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Taking our road trip to New Zealand’s summer hotspot of Mount Maunganui, we were lucky enough to meet with a group of incredible women each with their own passions and interests. On the road we met Rachel, a freelance photographer and owner of the beautiful pink A frame we shot our most recent campaign in.
Catching up with Rachel, we found out about more about how she got into her line of work and delved deeper into the inspiration behind her amazing home.
Tell us a little about yourself, how did you get into photography?
I live in Papamoa by the beach with my two girls Charlise (15) and Joy (3), I've been photographing people for almost a decade now. Specialising in weddings and fashion portraiture I also do all sorts of work in NZ and around the Pacific, my favorite part of the job is the people and I feel so grateful to have met some great humans along the way. This was not a deliberate career choice, I almost just fell into it. I was working in the Philippines at an orphanage and was making regular posts about the kids, someone back in NZ saw my photos and asked if I would photograph her wedding. I had genuinely never considered a career in photography but that first wedding led to 6 more and the rest is history. In the past two years I've taken a deep dive into analog photography (film). Digital will always have a place in my work but there is something so special about the raw authentic nature of shooting analog that only film can deliver.
Your home is incredible, what drew you to this place?
I've always been A-frame obsessed but never dreamed I would actually own one. We were on the hunt for an investment property and this old brick clad A-frame came up for sale down the original part of Papamoa Beach. The decor definitely fitted the generation (but not in a good way) but there was so much character and potential we jumped on it and put an offer in after first viewing. We initially renovated with Airbnb in mind, but the pink A-frame is now my full time home. I love waking up every day and enjoying my coffee in the sun filled lounge and although it's nonstop work living in a big old house from the 70's, I wouldn't trade it in for anything.
How do you find all the beautiful knick knacks for your home?
I'm a bit of a collector and am always on the hunt for interesting pieces that would work in the space. Almost everything in my home was from Trade Me, vintage stores or found at an op shop. My favourite vintage store is Storytellers down in Greytown. He has the best taste and is always keeping me in mind when he finds quirky pieces that would work in here. My most prized possessions are my old school BMX's, I have one that I ride but they have become part of the decor around here.
You’re based in the Mount area, one of NZ’s favourite places for taking it easy - what are some of your top spots around the area to eat, drink and play?
We're so lucky to be based in the Mount and have so many great eateries; Eddies & Elspeth, Gather, Luca, Palace burger, Avenue Pizza to name a few! To burn off all those treats I love running up the Papamoa Hills or mountain biking at Summerhill. As well as the beautiful beaches we have some pretty great waterfall spots which make for a fun Sunday mission in the summer with the kids.
The temperature is starting to heat up, what are your wardrobe go-to’s when the sun is shining?
For casual looks I love a linen skirt with a white tank, and I can't go past a good pair of Levis - Ribcage Straight Ankle are my faves paired with a cute cami. For workwear I have to step it up while still being comfortable. The Betty Slip Dress ticks all the boxes and I get nonstop compliments when I wear it to a wedding.
