I’m a 24-year-old creative living in Thames, NZ, originally from West Auckland.

A few years ago, I bought a camera and housing from a friend and started tagging along on surf trips, getting tossed around in the waves, all while trying to figure out how to take photos. These days, my favourite shots are of friends, families, and strangers—capturing them doing what they love. I love experimenting with natural light, finding ways to frame a shot that brings out the beauty in both people and nature.

If you’re looking for work that has a natural, candid feel, I’d love to hear from ya."

Kia Ora, I’m Maaike.

Reviews

From the moment Maaike and Hayley arrived on our wedding day, it felt like two old friends had joined the celebration, not just photographers. Their warmth, calm energy, and down-to-earth nature immediately put everyone at ease, even my husband, who typically isn’t a fan of being in front of the camera. Their ability to make people feel relaxed and comfortable was nothing short of magic. They effortlessly blended in, laughed with our guests, shared in the joy of the day, and captured it all with such intention and care.

It was clear how deeply they cared about getting it right, not just the photos, but the feeling. They went above and beyond in every sense, chasing golden light, finding the perfect angles, and making sure not a single moment was missed. Many of our guests went out of their way to tell us how wonderful they were – not just talented, but genuinely lovely people to have around. In the lead-up to the wedding, communication was a dream. We had several meetings where they took the time to understand our vision, truly listening to my ideas and weaving them beautifully into their artistic style. It felt collaborative, thoughtful, and completely stress-free.

What truly blew us away was how quickly they turned everything around – we received a first look just two days after the wedding (such a beautiful surprise while we were still on our honeymoon), and the full gallery was delivered within four weeks, including a stunningly edited video and drone footage! We feel so lucky to have had them document our day. Their talent is undeniable, but it’s their heart, their kindness, and their commitment to making you feel seen and celebrated that sets them apart. I couldn't recommend them more, and I wouldn’t consider anyone else for future events. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. – The Arnolds