Camera clicks in new studio

Rae Cliffe says her main love is photographing people, kids and women especially, in her new spacious studio overlooking Victoria Ave. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

Rae Cliffe's new photographic studio is a bright spacious space above Pita Pit overlooking upper Victoria Ave.

The other day she was asked to photograph a dog. "It was exciting," she said, but her main love is photographing people, kids and women especially.

However, her day is varied from working for commercial advertising companies, portraits, weddings, real estate, and she is sometimes a stand-in at the Chronicle newsroom.

She also works with several schools around the city as well.

There is definitely a love of her profession, and photographing women is one of her specialties.

"I wanted a studio space where I could make women feel comfortable and beautiful. To give them a memorable and enjoyable experience."

From these memorable sessions Mrs Cliffe will create a special intimate gift for that special someone.

Mothers with their daughters, girlfriends having a fun night out together; there is no limit to the possibility of capturing a great memory.

The eyes are what draws in Mrs Cliffe when she is photographing her subjects.

"You want to be drawn into the photo. Body position and light also play a big part in making a good photo."

Mrs Cliffe said she became interested in photography through an old friend, London-based David Lloyd, who has just won Wildlife Photographer of the Year. There was a lot to see travelling on her OE, and photography helped to slow her down and appreciate what was in front of her.

"Photography is capturing that memory to enjoy on another day, for the generations to follow."

Mrs Cliffe started in a commercial studio in Auckland as a photographer's assistant/stylist. They photographed products, fashion, portraits and weddings.

"We used large format cameras and Polaroid cameras that you had to wait a minute for the image to process. A whole wedding was photographed with 120 photos and every shot cost money.

"I worked in a dark room where you could spend hours getting that perfect print. Digital photography has made everything so much faster."

Mrs Cliffe is also selling printed promotional gifts in a company called Impact Promotions of pens, mugs, memory sticks and other items that businesses can personalise with their company logos.

You can contact Rae Cliffe through her website: www.raewyncliffe.co.nz.