Woman standing in a bright living room holding a cat while setting up a camera on a tripod.

Hi, I’m MICHELLE.

My style is personable, my approach relaxed and I’ll move every chair in the room to nail that shot.

My start in photography came from simply saying ‘Yes’ and being prepared to leave my comfort zone.

Interior design has made my cogs turn from a young age so I completed a Bachelor of Spatial Design at Massey University. Come 2011, it was helping a friend with my very humble Canon DSLR camera that unlocked a love for photography and how I discovered a new way for me to explore architecture. I was hooked. 

Studio:Weir was created as a space for me to work on projects in design and later photography. Like me, it’s evolved.

Drawing from my own background in design allows me to understand a client’s intentions and express their concept through the lens of photography.

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My Approach

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Two women are taking a photo together outdoors in a field of tall grasses and wildflowers, with a cloudy sky in the background.

I get a buzz from collaborating with my clients to create beautiful architectural imagery that both conveys and elevates their vision. More than simply ‘shooting the shot’ you see before you, I offer a fresh perspective, using my experience and a trained eye to go above and beyond.

While I love to use emojis and am known to send the occasional gif, I approach my work with professionalism and in a relaxed, personable way.

*I am also a cat whisperer.

A woman wearing a white sunhat and a blue and white patterned shirt taking a photo of an outdoor patio area with modern chairs, a small table, and a round rug, surrounded by greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

THE LOW DOWN

When we work together, I love to hear all about your project.

Don’t spare me any details - How’d you do that?  Who lives here? What’s your cat’s name?  Not only am I in the business of making friends, but it gives me a greater insight into your process and better end result.

A human touch

I do all my own post production because it’s fun and yes, I’m a perfectionist.

CAMERA, ACTION

Before even releasing the camera’s shutter, getting things right in frame is half the job. You will notice that I will take the time to adjust that throw, try this or that ornament and capture that extra angle just in case it’s The One, because taking the time to do this makes all the difference between a nice image and a great shot.

To elevate and go beyond your expectations is my goal.

  • Modern kitchen with dark countertop, decorative wooden bowls, cutting boards, vases, and a black faucet, with dark upper cabinets and a textured wall.

    While there are many photographers who can competently capture a space, Michelle has an exceptional ability to go beyond that.

    She consistently captures the subtle nuances of light, bringing symmetry, balance, and harmony to her images. Her photographs have an atmospheric quality where materiality comes alive and texture becomes central — an aspect that is crucial to my work. I would highly recommend Michelle.

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    Catherine Huckerby‍ ‍Blanc Design Limited  

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  • From the moment we met Michelle, we clicked.

    From her professional manner and quick wit, our photoshoots become stress-free and fun – the best way to create something exceptional, and Michelle delivers. Our vision instantly comes to life in such an effortless way. We will go back to Michelle time and again and couldn’t recommend her highly enough.

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    Liz Scott‍ ‍Hawthorne Collections

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  • Outdoor seating area with white cushioned sofas and a small wooden coffee table on a gravel surface, shaded by large trees with green foliage, overlooking a scenic landscape with trees and fields.

    I’ve had the pleasure of working with Michelle on numerous projects where her collaborative and detail-oriented approach to photography enriches the styling process and fosters a wonderful synergy.

    Michelle's background in design, coupled with her deep understanding of how architecture and interiors translate through the lens, allows her to effortlessly identify the best lighting, angles and composition, resulting in stunning imagery. Moreover, her tireless work ethic, calm demeanor, intelligence, and infectious sense of humour make her an absolute joy to work with on fast-paced shoots.

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    Michelle Halford, The Design Chaser

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  • A white textured vase and two stacked books titled 'Live Beautiful' are on a round wooden table, with a golden decorative object on top of the books, and a beige carpet and part of a white chair in the background.

    Michelle is an absolute professional, a perfectionist and a joy to shoot with.

    She has a considered approach to framing and capturing unique scenes and moments. Michelle is always our first choice of photographer, to perfectly capture our residential projects.

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    Amy de Court, de Court Design

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  • Decorative kitchen wall with various colorful paintings and small decorative items above a white marble countertop with a sink, green teapot, vases, and a lamp.

    What started as professional respect for her great eye has morphed over the years to a deep friendship.

    I was incredibly fortunate to meet Michelle at NZFW 2011 when she dropped her lense cap and I picked it up for her. She is one of the most consistently joyful people I know with a gorgeous energy which translates into a lovely work environment.

    Over the years I have recommended her to so many people - and they have all consistently said the same things about her. She is as sunny and as genuine as she appears.

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    Anya Mayo, Interior Designer & Stylist

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