I spent half my day filming this… so be nice 😅

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

This one stayed with me.
So I’m giving it the space it deserves here.

Sunset sessions are my forever love.
And capturing your children in every stage of their life is something you will never look back on and wish you hadn’t done.

These photos won’t just be pretty - they’ll mean everything later.
Simple as that.

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#familyphotographer #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotographer

This one stayed with me.
So I’m giving it the space it deserves here.

Sunset sessions are my forever love.
And capturing your children in every stage of their life is something you will never look back on and wish you hadn’t done.

These photos won’t just be pretty - they’ll mean everything later.
Simple as that.

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#familyphotographer #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotographer

Love, but make it cinematic.
Would you travel to New Zealand for a sunset story like this?

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotography #shortfilms #cinematiccouple #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

Love, but make it cinematic.
Would you travel to New Zealand for a sunset story like this?

...

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotography #shortfilms #cinematiccouple #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

The most requested part two of any session I’ve ever done.
The craziest pouring rain I’ve ever allowed myself to jump into with my camera.
And another proof that limits only live in your head.

The real you begins when you stop playing it safe.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag

The most requested part two of any session I’ve ever done.
The craziest pouring rain I’ve ever allowed myself to jump into with my camera.
And another proof that limits only live in your head.

The real you begins when you stop playing it safe.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag

Hi, I’m Maria.

My style is cinematic and emotional, but always real. I love turning everyday moments into something that feels like a movie. Wind in your hair, sand on your feet, kids being kids, couples being in love… that’s my thing.

A little about me:
- Born in Ukraine, now living in beautiful Gisborne, NZ
- I speak English, Ukrainian, Russian & German
– Coffee order: oat milk cappa
– Current reads: One Dark Window 🖤

I work with families and couples who value connection over perfection and want their photos to feel like them.

If this sounds like your vibe, I’d love to meet you and tell your story 🤍

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

Hi, I’m Maria.

My style is cinematic and emotional, but always real. I love turning everyday moments into something that feels like a movie. Wind in your hair, sand on your feet, kids being kids, couples being in love… that’s my thing.

A little about me:
- Born in Ukraine, now living in beautiful Gisborne, NZ
- I speak English, Ukrainian, Russian & German
– Coffee order: oat milk cappa
– Current reads: One Dark Window 🖤

I work with families and couples who value connection over perfection and want their photos to feel like them.

If this sounds like your vibe, I’d love to meet you and tell your story 🤍

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#cinematicphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

What a beautifully cinematic week it’s been.
After a long Christmas break, I felt the urge to shake things up… and landed in the most challenging, magical sessions.

One in pouring rain.
One under 30-degree heat and blazing sun.
One deep into blue hour, with the light disappearing far sooner than planned.

Another reminder that as photographers, we can only control so much.
The rest is about adapting - to the weather, the light, and most importantly, the people in front of the camera.

I pushed my couples well outside their comfort zones. Forever grateful for their willingness to roll with every unexpected moment.

My heart is full.
So much more beauty is yet to come.

…

Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand
Bond. Illuminate. Feel.

#cinematicphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

What a beautifully cinematic week it’s been.
After a long Christmas break, I felt the urge to shake things up… and landed in the most challenging, magical sessions.

One in pouring rain.
One under 30-degree heat and blazing sun.
One deep into blue hour, with the light disappearing far sooner than planned.

Another reminder that as photographers, we can only control so much.
The rest is about adapting - to the weather, the light, and most importantly, the people in front of the camera.

I pushed my couples well outside their comfort zones. Forever grateful for their willingness to roll with every unexpected moment.

My heart is full.
So much more beauty is yet to come.

…

Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand
Bond. Illuminate. Feel.

#cinematicphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

“what if our love stories are not about our lovers. but are the tales of how we found ourselves…” L.E. Bowman

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #cinematicphotography #newzealandphotographer

“what if our love stories are not about our lovers. but are the tales of how we found ourselves…” L.E. Bowman

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

#gisbornephotographer #cinematicphotography #newzealandphotographer

Whispers of the ocean.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

…
#cinematic #cinematicphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

Whispers of the ocean.

…

Bond. Illuminate. Feel.
Maria Wilkens Photography
Gisborne, New Zealand

…
#cinematic #cinematicphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

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