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FAMILY

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749 New Zealand dollars

$749

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If a shoot could feel like a warm, cosy hug… this would be it.

Autumn in Arrowtown has been on my radar for aaages.
And the stars finally aligned! 🍁

I’m usually a spring girl, but this… was different.
We wandered, stopped here and there, soaked it all in.
One of those sessions that feels more like a honey-soft memory.

Cosy. Quiet. Soooo good.

…

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

…

Shot during the Cinematic Queenstown Retreat
Hosts: @tu.studios @joshua_yates_photography

…

Keywords: arrowtownautumn, queenstownnz, autumnvibes, newzealandphotographer, wildlove, cinematicphotography, storytellingphotographer, moodytones, coupleshoot, elopementphotographer

If a shoot could feel like a warm, cosy hug… this would be it.

Autumn in Arrowtown has been on my radar for aaages.
And the stars finally aligned! 🍁

I’m usually a spring girl, but this… was different.
We wandered, stopped here and there, soaked it all in.
One of those sessions that feels more like a honey-soft memory.

Cosy. Quiet. Soooo good.

…

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

…

Shot during the Cinematic Queenstown Retreat
Hosts: @tu.studios @joshua_yates_photography

…

Keywords: arrowtownautumn, queenstownnz, autumnvibes, newzealandphotographer, wildlove, cinematicphotography, storytellingphotographer, moodytones, coupleshoot, elopementphotographer

“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”
-Arwen-

LOTR fans… this one was unreal.

An enchanted forest. THE FOREST from the movie.
So quiet we found ourselves whispering.
Like any sudden noise might scare the magic away.

Then the mountains...
Still water, perfect reflections, everything just sitting there like a painting.

And these two… absolutely perfect in every way.

Absolute peak. No words needed.

...

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

...

Shot during the Cinematic Queenstown Retreat
Models - @emilyintheshire @shirefolktales
Hosts - @tu.studios @joshua_yates_photography
Celebrant - @sarahnoblecelebrant
Makeup & Hair - @hairtowedbytina
Florals - @orangeblossom_florist
Dress - @office.seven

...

Keywords: lotrfans, fantasyelopement, queenstownnz, adventureelopement, newzealandphotographer, wildlove, cinematicphotography, storytellingphotographer, moodytones, elopementphotographer, mariawilkensphotography

“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”
-Arwen-

LOTR fans… this one was unreal.

An enchanted forest. THE FOREST from the movie.
So quiet we found ourselves whispering.
Like any sudden noise might scare the magic away.

Then the mountains...
Still water, perfect reflections, everything just sitting there like a painting.

And these two… absolutely perfect in every way.

Absolute peak. No words needed.

...

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

...

Shot during the Cinematic Queenstown Retreat
Models - @emilyintheshire @shirefolktales
Hosts - @tu.studios @joshua_yates_photography
Celebrant - @sarahnoblecelebrant
Makeup & Hair - @hairtowedbytina
Florals - @orangeblossom_florist
Dress - @office.seven

...

Keywords: lotrfans, fantasyelopement, queenstownnz, adventureelopement, newzealandphotographer, wildlove, cinematicphotography, storytellingphotographer, moodytones, elopementphotographer, mariawilkensphotography

LOTR fans, unite ⚔️✨
This one is for you.

Fantasy-themed elopements? Say less - I’m already packing my bags!✈️

Breaking every Instagram “rule” with the longest reel ever… but honestly, this is as much as I could bring myself to cut.

The most magical days in Queenstown, wrapped in wild landscapes and a little bit of Middle-earth energy.

The best humans. The moments that stay with you long after the camera is put down.

Heart = very full.

...

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

...

Shot during the Cinematic Queenstown Retreat
Models - @emilyintheshire @shirefolktales
Hosts - @tu.studios @joshua_yates_photography
Celebrant - @sarahnoblecelebrant
Makeup & Hair - @hairtowedbytina
Florals - @orangeblossom_florist
Dress - @office.seven

Keywords: lotrfans, lordoftheringsvibes, fantasyelopement, queenstownnz, newzealandphotographer, elopementphotographer, cinematicphotography, moodytones, wildlove, adventureelopement, storytellingphotographer, authenticmoments, luxuryelopement, filmvibes, coupleshoot, cinematicphotography, nzphotographer, gisbornephotographer

LOTR fans, unite ⚔️✨
This one is for you.

Fantasy-themed elopements? Say less - I’m already packing my bags!✈️

Breaking every Instagram “rule” with the longest reel ever… but honestly, this is as much as I could bring myself to cut.

The most magical days in Queenstown, wrapped in wild landscapes and a little bit of Middle-earth energy.

The best humans. The moments that stay with you long after the camera is put down.

Heart = very full.

...

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

...

Shot during the Cinematic Queenstown Retreat
Models - @emilyintheshire @shirefolktales
Hosts - @tu.studios @joshua_yates_photography
Celebrant - @sarahnoblecelebrant
Makeup & Hair - @hairtowedbytina
Florals - @orangeblossom_florist
Dress - @office.seven

Keywords: lotrfans, lordoftheringsvibes, fantasyelopement, queenstownnz, newzealandphotographer, elopementphotographer, cinematicphotography, moodytones, wildlove, adventureelopement, storytellingphotographer, authenticmoments, luxuryelopement, filmvibes, coupleshoot, cinematicphotography, nzphotographer, gisbornephotographer

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.”
Lewis Carroll

…

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

#cinematicphotographer #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.”
Lewis Carroll

…

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

#cinematicphotographer #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer

Photos are coming soon 👀

@ashleyhockey
@abbyrose.f

…

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

#gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotography

Photos are coming soon 👀

@ashleyhockey
@abbyrose.f

…

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

#gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotography

The one with the proposal 💍

This session you guys!!!! I’m still not over it.

Because how GENIUS is this??
Letting your future wife plan her absolute dream couple shoot - outfits, vibe, location, all of it…

…and then proposing right in the middle of it??

Sir. The bar has been raised. Permanently.

It was so much fun planning this with you, making sure every little detail felt just right… and then watching it all unfold 🥹

These two are pure magic.
Forever obsessed.

...

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

#engagementphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotographer

The one with the proposal ��💍

This session you guys!!!! I’m still not over it.

Because how GENIUS is this??
Letting your future wife plan her absolute dream couple shoot - outfits, vibe, location, all of it…

…and then proposing right in the middle of it??

Sir. The bar has been raised. Permanently.

It was so much fun planning this with you, making sure every little detail felt just right… and then watching it all unfold 🥹

These two are pure magic.
Forever obsessed.

...

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

#engagementphotography #gisbornephotographer #newzealandphotographer #cinematicphotographer

Who is waiting for the photos? 🙋‍♀️

…

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

Dream team:
@ashleyhockey
@abbyrose.f

Who is waiting for the photos? 🙋‍♀️

…

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

Dream team:
@ashleyhockey
@abbyrose.f

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

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