Studio captures women at their best

Megan Bowers-Vette photographer, Monique Lively (hair and makeup - back left) and model Jaycee Tipene-Thomas. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Whangarei women wishing to record the moment now have access to a women's portraiture studio up in Maunu.

Academically trained and experienced photographer Megan Bowers-Vette set up Muse Studio off Maunu Rd with makeup artist and photographer Monique Lively. Marketer Lucy Mullinger completes the team.

Ms Lively returned to Whangarei after five years working in Melbourne, doing makeover photography and working in the fashion industry.

Ms Bowers-Vett completed a fine arts degree at NorthTec and divides her time equally between Muse Studio and working as a fashion and people photographer and videographer for major brands and agencies in Auckland. She recently did a masterclass with London-based Vogue photographer Nick Knight and said she has been highly trained in posing and lighting women.

"Real-world women don't realise they can look like models, but they actually can, and we know how to do it," Ms Bowers-Vette said.

She added her aim is to make the experience as much fun as possible, and encourages potential clients to share the cost with a friend.

"Women tend to have a lot more fun when they're with other women, and it's just as easy to do the makeup and dressing with two women as it is with one.

Muse Studio has a wardrobe that is constantly being added to, "so girls can come and fully indulge in getting glammed up", Ms Bowers-Vette said.

"You're not going to get over-photoshopped fuzzy plastic images of yourself, but instead be shown as yourself, but in the most gorgeous way possible.

"And boudoir images taken by women for women have a much more beautiful sensual aesthetic than the plastic tacky lingerie images we see so much of shot by men."

Must Studio offers half or full-day sessions, with the latter including shots on location as well as in the studio. Half day sessions are shot on location or in the studio but there's not enough time for both.

Ms Bowers-Vette said the studio is averaging the equivalent of one full session a week.

The studio also caters for pre-school balls and smaller hen parties, with hair and makeup shots as well as studio wedding shoots.

- Go to www.musestudio.space for more information.